Optical transceiver, optical communication system, method for controlling optical communication, and program

Abstract

To allow optical communication settings in optical transceivers to be flexibly changed.SOLUTION: Optical signal receiving means receives a first optical signal containing control information. Storage means stores multiple sets of setting information used for controlling optical communication. Optical communication means performs optical communication with a communication partner. Control processing means obtains setting information specified by the control information from among the multiple sets of setting information stored in the storage means, and controls the optical communication means based on the obtained setting information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical transceiver, an optical communication system, and a control method and program for optical communication. [Background technology]

[0002] As optical communication networks become more complex and faster, the transmission distance, bandwidth, and communication quality requirements between communication nodes vary. In typical optical communication systems, optical signals are transmitted and received using optical transceivers. However, in optical communication networks, optical transceivers at antenna stations are often installed in high locations, such as on poles. Therefore, it is generally difficult to change the communication settings of optical transceivers after installation.

[0003] Therefore, a method for controlling the operation of an optical transceiver even after installation is required. For example, Patent Document 1 proposes an optical transmission module that controls the wavelength of transmitted light based on an externally applied electrical signal. In this optical transmission module, a control means receives a wavelength selection signal from the outside. The wavelength control means controls a wavelength tuning means based on the wavelength selection signal and wavelength control information stored in a control information storage means. The wavelength tuning means adjusts the wavelength of light output from a laser diode in accordance with the control. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-72323 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in optical communication networks, there are cases where it is required to change the operating parameters of an optical transceiver other than the wavelength, or the setting information of the embedded software used to control the optical transceiver, etc. However, in general optical transceivers such as those described in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to change the setting information other than the wavelength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An optical transceiver according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an optical signal receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including control information, a memory means for storing multiple sets of setting information used to control optical communication, an optical communication means for performing optical communication with a communication partner, and a control processing means for acquiring setting information specified by the control information from the multiple sets of setting information stored in the memory means, and controlling the optical communication means based on the acquired setting information. Optical transceiver.

[0007] An optical communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises an optical signal transmitting means for transmitting a first optical signal including control information, and an optical transceiver for receiving the first optical signal and controlling optical communication with a communication partner based on the first optical signal, wherein the optical transceiver comprises an optical signal receiving means for receiving the first optical signal, a memory means for storing multiple sets of setting information used to control the optical communication, an optical communication means for performing optical communication with the communication partner, and a control processing means for acquiring setting information specified by the control information from the multiple sets of setting information stored in the memory means, and controlling the optical communication means based on the acquired setting information.

[0008] A method for controlling optical communication that is one aspect of the present disclosure includes receiving a first optical signal including control information, obtaining setting information specified by the control information from a storage means that stores multiple sets of setting information used to control optical communication with a communication partner, and controlling the optical communication with the communication partner based on the obtained setting information.

[0009] A program that is one aspect of the present disclosure causes a computer to perform the following processes: obtain setting information specified by control information contained in a received first optical signal from a storage means that stores multiple sets of setting information used to control optical communication with a communication partner; and control the optical communication with the communication partner based on the obtained setting information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to flexibly change the settings of optical communication in an optical transceiver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of an optical communication system in which an optical transceiver according to an embodiment is used; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the optical transceiver according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of the optical transceiver according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates an example of the configuration of a computer for implementing a control system of an optical transceiver. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0013] When referring to one embodiment below, it means that the present invention can be applied to any one of the embodiments described below or a combination of two or more embodiments, and is not limited to a specific embodiment.

[0014] Embodiment 1 An optical transceiver according to a first embodiment will be described. The optical transceiver according to the first embodiment is used for communication between two communication devices using optical signals having a specific wavelength. FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating an example of a configuration of an optical communication system in which the optical transceiver according to the embodiment is used. The optical communication system 1000 in FIG. 1 includes communication devices 1010 and 1020. The communication devices 1010 and 1020 are connected by an optical transmission path 1030 formed of an optical fiber cable or the like. Each of the communication devices 1010 and 1020 is provided with one or more optical transceivers. The communication devices 1010 and 1020 may be provided in any facility or location, such as a base station. Note that, for simplicity, an optical communication system having two communication devices will be described here; however, the optical communication system may include three or more communication devices, or may include other devices as appropriate.

[0015] The communication device 1010 includes an optical transmission device 1011 and an optical transceiver 100. The optical transceiver 100 is attached to the optical transmission device 1011. The optical transmission device 1011 outputs signals such as a transmission data signal to the optical transceiver 100. The optical transceiver 100 transmits an optical signal to the communication device 1020 via an optical transmission path 1030. The optical transceiver 100 converts an optical signal received from the communication device 1020 via the optical transmission path 1030 into a received data signal, and outputs the converted signal to the optical transmission device 1011.

