Optical division device and optical division system

Abstract

[0003] In an embodiment of the present application, an optical splitting device and an optical splitting system are disclosed, which enable the optical splitting device to be connected to more ONTs in a scenario with a relatively high user density, thereby reducing investment costs and construction difficulties. The optical splitting device includes a housing, at least one first optical splitter, a multi-core input optical interface, a multi-core output optical interface, and at least one single-core output optical interface. The multi-core input optical interface, the multi-core output optical interface, and the at least one single-core output optical interface are arranged on an outer wall of the housing, and the at least one first optical splitter is arranged within the housing, and each first optical splitter includes an input end, a first output end, and at least one second output end. The multi-core input optical interface is connected to the input end of the at least one first optical splitter, the first output end of each first optical splitter is connected to the multi-core output optical interface, and the second output end of each first optical splitter is connected to the single-core output optical interface in a one-to-one correspondence.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202021750495.7, filed on August 20, 2020, entitled “OPTICAL SPLITTING DEVICE AND OPTICAL SPLITTING SYSTEM,” which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] The present application relates to the field of optical communications, and in particular to optical dividing devices and systems. [Background technology]

[0003] With the progress of modern society and the explosive growth of information, people's demand for network processing power is continuously increasing. Due to its unique characteristics such as ultra-high bandwidth and low electromagnetic interference, optical transmission is gradually becoming the mainstream solution of modern communication technology. In particular, the newly constructed networks at the current stage, such as access networks represented by fiber to the home (FTTH), are being deployed on a large scale.

[0004] In the construction of a fiber-to-the-home network from an optical line terminal (OLT) to an optical network termination (ONT), an intermediate optical distribution network (ODN) is required for interconnection. The ODN includes a feeder cable, a distribution cable, and a drop cable. In the current ODN solution, a fiber access terminal (FAT) configured to connect the distribution cable and the drop cable only supports a single-core distribution cable, and each FAT supports a limited number of drop cables. In a scenario where the user density is relatively high, the number of distribution cables and the number of FATs need to be increased. Thus, the investment cost and construction difficulties increase. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The embodiments of the present application provide an optical splitting device and an optical splitting system, which allows the optical splitting device to connect to more ONTs in scenarios with relatively high user density, thereby reducing investment costs and construction difficulties.

[0006] According to a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides an optical splitting device including a housing, at least one first optical splitter, a multicore input optical interface, a multicore output optical interface, and at least one single-core output optical interface. The multicore input optical interface, the multicore output optical interface, and the at least one single-core output optical interface are disposed on an outer wall of the housing. The at least one first optical splitter is disposed within the housing. Each first optical splitter includes an input end, a first output end, and at least one second output end. The multicore input optical interface is connected to the input end of the at least one first optical splitter, the first output end of each first optical splitter is connected to the multicore output optical interface, and the second output end of each first optical splitter is connected to the single-core output optical interface in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0007] In this implementation, the multi-core input optical interface of the optical splitting device supports multiple optical fibers, and multiple optical splitters may be disposed in the optical splitting device, and each optical fiber may be connected to the input end of the corresponding optical splitter. Although the number of output ends of each optical splitter is limited, the number of optical splitters in the optical splitting device is increased, so that the optical splitting device can be connected to more ONTs. Therefore, in a scenario where the user density is relatively high, the investment cost and construction difficulties are reduced.

[0008] In one possible implementation, a first multicore adapter is disposed at a multicore input optical interface, a second multicore adapter is disposed at a multicore output optical interface, and a single-core adapter is disposed at each single-core output optical interface. By presetting the fiber adapter, plug-and-play with the fiber connector can be implemented during on-site construction. Thus, splicing work can be omitted, and construction efficiency can be improved.

[0009] In one possible implementation, the housing port of the first multi-core adapter is connected to one end of at least one first single-core fiber connector, and the other end of the at least one first single-core fiber connector is connected to the input end of at least one first optical splitter in one-to-one correspondence by using optical fiber; the housing port of the second multi-core adapter is connected to one end of at least one second single-core fiber connector, and the other end of the at least one second single-core fiber connector is connected to the first output end of the at least one first optical splitter in one-to-one correspondence by using optical fiber; the housing port of each single-core adapter is connected to one end of each third single-core fiber connector in one-to-one correspondence, and the other end of each third single-core fiber connector is connected to the second output end of each first optical splitter in one-to-one correspondence by using optical fiber. In this implementation, a specific connection mode in the optical splitting device is provided. Thus, the feasibility of this solution is improved.

