Optical transmission system, optical device, and optical processing method

Abstract

In the optical transmission system, when a terminal point of an optical signal which propagates through a submarine cable is extended, development man-hours and cost increase. Thus, the optical transmission system according to the present invention includes: a first optical device configured to connect to a plurality of first fibers and second fibers each corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers; and a second optical device configured to connect to the second fibers, each of the first optical device and the second optical device has an optical function block, and the optical function block is configured to realize an optical function defined for each of the plurality of first fibers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an optical transmission system, an optical device, and an optical processing method, and more particularly to an optical transmission system, an optical device, and an optical processing method used together with an optical submarine cable system.

Background Art

[0002] An optical submarine cable system that connects continents with optical fibers plays an important role as infrastructure that supports international communication networks. The optical submarine cable system is composed of a submarine cable that houses optical fibers, a submarine repeater equipped with an optical amplifier, a submarine branching device that branches optical signals, and a terminal device installed at a landing station. An example of such an optical submarine cable system is described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] As a related technique, there is a technique described in Patent Document 2.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In an optical submarine cable system, in recent years, an optical transmission system that assigns a plurality of fiber pairs housed in a submarine cable to different customers (users) has attracted attention. Here, a fiber pair (FP) consists of an optical fiber for an upstream line and an optical fiber for a downstream line.

[0006] On the one hand, the communication traffic volume between large-scale data centers deployed worldwide tends to increase. Along with the increase in the communication traffic volume between data centers, the increase in delay and power consumption due to terminating optical signals (optical paths) at cable landing stations (CLSs) has become a problem. To avoid such problems, there is a desire to extend the termination points of optical signals propagating through undersea cables to customer data centers installed inland or points of presence (POPs) that are connection points to backbone networks from cable landing stations (CLSs).

[0007] However, in this case, since the optical devices owned by customers at data centers or POPs are different for each customer, the device configurations will be different for each customer. As a result, it is necessary to change the product configuration for each customer, that is, for each fiber pair to be connected, increasing the development man-hours and costs.

[0008] Thus, in an optical transmission system, there has been a problem that when the termination points of optical signals propagating through undersea cables are extended, the development man-hours and costs increase.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide an optical transmission system, an optical device, and an optical processing method that solve the above-described problem, that is, the problem that when the termination points of optical signals propagating through undersea cables are extended in an optical transmission system, the development man-hours and costs increase.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0010] The optical transmission system of the present invention includes a first optical device configured to be connected to a plurality of first fibers and a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers, and a second optical device configured to be connected to the second fiber. The first optical device and the second optical device each have an optical function block, and the optical function block is configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers.

[0011] The optical device of the present invention includes a first connection means configured to connect to a plurality of first fibers, a second connection means configured to connect to a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers, and an optical function block configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers.

[0012] The optical processing method of the present invention performs a first optical processing on a first light propagating through a plurality of first fibers, and performs a second optical processing on a second light propagating through a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers. The first optical processing and the second optical processing are processes for realizing an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers.

Advantages of the Invention

[0013] According to the optical transmission system, optical device, and optical processing method of the present invention, even when the termination point of an optical signal propagating through a submarine cable is extended in the optical transmission system, an increase in development man-hours and costs can be avoided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Figure 8

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0015] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0016] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an optical transmission system 1000 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The optical transmission system 1000 includes a first optical device 1100 and a second optical device 1200. The optical transmission system 1000 is preferably used together with an optical submarine cable system.

[0017] The first optical device 1100 is configured to be connected to a plurality of first fibers 10 and second fibers 20 corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers 10. The second optical device 1200 is configured to be connected to the second fibers 20. The first optical device 1100 and the second optical device 1200 each have optical function blocks 1110 and 1210, and these optical function blocks 1110 and 1210 are configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers 10.

[0018] Here, the first optical device 1100 can be configured to include a first connection portion (first connection means) configured to be connected to a plurality of first fibers 10 connected to a submarine optical device. Further, the first optical device 1100 can be configured to include a second connection portion (second connection means) configured to be connected to second fibers 20 laid on land. The first optical device 1100 is typically installed at a Cable Landing Station (CLS) of an optical submarine cable system.