[0016] The communication device 1020 includes an optical transmission device 1021 and an optical transceiver 1022. The optical transceiver 1022 is attached to the optical transmission device 1021. The optical transmission device 1021 outputs signals such as a transmission data signal to the optical transceiver 1022. The optical transceiver 1022 transmits an optical signal to the communication device 1010 via an optical transmission path 1030. The optical transceiver 1022 converts an optical signal received via the optical transmission path 1030 into a received data signal, and outputs the converted signal to the optical transmission device 1021.

[0017] The following describes an example in which an optical signal instructing a change in the settings of the optical transceiver 100 according to the present embodiment is transmitted from the communication device 1020 to the communication device 1010. The optical transceiver 1022 of the communication device 1020 transmits an optical signal IN (described later) to the optical transceiver 100 of the communication device 1010.

[0018] 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes an optical signal receiving unit 1, a control processing unit 2, a storage unit 3, and an optical communication unit 4.

[0019] The optical transceiver 100 receives an optical signal IN1, which includes identification information INF1 and control information INF2 and is output from another optical transceiver, for example, the optical transceiver 1022 in FIG.

[0020] The optical signal IN1 may be input to the optical transceiver 100 together with an optical signal IN2 containing a data signal, which is called a main signal. For example, the optical signal IN may be input to the optical transceiver 100 by modulating the optical signal IN2 by amplitude shift keying (ASK) to superimpose the optical signal IN1 on the optical signal IN2. Alternatively, the optical signal IN may be input to the optical transceiver 100 by wavelength-multiplexing the optical signals IN1 and IN2, each having a different wavelength.

[0021] In this embodiment, an optical signal IN obtained by superimposing optical signal IN1 on optical signal IN2 using ASK modulation will be described as being input to optical transceiver 100. Note that optical signal IN1 will also be referred to as a first optical signal, optical signal IN2 will also be referred to as a second optical signal, and optical signal IN will also be referred to as a third optical signal.

[0022] The input mode of the optical signal IN1 to the optical transceiver 100 is not limited to this, and various multiplexing methods such as time division multiplexing and various modulation methods such as phase modulation may be used. Needless to say, the optical signal IN1 may be input alone to the optical transceiver 100.

[0023] The optical signal receiving unit 1 receives an optical signal IN1. The optical signal receiving unit 1 converts the optical signal IN1 into a receiving signal SIG, which is an electrical signal including identification information INF1 and control information INF2. The optical signal receiving unit 1 outputs the receiving signal SIG to the control processing unit 2.

[0024] The control processing unit 2 receives the received signal SIG from the optical signal receiving unit 1. Then, the control processing unit 2 acquires the setting information ST stored in the storage unit 3 based on the identification information INF1 and control information INF2 included in the received signal SIG. Then, the control processing unit 2 controls the optical communication in the optical communication unit 4 by outputting a control signal CON based on the acquired setting information ST.

[0025] The optical communication unit 4 performs optical communication with a communication partner such as the optical transceiver 1022 of the opposing communication device 1020, under the control of a control signal CON given from the control processing unit 2.

[0026] The configuration of the optical transceiver 100 will be described in more detail below. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment.

[0027] The optical signal receiving unit 1 includes an optical branching unit 11, a light receiving element 12, and a signal processing unit 13. Here, the optical signal receiving unit 1 receives an optical signal IN on which an optical signal IN1 is superimposed by modulating an optical signal IN2 by ASK modulation.

[0028] The optical branching unit 11 is inserted into the transmission path of the optical signal IN and branches a portion of the optical signal IN to the light receiving element 12. Any light receiving element may be used as the light receiving element 12, but a photodiode is used here. The light receiving element 12 converts the optical signal IN into a current signal I.

[0029] The signal processing unit 13 performs predetermined processing on the current signal I output by the light receiving element 12 to convert it into a received signal SIG, which is a voltage signal. At this time, the signal processing unit 13 may convert the current signal I into a voltage signal using, for example, a transimpedance amplifier.

[0030] The control processing unit 2 includes a determination unit 21, an information acquisition unit 22, and a communication control unit .

[0031] The determination unit 21 receives the received signal SIG from the optical signal receiving unit 1. The determination unit 21 then determines whether the identification information INF1 included in the received signal SIG designates the optical transceiver 100 as a control target. The identification information INF1 is provided as information that can identify each optical transceiver, such as the address information or serial number of the optical transceiver.

