Signal transmission system and signal transmission method

Abstract

A signal transmission system comprising: a plurality of transceivers that transmit and receive optical signals; a gateway that receives the optical signals transmitted by the transceivers, performs optical-to-electrical conversion and electrical-to-optical conversion on the received optical signals, and outputs the resulting optical signals; an optical switch; a transceiver control unit that controls the operation of the transceivers; and a management unit that determines the wavelength of the optical signals transmitted by the transceivers. Upon acquiring transmission schedule notification information indicating a scheduled transmission transceiver, which is a transceiver scheduled to transmit an optical signal, the management unit determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmission transceiver according to a predetermined rule, and the transceiver control unit causes, after the determination of the wavelength, the scheduled transmission transceiver to transmit the optical signal having the determined wavelength.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a signal transmission system and a signal transmission method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a hyperscale data center network, which is a system in which multiple data centers (DCs) distributed over a wide area are connected as one huge DC via an aggregation switch. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Mark Filer, “Low-margin optical networking at cloud scale”, Vol. 11, No. 10 / October 2019 / Journal of Optical Communications and Networking. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the hyperscale data center networks proposed so far, L2 routing processing may occur in communications in a regional network configuration using switches in a DC and external DC connection switches (RNGs). For example, L2 routing processing occurs when communicating with a switch in a DC in another location via the nearest RNG or with another RNG.

[0005] Routing processing at L2 is performed by the RNG, which processes packets, determines the route, and sends them to the destination. To process packets, determine the route, and send them to the destination, the RNG needs to convert optical signals to electrical signals and electrical signals to optical signals. Therefore, DCNWs proposed so far have had the problem of high power consumption.

[0006] This situation is not limited to hyperscale data center networks, but is common to signal transmission systems that include devices that convert optical signals to electrical signals and electrical signals to optical signals.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for suppressing an increase in power consumption required for signal transmission. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One aspect of the present invention is a signal transmission system comprising: a plurality of transceivers that transmit and receive optical signals; a gateway that receives the optical signals transmitted by the transceivers, performs optical-to-electrical conversion and electrical-to-optical conversion on the received optical signals, and outputs the converted optical signals; an optical switch having a port connected to the transceivers and a port connected to the gateway, and outputting the optical signals to a port corresponding to the wavelength of the optical signal input to the port; a transceiver control unit that controls the operation of the transceivers; and a management unit that determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the transceivers, wherein when the management unit obtains transmission schedule notification information indicating a planned transmitting transceiver that is the transceiver that is scheduled to transmit the optical signal, the management unit determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the planned transmitting transceiver in accordance with predetermined rules, and after determining the wavelength, the transceiver control unit causes the planned transmitting transceiver to transmit an optical signal of the determined wavelength.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is a signal transmission method executed by a signal transmission system comprising: a plurality of transceivers that transmit and receive optical signals; a gateway that receives the optical signals transmitted by the transceivers, performs optical-to-electrical conversion and electrical-to-optical conversion on the received optical signals, and outputs the converted optical signals; an optical switch having a port connected to the transceivers and a port connected to the gateway, and outputting the optical signals to a port corresponding to the wavelength of the optical signal input to the port; a transceiver control unit that controls the operation of the transceivers; and a management unit that determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the transceivers.The signal transmission method includes: a determination step in which, when transmission schedule notification information indicating a planned transmitting transceiver that is the transceiver that is scheduled to transmit the optical signal is obtained, the management unit determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the planned transmitting transceiver in accordance with predetermined rules; and a control step in which, after determining the wavelength, the transceiver control unit causes the planned transmitting transceiver to transmit an optical signal of the determined wavelength. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption required for signal transmission. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an outline of a signal transmission system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a first flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in a signal transmission system according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] 10 is a second flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] 10 is a third flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a management apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit included in the management device according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a transceiver control device according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a control unit included in the transceiver control device according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a gateway according to an embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a transceiver according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating grouping and switching transmission in a modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a signal transmission system according to a modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the detailed configuration of a transceiver according to a modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 20 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the detailed configuration of a transceiver according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] (Embodiment) 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of a signal transmission system 100 according to an embodiment. An example of the implementation of the signal transmission system 100 will be described in detail later, but first, an overview of the signal transmission system 100 will be described.

[0013] The signal transmission system 100 includes a managed unit 10, a gateway 103, a management unit 104, and a transceiver control unit 105. A collection of one or more signal transmission systems 100 is, for example, a network of layers 1 to 3 in a hyperscale data center network. The managed unit 10 is managed by the management unit 104.

[0014] The management unit 104 and the transceiver control unit 105 do not need to be implemented as separate devices, but may be implemented as a single device that combines the functions of both. The management unit 104 may be implemented using a plurality of information processing devices that are communicatively connected via a network. The transceiver control unit 105 may also be implemented using a plurality of information processing devices that are communicatively connected via a network.

[0015] The managed unit 10 includes M transceivers 101, ie, transceiver 101-1 to transceiver 101-M (M is an integer of 2 or more), and an optical switch 102. Each transceiver 101 is a transceiver. That is, the transceiver 101 transmits and receives optical signals.

[0016] When the signal transmission system 100 is a network of layers 1 to 3 in a hyperscale data center network, the transceivers 101-1 to 101-M are, for example, transceivers in a data center (DC). In such a case, at least some of the transceivers 101-1 to 101-M may belong to a data center different from that of the other transceivers 101.