[0019] The second optical device 1200 can be configured to include a third connection part (third connection means) configured to connect to the second fiber 20 laid on land. Further, the second optical device 1200 can be configured to include a fourth connection part (fourth connection means) configured to connect to a third fiber connected to an optical transponder. The second optical device 1200 is typically installed at a connection point (Point of Presence: POP) with a data center or a backbone network. In this case, the termination point of the optical signal propagating through the undersea cable can be extended to the data center or the POP. Note that in FIG. 1, the optical transmission system 1000 is shown with a configuration having one second optical device 1200, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration having a plurality of second optical devices 1200 may also be used.

[0020] The first fiber 10 and the second fiber 20 are typically a fiber pair (FP) consisting of an optical fiber for an upstream line and an optical fiber for a downstream line.

[0021] As described above, the optical transmission system 1000 according to the present embodiment is configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers 10 by the optical function blocks 1110 and 1210 provided in the first optical device 1100 and the second optical device 1200. By adopting such a configuration, the components of the optical function blocks can be shared, and the optical function can be realized by combining the components. As a result, it is not necessary to individually develop a device that realizes an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers. Therefore, according to the optical transmission system 1000 of the present embodiment, even when the termination point of the optical signal propagating through the undersea cable is extended, an increase in the development man-hours and costs can be avoided.

[0022] The optical transmission system 1000 can be configured to include optical interface blocks in which the optical function blocks 1110 and 1210 are provided with optical interface means. That is, as in the optical transmission system 1001 shown in FIG. 2, the first optical device 1100 can be configured to include a first optical interface block 1111, which is an optical interface block, for each of the plurality of first fibers 10. Further, the second optical device 1200 can be configured to include a second optical interface block 1211, which is an optical interface block, corresponding to the second fiber 20.

[0023] In this way, by configuring the first optical device 1100 and the second optical device 1200 to include the optical interface blocks 1111 and 1211 respectively, it becomes possible to set an optical function for each of the plurality of first fibers 10.

[0024] As the optical interface means included in the optical interface block, at least one of an optical coupler and an optical switch can be used. Further, the optical interface block can be configured to further include optical amplifier means and optical monitor means. Here, as the optical amplifier means, an amplifier using an erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) can be used. Also, as the optical monitor means, typically an optical channel monitor (OCM) can be used.

[0025] The optical function blocks 1110 and 1210 can be configured to include a dummy optical generation block, a subsea equipment control block, an optical demultiplexing block, and an optical amplification block. And at least one of the first optical device 1100 and the second optical device 1200 can be configured to further include at least one of a dummy optical generation block, a subsea equipment control block, an optical demultiplexing block, and an optical amplification block. Thereby, the components (each block) of the optical function block can be shared, and the optical functions determined for each of the plurality of first fibers 10 can be realized by the combination of the components (each block).

[0026] The dummy optical generation block includes dummy optical generation means for generating dummy light. As the dummy optical generation means, for example, an ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) light source in which an amplifier using an erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) is in a state without an input signal can be used.

[0027] The subsea equipment control block includes control means for subsea equipment connected to each of the plurality of first fibers 10. Here, the subsea equipment is, for example, a subsea branching unit (Branching Unit: BU) or a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (Reconfigurable Optical Add / Drop Multiplexer: ROADM).

[0028] The optical demultiplexing block includes optical signal demultiplexing means. As the demultiplexing means, typically, a wavelength selectable switch (Wavelength Selectable Switch: WSS) can be used.

[0029] The optical amplification block includes optical amplification means. As the optical amplification means, typically, an amplifier using an erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) can be used.

[0030] Here, each block including the above-described optical interface block can be configured as a flat box type device. By mounting each flat box type device on a rack, miniaturization and space saving of the first optical device 1100 and the second optical device 1200 can be achieved.