[0010] In one possible implementation, the number of fiber cores supported by the first multi-core adapter and the number of fiber cores supported by the second multi-core adapter are greater than or equal to the number of the first optical splitters. In practical application, in the initial stage of fiber deployment, there may not be enough users who need fiber access. In this case, only some optical splitters may be preset in the second optical splitting device, and then when there are more demands for access, all optical splitters that can be supported are connected to complete the later capacity expansion. The above design can satisfy more customers' demands and save the customer's investment in the initial stage. In addition, there is no need to add optical splitting devices in the later capacity expansion, and only optical splitters need to be added to the initial optical splitting device. Therefore, the construction difficulty and material cost are reduced.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the out-housing port of the first multi-core adapter is configured to connect to the first multi-core fiber connector, the out-housing port of the second multi-core adapter is configured to connect to the second multi-core fiber connector, and the out-housing port of each single-core adapter is configured to connect to the fourth single-core fiber connector. In this implementation, a connection mode between the optical splitting device and the external fiber connector is provided, thus further improving the feasibility of this solution.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the optical cable connected to the first multi-core fiber connector and the optical cable connected to the second multi-core fiber connector are distribution cables, and the optical cable connected to the fourth single-core fiber connector is a drop cable. The optical splitting device of the present application is mainly applied to distribution cables, which reflects the practical value of this solution.

[0013] In one possible implementation, at least one second optical splitter is further disposed in the housing, and the second output end of the at least one first optical splitter is connected to the input end of the at least one second optical splitter in a one-to-one correspondence, and the output end of the at least one second optical splitter is connected to the single-core output optical interface in a one-to-one correspondence. In this implementation, the output end of the first optical splitter can be further connected to the second optical splitter. Thus, the scalability of this solution is improved.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the first optical splitter is an unequal optical splitter, and the output optical power of the first output end is greater than the output optical power of the second output end. Since the multi-core output optical interface connected to the first output end is configured to connect to the multi-core input optical interface of the next level optical splitting device, it can be understood that allocating a relatively large optical power to the first output end can enable the most power optical signal to be maintained on the backbone path and transmitted over a longer distance, and thus the optical signal is distributed to users for use over a longer distance.

[0015] In one possible implementation, the housing includes a base and a top cover, the base and the top cover are detachably and firmly coupled, and the multi-core input optical interface, the multi-core output optical interface, and the at least one single-core output optical interface are disposed on an end surface of the base. In this implementation, a specific housing structure is provided, which makes this solution more realistic.

[0016] According to a second aspect, the present application provides an optical splitting device including a housing, a multicore input optical interface, and a plurality of multicore output optical interfaces, where the multicore input optical interface and the plurality of multicore output optical interfaces are disposed on an outer wall of the housing, and the multicore input optical interface is connected to the plurality of multicore output optical interfaces.

[0017] In one possible implementation, a first multicore adapter is placed at the multicore input optical interface, and a second multicore adapter is placed at each multicore output optical interface. By presetting the fiber adapter, plug-and-play with the fiber connector can be implemented during on-site construction. Thus, splicing work can be omitted, and construction efficiency can be improved.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the housing port of the first multi-core adapter is connected to one end of the first multi-core fiber connector, the housing port of each second multi-core adapter is connected to one end of the multiple single-core fiber connectors, and the other end of the first multi-core fiber connector is connected to the other ends of the multiple single-core fiber connectors by using a fiber patch cord. This implementation provides a specific connection mode in the optical splitting device, thus improving the feasibility of this solution.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the out-housing port of the first multi-core adapter is configured to connect to the second multi-core fiber connector, and the out-housing ports of the plurality of second multi-core adapters are configured to connect to the plurality of third multi-core fiber connectors in a one-to-one correspondence. In this implementation, a connection mode between the optical splitting device and the external fiber connector is provided. Thus, the feasibility of this solution is further improved.

[0020] In one possible implementation, a plurality of optical splitters are further disposed in the housing, the optical splitters have a one-to-one correspondence with the multi-core output optical interfaces, an input end of each optical splitter is connected to the multi-core input optical interface, and a plurality of output ends of each optical splitter are connected to the multi-core output optical interfaces corresponding to the optical splitters. By disposing the optical splitters, it is possible to conserve PON resources while ensuring high-density user access.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the housing includes a base and a top cover, the base and the top cover are detachably and firmly coupled, and the multi-core input optical interface and the multiple multi-core output optical interfaces are disposed on an end surface of the base. In this implementation, a specific housing structure is provided, which makes this solution more realistic.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the present application provides an optical splitting system including an OLT, a plurality of ONTs, a first optical splitting device, and a plurality of groups of cascaded second optical splitting devices, where the first optical splitting device is an optical splitting device according to any implementation form of the second aspect, and the second optical splitting device is an optical splitting device according to any implementation form of the first aspect.

