Optical transceiver, control circuit, storage medium, and control method

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to obtain an optical transceiver (11) capable of receiving a control signal from an optical network and a device in which the optical transceiver is mounted, and operating on the basis of a control signal that matches a set condition. This optical transceiver comprises: an electrical interface (115) that transmits and receives an electrical signal; an optical interface (116) that transmits and receives an optical signal; a photoelectric conversion unit (114) that converts the electrical signal into the optical signal and converts the optical signal into the electrical signal; a storage unit (117) that can write and read a control content indicated by a control signal received as the optical signal or the electrical signal; and a control signal processing unit (111) that performs control signal processing for writing to the storage unit (117) or reading from the storage unit (117) on the basis of the control content indicated by the control signal that matches a set condition. The electrical interface (115) and the optical interface (116) receive the same type of control signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical transceiver, a control circuit, a storage medium, and a control method used in an optical network.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, an all-optical network that realizes low latency and high capacity by connecting end-to-end in all-optical without performing optical-electric conversion at each node in the network has been proposed. In such an all-optical network, it has been proposed to control the optical transceiver serving as a terminal from the optical network side, which is the connection destination of the optical fiber, rather than from the device to which the optical transceiver is connected, that is, the device on which the optical transceiver is mounted. In an optical transceiver in such an all-optical network, internal processing of the optical transceiver is performed using a partial area of a storage medium such as a memory held inside the optical transceiver. By rewriting a part of a predetermined storage area, for example, setting of a transmission wavelength, on / off of an optical transmission unit, determination of a signal modulation method to be used, and the like are performed.

[0003] One method for accessing such memory areas is the AMCC (Auxiliary Management and Control Channel) method, which superimposes control signals onto client signals exchanged between end-to-end terminals on a network. This method has the advantage of being able to add control signals regardless of the signal format of the client signals. Another method involves superimposing control signals at a different wavelength from the client signals exchanged between end-to-end terminals on a network. This method requires the end terminal to have the capability to process signals of two wavelengths, but it has the advantage of being able to easily multiplex and separate client signals and control signals compared to the AMCC method. A method for remotely transmitting information to be set in the memory area of ​​an optical transceiver is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In Patent Document 1, digital diagnostic monitoring information from an optical transceiver is converted into a remote digital diagnostic monitoring signal and transmitted as an AMCC signal to the connected optical transceiver. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6491350 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] However, according to the conventional technology described above, only monitoring information within the optical transceiver is disclosed, and the method for transmitting and receiving control information is not disclosed. Furthermore, in other methods, while the control method using control signals from the optical network to which the optical side of the optical transceiver is connected is disclosed, how arbitration is performed when the type of control signal, such as wavelength channel selection, is the same as that from the device on which the optical transceiver is installed is not disclosed.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide an optical transceiver that can receive control signals from an optical network and an installed device, and can operate based on control signals that match set conditions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the aforementioned problems and achieve the objectives, this disclosure provides an optical transceiver that converts between optical signals and electrical signals. The optical transceiver comprises an electrical interface for sending and receiving electrical signals with a user terminal equipped with the optical transceiver, an optical interface for sending and receiving optical signals with a network to which the optical transceiver is connected, a photoelectric conversion unit that performs conversion from electrical signals to optical signals and from optical signals to electrical signals, a storage unit capable of writing and reading control content indicated by control signals received as optical signals or electrical signals, and a control signal processing unit that performs control signal processing by writing to or reading from the storage unit based on control content indicated by control signals that match set conditions, wherein the electrical interface and the optical interface receive the same type of control signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] The optical transceiver disclosed herein has the effect of being able to receive control signals from an optical network and the device on which it is installed, and to operate based on control signals that match set conditions. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example configuration of an optical network system including a user terminal equipped with an optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the configuration of an optical transceiver equipped in a user terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] A Venn diagram showing the accessible area of ​​the control and monitoring signals for the optical transceiver equipped in the user terminal according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4]This diagram shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1 is set to determine or change its operation according to the control signal received at the latest time. [Figure 5] Flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1 [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of a processing circuit for realizing the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1, which is configured with a processor and memory. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of a case where the processing circuit for realizing the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1 is configured with dedicated hardware. [Figure 8] This figure shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 2 is set not to accept control signals during the standby time, while determining or changing its operation according to the control signal received at the latest time. [Figure 9] Flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 2 [Figure 10] This diagram shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 3 is set to determine or change its operation according to the control signal received on the priority interface. [Figure 11] Flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 3 [Figure 12] This figure shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 4 is set to determine or change its operation when it receives the same control signal on both the electrical interface and the optical interface. [Figure 13] Flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 4 [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The optical transceiver, control circuit, storage medium, and control method according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an optical network system 40 including user terminals 10a and 10b each including an optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 1. The optical network system 40 includes user terminals 10a and 10b, relay nodes 20a and 20b, and optical fibers 30a, 30b, and 30c. In the optical network system 40, the user terminal 10a and the relay node 20a are connected via the optical fiber 30a, the relay node 20a and the relay node 20b are connected via the optical fiber 30b, and the relay node 20b and the user terminal 10b are connected via the optical fiber 30c. The optical network system 40 is an all-optical network in which the user terminals 10a and 10b are connected via the optical fiber 30a, the relay node 20a, the optical fiber 30b, the relay node 20b, and the optical fiber 30c, and client signals, which are optical signals, are transmitted and received between the user terminals 10a and 10b.