[0032] In this embodiment, since the optical signal IN includes the optical signals IN1 and IN2, the received signal SIG may include a data signal component derived from the optical signal IN2. In this case, the determination unit 21 may acquire the identification information INF1 and the control information INF2 by performing a predetermined process on the received signal SIG.

[0033] The signal processing unit 13 may output a received signal SIG containing only the identification information INF1 and the control information INF2, which has been generated by performing a predetermined process in advance, to the determination unit 21. Furthermore, it goes without saying that when the optical signal IN1 received by the light receiving element 12 contains only the identification information INF1 and the control information INF2, the determination unit 21 can perform the above-mentioned determination process.

[0034] If the optical transceiver 100 is designated as a control target by the identification information INF1, the determination unit 21 transfers the control information INF2 received together with the identification information INF1 to the information acquisition unit 22.

[0035] The information acquisition unit 22 reads from the storage unit 3 the setting information ST that is specified by the control information INF2 as information to be acquired from the storage unit 3. The control information INF2 is given as information that can identify each set of setting information, such as a number indicating the set of setting information.

[0036] The storage unit 3 has a volatile memory 30 and a plurality of nonvolatile memories. Here, an example in which the storage unit 3 has three nonvolatile memories 31 to 33 will be described.

[0037] Different sets of setting information ST1 to ST3 are pre-stored in the non-volatile memories 31 to 33 of the storage unit 3, respectively. The setting information ST1 to ST3 includes, for example, operating parameters and embedded software to be applied to the communication control unit 23 and the optical communication unit 4. The volatile memory 30 reads designated setting information from one of the non-volatile memories 31 to 33 in response to access from the information acquisition unit 22. The volatile memory 30 then outputs the read setting information ST to the information acquisition unit 22.

[0038] For example, when the control information INF2 specifies the setting information ST1 stored in the non-volatile memory 31 as the setting information ST to be read by the information acquisition unit 22, the volatile memory 30 reads the setting information ST1 from the non-volatile memory 31. Then, the volatile memory 30 outputs the read setting information ST1 to the information acquisition unit 22 as the setting information ST.

[0039] Then, the information acquisition unit 22 outputs the read setting information ST to the communication control unit 23. The information acquisition unit 22 may read the entire setting information ST from the volatile memory 30, or may sequentially read a portion of the setting information ST from the volatile memory 30. Furthermore, the information acquisition unit 22 may output the entire setting information ST to the communication control unit 23, or may sequentially output a portion of the setting information ST to the communication control unit 23.

[0040] The communication control unit 23 controls the optical communication unit 4 based on the setting information ST received from the information acquisition unit 22. The optical signal receiving unit 1 can control the optical communication in the optical communication unit 4 based on the control information INF2 by providing the optical communication unit 4 with a control signal CON generated based on the setting information ST. This allows setting information such as operating parameters and embedded software to be applied when performing optical communication to be applied to one or both of the communication control unit 23 and the optical communication unit 4 according to the control information INF2.

[0041] The optical communication unit 4 includes an optical receiver 41 and an optical transmitter 42. The optical transmitter 42 includes a transmission processing unit 42A and an optical output unit 42B. The optical receiver 41 includes a light receiving element 41A and a reception processing unit 41B.

[0042] The optical signal IN branched by the optical branching unit 11 is incident on the light receiving element 41A. Any light receiving element may be used as the light receiving element 41A, but a photodiode is used here. The light receiving element 41A converts the optical signal IN into a current signal I.

[0043] The receiving processor 41B performs predetermined processing on the current signal I output by the light receiving element 41A to demodulate it into a data signal DAT1. The receiving processor 41B then outputs the data signal DAT1 to a device external to the optical transceiver 100.

[0044] Here, the reception processing unit 41B performs reception processing based on the reception setting designated by the control signal CON given from the communication control unit 23.

[0045] A transmission data signal DAT2 is input from an external device to the transmission processing unit 42A. The transmission processing unit 42A outputs a drive signal DRV to the optical output unit 42B in order to drive the optical output unit 42B in response to the data signal DAT2.

[0046] Here, the transmission processing unit 42A performs a transmission process for driving the optical output unit 42B based on a transmission setting designated by a control signal CON given from the communication control unit 23.

[0047] The optical output unit 42B includes, for example, a light source element that outputs laser light and a modulator that modulates the laser light. The optical output unit 42B outputs an optical signal OUT obtained by modulating the laser light in accordance with the drive signal DRV to the communication partner.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the control operation of optical communication in the optical transceiver 100. Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver according to an embodiment.