[0023] The OLT is connected to the multi-core input optical interface of the first optical division device. Each multi-core output optical interface of the first optical division device is connected to a multi-core input optical interface of a second optical division device of a first level in a group of cascaded second optical division devices. The multi-core output optical interface of the second optical division device of a higher level in every two adjacent cascaded second optical division devices is connected to the multi-core input optical interface of the second optical division device of a lower level. The single-core output optical interface of each second optical division device is connected to an ONT in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0024] In the embodiment of the present application, the multi-core input optical interface of the optical splitting device supports multiple optical fibers, and multiple optical splitters may be disposed in the optical splitting device, and each optical fiber may be connected to the input end of the corresponding optical splitter. Although the number of output ends of each optical splitter is limited, the number of optical splitters in the optical splitting device is increased, so that the optical splitting device can be connected to more ONTs. Therefore, in a scenario where the user density is relatively high, the investment cost and construction difficulties are reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an architecture diagram of a network to which the present application applies.

[0026] [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of an optical splitting system according to the present application.

[0027] [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a first optical dividing device according to the present application;

[0028] [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a first optical dividing device according to the present application.

[0029] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a second optical dividing device according to the present application;

[0030] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a second optical dividing device according to the present application.

[0031] [Figure 7] 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a second optical dividing device according to the present application.

[0032] [Figure 8] 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a second optical dividing device according to the present application.

[0033] [Figure 9] 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a second optical dividing device according to the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] The embodiments of the present application provide an optical splitting device and an optical splitting system, which allows the optical splitting device to be connected to more ONTs in a scenario with relatively high user density, and reduces the investment cost and construction difficulty.

[0035] The following clearly and completely describes the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. It is clear that the described embodiments are only a part, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. All other embodiments that a person skilled in the art obtains based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 1 is an architecture diagram of a network to which the present application is applied. The present application is mainly applied to FTTx passive optical network (PON). FTTx can be FTTH (fiber to the home), or FTTC (fiber to the curb), or FTTP (fiber to the premises), or FTTN (fiber to the node or neighborhood), or FTTO (fiber to the office), or FTTSA (fiber to the service area). Using FTTH network as an example, in a central office (CO), a fiber patch cord output from an optical line terminal (OLT) is connected to an optical distribution frame (ODF). The optical cable distributed by using ODF is connected to a fiber distribution terminal (FDT) located at an optical distribution point. If the ODF is separate from the FDT, a splitting and splicing closure (SSC) may be mounted between the ODF and the FDT for connection. In the secondary distribution through the FDT, the optical cable is connected to a fiber access terminal (FAT) located at an optical access point. If the FDT is separate from the FAT, a SSC may also be mounted for connection. The FAT is configured to connect the optical cable to an optical network terminal (ONT) in the home. The optical cable between the OLT and the optical distribution point is called a feeder cable. The optical cable between the optical distribution point and the optical access point is called a distribution cable.The optical cable between the optical access point and the ONT is called a drop cable. Specifically, the optical splitting device provided in this application may be a FAT applied to the optical access point.

[0037] In the following, the optical dividing system provided in the present application will be described first. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the optical dividing system according to the present application. The optical dividing system includes an optical line terminal 10, a first optical dividing device 20, a plurality of groups of cascaded second optical dividing devices (as shown in FIG. 2, each group of the cascaded second optical dividing devices includes optical dividing devices 301-303), and a plurality of optical network terminations 40. The optical line terminal 10 is connected to a multi-core input optical interface of the first optical dividing device 20. The first optical dividing device 20 has a plurality of multi-core output optical interfaces, each of which corresponds to a group of the cascaded second optical dividing devices (as shown in FIG. 2, each of which corresponds to four groups of the cascaded second optical dividing devices). Specifically, each of the multi-core output optical interfaces of the first optical dividing device 20 is connected to a multi-core input optical interface of a first level optical dividing device 301 in the group of the cascaded second optical dividing devices. The multi-core output optical interface of the upper level second optical splitting device in every two adjacent second optical splitting devices is connected to the multi-core input optical interface of the lower level second optical splitting device. As shown in FIG. 2, the multi-core output optical interface of the first level optical splitting device 301 is connected to the multi-core input optical interface of the second level optical splitting device 302, the multi-core output optical interface of the second level optical splitting device 302 is connected to the multi-core input optical interface of the third level optical splitting device, and so on. At least one optical splitter is disposed in each second optical splitting device, and the input end of each optical splitter is connected to the multi-core input optical interface of the second optical splitting device by using an optical fiber. The optical splitter further includes a plurality of output ends, where one output end is connected to the multi-core output optical interface of the second optical splitting device, and the other output end is connected to the multiple single-core output optical interfaces of the second optical splitting device in a one-to-one correspondence relationship.The multiple single-core output optical interfaces of each second optical division device are connected to multiple optical network termination units 40 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0038] It can be understood that in the optical division system provided in this application, devices such as ODF, FDT, and SSC may be further disposed between the optical line terminal 10 and the first optical division device 20. For details, please refer to the description of Fig. 1. The details will not be described again here.