[0017] The optical switch 102 has a port connected to the transceiver 101 and a port connected to the gateway 103. Specific examples of the number of ports and their connection relationships will be explained in the explanation of grouping and interchange transmission in the modified example described below. The optical switch 102 outputs an optical signal input to a port to a port corresponding to the wavelength of the optical signal. The optical switch 102 is, for example, a MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems).

[0018] The gateway 103 receives the optical signal transmitted by the transceiver 101, performs optical-electrical conversion and electrical-optical conversion on the received optical signal, and outputs the converted optical signal. More specifically, the gateway 103 receives the optical signal transmitted by the transceiver 101 via the optical switch 102, performs optical-electrical conversion and electrical-optical conversion on the received optical signal, and outputs the converted optical signal.

[0019] The gateway 103 is, for example, a Regional Network Gateway (RNG) in a hyperscale data center network.

[0020] The management unit 104 manages the managed unit 10. The management unit 104 manages, for example, the operation of the transceiver 101. Specifically, managing the operation of the transceiver 101 means executing a wavelength determination process. The wavelength determination process is a process in which, when the management unit 104 acquires transmission schedule notification information, it determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver indicated in the transmission schedule notification information in accordance with a predetermined rule (hereinafter referred to as the "wavelength determination rule").

[0021] The transmission schedule notification information is information indicating a scheduled transmitting transceiver. For example, when a powered scheduled transmitting transceiver emits light indicating that power supply has started, the transmission schedule notification information is the emitted light. For example, when a powered scheduled transmitting transceiver outputs an electrical signal indicating that power supply has started, the transmission schedule notification information may be the output electrical signal.

[0022] The planned-transmission transceiver is the transceiver 101 that is planned to transmit an optical signal. Hereinafter, an optical signal that is planned to be transmitted will be referred to as a planned-transmission optical signal.

[0023] The transmission schedule notification information is output by the transceiver 101 to which power is supplied, for example, at the timing when power is supplied to the transceiver 101. In this case, the transceiver 101 that outputs the transmission schedule notification information is the scheduled transmitting transceiver.

[0024] For example, when the transceiver 101 acquires signal attribute information, the transceiver 101 outputs the transmission schedule notification information. In this case, the transmission schedule notification information is information including, for example, the signal attribute information.

[0025] The signal attribute information is information indicating the attributes of an optical signal to be transmitted. The signal attribute information includes, for example, information indicating the transmission destination of the optical signal to be transmitted (hereinafter referred to as "destination information"). The signal attribute information may include, for example, information indicating the packet amount of the optical signal to be transmitted (hereinafter referred to as "packet amount information"). The signal attribute information may include the transmission destination information and the packet amount information.

[0026] The packet amount is an amount according to the content of the optical signal being carried, and is an amount that can be calculated based on the content of the signal being carried. For example, the management unit 104 may calculate the packet amount based on the content of the optical signal to be transmitted. Hereinafter, the process of calculating the packet amount based on the content of the optical signal to be transmitted will be referred to as a packet amount calculation process.

[0027] The wavelength determination rule may be any predetermined rule for determining wavelengths. The wavelength determination rule may be, for example, a first wavelength determination rule. The first wavelength determination rule is a rule for determining the wavelength of an optical signal to be transmitted by a transmitting transceiver based on predetermined first correspondence information.

[0028] The first correspondence information is information that indicates a one-to-one relationship between each transceiver 101 and the wavelength of the optical signal. Therefore, the first wavelength determination rule is, for example, a rule that determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver to be the wavelength indicated by the first correspondence information as the wavelength corresponding to the scheduled transmitting transceiver indicated in the transmission schedule notification information. The first correspondence information is, for example, stored in advance in a predetermined storage device.

[0029] The wavelength determination rule may be, for example, a second wavelength determination rule. The second wavelength determination rule is a rule that determines the wavelength to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver indicated by the transmission schedule notification information based on the signal attribute information. The second wavelength determination rule is, for example, a first-type second wavelength determination rule. The first-type second wavelength determination rule is a rule that, when the signal attribute information includes transmission destination information, determines the wavelength that is previously associated with each pair of the scheduled transmitting transceiver and the transmission destination as the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver.

[0030] The second wavelength determination rule may be, for example, a second-type second wavelength determination rule, which is a rule that, when the signal attribute information includes transmission destination information and packet amount information, determines a wavelength that is previously associated with each combination of a scheduled transmitting transceiver, a transmission destination, and a packet amount as the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver.

[0031] When the management unit 104 acquires the transmission schedule notification information, it may execute not only the process of determining the wavelength but also, for example, a process of determining the inter-port connection relationship. The inter-port connection relationship determination process is a process of determining, based on the signal attribute information, the port to which the optical signal to be transmitted is input and the port from which the optical signal is output, among the ports included in the optical switch 102. Hereinafter, the port to which the optical signal is input is referred to as the input port, and the port from which the optical signal is output is referred to as the output port.

[0032] As an example, we will explain the inter-port connection relationship determination process when first-type inter-port information exists in advance and the signal attribute information includes transmission destination information. In this case, the inter-port connection relationship determination process determines the input port and output port indicated by the first-type inter-port information as the input port and output port of the optical signal to be transmitted. The first-type inter-port information is information that indicates the pair of input port and output port for each pair of a transmission-destination transceiver and a transmission destination.

[0033] The existence of the first type inter-port information in advance means that the first type inter-port information has been stored in advance in a predetermined storage device such as the storage unit 43 of the individual device.

[0034] As another example, we will explain the inter-port connection relationship determination process when second-type inter-port information exists in advance and the signal attribute information includes transmission destination information and packet amount information. In this case, the inter-port connection relationship determination process determines the input port and output port indicated by the second-type inter-port information as the input port and output port of the optical signal to be transmitted. The second-type inter-port information is information that indicates a pair of input port and output port for each pair of a transmission destination transceiver, a transmission destination, and a packet amount.

