Optical Communication Systems

Abstract

To provide an optical communication system capable of reducing the complexity of connection work of optical fiber cables.SOLUTION: In the correspondence relationship between M distribution board optical connectors of a first optical fiber cable and a second optical fiber cable and N rack optical connector groups, the closer the rack optical connector group number is to a first number, the closer the corresponding wiring board optical connector number is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack optical connector group is to a last number, the closer the number of the corresponding wiring board optical connector number is to the last number. The wiring distance from the distribution board optical connector group to each of the N rack optical connector groups in the first optical fiber cable is longer as the number of the distribution board optical connector group is closer to the last number. The wiring distance from the distribution board optical connector group to each of the N rack optical connector groups in the second optical fiber cable is shorter as the number of the distribution board optical connector group is closer to the last number.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to optical communication systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Documents 1 to 9 disclose various optical fiber cables used in optical communications. The following Patent Document 10 discloses an optical microbox that connects a branch cable branched from an optical trunk cable to a termination cable. The following Patent Document 11 discloses a data center equipped with optical fibers and the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-51131 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-116968 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-201641 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 7,127,143 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 7,346,243 [Patent Document 6] U.S. Patent No. 7,693,374 [Patent Document 7] U.S. Patent No. 8,582,938 [Patent Document 8] U.S. Patent No. 10,437,003 [Patent Document 9] U.S. Patent No. 10,712,519 [Patent Document 10] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-208193 [Patent Document 11] U.S. Patent No. 10,371,917 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In data centers and the like, multiple server racks are arranged side by side, and these server racks are connected to an intermediate distribution frame (IDF) via optical fiber cables. In many cases, two or more server rack groups, each consisting of multiple server racks arranged in a predetermined direction, are arranged side by side at intervals in a direction intersecting the predetermined direction. The intermediate distribution frame is then arranged on one side (or both sides) of each server rack group in the predetermined direction. Therefore, the distance from the intermediate distribution frame to each server rack in the server rack group differs for each server rack. Therefore, the optical fiber cable extending from the intermediate distribution frame to the server rack group has multiple branches, each heading toward each server rack. Furthermore, when the optical fiber cable contains a large number of optical fibers, multiple optical connectors are provided on the intermediate distribution frame side of the optical fiber cable.

[0005] In such facilities, at least two intermediate distribution frames may be connected to one server rack group. For example, one intermediate distribution frame may be used as a working line and connected to the server rack group via an optical fiber cable. The other intermediate distribution frame may be used as a backup line and connected to the server rack group via another optical fiber cable. In such cases, it can be difficult to understand the correspondence between the multiple optical connectors on the intermediate distribution frame side of the optical fiber cable and the multiple server racks, making the work complicated.

[0006] The present disclosure aims to provide an optical communication system that makes it easy to understand the correspondence between multiple optical connectors on the intermediate distribution board side of an optical fiber cable and multiple server racks, thereby reducing the complexity of connecting optical fiber cables. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An optical communication system according to one aspect of the present invention includes a server rack group including N server racks (N is an integer of 2 or greater) numbered in ascending order and arranged in a row, a first distribution board arranged on the side of the server rack that is first in the direction in which the N server racks are arranged in the server rack group, a second distribution board arranged on the side of the server rack that is last in the direction in which the N server racks are arranged in the server rack group, a first optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group to the first distribution board, and a second optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group to the second distribution board. The first optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group including M distribution board optical connectors (M is an integer of 2 or greater) numbered in ascending order and connected to the first distribution board, and N rack optical connector groups numbered in ascending order in alignment with the numbering of the N server racks, each including at least one rack optical connector, and connected to devices installed in the N server racks, The second optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M distribution board optical connectors connected to the second distribution board and numbered in ascending order, and N rack-directed optical connector groups, each including at least one rack-directed optical connector, connected to devices installed in N server racks and numbered in ascending order in line with the numbering of the N server racks. In the correspondence relationship between the M distribution board optical connectors of the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable and the N rack-directed optical connector groups, the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the first number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the last number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the last number. The wiring distance from the distribution board optical connector group in the first optical fiber cable to each of the N rack-directed optical connector groups is longer the closer the number of the distribution board optical connector group is to the last number. The wiring distance from the optical connector group for the distribution board to each of the N optical connector groups for the rack in the second optical fiber cable becomes shorter as the number of the optical connector group for the distribution board approaches the last number.