[0049] Step S1 The optical signal receiving unit 1 receives the optical signal IN1 input to the optical transceiver 100. The optical signal receiving unit 1 then outputs the received signal SIG to the determining unit .

[0050] Step S2 Based on the received signal SIG, the determination unit 21 determines whether the identification information INF1 designates the optical transceiver 100. If the identification information INF1 does not designate the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 21 ends the process.

[0051] Step S3 If the identification information INF1 designates the optical transceiver 100, the determination unit 21 transfers the control information INF2 to the information acquisition unit 22.

[0052] Step S4 The information acquisition unit 22 reads from the storage unit 3 the setting information ST specified by the control information INF2.

[0053] Step S5 The information acquisition unit 22 outputs the read setting information ST to the communication control unit 23.

[0054] Step S6 The communication control unit 23 controls the optical communication in the optical communication unit 4 based on the control information INF2 by outputting the control signal CON generated by the optical signal receiving unit 1 based on the setting information ST to the optical communication unit 4.

[0055] By the above processing procedure, the setting information to be applied to the optical communication unit 4 can be designated in accordance with the control information INF2 contained in the optical signal IN1 provided from the outside.

[0056] In an optical communication system using the optical transceiver 100, as described above, it may be necessary to flexibly change the settings of the optical transceiver 100 in order to change communication conditions or communication paths after the optical transceiver 100 has started operating.

[0057] Let us now consider a case where the data rate applied to optical communications by the optical transceiver 100 is changed. For example, if the transmission path is approximately 15 km long, communications at a data rate of 25 Gb / s are possible. However, if the transmission path is 80 km long, the signal waveform will degrade due to the dispersion characteristics of the optical fiber. Therefore, the data rate must be limited to 10 Gb / s. In this case, to optimize the receiver sensitivity, the bandwidth of the receiver, for example, the bandwidth of the reception processing unit 41B, is limited to approximately 60% of the data rate. This allows for the removal of excess high-frequency noise contained in the received signal.

[0058] Therefore, to change the data rate after the optical transceiver 100 starts operating, it is necessary to change the reception bandwidth setting. In this case, the optical transceiver 100 simply includes the reception bandwidth of the reception processing unit 41B in the setting information. This allows the communication control unit 23 to change the reception bandwidth of the reception processing unit 41B to a desired bandwidth using the control signal CON.

[0059] In addition, it is also conceivable that, for example, a change in the transmission path may require a change in the transmission power of the optical signal OUT sent from the optical transceiver 100. For example, if the communication partner is a short distance away, the transmission power can be reduced to reduce power consumption. On the other hand, if the communication partner is a long distance away, the transmission power must be increased to the required level.

[0060] Even in this case, the optical transceiver 100 can simply include in the setting information a control parameter for the transmission power of the optical signal OUT output by the optical transmitter 42. This allows the communication control unit 23 to change the transmission power of the optical signal OUT output by the optical transmitter 42 to a desired value using the control signal CON.

[0061] As a result, with this configuration, it is possible to change the communication settings of the optical transceiver by applying a control optical signal from outside the optical transceiver.

[0062] With this configuration, the communication settings of the optical transceiver can be changed at any time by providing a control optical signal to the target optical transceiver at any time. Therefore, even after the optical transceiver has been installed in various devices and started operating, the communication settings of the optical transceiver can be easily changed.

[0063] In addition, even if a user is located far from the optical transceiver, they can easily change the communication settings of the optical transceiver by simply issuing a command to the source of the control optical signal.Furthermore, even if it is physically difficult to approach the optical transceiver during operation, such as when the optical transceiver is installed on undersea equipment, the communication settings of the optical transceiver can be easily changed.

[0064] This configuration allows the optical transceiver's communication settings to be changed simply by utilizing the optical signal transmission function already present in the optical communication system, without the need to add a new system or network for providing control signals. Therefore, since no modifications to the optical communication system are required, the optical transceiver 100 can be easily introduced into an existing optical communication system without incurring any additional costs.

[0065] Embodiment 2 In the first embodiment, an example was described in which a control optical signal IN1 is superimposed on a data optical signal IN2 by ASK modulation. In contrast, in the present embodiment, an optical transceiver will be described that receives an optical signal IN in which the control optical signal IN1 and the data communication optical signal IN2 are wavelength-multiplexed.

[0066] 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. The optical transceiver 200 has a configuration in which the optical signal receiving unit 1 of the optical transceiver 100 is replaced with an optical signal receiving unit 5.