[0012] The user terminals 10a and 10b each include an optical transceiver 11 that performs optoelectronic conversion of a client signal. The optical transceiver 11 mutually converts an optical signal and an electrical signal. The optical transceiver 11 is of a pluggable type and transmits and receives user signals and control signals to and from the user terminals 10a and 10b via an electrical connector. Details of the configuration and operation of the optical transceiver 11 will be described later.

[0013] The relay node 20a includes an optical transceiver 21 and a multiplexer / demultiplexer 22. The optical transceiver 21 transmits and receives a control signal to and from the optical transceiver 11 of the user terminal 10a. The multiplexer / demultiplexer 22 multiplexes or demultiplexes a control signal and a client signal. Similarly, the relay node 20b includes an optical transceiver 21 and a multiplexer / demultiplexer 22. The optical transceiver 21 transmits and receives a control signal to and from the optical transceiver 11 of the user terminal 10b. The multiplexer / demultiplexer 22 multiplexes or demultiplexes a control signal and a client signal.

[0014] In the following explanation, if user terminals 10a and 10b are not distinguished, they will be referred to as user terminal 10; if relay nodes 20a and 20b are not distinguished, they will be referred to as relay node 20; and if optical fibers 30a, 30b, and 30c are not distinguished, they will be referred to as optical fiber 30. In the example in Figure 1, for simplicity, the optical network system 40 is shown to have two user terminals 10, but the optical network system 40 may also be configured to have three or more user terminals 10. In this case, the optical network system 40 may be configured so that the relay node 20 switches client signals to enable communication between user terminals 10.

[0015] Furthermore, in the example of Figure 1, the optical network system 40 has two relay nodes 20 between user terminals 10, but it may also be configured to have multiple new relay nodes 20 between the relay nodes 20. Alternatively, the optical network system 40 may be configured to have only one relay node 20 between user terminals 10. Also, if the two user terminals 10 are far from the relay node 20 and connected via optical fiber 30, the optical network system 40 may be configured to have one relay node 20 equipped with two optical transceivers 21 capable of sending and receiving control signals, with each optical transceiver 21 connected to a user terminal 10. On the other hand, if there is only one relay node 20 between user terminals 10, and one user terminal 10 is located inside or near the relay node 20 and not connected via optical fiber 30, the relay node 20 may be equipped with one optical transceiver 21 capable of sending and receiving control signals, with this one optical transceiver 21 connected to a user terminal 10.

[0016] The detailed configuration and operation of the optical transceiver 11 included in the user terminal 10 will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration example of the optical transceiver 11 included in the user terminal 10 according to Embodiment 1. The optical transceiver 11 includes a control signal processing unit 111, a client signal processing unit 112, a dual signal multiplexer / demultiplexer unit 113, an electrical interface 115, an optical interface 116, and a storage unit 117. The optical transceiver 11 transmits and receives signals to and from the user terminal 10 via the electrical interface 115 of the optical transceiver 11 regarding signals that need to be monitored in the user terminal 10, signals that need to be controlled as the user terminal 10, and the like. On the other hand, the optical transceiver 11 processes signals that need to be monitored or controlled as an all-optical network via the optical interface 116 of the optical transceiver 11. The operations of these optical transceivers 11 are all managed by the storage unit 117 inside the optical transceiver 11.

[0017] The control signal processing unit 111 writes to or reads from the storage unit 117 based on the control content indicated by the control signal received at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 and that matches the set conditions. The control signal is, for example, a signal for determining or changing the operation of the optical transceiver 11, but is not limited thereto. By writing to or reading from the storage unit 117 based on the control content indicated by the control signal that matches the conditions set by the control signal processing unit 111, the optical transceiver 11 can operate based on the control signal that matches the set conditions.

[0018] The client signal processing unit 112 outputs the client signal received from the user terminal 10 via the electrical interface 115 to the signal combiner / demultiplexer 113 for transmission via the optical interface 116. The client signal processing unit 112 also acquires the client signal received by the optical interface 116 via the signal combiner / demultiplexer 113 and transmits it to the user terminal 10 via the electrical interface 115. Furthermore, the client signal processing unit 112 can also write to or read from the storage unit 117 depending on the content of the client signal.

[0019] The dual signal combining / demultiplexing unit 113 can, for example, use a wavelength combining / demultiplexing unit if the wavelengths of the control signal and the client signal are different. Furthermore, when using AMCC signals, the dual signal combining / demultiplexing unit 113 also includes a photoelectric conversion function, allowing the use of a frequency combining / demultiplexing unit capable of superimposing and separating signals in the optical or electrical domain onto the client signal. Figure 2 shows an example where the dual signal combining / demultiplexing unit 113 includes a photoelectric conversion unit 114 as a photoelectric conversion function. Also, in Figure 2, the optical transceiver 11 is equipped with the dual signal combining / demultiplexing unit 113, but it is also possible to install the dual signal combining / demultiplexing unit 113 outside the optical transceiver 11 by making the optical interface 116 side of the control signal processing unit 111 and the client signal processing unit 112 an optical transceiver input / output interface.

