Optical transmission equipment, optical transmission systems, optical modules, and optical controllers

Abstract

We provide optical transmission equipment, etc., that can control optical modules from the optical line side. [Solution] The optical transmission device comprises an optical module and an optical controller. The optical module includes a communication unit, a signal processing unit, and a setting unit. The communication unit transmits a third optical signal, which includes a first optical signal of a first main signal and a second optical signal of monitoring information, over an optical line, and receives a sixth optical signal, which includes a fourth optical signal of a second main signal and a fifth optical signal of setting information, over an optical line. The signal processing unit outputs monitoring information to the communication unit and processes setting information from the communication unit. The setting unit sets the setting information to the communication unit. The optical controller includes a demultiplexer, a data collection unit, and a signal combiner. The demultiplexer demultiplexes the first and second optical signals from the optical module. The data collection unit collects monitoring information from the demultiplexed second optical signal and collects setting information obtained from the monitoring information. The signal combiner combines the fourth optical signal with the fifth optical signal, which includes the collected setting information.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical transmission apparatus, an optical transmission system, an optical module, and an optical controller.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In recent years, for example, IPoDWDM (IP over Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) that directly transfers IP data using Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) technology is known.

[0003] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a conventional optical transmission system 200. The optical transmission system 200 illustrated in FIG. 10 is an IPoDWDM optical transmission system. The optical transmission system 200 includes a station building 210, an optical line system 220, an IP controller 230, and an optical transmission controller 240.

[0004] The station building 210 is connected to a client-side terminal apparatus via an electrical line, and is connected to the optical line system 220 via an optical line. The optical line system 220 is, for example, a relay apparatus that connects the station building 210 to an optical line on the opposite side.

[0005] The station building 210 includes a router 211, an optical module 212, and an optical multiplexing / demultiplexing apparatus 213. The router 211 is an electrical component that is connected to the client-side terminal apparatus via an electrical line, and transmits and receives electrical signals of IP packets to and from the terminal apparatus.

[0006] The optical module 212 is an optical transceiver that is electrically connected to the router 211 via a connector, and has a photoelectric conversion function for connecting to the optical multiplexing / demultiplexing apparatus 213 via an optical line. The optical module 212 optically converts the IP packets from the router 211, outputs the optically converted optical signal to the optical multiplexing / demultiplexing apparatus 213, electrically converts the optical signal from the optical multiplexing / demultiplexing apparatus 213, and outputs the electrically converted IP packets to the router 211.

[0007] The optical combiner / demultiplexer 213 connects the optical module 212 and the optical line system 220 with an optical cable and demultiplexes the optical signal from the optical line system 220. The optical combiner / demultiplexer 213 outputs the demultiplexed optical signal to the optical module 212, and also combines the optical signals from each optical module 212 and outputs the combined optical signal to the optical line system 220.

[0008] The IP controller 230 is a controller that controls electrical components such as the router 211 in the central office building 210. The optical transmission controller 240 is a controller that controls optical components such as the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 213 and the optical line system 220.

[0009] In the optical transmission controller 240, for example, when setting the wavelength used for the main signal within the optical module 212, the controller outputs the set wavelength for the optical module 212 via the IP controller 230 and the router 211. As a result, the optical module 212 receives the set wavelength via the router 211, sets the received set wavelength as the wavelength used for the main signal, and can transmit and receive the optical signal of the main signal based on the set wavelength. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2016-152498 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2007-274694 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0013719 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0155462 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0011] However, since the optical transmission controller 240 controls the optical module 212 via the IP controller 230 and router 211, it needs to cooperate with the IP controller 230. As a result, the management of electrical components such as the router 211 is managed by the IP controller 230, while the optical transmission controller 240 manages optical components such as the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 213. In reality, the management of electrical components and optical components is not separated for the optical module 212.

[0012] Therefore, in order to separate the management of electrical components and optical components, for example, if the router 211 and optical module 212 are from the same vendor, it is conceivable to separate the management of electrical components and optical components with respect to the optical module 212 by incorporating proprietary control software into the router 211. However, since the control method of the optical module 212 differs for each vendor, if the router 211 and optical module 212 are from different vendors, it is necessary to incorporate proprietary control software corresponding to the optical module 212. Consequently, separating the management of electrical components and optical components with respect to the optical module is extremely difficult. Therefore, there is a need for an optical transmission system that can separate the management of electrical components and optical components with respect to the optical module, that is, an optical module that can be controlled from the optical line side.

[0013] One aspect of this is the objective of providing optical transmission equipment, etc., that can control optical modules from the optical line side. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] One embodiment of an optical transmission device includes an optical module and an optical controller. The optical module includes a communication unit, a signal processing unit, and a setting unit. The communication unit transmits a third optical signal, which includes a first optical signal containing a first main signal and a second optical signal containing monitoring information, using an optical line. The communication unit receives a sixth optical signal, which includes a fourth optical signal containing a second main signal and a fifth optical signal containing setting information for digital coherent communication, using an optical line. The signal processing unit outputs the monitoring information to the communication unit and processes the setting information from the communication unit. The setting unit sets the setting information from the signal processing unit to the communication unit. The optical controller includes a demultiplexer, a collection unit, and a combiner. The demultiplexer demultiplexer demultiplexes the third optical signal into the first optical signal and the second optical signal. The collection unit collects the monitoring information demultiplexed by the demultiplexer and the setting information. The wave-combining unit combines the fourth optical signal, which is output to the optical module, with the fifth optical signal, which includes the setting information collected by the collection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] From one perspective, this provides an optical transmission device that can control optical modules from the optical line side. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the optical transmission system in Example 1. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the station building in Example 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the optical module in Example 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional block of the optical transmission device in Example 1. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the optical transmission system in Example 2. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional block of the optical transmission device in Example 2. [Figure 7]Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an optical transmission system of a comparative example. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of an optical module of a comparative example. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a station building of a comparative example. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a conventional optical transmission system. [Modes for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0017] In the conventional optical transmission system 200, the optical transmission controller 240 controls the optical module 212 via the IP controller 230 and the router 211. Accordingly, there is a demand for an optical transmission system 100 of a comparative example that can separate the management of electrical components and optical components to manage the optical module as an optical component, that is, can directly control the optical module from the optical line side.

