Optical transceiver, optical communication system, and light signal reception method

Abstract

To easily set the wavelength of a light signal received by an optical transceiver.SOLUTION: A first receiving part receives a first light signal including identification information and reception wavelength information. A determination part determines whether the identification information satisfies predetermined conditions. A variable wavelength filter transmits a second light signal, which makes a wavelength variable and which has a transmission wavelength, of input light signals. A wavelength instruction part gives instructions on the transmission wavelength to the wavelength filter on the basis of the reception wavelength information, when the determination part determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined conditions. A second receiving part receives the second light signal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical transceiver, an optical communication system, and a method for receiving an optical signal.

Background Art

[0002] In a general optical communication system, wavelength separation means such as a wavelength multiplexing filter or a wavelength switch is provided so that an optical signal from an optical transceiver on the transmission side can be received by an optical transceiver on the reception side. Thereby, for example, as in Patent Document 1, a wavelength multiplexed optical signal from an optical transceiver on the transmission side is distributed to an optical transceiver on the reception side for each wavelength by the wavelength separation means on the reception side.

[0003] In a general system using wavelength separation means, the reception wavelength of the optical transceiver on the reception side is determined by setting the transmission wavelength of each port of the wavelength separation means.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] On the other hand, in recent optical communication systems, in order to reduce power consumption, it is preferable that the wavelength of the optical signal received by the optical transceiver on the reception side can be flexibly changed.

[0006] However, in a configuration using wavelength separation means with a fixed transmission wavelength as described above, it is difficult to change the transmission wavelength. Therefore, the wavelength of the optical signal received by the optical transceiver on the reception side could not be flexibly changed.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including identification information and received wavelength information; a determining means for determining whether the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition; a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals; an instructing means for instructing the wavelength filter to set the transmission wavelength based on the received wavelength information when the determining means determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition; and a second receiving section for receiving the second optical signal.

[0008] An optical communication system according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes first and second communication devices each provided with a plurality of optical transceivers. At least one of the plurality of optical transceivers of the first communication device includes: a first receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including identification information and received wavelength information output by any one of the plurality of optical transceivers of the second communication device; a determining means for determining whether the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition; a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals; an instructing means for instructing the wavelength filter to set the transmission wavelength based on the received wavelength information when the determining means determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition; and a second receiving section for receiving the second optical signal.

[0009] A method for receiving an optical signal according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving a first optical signal including identification information and received wavelength information, determining whether the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, instructing a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals to set the transmission wavelength based on the received wavelength information, and receiving the second optical signal. [Effect of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, the wavelength of the optical signal received by the optical transceiver can be easily set. [Brief Description of the Drawings]

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant explanations are omitted as necessary.

[0013] Hereinafter, when referring to an embodiment, it is applicable to any one of the embodiments described below, or a combination of two or more embodiments, and it also means that the application is not limited to a specific embodiment.

[0014] Embodiment 1 The optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1 will be described. The optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1 is used for the exchange of optical signals having a specific wavelength between two communication devices. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an optical communication system in which the optical transceiver according to an embodiment is used. The optical communication system 1000 in FIG. 1 includes communication devices 1010 and 1020. The communication device 1010 and the communication device 1020 are connected by an optical transmission line 1030 composed of an optical fiber cable or the like. The communication devices 1010 and 1020 are each provided with a plurality of optical transceivers. Here, for simplicity, an example in which three optical transceivers are provided in each of the communication devices 1010 and 1020 will be described.

[0015] The communication device 1010 includes an optical transmission device 1011, an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1012, and optical transceivers 111 to 113. The optical transceivers 111 to 113 are attached to the optical transmission device 1011. The optical transmission device 1011 outputs signals such as transmission data signals to the optical transceivers 111 to 113. The optical transceivers 111 to 113 each output an optical signal obtained by converting the transmission data signal to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1012 via optical fibers F11 to F13. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1012 outputs a multiplexed optical signal obtained by multiplexing the optical signals from the optical transceivers 111 to 113 to the communication device 1020 via the optical transmission line 1030. Further, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1012 demultiplexes the multiplexed optical signal output by the communication device 1020 and distributes it to the optical transceivers 111 to 113. The optical transceivers 111 to 113 output received data signals obtained by converting the received optical signals to the optical transmission device 1011. Hereinafter, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1012 will also be referred to as an optical signal distribution means.

[0016] The communication device 1020 has the same configuration as the communication device 1010. The communication device 1020 includes an optical transmission device 1021, an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022, and optical transceivers 121 to 123. The optical transceivers 121 to 123 are attached to the optical transmission device 1021. The optical transmission device 1021 outputs signals such as transmission data signals to the optical transceivers 121 to 123. The optical transceivers 121 to 123 output optical signals obtained by converting the transmission data signals to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022 via optical fibers F21 to F23, respectively. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022 outputs a multiplexed optical signal obtained by multiplexing the optical signals from the optical transceivers 121 to 123 to the communication device 1010 via the optical transmission line 1030. Also, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022 demultiplexes the multiplexed optical signal output by the communication device 1010 and distributes it to the optical transceivers 121 to 123. The optical transceivers 121 to 123 output received data signals obtained by converting the received optical signals to the optical transmission device 1021. Hereinafter, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022 is also referred to as an optical signal distribution means.