[0020] The photoelectric conversion unit 114 performs conversion from electrical signals to optical signals and from optical signals to electrical signals. In the example in Figure 2, the photoelectric conversion unit 114 is located inside the signal summing / demultiplexing unit 113, but it may also be located outside the signal summing / demultiplexing unit 113.

[0021] The electrical interface 115 transmits and receives electrical signals to and from the user terminal 10, which is equipped with an optical transceiver 11. These electrical signals include control signals and client signals. In Figure 2, the optical transceiver 11 is equipped with the electrical interface 115, but it is also possible to configure the optical transceiver 11 without the electrical interface 115 by having the user terminal 10 equipped with the electrical interface 115.

[0022] The optical interface 116 transmits and receives optical signals to and from the network to which the optical transceiver 11 is connected, the optical network system 40 in the example shown in Figures 1 and 2. The optical signals include superimposed control signals and client signals. In Figure 2, the optical transceiver 11 is equipped with the optical interface 116, but it is also possible to configure the optical transceiver 11 without the optical interface 116 by providing the optical interface 116 at the termination of the optical fiber 30.

[0023] The storage unit 117 can write to and read control content indicated by control signals received as optical or electrical signals by the control signal processing unit 111. Furthermore, the storage unit 117 can write to and read content corresponding to client signals received as optical or electrical signals by the client signal processing unit 112.

[0024] Figure 3 is a Venn diagram showing the accessible regions for control and monitoring signals of the optical transceiver 11 provided in the user terminal 10 according to Embodiment 1. The items that require control and monitoring are represented by three regions: electrical interface region A, which is accessible only from the electrical interface 115; optical interface region B, which is accessible only from the optical interface 116; and mixed region C, which is accessible from both the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116. Which items belong to which region depends on the requirements of the optical network system 40. In some cases, electrical interface region A and optical interface region B completely overlap, resulting in a mixed region like mixed region C, while in other cases, electrical interface region A and optical interface region B are completely separate, and mixed region C does not occur.

[0025] However, in currently widespread optical networks that are not all-optical, the only interface available for controlling and monitoring optical transceivers is the electrical interface. Therefore, almost all the items necessary for controlling optical transceivers are defined. For example, the Small Form Factor (SFF) standard issued by SNIA (Storage Networking Industry Association) specifies the on / off status of the optical transceiver's transmitter and whether or not there is a path bypass for the internal CDR (Clock and Data Recovery). Consequently, if any new control is to be defined from the optical interface side, it is unlikely that it will only include things that are not defined from the conventional electrical interface side, and it is highly likely that some kind of mixed area will occur.

[0026] In Embodiment 1, assuming a network where such a mixed region, i.e., mixed region C shown in Figure 3, occurs, a control method for the optical transceiver 11 provided by the user terminal 10 will be described. That is, in the optical transceiver 11, it is assumed that the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 receive the same type of control signal. However, as shown in electrical interface region A in Figure 3, the electrical interface 115 can also send and receive control signals of a type not sent and received by the optical interface 116. Similarly, as shown in optical interface region B in Figure 3, the optical interface 116 can also send and receive control signals of a type not sent and received by the electrical interface 115.

[0027] In Embodiment 1, the control signal processing unit 111 of the optical transceiver 11 accesses the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 of the optical transceiver 11, even for control signals received from either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116, as control signals that match the set conditions, and determines or modifies the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to the most recent control signal on the time axis, i.e., the control signal received at the latest time.

[0028] Figure 4 shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 1 is set to determine or change its operation according to the control signal received at the latest time. The transmission function here refers to the transmission function of the optical signal client signal at the optical interface 116 of the optical transceiver 11. That is, in addition to the control signals and client signals of the electrical signal at the electrical interface 115, the control signals of the optical signal at the optical interface 116 are not included in the on / off control of the transmission function. In Figure 4, the control signal for turning the transmission function on is represented as "Tx-On", and the control signal for turning the transmission function off is represented as "Tx-Off". The optical transceiver 11 can receive "Tx-On" or "Tx-Off" control signals from the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116, respectively. In the optical transceiver 11, the control signal processing unit 111 determines or changes the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to the control signal received at the latest time from either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116.

[0029] The aforementioned "control signals of the same type" here refer to control signals for the transmission function. In this case, the control signal for the transmission function may be a control signal to turn the transmission function on, or a control signal to turn the transmission function off. In other words, "control signals of the same type" refer to control signals that control the same object, and the "on" and "off" parts may be different; they do not need to be identical down to the "on" and "off" parts. The same applies to subsequent examples.

[0030] First, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn on the transmit function at the electrical interface 115 (step S101), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117, turning on the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S102). Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function at the optical interface 116 (step S103), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117, turning off the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S104). Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn on the transmit function at the optical interface 116 (step S105), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117, turning on the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S106). Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmission function via the electrical interface 115 (step S107), it writes the signal to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117, thereby turning off the transmission function of the optical transceiver 11 (step S108).