[0031] Next, the dummy light generation block will be described in more detail. FIG. 3 shows the configuration of the dummy light generation block 100. The dummy light generation block 100 includes a dummy light generation means 110, an optical branching means 120, a first output connection means 130, and a second output connection means 140.

[0032] Furthermore, a switching means 150 may be provided to switch the output destination of the dummy light output by the dummy light generation means 110 to either the optical branching means 120 or the second output connection means 140. Not limited to this, the dummy light generation means 110 and the second output connection means 140 may be directly connected without providing the switching means 150. In this case, by connecting the second output connection means 140 and the optical branching means 120 with an optical patch cord or the like, it is possible to switch to output the dummy light from the first output connection means 130 via the optical branching means 120. Here, the optical patch cord is obtained by attaching a connector to an optical fiber cable.

[0033] As the dummy light generation means 110, for example, an ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) light source in a state where an amplifier using an erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) has no input signal can be used as described above.

[0034] The optical branching means 120 is configured to branch the dummy light and output a plurality of branched dummy lights. As the optical branching means 120, typically, a multi-branched optical splitter can be used.

[0035] The first output connection means 130 is configured to output a plurality of branched dummy lights. Also, the second output connection means 140 is configured to output dummy lights. As the first output connection means 130 and the second output connection means 140, typically, an optical adapter can be used.

[0036] In this case, as in the optical transmission system 1002 shown in FIG. 4, the first optical device 1100 can be configured to include a first dummy light generation block 1112 that is a dummy light generation block. The first dummy light generation block 1112 is connected to each of the first optical interface block 1111 and the first optical interface block 1121 by the first output connection means 130 (see FIG. 3).

[0037] Here, the first optical interface block 1111 is connected to the first fiber 11 and a second fiber 21 corresponding to the first fiber 11. The second fiber 21 is connected to a second optical interface block 1211 included in the second optical device 1201. Similarly, the first optical interface block 1121 is connected to the first fiber 12 and a second fiber 22 corresponding to the first fiber 12. And the second fiber 22 is connected to a second optical interface block 1221 included in the second optical device 1202.

[0038] With such a configuration, it is possible to simultaneously supply branched dummy lights to a plurality of first fibers 11, 12. Therefore, even when the plurality of first fibers 11, 12 are in an unused state, it is possible to make the plurality of first fibers 11, 12 in a state where optical pulses can be introduced simultaneously. Therefore, it becomes possible to monitor unused optical fibers (dark fibers) without causing the occurrence of optical surges.

[0039] Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the second optical device 1203 can be configured to include a second dummy light generation block 1232 which is a dummy light generation block. The second dummy light generation block 1232 is connected by a second optical interface block 1231 and a second output connection means 140 (see FIG. 3).

[0040] Here, the second optical interface block 1231 is connected to a second fiber 23. The second fiber 23 is connected to a first optical interface block 1131 provided in the first optical device 1100. And a first fiber 13 corresponding to the second fiber 23 is connected to this first optical interface block 1131.

[0041] With such a configuration, it is possible to individually compensate for the wavelength dependence of losses and gains in the first fiber 13 and the undersea equipment connected to the first fiber 13 with dummy light. That is, even when a customer assigned to the first fiber 13 does not have an optical device for generating dummy light in a data center or a POP, a function of compensating for the wavelength dependence of the above-described undersea equipment and the like with dummy light can be provided.

[0042] Thus, according to the optical transmission system of the present embodiment, it is possible to configure an optical function block so as to meet the demands of customers assigned to each first fiber. In this case, in the optical transmission system 1002 of the present embodiment, since the dummy light generation blocks which are components of the optical function block are shared, an increase in development man-hours and costs can be avoided.

[0043] Incidentally, the dummy light generation block having the above-described configuration may be provided in the first optical device 1100 (not shown). That is, the first optical device 1100 may include a first dummy light generation block that is a dummy light generation block, and this first dummy light generation block may be configured to be connected by a first optical interface block 1131 and a second output connection means (see FIG. 3). Here, the first optical interface block 1131 is connected to the first fiber 13.

