Submarine optical communication system, its control method, and control program

Abstract

A seabed optical communication system (SYS1) comprises: a first multi-core fiber (3, MCF1) through which an optical signal used for communication between a plurality of terminal station devices (1_1 to 1_4) is transmitted; and a first seabed instrument (2_1) and a second seabed instrument (2_2) that are each provided at a relay point of the first multi-core fiber and are configured to be able to switch connections of a plurality of first cores constituting the first multi-core fiber. At least one of the plurality of terminal station devices (1_1 to 1_4) includes: a monitoring circuit (101); and a control circuit (102) that, when having determined that there is a malfunction in one of a plurality of first partial cores constituting a first partial multi-core fiber provided between the first seabed instrument (2_1) and the second seabed instrument (2_2) in the first multi-core fiber, switches the transmission path of the optical signal that had been transmitted by the first partial core determined as having a malfunction, to another first partial core through which an optical signal having low priority is transmitted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an undersea optical communication system, a control method thereof, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a control program.

Background Art

[0002] An undersea optical communication system includes a plurality of terminal devices provided on land, an undersea cable that transmits communication between them, and undersea equipment provided at a relay point of the undersea cable. The undersea equipment performs transmission, relay, and branching of optical signals propagating through the undersea cable.

[0003] In recent years, an increase in transmission capacity has been demanded for undersea optical communication systems. To satisfy such a demand, it has been considered to use an undersea cable made of multi-core fiber composed of a plurality of cores in an undersea optical communication system.

[0004] Techniques related to undersea optical communication systems are disclosed in, for example, Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3, and Patent Document 4. These related techniques switch the transmission path of a signal transmitted by a failed multi-core fiber to a spare multi-core fiber when the multi-core fiber of the cable fails.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] However, related technologies had the challenge of increasing costs because they required cables to have spare multi-core fibers or spare cores.

[0007] This disclosure was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a submarine optical communication system, a control method thereof, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium on which a control program is stored, which can suppress cost increases by optimizing communication without using spare multicore fibers or spare cores even when a failure occurs in the multicore fiber of the cable. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The submarine optical communication system according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of terminal devices, a first multicore fiber composed of a plurality of first cores for transmitting optical signals used for communication between the plurality of terminal devices, and a first submarine device and a second submarine device provided at relay points of the first multicore fiber and configured to switch the connections of the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, wherein at least one of the plurality of terminal devices includes a monitoring circuit for monitoring the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber, and a control circuit that, if the monitoring circuit determines that any of the plurality of first partial cores constituting a first partial multicore fiber provided between the first submarine device and the second submarine device in the first multicore fiber has failed, switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the first partial core determined to be faulty to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the first partial core determined to be faulty.

[0009] A control method for a submarine optical communication system according to this disclosure comprises a plurality of terminal devices, a first multicore fiber composed of a plurality of first cores for transmitting optical signals used for communication between the plurality of terminal devices, and a first submarine device and a second submarine device provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber and configured to switch the connection of the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, wherein at least one of the plurality of terminal devices is used to monitor the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber, and if it is determined that any of the plurality of first partial cores constituting a first partial multicore fiber provided between the first submarine device and the second submarine device in the first multicore fiber has failed, the control method switches the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by the first partial core that was determined to have failed to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the first partial core that was determined to have failed.