[0035] The existence of second type inter-port information in advance means that the second type inter-port information has been stored in advance in a predetermined storage device such as the storage unit 43 of the individual device.

[0036] The management unit 104 may execute, for example, a port connection process, which controls the operation of the optical switch 102 so that the input port and output port determined by the port connection relationship determination process are connected.

[0037] When the optical switch 102 is an MEMS, the inter-port connection processing is, for example, processing for controlling an actuator provided in the MEMS so that the input port and output port determined by the inter-port connection relation determination processing are connected.

[0038] After the port-to-port connection process is executed, the optical signal input to the port propagates through the optical switch 102 and is output from the output port determined by the port-to-port connection process. In this type of signal transmission within the optical switch, the optical signal propagates to the output port without being converted into an electrical signal. In other words, signal transmission within the optical switch 102 does not necessarily require processing that requires power, such as electrical-to-optical conversion or optical-to-electrical conversion.

[0039] The transceiver control unit 105 controls the operation of the transceiver 101. The transceiver control unit 105 controls the operation of the transceiver 101 to cause the intended transmitting transceiver to transmit an optical signal at the wavelength determined by the wavelength determination process.

[0040] 1, there is one transceiver control unit 105 for each of transceivers 101-1 to 101-M. However, there is not necessarily one transceiver control unit 105 for each of transceivers 101-1 to 101-M.

[0041] For simplicity of explanation, the signal transmission system 100 will be described below using as an example a case where one transceiver control unit 105 controls the operation of each of the transceivers 101-1 to 101-M.

[0042] <Example of optical signal transmission path in a signal transmission system> An example of a transmission path of an optical signal in a signal transmission system 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In Fig. 1, three paths, path P1, path P2, and path P3, are shown as examples of the transmission path.

[0043] Path P1 is the path for a signal of wavelength λ1 that propagates from transceiver 101-1 to the network connected to gateway 103 via optical switch 102 and gateway 103. Path P2 is the path for a signal of wavelength λ2 that propagates from transceiver 101-1 to another transceiver 101-M via optical switch 102 and gateway 103. Path P3 is the path for a signal of wavelength λ3 that propagates from transceiver 101-1 to another transceiver 101-M via optical switch 102 without passing through gateway 103.

[0044] In this way, the signal transmission system 100 includes the optical switch 102, and therefore signals can be transmitted between the transceivers 101 without going through the gateway 103. When transmitting a signal through the optical switch 102, the only power required is the power required for the process of changing the correspondence between the ports of the optical switch 102; as described above, no power is required for the optical signal to propagate through the optical switch 102 itself.

[0045] On the other hand, when transmitting a signal via the gateway 103, electrical-to-optical conversion and optical-to-electrical conversion are required when the signal propagates within the gateway 103, and therefore power is required just to propagate the signal within the gateway 103. This power is greater than the power required for the process of changing the correspondence between ports of the optical switch 102.

[0046] Therefore, the signal transmission system 100 can suppress an increase in power consumption compared to a system that does not include the optical switch 102.

[0047] Next, some examples of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system 100 will be shown.

[0048] Fig. 2 is a first flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system 100 according to the embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system 100 when the wavelength determination rule is the first wavelength determination rule.

[0049] A start process is executed for the scheduled transmitting transceiver (step S101). The start process may be any process that causes the transceiver to start the process of transmitting an optical signal. The start process may be, for example, a process of starting the supply of power to the transceiver. The start process may be, for example, a transport content input process. The transport content input process is a process of inputting information indicating the content to be transported by the optical signal (hereinafter referred to as "transport content information") into the scheduled transmitting transceiver.

[0050] Next, the scheduled transmitting transceiver transmits the transmission schedule notification information to the management unit 104 (step S102). Next, the management unit 104 executes a wavelength determination process. By executing the wavelength determination process, the wavelength of the scheduled transmitting optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver that is the sender of the transmission schedule notification information is determined in accordance with the first wavelength determination rule (step S103).

[0051] Next, the transceiver control unit 105 controls the operation of the transceiver to transmit the optical signal of the wavelength determined in step S103 (step S104). In this case, the content carried by the optical signal is, for example, predetermined content. If the start process is a content input process, the content carried by the optical signal transmitted in step S104 may be, for example, content indicated by content information input in the content input process.

[0052] Fig. 3 is a second flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system 100 according to the embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system 100 when the wavelength determination rule is the first type second wavelength determination rule.

[0053] Delivery content information and destination information are input to the scheduled transmitting transceiver (step S201). Next, the scheduled transmitting transceiver transmits transmission schedule notification information including the destination information to the management unit 104 (step S202). Next, the management unit 104 executes wavelength determination processing and inter-port connection relationship determination processing (step S203).

[0054] By executing the wavelength determination process, the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the transceiver that is the sender of the transmission schedule notification information is determined in accordance with the first-class second wavelength determination rule, and the port-to-port connection relationship determination process determines the port to which the optical signal to be transmitted is input and the port to which it is output.

[0055] Next, the management unit 104 executes the inter-port connection process (step S204). By executing the inter-port connection process, the input port and output port determined in step S203 are connected.

[0056] Next, the transceiver control unit 105 controls the operation of the transceiver to transmit the optical signal of the wavelength determined in step S203 (step S205). In this case, the content carried by the optical signal is, for example, the content indicated by the content information.