[0044] Even with such a configuration, the wavelength dependence of the losses and gains in the first fiber 13 and the undersea equipment connected to the first fiber 13 can be individually compensated for by the dummy light.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows an example of an optical transmission system in which the first optical device and the second optical device also include other blocks.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 5, the optical transmission system 1003 may be configured such that the first optical device 1100 further includes a subsea equipment control block 1113. The subsea equipment control block 1113 is connected to the first optical interface blocks 1111, 1121, and 1131, respectively. Thereby, the subsea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers 11, 12, and 13 can be controlled via the first optical interface blocks 1111, 1121, and 1131.

[0047] Further, the first optical device 1100 may be configured to include optical amplification blocks 1114, 1124, and 1134 for each of the plurality of first fibers 11, 12, and 13. Thereby, the second fibers 21, 22, and 23 can be extended, for example, by about 100 kilometers (km). When the first optical device 1100 and the second optical device 1200 are close to each other and the second fibers 21, 22, and 23 are short, it is also possible to use the optical amplification means provided in the first optical interface blocks 1111, 1121, and 1131 instead of the optical amplification blocks 1114, 1124, and 1134.

[0048] Furthermore, the optical transmission system 1003 can be configured such that the second optical device 1203 includes an optical multiplexing / demultiplexing block 1233. As a result, even if a customer assigned to the first fiber 13 does not have an optical device for optical multiplexing / demultiplexing, wavelength-division multiplexing transmission can be performed by connecting an optical transponder to the optical multiplexing / demultiplexing block 1233.

[0049] Next, the optical processing method according to this embodiment will be described.

[0050] In the optical processing method according to this embodiment, first optical processing is performed on first light propagating through a plurality of first fibers. Also, second optical processing is performed on second light propagating through a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers. Here, the first optical processing and the second optical processing are processes for realizing an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers.

[0051] The first optical processing and the second optical processing can be configured to realize an optical function by combining any of a process of introducing dummy light as at least one of the first light and the second light, a process of controlling undersea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers, a process of demultiplexing at least one of the first light and the second light, and a process of amplifying at least one of the first light and the second light.

[0052] In this case, the first optical processing can be configured to include a process of introducing dummy light as the first light. Here, the process of introducing dummy light can include a process of generating dummy light, a process of branching this dummy light to generate a plurality of branched dummy lights, and a process of introducing the plurality of branched dummy lights into each of the plurality of first fibers.

[0053] Also, the first optical processing can include a process of introducing dummy light as the first light, and the process of introducing this dummy light can include a process of generating dummy light and a process of introducing this dummy light into any of the plurality of first fibers.

[0054] On the other hand, the second optical processing can be configured to include a process of introducing dummy light as the second light. Here, the process of introducing dummy light can include a process of generating dummy light and a process of introducing this dummy light into the second fiber.

[0055] The first optical processing can be a process related to the first light propagating through a plurality of first fibers connected to the undersea optical device. Also, the second optical processing can be a process related to the second light propagating through the second fiber laid on land.

[0056] As described above, according to the optical transmission systems 1000 to 1003 and the optical processing method of the present embodiment, even when the end point of the optical signal propagating through the undersea cable is extended in the optical transmission system, an increase in development man-hours and costs can be avoided.

[0057] 〔Second Embodiment〕 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 shows the configuration of an optical device 2000 according to this embodiment. The optical device 2000 has a first connection part (first connection means) 2100, a second connection part (second connection means) 2200, and an optical function block 2300. The optical device 2000 is preferably used together with an optical undersea cable system.

[0058] The first connection part 2100 is configured to connect to a plurality of first fibers 10. The second connection part 2200 is configured to connect to a second fiber 20 corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers 10. And the optical function block 2300 is configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers 10. The optical device 2000 is typically installed at a Cable Landing Station (CLS) of an optical undersea cable system.

[0059] Here, the first connection part 2100 can be configured to connect to a plurality of first fibers 10 connected to the undersea optical device. Further, the second connection part 2200 can be configured to connect to a second fiber 20 laid on land.

