Information processing device, optical communication system, and optical relay device

Abstract

Amplifiers can be appropriately positioned in optical communication systems. [Solution] An information processing device is provided, comprising: an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether or not a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of a transmitted optical signal and a received optical signal is connected to a first optical relay device; a determination unit that, if the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the signal quality between the first optical relay device and a second relay device that communicates with the first optical relay device by optical signal; and a control unit that causes the detachable optical amplifier to set the gain determined by the determination unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus, an optical communication system, and an optical relay apparatus.

Background Art

[0002] It is known to amplify a received optical signal with an amplifier and then convert it into an electrical signal by a transponder, and to amplify and transmit an optical signal converted from an electrical signal by a transponder with an amplifier (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, in the technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, there is room for improvement in the arrangement of the amplifiers.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a technique capable of appropriately arranging an amplifier in an optical communication system in view of the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In a first aspect according to the present disclosure, an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of a transmission optical signal and a reception optical signal is connected to a first optical relay apparatus, and when the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay apparatus, based on a signal quality between the first optical relay apparatus and a second relay apparatus that communicates with the first optical relay apparatus by an optical signal, a determination unit that determines a gain of the detachable optical amplifier, and a control unit that causes the detachable optical amplifier to set the gain determined by the determination unit are provided.

[0007] Furthermore, a second aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical communication system comprising an information processing device, a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of a transmitted optical signal and a received optical signal, and a first optical relay device, wherein the information processing device includes an acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether or not the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, a determination unit that, if the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the signal quality between the first optical relay device and a second relay device that communicates with the first optical relay device by optical signal, and a control unit that causes the detachable optical amplifier to set the gain determined by the determination unit.

[0008] Furthermore, a third aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical relay device comprising: a detachable section on which a detachable optical amplifier for amplifying at least one of a transmitted optical signal and a received optical signal can be attached and detached; the optical relay device; and a control unit that sets the gain of the detachable optical amplifier according to the signal quality between the optical relay device and another optical relay device that communicates by optical signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] From one perspective, amplifiers can be appropriately positioned in optical communication systems. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a diagram showing an example configuration of an optical communication system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] This figure shows an example configuration of an optical relay device according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] A flowchart showing an example of processing performed by the information processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The principles of this disclosure will be described with reference to several exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are described for illustrative purposes only and should be understood as helping those skilled in the art to understand and implement this disclosure without implying any limitation on the scope of this disclosure. The disclosures described herein may be implemented in various ways other than those described below.

[0012] In the following description and claims, unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each drawing is merely illustrative for illustrating one or more embodiments. Each drawing may be associated not only with one specific embodiment but also with one or more other embodiments. As those skilled in the art will understand, 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, for example, to create embodiments not explicitly shown or described. Not all features or steps shown in any one drawing to illustrate an exemplary embodiment are necessarily required, and some features or steps may be omitted. The order of steps described in any of the drawings may be changed as appropriate.

[0014] (Embodiment 1) <Structure> Referring to Figure 1, the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. The information processing device 10 has an acquisition unit 11, a determination unit 12, and a control unit 13. Each of these units may be realized through the cooperation of one or more programs installed in the information processing device 10 and hardware such as the processor and memory of the information processing device 10.

[0015] The acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating whether a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of a transmitted optical signal and a received optical signal is connected to the first optical relay device. When the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, the determination unit 12 determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the signal quality between the first optical relay device and the second relay device that communicates with the first optical relay device by an optical signal. The control unit 13 causes the detachable optical amplifier to be set to the gain determined by the determination unit 12.

[0016] (Embodiment 2) <System Configuration> Next, referring to FIG. 2, the configuration of the optical communication system 1 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the optical communication system 1 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 2, the optical communication system 1 includes an information processing device 10 and an optical relay device 20. The optical communication system 1 also includes a station optical relay device 30A, a station optical relay device 30B, and a station optical relay device 30C (hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish, also simply referred to as "station optical relay device 30"). In the example of FIG. 2, the information processing device 10, the optical relay device 20, and the station optical relay device 30 are connected so as to communicate via the network N. Note that the numbers of the information processing device 10, the optical relay device 20, and the station optical relay device 30 are not limited to the example of FIG. 2.