[0017] Hereinafter, for simplicity of explanation, the case where the communication device 1010 is a receiving device and the communication device 1020 is a transmitting device will be described. The optical transceivers 121 to 123 output optical signals having different wavelengths. The optical transceivers 111 to 113 receive optical signals having different wavelengths, respectively. For example, the optical transceivers 121 to 123 output optical signals having wavelengths λ1 to λ3, respectively. And in this example, it is assumed that the optical transceivers 111 to 113 receive optical signals having wavelengths λ3, λ2, and λ1, respectively.

[0018] As described above, the optical signals having wavelengths λ1 to λ3 are multiplexed by the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022. The multiplexed optical signal output from the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022 is distributed to the optical transceivers 111 to 113 by the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1012.

[0019] In the optical communication system 1000, the wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal output by the communication device 1020 is distributed to the optical transceivers 111 to 113 by the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1012. However, at the start of operation of the optical communication system 1000 or when an optical transceiver is newly attached to the optical transmission device 1011, it is unknown which wavelength of optical signal is transmitted to that optical transceiver. That is, in this case, the wavelengths of the optical signals to be received are not set in the optical transceivers 111 to 113. Therefore, in order for the optical transceivers 111 to 113 to receive optical signals with wavelengths λ3, λ2, and λ1, it is necessary to first set the wavelengths of the optical signals to be received.

[0020] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the optical transceivers 111 to 113 are configured to set the wavelengths of the optical signals to be received by themselves based on the input optical signals in a state where the wavelengths of the optical signals to be received are not set.

[0021] Hereinafter, for simplicity, an optical transceiver having a configuration common to the optical transceivers 111 to 113 will be described.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. The optical transceiver 100 in FIG. 2 is an optical transceiver applicable to each of the optical transceivers 111 to 113. The optical transceiver 100 includes a receiving unit 1, a determination unit 2, a wavelength indicating unit 3, a wavelength variable filter 4, and a receiving unit 5.

[0023] The optical transceiver 100 receives an optical signal IN that includes information used for wavelength setting and is output from, for example, another optical transceiver or the like. In the example of FIG. 1, the optical signal IN may be output from, for example, some or all of the optical transceivers 121 to 123. The optical signal IN may use, for example, a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal. The optical signal IN includes an optical signal IN1 that indicates at least the identification information INF1 of the optical transceiver, which is information used for wavelength setting of the optical transceiver, and the reception wavelength information INF2 that specifies the wavelength of the optical signal received by the optical transceiver. Further, the optical signal IN may include an optical signal IN2 that is a data signal called a so-called main signal. In this case, the main signal may be an optical signal in which the optical signal IN2 and an optical signal having a wavelength different from that of the optical signal IN2 are wavelength division multiplexed. Hereinafter, the optical signal IN1 is also referred to as a first optical signal. The optical signal IN2 is also referred to as a second optical signal. The optical signal IN is also referred to as a third optical signal.

[0024] In the present embodiment, an example in which the optical signal IN1 modulates the optical signal IN2 included in the optical signal IN by amplitude shift keying (ASK) and is superimposed on the optical signal IN2 will be described.

[0025] Note that the modulation method applied to the optical signal IN1 is not limited to ASK. For example, the optical signal IN1 and the optical signal IN2 may be input to the optical transceiver 100 in a time division manner. In this case, the optical signal IN1 and the optical signal IN2 can be distinguished and received according to the timing of input to the optical transceiver 100.

[0026] The receiving unit 1 receives the optical signal IN1. Then, the receiving unit 1 converts the optical signal IN1 into a received signal S1 that is an electrical signal. The receiving unit 1 outputs the received signal S1 to the determination unit 2. Since the received signal S1 is obtained by photoelectrically converting the optical signal IN, the received signal S1 is a signal including the identification information INF1 and the reception wavelength information INF2. Hereinafter, the receiving unit 1 is also referred to as a first receiving unit or a first receiving means.

[0027] The determination unit 2 extracts the identification information INF1 and the received wavelength information INF2 from the received signal S1. The determination unit 2 determines whether the optical transceiver specified by the identification information INF1 is the optical transceiver 100 in which the determination unit 2 is mounted. Then, when the identification information INF1 specifies the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 2 transfers the received wavelength information INF2 to the wavelength instruction unit 3. For example, the optical transceiver 100 may be previously provided with a memory (not shown) for storing its own assigned unique identification information. In this example, specifically, it is assumed that the identification information assigned to each of the optical transceivers 111 to 113 shown in FIG. 1 is different from each other. In this case, the determination unit 2 transfers the received wavelength information INF2 to the wavelength instruction unit 3 when the identification information INF1 extracted from the received signal matches the unique identification information stored in the memory (not shown). Hereinafter, the determination unit 2 is also referred to as a determination means.