[0008] An optical communication system according to another aspect of the present invention includes a server rack group including N server racks (N is an integer of 2 or greater) numbered in ascending order and arranged in a row, a first distribution board and a second distribution board arranged on one side of the server rack group in the arrangement direction of the N server racks, a first optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the first distribution board to each other, and a second optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the second distribution board to each other. The first optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group including M distribution board optical connectors (M is an integer of 2 or greater) numbered in ascending order and connected to the first distribution board, and N rack optical connector groups numbered in ascending order in alignment with the numbering of the N server racks, each including at least one rack optical connector. The second optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M distribution board optical connectors connected to the second distribution board and numbered in ascending order, and N rack-directed optical connector groups, each including at least one rack-directed optical connector, connected to devices installed in N server racks and numbered in ascending order in line with the numbering of the N server racks. In the correspondence relationship between the M distribution board optical connectors of the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable and the N rack-directed optical connector groups, the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the first number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the last number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the last number. The wiring distance from the distribution board optical connector group in the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable to each of the N rack-directed optical connector groups is longer the closer the number of the distribution board optical connector group is to the last number, or shorter the closer the number of the distribution board optical connector group is to the last number. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the optical communication system of the present disclosure, it is possible to easily understand the correspondence between the multiple optical connectors on the intermediate distribution board side of the optical fiber cable and the multiple server racks, thereby reducing the complexity of the optical fiber cable connection work. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an optical communication system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a part of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a main part of a current optical fiber cable. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing M optical connectors for a distribution board. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an enlarged plan view of a part of a working optical fiber cable. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between M optical connectors for distribution boards and N optical connector groups for racks. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of the main part of the spare optical fiber cable. [Figure 8] As shown in FIG. 8, each of the M optical connectors for the distribution frame is numbered by being labeled. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between M optical connectors for distribution boards and N optical connector groups for racks. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the configuration of the optical communication system according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [Description of the embodiments of the present disclosure] First, the contents of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0012] A first embodiment of the present disclosure is an optical communication system including: a server rack group including N server racks (N is an integer of 2 or more) numbered in ascending order and arranged in a row, a first distribution board arranged on the side of the server rack that is first in the arrangement direction of the N server racks in the server rack group, a second distribution board arranged on the side of the server rack that is last in the arrangement direction of the N server racks in the server rack group, a first optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group to the first distribution board, and a second optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group to the second distribution board. The first optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group including M distribution board optical connectors (M is an integer of 2 or more) numbered in ascending order and connected to the first distribution board, and N rack optical connector groups each including at least one rack optical connector, connected to devices installed in the N server racks, and numbered in ascending order in alignment with the numbering of the N server racks. The second optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M distribution board optical connectors connected to the second distribution board and numbered in ascending order, and N rack-directed optical connector groups, each including at least one rack-directed optical connector, connected to devices installed in N server racks and numbered in ascending order in line with the numbering of the N server racks. In the correspondence relationship between the M distribution board optical connectors of the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable and the N rack-directed optical connector groups, the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the first number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the last number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the last number. The wiring distance from the distribution board optical connector group in the first optical fiber cable to each of the N rack-directed optical connector groups is longer the closer the number of the distribution board optical connector group is to the last number. The wiring distance from the optical connector group for the distribution board to each of the N optical connector groups for the rack in the second optical fiber cable becomes shorter as the number of the optical connector group for the distribution board approaches the last number.

[0013] A second embodiment of the present disclosure is an optical communication system including: a server rack group including N server racks (N is an integer of 2 or more) numbered in ascending order and arranged in a row, a first distribution board and a second distribution board arranged on one side of the server rack group in the arrangement direction of the N server racks, a first optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the first distribution board to each other, and a second optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the second distribution board to each other. The first optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group including M distribution board optical connectors (M is an integer of 2 or more) numbered in ascending order and connected to the first distribution board, and N rack optical connector groups each including at least one rack optical connector, connected to devices installed in the N server racks, and numbered in ascending order in alignment with the numbering of the N server racks. The second optical fiber cable has a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M distribution board optical connectors connected to the second distribution board and numbered in ascending order, and N rack-directed optical connector groups, each including at least one rack-directed optical connector, connected to devices installed in N server racks and numbered in ascending order in line with the numbering of the N server racks. In the correspondence relationship between the M distribution board optical connectors of the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable and the N rack-directed optical connector groups, the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the first number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack-directed optical connector group is to the last number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the last number. The wiring distance from the distribution board optical connector group in the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable to each of the N rack-directed optical connector groups is longer the closer the number of the distribution board optical connector group is to the last number, or shorter the closer the number of the distribution board optical connector group is to the last number.