[0010] A non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a control program relating to this disclosure is a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a control program that causes a computer to execute control processing in a submarine optical communication system comprising: a plurality of terminal devices; a first multicore fiber composed of a plurality of first cores for transmitting optical signals used for communication between the plurality of terminal devices; and a first submarine device and a second submarine device provided at relay points of the first multicore fiber and configured to switch the connections of the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, wherein the control program stores a control program that causes a computer to execute the following: a process of monitoring the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber using at least one of the plurality of terminal devices; and, if it is determined that any of the plurality of first partial cores constituting a first partial multicore fiber provided between the first submarine device and the second submarine device in the first multicore fiber is faulty, a process of switching the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the faulty first partial core to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the faulty first partial core. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] This disclosure provides a submarine optical communication system, a control method thereof, and a non-temporary computer-readable medium storing a control program, which can suppress cost increases by optimizing communication without using spare multicore fibers or spare cores even when a failure occurs in the multicore fiber of a cable. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a submarine optical communication system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system shown. [Figure 3] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a submarine optical communication system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system shown. [Figure 5] This is a block diagram showing an example configuration of a submarine optical communication system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 6] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system shown. [Figure 7] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system shown. [Figure 8] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system shown. [Figure 9] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system shown. [Figure 10] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system shown. [Figure 11] This is a block diagram showing variations of terminal devices. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described while referring to the drawings. Note that the drawings are simplified, and the technical scope of the embodiments should not be narrowly interpreted based on the description of these drawings. Also, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0014] In the following embodiments, when necessary for convenience, they will be divided and described in multiple sections or embodiments. However, unless otherwise explicitly stated, they are not unrelated to each other, and one is related to the other as a partial or complete modification example, application example, detailed description, supplementary description, etc. Also, in the following embodiments, when referring to the number of elements, etc. (including the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc.), unless otherwise explicitly stated or limited to a specific number in principle, it is not limited to that specific number, and it may be more than or less than the specific number.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the constituent elements (including operation steps, etc.) are not necessarily essential unless otherwise explicitly stated or considered to be essential in principle. Similarly, in the following embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, unless otherwise explicitly stated or considered not to be so in principle, it includes those substantially approximate or similar to the shape, etc. This also applies to the above numbers, etc. (including the number, numerical value, quantity, range, etc.).

[0016] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an undersea optical communication system SYS1 according to Embodiment 1. Also, FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the undersea optical communication system SYS1.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the undersea optical communication system SYS1 includes a plurality of terminal station devices 1, a plurality of undersea devices 2, and an undersea cable 3. In this embodiment, the case where the undersea optical communication system SYS1 includes four terminal station devices 1_1 to 1_4 as a plurality of terminal station devices 1 and two undersea devices 2_1 to 2_2 as a plurality of undersea devices 2 will be described as an example.

[0018] Terminal devices 1_1 to 1_4 are installed on land and configured to communicate with each other via the submarine cable 3. Each terminal device 1_1 to 1_4 is equipped with, for example, WME (Wavelength Multiplexing Equipment), OCI (Open Cable Interface), SLTE (Subscriber Line Terminal Equipment), TPND (Transponder), etc. At least one of the terminal devices 1_1 to 1_4 is also equipped with a monitoring circuit 101 and a control circuit 102. In this embodiment, the case in which terminal device 1_1 is equipped with a monitoring circuit 101 and a control circuit 102 will be described as an example.

[0019] The submarine cable 3 is an optical fiber cable that transmits optical signals used for communication between terminal devices 1_1 to 1_4. Specifically, the submarine cable 3 includes a multicore fiber composed of multiple cores. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 2, the case in which the submarine cable 3 includes a multicore fiber MCF1 composed of four cores will be described as an example.

[0020] Each of the submarine devices 2_1 to 2_2 is installed at a relay point (on the seabed) of the submarine cable 3 and transmits, relays, and branches the optical signals propagating through the submarine cable 3. Furthermore, the submarine devices 2_1 to 2_2 are configured to allow switching of the connections between the four cores that make up the multicore fiber MCF1 included in the submarine cable 3.

[0021] Here, in terminal device 1_1, the monitoring circuit 101 monitors the signal transmission status of the submarine cable 3. In other words, the monitoring circuit 101 monitors the signal transmission status of the multicore fiber MCF1 included in the submarine cable 3.

[0022] The control circuit 102, based on the monitoring results from the monitoring circuit 101, causes the submarine equipment 2_1 to 2_2 to switch the connections of the four cores that make up the multicore fiber MCF1. Each core is assigned a priority for the optical signals it transmits. Cores transmitting lower-priority optical signals may include cores where optical signal transmission is temporarily stopped.

[0023] Specifically, if the monitoring circuit 101 determines that any of the cores (first partial cores) C1a to C1d constituting the multicore fiber (first partial multicore fiber) MCF1_1 installed between the submarine equipment 2_1 and the submarine equipment 2_2 of the multicore fiber MCF1 has failed, the control circuit 102 switches the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by the core that was determined to be faulty to another core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the core that was determined to be faulty.