[0067] The optical signal receiving unit 5 has a configuration in which the optical branching unit 11 of the optical signal receiving unit 1 is replaced with a wavelength separating unit 51. The wavelength separating unit 51 is configured as, for example, a WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) coupler. Other configurations of the optical signal receiving unit 5 are the same as those of the optical signal receiving unit 1, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0068] An optical signal IN, which is a wavelength-multiplexed combination of an optical signal IN1 with a wavelength λ1 and an optical signal IN2 with a wavelength λ2 different from the wavelength λ1, is input to the optical transceiver 200 via an optical transmission line.

[0069] The wavelength demultiplexer 51 demultiplexes the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal IN into an optical signal IN1 having a wavelength λ1 and an optical signal IN2 having a wavelength λ2. The wavelength demultiplexer 51 then outputs the optical signal IN1 to the photodetector 12 and the optical signal IN2 to the optical receiver 41.

[0070] Other configurations and operations of the optical transceiver 200 are similar to those of the optical transceiver 100, and therefore, redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0071] As described above, according to this configuration, even when a control optical signal is wavelength-multiplexed into a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal, the communication settings of the optical transceiver can be changed in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0072] Embodiment 3 In the above embodiment, it has been described that multiple sets of setting information are pre-stored in the storage unit 3. However, it is conceivable that the setting information may need to be updated after the optical transceiver has started operating. It is also conceivable that new setting information may need to be stored in the storage unit 3 due to a change in the use of the optical transceiver, for example. Therefore, in this embodiment, an optical transceiver that stores new setting information in the storage unit in response to an external control signal will be described.

[0073] 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an optical transceiver according to an embodiment. The optical transceiver 300 has a configuration in which the control processing unit 2 of the optical transceiver 100 is replaced with a control processing unit 6. The control processing unit 6 has a configuration in which a setting information processing unit 61 is added to the control processing unit 2.

[0074] In this embodiment, the control optical signal IN1 further includes new setting information STN. The setting information processing unit 61 writes the new setting information STN to the storage unit 3. Other configurations of the control processing unit 6 are the same as those of the control processing unit 2, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

[0075] Next, a description will be given of the operation of storing setting information in the optical transceiver 300. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver according to an embodiment.

[0076] Step S11 4, the optical signal receiving unit 1 receives the optical signal IN1 input to the optical transceiver 300. Then, the optical signal receiving unit 1 outputs the received signal SIG to the determining unit .

[0077] Step S12 4, the determination unit 21 determines, based on the received signal SIG, whether the identification information INF1 designates the optical transceiver 300. If the identification information INF1 does not designate the optical transceiver 300, the determination unit 21 ends the process.

[0078] Step S13 If the identification information INF1 designates the optical transceiver 300, the decision unit 21 transfers the new setting information STN to the setting information processing unit 61.

[0079] Step S14 The setting information processing unit 61 writes the received new setting information STN into the storage unit 3.

[0080] For example, the setting information processing unit 61 erases the setting information ST3 stored in the nonvolatile memory 33 and writes new setting information STN to the nonvolatile memory 33. Note that erasing the nonvolatile memory and writing the setting information can be achieved by various general methods.

[0081] If necessary, the setting information processing unit 61 may replace the setting information ST2 in the nonvolatile memory 32 or the setting information ST3 in the nonvolatile memory 33 with new setting information STN.

[0082] Through the above processing procedure, setting information for controlling optical communications in the optical transceiver can be stored in the optical transceiver using an externally applied optical signal.

[0083] By providing a control optical signal to the target optical transceiver at any timing, the setting information can be stored in the optical transceiver at the desired timing. Therefore, even after the optical transceiver is installed in various devices and begins operation, new setting information can be easily stored in the optical transceiver.

[0084] In addition, even if a user is located far from the optical transceiver, new setting information can be stored in the optical transceiver simply by issuing a command to the source of the control optical signal. Furthermore, even if it is physically difficult to approach the optical transceiver during operation, such as when the optical transceiver is installed on undersea equipment, new desired setting information can be easily stored in the optical transceiver.

[0085] Other embodiments Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0086] The configuration of the storage unit described above is merely an example, and other configurations may be used as appropriate. For example, the number of nonvolatile memories described above is merely an example, and the storage unit may be provided with one, two, four, or more nonvolatile memories. Furthermore, although the description has been given assuming that one set of setting information is stored in one nonvolatile memory, this is also merely an example. One nonvolatile memory may be provided with multiple areas for storing multiple sets of setting information. Furthermore, as long as the information acquisition unit and the setting information processing unit can exchange data and information with the storage unit, the storage unit does not need to be provided with both a nonvolatile memory and a volatile memory, and may be configured with, for example, only one of them.