[0017] Examples of the network N include, for example, the Internet, a mobile communication system, a wireless LAN (Local Area Network), a LAN, and a bus. Examples of the mobile communication system include, for example, the fifth-generation mobile communication system (5G), the sixth-generation mobile communication system (6G, Beyond 5G), the fourth-generation mobile communication system (4G), and the third-generation mobile communication system (3G).

[0018] The information processing device 10 may be, for example, a device such as a server, a cloud server, a personal computer, or a microcomputer. The information processing device 10 may, for example, perform management of the optical relay device 20.

[0019] In the example of FIG. 2, the optical relay device 20 and the station optical relay device 30A perform data transmission and reception (communication) by optical signals using the optical transmission line h1. Also, the station optical relay device 30A and the station optical relay device 30B perform data transmission and reception by optical signals using the optical transmission line h2. Further, the station optical relay device 30B and the station optical relay device 30C perform data transmission and reception by optical signals using the optical transmission line h3.

[0020] The optical relay device 20 is, for example, an optical relay device installed in various facilities such as user homes. The optical relay device 20 amplifies the optical signals used for communication using a detachable optical amplifier. The station optical relay device 30 is, for example, an optical relay device installed in various facilities owned by an optical communication carrier or the like. The station optical relay device 30 has a multiplexer that multiplexes the optical signals output from each transponder, and an amplifier that amplifies the multiplexed optical signals. For example, the station optical relay device 30A multiplexes and amplifies the optical signals from each optical relay device 20 installed in each user home, and then transfers them to the station optical relay device 30B.

[0021] <Configuration of the optical relay device 20> Next, referring to FIG. 3, the configuration of the optical relay device 20 according to the embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the optical relay device 20 according to the embodiment. In the example of FIG. 3, the optical relay device 20 includes an optical transponder 21, a transmission-side detachable optical amplifier 22, a pluggable electrical connector 23, a reception-side detachable optical amplifier 24, a pluggable electrical connector 25, and an optical communication device 26. The optical communication device 26 includes a receptacle 261, a receptacle 262, a filter 263, and a control unit 264. Note that each of the transmission-side detachable optical amplifier 22 and the reception-side detachable optical amplifier 24 is an example of a "detachable optical amplifier". Hereinafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the transmission-side detachable optical amplifier 22 and the reception-side detachable optical amplifier 24, each of the transmission-side detachable optical amplifier 22 and the reception-side detachable optical amplifier 24 may be appropriately referred to as a "detachable optical amplifier". Note that the transmission-side detachable optical amplifier 22 and the reception-side detachable optical amplifier 24 may be configured as an integrated device or as separate devices.

[0022] The optical transponder 21 converts the transmission data input from an external device, etc., from an electrical signal to an optical signal and outputs it to the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22. If the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 is not installed in the optical repeater 20, the optical transponder 21 outputs the optical signal of the transmission data to the optical communication device 26. The optical transponder 21 also converts the optical signal of the received data received from the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 back into an electrical signal and outputs it to an external device, etc. If the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 is not installed in the optical repeater 20, the optical transponder 21 receives the optical signal of the received data from the optical communication device 26.

[0023] The transmitter-side detachable optical amplifier 22 amplifies the optical signal input from the optical transponder 21 and outputs it to the optical communication device 26. The transmitter-side detachable optical amplifier 22 also transmits and receives control electrical signals to and from the optical communication device 26 via a pluggable electrical connector 23. Note that the transmitter-side detachable optical amplifier 22 is unnecessary if the transmission path loss on the transmitting side is relatively small. This allows for the elimination of the amplifier when not needed, thereby reducing the cost of the amplifier.

[0024] The receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 amplifies the optical signal input from the optical communication device 26 and outputs it to the optical transponder 21. The receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 also transmits and receives control electrical signals to and from the optical communication device 26 via the pluggable electrical connector 25. Note that the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 is unnecessary if the transmission path loss on the receiving side is relatively small. This allows for the elimination of the amplifier when not needed, thus reducing the cost of the amplifier. The pluggable electrical connectors 23 and 25 may be connectors conforming to standards such as SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable).

[0025] Receptacle 261 is a connector that receives the optical signal of the transmitted data. Receptacle 262 is a connector that receives the optical signal of the received data. Receptacle 261, receptacle 262, the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22, and the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 may be provided on the same side of the housing of the optical communication device 26. This is thought to contribute to improving the efficiency of fiber connection work, for example.