[0018] <Comparative Example> Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the optical transmission system 100 of the comparative example. The optical transmission system 100 shown in Figure 7 is an IPoDWDM optical transmission system. The optical transmission system 100 includes a station building 110, an optical multiplexing / demultiplexing device 120, an optical line system 130, an IP controller 140, and an optical transmission controller 150.

[0019] The station building 110 is connected to a client-side terminal device via an electrical line, and is connected to the optical multiplexing / demultiplexing device 120 via an optical line. The optical multiplexing / demultiplexing device 120 is connected to the optical module 112 in the station building 110 and to the optical line system 130 via optical lines.

[0020] The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 is, for example, the APN-G (All Photonics Network-Gateway) of IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network). The APN-G is the gateway for the optical path. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 separates the optical signal from the optical line system 130, outputs the separated optical signal to the optical module 112, and also combines the optical signals from each optical module 112, outputting the combined optical signal to the optical line system 130. The optical line system 130 is, for example, a relay device connecting the central office 110 and the optical line on the opposite side.

[0021] The central office 110 has a router 111 and an optical module 112. The router 111 is an electrical component that is connected to the client-side terminal device by an electrical line and sends and receives electrical signals of IP packets to and from the terminal device.

[0022] The optical module 112 is an optical transceiver with a photoelectric conversion function that is electrically connected to the router 111 via a connector and also connected to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 via an optical line. The optical module 112 is an IOWN APN-T (All Photonics Network-Transceiver) that transmits and receives a first optical signal for the main signal and a second optical signal for control information at different wavelengths. The APN-T is the termination point of the optical path. The optical module 112 optically converts IP packets from the router 111 and outputs the converted optical signal to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120, and also electrically converts the optical signal from the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 and outputs the electrically converted IP packets to the router 111.

[0023] The IP controller 140 is a controller that controls electrical components such as the router 111 of the central office building 110. The optical transmission controller 150 is a controller that controls optical components such as the optical module 112, the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120, and the optical line system 130. The optical transmission controller 150 is, for example, an APN-C (All Photonics Network-Controller). The optical transmission controller 150 transmits optical signals containing control information for controlling the optical module 112 to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120.

[0024] The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 combines the first optical signal of the main signal destined for the optical module 112 with the second optical signal of the control signal from the optical transmission controller 150, and transmits the combined first optical signal of the main signal and the second optical signal of control information to the optical module 112. As a result, the optical module 112 performs control operations based on the control information.

[0025] Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an optical module 112 in a comparative example. The optical module 112 shown in Figure 8 includes a CPO (Co-Packaged Optics) 151, an ITLA (Integrable Tunable Laser Assembly) 152, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) 153, and an EDFA (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier) ​​154. Furthermore, the optical module 112 includes a TOF (Tunable Optical Filter) 155, a monitoring unit 156, a first WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) filter 157A, and a second WDM filter 157B.

[0026] CPO151 is an optical component that performs signal processing on the main signal. ITLA152 is a light source that emits local light. MCU153 controls the entire optical module 112. EDFA154 is an optical fiber that amplifies the first optical signal of the main signal output from CPO151. TOF155 is a filter that filters the first optical signal of the main signal after optical amplification.

[0027] The CPO151 comprises an IQ modulator 151A, an ICR (Intradyne Coherent Receiver) 151B, a CPL (Coupler) 151C, and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor) 151D. The IQ modulator 151A is a digital coherent optical modulator that IQ modulates the main signal to be transmitted into a first optical signal based on the station's emission. The ICR 151B is an optical receiver that receives the first optical signal of the received main signal based on the station's emission. The monitoring unit 156 is an OSC monitoring unit that outputs a second optical signal of control information, which is an OSC (Optical Supervisory Channel), and also inputs a second optical signal containing OSC control information. The control information includes monitoring information that indicates the status of the optical module 112 and setting information that indicates the settings of the optical module 112.

[0028] The optical transmission controller 150 acquires monitoring information for the optical module 112 from the optical module 112 via the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120, and generates configuration information for the optical module 112 based on the acquired monitoring information. The optical transmission controller 150 transmits the generated configuration information to the optical module 112 via the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120.

[0029] The first WDM filter 157A is a WDM filter that combines the first optical signal of the main signal to be transmitted and the second optical signal of the OSC, and outputs the combined optical signal to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120. The second WDM filter 157B is a WDM filter that separates the optical signal received from the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 into the first optical signal of the main signal and the second optical signal of the OSC.

[0030] The monitoring unit 156 includes a TOSA (Transmitter Optical Sub-Assembly) 156A, a ROSA (Receiver Optical Sub-Assembly) 156B, a CDR (Clock Data Recovery) 156C, and an OSCMCU 156D. The OSCMCU 156D controls the entire monitoring unit 156. The OSCMCU 156D generates monitoring information within the control information of the optical module 112 and sets the configuration information within the control information of the optical module 112. The CDR 156C superimposes the monitoring information within the control information onto the OSC and extracts the configuration information from the control information onto the OSC.