[0028] The wavelength instruction unit 3 acquires the wavelength λ of the optical signal specified by the received wavelength information INF2 according to the determination result in the determination unit 2. R Hereinafter, the wavelength λ R is referred to as the received wavelength λ R . The wavelength instruction unit 3 instructs the wavelength variable filter 4 with the acquired received wavelength λ R . Hereinafter, the wavelength instruction unit 3 is also referred to as an instruction means.

[0029] The wavelength variable filter 4 sets the transmission wavelength so as to transmit the optical signal of the instructed received wavelength λ R among the input optical signals. Thereby, the wavelength variable filter 4 transmits only the optical signal IN2 of the instructed received wavelength λ R among the input optical signals IN.

[0030] The receiving unit 5 receives the optical signal IN2 of the wavelength λ R that has passed through the wavelength variable filter 4. Then, the receiving unit 5 outputs a received data signal DR obtained by converting the optical signal IN2 of the wavelength λ R . Hereinafter, the receiving unit 5 is also referred to as a second receiving unit or a second receiving means.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing in more detail the configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. The optical transceiver 100 in FIG. 3 further includes an input port 10 and an optical branching unit 11.

[0032] The input port 10 is provided in the housing 101 of the optical transceiver 100 and is configured as a part of, for example, a pluggable optical receiver. The optical signal IN is transmitted by an optical fiber F1 connected to the input port 10 via, for example, an optical connector, and is input to the optical transceiver 100. The optical signal IN is transmitted from the input port 10 to the optical branching unit 11.

[0033] The optical branching unit 11 branches the input optical signal IN to the receiving unit 1 and the wavelength variable filter 4. The optical branching unit 11 may be configured as, for example, an optical coupler or an optical splitter. In this case, the optical branching unit 11 can branch a part of the optical signal IN to the receiving unit 1 at a predetermined ratio. Further, the optical branching unit 11 transmits the portion of the optical signal IN that is not branched to the wavelength variable filter 4.

[0034] In this example, the receiving unit 1 includes, for example, a light receiving element 1A and an amplifier 1B. The amplifier 1B is, for example, a transimpedance amplifier (TIA). The light receiving element 1A receives the optical signal IN including the optical signal IN1 and outputs a current signal C1 to the amplifier 1B. The amplifier 1B converts the current signal C1 into a received signal S1 that is a voltage signal. Then, the amplifier 1B outputs the received signal S1 to the determination unit 2.

[0035] Also, in this example, the receiving unit 5 includes, for example, a light receiving element 5A and an amplifier 5B. The amplifier 5B is, for example, a TIA. The light receiving element 5A receives the optical signal IN2 that is a data signal with a wavelength λ R and outputs a current signal C2 to the amplifier 5B. The amplifier 5B converts the current signal C2 into a received data signal DR that is a voltage signal. Then, the amplifier 5B outputs the received data signal DR.

[0036] Next, the setting operation of the reception wavelength in the optical transceiver 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the setting operation of the reception wavelength in the optical transceiver according to an embodiment.

[0037] Step S11 The receiving unit 1 receives the optical signal IN1 input to the optical transceiver 100. Then, the receiving unit 1 outputs the received signal S1 to the determination unit 2.

[0038] Step S12 Based on the received signal S1, the determination unit 2 determines whether the optical transceiver specified by the identification information INF1 is the optical transceiver 100 in which the determination unit 2 is mounted. If the identification information INF1 does not specify the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 2 ends the process.

[0039] Step S13 If the identification information INF1 specifies the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 2 transfers the reception wavelength information INF2 to the wavelength instruction unit 3.

[0040] Step S14 The wavelength instruction unit 3 instructs the wavelength variable filter 4 of the reception wavelength λ R specified by the reception wavelength information INF2.

[0041] Step S15 The wavelength variable filter 4 sets the transmission wavelength so as to transmit the instructed reception wavelength λ R As a result, the wavelength variable filter 4 can transmit only the optical signal IN2 having the instructed reception wavelength λ R in the optical signal IN.

[0042] The above-described setting operation of the reception wavelength may be performed as an initial setting when a new optical transceiver is installed. Further, the above-described setting operation of the reception wavelength may be performed to switch the reception wavelength during the operation of the optical transceiver. For example, at the start point of the operation shown in FIG. 4, the wavelength instruction unit 3 already has the reception wavelength λ R1Assume a case where the wavelength variable filter 4 is being instructed. At this time, the wavelength variable filter 4 transmits the optical signal IN2 with the received wavelength λ R1 In this state, if the determination unit 2 determines in step S12 that the identification information INF1 does not specify the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 2 ends the process. As a result, the wavelength filter 4 continues to transmit the optical signal IN2 with the received wavelength λ R1 On the other hand, if the determination unit 2 determines that the identification information INF1 specifies the optical transceiver 100, the wavelength instruction unit 3 instructs the wavelength variable filter 4 with the received wavelength λ R2 specified by the received wavelength information INF2. As a result, the wavelength of the light transmitted by the wavelength filter 4 switches from the received wavelength λ R1 to the received wavelength λ R2 .