[0039] It should be noted that the cascaded second optical splitting device is two or more second optical splitting devices connected in series. It can be understood that the specific number of the cascaded second optical splitting devices is not limited in the present application. In addition, the first optical splitting device 20 and the second optical splitting device are connected by using a multi-core optical fiber, and every two adjacent second optical splitting devices are also connected by using a multi-core optical fiber. As shown in FIG. 2, the number of fiber cores of the multi-core optical fiber may be two. Alternatively, the optical fiber may be a multi-core optical fiber with more than two fiber cores. This is not specifically limited in the present application.

[0040] The following describes in detail the first optical splitting device shown in Fig. 2. Fig. 3 is a schematic structural diagram of the first optical splitting device according to the present application. The first optical splitting device includes a housing 21, a multi-core input optical interface 22, and a plurality of multi-core output optical interfaces (231, 232, 233, and 234 shown in Fig. 3). The multi-core input optical interface 22 and the plurality of multi-core output optical interfaces are disposed on the outer wall of the housing 21. The multi-core input optical interface 22 is connected to the plurality of multi-core output optical interfaces. Specifically, the housing 21 includes a base 211 and a top cover 212. The base 211 and the top cover 212 are detachably and firmly coupled. The multi-core input optical interface 22 and the plurality of multi-core output optical interfaces are disposed on the end face of the base 211. It should be understood that the multi-core input optical interface and the multi-core output optical interface may allow a plurality of optical fibers to pass through.

[0041] In one possible implementation, a first multicore adapter may be disposed at the multicore input optical interface 22, and a second multicore adapter may be disposed at each multicore output optical interface. Both the first and second multicore adapters may be fiber adapters configured to connect to fiber connectors. By presetting the multicore adapters at the multicore input optical interface and the multicore output optical interface, plug-and-play with the fiber connectors may be implemented during on-site construction. Thus, splicing work is omitted, and construction efficiency can be improved.

[0042] Specifically, the first multicore adapter is assembled into a multicore input optical interface 22, and each second multicore adapter is assembled into a corresponding multicore output optical interface. A port of the first multicore adapter positioned in the housing 21 is connected to one end of the first multicore fiber connector 24. A port of the second multicore adapter positioned in the housing 21 is connected to one end of the plurality of single-core fiber connectors 25. For example, two single-core fiber connectors 25 are connected to each second multicore adapter shown in FIG. 3. The other end of the first multicore fiber connector 24 is connected to the other end of the plurality of single-core fiber connectors 25 by using a fiber patch cord. For example, the other end of the first multicore fiber connector 24 shown in FIG. 3 is split into eight optical fibers by using a fiber patch cord, and each of the eight optical fibers is connected to a corresponding single-core fiber connector 25.

[0043] It should be noted that the first multi-core fiber connector 24 may be an MPO connector, and the single-core fiber connector 25 may be an LC connector.

[0044] It can be understood that the port of the first multicore adapter positioned outside the housing 21 is configured to connect to one end of a second multicore fiber connector, and the other end of the second multicore fiber connector can be connected to an OLT by using a multicore optical fiber. The port of the second multicore adapter positioned outside the housing 21 is configured to connect to one end of a third multicore fiber connector, and the other end of the third multicore fiber connector can be connected to a multicore input optical interface of a second optical splitting device by using a multicore optical fiber. It should be understood that dust caps may be disposed on the outside-housing ports of the first multicore adapter and the second multicore adapter. When there is no need to mount a fiber connector, the fiber adapter may be sealed by mounting the dust cap.

[0045] It should be noted that the number of multi-core output optical interfaces of the first optical splitting device and the number of fiber cores supported by each multi-core output optical interface are not limited in this application, and in addition, the number of fiber cores supported by the multi-core input optical interface of the first optical splitting device is also not limited in this application.

