Optical transceiver, optical communication system, and method for inputting optical signals to an optical transceiver

Abstract

To provide an optical transceiver, an optical communication system, and an optical input method to the optical transceiver that can efficiently reduce power consumption.SOLUTION: A first input / output port P1 is connected to a communication destination device. A second input / output port P2 is connected to a light source 10. An optical signal transmitting unit 1 receives light L input from the second input / output port P2 and outputs an optical signal LT obtained by modulating the received light L through the first input / output port P1. An optical signal receiving unit 2 receives an optical signal LR input to the first input / output port P1 from the communication destination device.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an optical transceiver, an optical communication system, and an optical input method to the optical transceiver.

Background Art

[0002] Due to the rapid increase in communication traffic, there is a need to expand the transmission capacity. Accordingly, the high-speed / high-capacity of optical network systems has been progressing. For optical transceivers (Patent Documents 1 to 3), which are key devices in optical network systems, realization of high speed, reduction of power consumption, optical-through function, etc. is required.

[0003] For example, in the IWON (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network) concept, SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) optical transceivers are adopted, and in small optical modules such as SFP optical transceivers, it is required to meet such requirements.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, while there is an upper limit to the power consumption of SFP optical transceivers, as mentioned above, the number of functions that need to be implemented in SFP optical transceivers is constantly increasing. As a result, even when attempting to implement functions in SFP optical transceivers, it becomes difficult to secure sufficient power. Consequently, it is difficult to simultaneously achieve low power consumption in SFP optical transceivers, as well as efforts to increase transmission rates, implement high-speed functions such as multi-level modulation, and enable flexible wavelength settings.

[0006] Therefore, in order to add further functionality to SFP optical transceivers, there is a need to establish methods for more efficiently reducing power consumption.

[0007] This disclosure is made in view of the above circumstances and aims to provide an optical transceiver, an optical communication system, and an optical input method to an optical transceiver that can efficiently reduce power consumption. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] An optical transceiver according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first input / output port connected to a communication destination device, a second input / output port connected to an externally provided light source, an optical signal transmitting unit that outputs a first optical signal modulated from light input from the light source via the second input / output port via the first input / output port, and an optical signal receiving unit that receives a second optical signal input from the communication destination device to the first input / output port.

[0009] An optical communication system according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes an optical transceiver and a light source that outputs light to the optical transceiver, wherein the optical transceiver includes a first input / output port connected to a communication destination device, a second input / output port connected to the light source, an optical signal transmitting unit that outputs a first optical signal modulated from the light source via the second input / output port via the first input / output port, and an optical signal receiving unit that receives a second optical signal input to the first input / output port from the communication destination device.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is a method for inputting light to an optical transceiver, comprising: a first input / output port connected to a communication destination device; a second input / output port connected to an externally provided light source; an optical signal transmitting unit that outputs a first optical signal modulated from received light via the first input / output port; and an optical signal receiving unit that receives a second optical signal input from the communication destination device to the first input / output port, wherein light is input from the light source to the optical signal transmitting unit via the second input / output port.

[0011] According to this disclosure, it is possible to provide an optical transceiver, an optical communication system, and a method for inputting optical signals to an optical transceiver that can efficiently reduce power consumption. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 2] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the optical communication system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the optical communication system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 4] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the light source according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 5] This figure shows the sequence of wavelength change operations of the optical communication system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the optical communication system according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 7] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of the light source according to Embodiment 3. [Figure 8] This figure shows the sequence of wavelength change operations of the optical communication system according to Embodiment 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same elements, and redundant descriptions will be omitted as necessary.

[0014] Embodiment 1 The optical transceiver according to Embodiment 1 will be described. FIG. 1 schematically shows the configuration of the optical transceiver 100 according to Embodiment 1. The optical transceiver 100 has an optical signal transmission unit 1, an optical signal reception unit 2, a first input / output port P1, and a second input / output port P2. In this configuration, two-way communication is performed with a destination device, which is a communication partner, through the first input / output port P1, and light L is introduced from a light source 10 provided outside the optical transceiver 100 through the second input / output port P2.

[0015] The first input / output port P1 is connected to a destination device that performs two-way communication with the optical transceiver 100 through an optical transmission line such as an optical fiber. Needless to say, the connection here means that various devices and apparatuses for mediating communication may be interposed between the first input / output port P1 and the destination device.

[0016] The second input / output port P2 is connected to a light source 10 provided outside the optical transceiver 100 through an optical transmission line such as an optical fiber.

[0017] Note that the first input / output port P1 corresponds to one of the transmission port and the reception port in an SFP (Small Form-Factor Pluggable) optical transceiver, and the second input / output port P2 corresponds to the other of the transmission port and the reception port in the SFP optical transceiver.