[0087] Although the optical transceiver 300 according to the third embodiment has been described as a modified example of the optical transceiver 100 according to the first embodiment, this is merely an example. As in the second embodiment, the optical transceiver according to the third embodiment may also be configured to have a wavelength demultiplexer 51 instead of the optical branching unit 11 to wavelength-demultiplex the wavelength-multiplexed signal into optical signals IN1 and IN2.

[0088] The optical transmission device to which the optical transceiver according to the above-described embodiment is attached may be any of various devices used in optical communication systems. For example, in optical communication between terminal stations, the optical transmission device may be a device installed in the terminal station.

[0089] In the above-described embodiment, the control system of the optical transceiver according to the present disclosure has been described primarily as a hardware configuration, but this is not limited thereto. The control processing unit according to the present disclosure can also be realized by having a computer execute a computer program to perform any desired processing. These processes may be realized by having a computer including at least one processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, or a DSP (Digital Signal Processor)) execute the program. Specifically, one or more programs including instructions for causing a computer to execute the algorithms related to the transmission signal processing or the reception signal processing may be created, and the programs may be supplied to the computer.

[0090] A computer program can be stored and supplied to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic storage media (e.g., flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical storage media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD-Rs, CD-R / Ws, and semiconductor memories (e.g., mask ROMs, PROMs (Programmable ROMs), EPROMs (Erasable PROMs), flash ROMs, and RAMs (Random Access Memory)). The program may also be supplied to a computer by various types of transitory computer-readable media. Examples of transitory computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. The transitory computer-readable media can supply the program to a computer via a wired communication path such as an electric wire or optical fiber, or via a wireless communication path.

[0091] An example of the configuration of a computer for realizing the control system of an optical transceiver, i.e., the control processing unit and storage unit, is shown below. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a computer for realizing the control system of an optical transceiver. The control system of an optical transceiver can be realized by a computer 9000 such as a dedicated computer or a personal computer (PC). However, the computer does not need to be physically single; multiple computers may be used when performing distributed processing. As shown in FIG. 8, the computer 9000 includes, for example, a processor 9001, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 9002, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 9003, a storage unit 9004, a communication interface 9005, and a user interface 9006.

[0092] The processor 9001, ROM 9002, RAM 9003, storage unit 9004, communication interface 9005, and user interface 9006 are connected to each other so as to be able to communicate with each other via a bus 9007. Note that although explanation of OS software for operating the computer is omitted, it is also installed in the computer 9000 as appropriate.

[0093] The ROM is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device, etc. The ROM 9002 stores information such as various programs used by the computer 9000.

[0094] The storage unit 9004 is configured by various storage devices such as a hard disk, a solid state disk, etc. Furthermore, the storage unit 9004 is not limited to a storage device installed in the computer 9000, but may be a storage device external to the computer 9000. The external storage device may be a cloud storage connected to the computer 9000 via various communication means, for example, a network. The storage unit 9004 stores information such as various programs and data used by the computer 9000.

[0095] The RAM 9003 is configured by a volatile semiconductor memory device, etc. Programs, data, and other information used by the processor 9001 are loaded into the RAM 9003 from one or both of the ROM 9002 and the storage unit 9004 as appropriate.

[0096] The processor 9001 may be configured with, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The processor 9001 may also include not only a CPU but also a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). A GPU is suitable for performing routine processing in parallel, and when applied to processing in a neural network, for example, it can improve processing speed compared to a CPU. The processor 9001 executes various processes based on various programs stored in the ROM 9002 or various programs and data held in the RAM 9003, as appropriate. The processor 9001 may also store data generated by processing in the RAM 9003 or the storage unit 9004, as appropriate.

[0097] The communication interface 9005 is an interface that connects the computer 9000 to a communication network such as the Internet or an intranet via various wired communication means or wireless communication means, etc. This allows the computer 9000 to communicate with other devices, systems, sensors, etc. that are connected to the communication network.

[0098] The user interface 9006 includes, for example, a display unit that provides information so that the user can recognize it using a display device or the like, and an audio output unit that outputs audio. The user interface 9006 also includes an input unit that allows the user to input information to the computer 9000 by operating a keyboard, mouse, touch panel, or the like. The user interface 9006 may also include devices such as sensors that obtain information useful to the user.

[0099] Although the computer 9000 has been described as a single device here, this is merely an example. The computer 9000 may be composed of multiple physically separated devices. Some of the multiple devices may be portable devices, and other devices may be stationary devices.