[0046] Optionally, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a first optical splitting device according to the present application. A plurality of optical splitters (optical splitters 261-264 shown in FIG. 4) are further disposed in the housing 21. The plurality of optical splitters are in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of multi-core output optical interfaces. An input end of each optical splitter is connected to a multi-core adapter of the multi-core input optical interface 22. A plurality of output ends of each optical splitter are connected to a multi-core adapter of the corresponding multi-core output optical interface. For example, the optical splitter shown in FIG. 4 is an even optical splitter whose split ratio is 1:2, and each optical splitter has one input end and two output ends. Alternatively, the optical splitter disposed in the first optical splitting device may be an unequal optical splitter, and it should be understood that the split ratio of the optical splitter is not limited in the present application. In this embodiment, by disposing the optical splitter in the first optical splitting device, it is possible to conserve PON resources while ensuring high-density user access.

[0047] The second optical splitting device shown in Fig. 2 will be described in detail below. Fig. 5 is a schematic structural diagram of the second optical splitting device according to the present application. The second optical splitting device includes a housing 31, a multi-core input optical interface 32, a multi-core output optical interface 33, at least one single-core output optical interface 34, and at least one first optical splitter 35. The multi-core input optical interface 32, the multi-core output optical interface 33, and the single-core output optical interface 34 are disposed on the outer wall of the housing 31. The first optical splitter 35 is disposed in the housing 31. Each first optical splitter 35 includes an input end, a first output end, and at least one second output end. The multi-core input optical interface 32 is connected to the input end of each first optical splitter 35, the first output end of each first optical splitter 35 is connected to the multi-core output optical interface 33, and at least one second output end of each first optical splitter is connected to at least one single-core output optical interface 34 in a one-to-one correspondence relationship. Specifically, the housing 31 includes a base 311 and a top cover 312. The base 311 and the top cover 312 are detachably and securely coupled. The multicore input optical interface 32, the multicore output optical interface 33, and the single-core output optical interface are disposed on an end surface of the base 311. It should be understood that the multicore input optical interface and the multicore output optical interface allow multiple optical fibers to pass through, and the single-core output optical interface allows a single optical fiber to pass through.

[0048] It can be understood that the number of fiber cores supported by the multi-core input optical interface 32 and the number of fiber cores supported by the multi-core output optical interface 33 are greater than or equal to the number of first optical splitters 35.

[0049] The second optical splitting device will be further described below by using FIG. 6 as an example. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the second optical splitting device according to the present application. As shown in FIG. 6, both the multi-core input optical interface 32 and the multi-core output optical interface 33 support two optical fibers, which are respectively connected to the input end of the optical splitter 351 and the input end of the optical splitter 352. The splitting ratio of the optical splitter 351 and the optical splitter 352 is 1:9. The first output end of the optical splitter 351 is connected to the multi-core output optical interface 33 by using optical fibers. The eight second output ends of the optical splitter 351 are connected to the eight single-core output optical interfaces (3401-3408) in one-to-one correspondence by using optical fibers. The first output end of the optical splitter 352 is connected to the multi-core output optical interface 33 by using optical fibers. The eight second output ends of the optical splitter 352 are connected to eight single-core output optical interfaces (3409-3416) in a one-to-one correspondence by using optical fibers. It should be understood that the 16 single-core output optical interfaces are connected to the ONT in a one-to-one correspondence by using optical fibers.

[0050] In one possible implementation, the optical splitter of the second optical splitting device is an unequal optical splitter, and the output optical power of the first output end is greater than the output optical power of the second output end. For example, the output optical power of the first output end accounts for 70% of the total output power, and the output optical power of the second output end accounts for 30% of the total output power. Since the multi-core output optical interface 33 connected to the first output end is configured to connect to the multi-core input optical interface of the second optical splitting device of the next level, it can be understood that allocating a relatively large optical power to the first output end can enable the optical signal of most power to be maintained on the backbone path and transmitted over a longer distance, and thus the optical signal is distributed to users for use over a longer distance.