[0026] Filter 263 superimposes the optical signal of the transmitted data (main signal) and the transmission management optical signal and transmits them to the station's optical relay device 30 via the transmitting optical fiber 265. Filter 263 also separates the optical signal of the received data (main signal) received via the receiving optical fiber 266 from the reception management optical signal. Note that the frequencies of the main signal on the transmitting side and the transmission management optical signal are different. Similarly, the frequencies of the main signal on the receiving side and the reception management optical signal are different.

[0027] The control unit 264 controls various parts of the optical communication device 26 and other components. The control unit 264 also uses management optical signals to calculate (estimate) the signal quality on the transmitting side and the signal quality on the receiving side.

[0028] <Hardware configuration of the information processing device 10> Figure 4 shows an example of the hardware configuration of an information processing device 10 according to an embodiment. In the example in Figure 4, the information processing device 10 (computer 100) includes a processor 101, memory 102, and a communication interface 103. These parts may be connected by a bus or the like. The memory 102 stores at least a portion of the program 104. The communication interface 103 includes an interface necessary for communication with other network elements.

[0029] When program 104 is executed in cooperation with the processor 101 and memory 102, etc., the computer 100 performs at least some of the processing of embodiments of this disclosure. Memory 102 may be of any type. Memory 102 may, in non-limiting examples, be a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. Memory 102 may also be implemented using any suitable data storage technology, such as semiconductor-based memory devices, magnetic memory devices and systems, optical memory devices and systems, fixed memory and removable memory. Although only one memory 102 is shown for computer 100, computer 100 may have several physically different memory modules. Processor 101 may be of any type. Processor 101 may include one or more general-purpose computers, dedicated computers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), and, in non-limiting examples, processors based on multicore processor architectures. Computer 100 may have multiple processors, such as application-specific integrated circuit chips that are time-dependent to a clock that synchronizes the main processor.

[0030] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or in dedicated circuitry, software, logic, or any combination thereof. Some embodiments may be implemented in hardware, while others may be implemented in firmware or software that can be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device.

[0031] This disclosure also provides at least one computer program product tangibly stored on a non-temporary computer-readable storage medium. The computer program product includes computer-executable instructions, such as instructions contained in a program module, and is executed on a device on a target real or virtual processor to perform the processes or methods of this disclosure. The program module includes routines, programs, libraries, objects, classes, components, data structures, etc., that perform a specific task or implement a specific abstract data type. The functionality of the program module may be combined or divided among the program module as desired in various embodiments. The machine-executable instructions of the program module can be executed on a local or distributed device. On a distributed device, the program module can reside on both local and remote storage media.

[0032] Program code for performing the methods of this disclosure may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These program codes are provided to a processor or controller of a general-purpose computer, a dedicated computer, or other programmable data processing device. When the program code is executed by the processor or controller, the functions / operations in the flowchart and / or block diagrams it implements are performed. The program code may run entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, partially as a standalone software package, partially on a machine, partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0033] The program, when loaded into a computer, includes a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored on a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid-state drive (SSD) or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-ray® disc or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium that includes electrically, optically, acoustically or otherwise propagating signals.

[0034] <Processing> Next, with reference to Figure 5, an example of the processing of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment will be described. Figure 5 is a flowchart of an example of the processing of the information processing device 10 according to the embodiment. Note that the processing in Figure 4 may be executed at intervals such as periodic intervals.

[0035] In step S101, the acquisition unit 11 acquires information indicating whether or not the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the optical relay device 20. Information indicating whether or not the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 is connected to the optical relay device 20 may be acquired, for example, using a pluggable electrical connector 23. Similarly, information indicating whether or not the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 is connected to the optical relay device 20 may be acquired, for example, using a pluggable electrical connector 25.

[0036] Next, the determination unit 12 determines whether or not the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the optical relay device 20 (step S102). If the detachable optical amplifier is not connected to the optical relay device 20 (NO in step S102), the process ends. More specifically, if neither the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 nor the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 is connected to the optical relay device 20, the process ends.

[0037] If a detachable optical amplifier is connected to the optical relay device 20 (YES in step S102), the determination unit 12 determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier (step S103). Here, if the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 is connected to the optical relay device 20, the determination unit 12 determines the gain of the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 based on the signal quality (transmission quality) of the transmission path between the optical relay device 20 and the central office optical relay device 30A. In this case, the determination unit 12 may calculate the signal quality by the transmission path based on, for example, the attenuation of the transmission management optical signal transmitted from the optical relay device 20 and received by the central office optical relay device 30A. In this case, the determination unit 12 may determine a lower value indicating signal quality, for example, the higher the attenuation of the optical signal.