[0024] For example, if the monitoring circuit 101 determines that core C1a, one of the cores C1a to C1d that make up the multicore fiber MCF1_1 installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, is malfunctioning, the control circuit 102 will switch the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by core C1a to core C1d, which transmits optical signals with a lower priority than core C1a.

[0025] Thus, the submarine optical communication system SYS1 according to this embodiment can optimize communication even if a failure occurs in the submarine cable 3, without using spare multicore fibers or spare cores, thereby reducing the costs associated with spare multicore fibers and spare cores.

[0026] Furthermore, the submarine optical communication system SYS1 according to this embodiment only requires switching the connection of the core portion between two submarine devices that have failed, among the cores of the submarine cable 3 provided from terminal device 1_1 to terminal device 1_2, to another core. This prevents momentary interruptions in cores that have not failed.

[0027] In this embodiment, the control circuit 102 was described as switching the connections of multiple cores constituting a multicore fiber MCF1 provided between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, but it is not limited to this. The control circuit 102 may be configured to switch the connections of multiple cores constituting a multicore fiber MCF1 provided between terminal equipment 1_1 and submarine equipment 2_1, for example.

[0028] Furthermore, although this embodiment describes an example where the submarine optical communication system SYS1 is equipped with two submarine devices 2_1 and 2_2, it is not limited to this configuration. The submarine optical communication system SYS1 can be appropriately modified to include three or more submarine devices 2_1 to 2_n (where n is an integer of 3 or more).

[0029] <Embodiment 2> Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the submarine optical communication system SYS2 according to Embodiment 2. Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system SYS2. As shown in Figure 3, the submarine optical communication system SYS2 includes five terminal devices 1_1 to 1_5 as multiple terminal devices 1, and three submarine devices 2_1 to 2_3 as multiple submarine devices 2. The other configurations of the submarine optical communication system SYS2 are the same as those of the submarine optical communication system SYS1, so their explanation is omitted.

[0030] Submarine equipment 2_3, like submarine equipment 2_1 to 2_2, is installed at the relay point (seabed) of submarine cable 3 and transmits, relays, and branches optical signals propagating through submarine cable 3. Furthermore, submarine equipment 2_1 to 2_3 is configured to allow switching of the connections of the four cores that make up the multicore fiber MCF1 included in submarine cable 3.

[0031] Based on the monitoring results from the monitoring circuit 101, the control circuit 102 causes the submarine equipment 2_1 to 2_3 to switch the connections of the four cores that make up the multicore fiber MCF1.

[0032] More specifically, the control circuit 102, based on the monitoring results from the monitoring circuit 101, individually switches the connections of the four cores C1a to C1d that make up the multicore fiber MCF1_1 installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, and the connections of the four cores (second part cores) C2a to C2d that make up the multicore fiber (second part multicore fiber) MCF1_2 installed between submarine equipment 2_2 and submarine equipment 2_3.

[0033] For example, if the monitoring circuit 101 determines that core C1a, one of the cores C1a to C1d that make up the multicore fiber MCF1_1 installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, is malfunctioning, the control circuit 102 will switch the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by core C1a to core C1d, which transmits optical signals with a lower priority than core C1a.

[0034] Furthermore, if the monitoring circuit 101 determines that core C2c, one of the cores C2a to C2d that make up the multicore fiber MCF1_2 installed between submarine equipment 2_2 and submarine equipment 2_3 of the multicore fiber MCF1, is malfunctioning, the control circuit 102 switches the optical signal transmission path that was being transmitted by core C2c to core C2d, which transmits optical signals with a lower priority than core C2c.

[0035] Thus, the submarine optical communication system SYS2 according to this embodiment can optimize communication even if a failure occurs in the submarine cable 3, without using spare multicore fibers or spare cores, thereby reducing the costs associated with spare multicore fibers and spare cores.

[0036] Furthermore, the submarine optical communication system SYS2 according to this embodiment only requires switching the connection of the core portion between two submarine devices that have failed, among the cores of the submarine cable 3 provided from terminal device 1_1 to terminal device 1_2, to another core. Therefore, it is possible to prevent momentary interruptions in the cores and multicore fibers that have not failed.