[0051] Optionally, the output optical power of each second output end may be the same or different. The ratio of the optical power of the first output end to the optical power of the second output end may be 70 / 30, or another ratio such as 80 / 20 or 90 / 10. Alternatively, the optical splitter of the second optical splitting device may be an equal optical splitter. This is not specifically limited in this specification.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the second optical splitting device according to the present application. In this implementation, a second optical splitter is further disposed in the housing 31. The input end of the second optical splitter is connected to the second output end of the first optical splitter, and the output end of the second optical splitter is connected to the single-core output optical interface in a one-to-one correspondence. As shown in FIG. 7, the optical splitter 351 is similar to the optical splitter 351 shown in FIG. 6, and is an unequal optical splitter whose splitting ratio is 1:9. The optical splitter 352 is different from the optical splitter 352 shown in FIG. 6, and is an unequal optical splitter whose splitting ratio is 1:2. The first output end of the optical splitter 352 is also connected to the multi-core output optical interface 33 by using optical fiber. The second output end of the optical splitter 352 is connected to the input end of the optical splitter 353 by using optical fiber. The optical splitter 353 is an equal optical splitter with a splitting ratio of 1:8. The eight output ends of the optical splitter 353 are connected to eight single-core input optical interfaces (3409 to 3416) in a one-to-one correspondence by using optical fibers. It can be understood that the effect of the optical splitter 351 can also be obtained by combining the optical splitter 352 and the optical splitter 353.

[0053] In practical application, in the early stage of fiber deployment, there may not be enough users who need fiber access. In this case, only the optical splitter 351 and the optical splitter 352 may be preset in the second optical splitting device, and then when there are more requests for access, the optical splitter 353 may be connected to complete the capacity expansion later. In addition, in another implementation, as shown in FIG. 8, only the optical splitter 351 and the optical splitter 352 are preset in the second optical splitting device, and then when there are more requests for access, the third optical splitting device 50 is mounted. Specifically, the second output end of the optical splitter 352 is connected to the input end of the optical splitter 501 of the third optical splitting device 50. It should be understood that the optical splitter 501 of FIG. 8 is similar to the optical splitter 353 of FIG. 7. The details will not be described again here. The above design can satisfy more customers' requests and save customers' investment in the early stage. In addition, subsequent capacity expansion does not require additional optical division devices, but only requires adding optical splitters to the original optical division device, thus reducing construction difficulty and material costs.

[0054] Specifically, the connection between the first optical splitter and the second optical splitter may be implemented by using a fiber connector that holds the optical fiber, or may be implemented by using optical fiber splicing, which is not specifically limited herein.

[0055] In one possible implementation, as shown in FIG. 5, a first multicore adapter may be disposed at the multicore input optical interface 32, a second multicore adapter may be disposed at the multicore output optical interface 33, and a single-core adapter may be disposed at each single-core output optical interface. The first multicore adapter, the second multicore adapter, and the single-core adapter may all be fiber adapters configured to connect to a fiber connector. By presetting the fiber adapter, plug-and-play with the fiber connector can be implemented during on-site construction. Thus, splicing work can be omitted, and construction efficiency can be improved.

[0056] Specifically, the first multicore adapter is mounted to the multicore input optical interface 32, the second multicore adapter is mounted to the multicore output optical interface 33, and each single-core adapter is mounted to a corresponding single-core output optical interface. A port of the first multicore adapter positioned in the housing 31 is connected to one end of at least one first single-core fiber connector 36. The other end of each first single-core fiber connector 36 is connected in one-to-one correspondence to an input end of each first optical splitter 35 by using optical fibers. A port of the second multicore adapter positioned in the housing 31 is connected to one end of at least one second single-core fiber connector 37. The other end of each second single-core fiber connector 37 is connected in one-to-one correspondence to a first output end of each first optical splitter 35 by using optical fibers. The ports of each single-core adapter positioned within the housing 31 are connected in a one-to-one correspondence to one end of a respective third single-core fiber connector 38, and the other end of each third single-core fiber connector 38 is connected in a one-to-one correspondence to a respective second output end of the first optical splitter 35.

[0057] For example, two single-core fiber connectors 36 are connected to the first multi-core adapter shown in Fig. 5, and the two single-core fiber connectors 36 are further connected to the input ends of the two optical splitters 35, respectively. Two single-core fiber connectors 37 are connected to the second multi-core adapter, and the two single-core fiber connectors 37 are further connected to the first output ends of the two optical splitters 35, respectively. One single-core fiber connector 38 is connected to each single-core adapter, and each single-core fiber connector 38 is further connected to the second output ends of the two optical splitters 35 in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0058] It can be understood that the port of the first multicore adapter positioned outside the housing 31 is configured to connect to one end of the first multicore connector, and the other end of the first multicore connector is configured to connect to the multicore output optical interface of the first optical splitting device. The port of the second multicore adapter positioned outside the housing 31 is configured to connect to one end of the second multicore connector, and the other end of the second multicore connector is configured to connect to the multicore input optical interface of the second optical splitting device of the next level. The port of each single-core adapter positioned outside the housing 31 is configured to connect to the respective ONT in a one-to-one correspondence by using a fiber connector. It should be understood that dust caps may be disposed on the out-housing ports of the first multicore adapter, the second multicore adapter, and the single-core adapter. When there is no need to mount a fiber connector, the fiber adapter may be sealed by mounting the dust cap.