[0031] TOSA156A is an optical transmission function that converts the OSC containing monitoring information within the control information into a second optical signal and outputs the converted second optical signal to the first WDM filter 157A. ROSA156B is an optical reception function that converts the second optical signal of the OSC containing setting information within the control information input from the second WDM filter 157B into an electrical signal.

[0032] OSCMCU156D generates monitoring information within the control information to be transmitted to the optical transmission controller 150 and outputs the generated monitoring information to CDR156C. CDR156C superimposes the monitoring information onto the OSC and outputs the OSC containing the monitoring information to TOSA156A. TOSA156A optically converts the OSC containing the monitoring information into a second optical signal and outputs the second optical signal of the OSC containing the monitoring information after optical conversion to the first WDM filter 157A.

[0033] The first WDM filter 157A combines the first optical signal of the main signal from the IQ modulator 151A with the second optical signal of the OSC containing monitoring information, and outputs the combined optical signal to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 then transmits the first optical signal of the main signal to the optical line system 130 and separates and outputs the second optical signal of the OSC containing monitoring information to the optical transmission controller 150. As a result, the optical transmission controller 150 extracts the monitoring information from the second optical signal of the OSC containing monitoring information and generates setting information for the optical module 112 based on the extracted monitoring information.

[0034] The optical transmission controller 150 converts the generated setting information into a second optical signal of the OSC, and outputs the converted second optical signal of the OSC, which includes the setting information, to the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 combines the second optical signal of the OSC, which includes the setting information, with the first optical signal of the main signal from the optical line system 130 to the optical module 112, and outputs the combined optical signal to the optical module 112.

[0035] The second WDM filter 157B in the optical module 112 separates the optical signal from the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 into a first optical signal (main signal) and a second optical signal (OSC). The second WDM filter 157B outputs the first optical signal (main signal) to ICR 151B and the second optical signal (OSC) to ROSA 156B in the monitoring unit 156. ROSA 156B converts the second optical signal (OSC), which includes the setting information, into an electrical signal and outputs the converted electrical signal (OSC), which includes the setting information, to CDR 156C. CDR 156C separates the setting information from the electrical signal (OSC), which includes the setting information, and outputs the separated setting information to OSCMCU 156D. OSCMCU 156D sets the setting information in MCU 153. As a result, MCU 153 sets the setting information in CPO 151.

[0036] In the comparative example optical transmission system 100, the optical module 112 can be controlled as an optical component via the optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 120 from the optical transmission controller 150. As a result, the optical transmission controller 150 can theoretically manage the optical module 112 as an optical component, separate from the management of electrical components.

[0037] However, unlike conventional optical modules, the APN-T optical module 112 has control wavelength transmission and reception functions, making it difficult to miniaturize to form factors such as OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) or QSFP from the standpoint of heat, power, and size. Therefore, the form factor of the APN-T optical module 112 is mainly CFP2 (C Form-factor Pluggable 2). In contrast, the form factor supported by the router 111 is mainly QSFP.

[0038] Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a comparative example central office 110. The central office 110 has a router 111 and an optical module 112. The optical module 112 has a CFP2 (C Form-factor Pluggable 2) form factor, and the router 111 has a QSFP cage 111A form factor. Therefore, currently, the optical module 112 cannot be plugged into the QSFP cage 111A of the router 111 and connected via a connector.

[0039] Therefore, in order to address such a situation, an embodiment of an optical transmission device equipped with an optical module that enables transceiver control from the optical line side while connected to a router via a connector will be described. Note that this embodiment does not limit the disclosed technology. Furthermore, the embodiments described below may be combined as appropriate, provided they do not create inconsistencies.

[0040] <Example 1> Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the optical transmission system 1 of Embodiment 1, and Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the central office 2 of Embodiment 1. The optical transmission system 1 shown in Figure 1 is an IPoDWDM optical transmission system. The optical transmission system 1 includes a central office 2, an optical line system 4, an IP controller 5, and an optical transmission controller 6.

[0041] Station building 2 is connected to the client-side terminal equipment by an electrical line and also to the optical line system 4 by an optical line. Station building 2 has a router 11 and an optical transmission device 12. Router 11 is a QSFP type electrical component that is connected to the client-side terminal equipment by an electrical line and sends and receives electrical signals of IP packets to and from the terminal equipment.

[0042] The optical transmission device 12 comprises an optical module 20 and an optical controller 30. The optical module 20 is an optical transceiver with a photoelectric conversion function that electrically connects to the router 11 via a connector and optically connects to the optical line system 4. The optical module 20 transmits and receives a first optical signal for the main signal and a second optical signal for control information at different wavelengths (e.g., light labels). The form factor of the optical module 20 is QSFP, which allows it to be connected via a connector to the QSFP router 11. The optical module 20 optically converts IP packets from the router 11 and outputs the converted optical signal to the optical controller 30, and also electrically converts the optical signal from the optical controller 30 and outputs the electrically converted IP packets to the router 11.

[0043] The optical controller 30 connects to the optical module 20 and to the optical line system 4 via optical lines, and also connects to the optical module 20 and to the optical transmission controller 6. The optical controller 30 transmits a first optical signal, which is the main signal, through the optical lines between it and the optical module 20 and the optical line system 4, and transmits a second optical signal, which is control information, through the optical line between it and the optical module 20. It then aggregates the control information and transmits the signal to the optical transmission controller 6. The connection between the optical controller 30 and the optical transmission controller 6 is not limited to optical transmission. The control information is control information for the optical module 20 related to the optical signals used for digital coherent communication. The control information includes, for example, monitoring information that shows the status of the optical module 20 and setting information that shows the settings of the optical module 20.