[0043] As described above, the optical transceiver 100 can identify, by referring to the identification information INF1, whether the received wavelength information INF2 is given to the optical transceiver 100. And when the identification information INF1 specifies the optical transceiver 100, the optical transceiver 100 can set the transmission wavelength of the wavelength variable filter 4 to the received wavelength λ R based on the received received wavelength information INF2. Thereby, the optical transceiver 100 can receive the optical signal IN2 with the wavelength λ R that the optical transceiver 100 should receive.

[0044] Also, when the identification information INF1 does not specify the optical transceiver 100, the optical transceiver 100 does not perform the operation of setting the received wavelength. Thereby, it is possible to surely prevent a situation where the optical transceiver 100 erroneously sets the received wavelength assigned to another transceiver as its own received wavelength.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the wavelength setting of the optical transceiver can be performed by using the network used for transmitting and receiving optical signals without using other means such as a network for wavelength setting of the optical transceiver. As a result, even in a general optical network, the optical transceiver according to the present embodiment can be easily introduced.

[0046] In the above description, the optical transceivers 121 to 123 are assumed to be the optical transceivers on the transmission side, but this is merely an example. For example, the optical transceivers 111 to 113 may be on the transmission side and the optical transceivers 121 to 123 may be on the reception side. In this case, the reception wavelength may be set in the same manner by using the optical transceiver 100 as the optical transceivers 121 to 123. This also applies to the following embodiments.

[0047] Embodiment 2 In Embodiment 1, the example in which the optical signal IN1 is superimposed on the optical signal IN by ASK and the example in which the optical signal IN1 and the main signal are input in a time-division manner have been described, but this is merely an example. For example, the optical signal IN may be an optical signal in which the optical signal IN1 and the main signal are wavelength-division multiplexed. In this case, the optical transceiver may receive the optical signal IN1 by wavelength-separating the optical signal IN1 from the optical signal IN.

[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. The optical transceiver 200 in FIG. 5 has the optical branching unit 11 replaced with the optical branching unit 21 as compared with the optical transceiver 100.

[0049] The optical branching unit 21 is configured as, for example, a WDM (Wavelength demultiplexing) coupler. The optical branching unit 21 selectively wavelength-separates the optical signal IN1 wavelength-division multiplexed with the optical signal IN. Then, the optical branching unit 21 outputs the separated optical signal IN1 to the receiving unit 1. The optical branching unit 21 transmits the optical signal having a wavelength other than the wavelength-separated optical signal IN1 among the optical signals IN to the wavelength-variable filter 4.

[0050] Since the other configuration and wavelength setting operation of the optical transceiver 200 are the same as those of the optical transceiver 100, the description thereof will be omitted.

[0051] As described above, the optical transceiver 200 can set the reception wavelength λ specified by the reception wavelength information INF2 as the reception wavelength of the optical transceiver 200. Thereby, the optical transceiver 200 can receive the optical signal IN2 of the wavelength λ Rを、 in the same manner as the optical transceiver 100, which the optical transceiver 200 should receive. R

[0052] Also, similar to the first embodiment, it is possible to surely prevent a situation in which the optical transceiver 200 erroneously sets the reception wavelength assigned to another transceiver as its own reception wavelength.

[0053] Embodiment 3 In the first embodiment, the setting of the reception wavelength of the optical transceiver based on the received optical signal has been described. On the other hand, the optical transceiver can also set the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted based on the received optical signal. Therefore, in the present embodiment, an optical transceiver that sets not only the reception wavelength but also the transmission wavelength based on the received optical signal will be described.

[0054] FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. The optical transceiver 300 in FIG. 6 is further provided with a wavelength tunable light source 6, a modulator 7, a drive unit 8, and an output port 20 as compared with the optical transceiver 100 according to the first embodiment.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the optical signal IN1 includes not only the identification information INF1 and the reception wavelength information INF2 but also the transmission wavelength information INF3. The transmission wavelength information INF3 is information for designating the transmission wavelength λ T which is the wavelength of the optical signal OUT transmitted by the optical transceiver.

[0056] ​The wavelength-variable light source 6 outputs light L, which is laser light, to the modulator 7. The wavelength-variable light source 6 controls the wavelength of the light L so that the wavelength of the light L becomes the transmission wavelength λ indicated by the wavelength instruction unit 3 based on the transmission wavelength information INF3. T

[0057] The drive unit 8 receives an input of a transmission data signal DT output from a device outside the optical transceiver 300, such as an optical transmission device. The drive unit 8 outputs a modulation signal S2 to the modulator 7 in order to perform a modulation operation according to the transmission data signal DT. Although not shown, the drive unit 8 can supply various signals and voltages used in the modulation operation in the modulator 7, such as a bias voltage applied to the modulator 7.

[0058] The modulator 7 modulates the light L from the wavelength-variable light source 6 into an optical signal OUT by a predetermined modulation method according to the modulation signal S2. The modulator 7 outputs the modulated optical signal OUT to the communication partner of the optical transceiver 300 via the output port 20. Hereinafter, the optical signal OUT is also referred to as the fourth optical signal.