[0059] It should be noted that the number of fiber cores supported by the multi-core input optical interface and the number of fiber cores supported by the multi-core output optical interface at the second optical splitting device are not limited in this application. In addition, the number of optical splitters and the number of single-core output optical interfaces at the second optical splitting device are also not limited in this application.

[0060] The second optical dividing device provided in the present application has been described above. For the structure of the second optical dividing device other than the last-level second optical dividing device in the cascaded multiple second optical dividing devices, please refer to the above description. In the following, the last-level second optical dividing device will be described.

[0061] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the second optical splitting device according to the present application. It can be understood that the last-level second optical splitting device is already the last second optical splitting device among a plurality of cascaded second optical splitting devices. Therefore, the second optical splitting device does not include a multi-core output optical interface. Naturally, there is no need to separately assign the output ends in the optical splitters of the second optical splitting device to connect to the multi-core output optical interfaces. Specifically, each single-core output optical interface (3401-3416 shown in FIG. 9) of the second optical splitting device is connected to the output end of the optical splitter 351 and the output end of the optical splitter 352 in a one-to-one correspondence relationship. The structure of the other parts is similar to that of the second optical splitting device shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. Details will not be described again here.

[0062] In the embodiment of the present application, the multi-core input optical interface of the second optical splitting device supports multiple optical fibers, and multiple optical splitters can be disposed in the second optical splitting device, and each optical fiber can be connected to the input end of the corresponding optical splitter. Although the number of output ends of each optical splitter is limited, the number of optical splitters of the second optical splitting device is increased, so that the second optical splitting device can be connected to more ONTs. Therefore, in a scenario where the user density is relatively high, the investment cost and construction difficulty are reduced.

[0063] It can be understood that the names of the multi-core input optical interface, the multi-core output optical interface, the single-core output optical interface, the output end of the optical splitter, and the output end are all defined based on the transmission direction of the downlink optical signal. During the transmission of the uplink optical signal, the multi-core input optical interface can be configured to output light, the multi-core output optical interface and the single-core output optical interface can be configured to input light, the output end of the optical splitter can be configured to input light, and the input end of the optical splitter can be configured to output light. Therefore, the multi-core input optical interface, the multi-core output optical interface, the single-core output optical interface, the output end of the optical splitter, and the output end are merely name definitions and are not intended to limit the functions (e.g., optical input or optical output).

[0064] The above description is merely an exemplary implementation of the present invention, but is not intended to limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any modifications or replacements that are easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention will be included in the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention is subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. a housing, a plurality of first optical splitters, a multi-core input optical interface, a multi-core output optical interface, and a plurality of single-core output optical interfaces, at least one of which corresponds to each of the plurality of first optical splitters, the multi-core input optical interface, the multi-core output optical interface, and the plurality of single-core output optical interfaces being disposed on an outer wall of the housing, the plurality of first optical splitters being disposed within the housing, and each of the plurality of first optical splitters having an input end, a first output end, and at least one second output end; the multicore input optical interface is connected to an input end of each of the plurality of first optical splitters, the first output end of each of the plurality of first optical splitters is connected to the multicore output optical interface, and the second output end of each of the plurality of first optical splitters is connected to the plurality of single-core output optical interfaces in a one-to-one correspondence.

2. 2. The optical dividing device of claim 1, wherein a first multicore adapter is disposed at the multicore input optical interface, a second multicore adapter is disposed at the multicore output optical interface, and a single-core adapter is disposed at each of the plurality of single-core output optical interfaces.

3. 3. The optical splitting device of claim 2, wherein a port in the housing of the first multicore adapter is connected to one end of each of a plurality of first single-core fiber connectors, the other end of each of the plurality of first single-core fiber connectors being connected in one-to-one correspondence to the input end of each of the plurality of first optical splitters by using optical fibers; a port in the housing of the second multicore adapter is connected to one end of each of a plurality of second single-core fiber connectors, the other end of each of the plurality of second single-core fiber connectors being connected in one-to-one correspondence to the first output end of each of the plurality of first optical splitters by using optical fibers; and a port in the housing of each single-core adapter is connected to one end of each of a respective third single-core fiber connectors, the other end of each of the third single-core fiber connectors being connected in one-to-one correspondence to the second output end of each of the plurality of first optical splitters by using optical fibers.