[0057] Note that if the connection relationships between ports are fixed in advance and the output port corresponding to one input port depends on the wavelength, the port connection relationship determination process does not necessarily need to be executed. Such an optical switch 102 includes, for example, a prism on the optical path of the optical signal, which changes the optical path for each wavelength. In such a case, the input port and output port are determined simply by determining the wavelength. In such a case, the port connection process is not necessarily executed.

[0058] In addition, if the output port corresponding to one input port depends on the wavelength, the wavelength of the optical signal transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver indicated in the transmission schedule notification information may be determined according to a first wavelength determination rule. When such a first wavelength determination rule is followed, the optical switch 102 may be, for example, an optical switch equipped with a prism on the optical path of the optical signal described above, which changes the optical path for each wavelength. In such a case, the input port and the output port are determined simply by determining the wavelength. Therefore, even when the first wavelength determination rule is followed, there is no need to perform port-to-port connection processing.

[0059] Fig. 4 is a third flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system 100 according to the embodiment. More specifically, Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of processing executed in the signal transmission system 100 when the wavelength determination rule is the second-type second wavelength determination rule.

[0060] Delivery content information and destination information are input to the scheduled sending transceiver (step S301). Next, the scheduled sending transceiver transmits transmission schedule notification information including the delivery content information and destination information to the management unit 104 (step S302).

[0061] As described above, the packet amount is an amount according to the content of the transport and can be calculated based on the content of the transport. That is, the packet amount is an amount that can be calculated based on the transport content information. Therefore, when the transport content information is transmitted, the management unit 104 acquires the packet amount information by performing a packet amount calculation process (step S303). Therefore, the transport content information is also an example of information indicating the packet amount.

[0062] Next, the management unit 104 executes a wavelength determination process and an inter-port connection relationship determination process (step S304).

[0063] By executing the wavelength determination process, the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the transceiver that is the sender of the transmission schedule notification information is determined in accordance with the second-type second wavelength determination rule, and the port-to-port connection relationship determination process determines the port to which the optical signal to be transmitted is input and the port to which it is output.

[0064] Next, the management unit 104 executes the inter-port connection process (step S305). By executing the inter-port connection process, the input port and output port determined in step S304 are connected.

[0065] Next, the transceiver control unit 105 controls the operation of the transceiver to transmit the optical signal of the wavelength determined in step S304 (step S306). In this case, the content carried by the optical signal is, for example, the content indicated by the content information.

[0066] As in the example of Figure 3, if the connection relationships between ports are fixed in advance and the output port corresponding to one input port depends on the wavelength, the port connection relationship determination process does not necessarily need to be executed. Such an optical switch 102 includes, for example, a prism on the optical path of the optical signal, which changes the optical path for each wavelength. In such a case, the input port and output port are determined simply by determining the wavelength. In such a case, the port connection process is not necessarily executed.

[0067] In addition, if packet amount information directly indicating the packet amount is input in addition to the transport content information in step S301, the packet amount information directly indicating the packet amount may be transmitted in place of the transport content information in step S302. In such a case, the packet amount indicated by the packet amount information is the packet amount indicated by the transport content information. In such a case, the process of step S303 is not performed, and the process of step S304 is performed after the process of step S302.

[0068] The management unit 104 is provided in a device. Hereinafter, a device that includes the management unit 104 will be referred to as a management device 4. An example of the configuration of the management device 4 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0069] 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the management device 4 in an embodiment. The management device 4 includes a control unit 41 including a processor 91 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 92 connected via a bus, and executes a program. The management device 4 functions as a device including the control unit 41, a communication unit 42, and a storage unit 43 by executing the program.

[0070] More specifically, in the management device 4, the processor 91 reads out a program stored in the storage unit 43 and stores the read program in the memory 92. The processor 91 executes the program stored in the memory 92, causing the management device 4 to function as a device including the control unit 41, the communication unit 42, and the storage unit 43.

[0071] The control unit 41 controls the operations of various functional units included in the management device 4. The management unit 104 is included in the control unit 41. That is, the control unit 41 includes the management unit 104.

[0072] The communication unit 42 includes an interface for connecting the management device 4 to an external device. The communication unit 42 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless communication. The external device is, for example, the transceiver 101. The communication unit 42 receives transmission schedule notification information through communication with the transceiver 101.

[0073] The external device is, for example, the transceiver control unit 105. The communication unit 42 notifies the transceiver control unit 105 of the determined wavelength through communication with the transceiver control unit 105. The external device may be, for example, the optical switch 102. The communication unit 42 controls the operation of the optical switch 102 through communication with the optical switch 102.

[0074] The external device may be, for example, an input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The external device may be, for example, a display device such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, a liquid crystal display, or an organic EL (Electro-Luminescence) display.

[0075] The storage unit 43 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium device such as a magnetic hard disk drive or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 43 stores various information related to the management device 4. The storage unit 43 stores various information resulting from processing executed by the control unit 41, for example. The storage unit 43 stores, in advance, for example, first-type inter-port information. The storage unit 43 stores, in advance, for example, second-type inter-port information.

[0076] 6 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 41 included in the management device 4 in the embodiment. The control unit 41 includes a management unit 104, a communication control unit 411, and a storage control unit 412. The communication control unit 411 controls the operation of the communication unit 42. The storage control unit 412 controls the operation of the storage unit 43.

[0077] The device also includes a transceiver control unit 105. Hereinafter, a device including the transceiver control unit 105 will be referred to as a transceiver control device 5. An example of the configuration of the transceiver control device 5 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0078] 7 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the transceiver control device 5 according to the embodiment. The transceiver control device 5 includes a control unit 51 having a processor 93 such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and a memory 94 connected via a bus, and executes a program. By executing the program, the transceiver control device 5 functions as a device including the control unit 51, a communication unit 52, a storage unit 53, and a control circuit 54.