[0059] The output port 20 is provided on the housing 101 of the optical transceiver 300 and is configured as a part of, for example, a pluggable optical receiver. The optical signal OUT is transmitted by an optical fiber F2 connected to the output port 20 via an optical connector, for example, and is transmitted to the communication partner of the optical transceiver 300.

[0060] Next, the operation of setting the transmission wavelength in the optical transceiver 300 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the operation of setting the transmission wavelength in the optical transceiver according to an embodiment.

[0061] Steps S11 to S15 Since steps S11 to S15 are the same as those in FIG. 4, duplicate explanations are omitted.

[0062] Step S23 When the identification information INF1 specifies the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 2 transfers the transmission wavelength information INF3 to the wavelength instruction unit 3.​

[0063] Step S24 The wavelength specification unit 3 specifies the wavelength λ T is instructed to the wavelength tunable light source 6.

[0064] Step S25 The wavelength-tunable light source 6 transmits light L at a wavelength λ T The wavelength is controlled so that

[0065] As described above, the optical transceiver 300 can set the receiving wavelength in the same manner as the optical transceiver according to the first embodiment.

[0066] In addition, the optical transceiver 300 determines the wavelength of the light L output from the wavelength-tunable light source 6 as the transmission wavelength λ T can be set.

[0067] The above-mentioned operation of setting the receiving wavelength may be performed as an initial setting when an optical transceiver is newly installed. The above-mentioned operation of setting the transmitting wavelength may also be performed in order to switch the transmitting wavelength during operation of the optical transceiver. For example, when the operation shown in FIG. 7 is started, the wavelength indication unit 3 has already set the transmitting wavelength λ T1 In this case, the wavelength-tunable light source 6 may be instructed to transmit a wavelength λ T1 In this state, if the determination unit 2 determines in step S12 that the identification information INF1 does not designate the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 2 ends the process. As a result, the wavelength-tunable light source 6 outputs the light L of the transmission wavelength λ T1 On the other hand, if the determination unit 2 determines that the identification information INF1 designates the optical transceiver 100, the wavelength designation unit 3 sets the transmission wavelength λ T2 to the wavelength-tunable light source 6. As a result, the wavelength of the light L output by the wavelength-tunable light source 6 is set to the transmission wavelength λ T1 to the transmission wavelength λ T2 Switches to.

[0068] In addition, when the identification information INF1 does not specify the optical transceiver 100, the optical transceiver 300 does not perform the operation of setting the transmission wavelength. This can surely prevent a situation where the optical transceiver 300 erroneously sets the transmission wavelength assigned to another transceiver as its own transmission wavelength.

[0069] Therefore, the optical transceiver 300 can set the reception wavelength and the transmission wavelength collectively by receiving the optical signal IN1 once.

[0070] Embodiment 4 In Embodiment 4, an optical transceiver in which the input port 10 and the output port 20 are provided separately has been described. However, the arrangement of the ports is not limited to this. In the present embodiment, an optical transceiver provided with one input / output port through which an optical signal can pass bidirectionally will be described.

[0071] FIG. 8 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. The optical transceiver 400 in FIG. 8 has the input port 10 and the output port 20 replaced with an input / output port 30 as compared with the optical transceiver 300 according to Embodiment 3. In addition, the optical transceiver 400 is further provided with an optical circulator 9 as compared with the optical transceiver 300. Hereinafter, the optical circulator 9 is also referred to as an optical distribution means.

[0072] The input / output port 30 is provided in the housing 101 of the optical transceiver 400 and is configured as a part of, for example, a pluggable optical receiver. The input / output port 30 is connected to the optical fiber F3 via an optical connector.

[0073] The optical circulator 9 is inserted between the input / output port 30 and the optical branching unit 11. The optical circulator 9 is configured to output the optical signal IN input from the input / output port 30 to the optical branching unit 11 and output the optical signal input from the modulator 7 to the input / output port 30.

[0074] The optical signal IN is transmitted through the optical fiber F3 and input to the input / output port 30. Then, the optical signal IN is transmitted from the input / output port 30 to the optical branching section 11 via the optical circulator 9.

[0075] The optical signal OUT is output from the modulator 7 to the input / output port 30 via the optical circulator 9. Then, the optical signal OUT is transmitted from the input / output port 30 to the communication partner of the optical transceiver 400 through the optical fiber F3.

[0076] As described above, in the optical transceiver 400, by providing the optical circulator 9, the transmission and reception of optical signals can be performed through one input / output port. As a result, the optical transceiver 400 can not only perform the wavelength setting operation in the same manner as the optical transceiver 100, but also support one-core bidirectional optical communication.

[0077] Note that the optical circulator 9 is an example of optical distribution means, and other configurations may be used as appropriate.

[0078] Embodiment 5 In the above-described embodiment, the optical signal IN including the optical signal IN1 has been described as being transmitted from the opposing optical transceiver. In the case of FIG. 1, for example, in order to set the wavelengths of the optical transceivers 111 to 113, the optical signal IN was transmitted from the opposing optical transceivers 121 to 123. However, this is merely an example, and the optical signal IN including the optical signal IN1 may be transmitted from another optical transceiver provided for transmitting setting information.