[0060] The first fiber 10 and the second fiber 20 are typically a fiber pair (FP) consisting of an optical fiber for the upstream line and an optical fiber for the downstream line.

[0061] Thus, the optical device 2000 according to this embodiment has an optical function block 2300, and the optical function block 2300 is configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers 10. With such a configuration, the components of the optical function block can be shared, and the optical function can be realized by combining the components. As a result, there is no need to individually develop a device that realizes an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers. Therefore, according to the optical device 2000 of this embodiment, even when the termination point of the optical signal propagating through the undersea cable is extended, an increase in the development man-hours and cost can be avoided.

[0062] Also, as in the optical device 2001 shown in FIG. 7, the optical function block 2300 can be configured to include an optical interface block 2310 having optical interface means for each of the plurality of first fibers 10. As the optical interface means included in the optical interface block 2310, at least one of an optical coupler and an optical switch can be used.

[0063] The optical interface block 2310 can be further configured to include optical amplifier means and optical monitor means. Here, as the optical amplifier means, an amplifier using an erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) can be used. Also, as the optical monitor means, typically an optical channel monitor (OCM) can be used.

[0064] The optical function block 2300 can be configured to further include at least one of a dummy light generation block, a subsea equipment control block, an optical demultiplexing block, and an optical amplification block. Thereby, the components (each block) of the optical function block are shared, and the optical functions determined for each of the plurality of first fibers 10 can be realized by the combination of the components (each block).

[0065] FIG. 8 shows, as an example, the configuration of an optical device 2002 in which the optical function block 2300 includes optical interface blocks 2311, 2312, 2313, dummy light generation blocks 2321, 2322, a subsea equipment control block 2330, and optical amplification blocks 2341, 2342, 2343. Here, the optical interface blocks 2311, 2312, 2313 are respectively connected to a plurality of first fibers 11, 12, 13 via a first connection portion 2100. Similarly, the optical interface blocks 2311, 2312, 2313 are respectively connected to second fibers 21, 22, 23 via a second connection portion 2200.

[0066] The dummy light generation blocks 2321, 2322 each include dummy light generation means for generating dummy light. As the dummy light generation means, for example, an ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) light source in which an amplifier using an erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) is in a state without an input signal can be used.

[0067] The subsea equipment control block 2330 includes control means for subsea equipment connected to each of the plurality of first fibers 11, 12, 13. Here, the subsea equipment is, for example, a subsea branching unit (Branching Unit: BU) or a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (Reconfigurable Optical Add / Drop Multiplexer: ROADM).

[0068] The optical amplification blocks 2341, 2342, and 2343 are provided with optical amplification means. As the optical amplification means, typically, an amplifier using an erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) can be used. By adopting a configuration including the optical amplification blocks 2341, 2342, and 2343, the second fibers 21, 22, and 23 can be extended, for example, by about 100 kilometers (km). That is, the termination points of the optical signals propagating through the submarine cable including the first fibers 11, 12, and 13 can be extended. When the second fibers 21, 22, and 23 are short, instead of the optical amplification blocks 2341, 2342, and 2343, the optical amplifier means provided in the optical interface blocks 2311, 2312, and 2313 may be used respectively.

[0069] The optical demultiplexing block is provided with optical signal demultiplexing means. As the demultiplexing means, typically, a wavelength selectable switch (WSS) can be used.

[0070] Here, each of the above-described blocks can be configured as a flat box type device. By mounting each flat box type device on a rack, miniaturization and space saving of the optical devices 2000, 2001, and 2002 can be achieved. Further, in the optical devices 2000, 2001, and 2002 of the present embodiment, since each block which is a component of the optical function block is shared, an increase in development man-hours and costs can be avoided.

[0071] The configurations of the dummy light generation blocks 2321 and 2322 are the same as those of the dummy light generation block 100 according to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 3. That is, the dummy light generation blocks 2321 and 2322 are provided with dummy light generation means, optical branching means, first output connection means, and second output connection means.

[0072] As the dummy light generation means, for example, as described above, an ASE (Amplified Spontaneous Emission) light source with an amplifier using erbium-doped fiber (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier: EDFA) in a state without an input signal can be used.