[0038] Furthermore, if the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 is connected to the optical repeater 20, the determination unit 12 may determine the gain of the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 based on the signal quality of the receiving transmission path between the optical repeater 20 and the central office optical repeater 30A. In this case, the determination unit 12 may calculate the signal quality of the receiving transmission path based, for example, on the attenuation of the reception management optical signal transmitted from the central office optical repeater 30A and received by the optical repeater 20. If both the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 and the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 are connected to the optical repeater 20, the determination unit 12 determines the gain for both of them.

[0039] Next, the control unit 13 instructs the detachable optical amplifier to set the gain determined by the determination unit 12 (step S104). This allows, for example, an appropriate gain to be provided according to the loss in the transmission line.

[0040] Here, the control unit 13 sets the gain of the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 using the pluggable electrical connector 23 when the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 is connected to the optical repeater 20. Also, the control unit 13 sets the gain of the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 using the pluggable electrical connector 25 when the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 is connected to the optical repeater 20. If both the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 and the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 are connected to the optical repeater 20, the control unit 13 sets the gain for both of them.

[0041] The following describes examples of the optional functions of the information processing device 10. The processing of each function described below can be used in combination as appropriate.

[0042] (Example of a warning system that alerts users when the gain setting is inappropriate) The information processing device 10 may issue an alarm if the gain setting is inappropriate. This allows the user to be notified of the gain setting failure, for example, if the detachable optical amplifier is disconnected from the pluggable electrical connector by the user during gain setting.

[0043] In this case, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire information indicating the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier. Here, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the current gain setting of the transmitting-side detachable optical amplifier 22 using the pluggable electrical connector 23. Alternatively, the acquisition unit 11 may acquire the current gain setting of the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 using the pluggable electrical connector 25.

[0044] Furthermore, the control unit 13 may issue a warning if the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier differs from the gain determined by the determination unit 12. Here, the control unit 13 may also issue a warning to the user via the optical relay device 20 or the transmitting detachable optical amplifier 22 if the current gain setting of the transmitting detachable optical amplifier 22 differs from the gain of the transmitting detachable optical amplifier 22 determined by the determination unit 12.

[0045] Furthermore, if the current gain setting of the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 differs from the gain of the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 determined by the determination unit 12, the control unit 13 may cause the optical relay device 20 or the receiving-side detachable optical amplifier 24 to issue a warning to the user. The control unit 13 may also issue a warning using a warning lamp, display, or speaker provided on the optical relay device 20 or the detachable optical amplifier.

[0046] Furthermore, if the gain setting is inappropriate, the control unit 13 may notify the user of information indicating the gain determined by the determination unit 12. This allows the user to set the gain appropriately through manual operation or other means, even if the gain setting has failed.

[0047] (Example of setting the gain according to the type of detachable optical amplifier) The information processing device 10 may set the gain according to the type of detachable optical amplifier. This allows the gain to be set more appropriately, for example, even if the accuracy of the amplification of the angular frequency optical signal differs depending on the type of detachable optical amplifier.

[0048] In this case, the information processing device 10 may perform the following processing for both the transmitting and receiving sides. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire information indicating the type of detachable optical amplifier. The determination unit 12 may then determine the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the type of detachable optical amplifier and the signal quality. Here, the determination unit 12 may determine the gain using a table in which the gain of the detachable optical amplifier is set for a combination of the type of detachable optical amplifier and the signal quality. In this case, the information in the table may be pre-set in the information processing device 10 by an operator (administrator), etc. Alternatively, the determination unit 12 may determine the gain using a trained model in which the type of detachable optical amplifier and the signal quality are inputs (explanatory variables) and the gain of the detachable optical amplifier is output (target variable). In this case, the trained model may be pre-set in the information processing device 10 by an operator (administrator), etc.

[0049] (Example: Informing the user if a detachable optical amplifier is required.) The information processing device 10 may notify the user if a detachable optical amplifier is required. This allows the user to install a detachable optical amplifier only when it is necessary.

[0050] In this case, the information processing device 10 may perform the following processing for both the transmitting and receiving sides. The control unit 13 may broadcast information indicating that a detachable optical amplifier needs to be connected if the detachable optical amplifier is not connected to the optical relay device 20 and the signal quality is below a threshold.