[0031] Although the explanation used the on / off switching of the transmission function as an example, the types of control signals are not limited to this and may include other external control signals. Examples of control signal types include power consumption class, whether or not the CDRs on the transmitting and receiving sides are bypassed, whether or not the FEC (Forward Error Correction) circuit is bypassed, selection of the FEC type, transmission and reception wavelengths, transmission rate, modulation scheme, baud rate, and transmission and reception optical power. The same applies to subsequent embodiments.

[0032] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 1. In the optical transceiver 11, if no control signal is received at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 (step S11: No), the control signal processing unit 111 waits until a control signal is received at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116. If a control signal is received at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 (step S11: Yes), the control signal processing unit 111 performs control signal processing based on the received control signal (step S12). After that, the control signal processing unit 111 returns to step S11 and repeats the above operation. In this way, if the same type of control signal is received at the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 as a control signal that matches the set conditions, the control signal processing unit 111 performs control signal processing based on the control content of the control signal that was received most recently.

[0033] Next, the hardware configuration of the optical transceiver 11 will be described. In the optical transceiver 11, the electrical interface 115 is a communication interface capable of transmitting and receiving electrical signals. The optical interface 116 is a communication interface capable of transmitting and receiving optical signals. The storage unit 117 is memory. The control signal processing unit 111, the client signal processing unit 112, and the dual signal combining / demultiplexing unit 113, which includes the photoelectric conversion unit 114, are implemented by a processing circuit. The processing circuit may be a processor and memory that executes a program stored in memory, or it may be dedicated hardware.

[0034] Figure 6 shows an example of a case where the processing circuit 90 realizing the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 1 is configured with a processor 91 and a memory 92. When the processing circuit 90 is configured with a processor 91 and a memory 92, each function of the processing circuit 90 of the optical transceiver 11 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. The software or firmware is written as a program and stored in the memory 92. In the processing circuit 90, each function is realized by the processor 91 reading and executing the program stored in the memory 92. In other words, the processing circuit 90 is equipped with a memory 92 for storing programs that will ultimately be executed as processing for the optical transceiver 11. These programs can also be said to cause the computer to execute the procedures and methods of the optical transceiver 11.

[0035] The above program includes an electrical interface transmission / reception step in which the electrical interface 115 transmits and receives electrical signals with a user terminal 10 equipped with an optical transceiver 11; an optical interface transmission / reception step in which the optical interface 116 transmits and receives optical signals with an optical network system 40, which is the network to which the optical transceiver 11 is connected; a photoelectric conversion step in which the photoelectric conversion unit 114 performs conversion from electrical signals to optical signals and conversion from optical signals to electrical signals; and a control signal processing step in which the control signal processing unit 111 performs control signal processing, which involves writing to or reading from a storage unit 117 that can write and read control content indicated by control signals received as optical signals or electrical signals, based on control content indicated by control signals that match set conditions. In the electrical interface transmission / reception step and the optical interface transmission / reception step, the program can also be described as causing the optical transceiver 11 to perform the electrical interface 115 and optical interface 116 to receive the same type of control signal.

[0036] Here, the processor 91 may be a CPU (Central Processing Unit), processing unit, arithmetic unit, microprocessor, microcomputer, or DSP (Digital Signal Processor), etc. The memory 92 may be, for example, a non-volatile or volatile semiconductor memory such as RAM (Random Access Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), flash memory, EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), EEPROM (Registered Trademark) (Electrically EPROM), magnetic disk, flexible disk, optical disk, compact disk, minidisc, or DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0037] Figure 7 shows an example of a case where the processing circuit 93 that realizes the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 1 is configured with dedicated hardware. When the processing circuit 93 is configured with dedicated hardware, the processing circuit 93 shown in Figure 7 may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. Each function of the optical transceiver 11 may be realized by the processing circuit 93 separately for each function, or each function may be realized together by the processing circuit 93.

[0038] Furthermore, some of the functions of the optical transceiver 11 may be implemented using dedicated hardware, while others may be implemented using software or firmware. In this way, the processing circuit can implement the above-mentioned functions using dedicated hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[0039] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the optical transceiver 11, the control signal processing unit 111 determines the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to the latest control signal received at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116, that is, the control signal received at the latest time. As a result, the optical transceiver 11 can receive control signals from the optical network system 40, which is an optical network, and the user terminal 10, which is an installed device, and can operate based on control signals that match the set conditions.

[0040] Embodiment 2. In Embodiment 1, when the optical transceiver 11 received the same type of control signal from two interfaces, the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116, it determined or modified its operation according to the control signal received at the latest time, regardless of the type of interface. Embodiment 2 describes a case in which the optical transceiver 11, after determining or modifying its operation according to a control signal, provides a waiting period during which it does not accept any further control signals.