[0073] The optical branching means is configured to branch the dummy light and output a plurality of branched dummy lights. As the optical branching section, typically, a multi-branched optical splitter can be used.

[0074] The first output connection means is configured to output a plurality of branched dummy lights. Also, the second output connection means is configured to output the dummy light. As the first output connection means and the second output connection means, typically, an optical adapter can be used.

[0075] At this time, the dummy light generation block 2321 included in the optical function block 2300 can be configured to be connected to each of the optical interface blocks 2311 and 2312 by the first output connection means. By adopting such a configuration, it is possible to simultaneously supply the branched dummy light to the plurality of first fibers 11 and 12. Therefore, even when the plurality of first fibers 11 and 12 are in a non-use state, it is possible to make the plurality of first fibers 11 and 12 simultaneously in a state where optical pulses can be introduced. As a result, it becomes possible to monitor the unused optical fibers (dark fibers) without causing the occurrence of optical surges.

[0076] Also, the dummy light generation block 2322 included in the optical function block 2300 can be configured to be connected to the optical interface block 2313 by the second output connection means. By adopting such a configuration, the wavelength dependence of the losses and gains in the first fiber 13 and the subsea equipment connected to the first fiber 13 can be individually compensated by the dummy light.

[0077] Thus, according to the optical devices 2000, 2001, and 2002 of the present embodiment, it is possible to configure the optical functional blocks so as to satisfy the demands of customers assigned to each of the first fibers 11, 12, and 13.

[0078] As described above, according to the optical devices 2000, 2001, and 2002 of the present embodiment, even when the termination point of the optical signal propagating through the submarine cable is extended, an increase in development man-hours and costs can be avoided.

[0079] Some or all of the above embodiments may be described as follows in the following supplementary notes, but are not limited thereto.

[0080] (Supplementary Note 1) An optical transmission system having a first optical device configured to be connected to a plurality of first fibers and a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers, and a second optical device configured to be connected to the second fiber, wherein the first optical device and the second optical device each have an optical functional block, and the optical functional block is configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers.

[0081] (Supplementary Note 2) The optical transmission system according to Supplementary Note 1, wherein the optical functional block includes an optical interface block provided with optical interface means, the first optical device includes a first optical interface block that is the optical interface block for each of the plurality of first fibers, and the second optical device includes a second optical interface block that is the optical interface block corresponding to the second fiber.

[0082] (Appendix 3) The optical function block includes a dummy light generation block provided with dummy light generation means for generating dummy light, a subsea equipment control block provided with control means for subsea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers, an optical multiplexing / demultiplexing block provided with optical signal multiplexing / demultiplexing means, and an optical amplification block provided with optical amplification means. At least one of the first optical device and the second optical device further includes at least one of the dummy light generation block, the subsea equipment control block, the optical multiplexing / demultiplexing block, and the optical amplification block. The optical transmission system described in Appendix 2.

[0083] (Appendix 4) The dummy light generation block includes the dummy light generation means, optical branching means configured to branch the dummy light to output a plurality of branched dummy lights, first output connection means configured to output the plurality of branched dummy lights, and second output connection means configured to output the dummy light. The optical transmission system described in Appendix 3.

[0084] (Appendix 5) The first optical device includes a first dummy light generation block which is the dummy light generation block. The first dummy light generation block is connected to each of the first optical interface blocks by the first output connection means. The optical transmission system described in Appendix 4.

[0085] (Appendix 6) The first optical device includes a first dummy light generation block which is the dummy light generation block. The first dummy light generation block is connected to the first optical interface block by the second output connection means. The optical transmission system described in Appendix 4.

[0086] (Appendix 7) The second optical device includes a second dummy light generation block which is the dummy light generation block. The second dummy light generation block is connected to the second optical interface block by the second output connection means. The optical transmission system described in Appendix 4 or 5.

[0087] (Appendix 8) The optical transmission system according to any one of Appendices 2 to 7, wherein the optical interface block further includes an optical amplifier means and an optical monitor means.