[0079] FIG. 9 is a block diagram schematically showing an example of the configuration of an optical communication system in which an optical transceiver according to an embodiment is used. In the optical communication system 5000 of FIG. 9, compared with the optical communication system 1000 of FIG. 1, an optical transceiver 131 provided for transmitting an optical signal for wavelength setting is further attached to the optical transmission device 1021 of the communication device 1020. The optical transceiver 131 is connected to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1022 by the optical fiber F0.

[0080] The optical transceiver 131 transmits an optical signal IN for wavelength setting to the opposing optical transceivers 111 to 113, for example, in response to a wavelength setting command from the communication device 1020 or a higher-level device of the communication device 1020 (not shown). Thereby, the optical transceivers 111 to 113 can perform the setting operations for the transmission wavelength and the reception wavelength as described in the above embodiment.

[0081] Note that the optical transceiver 131 may have a function of transmitting an optical signal for transmitting a data signal.

[0082] In the above embodiment, it was necessary to give each of the optical transceivers 121 to 123 not only the function of transmitting an optical signal for transmitting a data signal but also the function of transmitting an optical signal for wavelength setting.

[0083] In contrast, in this configuration, by simply giving the optical transceiver 131 the function of transmitting the optical signal IN for wavelength setting and applying it to an existing optical communication system, the wavelength setting of the opposing optical transceiver can be performed. Therefore, it is more suitable for introduction into an existing optical communication system.

[0084] Other Embodiments The present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist. For example, the optical transmission device to which the optical transceiver according to the above embodiment is attached may be various devices used in an optical communication system. For example, in optical communication between end stations, the optical transmission device may be a device installed at an end station.

[0085] The optical transceiver according to the above embodiment is not limited to an optical transmission device, and may be connected to various devices. For example, in optical communication in an optical front hall, the optical transceiver according to the above embodiment may be applied to one or both of the optical transceiver attached to a device in a station building and the optical transceiver attached to an antenna device.

[0086] The optical transceiver 300 according to Embodiment 3 has been described as a modification of the optical transceiver 100 according to Embodiment 1, but this is merely an example. Also in the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 3, similar to Embodiment 2, a WDM coupler may be provided to receive the optical signal IN1 wavelength-division multiplexed with the main signal.

[0087] The optical transceiver 400 according to Embodiment 4 has been described as a modification of the optical transceiver 100 according to Embodiment 3, but this is merely an example. Also in the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 4, similar to Embodiment 2, a WDM coupler may be provided to receive the optical signal IN1 wavelength-division multiplexed with the main signal.

[0088] In the above-described embodiments, the determination unit and the wavelength indication unit according to the present disclosure have been mainly described as hardware configurations, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and any process can also be realized by causing a CPU (Central Processing Unit) to execute a computer program. In this case, the computer program can be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to the computer. The non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of the non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROM (Read Only Memory), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)). Further, the program may be supplied to the computer by various types of transitory computer readable media. Examples of the transitory computer readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer readable media can supply the program to the computer via wired communication paths such as electric wires and optical fibers, or wireless communication paths.

[0089] The following shows an example of the hardware configuration of the determination unit and the wavelength indication unit. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration for realizing the determination unit and the wavelength indication unit. The determination unit and the wavelength indication unit can be realized by a computer 9000 such as a dedicated computer or a personal computer (PC). However, the computer does not necessarily have to be physically single, and may be plural when executing distributed processing. As shown in FIG. 10, the computer 9000 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 9001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 9002, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 9003, and these are interconnected via a bus 9004. Note that although the description of the OS software and the like for operating the computer is omitted, it is assumed that the computer for constructing this network analysis system also naturally has it.

[0090] An input / output interface 9005 is also connected to the bus 9004. Connected to the input / output interface 9005 are, for example, an input unit 9006 composed of a keyboard, a mouse, a sensor, etc., a display composed of a CRT, an LCD, etc., an output unit 9007 composed of headphones, speakers, etc., a storage unit 9008 composed of a hard disk, etc., a communication unit 9009 composed of a modem, a terminal adapter, etc.

[0091] The CPU 9001 executes various processes according to various programs stored in the ROM 9002 or various programs loaded from the storage unit 9008 into the RAM 9003. In this embodiment, the processes of the determination unit and the wavelength instruction unit are executed. Note that a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) may be provided to perform various processes according to various programs stored in the ROM 9002 or various programs loaded from the storage unit 9008 into the RAM 9003, similar to the CPU 9001. In this embodiment, the processes in the determination unit and the wavelength instruction unit may be performed. Note that the GPU is suitable for applications that perform regular processes in parallel. For example, by applying it to processes in a neural network, etc., it is possible to improve the processing speed compared to the CPU 9001. The RAM 9003 also appropriately stores data and the like necessary for the CPU 9001 and the GPU to execute various processes.