[0041] In Embodiment 2, the configuration of the optical network system 40 is the same as the configuration of the optical network system 40 in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1. Also, in Embodiment 2, the configuration of the optical transceiver 11 is the same as the configuration of the optical transceiver 11 in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0042] In Embodiment 2, the control signal processing unit 111 of the optical transceiver 11 determines the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to the control signal received at the latest time, similar to Embodiment 1, as a control signal that matches the set conditions. However, when the operation of the optical transceiver 11 is determined or changed by accessing the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 of the optical transceiver 11 according to the control signal, a waiting period is provided during which the unit does not accept control signals of the same type as the said control signal. The waiting period is, for example, 100 msec, 1 sec, etc., but is not limited to these. The control signal processing unit 111 does not accept control signals received by either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 during the waiting period; in other words, it does not perform control signal processing based on the control signal.

[0043] Figure 8 shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 2 is set to not accept control signals during the standby time, while determining or changing its operation according to the control signal received at the latest time.

[0044] First, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn on the transmit function at the electrical interface 115 (step S201), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 and turns on the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S202). The control signal processing unit 111 also sets a waiting time after turning on the transmit function (step S203). Next, the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function at the optical interface 116 (step S204), but does not accept this control signal because it is during the waiting time. In other words, the control signal processing unit 111 maintains the state in which the transmit function is on as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S202). Next, after the waiting time has elapsed, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function at the electrical interface 115 (step S205), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 and turns off the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S206). Furthermore, the control signal processing unit 111 provides a waiting period after turning off the transmission function (step S207). During the waiting period provided in step S207, the optical transceiver 11 does not receive control signals from either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116.

[0045] Next, after the waiting time has elapsed, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn on the transmit function at the optical interface 116 (step S208), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 and turns on the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S209). The control signal processing unit 111 also sets a waiting time after turning on the transmit function (step S210). During the waiting time set in step S210, the optical transceiver 11 does not receive any control signals from either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116. Next, after the waiting time has elapsed, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function at the electrical interface 115 (step S211), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 and turns off the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S212). The control signal processing unit 111 also sets a waiting time after turning off the transmit function (step S213). During the standby time set in step S213, the optical transceiver 11 does not receive control signals from either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116.

[0046] In addition, the control signal processing unit 111 is configured to provide a waiting time when it determines or changes the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to the same type of control signal, but is not limited to this. If the control signal processing unit 111 provides a waiting time according to the transmit function on or off control signal shown in Figure 8, it may also choose not to accept a control signal different from the transmit function on or off control signal, such as an Rx-CDR bypass control signal, even if one is received.

[0047] Furthermore, the standby time may be fixed or it may be changeable from the outside. The optical transceiver 11 can change the standby time by, for example, having a memory unit 117 that holds a memory area for the standby time and changing the setting of the standby time memory area based on instructions from an external control signal or the like.

[0048] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 2. In Figure 9, the operations of steps S11 and S12 are the same as the operations of steps S11 and S12 in the flowchart of Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 5. In the optical transceiver 11, the control signal processing unit 111 sets a waiting time after step S12, that is, after performing control signal processing (step S21). If the waiting time has not elapsed (step S22: No), the control signal processing unit 111 waits until the waiting time has elapsed. If the waiting time has elapsed (step S22: Yes), the control signal processing unit 111 returns to step S11 and repeats the above operation.

[0049] Thus, the control signal processing unit 111 sets a predetermined period after control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, it does not accept control signals received by the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 that are of the same type as the control signal that was the subject of the most recent control signal processing. Alternatively, the control signal processing unit 111 sets a predetermined period after control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, it does not accept any types of control signals received by the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116.

[0050] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the optical transceiver 11, in addition to the operation of Embodiment 1, the control signal processing unit 111 further provides a waiting period in which it does not accept control signals after determining or changing the operation of the optical transceiver 11. This makes it possible to avoid situations in which the optical transceiver 11 frequently changes its operation, even when, for example, it receives a control signal to turn on a certain function from one interface and immediately afterwards receives a control signal to turn off a certain function from the other interface.

[0051] Embodiment 3. In Embodiments 1 and 2, when the optical transceiver 11 received the same type of control signal from two interfaces, the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116, it determined or modified its operation according to the control signal received at the latest time, regardless of the type of interface. Embodiment 3 describes a case in which the optical transceiver 11 preferentially uses the control signal received on one of the interfaces.

[0052] In Embodiment 3, the configuration of the optical network system 40 is the same as the configuration of the optical network system 40 in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1. Also, in Embodiment 3, the configuration of the optical transceiver 11 is the same as the configuration of the optical transceiver 11 in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0053] In Embodiment 3, the control signal processing unit 111 of the optical transceiver 11 determines or modifies the operation of the optical transceiver 11 using control signals received on the interface set as the priority interface, as control signals that match the set conditions, and does not accept control signals received on interfaces that are not set as the priority interface. The priority interface setting can be changed by external operation, such as by using control signals.

[0054] Figure 10 shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 3 is set to determine or change its operation according to the control signal received on the priority interface.

[0055] First, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to set the electrical interface 115 as the preferred interface in either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116, it writes the signal to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117, setting the electrical interface 115 as the preferred interface (step S301). With this setting, the control signal processing unit 111 can accept control signals from the electrical interface 115 to turn the transmission function on or off, but it cannot accept control signals from the optical interface 116 to turn the transmission function on or off.