[0051] (Example: If a detachable optical amplifier is not required, inform the user accordingly.) The information processing device 10 may also notify the user if the detachable optical amplifier is not required. This allows the user to understand that the detachable optical amplifier is not needed, and thus avoid the cost of the detachable optical amplifier by returning it, for example.

[0052] In this case, the information processing device 10 may perform the following processing for both the transmitting and receiving sides. The control unit 13 may broadcast information indicating that connection of the detachable optical amplifier is unnecessary if the detachable optical amplifier is not connected to the optical relay device 20 and the signal quality is not below a threshold.

[0053] Furthermore, the control unit 13 may also notify the control unit 13 that the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the optical relay device 20, and if the signal quality is not below a threshold without increasing the gain with the detachable optical amplifier, then the connection of the detachable optical amplifier is unnecessary. In this case, the control unit 13 may set the gain of the detachable optical amplifier (the ratio of input to output at the amplifier) ​​to 1 and measure the signal quality.

[0054] (An example of deciding whether or not to maintain the gain setting when restarting the optical relay device 20) The information processing device 10 may decide whether or not to maintain the gain setting of the detachable optical amplifier when the optical relay device 20 is restarted. This allows for the appropriate omission of remeasuring signal quality when, for example, the optical relay device 20 is restarted to reflect updates to its firmware, etc.

[0055] In this case, the information processing device 10 may perform the following processing for both the transmitting and receiving sides. The acquisition unit 11 may acquire information indicating the updated firmware version, etc., when the optical relay device 20 is restarted. The control unit 13 may then decide whether or not to maintain the gain setting of the detachable optical amplifier based on the updated firmware version, etc. This allows, for example, if the update content of the firmware, etc., of the optical relay device 20 is unrelated to the processing of optical signals and therefore does not affect the signal quality threshold, etc., the remeasurement of signal quality for gain setting can be omitted.

[0056] <Other> In optical multiplex transmission systems, it is common for the transponder, which is the optical transmitting and receiving unit, and the ROADM (Reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer), which performs multiplexing and amplification, to be installed in the same device or in the same central office. In recent years, with the increasing demand for high-capacity communication, there has been a need for the decentralization of transponders. In this case, transponders are likely to be placed not only within the central office but also in user facilities managed by the user (e.g., buildings). In this case, it is likely that compensation of the optical signal between the transponder and the ROADM may be necessary.

[0057] In optical communication, if transmission loss is unacceptable, the optical signal can be compensated by placing an optical amplifier. However, if transmission loss is acceptable, placing an optical amplifier becomes an unnecessary cost. On the other hand, according to this disclosure, amplifiers can be appropriately placed in an optical communication system.

[0058] <Variation> The information processing device 10 may be a device contained in a single housing, but the information processing device 10 of this disclosure is not limited to this. Each part of the information processing device 10 may be implemented by cloud computing, for example, consisting of one or more computers. The information processing device 10 may also be built into an optical relay device 20, a transmitter-side detachable optical amplifier 22, a receiver-side detachable optical amplifier 24, or a central office optical relay device 30. Furthermore, at least one of the optical relay device 20, the transmitter-side detachable optical amplifier 22, the receiver-side detachable optical amplifier 24, and the central office optical relay device 30 may perform processing on at least a portion of each functional part of the information processing device 10. Such information processing devices 10 are also included as examples of the "information processing device" of this disclosure.

[0059] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present disclosure can be made as can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, each embodiment can be combined with other embodiments as appropriate.