[0014] In each of the optical communication systems described above, the ascending direction of the numbering of the rack-oriented optical connector groups in the two optical fiber cables matches the ascending direction of the numbering of the server racks. Furthermore, the closer the number of the rack-oriented optical connector group is to the first number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack-oriented optical connector group is to the last number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the last number. This configuration makes it easy to understand the correspondence between the multiple optical connectors (distribution board optical connectors) on the intermediate distribution board side of the optical fiber cable and the multiple server racks, and reduces the complexity of the optical fiber cable connection work.

[0015] In the optical communication system of the first embodiment, the wiring distance from the group of optical connectors intended for the wiring board in the first optical fiber cable to each of the N groups of optical connectors intended for the rack may be longer the closer the number of the group of optical connectors intended for the rack is to the final number, and the wiring distance from the group of optical connectors intended for the wiring board in the second optical fiber cable to each of the N groups of optical connectors intended for the rack may be shorter the closer the number of the group of optical connectors intended for the rack is to the final number.

[0016] In the optical communication system of the second embodiment, the wiring distance from the optical connector group for the wiring board in the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable to each of the N optical connector groups for the rack may be longer the closer the number of the optical connector group for the wiring board is to the final number, and may be longer the closer the number of the optical connector group for the rack is to the final number.

[0017] In the optical communication system of the second embodiment, the wiring distance from the optical connector group for the wiring board in the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable to each of the N optical connector groups for the rack may be shorter the closer the number of the optical connector group for the wiring board is to the final number, and may be shorter the closer the number of the optical connector group for the rack is to the final number.

[0018] In each of the above optical communication systems, the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable may be configured as separate entities, making it easier to distinguish whether the optical fiber cable should be connected to the first distribution board or the second distribution board.

[0019] [Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure] Specific examples of optical communication systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is defined by the claims, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims. In the following description, identical elements in the drawings will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated descriptions will be omitted.

[0020] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an optical communication system 1 according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 1. The optical communication system 1 is a group of devices installed in a data center, a base station, or the like. The optical communication system 1 includes at least one server rack group 10, at least one working optical fiber cable 20 (first optical fiber cable), at least one backup optical fiber cable 30 (second optical fiber cable), at least one working distribution board 40 (first distribution board), and at least one backup distribution board 50 (second distribution board). Note that FIG. 1 shows six server rack groups 10, six working optical fiber cables 20, and six backup optical fiber cables 30, and six working distribution boards 40 and six backup distribution boards 50, but the numbers of these are not limited to this.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2 , a server rack group 10 is formed by N server racks 11 (N is an integer of 2 or more; the figure illustrates an example where N=16) arranged in a predetermined direction. When multiple server rack groups 10 are provided, the server racks 11 in those server rack groups 10 are arranged in the same direction. Each server rack 11 is provided with multiple shelves arranged in a vertical direction. Physical servers and the like are mounted on each of the multiple shelves. In each server rack group 10, each of the N server racks 11 is numbered by being assigned a label 12. The label 12 may include numerals, alphabets, other characters, or symbols. The characters or symbols in the labels 12 are limited to those in ascending order. The labels 12 are assigned in ascending order from one end of the arrangement of the server racks 11. In this embodiment, for example, the labels 12 are assigned with numbers ("1," "2," "3," ...) in order from the server rack 11 located at the end of the current distribution frame 40 side. The first label 12 does not necessarily have to be the first number or letter (such as "1" or "a"). Also, there may be an empty number somewhere in the middle.

[0022] The working distribution frame 40 and the backup distribution frame 50 are concentrators that accommodate communication lines (optical fiber cables) used in the optical communication system 1, and are also called intermediate distribution frames (IDFs). An external multi-core cable constituting a working line is connected to the working distribution frame 40, and the external multi-core cable is divided and arranged into multiple communication lines in the working distribution frame 40. An external multi-core cable constituting a backup line is connected to the backup distribution frame 50, and the external multi-core cable is divided and arranged into multiple communication lines in the backup distribution frame 50. The working distribution frame 40 and the backup distribution frame 50 may be used for terminating optical fiber cables. Termination units that hold multi-core optical wiring and accommodate connection points may be mounted on the working distribution frame 40 and the backup distribution frame 50. Note that the working distribution frame 40 and the backup distribution frame 50 are not limited to intermediate distribution frames.