[0079] More specifically, in the transceiver control device 5, the processor 93 reads a program stored in the storage unit 53 and stores the read program in the memory 94. When the processor 93 executes the program stored in the memory 94, the transceiver control device 5 functions as a device including the control unit 51, the communication unit 52, the storage unit 53, and the control circuit 54.

[0080] The control unit 51 controls the operation of various functional units included in the transceiver control device 5. The transceiver control unit 105 is included in the control unit 51. That is, the control unit 51 includes the transceiver control unit 105.

[0081] The communication unit 52 includes an interface for connecting the transceiver control device 5 to an external device. The communication unit 52 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless communication. The external device is, for example, the transceiver 101. The communication unit 52 controls the operation of the transceiver 101 by communicating with the transceiver. For example, the communication unit 52 controls the operation of the transceiver to be transmitted by communicating with the transceiver to transmit an optical signal to be transmitted having a wavelength determined by the management unit 104.

[0082] The external device is, for example, the management unit 104. The communication unit 52 communicates with the management unit 104 to obtain information indicating the wavelength determined by the management unit 104.

[0083] The external device may be, for example, an input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The external device may be, for example, a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc.

[0084] Note that inputting the content information, destination information, and packet amount information into the transceiver 101 may mean, for example, inputting the content information, destination information, and packet amount information into the communication unit 52. In such a case, the content information, destination information, and packet amount information input into the communication unit 52 are recorded in the storage unit 53, for example.

[0085] The transport content information, the transmission destination information, and the packet amount information are input to the communication unit 52, for example, by input from an external device connected to the communication unit 52. The transport content information, the transmission destination information, and the packet amount information may also be input to the communication unit 52 by a user via an input device connected to the communication unit 52, for example.

[0086] The transceiver 101 transmitting the transmission schedule notice information may mean that the communication unit 52 transmits the transmission schedule notice information recorded in the storage unit 53, for example.

[0087] The storage unit 53 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 53 stores various information related to the transceiver control device 5. The storage unit 53 stores, for example, various information generated as a result of processing executed by the control unit 51. The storage unit 53 stores, for example, transmission schedule notification information.

[0088] The control circuit 54 is a circuit connected to the transceiver 101. The control circuit 54 operates under the control of the transceiver control unit 105, and controls the state of power supply to the transceiver 101. A detailed example of the control circuit 54 will be described later.

[0089] 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control unit 51 included in the transceiver control device 5 in the embodiment. The control unit 51 includes a transceiver control unit 105, a communication control unit 511, and a storage control unit 512. As described above, the transceiver control unit 105 controls the operation of the control circuit 54, thereby controlling the operation of the transceiver 101. The communication control unit 511 controls the operation of the communication unit 52. The storage control unit 512 controls the operation of the storage unit 53.

[0090] 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the gateway 103 according to the embodiment. The gateway 103 includes a control unit 31 having a processor 95 such as a CPU and a memory 96 connected via a bus, and executes a program. By executing the program, the gateway 103 functions as a device including the control unit 31, a communication unit 32, and a storage unit 33.

[0091] More specifically, in the gateway 103, the processor 95 reads a program stored in the storage unit 33 and stores the read program in the memory 96. When the processor 95 executes the program stored in the memory 96, the gateway 103 functions as a device including the control unit 31, the communication unit 32, and the storage unit 33.

[0092] The control unit 31 controls the operations of various functional units included in the gateway 103 .

[0093] The communication unit 32 includes an interface for connecting the gateway 103 to an external device. The communication unit 32 communicates with the external device via wired or wireless communication. The external device is, for example, the optical switch 102. The communication unit 32 communicates with the optical switch 102 via wired communication. The communication medium is an optical signal. The external device is, for example, another gateway 103.

[0094] The external device may be, for example, an input device such as a mouse, a keyboard, a touch panel, etc. The external device may be, for example, a display device such as a CRT display, a liquid crystal display, an organic EL display, etc.

[0095] The storage unit 33 is configured using a computer-readable storage medium device such as a magnetic hard disk device or a semiconductor storage device. The storage unit 33 stores various information related to the gateway 103. The storage unit 33 stores, for example, various information generated as a result of processing executed by the gateway 103. The storage unit 33 may store, for example, a routing table in advance.

[0096] <An example of a transceiver configuration> An example of the configuration of a transceiver will now be described.

[0097] Fig. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the transceiver 101 according to the embodiment, together with the control circuit 54 and the transceiver control unit 105. As shown in Fig. 10, the control circuit 54 includes, for example, an even number of electrical switches 540. In the example of Fig. 10, the control circuit 54 includes two electrical switches 540: an electrical switch 540-1 and an electrical switch 540-2.

[0098] One electrical switch 540 is an electrical switch used for transmitting optical signals by the transceiver 101, and the other electrical switch 540 is an electrical switch used for receiving optical signals by the transceiver 101. An electrical switch means a switch that controls current.

[0099] 10, the transceiver 101 includes a plurality of optical transmitters 111, a multiplexing unit 112, a plurality of optical receivers 113, a wavelength demultiplexing unit 114, and a transmit / receive signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 115. The optical transmitter 111 outputs an optical signal. The optical transmitter 111 is connected to an electrical switch 540-1.

[0100] The multiplexing unit 112 is connected to the optical transmitters 111 and multiplexes optical signals output from the multiple optical transmitters 111. The multiplexing unit 112 may be configured using, for example, an optical splitter or an AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Grating).