[0037] In this embodiment, the control circuit 102 was described as switching the connections of multiple cores constituting a multicore fiber MCF1 provided between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, but it is not limited to this. The control circuit 102 may be configured to switch the connections of multiple cores constituting a multicore fiber MCF1 provided between terminal equipment 1_1 and submarine equipment 2_1, for example.

[0038] <Embodiment 3> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the submarine optical communication system SYS3 according to Embodiment 3. Figures 6 to 10 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the submarine optical communication system SYS3. Figure 6 shows a portion of the submarine optical communication system SYS3 before the submarine cable fails, and Figures 7 to 10 show a portion of the submarine optical communication system SYS3 after the submarine cable has failed.

[0039] As shown in Figure 5, the submarine optical communication system SYS3 has a submarine cable 4 instead of submarine cable 3, compared to the submarine optical communication system SYS2. The other components of the submarine optical communication system SYS2 are the same as those of the submarine optical communication system SYS2, so their description is omitted.

[0040] The submarine cable 4 includes multiple multicore fibers. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the case in which the submarine cable 4 includes three multicore fibers MCF1 to MCF3 will be described as an example. Each multicore fiber MCF1 to MCF3 is composed of four cores. However, each multicore fiber MCF1 to MCF3 may be composed of any number of cores.

[0041] Submarine devices 2_1 to 2_3 are configured to allow switching of the connections between the four cores that make up each multicore fiber MCF1 to MCF3. Furthermore, submarine devices 2_1 to 2_3 are configured to allow switching of the connections between the multicore fibers MCF1 to MCF3.

[0042] The control circuit 102 causes the submarine equipment 2_1 to 2_3 to switch the connections of the four cores that make up each multicore fiber MCF1 to MCF3 based on the monitoring results from the monitoring circuit 101. Alternatively, the control circuit 102 causes the submarine equipment 2_1 to 2_3 to switch the connections between the multicore fibers MCF1 to MCF3 based on the monitoring results from the monitoring circuit 101.

[0043] (First example of switching signal transmission paths) In the example shown in Figure 7, the monitoring circuit 101 determines that core C1a, one of the cores C1a to C1d that make up the multicore fiber MCF1_1, which is installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, has failed. In this case, the control circuit 102 switches the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by core C1a to core C3a, which transmits optical signals with a lower priority than core C1a. Core C3a is one of the cores C3a to C3d that make up the multicore fiber MCF2_3, which is installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, among the multicore fiber MCF2.

[0044] Thus, core-level connection switching may occur between one multicore fiber and another multicore fiber.

[0045] (Second example of switching signal transmission paths) In the example shown in Figure 8, the monitoring circuit 101 determines that core C1a, one of the cores C1a to C1d that make up the multicore fiber MCF1_1 installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, has failed. In this case, the control circuit 102 switches the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by the multicore fiber MCF1_1 to the multicore fiber MCF2_3, which transmits optical signals with a lower priority than the multicore fiber MCF1_1.

[0046] In this way, the connection between one multicore fiber and another multicore fiber may be switched on a per-multicore fiber basis.

[0047] (Third example of switching signal transmission paths) First, in the example shown in Figure 9, the monitoring circuit 101 determines that core C1a, one of the cores C1a to C1d that make up the multicore fiber MCF1_1, which is installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, has failed. In this case, the control circuit 102 switches the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by the multicore fiber MCF1_1 to the multicore fiber MCF2_3, which transmits optical signals with a lower priority than the multicore fiber MCF1_1.

[0048] Furthermore, in the example shown in Figure 9, the monitoring circuit 101 determines that core C5c, one of the cores C5a to C5d that make up the multicore fiber MCF3_5 installed between submarine equipment 2_1 and submarine equipment 2_2, is faulty. In this case, the control circuit 102 switches the transmission path of the optical signal that was being transmitted by core C5c to core C5d, which transmits optical signals with a lower priority than core C5c.

[0049] In this way, multiple signal transmission paths may be switched in response to each of the multiple faults.

[0050] Furthermore, cores and multicore fibers that are no longer used due to the switching of signal transmission paths may be used to transmit optical signals supplied from branch paths. In the example in Figure 10, core C6d, one of the cores C6a to C6d that make up the multicore fiber MCF3_6 installed between submarine equipment 2_2 and submarine equipment 2_3 of the multicore fiber MCF3, is used to transmit optical signals supplied from branch paths.