[0056] Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn on the transmit function on the electrical interface 115 which is set as the priority interface (step S302), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 and turns on the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S303). Next, the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function on the optical interface 116 (step S304), but since the optical interface 116 is not set as the priority interface, it does not accept the control signal received on the optical interface 116. In other words, the control signal processing unit 111 maintains the state in which the transmit function is on as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S303). Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function on the electrical interface 115 which is set as the priority interface (step S305), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 and turns off the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S306). Next, the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn on the transmit function via the optical interface 116 (step S307), but since the optical interface 116 is not set as a priority interface, it does not accept the control signal received via the optical interface 116. In other words, the control signal processing unit 111 maintains the transmit function off state as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S306).

[0057] Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to set the optical interface 116 as the preferred interface in either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116, it writes the signal to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117, setting the optical interface 116 as the preferred interface (step S308). With this setting, the control signal processing unit 111 can accept control signals from the optical interface 116 to turn the transmission function on or off, but it cannot accept control signals from the electrical interface 115 to turn the transmission function on or off.

[0058] Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn on the transmit function on the optical interface 116, which is set as the priority interface (step S309), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 and turns on the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S310). Next, the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function on the electrical interface 115 (step S311), but since the electrical interface 115 is not set as the priority interface, it does not accept the control signal received on the electrical interface 115. In other words, the control signal processing unit 111 maintains the state in which the transmit function is on as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S310).

[0059] In the example shown for the optical transceiver 11, a priority interface is set by an external control signal. However, there are three possible interfaces that can receive control signals for the priority interface: (1) only the electrical interface 115, (2) only the optical interface 116, and (3) both the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116. Embodiment 3 may be any of these three patterns. Furthermore, the priority interface setting may be fixed and readable at the time of shipment of the optical transceiver 11. In this case, the optical transceiver 11 accepts external control signals according to the initial setting value of the priority interface, which is either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116.

[0060] Furthermore, in Embodiment 3, it is also possible to provide the standby time described in Embodiment 2. The standby time may not be for control signals from the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116, but for control signals regarding the setting of the priority interface. The standby time may be fixed or it may be changeable from the outside.

[0061] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 3. In the optical transceiver 11, the control signal processing unit 111 sets the electrical interface 115 as the preferred interface if it receives a control signal that should set the electrical interface 115 as the preferred interface (step S31: Yes) (step S32). After step S32, or if no control signal has been received that should set the electrical interface 115 as the preferred interface (step S31: No), the control signal processing unit 111 determines whether or not a control signal has been received that should set the optical interface 116 as the preferred interface (step S33).

[0062] If the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal that should make the optical interface 116 the preferred interface at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 (step S33: Yes), it sets the optical interface 116 as the preferred interface (step S34). After step S34, or if the control signal processing unit 111 has not received a control signal that should make the optical interface 116 the preferred interface at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 (step S33: No), it returns to step S31. If the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal that should make the same interface as the current preferred interface the preferred interface at the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116, it may ignore the said control signal.

[0063] In Embodiment 3, the operation of the optical transceiver 11 after the priority interface setting can be described by replacing "Is a control signal received on the electrical interface 115 or optical interface 116?" in step S11 of the flowchart shown in Figure 5 described in Embodiment 1 and the flowchart shown in Figure 9 described in Embodiment 2 with "Is a control signal received on the priority interface?", so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0064] In this way, the control signal processing unit 111 sets either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 as the preferred interface, and when the same type of control signal is received on the preferred interface as a control signal that matches the set conditions, it performs control signal processing based on the control content of the control signal received most recently. At this time, the control signal processing unit 111 sets or changes the preferred interface according to the control signal received on the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116. Alternatively, the control signal processing unit 111 sets or changes the preferred interface according to the control signal received on the electrical interface 115. Alternatively, the control signal processing unit 111 sets or changes the preferred interface according to the control signal received on the optical interface 116.

[0065] Furthermore, when Embodiment 3 is applied to Embodiment 2, the control signal processing unit 111 sets a predetermined period after control signal processing as a waiting time and does not accept control signals of the same type as the control signal that was the subject of the most recent control signal processing, which are received by the priority interface during the waiting time. Alternatively, the control signal processing unit 111 sets a predetermined period after control signal processing as a waiting time and does not accept any types of control signals received by the priority interface during the waiting time.

[0066] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the optical transceiver 11, the control signal processing unit 111 can set either the electrical interface 115 or the optical interface 116 as the priority interface, and controls the operation of the optical transceiver 11 based on the control signals received on the interface set as the priority interface, thereby determining or changing the operation of the optical transceiver 11. As a result, the optical transceiver 11 can determine the priority of the network and then operate in response to control signals from the outside.

[0067] Embodiment 4. In Embodiments 1 to 3, the optical transceiver 11 determined or changed its operation according to the slowest time control signal of a predetermined interface. Embodiment 4 describes a case in which the optical transceiver 11 determines or changes its operation when it receives the same control signal on two interfaces, the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116.

[0068] In Embodiment 4, the configuration of the optical network system 40 is the same as the configuration of the optical network system 40 in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 1. Also, in Embodiment 4, the configuration of the optical transceiver 11 is the same as the configuration of the optical transceiver 11 in Embodiment 1 shown in Figure 2.