[0101] The optical receiver 113 receives an optical signal. The optical receiver 113 is connected to the electrical switch 540-2. The optical receiver 113 receives the signal demultiplexed into wavelengths by the wavelength demultiplexing unit 114, and passes the signal to the electrical switch 540-2.

[0102] The number of optical transmitters 111 and optical receivers 113 is determined by, for example, the number of simultaneous connection destinations of the transceiver 101.

[0103] The wavelength demultiplexing unit 114 is connected to the optical receiver 113 and demultiplexes the input optical signal into wavelengths.

[0104] The transmitting and receiving signal multiplexing and demultiplexing unit 115 is connected to the multiplexing unit 112, the wavelength demultiplexing unit 114, and an external device of the transceiver 101. The transmitting and receiving signal multiplexing and demultiplexing unit 115 outputs the optical signal propagated from the multiplexing unit 112 to the external device. The transmitting and receiving signal multiplexing and demultiplexing unit 115 outputs the optical signal propagated from the external device to the wavelength demultiplexing unit 114.

[0105] The control circuit 54 is controlled by the transceiver control unit 105. The operation of the electrical switch 540 is controlled by the transceiver control unit 105. By controlling the operation of the electrical switch 540, the power supplied to the optical transmitter 111 or the optical receiver 113 connected to the electrical switch 540 is controlled.

[0106] For example, when the electrical switch 540-1 changes from a non-conductive state to a conductive state under the control of the transceiver control unit 105, power supply to the optical transmitter 111 is started. This is an example of a start process. When power supply to the optical transmitter 111 is started, the optical transmitter 111 outputs an optical signal indicating, for example, transmission schedule notification information.

[0107] The optical transmitter 111 may be kept in a constant light-emitting state and transmit an idle signal when not in communication, or may be turned off when not in communication to reduce power consumption.

[0108] The signal transmission system 100 configured in this manner includes an optical switch 102 between the transceiver 101 and the gateway 103. Therefore, signals can be transmitted between the transceivers 101 without going through the gateway 103. Therefore, as described above, the signal transmission system 100 can suppress an increase in power consumption compared to a system not including the optical switch 102.

[0109] Furthermore, the signal transmission system 100 configured as described above does not necessarily need to perform optical-electrical conversion or electrical-optical conversion because it includes the optical switch 102 between the transceiver 101 and the gateway 103. For example, when transmitting an optical signal from one transceiver 101 to another transceiver 101, the optical signal can be transmitted as is. Therefore, the signal transmission system 100 can suppress communication latency.

[0110] (Variation) Note that grouping and shuffling transmission may be performed in the signal transmission system 100. The grouping and shuffling transmission is a transmission in which the following grouping and shuffling transmission conditions are satisfied. The grouping and shuffling transmission conditions include a condition that the transceivers 101-1 to 101-M are regrouped every predetermined unit time t. The number of groups may be one, or two or more.

[0111] The grouping transmission condition also includes a condition that during each unit time t, signal transmission is performed only between transceivers 101 within each group without going through a gateway 103. The grouping transmission condition also includes a condition that any transceiver 101 is connected to another transceiver 101 at least once during a predetermined unit period T that is longer than the unit time t.

[0112] In this case, all combinations of signal transmission between the transceivers 101 to 101-M and signal transmission between the transceivers 101 to 101-M and the gateway 103 are realized in a predetermined unit time T that is longer than the unit time t. However, the number of ports that the optical switch 102 needs to have may be smaller than when there is no grouping.

[0113] The reason for this will be explained in more detail. First, the number of ports provided in the optical switch 102 will be explained using an example in which grouping and switching transmission is not performed and the number of transceivers 101 provided in the signal transmission system 100 is s and the number of wavelengths is s. Note that s is an integer equal to or greater than 2. In particular, for simplicity of explanation, the explanation will be given using a transceiver 101 with one core and the same transmission and reception wavelengths.

[0114] In this case, each transceiver 101 communicates with (s-1) other transceivers 101 via the optical switch 102 without going through the gateway 103. Therefore, the optical switch 102 has s(s-1) ports on the transceiver side for communication via the optical switch 102 without going through the gateway 103. Each transceiver 101 is also connected to the gateway 103.

[0115] Therefore, the optical switch 102 has s ports on the transceiver side that connect the transceiver 101 and the gateway 103. Therefore, the optical switch 102 has a total of s(s-1)+s ports on the transceiver side. Note that this number of ports and connection relationships are one specific example of the number of ports and connection relationships that the optical switch 102 has.

[0116] On the other hand, the number of ports on the gateway side of the optical switch 102 is s, since it is sufficient to have the same number of ports as the number of transceivers 101. Therefore, the total number of ports connected to the transceivers 101 among the ports of the optical switch 102 is s(s-1)+s+s=s(s+1).

[0117] Next, a case where grouping and shuffling transmission is performed will be described. For simplicity of explanation, a specific example will be described in which there are c transceivers in one group (c is an integer equal to or greater than 1) and the number of groups is two or more.

[0118] When grouping and shuffling transmission is performed, each transceiver 101 is only required to be connected to (c-1) other transceivers 101 and to the gateway 103. Therefore, for each transceiver 101, the optical switch 102 is only required to have c ports on the transceiver side and one port on the gateway side.

[0119] That is, when grouping and shuffling transmission is performed, the number of ports on the transceiver side of optical switch 102 is cs, and the number of ports on the gateway side is s. Therefore, when grouping and shuffling transmission is performed, the number of ports provided in optical switch 102 is cs+s. This number of ports and connection relationship is also one specific example of the number of ports and connection relationship provided in optical switch 102.