[0023] The current distribution board 40 is arranged on the side of the first server rack 11 in the direction in which the N server racks 11 are lined up relative to the server rack group 10. The backup distribution board 50 is arranged on the side of the last server rack 11 in the direction in which the N server racks 11 are lined up relative to the server rack group 10. In other words, the current distribution board 40 and the backup distribution board 50 are arranged side by side in the direction in which the N server racks 11 are lined up, and the server rack group 10 is located between the current distribution board 40 and the backup distribution board 50 in that direction.

[0024] The current optical fiber cable 20 is a multi-core optical cable that interconnects the server rack group 10 and the current distribution board 40. The backup optical fiber cable 30 is a multi-core optical cable that interconnects the server rack group 10 and the backup distribution board 50. The current optical fiber cable 20 is configured to be detachable from the server rack group 10 and the current distribution board 40. The backup optical fiber cable 30 is configured to be detachable from the server rack group 10 and the backup distribution board 50. The current optical fiber cable 20 and the backup optical fiber cable 30 are not integrated, but are configured as separate entities.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of a main part of a working optical fiber cable 20. As shown in Fig. 3, the working optical fiber cable 20 has a distribution board optical connector group 21 and N rack optical connector groups 25. The distribution board optical connector group 21 is made up of M distribution board optical connectors 22 (hereinafter simply referred to as optical connectors 22) (M is an integer of 2 or more, and the figure illustrates the case where M=4) connected to a working distribution board 40. The optical connectors 22 are multi-core optical connectors, such as MPO connectors. Each optical connector 22 has, for example, 24 cores.

[0026] FIG. 4 is an enlarged plan view showing M optical connectors 22. Each of the M optical connectors 22 is numbered by being provided with a label 23. The label 23 includes numerals, alphabets, other characters, or symbols. As with the labels 12 of the server rack 11, the characters or symbols of the labels 23 are also limited to those in ascending order. The labels 23 are provided, for example, in ascending order from one end side of the horizontal direction of the active distribution frame 40. In this embodiment, for example, the labels 23 are provided with numerals ("1", "2", "3", ...) in order from the optical connector 22 located at one end side of the horizontal direction. Note that the first label 23 does not necessarily have to be the first numeral or letter ("1", "a", etc.). Furthermore, there may be an empty number in between.

[0027] Referring again to Figure 3, each of the N rack-oriented optical connector groups 25 includes at least one rack-oriented optical connector 26 (hereinafter simply referred to as optical connector 26) (three are illustrated in the figure). The optical connector 26 is a multi-core or single-core optical connector, for example, a dual LC optical connector that simply integrates single-core LC optical connectors. The number of optical fiber cores connected to one optical connector 26 is fewer than the number of optical fiber cores connected to one optical connector 22, for example, one core, and the number of optical fiber cores connected to one dual LC optical connector is two. Each of the N rack-oriented optical connector groups 25 is connected to equipment installed in each of the N server racks 11.

[0028] Each of the N rack-oriented optical connector groups 25 is numbered by being assigned a label 27. The label 27, like other numbering, includes numerals, alphabets, other characters, or symbols. The characters or symbols of the labels 27 are also limited to those having an ascending or descending order. The labels 27 are assigned in ascending order from one end of the arrangement of the server racks 11, in the same ascending order direction as the labels 12 of the N server racks 11. In this embodiment, for example, the labels 27 are assigned in lowercase alphabets ("a," "b," "c," ...) in order from the rack-oriented optical connector group 25 located at one end of the working distribution frame 40 side. Note that the first label 27 does not necessarily have to be the first numeral or letter ("1," "a," etc.). Furthermore, there may be an empty number in between.