[0088] (Appendix 9) The optical transmission system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 8, wherein the first optical device includes a first connection means configured to connect to the plurality of first fibers connected to the undersea optical device, and a second connection means configured to connect to the second fiber laid on land.

[0089] (Appendix 10) The optical transmission system according to any one of Appendices 1 to 9, wherein the second optical device includes a third connection means configured to connect to the second fiber laid on land, and a fourth connection means configured to connect to a third fiber connected to an optical transponder.

[0090] (Appendix 11) An optical device including a first connection means configured to connect to a plurality of first fibers, a second connection means configured to connect to a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers, and an optical function block configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers.

[0091] (Appendix 12) The optical device according to Appendix 11, wherein the optical function block includes an optical interface block provided with optical interface means for each of the plurality of first fibers.

[0092] (Appendix 13) The optical device according to Appendix 12, wherein the optical function block further includes at least one of a dummy light generation block provided with a dummy light generation means for generating dummy light, a subsea equipment control block provided with a control means for subsea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers, an optical demultiplexing block provided with an optical signal demultiplexing means, and an optical amplification block provided with an optical amplification means.

[0093] (Appendix 14) The dummy light generation block includes the dummy light generation means, an optical branching means configured to branch the dummy light and output a plurality of branched dummy lights, a first output connection means configured to output the plurality of branched dummy lights, and a second output connection means configured to output the dummy light. The optical device described in Appendix 13.

[0094] (Appendix 15) The optical function block includes the dummy light generation block, and the dummy light generation block is connected to each of the optical interface blocks and the first output connection means. The optical device described in Appendix 14.

[0095] (Appendix 16) The optical function block includes the dummy light generation block, and the dummy light generation block is connected to the optical interface block and the second output connection means. The optical device described in Appendix 14.

[0096] (Appendix 17) The optical interface block further includes an optical amplifier means and an optical monitor means. The optical device described in any one of Appendices 12 to 16.

[0097] (Appendix 18) The first connection means is configured to connect to the plurality of first fibers connected to the undersea optical device, and the second connection means is configured to connect to the second fiber laid on land. The optical device described in any one of Appendices 11 to 17.

[0098] (Appendix 19) A first optical process is performed on the first light propagating through the plurality of first fibers, and a second optical process is performed on the second light propagating through the second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers. The first optical process and the second optical process are processes for realizing an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers. An optical processing method.

[0099] (Appendix 20) The first optical process and the second optical process are the optical processing method described in Appendix 19 for realizing the optical function by combining any of a process of introducing dummy light as at least one of the first light and the second light, a process of controlling subsea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers, a process of demultiplexing at least one of the first light and the second light, and a process of amplifying at least one of the first light and the second light.

[0100] (Appendix 21) The first optical process includes a process of introducing the dummy light as the first light, and the process of introducing the dummy light includes a process of generating the dummy light, a process of branching the dummy light to generate a plurality of branched dummy lights, and a process of introducing the plurality of branched dummy lights into each of the plurality of first fibers, which is the optical processing method described in Appendix 20.

[0101] (Appendix 22) The first optical process includes a process of introducing the dummy light as the first light, and the process of introducing the dummy light includes a process of generating the dummy light and a process of introducing the dummy light into any of the plurality of first fibers, which is the optical processing method described in Appendix 20.

[0102] (Appendix 23) The second optical process includes a process of introducing the dummy light as the second light, and the process of introducing the dummy light includes a process of generating the dummy light and a process of introducing the dummy light into the second fiber, which is the optical processing method described in Appendix 20 or 21.

[0103] (Appendix 24) The first optical process is a process related to the first light propagating through the plurality of first fibers connected to the subsea optical device, and the second optical process is a process related to the second light propagating through the second fiber laid on land, which is the optical processing method described in any one of Appendices 19 to 23.