[0120] If the number of transceivers 101 in one group is a maximum of c, there may be a situation where the number of ports becomes excessive, but as long as the optical switch 102 has cs+s ports, grouping and shuffling transmission can be performed.

[0121] In this way, grouping and shuffling transmission can realize all combinations of signal transmission between transceivers 101 to 101-M and signal transmission between transceivers 101 to 101-M and gateway 103, while reducing the number of ports.

[0122] Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram illustrating grouping and switching transmission in a modified example. More specifically, Fig. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of grouping transitions using five end switches as an example. In the diagram, "AggSW" means an end switch. In the diagram, "TRx" means a transceiver.

[0123] The diagram shows that during the period from time t0 to t1, end switches W1 to W3 are one set, and end switches W4 and W5 are another set. The diagram shows that during the period from time t1 to t2, end switches W1, W2, and W4 are one set, and end switches W3 and W5 are another set. The diagram shows that during the period from time t2 to t3, end switches W1, W3, and W4 are one set, and end switches W2 and W5 are another set.

[0124] The diagram shows that during the period from time t3 to time (t0+T), end switches W2 to W4 are in one group, and end switches W1 and W5 are in another group. The diagram shows that at time (t0+T), the grouping returns to the grouping from time t0 to time t1. Note that in the diagram, T refers to the unit period T described above.

[0125] Such grouping and switching transmission is performed by the management unit 104 controlling the operations of the transceiver control unit 105, the optical switch 102, and the transceiver 101. That is, the management unit 104 controls the operation of the optical switch 102 and the operation of the transceiver 101 via the control of the transceiver control unit 105, and performs the grouping and switching transmission.

[0126] The management device 4 and the transceiver control device 5 do not necessarily need to be implemented as separate devices. For example, the management device 4 and the transceiver control device 5 may be implemented as a single device or system that combines the functions of both devices.

[0127] Furthermore, each functional unit of the management device 4 and the transceiver control device 5 may be implemented using a plurality of information processing devices communicably connected via a network. For example, the control unit 41 and the storage unit 43 may be configured by a plurality of information processing devices communicably connected via a network.

[0128] Therefore, for example, the signal transmission system 100 may be configured as shown in Fig. 12 below. Hereinafter, the signal transmission system 100 in which the management device 4 and the transceiver control device 5 are implemented using a plurality of information processing devices will be referred to as a signal transmission system 100a.

[0129] 12 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a signal transmission system 100a in a modified example. Components having the same functions as those in the signal transmission system 100 are given the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 1 to 10, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0130] The signal transmission system 100a includes an end switch 601 and an end switch 602. Both the end switch 601 and the end switch 602 are end switches equipped with multiple transceivers 101. Note that the signal transmission system 100a having two end switches is merely an example, and the signal transmission system 100a may have two or more end switches, or may have only one. Furthermore, the case where all end switches have multiple transceivers 101 is merely an example, and the signal transmission system 100a may also have an end switch equipped with one transceiver 101.

[0131] In the signal transmission system 100a, the management unit 104 in the signal transmission system 100 is configured in a distributed state including a first partial management unit 401, a second partial management unit 402, and a third partial management unit 403. That is, in FIG. 12 , the first partial management unit 401, the second partial management unit 402, and the third partial management unit 403 are all part of the management unit 104.

[0132] The storage unit 43 in the signal transmission system 100 is configured in a state where it is distributed to a plurality of parts, namely, a first partial storage unit 431 and a second partial storage unit 432 in the signal transmission system 100a. That is, in FIG. 12 , the first partial storage unit 431 and the second partial storage unit 432 are both parts of the storage unit 43.

[0133] The transceiver control device 5 in the signal transmission system 100 is configured in a distributed state in the signal transmission system 100a as a first transceiver partial control device 501 and a second transceiver partial control device 502. That is, in FIG. 12, the first transceiver partial control device 501 and the second transceiver partial control device 502 are both part of the transceiver control device 5.

[0134] The network 9 is a network to which the gateway 103 is connected.

[0135] <An example of detailed configuration of a transceiver> The transceiver 101 switches communication destinations by switching the transmission wavelength. At this time, it is preferable that the wavelength switching speed of the transceiver 101 is faster than the path switching speed of the optical switch 102 arranged on the communication path. The example in FIG. 10 is an example of a configuration that satisfies this condition, and is an example of a configuration having multiple optical transmitters that transmit different wavelengths in parallel. Here, a more detailed example of a transceiver configuration that satisfies this condition will be described using the following FIGS. 13 and 14.

[0136] Fig. 13 is a first explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the detailed configuration of a transceiver in a modified example. Fig. 14 is a second explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the detailed configuration of a transceiver in a modified example. More specifically, Figs. 13 and 14 are explanatory diagrams illustrating switching of the transmission wavelength in the example of Fig. 10, taking as an example a case where transceiver 101 is an optical transceiver that performs single-core bidirectional communication.

[0137] Fig. 13 shows that when the transmitting and receiving wavelength bands are different to prevent interference between the transmitting and receiving signals, the signals may be multiplexed or demultiplexed by, for example, a wavelength filter. Fig. 14 shows that when the transmitting and receiving signal wavelengths are not different wavelength bands, the output port may be switched based on, for example, the directionality of the optical signal. A device that switches the output port based on the directionality of the optical signal is, for example, a circulator.

[0138] Note that instead of the configuration of Figure 10, the transceiver 101 may be configured to use a single general wavelength-tunable optical transmitter and receiver to switch the communication wavelength at high speed. The transceiver 101 may also be configured to combine these transmitters. A combined configuration may be used when the communication wavelength, the communication destination, or the number of destinations dynamically changes. The transceiver 101 may also be a two-core transceiver.