[0100] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Various modifications that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present disclosure within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0101] Each drawing is merely an example for describing one or more embodiments. Each drawing may relate not only to one particular embodiment, but also to one or more other embodiments. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various features or steps described with reference to any one drawing can be combined with features or steps shown in one or more other drawings to create, for example, an embodiment not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing are necessary to describe an exemplary embodiment, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any drawing may be changed as appropriate.

[0102] Some or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0103] (Supplementary Note 1) An optical transceiver comprising: an optical signal receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including control information; a memory means for storing multiple sets of setting information used to control optical communication; an optical communication means for performing optical communication with a communication partner; and a control processing means for obtaining setting information specified by the control information from the multiple sets of setting information stored in the memory means, and controlling the optical communication means based on the obtained setting information.

[0104] (Appendix 2) An optical transceiver as described in Appendix 1, wherein the first optical signal includes identification information specifying the object to be controlled, and the control processing means, when the optical transceiver in which the control processing means is provided is specified as the object to be controlled by the identification information, retrieves the setting information specified by the control information from the storage means.

[0105] (Appendix 3) An optical transceiver as described in Appendix 1 or 2, wherein the optical signal receiving means receives a third optical signal in which the first optical signal is superimposed on a second optical signal received by the optical communication means, and the optical signal receiving means comprises: an optical branching means that branches the third optical signal into two and outputs one to the optical communication means; an optical receiving element that receives the other third optical signal branched by the optical branching means and outputs a signal indicating the light reception result; and a signal processing means that performs predetermined processing on the signal indicating the light reception result and outputs a received signal to the control processing means.

[0106] (Appendix 4) The optical transceiver according to Appendix 3, wherein the third optical signal is a signal obtained by modulating the second optical signal to superimpose the first optical signal on the second optical signal.

[0107] (Appendix 5) An optical transceiver as described in Appendix 4, wherein the third optical signal is a signal obtained by superimposing the first optical signal on the second optical signal by modulating the second optical signal using amplitude shift keying.

[0108] (Supplementary Note 6) The optical transceiver described in Supplementary Note 1 or 2, wherein the optical signal receiving means receives a wavelength-multiplexed signal in which the first optical signal having a first wavelength and a second optical signal having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength are wavelength-multiplexed, and the optical signal receiving means comprises: wavelength separation means for wavelength-separating the wavelength-multiplexed signal into first and second optical signals and outputting the second optical signal to the optical communication means; a photodetector for receiving the first optical signal branched by the wavelength separation means and outputting a signal indicating the light-receiving result; and signal processing means for performing predetermined processing on the signal indicating the light-receiving result and outputting the received signal to the control processing means.

[0109] (Supplementary Note 7) The first optical signal includes new setting information to be stored in the storage means; 7. The optical transceiver according to claim 1, wherein the control processing means stores the new setting information in the storage means.

[0110] (Supplementary Note 8) The optical transceiver according to Supplementary Note 7, wherein the control processing means updates one of the plurality of sets of setting information already stored in the storage means with the new setting information.

[0111] (Appendix 9) The optical transceiver described in Appendix 2, wherein the control processing means comprises: a determination unit that determines whether the optical transceiver in which the control processing means is provided is designated as the control target by the identification information; an information acquisition means that, when the optical transceiver in which the control processing means is provided is designated as the control target by the identification information, acquires setting information designated by the control information from the multiple sets of setting information stored in the storage means; and a communication control means that controls the optical communication means based on the acquired setting information.

[0112] (Supplementary Note 10) The optical transceiver according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, wherein the control processing unit changes the bandwidth of the reception processing of the optical signal received by the optical communication unit based on the acquired setting information.

[0113] (Supplementary Note 11) The optical transceiver according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, wherein the control processing unit changes the output power of the optical signal transmitted by the optical communication unit based on the acquired setting information.

[0114] (Supplementary Note 12) An optical communication system comprising: an optical signal transmitting means for transmitting a first optical signal including control information; and an optical transceiver for receiving the first optical signal and controlling optical communication with a communication partner based on the first optical signal, wherein the optical transceiver comprises: an optical signal receiving means for receiving the first optical signal; a memory means for storing multiple sets of setting information used for controlling the optical communication; an optical communication means for performing optical communication with the communication partner; and a control processing means for obtaining setting information specified by the control information from the multiple sets of setting information stored in the memory means, and controlling the optical communication means based on the obtained setting information.

[0115] (Appendix 13) A method for controlling optical communication, comprising receiving a first optical signal including control information, acquiring setting information specified by the control information from a storage means storing multiple sets of setting information used to control optical communication with a communication partner, and controlling the optical communication with the communication partner based on the acquired setting information.