[0051] Thus, the submarine optical communication system SYS3 according to this embodiment can optimize communication even if a failure occurs in the submarine cable 4, without using spare multicore fibers or spare cores, thereby reducing the costs associated with spare multicore fibers and spare cores.

[0052] Furthermore, the submarine optical communication system SYS3 according to this embodiment only requires switching the connection of the core portion between two submarine devices that have failed, among the cores of the submarine cable 4 provided from terminal device 1_1 to terminal device 1_2, to another core. Alternatively, the submarine optical communication system SYS3 according to this embodiment only requires switching the connection of the multicore fiber portion between two submarine devices that have failed, among the multicore fibers of the submarine cable 4 provided from terminal device 1_1 to terminal device 1_2, to another multicore fiber. This prevents momentary interruptions in cores and multicore fibers that have not failed.

[0053] Furthermore, in addition to the monitoring circuit 101 and the control circuit 102, the terminal device 1_1 may also have functions for setting priorities for each multicore fiber, or for setting priorities for each of the multiple cores that make up each multicore fiber. A detailed explanation will be given below with reference to Figure 11.

[0054] Figure 11 shows a modified version of terminal device 1_1, designated as terminal device 1_1a. Compared to terminal device 1_1, terminal device 1_1a further includes a priority setting circuit 103.

[0055] The priority setting circuit 103 sets a priority for each multicore fiber included in the submarine cable 4, or sets a priority for each of the multiple cores that make up each multicore fiber.

[0056] Here, the priority setting circuit 103 can individually set a priority for each multicore fiber provided between any two adjacent submarine devices, and for each of the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber. Similarly, the priority setting circuit 103 can individually set a priority for each multicore fiber provided between any adjacent terminal device and submarine device, and for each of the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber.

[0057] Furthermore, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set different priorities depending on the time of day, such as morning, noon, and night, for each multicore fiber provided between any two adjacent submarine devices, and for each of the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber. Similarly, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set different priorities depending on the time of day for each multicore fiber provided between any adjacent terminal device and submarine device, and for each of the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber.

[0058] Furthermore, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set a common priority for cores belonging to a first group and a common priority for cores belonging to a second group among the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber provided between any two adjacent submarine devices. Similarly, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set a common priority for cores belonging to a first group and a common priority for cores belonging to a second group among the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber provided between any adjacent terminal device and submarine device. The first group and the second group may be, for example, different companies.

[0059] Furthermore, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set the highest priority for at least one core belonging to the first group and at least one core belonging to the second group among the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber provided between any two adjacent submarine devices. Similarly, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set the highest priority for at least one core belonging to the first group and at least one core belonging to the second group among the multiple cores constituting each multicore fiber provided between any adjacent terminal device and submarine device. This makes it possible to leave at least one core belonging to each group.

[0060] Furthermore, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set priorities such that the ratio of the number of cores belonging to the first group and the number of cores belonging to the second group is maintained among the multiple cores that make up each multicore fiber provided between any two adjacent submarine devices. Similarly, the priority setting circuit 103 may be configured to set priorities such that the ratio of the number of cores belonging to the first group and the number of cores belonging to the second group is maintained among the multiple cores that make up each multicore fiber provided between any adjacent terminal device and submarine device.

[0061] For example, if there are 6 cores in the first group and 3 cores in the second group, and 3 cores fail, the ratio of cores in the first group to the second group will be maintained, resulting in 4 cores in the first group and 2 cores in the second group.

[0062] Although the embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, the specific configuration is not limited to those described above, and various design changes are possible without departing from the gist of this disclosure.

[0063] In the embodiments described above, the disclosure was explained as a hardware configuration, but the disclosure is not limited thereto. The disclosure can also be implemented by having a CPU (Central Processing Unit) execute a computer program to perform some or all of the control processing in the submarine optical communication system SYS1.