[0029] 5 is an enlarged plan view of a portion of the working optical fiber cable 20. FIG. 5 shows a portion of the working optical fiber cable 20 including the distribution board-oriented optical connector group 21 and the first rack-oriented optical connector group 25. P (P is an integer of 2 or more, for example, P=24) optical fibers extending from one optical connector 22 extend to the branching portion 202 while being protected by a reinforcing tube 201. The label 23 described above may be attached directly to the optical connector 22 or may be attached to the reinforcing tube 201 extending from the optical connector 22. These optical fibers are gathered into a (P / Q) optical fiber cord 203 with Q fibers (Q is an integer of 2 or more, for example, Q=2) at the branching portion 202, and the optical fiber cord 203 extends from the branching portion 202 to the opposite side to the rack-oriented optical connector group 25. The optical fiber cord 203 is, for example, a two-core round cord. All of the optical fiber cords 203 extending from the branching portion 202 are protected by the mesh tube 204 and are kept bundled together. The mesh tube 204 can prevent the optical fiber cords 203 from being damaged.

[0030] The mesh tube 204 is terminated at a branching section 205. A portion of the optical fiber cord 203 branches off at the branching section 205 toward the rack-directed optical connector group 25. If the number of optical connectors 26 constituting the rack-directed optical connector group 25 is three, the number of branched optical fiber cords 203 is also three. Corresponding optical connectors 26 are attached to the ends of these optical fiber cords 203. The optical fiber cords 203 between the branching section 205 and the optical connectors 26 and the remaining branched optical fiber cords 203 are protected by separate mesh tubes 204. As shown in FIG. 3 , the branching sections 205 are provided at (N−1) locations corresponding to the (N−1) rack-directed optical connector groups 25. The above-mentioned label 27 may be attached directly to the rack-directed optical connector group 25 or may be attached to the mesh tube 204 between the branching section 205 and the rack-directed optical connector group 25.

[0031] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a correspondence relationship between M optical connectors 22 and N rack-directed optical connector groups 25. In this embodiment, the closer the label 27 of a rack-directed optical connector group 25 is to the first number, the closer the label 23 of the corresponding optical connector 22 is to the first number, and the closer the label 27 of a rack-directed optical connector group 25 is to the last number, the closer the label 23 of the corresponding optical connector 22 is to the last number. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the other end of an optical fiber having one end attached to a rack-directed optical connector group 25 having a label 27 of any one of "a" to "d" is attached to an optical connector 22 having a label 23 of "1". Furthermore, the other end of an optical fiber having one end attached to a rack-directed optical connector group 25 having a label 27 of any one of "e" to "h" is attached to an optical connector 22 having a label 23 of "2". Thereafter, in this example, the N rack-directed optical connector groups 25 are associated with the M optical connectors 22 so that one optical connector 22 corresponds to each of four rack-directed optical connector groups 25.

[0032] In this embodiment, the active distribution frame 40 is disposed on the side of the first server rack 11 in the arrangement direction of the N server racks 11. Therefore, the wiring distance from the distribution frame-direction optical connector group 21 to each of the N rack-direction optical connector groups 25 in the active optical fiber cable 20 is shorter the closer the label 23 of the distribution frame-direction optical connector 22 is to the first number "1," and longer the closer the label 23 of the distribution frame-direction optical connector 22 is to the last number "4." The wiring distances of the four rack-direction optical connector groups 25 connected to the same distribution frame-direction optical connector 22 may be equal to or different from each other. Typically, as shown in FIG. 3 , the wiring distance from the distribution frame-direction optical connector group 21 to each of the N rack-direction optical connector groups 25 in the active optical fiber cable 20 is shorter the closer the label 27 of the rack-direction optical connector group 25 is to the first number "a," and longer the closer the label 27 of the rack-direction optical connector group 25 is to the last number "p." That is, the length of the optical fiber between the rack-oriented optical connector group 25 and the wiring board-oriented optical connector group 21 whose label 27 has the first number "a" is the shortest, and the length of the optical fiber between the rack-oriented optical connector group 25 and the wiring board-oriented optical connector group 21 whose label 27 has the last number "p" is the longest.

[0033] Fig. 7 is a schematic plan view of a main part of the spare optical fiber cable 30. As shown in Fig. 7, the spare optical fiber cable 30 has a distribution board optical connector group 31 and N rack optical connector groups 35. The distribution board optical connector group 31 is made up of M distribution board optical connectors 32 (hereinafter simply referred to as optical connectors 32) (the figure illustrates a case where M=4) that are connected to the spare distribution board 50. The optical connectors 32 have a configuration similar to that of the optical connector 22 described above.