[0069] In Embodiment 4, the control signal processing unit 111 of the optical transceiver 11 determines or changes the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to the control signal after receiving identical control signals at both the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 as control signals that match the set conditions. The order in which identical control signals are received does not matter; the electrical interface 115 may receive them first, or the optical interface 116 may receive them first. Here, "identical control signals" differ from the "identical type of control signals" mentioned above; they are identical control signals, including the "on" or "off" portion. Therefore, in the example above, the control signal for turning on the transmission function and the control signal for turning off the transmission function are "identical type of control signals," but not "control signals with identical content."

[0070] Figure 12 shows the on / off switching state of the transmission function when the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 4 is set to determine or change its operation when it receives the same control signal on the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116.

[0071] First, the current state of the optical transceiver 11 is set to the transmit function off state (step S401). Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a transmit function on control signal at the electrical interface 115 (step S402), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 that a transmit function on control signal has been received at the electrical interface 115, but since there is no write indicating that a transmit function on control signal has been received at the optical interface 116, it maintains the transmit function off state (step S401). Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a transmit function on control signal at the optical interface 116 (step S403), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 that a transmit function on control signal has been received at the optical interface 116, and since there is a write indicating that a transmit function on control signal has been received at the electrical interface 115, it turns on the transmit function as the operation of the optical transceiver 11 (step S404).

[0072] Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function at the optical interface 116 (step S405), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 that a control signal to turn off the transmit function has been received at the optical interface 116. However, since there is no write indicating that a control signal to turn off the transmit function has been received at the electrical interface 115, the transmit function remains on (step S404). Next, when the control signal processing unit 111 receives a control signal to turn off the transmit function at the electrical interface 115 (step S406), it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 that a control signal to turn off the transmit function has been received at the electrical interface 115. Since there is a write indicating that a control signal to turn off the transmit function has been received at the optical interface 116, the optical transceiver 11 turns off the transmit function (step S407).

[0073] In Embodiment 4, the control signal processing unit 111 takes the AND of the control signals from the two interfaces, the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116. Therefore, when a control signal is received on each interface, it writes to the storage area of ​​the storage unit 117 as described above, indicating that a control signal has been received on each interface. The storage area may have not only two values, on and off, for the transmission function, but also a cancellation area where no control signal is entered.

[0074] Furthermore, in Embodiment 4, it is also possible to provide the waiting time described in Embodiment 2. The waiting time may be fixed or it may be changeable from the outside.

[0075] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to Embodiment 4. In the optical transceiver 11, if the control signal processing unit 111 has not received control signals of the same content from the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 (step S41: No), it waits until it receives control signals of the same content from the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116. If the control signal processing unit 111 has received control signals of the same content from the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 (step S41: Yes), it performs control signal processing based on the received control signals (step S42). After that, the control signal processing unit 111 returns to step S41 and repeats the above operation.

[0076] In this manner, the control signal processing unit 111 receives identical control signals from both the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 as control signals that meet the set conditions, and then performs control signal processing based on the control content of the control signals. At this time, the control signal processing unit 111 stores the control content of the control signals received by the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 in the storage unit 117. The control content of the control signals stored in the storage unit 117 also includes information on which interface the signals were received from.

[0077] Furthermore, when Embodiment 4 is applied to Embodiment 2, the control signal processing unit 111 sets a predetermined period after control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept control signals received by the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116 that are of the same type as the control signal that was the subject of the most recent control signal processing. Alternatively, the control signal processing unit 111 sets a predetermined period after control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept any types of control signals received by the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116.

[0078] As described above, according to this embodiment, in the optical transceiver 11, the control signal processing unit 111 receives the same control signal on two interfaces, the electrical interface 115 and the optical interface 116, and then determines or changes the operation of the optical transceiver 11 according to the control signal. As a result, the optical transceiver 11 can determine or change its operation after receiving requests from both the user terminal 10 and the optical network system 40.

[0079] The configurations shown in the above embodiments are merely examples, and it is possible to combine them with other known technologies, combine different embodiments, and omit or modify parts of the configuration without departing from the gist of the invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 10, 10a, 10b User terminals, 11, 21 Optical transceivers, 20, 20a, 20b Relay nodes, 22 Multiplexers / demultiplexers, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c Optical fibers, 40 Optical network system, 90, 93 Processing circuits, 91 Processor, 92 Memory, 111 Control signal processing unit, 112 Client signal processing unit, 113 Dual signal multiplexer / demultiplexer, 114 Photoelectric converter, 115 Electrical interface, 116 Optical interface, 117 Storage unit.

Claims

1. An optical transceiver that converts between optical signals and electrical signals, An electrical interface for sending and receiving electrical signals with a user terminal equipped with the optical transceiver, An optical interface that transmits and receives the optical signal to and from the network to which the optical transceiver is connected, A photoelectric conversion unit that performs conversion from the electrical signal to the optical signal and conversion from the optical signal to the electrical signal, A storage unit capable of writing and reading control content indicated by the control signal received as the optical signal or the electrical signal, A control signal processing unit performs control signal processing, which involves writing to or reading from the storage unit based on the control content indicated by the control signal that matches the set conditions. Equipped with, The electrical interface and the optical interface receive the same type of control signal. An optical transceiver characterized by the following features.