[0092] The communication unit 9009 performs communication processing via, for example, the Internet (not shown), transmits data provided from the CPU 9001, and outputs data received from a communication partner to the CPU 9001, the RAM 9003, and the storage unit 9008. The storage unit 9008 exchanges data with the CPU 9001 and performs storage and deletion of information. The communication unit 9009 also performs communication processing of analog signals or digital signals with other devices.

[0093] The input / output interface 9005 is also connected to a drive 9010 as needed. For example, a magnetic disk 9011, an optical disk 9012, a flexible disk 9013, or a semiconductor memory 9014, etc., is appropriately mounted, and the computer program read from them is installed in the storage unit 9008 as needed.

[0094] In the above-described embodiment, for simplicity, the communication device has been described as having three or four optical transceivers, but this is merely an example. The communication device may be provided with any number of optical transceivers.

[0095] In the above-described embodiments, the optical signal IN2 has been described as a wavelength-division multiplexed optical signal, but this is merely an example. The optical signal IN2 may be an optical signal having a single wavelength.

[0096] As described above, the present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure. And each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0097] Each drawing is merely an example for explaining one or more embodiments. Each drawing is not associated with only one specific embodiment, but may be associated with one or more other embodiments. As can be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with the features or steps shown in one or more other drawings, for example, to create embodiments that are not explicitly illustrated or described. Not all of the features or steps shown in any one drawing for explaining exemplary embodiments are necessarily essential, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of the steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0098] Some or all of the above-described embodiments may be described as follows in the appended claims, but are not limited thereto.

[0099] (Appended Claim 1) A first receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including identification information and received wavelength information, a determining means for determining whether or not the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals, and when the determining means determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, an instructing means for instructing the wavelength filter to set the transmission wavelength based on the received wavelength information, and a second receiving section for receiving the second optical signal. An optical transceiver comprising:

[0100] (Appendix 2) As a determination of whether or not the predetermined conditions are satisfied, the determination means determines whether or not the optical transceiver provided with the determination means as the optical transceiver that receives the first optical signal is specified. The optical transceiver according to Appendix 1.

[0101] (Appendix 3) The optical transceiver according to Appendix 1 or 2 further includes an optical branching means for branching a third optical signal including the first optical signal and the second optical signal to the first receiving means and the wavelength filter.

[0102] (Appendix 4) The third optical signal is an optical signal in which the first optical signal is superimposed by modulating an optical signal including the second optical signal. The optical transceiver according to Appendix 3.

[0103] (Appendix 5) The first optical signal and the second optical signal are input at different timings, and the first receiving means receives the first optical signal according to the input timing. The optical transceiver according to Appendix 1 or 2.

[0104] (Appendix 6) The wavelength of the first optical signal is different from the wavelength of the second optical signal. The first optical signal is wavelength-separated from a third optical signal including the first optical signal and the second optical signal and output to the first receiving means, and an optical signal other than the first optical signal is output to the wavelength filter. The optical transceiver according to Appendix 1 or 2 further includes wavelength separation means.

[0105] (Appendix 7) The optical transceiver according to any one of Appendices 1 to 6 further includes a wavelength-variable light source, a driving means for outputting a driving signal according to an external data signal, and a modulator for modulating the light output from the wavelength-variable light source according to the driving signal and outputting a modulated fourth optical signal. The first optical signal further includes transmission wavelength information. When the determination means determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined conditions, the instruction means instructs the wavelength of the light output to the wavelength-variable light source based on the transmission wavelength information.

[0106] (Appendix 8) An optical branching means for branching an input optical signal to the first receiving means and the wavelength filter, and a third optical signal including the first optical signal and the second optical signal is input via an input / output port connected to a communication partner, the third optical signal is output to the optical branching means, and the fourth optical signal output from the modulator is output to the input / output port. The optical transceiver according to Appendix 7, further comprising an optical distribution means.

[0107] (Appendix 9) The wavelength of the first optical signal is different from the wavelength of the second optical signal. At least from a third optical signal in which the first optical signal and the second optical signal are wavelength multiplexed, the first optical signal is wavelength-separated and output to the first receiving means, and an optical signal other than the first optical signal is output to the wavelength filter. A wavelength separation means, a third optical signal is input via an input / output port connected to a communication partner, the third optical signal is output to the wavelength separation means, and the fourth optical signal output from the modulator is output to the input / output port. The optical transceiver according to Appendix 7, further comprising an optical distribution means.

[0108] (Appendix 10) A plurality of optical transceivers including the optical transceiver and one or more other transceivers are connected to an optical signal distribution means. The first optical signal is transmitted from an optical transceiver of a communication partner of the optical transceiver or an optical transceiver used for transmitting the first optical signal to the optical signal distribution means, and the optical signal distribution means distributes the first optical signal to the plurality of optical transceivers. The optical transceiver according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9.