[0064] The program described above includes, when loaded into a computer, a set of instructions (or software code) for causing the computer to perform one or more of the functions described in the embodiments. The program may be stored in a non-temporary computer-readable medium or a physical storage medium. Examples, but not limited to, include RAM (Random-Access Memory), ROM (Read-Only Memory), flash memory, SSD (Solid-State Drive), or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), Blu-ray® disc, or other optical disc storage, magnetic cassette, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices. The program may be transmitted over a temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium. Examples, but not limited to, include temporary computer-readable medium or a communication medium, including electrical, optical, acoustic, or other forms of transmitted signals.

[0065] Some or all of the above embodiments may also be described as follows, but are not limited to these.

[0066] (Note 1) Multiple terminal devices, A first multicore fiber, composed of multiple first cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A first submarine device and a second submarine device are provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber and are configured to switch the connections of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, Equipped with, At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is A monitoring circuit for monitoring the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber, If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber, which is provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber, has failed, the control circuit switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the first partial core that was determined to have failed to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the first partial core that was determined to have failed. A submarine optical communication system equipped with [unspecified features].

[0067] (Note 2) At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is The first multicore fiber further includes a priority setting circuit for setting the priority of the optical signals to be transmitted for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 1.

[0068] (Note 3) The priority setting circuit sets different priorities for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber depending on the time of day. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 2.

[0069] (Note 4) The priority setting circuit sets a common priority for the first cores belonging to the first group among the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, and sets a common priority for the first cores belonging to the second group. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 2.

[0070] (Note 5) The priority setting circuit sets the highest priority for at least one of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, which belongs to the first group, and at least one of the first cores belonging to the second group. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 2.

[0071] (Note 6) The priority setting circuit sets priorities for each of the first cores belonging to the first group and the first cores belonging to the second group among the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, such that the ratio of the number of first cores belonging to the first group to the number of first cores belonging to the second group is maintained. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 2.

[0072] (Note 7) The system further comprises a third submarine device provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber, configured to switch the connections of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple second subcores constituting the second sub-multicore fiber, which is located between the second submarine equipment and the third submarine equipment within the first multi-core fiber, has failed, the control circuit will switch the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed second subcore to another second subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed second subcore. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 1.

[0073] (Note 8) At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is The first multicore fiber further includes a priority setting circuit for setting the priority of the optical signals to be transmitted for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, The aforementioned priority setting circuit is Priority is set for each of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber, and priority is set for each of the multiple second partial cores constituting the second partial multicore fiber provided between the second submarine equipment and the third submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 7.

[0074] (Note 9) The system further comprises a second multicore fiber composed of multiple second cores for transmitting optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, The first and second submarine devices are further configured to allow switching of connections between the multiple second cores constituting the second multicore fiber. In at least one of the plurality of terminal devices, The monitoring circuit further monitors the signal transmission status of the second multicore fiber, If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple third subcores constituting the third sub-multicore fiber, which is located between the first and second sub-sea devices within the second multi-core fiber, has failed, the control circuit will switch the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed third subcore to another third subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed third subcore. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 1.

[0075] (Note 10) At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is The system further includes a priority setting circuit for setting the priority of the optical signals transmitted to each of the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber and each of the plurality of second cores constituting the second multicore fiber. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 9.

[0076] (Note 11) The priority setting circuit sets different priorities for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber and each of the multiple second cores constituting the second multicore fiber, depending on the time of day. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 10.

[0077] (Note 12) The priority setting circuit sets a common priority for the first cores belonging to the first group and the second group among the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, and sets a common priority for the second cores belonging to the third group and the fourth group among the plurality of second cores constituting the second multicore fiber. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 10.

[0078] (Note 13) The priority setting circuit sets the highest priority for at least one of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber that belongs to the first group and at least one of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber that belongs to the second group, and sets the highest priority for at least one of the multiple second cores constituting the second multicore fiber that belongs to the third group and at least one of the multiple second cores constituting the second multicore fiber that belongs to the fourth group. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 10.

[0079] (Note 14) The priority setting circuit sets priorities for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, specifically for the first cores belonging to the first group and the first cores belonging to the second group, such that the ratio of the number of first cores belonging to the first group to the number of first cores belonging to the second group is maintained, and sets priorities for each of the multiple second cores constituting the second multicore fiber, specifically for the second cores belonging to the third group and the second cores belonging to the fourth group, such that the ratio of the number of second cores belonging to the third group to the number of second cores belonging to the fourth group is maintained. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 10.