[0034] 8, each of the M optical connectors 32 is numbered by being assigned a label 33. The content and rules of the label are the same as those of the label 23 of the optical connector 22.

[0035] Each of the N rack-directed optical connector groups 35 includes at least one rack-directed optical connector 36 (hereinafter simply referred to as optical connector 36) (three are illustrated in the figure). The configuration of the optical connector 36 is the same as that of the optical connector 26 described above. Each of the N rack-directed optical connector groups 35 is connected to equipment installed in each of the N server racks 11 from the opposite side to the rack-directed optical connector group 25. Each of the N rack-directed optical connector groups 35 is numbered by being assigned a label 37. The label 37, like other numbering, includes numbers, alphabets, other characters, or symbols. The characters or symbols on the label 37 are also limited to those that have an ascending or descending order. The labels 37 are assigned in ascending order from one end of the arrangement of the server racks 11, with the ascending direction aligned with the labels 12 of the N server racks 11. In this embodiment, for example, labels 37 are assigned in capital letters ("A", "B", "C", ...) in order from the rack-oriented optical connector group 35 located at one end of the working distribution frame 40 side. Note that the first label 37 does not necessarily have to be the first number or letter ("1", "A", etc.). Also, there may be empty numbers in between.

[0036] In the standby optical fiber cable 30, similar to the working optical fiber cable 20, P (P=24 in one example) optical fibers extending from one optical connector 32 extend to the branching section 302 while being protected by a reinforcing tube. The label of the optical connector 32 may be attached directly to the optical connector 32, or may be attached to a reinforcing tube extending from the optical connector 32. These optical fibers are bundled into (P / Q) optical fiber cords with Q fibers (Q is an integer equal to or greater than 2, Q=2 in one example) at the branching section 302. All of the optical fiber cords extending from the branching section 302 are protected by a mesh tube and maintained in a bundled state.

[0037] A portion of the optical fiber cord branches off at the branching unit 305 toward the rack-oriented optical connector group 35. If the number of optical connectors 36 constituting the rack-oriented optical connector group 35 is three, the number of branched optical fiber cords is also three. Corresponding optical connectors 36 are attached to the ends of these optical fiber cords. The optical fiber cord between the branching unit 305 and the optical connector 36 and the remaining branched optical fiber cords are protected by separate mesh tubes. As shown in FIG. 7 , the branching units 305 are provided at (N−1) locations corresponding to the (N−1) rack-oriented optical connector groups 35. The above-mentioned label 37 may be attached directly to the optical connector 36 or may be attached to the mesh tube between the branching unit 305 and the rack-oriented optical connector group 35.

[0038] 9 is a diagram for explaining the correspondence between the M optical connectors 32 and the N rack-oriented optical connector groups 35. As with the current optical fiber cable 20, the closer the label 37 of the rack-oriented optical connector group 35 is to the first number, the closer the label 33 of the corresponding optical connector 32 is to the first number, and the closer the label 37 of the rack-oriented optical connector group 35 is to the last number, the closer the label 33 of the corresponding optical connector 32 is to the last number. In other words, the correspondence between the M optical connectors 32 and the N server racks 11 in the backup optical fiber cable 30 is the same as the correspondence between the M optical connectors 22 and the N server racks 11 in the current optical fiber cable 20.

[0039] In this embodiment, the backup distributing frame 50 is disposed on the side of the last server rack 11 in the arrangement direction of the N server racks 11. Therefore, unlike the current optical fiber cable 20, the wiring distance from the distributing frame optical connector group 31 to each of the N rack-direction optical connector groups 35 in the backup optical fiber cable 30 is longer the closer the label 33 of the distributing frame optical connector 32 is to the first number "1," and shorter the closer the label 33 of the distributing frame optical connector 32 is to the last number "4." The wiring distances of the four rack-direction optical connector groups 35 connected to the same distributing frame optical connector 32 may be equal to or different from each other. Typically, as shown in FIG. 7 , the wiring distance from the distributing frame optical connector group 31 to each of the N rack-direction optical connector groups 35 in the backup optical fiber cable 30 is longer the closer the label 37 of the rack-direction optical connector group 35 is to the first number "A," and shorter the closer the label 37 of the rack-direction optical connector group 35 is to the last number "P." That is, the length of the optical fibers between the rack-directed optical connector group 35 and the distribution board-directed optical connector group 31 is the longest when the label 37 has the first number "A," and the length of the optical fibers between the rack-directed optical connector group 35 and the distribution board-directed optical connector group 31 when the label 37 has the last number "P" is the shortest. In this respect, the configuration of the backup optical fiber cable 30 differs from the configuration of the working optical fiber cable 20. Therefore, in this embodiment, the configuration of the working optical fiber cable 20 and the configuration of the backup optical fiber cable 30 cannot be made common, but it is possible to easily distinguish between the working optical fiber cable 20 that should be used for wiring with the working distribution board 40 and the backup optical fiber cable 30 that should be used for wiring with the backup distribution board 50.