4. 4. The optical splitting device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a number of fiber cores supported by the first multicore adapter and a number of fiber cores supported by the second multicore adapter are greater than or equal to a number of the plurality of first optical splitters.

5. 5. The optical splitting device according to claim 2, wherein the out-housing port of the first multicore adapter is configured to connect to a first multicore fiber connector, the out-housing port of the second multicore adapter is configured to connect to a second multicore fiber connector, and the out-housing port of each single-core adapter is configured to connect to a fourth single-core fiber connector.

6. 6. The optical dividing device according to claim 5, wherein the optical cable connected to the first multi-core fiber connector and the optical cable connected to the second multi-core fiber connector are distribution cables, and the optical cable connected to the fourth single-core fiber connector is a drop cable.

7. 7. The optical splitting device of claim 1, further comprising: at least one second optical splitter disposed in the housing; and wherein the second output end of any one of the plurality of first optical splitters is connected in one-to-one correspondence to an input end of the at least one second optical splitter; and the output end of the at least one second optical splitter is connected in one-to-one correspondence to at least one of the plurality of single-core output optical interfaces.

8. 8. The optical splitting device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first optical splitters include unequal optical splitters, and the output optical power of the first output end is greater than the output optical power of the second output end.

9. 9. The optical dividing device of claim 1, wherein the housing has a base and a top cover, the base and the top cover are removably and securely coupled, and the multi-core input optical interface, the multi-core output optical interface, and the at least one single-core output optical interface are disposed on an end surface of the base.

10. 10. The optical dividing device according to claim 1, wherein the multi-core input optical interface and the multi-core output optical interface are each connectable to an external multi-core optical fiber.

11. The present invention relates to a system including an optical line terminal (OLT), a plurality of optical network terminals (ONTs), a first optical division device, and a plurality of groups of second optical division devices connected in cascade; The first optical dividing device comprises: a housing, a multicore input optical interface, and a plurality of multicore output optical interfaces, the multicore input optical interface and the plurality of multicore output optical interfaces being disposed on an outer wall of the housing, the multicore input optical interface being connected to the plurality of multicore output optical interfaces; the multi-core input optical interface is connectable to an external multi-core optical fiber; The second optical dividing device is the optical dividing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10; an optical division system, wherein the OLT is connected to a multi-core input optical interface of the first optical division device; each multi-core output optical interface of the first optical division device is connected to a multi-core input optical interface of a second optical division device at a first level in a group of cascaded second optical division devices; the multi-core output optical interface of a second optical division device at a higher level in every two adjacent cascaded second optical division devices is connected to a multi-core input optical interface of a second optical division device at a lower level; and the single-core output optical interface of each second optical division device is connected to the ONT in a one-to-one correspondence.

12. An optical splitting system as described in claim 11, wherein in the first optical splitting device, a first multicore adapter is disposed at the multicore input optical interface and a second multicore adapter is disposed at each multicore output optical interface.

13. The optical splitting system of claim 12, wherein in the first optical splitting device, an intra-housing port of the first multicore adapter is connected to one end of a first multicore fiber connector, an intra-housing port of each second multicore adapter is connected to one end of a plurality of single-core fiber connectors, and the other end of the first multicore fiber connector is connected to the other ends of the plurality of single-core fiber connectors by using a fiber patch cord.

14. An optical splitting system as described in claim 12 or 13, wherein in the first optical splitting device, an outer housing port of the first multicore adapter is configured to be connected to a second multicore fiber connector, and outer housing ports of a plurality of the second multicore adapters are configured to be connected to a plurality of third multicore fiber connectors in a one-to-one correspondence relationship.

15. An optical splitting system as described in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein in the first optical splitting device, a plurality of optical splitters are further arranged in the housing, the plurality of optical splitters are in a one-to-one correspondence with the plurality of multi-core output optical interfaces, an input end of each optical splitter is connected to the multi-core input optical interface, and a plurality of output ends of each optical splitter are connected to the multi-core output optical interfaces corresponding to the optical splitters.

16. An optical splitting system as described in any one of claims 11 to 15, wherein in the first optical splitting device, the housing has a base and an upper cover, the base and the upper cover are removably and firmly connected, and the multi-core input optical interface and the multiple multi-core output optical interfaces are disposed on an end face of the base.

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