2. The electrical interface transmits and receives control signals of a type not transmitted or received by the optical interface. The optical transceiver according to feature 1.

3. The optical interface transmits and receives control signals of a type not transmitted or received by the electrical interface. The optical transceiver according to feature 1.

4. When the control signal processing unit receives the same type of control signal at the electrical interface and the optical interface as the control signal that matches the set conditions, it performs the control signal processing based on the control content of the control signal that was received most recently. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The control signal processing unit sets a predetermined period after the control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept control signals received by the electrical interface and the optical interface that are of the same type as the control signal that was the subject of the most recent control signal processing. The optical transceiver according to feature 4.

6. The control signal processing unit sets a predetermined period after the control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept any type of control signal received by the electrical interface and the optical interface. The optical transceiver according to feature 4.

7. The control signal processing unit sets either the electrical interface or the optical interface as the preferred interface, and when the same type of control signal is received on the preferred interface as the control signal that matches the set conditions, it performs the control signal processing based on the control content of the control signal that was received most recently. The optical transceiver according to feature 1.

8. The control signal processing unit sets or changes the preferred interface according to the control signals received by the electrical interface or the optical interface. The optical transceiver according to feature 7.

9. The control signal processing unit sets or changes the preferred interface according to the control signals received by the electrical interface. The optical transceiver according to feature 7.

10. The control signal processing unit sets or changes the preferred interface according to the control signals received by the optical interface. The optical transceiver according to feature 7.

11. The control signal processing unit sets a predetermined period after the control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept control signals received by the priority interface that are of the same type as the control signal that was the subject of the most recent control signal processing. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

12. The control signal processing unit sets a predetermined period after the control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept any type of control signal received by the priority interface. The optical transceiver according to any one of claims 7 to 10.

13. The control signal processing unit, after receiving control signals with the same content from both the electrical interface and the optical interface as control signals that match the set conditions, performs the control signal processing based on the control content of the control signals. The optical transceiver according to feature 1.

14. The control signal processing unit stores the control content of the control signals received by the electrical interface and the optical interface in the storage unit. The optical transceiver according to feature 13.

15. The control signal processing unit sets a predetermined period after the control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept control signals received by the electrical interface and the optical interface that are of the same type as the control signal that was the subject of the most recent control signal processing. The optical transceiver according to feature 13 or 14.

16. The control signal processing unit sets a predetermined period after the control signal processing as a waiting time, and during the waiting time, does not accept any type of control signal received by the electrical interface and the optical interface. The optical transceiver according to feature 13 or 14.

17. A control circuit for controlling an optical transceiver that converts optical signals and electrical signals to each other, The electrical interface transmits and receives electrical signals with the user terminal equipped with the optical transceiver. The optical interface transmits and receives the optical signal to and from the network to which the optical transceiver is connected. The photoelectric conversion unit converts from the electrical signal to the optical signal and from the optical signal to the electrical signal. Control signal processing unit performs control signal processing that, based on a control signal that matches the set conditions and is received as an optical signal or electrical signal, writes the control content indicated by the control signal to a storage unit capable of writing and reading, or reads from the storage unit. A control circuit characterized in that the optical transceiver performs the above, and the electrical interface and the optical interface receive the same type of control signal.

18. A storage medium containing a program for controlling an optical transceiver that converts optical signals and electrical signals to each other, The aforementioned program, The electrical interface transmits and receives electrical signals with the user terminal equipped with the optical transceiver. The optical interface transmits and receives the optical signal to and from the network to which the optical transceiver is connected. The photoelectric conversion unit converts from the electrical signal to the optical signal and from the optical signal to the electrical signal. Control signal processing unit performs control signal processing that, based on a control signal that matches the set conditions and is received as an optical signal or electrical signal, writes the control content indicated by the control signal to a storage unit capable of writing and reading, or reads from the storage unit. A storage medium characterized in that the optical transceiver performs the above, and the electrical interface and the optical interface receive the same type of control signal.

19. A control method for an optical transceiver that converts between optical signals and electrical signals, The electrical interface includes an electrical interface transmission / reception step in which the electrical interface transmits and receives electrical signals with a user terminal equipped with the optical transceiver, The optical interface includes an optical interface transmission / reception step in which the optical interface transmits and receives the optical signal to and from the network to which the optical transceiver is connected, The photoelectric conversion unit performs a photoelectric conversion step of converting from the electrical signal to the optical signal and from the optical signal to the electrical signal, A control signal processing step in which a control signal processing unit performs control signal processing, which involves writing the control content indicated by the control signal to a storage unit capable of writing and reading the control content indicated by the control signal to a storage unit or reading it from the storage unit, based on a control signal that matches a set condition and is received as the optical signal or the electrical signal; Includes, In the electrical interface transmission / reception step and the optical interface transmission / reception step, the electrical interface and the optical interface receive the same type of control signal. A control method characterized by the following:

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