[0040] In the optical communication system 1 of this embodiment, for two optical fiber cables (the working optical fiber cable 20 and the backup optical fiber cable 30), the ascending direction of the numbering of the rack-oriented optical connector groups 25, 35 matches the ascending direction of the numbering of the server racks 11. Furthermore, the closer the number of the rack-oriented optical connector groups 25, 35 is to the first number, the closer the number of the corresponding optical connectors 22, 32 is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack-oriented optical connector groups 25, 35 is to the last number, the closer the number of the corresponding optical connectors 22, 32 is to the last number. This configuration makes it easy to understand the correspondence between the optical connectors 22, 32 of the optical fiber cables 20, 30 and the multiple server racks 11, and reduces the complexity of the connection work for the optical fiber cables 20, 30.

[0041] (Second embodiment) 10 is a schematic plan view showing a part of the configuration of an optical communication system 2 according to the second embodiment. In the optical communication system 2 of this embodiment, a backup distribution board 50 is arranged together with an active distribution board 40 on the side of the first server rack 11 in the arrangement direction of the N server racks 11 with respect to the server rack group 10. The optical communication system 2 includes a backup optical fiber cable 30A instead of the backup optical fiber cable 30 of the first embodiment. The backup optical fiber cable 30A has the same configuration as the active optical fiber cable 20, except that the optical connectors for M distribution boards are connected to the backup distribution board 50. Note that other configurations except for these configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0042] In the optical communication system 2 of this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the ascending direction of the numbering of the rack-oriented optical connector groups in the two optical fiber cables (the working optical fiber cable 20 and the backup optical fiber cable 30A) matches the ascending direction of the numbering of the server racks 11. Furthermore, the closer the number of the rack-oriented optical connector group is to the first number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the first number, and the closer the number of the rack-oriented optical connector group is to the last number, the closer the number of the corresponding distribution board optical connector is to the last number. This configuration makes it easy to understand the correspondence between the distribution board optical connectors of the optical fiber cables 20, 30A and the multiple server racks 11, and reduces the complexity of the connection work for the optical fiber cables 20, 30A.

[0043] The working distribution frame 40, together with the backup distribution frame 50, may be arranged on the side of the last server rack 11 in the direction in which the N server racks 11 are lined up, with respect to the server rack group 10. In this case, the optical communication system 2 includes a backup optical fiber cable 30 similar to that of the first embodiment, and further includes a working optical fiber cable (not shown) having the same configuration as the backup optical fiber cable 30, instead of the working optical fiber cable 20 of the first embodiment. Even in this case, the same effects as those described above can be achieved.

[0044] The optical communication system according to the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various other modifications are possible. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the active configuration and the standby configuration may be interchanged. In other words, the ascending order of numbering of the N server racks 11 and the N rack-oriented optical connector groups may be reversed.

[0045] In addition, in each of the above embodiments, numbering is performed by attaching labels to each of the server racks, the optical connector groups for the racks, and the optical connectors for the distribution boards, but the numbering method is not limited to this.

[0046] In the above-described embodiments, the optical fiber cords included in the current optical fiber cable and the backup optical fiber cable are bundled in the required number near the branch point using a mesh tube, but this is not limiting. For example, the optical fiber cords may be bundled in the required number in the form of a cable covered with an outer jacket. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1,2...Optical communication system 10...Server racks 11...Server rack 12, 23, 27, 33, 37...Labels 20...Current optical fiber cable 21,31...Optical connectors for distribution boards 22, 32... (for distribution board) optical connector Optical connectors for 25, 35 racks 26, 36... (rack type) optical connector 30, 30A... Spare optical fiber cable 40...Current distribution board 50...Auxiliary wiring board 201...Reinforcing tube 202, 205, 302, 305... Branching section 203...Optical fiber cord 204...Mesh tube