[0044] The monitoring information includes, for example, optical performance monitor information, packet statistics, and status information of the optical module 20 necessary for configuring the optical signals used in digital coherent communication, such as alarm status. Optical performance monitor information corresponds to, for example, OSNR (Optical Signal to Noise Ratio) and Q value. The configuration information includes, for example, wavelength information related to the setting wavelength of the first optical signal used as the main signal, modulation information related to modulation, power information related to optical power, and data rate information, all necessary for configuring the optical signals used in digital coherent communication.

[0045] The optical controller 30 splits the third optical signal from the optical module 20 into a second optical signal containing monitoring information within the control information and a first optical signal containing a first main signal. The optical controller 30 combines the fifth optical signal containing setting information within the control information from the optical transmission controller 6 and the fourth optical signal containing the second main signal from the optical line system 4 to the optical module 20 to output a sixth optical signal.

[0046] The optical line system 4 is, for example, a relay device that connects to the central office 2 and to the optical line on the opposite side that connects to the opposite central office or relay device. The IP controller 5 is a Layer 3 controller that controls electrical components such as the router 11 of the central office 2. The optical transmission controller 6 is a Layer 0 and Layer 1 controller that controls optical components such as the optical transmission device 12 and the optical line system 4. The optical transmission controller 6 transmits control information to the optical module 20 to control the optical module 20. As a result, the optical module 20 performs control operations based on the control information.

[0047] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the optical module 20 of Embodiment 1. The optical module 20 shown in Figure 3 includes a CPO 21, an ITLA 22, an MCU 23, an EDFA 24, and a TOF 25. The CPO 21 is an optical component that performs signal processing on the main signal. The ITLA 22 is a light source that emits local light. The MCU 23 controls the entire optical module 20. The EDFA 24 is an optical fiber that amplifies the first optical signal, which includes the first main signal output from the CPO 21. The TOF 25 is a filter that filters the first optical signal, which includes the first main signal after optical amplification. The MCU 23 generates monitoring information within the control information of the optical module 20 and sets the setting information within the control information of the optical module 20 from the optical transmission controller 6 to the CPO 21.

[0048] CPO21 comprises an IQ modulator 21A, an ICR21B, a CPL21C, and a DSP21D. The IQ modulator 21A is a digital coherent optical modulator that IQ modulates a first optical signal containing a first main signal to be transmitted based on station emission. The ICR21B is an optical receiver that receives a fourth optical signal containing a second main signal received based on station emission.

[0049] The DSP21D generates a first main signal and monitoring information within the control information to be transmitted to the optical transmission controller 6, and outputs the generated first main signal and monitoring information to the IQ modulator 21A. The IQ modulator 21A IQ modulates the first main signal and monitoring information into an optical signal, and outputs a first optical signal including the first main signal and a second optical signal including the monitoring information to the optical transmission controller 6.

[0050] The DSP21D extracts the second main signal from the fourth optical signal demodulated from the ICR21B and the setting information from the fifth optical signal, and outputs the extracted setting information to the MCU23. The MCU23 sets the extracted setting information to the CPO21.

[0051] Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional block of the optical transmission device 12 of Embodiment 1. The optical module 20 has, functionally, a communication unit 21D1, a signal processing unit 21D2, and a setting unit 21D3. The communication unit 21D1 transmits a third optical signal, which includes a first optical signal containing a first main signal and a second optical signal containing monitoring information for digital coherent communication, using an optical line. For example, it functions as an IQ modulator 21A or DSP 21D. The communication unit 21D1 receives a sixth optical signal, which includes a fourth optical signal containing a second main signal and a fifth optical signal containing setting information for digital coherent communication, using an optical line. For example, it functions as an ICR 21B or DSP 21D. The signal processing unit 21D2 outputs monitoring information related to the communication unit 21D1 in the control information and inputs setting information in the control information. For example, it functions as a DSP 21D. The signal processing unit 21D2 outputs a first optical signal including the first main signal and a second optical signal including monitoring information within the control information to the optical controller 30 using the IQ modulator 21A. The signal processing unit 21D2 receives a fourth optical signal including the second main signal and a fifth optical signal including setting information within the control information from the optical controller 30 using the ICR 21B. The setting unit 21D3 sets the setting information within the received control information in the CPO 21, for example, in the IQ modulator 21A or ICR 21B.

[0052] The optical controller 30 has the following functions: a demultiplexer 31, an O / E converter 32, a multiplexer 33, an E / O converter 34, and a data collection unit 35. The demultiplexer 31 demultiplexes the third optical signal from the optical module 20 into a first optical signal including a first main signal and a second optical signal including monitoring information. The demultiplexer 31 transmits the separated first optical signal including the first main signal to the optical line system 4. Furthermore, the demultiplexer 31 outputs the separated second optical signal including the monitoring information to the O / E converter 32. The O / E converter 32 electrically converts the second optical signal including the monitoring information and outputs the electrically converted monitoring information to the data collection unit 35.

[0053] The collection unit 35 collects monitoring information after electrical conversion and outputs the collected monitoring information to the optical transmission controller 6. The optical transmission controller 6 generates setting information to be set in the optical module 20 based on the monitoring information of the optical module 20 and outputs the generated setting information to the collection unit 35 in the optical controller 30.

[0054] The collection unit 35 collects setting information addressed to the optical module 20 received from the optical transmission controller 6 and outputs the collected setting information to the E / O conversion unit 34. The E / O conversion unit 34 optically converts the setting information into a fifth optical signal and outputs the fifth optical signal containing the converted setting information to the multiplexing unit 33.

[0055] The combined optical unit 33 combines a fourth optical signal, which includes a second main signal from the optical line system 4 to the optical module 20, and a fifth optical signal, which includes setting information from the E / O conversion unit 34 to the optical module 20, and outputs the combined sixth optical signal to the optical module 20.