[0080] (Note 15) In at least one of the plurality of terminal devices, The aforementioned control circuit is If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber located between the first and second submarine devices in the first multicore fiber has failed, it switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed first partial core to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed first partial core, or to any of the multiple third partial cores constituting the third partial multicore fiber, and If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple third subcores constituting the third sub-multicore fiber located between the first and second sub-sea devices in the second multi-core fiber has failed, it switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed third subcore to another third subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed third subcore, or to any of the multiple first subcores constituting the first sub-multicore fiber. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 9.

[0081] (Note 16) The system further includes a third submarine device provided at the relay points of the first and second multicore fibers, which is configured to switch between connecting a plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber and connecting a plurality of second cores constituting the second multicore fiber. The aforementioned control circuit is If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple second subcores constituting the second sub-multicore fiber, which is located between the second submarine equipment and the third submarine equipment within the first multi-core fiber, has failed, it switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed second subcore to another second subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed second subcore, and If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple fourth subcores constituting the fourth subcore multicore fiber, which is located between the second and third submarine devices within the second multicore fiber, has failed, it will switch the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed fourth subcore to another fourth subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed fourth subcore. The submarine optical communication system described in Appendix 9.

[0082] (Note 17) In at least one of the plurality of terminal devices, The aforementioned control circuit is If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber, which is provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber, has failed, the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed first partial core is switched to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed first partial core, or to any of the multiple third partial cores constituting the third partial multicore fiber. If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple third subcores constituting the third sub-multicore fiber, which is located between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the second multi-core fiber, has failed, the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed third subcore is switched to another third subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed third subcore, or to any of the multiple first subcores constituting the first sub-multicore fiber. If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple second subcores constituting the second sub-multicore fiber, which is located between the second and third sub-sea devices within the first multi-core fiber, has failed, the transmission path of the optical signal transmitted by the failed second subcore is switched to another second subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed second subcore, or to any of the multiple fourth subcores constituting the fourth sub-multicore fiber, and If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple fourth subcores constituting the fourth sub-multicore fiber, which is located between the second and third sub-sea devices within the second multi-core fiber, has failed, it will switch the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed fourth subcore to another fourth subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed fourth subcore, or to any of the multiple second subcores constituting the second sub-multicore fiber. Submarine optical communication system as described in Appendix 16.

[0083] (Note 18) Multiple terminal devices, A first multicore fiber, composed of multiple first cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A first submarine device and a second submarine device are provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber and are configured to switch the connections of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, A control method for a submarine optical communication system equipped with, Using at least one of the aforementioned terminal devices, the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber is monitored. If it is determined that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber, which is provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber, has failed, the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the first partial core that has failed will be switched to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the first partial core that has failed. A method for controlling an underwater optical communication system.

[0084] (Note 19) Multiple terminal devices, A first multicore fiber, composed of multiple first cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A first submarine device and a second submarine device are provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber and are configured to switch the connections of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, A non-temporary computer-readable medium containing a control program that causes a computer to execute control processing in a submarine optical communication system equipped with, A process to monitor the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber using at least one of the plurality of terminal devices, If it is determined that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber, which is provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment, has failed, the process of switching the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed first partial core to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed first partial core, A non-temporary, computer-readable medium containing a control program that causes a computer to execute something.

[0085] (Note 20) Multiple terminal devices, A first multicore fiber, composed of multiple first cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A second multicore fiber, composed of multiple second cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A third multicore fiber, composed of multiple third cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A first submarine device and a second submarine device are provided at relay points of the first to third multicore fibers and are configured to switch the connection of each of the first to third multicore fibers, Equipped with, At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is A monitoring circuit for monitoring the signal transmission status of the first to third partial multicore fibers, which are provided between the first and second submarine devices among the first to third multicore fibers, Control circuit and It has, The aforementioned control circuit is If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber has failed, it switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the first partial multicore fiber to the second partial multicore fiber or the third partial multicore fiber, which transmits optical signals with lower priority than the first partial multicore fiber. If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple second partial cores constituting the second partial multicore fiber has failed, it switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the second partial multicore fiber to the first partial multicore fiber or the third partial multicore fiber, which transmits optical signals with lower priority than the second partial multicore fiber, and If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple third partial cores constituting the third partial multicore fiber has failed, it switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the third partial multicore fiber to the first partial multicore fiber or the second partial multicore fiber, which transmits optical signals with lower priority than the third partial multicore fiber. Submarine optical communication system.