[0139] 1 or 12, the network of transceiver 101 and optical switch 102 (i.e., managed unit 10) may be managed by an administrator as a single data center. In such a case, the transceiver installed in gateway 103, which is a switch outside the data center, may be the same as the transceiver installed within the data center (i.e., transceiver 101). Furthermore, when each port communicates with only a single destination at an arbitrary wavelength, transceiver 101 may be an APN (Access Point Name) connection transceiver that transmits and receives at an arbitrary single wavelength.

[0140] The optical switch 102 and the gateway 103 may be connected by a single fiber that passes signals multiplexed using an AWG (Arrayed Waveguide Grating).

[0141] All or part of the functions of the management device 4 and the transceiver control device 5 may be realized using hardware such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a PLD (Programmable Logic Device), or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). The program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium. Examples of computer-readable recording media include portable media such as flexible disks, optical magnetic disks, ROMs, and CD-ROMs, and storage devices such as hard disks built into computer systems. The program may be transmitted via a telecommunications line.

[0142] Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to this embodiment, and includes designs within the scope of the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0143] 100, 100a...signal transmission system, 10...managed unit, 101, 101-1 to 101-M...transceiver, 102...optical switch, 103...gateway, 104...management unit, 105...transceiver control unit, 31...control unit, 32...communication unit, 33...storage unit, 41...control unit, 42...communication unit, 43...storage unit, 411...communication control unit, 412...storage control unit, 51...control unit, 52...communication unit, 53...storage unit, 54...control circuit, 511...communication control unit, 512...storage control unit, 540-1, 540-2...electrical switch, 111...optical transmitter, 112...multiplexing unit, 113...optical receiver, 114...wavelength demultiplexing unit, 115...transmitting / receiving signal multiplexing / demultiplexing unit, 601, 602...end switches, 401...first partial management unit, 402...second partial management unit, 403...third partial management unit, 431...first partial storage unit, 432...second partial storage unit, 501...first transceiver partial control unit, 502...second transceiver partial control unit, 9...network, 91...processor, 92...memory, 93...processor, 94...memory, 95...processor, 96...memory

Claims

1. a plurality of transceivers for transmitting and receiving optical signals; a gateway that receives the optical signal transmitted by the transceiver, performs optical-electrical conversion and electrical-optical conversion on the received optical signal, and outputs the converted optical signal; an optical switch including a port connected to the transceiver and a port connected to the gateway, the optical switch outputting the optical signal to a port corresponding to the wavelength of the optical signal input to the port; a transceiver control unit for controlling the operation of the transceiver; a management unit that determines the wavelength of an optical signal transmitted by the transceiver; Equipped with the management unit, when acquiring transmission schedule notification information indicating a scheduled transmitting transceiver that is the transceiver scheduled to transmit the optical signal, determines a wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver in accordance with a predetermined rule; the transceiver control unit, after determining the wavelength, causes the intended transmitting transceiver to transmit an optical signal of the determined wavelength; Signal transmission system.

2. the rule is a rule for determining the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the intended transmitting transceiver to be the wavelength indicated by first correspondence information, the first correspondence information being information indicating a one-to-one relationship between each of the transceivers and the wavelength of the optical signal; 2. A signal transmission system according to claim 1.

3. the rule is a rule for determining the wavelength based on information indicating a transmission destination of the optical signal to be transmitted by the intended transmitting transceiver; 2. A signal transmission system according to claim 1.

4. the rule is a rule for determining a wavelength that is previously associated with each pair of the intended transmitter transceiver and a transmission destination of the optical signal to be transmitted by the intended transmitter transceiver as the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the intended transmitter transceiver; 4. A signal transmission system according to claim 3.

5. the rule is a rule for determining a wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the transceiver that is previously associated with each combination of the intended transmitter transceiver, the destination of the optical signal to be transmitted by the transceiver, and the packet volume of the optical signal; 4. A signal transmission system according to claim 3.

6. In addition to determining the wavelength, the management unit further determines the port through which the optical signal to be transmitted by the intended transmitting transceiver is input and the port through which the optical signal to be transmitted is output.

6. A signal transmission system according to claim 1.

7. The management unit executes transmission that satisfies grouping transmission conditions, including a condition that the plurality of transceivers are regrouped every predetermined unit time, a condition that during the unit time, signal transmission is performed only between the transceivers in each group without passing through the gateway, and a condition that any one of the transceivers is connected to another of the transceivers at least once during a predetermined unit period T that is longer than the unit time. A signal transmission system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. a plurality of transceivers for transmitting and receiving optical signals; a gateway that receives the optical signal transmitted by the transceiver, performs optical-electrical conversion and electrical-optical conversion on the received optical signal, and outputs the converted optical signal; an optical switch including a port connected to the transceiver and a port connected to the gateway, the optical switch outputting the optical signal to a port corresponding to the wavelength of the optical signal input to the port; a transceiver control unit for controlling the operation of the transceiver; a management unit that determines the wavelength of an optical signal transmitted by the transceiver; A signal transmission method executed by a signal transmission system comprising: a determination step in which, when receiving transmission schedule notification information indicating a scheduled transmitting transceiver that is the transceiver scheduled to transmit the optical signal, the management unit determines the wavelength of the optical signal to be transmitted by the scheduled transmitting transceiver in accordance with a predetermined rule; a control step in which, after determining the wavelength, the transceiver control unit causes the intended transmitting transceiver to transmit an optical signal of the determined wavelength; A signal transmission method comprising:

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