[0056] The communication unit 21D1 within the optical module 20 demodulates the first main signal from the first optical signal and the setting information from the second optical signal using the ICR 21B, and outputs the demodulated setting information to the setting unit 21D3 via the signal processing unit 21D2. The setting unit 21D3 then sets the setting information to the communication unit 21D1 within the CPO 21. As a result, the optical transmission system 1 can control the optical module 20 in the optical transmission device 12 from the optical line side.

[0057] The optical module 20 in the optical transmission device 12 of Embodiment 1 has a signal processing unit 21D2 that outputs monitoring information related to the communication unit 21D1 in the control information to the optical controller 30, and also receives setting information in the control information from the optical controller 30. Furthermore, the optical module 20 has a setting unit 21D3 that sets the setting information to the communication unit 21D1. As a result, the optical module 20 can be controlled from the optical line side via the optical controller 30. In other words, the management of electrical components and optical components can be separated with respect to the optical module 20.

[0058] The optical controller 30 includes a demultiplexing unit 31 that separates the first and second optical signals from the optical module 20, and an acquisition unit 35 that collects monitoring information within the separated second optical signal and also collects setting information generated based on the collected monitoring information. Furthermore, the optical controller 30 has a combined unit 33 that combines a fourth optical signal output to the optical module 20 with a fifth optical signal containing the setting information collected by the acquisition unit 35, and outputs the combined fourth and fifth optical signals to the optical module 20. As a result, the optical module 20 can be controlled from the optical line side.

[0059] The optical controller 30 terminates only the second optical signal containing monitoring information, without terminating the first optical signal containing the first main signal. The optical module 20 can communicate control information with the optical controller 30 from the optical line side. As a result, the optical module 20 can be controlled from the optical line side rather than via the router 11.

[0060] The optical module 20 is a QSFP optical module. As a result, the optical module 20 can be connected to the router 11, which mainly uses the QSFP method, via a connector.

[0061] The configuration information includes at least one of the following: wavelength information, modulation information, power information, and data rate, related to the optical signal used for digital coherent communication. As a result, the optical module 20 can control the configuration information related to the optical signal used for digital coherent communication from the optical line side.

[0062] The monitoring information includes at least one of the following: optical performance monitor information related to the optical signal used for digital coherent communication, packet statistics information, and whether or not an alarm is present. As a result, the optical module 20 can transmit monitoring information related to the optical signal used for digital coherent communication from the optical line side to the optical transmission controller 6.

[0063] In the optical module 20, the monitoring unit 156, the first WDM filter 157A, and the second WDM filter 157B found in the comparative example optical module 112 are unnecessary, thus enabling miniaturization compared to the comparative example optical module 112. As a result, a miniaturized QSFP optical module 20 that can be connected to a QSFP router 11 via a connector can be realized.

[0064] The optical module 20 can implement the minimum necessary communication functions on the optical line side, such as the communication function for the main signal and the function for setting setting information within the control information. Furthermore, the optical controller 30 can implement a high-level function that generates monitoring information and setting information necessary for communication with outside the station and communicates with the optical transmission controller 6.

[0065] Furthermore, the wave combining section 33 and the wave splitting section 31 may be configured with couplers, and can be modified as appropriate.

[0066] In the optical transmission system 1 of Example 1, the case where the optical module 20 and the optical controller 30 are configured in a 1:1 ratio was illustrated. However, the system is not limited to this, and multiple optical modules 20, or N units, and one optical controller 30 may be configured in an N:1 ratio. This embodiment will be described below as Example 2.

[0067] <Example 2> Figure 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the optical transmission system 1A of Example 2. Note that components identical to those in the optical transmission system 1 of Example 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations of the redundant components and operations are omitted. The difference between the optical transmission system 1 of Example 1 and the optical transmission system 1A of Example 2 is that multiple optical modules, for example, four optical modules 20A to 20D (20), are connected to a single optical controller 30A.

[0068] The optical transmission device 12A comprises four optical modules 20A to 20D, one optical controller 30A, and an optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 3. Optical module 20A uses a first wavelength λ1 when transmitting and receiving a first optical signal including a first main signal and a fourth optical signal including a second main signal. Optical module 20B uses a second wavelength λ2 when transmitting and receiving a first optical signal including a first main signal and a fourth optical signal including a second main signal. Optical module 20C uses a third wavelength λ3 when transmitting and receiving a first optical signal including a first main signal and a fourth optical signal including a second main signal. Optical module 20D uses a fourth wavelength λ4 when transmitting and receiving a first optical signal including a first main signal and a fourth optical signal including a second main signal.

[0069] The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 3 is located in the optical circuit between the optical controller 30A and the optical line system 4. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 3 combines the first optical signals from each optical module 20 from the optical controller 30A and outputs the combined first optical signal to the optical line system 4. The optical multiplexer / demultiplexer 3 combines each first optical signal, including the first main signals of λ1 to λ4, and outputs the combined first optical signal of the first main signals of λ1 to λ4 to the optical line system 4.

[0070] The optical combiner / demultiplexer 3 demultiplexes the fourth optical signal from the optical line system 4 for each optical module 20 and outputs the demultiplexed fourth optical signal to the optical module 20. When the optical combiner / demultiplexer 3 receives a fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ1, it outputs the fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ1 to optical module 20A. When the optical combiner / demultiplexer 3 receives a fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ2, it outputs the fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ2 to optical module 20B. When the optical combiner / demultiplexer 3 receives a fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ3, it outputs the fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ3 to optical module 20C. When the optical combiner / demultiplexer 3 receives a fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ4, it outputs the fourth optical signal including the second main signal of λ4 to optical module 20D.