[0109] (Appendix 11) A optical communication system comprising first and second communication devices each provided with a plurality of optical transceivers, wherein at least one of the plurality of optical transceivers of the first communication device receives a first optical signal including identification information and reception wavelength information output by any of the plurality of optical transceivers of the second communication device, a determination means for determining whether the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals, an instruction means for instructing the wavelength filter to set the transmission wavelength based on the reception wavelength information when the determination means determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, and a second reception unit for receiving the second optical signal.

[0110] (Appendix 12) A method for receiving an optical signal, which comprises receiving a first optical signal including identification information and reception wavelength information, determining whether the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, instructing a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals to set the transmission wavelength based on the reception wavelength information, and receiving the second optical signal.

[0111] (Appendix 13) A program for causing a computer to execute a process of determining whether identification information obtained by receiving a first optical signal including the identification information and reception wavelength information satisfies a predetermined condition, and when it is determined that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, a process of instructing a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength, which is a reception target, among the input optical signals to set the transmission wavelength based on the reception wavelength information.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0112] 1, 5 Reception unit 1A, 5A Light receiving element 1B, 5B Amplifier 2 Judgment unit 3 Wavelength instruction unit 4 Wavelength variable filter 5 Reception unit 6 Wavelength-variable light source 7 Modulator 8 Driver unit 9 Optical circulator 10 Input port 11, 21 Optical branching unit 20 Output port 30 Input / output port 100, 111~113, 121~123, 131, 200, 300, 400 Optical transceivers 101 Housing 1000, 5000 Optical communication systems 1010, 1020 Communication devices 1011, 1021 Optical transmission devices 1012, 1022 Optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 1030 Optical transmission line 9000 Computer 9001 CPU 9002 ROM 9003 RAM 9004 Bus 9005 Input / output interface 9006 Input unit 9007 Output unit 9008 Storage unit 9009 Communication unit 9010 Drive 9011 Magnetic disk 9012 Optical disk 9013 Flexible disk 9014 Semiconductor memory C1, C2 Current signals DR Received data signal DT Transmitted data signal F0~F3, F11~F13, F21~F23 Optical fibers IN, IN1, IN2, OUT Optical signals INF1 Identification information INF2 Received wavelength information INF3 Transmitted wavelength information L Light S1 Received signal S2 Modulation signal

Claims

1. A first receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including identification information and received wavelength information; A determination means for determining whether the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition; A wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals; An instruction means for instructing the wavelength filter of the transmission wavelength based on the received wavelength information when the determination means determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition; A second receiving unit for receiving the second optical signal; and An optical transceiver.

2. As a determination as to whether or not the predetermined condition is satisfied, the determination means determines whether or not the optical transceiver provided with the determination means is designated as the optical transceiver that receives the first optical signal. The optical transceiver according to claim 1.

3. Further comprising an optical branching means for branching a third optical signal including the first optical signal and the second optical signal to the first receiving means and the wavelength filter; The optical transceiver according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The third optical signal is an optical signal obtained by superimposing the first optical signal by modulating an optical signal including the second optical signal. The optical transceiver according to claim 3.

5. The first optical signal and the second optical signal are input at different timings, The first receiving means receives the first optical signal according to the input timing. The optical transceiver according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The wavelength of the first optical signal is different from the wavelength of the second optical signal, Further comprising wavelength separation means for wavelength-separating the first optical signal from a third optical signal including the first optical signal and the second optical signal and outputting the first optical signal to the first receiving means, and outputting an optical signal other than the first optical signal to the wavelength filter. The optical transceiver according to claim 1 or 2.

7. A wavelength variable light source; A driving means for outputting a driving signal according to an external data signal; Further comprising a modulator for modulating the light output from the wavelength variable light source according to the driving signal and outputting a modulated fourth optical signal, The first optical signal further includes transmission wavelength information, When the determination means determines that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, the instruction means instructs the wavelength of the light output to the wavelength variable light source based on the transmission wavelength information. The optical transceiver according to claim 1 or 2.

8. optical branching means for branching an input optical signal to the first receiving means and the wavelength filter; optical distribution means for inputting a third optical signal including the first optical signal and the second optical signal via an input / output port connected to a communication partner, outputting the third optical signal to the optical branching means, and outputting the fourth optical signal output from the modulator to the input / output port; The optical transceiver according to claim 7.

9. comprising first and second communication devices each provided with a plurality of optical transceivers; at least one of the plurality of optical transceivers of the first communication device is first receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including identification information and received wavelength information output by any one of the plurality of optical transceivers of the second communication device; judgment means for judging whether or not the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition; a wavelength filter having a variable transmission wavelength and transmitting a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals; instructing means for instructing the wavelength filter to set the transmission wavelength based on the received wavelength information when the judgment means judges that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition; a second receiving unit for receiving the second optical signal; Optical communication system.

10. receiving a first optical signal including identification information and received wavelength information; judging whether or not the identification information satisfies a predetermined condition; when it is judged that the identification information satisfies the predetermined condition, instructing the wavelength filter, which has a variable transmission wavelength and transmits a second optical signal having the transmission wavelength among the input optical signals, to set the transmission wavelength based on the received wavelength information; receiving the second optical signal; Method for receiving an optical signal.

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