Claims

1. a server rack group consisting of N server racks (N is an integer of 2 or more) numbered in ascending order and arranged in order; a first distribution board disposed on a side of the first server rack in the arrangement direction of the N server racks with respect to the server rack group; a second wiring board disposed on the side of the last server rack in the arrangement direction of the N server racks with respect to the group of server racks; a first optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the first distribution board to each other; a second optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the second distribution board to each other; Equipped with The first optical fiber cable is a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M (M is an integer of 2 or more) distribution board optical connectors connected to the first distribution board and numbered in ascending order; a group of N rack-oriented optical connectors, each including at least one rack-oriented optical connector, connected to devices installed in the N server racks, and numbered in ascending order in accordance with the numbering of the N server racks; and The second optical fiber cable is a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M distribution board optical connectors connected to the second distribution board and numbered in ascending order; a group of N rack-oriented optical connectors, each including at least one rack-oriented optical connector, connected to devices installed in the N server racks, and numbered in ascending order in accordance with the numbering of the N server racks; and In a correspondence relationship between the M optical connectors for distribution boards of the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable and the N optical connector groups for racks, the closer the number of the optical connector group for racks is to the first number, the closer the number of the optical connector for distribution boards corresponding thereto is to the first number, and the closer the number of the optical connector group for racks is to the last number, the closer the number of the optical connector for distribution boards corresponding thereto is to the last number, a wiring distance from the group of optical connectors for the distribution board to each of the N groups of optical connectors for the rack in the first optical fiber cable is longer as the number of the optical connector for the distribution board approaches the last number; An optical communication system, wherein the wiring distance from the group of optical connectors for the distribution board to each of the N groups of optical connectors for the rack in the second optical fiber cable is shorter the closer the number of the optical connector for the distribution board is to the last number.

2. a wiring distance from the optical connector group for the distribution board to each of the N optical connector groups for the rack in the first optical fiber cable is longer as the number of the optical connector group for the rack approaches the last number; The optical communication system of claim 1, wherein the wiring distance from the optical connector group for the distribution board to each of the N optical connector groups for the rack in the second optical fiber cable is shorter the closer the number of the optical connector group for the rack is to the last number.

3. a server rack group consisting of N server racks (N is an integer of 2 or more) numbered in ascending order and arranged in order; a first wiring board and a second wiring board arranged on one side of the server rack group in the arrangement direction of the N server racks; a first optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the first distribution board to each other; a second optical fiber cable connecting the server rack group and the second distribution board to each other; Equipped with The first optical fiber cable is a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M (M is an integer of 2 or more) distribution board optical connectors connected to the first distribution board and numbered in ascending order; a group of N rack-oriented optical connectors, each including at least one rack-oriented optical connector, connected to devices installed in the N server racks, and numbered in ascending order in accordance with the numbering of the N server racks; and The second optical fiber cable is a distribution board optical connector group consisting of M distribution board optical connectors connected to the second distribution board and numbered in ascending order; a group of N rack-oriented optical connectors, each including at least one rack-oriented optical connector, connected to devices installed in the N server racks, and numbered in ascending order in accordance with the numbering of the N server racks; and In a correspondence relationship between the M optical connectors for distribution boards of the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable and the N optical connector groups for racks, the closer the number of the optical connector group for racks is to the first number, the closer the number of the optical connector for distribution boards corresponding thereto is to the first number, and the closer the number of the optical connector group for racks is to the last number, the closer the number of the optical connector for distribution boards corresponding thereto is to the last number, An optical communication system in which the wiring distance from the group of optical connectors for the wiring board in the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable to each of the N groups of optical connectors for the rack is longer the closer the number of the optical connector for the wiring board is to the last number, or shorter the closer the number of the optical connector for the wiring board is to the last number.

4. The optical communication system of claim 3, wherein the wiring distance from the group of optical connectors for the wiring board in the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable to each of the N groups of optical connectors for the rack is longer the closer the number of the optical connector for the wiring board is to the last number, and longer the closer the number of the optical connector group for the rack is to the last number.

5. The optical communication system of claim 3, wherein the wiring distance from the optical connector group for the wiring board to each of the N optical connector groups for the rack in the first optical fiber cable and the second optical fiber cable is shorter the closer the number of the optical connector for the wiring board is to the last number, and shorter the closer the number of the optical connector group for the rack is to the last number.

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