[0071] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the functional block of the optical transmission device 12A of Embodiment 2. The optical controller 30A has a first demultiplexer 31A to a fourth demultiplexer 31D, provided for each optical module 20A to 20D, which demultiplexes a first optical signal and a second optical signal from a third optical signal from optical modules 20A to 20D. Furthermore, the optical controller 30A has a first multiplier 33A to a fourth multiplier 33D, provided for each optical module 20A to 20D, which combines a fifth optical signal containing collected setting information with the fourth optical signal output to the optical modules 20A to 20D.

[0072] The optical combiner / demultiplexer 3 combines the first optical signals from each demultiplexer 31A to 31D provided for each optical module 20A to 20D and outputs them to the opposing device. The optical combiner / demultiplexer 3 then demultiplexes the fourth optical signal from the opposing device into a fourth optical signal that is input to each combiner 33A to 33D provided for each optical module 20A to 20D.

[0073] The optical controller 30A has, functionally, a first demultiplexer 31A, a first O / E converter 32A, a first multiplexer 33A, and a first E / O converter 34A. The optical controller 30A has, functionally, a second demultiplexer 31B, a second O / E converter 32B, a second multiplexer 33B, and a second E / O converter 34B. The optical controller 30A has, functionally, a third demultiplexer 31C, a third O / E converter 32C, a third multiplexer 33C, and a third E / O converter 34C. The optical controller 30A has, as functional units, a fourth demultiplexer 31D, a fourth O / E converter 32D, a fourth multiplexer 33D, a fourth E / O converter 34D, and a collection unit 35A.

[0074] The first demultiplexer 31A separates the third optical signal of λ1 from the optical module 20A into a first optical signal including a first main signal and a second optical signal including first monitoring information. The first monitoring information is monitoring information related to the digital coherent communication of the optical module 20A. The first demultiplexer 31A transmits the separated first optical signal including the first main signal to the optical multiplexer 3. Furthermore, the first demultiplexer 31A outputs the separated second optical signal including the first monitoring information to the first O / E converter 32A. The first O / E converter 32A electrically converts the second optical signal of the first monitoring information and outputs the electrically converted first monitoring information to the first monitoring information collector 35A.

[0075] The data collection unit 35A collects first monitoring information after electrical conversion and outputs the collected first monitoring information to the optical transmission controller 6. Based on the first monitoring information of the optical module 20A, the optical transmission controller 6 generates first setting information to be set on the optical module 20A and outputs the generated first setting information to the data collection unit 35A in the optical controller 30A. The first setting information is the setting information used for digital coherent communication of the optical module 20A.

[0076] The collection unit 35A collects first setting information addressed to the optical module 20A received from the optical transmission controller 6 and outputs the collected first setting information to the first E / O conversion unit 34A. The first E / O conversion unit 34A optically converts the first setting information and outputs a fifth optical signal containing the converted first setting information to the first multiplexer 33A.

[0077] The first multiplexer 33A combines a fourth optical signal, which includes a second main signal from the optical line system 4 to the optical module 20A, with a fifth optical signal, which includes first setting information from the first E / O conversion unit 34A to the optical module 20, and outputs the combined sixth optical signal to the optical module 20A.

[0078] The communication unit 21D1 within the optical module 20A demodulates the second main signal and the first setting information from the sixth optical signal from the optical controller 30A using the ICR 21B, and outputs the demodulated first setting information to the setting unit 21D3 via the signal processing unit 21D2. The setting unit 21D3 then sets the first setting information to the CPO 21. As a result, the optical module 20A completes the transceiver control from the optical line side.

[0079] The second demultiplexer 31B separates the third optical signal of λ2 from the optical module 20B into a first optical signal including the first main signal and a second optical signal including the second monitoring information. The second monitoring information is monitoring information related to the digital coherent communication of the optical module 20B. The second demultiplexer 31B transmits the separated first optical signal including the first main signal to the optical multiplexer 3. Furthermore, the second demultiplexer 31B outputs the separated second optical signal including the second monitoring information to the second O / E converter 32B. The second O / E converter 32B electrically converts the second optical signal including the second monitoring information and outputs the electrically converted second monitoring information to the data collection unit 35A.

[0080] The data collection unit 35A collects second monitoring information after electrical conversion and outputs the collected second monitoring information to the optical transmission controller 6. Based on the second monitoring information of the optical module 20B, the optical transmission controller 6 generates second setting information to be set on the optical module 20B and outputs the generated second setting information to the data collection unit 35A in the optical controller 30A. The second setting information is the setting information used for digital coherent communication of the optical module 20B.

[0081] The collection unit 35A collects the second setting information received from the optical transmission controller 6 addressed to the optical module 20B and outputs the collected second setting information to the second E / O conversion unit 34B. The second E / O conversion unit 34B performs optical conversion on the second setting information and outputs the converted second setting information to the second multiplexer 33B.

[0082] The second multiplexer 33B combines a fourth optical signal, which includes a second main signal from the optical line system 4 to the optical module 20B, with a fifth optical signal, which includes second setting information from the second E / O conversion unit 34B to the optical module 20B, and outputs the combined sixth optical signal to the optical module 20B.

[0083] The communication unit 21D1 within the optical module 20B demodulates the second main signal and the second setting information from the sixth optical signal from the optical controller 30A using the ICR 21B, and outputs the demodulated second setting information to the setting unit 21D3 via the signal processing unit 21D2. The setting unit 21D3 then sets the second setting information to the CPO 21. As a result, the optical module 20B completes transceiver control from the optical line side.