[0104] The present invention has been described with reference to the embodiments above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the configuration and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0105] 1000, 1001, 1002, 1003 Optical transmission system 1100 First optical device 1110, 1210, 2300 Optical function block 1111, 1121, 1131 First optical interface block 1112 First dummy light generation block 1113, 2330 Submarine equipment control block 1114, 1124, 1134, 2341, 2342, 2343 Optical amplification block 1200, 1201, 1202, 1203 Second optical device 1211, 1221, 1231 Second optical interface block 1232 Second dummy light generation block 1233 Optical multiplexing / demultiplexing block 2000, 2001, 2002 Optical device 2100 First connection part 2200 Second connection part 2310, 2311, 2312, 2313 Optical interface block 2321, 2322 Dummy light generation block 100 Dummy light generation block 110 Dummy light generation means 120 Optical branching means 130 First output connection means 140 Second output connection means 150 Switching means 10, 11, 12, 13 First optical fiber 20, 21, 22, 23 Second optical fiber

Claims

1. A first optical device configured to connect to a plurality of first fibers and a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers, and a second optical device configured to connect to the second fiber, wherein each of the first optical device and the second optical device has an optical function block, the optical function block is configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers, the optical function block includes an optical interface block having optical interface means, the first optical device includes a first optical interface block, which is the optical interface block, for each of the plurality of first fibers, the second optical device includes a second optical interface block, which is the optical interface block, corresponding to the second fiber, the optical function block further includes a dummy light generation block having dummy light generation means for generating dummy light, a subsea equipment control block having control means for subsea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers, an optical demultiplexing block having optical signal demultiplexing means, and an optical amplification block having optical amplification means, at least one of the first optical device and the second optical device further includes at least one of the dummy light generation block, the subsea equipment control block, the optical demultiplexing block, and the optical amplification block, the dummy light generation block includes the dummy light generation means, optical branching means configured to branch the dummy light to output a plurality of branched dummy lights, first output connection means configured to output the plurality of branched dummy lights, and second output connection means configured to output the dummy light, an optical transmission system.

2. The first optical device includes a first dummy light generation block, which is the dummy light generation block, the first dummy light generation block is connected to each of the first optical interface blocks by the first output connection means The optical transmission system according to claim 1.

3. The first optical device includes a first dummy light generation block, which is the dummy light generation block, the first dummy light generation block is connected to the first optical interface block by the second output connection means The optical transmission system according to claim 1.

4. The second optical device includes a second dummy light generation block which is the dummy light generation block, The second dummy light generation block is connected by the second optical interface block and the second output connection means The optical transmission system according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The optical interface block further includes an optical amplifier means and an optical monitor means The optical transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A first connection means configured to connect to a plurality of first fibers, A second connection means configured to connect to a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers, An optical function block configured to realize an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers, and The optical function block includes an optical interface block provided with optical interface means for each of the plurality of first fibers, The optical function block further includes at least one of a dummy light generation block provided with dummy light generation means for generating dummy light, a subsea equipment control block provided with control means for subsea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers, an optical demultiplexing block provided with optical signal demultiplexing means, and an optical amplification block provided with optical amplification means, The dummy light generation block includes the dummy light generation means, an optical branching means configured to branch the dummy light and output a plurality of branched dummy lights, a first output connection means configured to output the plurality of branched dummy lights, and a second output connection means configured to output the dummy light, Optical device.

7. Performing first optical processing on a first light propagating through a plurality of first fibers, Performing second optical processing on a second light propagating through a second fiber corresponding to each of the plurality of first fibers, The first optical processing and the second optical processing are processes for realizing an optical function determined for each of the plurality of first fibers, The first optical processing and the second optical processing realize the optical function by combining any of a process of introducing dummy light as at least one of the first light and the second light, a process of controlling subsea equipment connected to the plurality of first fibers, a process of demultiplexing at least one of the first light and the second light, and a process of amplifying at least one of the first light and the second light, The first optical processing includes a process of introducing the dummy light as the first light, and the process of introducing the dummy light includes a process of generating the dummy light, a process of branching the dummy light to generate a plurality of branched dummy lights, and a process of introducing the plurality of branched dummy lights into each of the plurality of first fibers. Optical processing method.

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