[0116] (Appendix 14) A program that causes a computer to execute the following processes: acquiring setting information specified by control information included in a received first optical signal from a storage means that stores multiple sets of setting information used to control optical communication with a communication partner; and controlling the optical communication with the communication partner based on the acquired setting information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 1, 5 Optical signal receiving unit 2, 6 Control processing section 3 Storage section 4 Optical Communication Section 11 Optical branching section 12, 41A Photodetector 13 Signal processing section 21 Judgment section 22 Information Acquisition Department 23 Communication control section 30 Volatile Memory 31-33 Non-volatile memory 41 Optical receiver 41B Receiving processing section 42 Optical transmitter 42A Transmission processing section 42B Optical output section 51 Wavelength separation section 61 Setting information processing section 100, 200, 300, 1022 Optical Transceiver 1000 Optical Communication Systems 1010, 1020 Communication equipment 1011, 1021 Optical transmission equipment 1030 Optical transmission line 9000 computers 9001 processor 9002 ROM 9003 RAM 9004 Storage section 9005 Communication Interface 9006 User Interface 9007 Bus CON control signal DAT1, DAT2 data signals DRV drive signal I Current signal IN, IN1, IN2 optical signal INF1 Identification Information INF2 control information SIG Received signal ST, ST1 to ST3, STN setting information

Claims

1. an optical signal receiving means for receiving a first optical signal including control information; a storage means for storing multiple sets of setting information used for controlling optical communication; Optical communication means for performing optical communication with a communication partner; and a control processing means for acquiring setting information designated by the control information from the plurality of sets of setting information stored in the storage means, and controlling the optical communication means based on the acquired setting information. Optical transceiver.

2. the first optical signal includes identification information that designates a control target, The control processing means When the optical transceiver provided with the control processing means is designated as the controlled object by the identification information, the optical transceiver acquires the setting information designated by the control information from the storage means.

10. The optical transceiver of claim 1.

3. a third optical signal in which the first optical signal is superimposed on a second optical signal received by the optical communication means is input to the optical signal receiving means; The optical signal receiving means an optical branching means for branching the third optical signal into two and outputting one of the two to the optical communication means; a light-receiving element that receives the other third optical signal branched by the optical branching means and outputs a signal indicating the result of the light reception; a signal processing means for performing predetermined processing on a signal indicating the light reception result and outputting the received signal to the control processing means; 3. The optical transceiver according to claim 1.

4. the third optical signal is a signal obtained by modulating the second optical signal to superimpose the first optical signal on the second optical signal; 4. The optical transceiver according to claim 3.

5. the third optical signal is a signal obtained by modulating the second optical signal by amplitude shift keying, thereby superimposing the first optical signal on the second optical signal; 5. The optical transceiver according to claim 4.

6. a wavelength-multiplexed signal in which the first optical signal having a first wavelength and a second optical signal having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength are wavelength-multiplexed is input to the optical signal receiving means; The optical signal receiving means a wavelength demultiplexing means for wavelength-demultiplexing the wavelength-multiplexed signal into first and second optical signals and outputting the second optical signal to the optical communication means; a light-receiving element that receives the first optical signal branched by the wavelength separation means and outputs a signal indicating the result of the light reception; a signal processing means for performing predetermined processing on a signal indicating the light reception result and outputting the received signal to the control processing means; 3. The optical transceiver according to claim 1.

7. the first optical signal includes new setting information to be stored in the storage means; the control processing means stores the new setting information in the storage means; 3. The optical transceiver according to claim 1.

8. an optical signal transmitting means for transmitting a first optical signal including control information; an optical transceiver that receives the first optical signal and controls optical communication with a communication partner based on the first optical signal; The optical transceiver includes: an optical signal receiving means for receiving the first optical signal; a storage means for storing a plurality of sets of setting information used for controlling the optical communication; an optical communication means for performing optical communication with the communication partner; and a control processing means for acquiring setting information designated by the control information from the plurality of sets of setting information stored in the storage means, and controlling the optical communication means based on the acquired setting information. Optical communication system.

9. receiving a first optical signal including control information; acquiring setting information designated by the control information from a storage means storing multiple sets of setting information used for controlling optical communication with a communication partner; controlling the optical communication with the communication partner based on the acquired setting information; Optical communication control method.

10. A process of acquiring setting information designated by control information included in the received first optical signal from a storage means storing multiple sets of setting information used for controlling optical communication with a communication partner; and controlling the optical communication with the communication partner based on the acquired setting information. program.

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