[0084] The third demultiplexer 31C separates the third optical signal of λ3 from the optical module 20C into a first optical signal including the first main signal and a second optical signal including the third monitoring information. The third monitoring information is monitoring information related to the digital coherent communication of the optical module 20C. The third demultiplexer 31C transmits the separated first optical signal including the first main signal to the optical multiplexer 3. Furthermore, the third demultiplexer 31C outputs the separated second optical signal including the third monitoring information to the third O / E converter 32C. The third O / E converter 32C electrically converts the second optical signal including the third monitoring information and outputs the electrically converted third monitoring information to the third monitoring information collector 35A.

[0085] The data collection unit 35A collects third monitoring information after electrical conversion and outputs the collected third monitoring information to the optical transmission controller 6. Based on the third monitoring information of the optical module 20C, the optical transmission controller 6 generates third setting information to be set on the optical module 20C and outputs the generated third setting information to the data collection unit 35A in the optical controller 30A. The third setting information is the setting information used for digital coherent communication of the optical module 20C.

[0086] The collection unit 35A collects the third setting information addressed to the optical module 20C received from the optical transmission controller 6 and outputs the collected third setting information to the third E / O conversion unit 34C. The third E / O conversion unit 34C performs optical conversion on the third setting information and outputs the optically converted third setting information to the third multiplexer 33C.

[0087] The third multiplexer 33C combines a fourth optical signal, which includes a second main signal from the optical line system 4 to the optical module 20C, with a fifth optical signal, which includes a third setting information from the third E / O conversion unit 34C to the optical module 20C, and outputs the combined sixth optical signal to the optical module 20C.

[0088] The communication unit 21D1 within the optical module 20C demodulates the second main signal and the third setting information from the sixth optical signal from the optical controller 30A using the ICR 21B, and outputs the demodulated third setting information to the setting unit 21D3 via the signal processing unit 21D2. The setting unit 21D3 then sets the third setting information to the CPO 21. As a result, the optical module 20C completes transceiver control from the optical line side.

[0089] The fourth demultiplexer 31D separates the third optical signal of λ4 from the optical module 20D into a first optical signal including the first main signal and a second optical signal including the fourth monitoring information. The fourth monitoring information is monitoring information related to the digital coherent communication of the optical module 20D. The fourth demultiplexer 31D transmits the separated first optical signal including the first main signal to the optical multiplexer 3. Furthermore, the fourth demultiplexer 31D outputs the separated second optical signal including the fourth monitoring information to the fourth O / E converter 32D. The fourth O / E converter 32D electrically converts the second optical signal including the fourth monitoring information and outputs the electrically converted fourth monitoring information to the data collection unit 35A.

[0090] The data collection unit 35A collects the fourth monitoring information after electrical conversion and outputs the collected fourth monitoring information to the optical transmission controller 6. Based on the fourth monitoring information of the optical module 20D, the optical transmission controller 6 generates fourth setting information to be set on the optical module 20D and outputs the generated fourth setting information to the data collection unit 35A in the optical controller 30A. The fourth setting information is the setting information used for digital coherent communication of the optical module 20D.

[0091] The collection unit 35A collects the fourth setting information received from the optical transmission controller 6 addressed to the optical module 20D and outputs the collected fourth setting information to the fourth E / O conversion unit 34D. The fourth E / O conversion unit 34D performs optical conversion of the fourth setting information and outputs the optically converted fourth setting information to the fourth multiplexer 33D.

[0092] The fourth multiplexer 33D combines a fourth optical signal, which includes a second main signal from the optical line system 4 to the optical module 20D, with a fifth optical signal, which includes fourth setting information from the fourth E / O converter 34D to the optical module 20D, and outputs the combined sixth optical signal to the optical module 20D.

[0093] The communication unit 21D1 within the optical module 20D demodulates the second main signal and the fourth setting information from the sixth optical signal from the optical controller 30A using the ICR 21B, and outputs the demodulated fourth setting information to the setting unit 21D3 via the signal processing unit 21D2. The setting unit 21D3 then sets the fourth setting information to the CPO 21. As a result, the optical module 20D completes transceiver control from the optical line side.

[0094] The optical module 20A in the optical transmission device 12A of Embodiment 2 has a signal processing unit 21D2 that outputs first monitoring information related to the communication unit 21D1 in the control information to the optical controller 30A, and also receives first setting information in the control information from the optical controller 30A. The optical module 20A has a setting unit 21D3 that sets the first setting information to the communication unit 21D1. As a result, the optical transmission controller 6 can control the optical module 20A from the optical line side via the optical controller 30A. In other words, the management of electrical components and optical components can be separated with respect to the optical module 20A.

[0095] The optical module 20B has a signal processing unit 21D2 that outputs second monitoring information related to the communication unit 21D1 in the control information to the optical controller 30A, and also receives second setting information in the control information from the optical controller 30A. The optical module 20B has a setting unit 21D3 that sets the second setting information to the communication unit 21D1. As a result, the optical transmission controller 6 can control the optical module 20B from the optical line side via the optical controller 30A. In other words, the management of electrical components and optical components can be separated with respect to the optical module 20B.

[0096] The optical module 20C has a signal processing unit 21D2 that outputs third monitoring information related to the communication unit 21D1 in the control information to the optical controller 30A, and also receives third setting information in the control information from the optical controller 30A. The optical module 20C has a setting unit 21D3 that sets the third setting information to the communication unit 21D1. As a result, the optical transmission controller 6 can control the optical module 20C from the optical line side via the optical controller 30A. In other words, the management of electrical components and optical components can be separated with respect to the optical module 20C.

[0097] The optical module 20D has a signal processing unit 21D2 that outputs a fourth monitoring information related to the communication unit 21D1 in the control information to the optical controller 30A, and also receives a fourth setting information in the control information from the optical controller 30A. The optical module 20D has a setting unit 21D3 that sets the fourth setting information to the communication unit 21D1. As a result, the optical transmission controller 6 can control the optical module 20D from the optical line side via the optical controller 30A. In other words, the management of electrical components and optical components can be separated with respect to the optical module 20D.