[0086] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, the present invention is not limited thereto. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention can be made that are understandable to those skilled in the art within the scope of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0087] SYS1 Submarine Optical Communication System SYS2 Submarine Optical Communication System SYS3 Submarine Optical Communication System 1, 1_1~1_5 Terminal equipment 2, 2_1~2_3 Undersea equipment 3. Submarine Cables 4 Submarine Cables 101 Monitoring circuit 102 Control circuits 103 Priority setting circuit

Claims

1. Multiple terminal devices, A first multicore fiber, composed of multiple first cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A first submarine device and a second submarine device are provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber and are configured to switch the connections of the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, Equipped with, At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is A monitoring circuit for monitoring the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber, If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber, which is provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment, has failed, the control circuit switches the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the first partial core that was determined to have failed to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the first partial core that was determined to have failed. A submarine optical communication system equipped with [unspecified features].

2. At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is The first multicore fiber further includes a priority setting circuit for setting the priority of the optical signals to be transmitted for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber. The submarine optical communication system according to claim 1.

3. The priority setting circuit sets different priorities for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber depending on the time of day. The submarine optical communication system according to claim 2.

4. The priority setting circuit sets a common priority for the first cores belonging to the first group among the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, and sets a common priority for the first cores belonging to the second group. The submarine optical communication system according to claim 2.

5. The priority setting circuit sets the highest priority for at least one of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, which belongs to the first group, and at least one of the first cores belonging to the second group. The submarine optical communication system according to claim 2.

6. The priority setting circuit sets priorities for each of the first cores belonging to the first group and the first cores belonging to the second group among the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, such that the ratio of the number of first cores belonging to the first group to the number of first cores belonging to the second group is maintained. The submarine optical communication system according to claim 2.

7. The system further comprises a third submarine device provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber, configured to switch the connections of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, If the monitoring circuit determines that any of the multiple second subcores constituting the second sub-multicore fiber, which is located between the second submarine equipment and the third submarine equipment within the first multi-core fiber, has failed, the control circuit will switch the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed second subcore to another second subcore that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed second subcore. The submarine optical communication system according to claim 1.

8. At least one of the aforementioned terminal devices is The first multicore fiber further includes a priority setting circuit for setting the priority of the optical signals to be transmitted for each of the multiple first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, The aforementioned priority setting circuit is Priority is set for each of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber, and priority is set for each of the multiple second partial cores constituting the second partial multicore fiber provided between the second submarine equipment and the third submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber. The submarine optical communication system according to claim 7.

9. Multiple terminal devices, A first multicore fiber, composed of multiple first cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A first submarine device and a second submarine device are provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber and are configured to switch the connections of the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, A control method for a submarine optical communication system equipped with, Using at least one of the aforementioned terminal devices, the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber is monitored. If it is determined that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber, which is provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber, has failed, the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the first partial core that has failed will be switched to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the first partial core that has failed. A method for controlling an underwater optical communication system.

10. Multiple terminal devices, A first multicore fiber, composed of multiple first cores, transmits optical signals used for communication between the multiple terminal devices, A first submarine device and a second submarine device are provided at a relay point of the first multicore fiber and are configured to switch the connections of the plurality of first cores constituting the first multicore fiber, A control program that causes a computer to perform control processing in a submarine optical communication system equipped with the following: A process to monitor the signal transmission status of the first multicore fiber using at least one of the plurality of terminal devices, If it is determined that any of the multiple first partial cores constituting the first partial multicore fiber, which is provided between the first submarine equipment and the second submarine equipment within the first multicore fiber, has failed, the transmission path of the optical signal being transmitted by the failed first partial core is switched to another first partial core that transmits an optical signal with a lower priority than the failed first partial core. A control program that instructs a computer to execute a command.

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