[0060] Some or all of the embodiments described above may also be described as follows, but are not limited to the following. Some or all of the elements (e.g., configuration and function) described in each appendix dependent on Appendix 1 may also be dependent on other independent appendices of other categories in a similar manner. Some or all of the elements described in any appendix may be applicable to various hardware, software, recording means, systems, and methods for recording software. (Note 1) An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether or not a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of the transmitted optical signal and the received optical signal is connected to the first optical relay device, When the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, a determination unit determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the signal quality between the first optical relay device and a second relay device that communicates with the first optical relay device by optical signal, A control unit that sets the gain determined by the determination unit to the detachable optical amplifier, An information processing device having (Note 2) The acquisition unit acquires information indicating the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier, The control unit will issue a warning if the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier differs from the gain determined by the determination unit. The information processing device described in Appendix 1. (Note 3) The control unit causes the unit to broadcast information indicating the gain determined by the determination unit. The information processing device described in Appendix 2. (Note 4) The acquisition unit acquires information indicating the type of the detachable optical amplifier, The determination unit determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the type of the detachable optical amplifier and the signal quality. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 5) The control unit determines whether or not to update the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier when the first optical relay device is restarted. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 6) The control unit shall, if the detachable optical amplifier is not connected to the first optical relay device and the signal quality is below a threshold, cause the control unit to provide information indicating that the detachable optical amplifier needs to be connected. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 7) The control unit shall, if the detachable optical amplifier is not connected to the first optical relay device and the signal quality is not below a threshold, cause the control unit to broadcast information indicating that the connection of the detachable optical amplifier is unnecessary. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 8) The control unit shall, if the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device and the signal quality is not below a threshold without increasing the gain by the detachable optical amplifier, provide information indicating that the connection of the detachable optical amplifier is unnecessary. The information processing device described in Appendix 1 or 2. (Note 9) The system includes an information processing device, a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of a transmitted optical signal and a received optical signal, and a first optical relay device. The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether or not the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, When the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, a determination unit determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the signal quality between the first optical relay device and a second relay device that communicates with the first optical relay device by optical signal, A control unit that sets the gain determined by the determination unit to the detachable optical amplifier, An optical communication system having (Note 10) It is an optical relay device, A removable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of the transmitted optical signal and the received optical signal is attached to a removable part, The optical relay device and the control unit which sets the gain setting of the detachable optical amplifier according to the signal quality between the optical relay device and another optical relay device that communicates by optical signal, Having, Optical relay device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Optical communication system 10 Information Processing Devices 11 Acquisition Department 12. Decision Section 13 Control Unit 20 Optical relay device 21 Optical transponder 22 Detachable optical amplifier on the transmitting side 23 Pluggable Electrical Connectors 24. Detachable optical amplifier on the receiving side 25 Pluggable Electrical Connectors 26 Optical communication equipment 261 Receptacle 262 Receptacles 263 Filters 264 Control Unit 265 Transmitting optical fiber 266 Receiving optical fiber 30. Optical relay equipment at the station building.

Claims

1. An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether or not a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of the transmitted optical signal and the received optical signal is connected to the first optical relay device, When the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, a determination unit determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the signal quality between the first optical relay device and a second relay device that communicates with the first optical relay device by optical signal, A control unit that sets the gain determined by the determination unit to the detachable optical amplifier, An information processing device having

2. The acquisition unit acquires information indicating the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier, The control unit will issue a warning if the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier differs from the gain determined by the determination unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The control unit causes the unit to broadcast information indicating the gain determined by the determination unit. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The acquisition unit acquires information indicating the type of the detachable optical amplifier, The determination unit determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the type of the detachable optical amplifier and the signal quality. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The control unit determines whether or not to update the gain set in the detachable optical amplifier when the first optical relay device is restarted. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The control unit shall, if the detachable optical amplifier is not connected to the first optical relay device and the signal quality is below a threshold, cause the control unit to notify information indicating that the detachable optical amplifier needs to be connected. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The control unit shall, if the detachable optical amplifier is not connected to the first optical relay device and the signal quality is not below a threshold, cause the control unit to broadcast information indicating that the connection of the detachable optical amplifier is unnecessary. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

8. The control unit shall, if the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device and the signal quality is not below a threshold without increasing the gain by the detachable optical amplifier, provide information indicating that the connection of the detachable optical amplifier is unnecessary. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

9. The system includes an information processing device, a detachable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of a transmitted optical signal and a received optical signal, and a first optical relay device. The aforementioned information processing device is An acquisition unit that acquires information indicating whether or not the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, When the detachable optical amplifier is connected to the first optical relay device, a determination unit determines the gain of the detachable optical amplifier based on the signal quality between the first optical relay device and a second relay device that communicates with the first optical relay device by optical signal, A control unit that sets the gain determined by the determination unit to the detachable optical amplifier, An optical communication system having

10. It is an optical relay device, A removable optical amplifier that amplifies at least one of the transmitted optical signal and the received optical signal is attached to a removable part, The optical relay device and the control unit which sets the gain setting of the detachable optical amplifier according to the signal quality between the optical relay device and another optical relay device that communicates by optical signal, Having, Optical relay device.

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