[0098] The optical controller 30A has first to fourth demultiplexers 31A to 31D that demultiplex the first and second optical signals from the optical modules 20A to 20D. The optical controller 30A has a collection unit 35 that collects monitoring information within the demultiplexed second optical signal and also collects setting information generated based on the collected monitoring information. The optical controller 30A has first to fourth combiners 33A to 33D that combine the fourth optical signal output to the optical modules 20A to 20D with a fifth optical signal containing the collected setting information, and output the combined fourth and fifth optical signals to the optical modules 20A to 20D. As a result, the optical transmission controller 6 can control the optical modules 20A to 20D from the optical line side.

[0099] In the optical transmission system 1 of Example 1, the example shows a case where one set of 1:1 optical modules 20 and optical controllers 30 is configured. However, it is not limited to this, and multiple sets of 1:1 optical modules 20 and optical controllers 30 may be used, and this can be changed as appropriate.

[0100] In the optical transmission system 1 of Example 1, the case where one optical module 20 is connected to each router 11 is illustrated, but multiple optical modules 20 may be connected to each router 11, and this can be changed as appropriate.

[0101] Furthermore, while EDFA24 was used as an example of an optical amplifier, it is not limited to EDFA24; for example, a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) could also be used, and it can be changed as appropriate.

[0102] Furthermore, the components of each part shown in the diagram do not necessarily have to be physically configured as depicted. In other words, the specific forms of distribution and integration of each part are not limited to those shown in the diagram, and all or part of them can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit according to various loads, usage conditions, etc. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0103] 1. Optical transmission system 6. Optical transmission controller 12,12A Optical transmission device 20 Optical Modules 21 CPO 21D1 Communications Department 21D2 Signal Processing Unit 21D3 Settings Section 30 Optical Controllers 31 Demultiplexer 33 Wave section 35 Collection Department

Claims

1. A third optical signal, including a first optical signal containing a first main signal and a second optical signal containing monitoring information, is transmitted via an optical line. A communication unit that receives a sixth optical signal, which includes a fourth optical signal containing a second main signal and a fifth optical signal containing configuration information for digital coherent communication, via an optical line. A signal processing unit that outputs the monitoring information to the communication unit and processes the setting information from the communication unit, A setting unit that sets the setting information from the signal processing unit to the communication unit, An optical module having, A wave splitter that splits the third optical signal into the first optical signal and the second optical signal, A collection unit that collects the monitoring information separated by the aforementioned demultiplexing unit and collects the setting information, A combining unit that combines the fourth optical signal output to the optical module with the fifth optical signal, which includes the setting information collected by the collection unit, An optical controller having, An optical transmission device characterized by having the following features.

2. The aforementioned optical module is The optical transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that it is a QSFP (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable) optical module.

3. The aforementioned configuration information is The optical transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one of wavelength information, modulation information, power information, and data rate related to the optical signal used for the aforementioned digital coherent communication.

4. The aforementioned monitoring information is, The optical transmission device according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes at least one of the following: optical performance monitor information, packet statistics information, and alarm status related to the optical signal used for the aforementioned digital coherent communication.

5. The optical controller has a plurality of optical modules, Each optical module has a demultiplexing unit that separates the first optical signal and the second optical signal from the third optical signal from each optical module, and a multiplexing unit that combines the fourth optical signal output to the optical module with the fifth optical signal, which includes the setting information collected by the collection unit. The optical transmission device is The optical transmission apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it has an optical combining / demultiplexing device that combines the first optical signals from each demultiplexing unit provided for each optical module and outputs them to a counter device, and demultiplexes the fourth optical signals from each fourth optical signal from the counter device into the fourth optical signals that are input to each combining unit provided for each optical module.

6. A third optical signal, including a first optical signal containing a first main signal and a second optical signal containing monitoring information, is transmitted via an optical line. A communication unit that receives a sixth optical signal, which includes a fourth optical signal containing a second main signal and a fifth optical signal containing configuration information, via an optical line. A monitoring unit that outputs the monitoring information to the communication unit and inputs the setting information, A setting unit that sets the setting information from the signal processing unit to the communication unit, An optical module having, A wave splitter that splits the third optical signal into the first optical signal and the second optical signal, A collection unit that collects the monitoring information separated by the aforementioned demultiplexing unit and collects the setting information, A combining unit that combines the fourth optical signal output to the optical module with the fifth optical signal, which includes the setting information collected by the collection unit, An optical controller having, An optical transmission controller that acquires the monitoring information from the optical controller, generates the setting information based on the acquired monitoring information, and transmits the generated setting information to the optical controller, An optical transmission system characterized by having the following features.

7. A third optical signal, including a first optical signal containing a first main signal and a second optical signal containing monitoring information, is transmitted via an optical line. A communication unit that receives a sixth optical signal, which includes a fourth optical signal containing a second main signal and a fifth optical signal containing configuration information for digital coherent communication, via an optical line. A signal processing unit that outputs the aforementioned monitoring information and processes the aforementioned setting information from the communication unit, A setting unit that sets the aforementioned setting information to the communication unit, An optical module characterized by having the following features.

8. A dewave splitter that splits a third optical signal from an optical module into a first optical signal including a first main signal and a second optical signal including monitoring information, A collection unit collects the monitoring information contained in the second optical signal decoupled by the decoupler, and collects setting information generated based on the collected monitoring information. A multiplexer that combines a fourth optical signal output to the optical module with a fifth optical signal containing the setting information, An optical controller characterized by having the following features.

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