[0018] The optical signal transmission unit 1 receives the light L output from the light source 10 provided outside the optical transceiver 100 through the second input / output port P2. The optical signal transmission unit 1 modulates the light L into an optical signal LT according to a transmission data signal DT, which is an electrical signal input from the outside, and outputs the optical signal LT to an external destination device through the first input / output port P1. Note that the optical signal LT is also referred to as the first optical signal.

[0019] Here, the external light source 10 is configured as a wavelength-variable laser module. Note that the light source 10 is not limited to this, and may be appropriately configured as a light source having various configurations.

[0020] The optical signal LR input from the communication destination device via the first input / output port P1 is input to the optical signal receiving unit 2. The optical signal receiving unit 2 converts the received optical signal LR into a received data signal DR which is an electrical signal, and outputs it externally, for example, to an optical transmission device 1100 described later. Note that the optical signal LR is also referred to as a second optical signal.

[0021] The optical transceiver 100 and its peripheral devices will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 schematically shows the configuration of the optical communication system 1000 according to the first embodiment. The optical transceiver 100 in FIG. 2 further includes an optical circulator 3, an electrical connector 4, and a wavelength-variable filter 5. Note that the optical circulator 3 is also referred to as a second optical circulator.

[0022] The wavelength-variable filter 5 is inserted between the first input / output port P1 and the optical signal receiving unit 2. The optical circulator 3 is inserted between the first input / output port P1, the optical signal transmitting unit 1, and the wavelength-variable filter 5.

[0023] When the optical transceiver 100 is configured as a wavelength-variable optical transceiver, it is assumed that the wavelength of the optical signal LR received via the first input / output port P1 also varies depending on the application. As in this configuration, by inserting the wavelength-variable filter 5 in front of the optical signal receiving unit 2, the optical signal LR_F having the wavelength to be received, which has passed through the wavelength-variable filter 5, can be selectively input to the optical signal receiving unit 2.

[0024] The optical signal transmission unit 1 includes an optical modulator driver 11 and an optical modulator 12. The optical modulator driver 11 receives a transmission data signal DT via an electrical connector 4 and outputs a modulated signal MD based on the transmission data signal DT to the optical modulator 12. The optical modulator 12 outputs an optical signal LT, which is obtained by modulating optical L according to the modulated signal MD, to the optical circulator 3. The optical signal LT is output by the optical circulator 3 to an external communication destination device via the first input / output port P1.

[0025] The optical signal receiving unit 2 includes a light receiving unit 21 and a signal processing unit 22. The optical signal LR is input to the optical circulator 3 from the communication destination device via the first input / output port P1. The optical circulator 3 outputs the optical signal LR to the tunable filter 5. The tunable filter 5 wavelength filters the optical signal LR and outputs the transmitted wavelength optical signal LR_F to the light receiving unit 21. The light receiving unit 21 receives the optical signal LR_F and outputs the signal SR, which is an electrical signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of the optical signal LR_F, to the signal processing unit 22. The signal processing unit 22 outputs the received data signal DR, obtained by performing predetermined signal processing on the signal SR output from the light receiving unit 21, to the outside via the electrical connector 4.

[0026] The electrical connector 4 of the optical transceiver 100 is inserted into the optical transmission device 1100. For the sake of simplicity in the drawing, an example is shown where one optical transceiver 100 is attached to the optical transmission device 1100. However, multiple optical transceivers 100 may be attached to the optical transmission device 1100, or one or more optical transceivers 100 may be attached to one or more other optical transceivers.

[0027] The light source 10 may be housed in a light source unit separate from the optical transmission device 1100 within the station building where the optical transmission device 1100 is installed. Alternatively, the light source 10 may be provided within the optical transmission device 1100.

[0028] As described above, with this configuration, the light source 10 can be placed outside the optical transceiver 100, thus reducing the power consumption of the optical transceiver 100 by the amount of power consumed by the light source 10. As a result, it becomes possible to implement various functions, such as increased speed, in the optical transceiver 100.

[0029] Furthermore, by placing the light source 10 outside the optical transceiver 100, the constraints on the light source 10 can be relaxed. For example, since the power consumption of the optical transceiver 100 has an upper limit, the power consumption of the light source 10 is naturally also limited. However, with this configuration, the light source to be used can be selected without considering the upper limit of the power consumption of the optical transceiver 100. In addition, since it is not necessary to house the light source 10 within the limited size of the optical transceiver 100's casing, the requirement for miniaturization of the light source 10 can be relaxed. As a result, it becomes possible to broaden the range of usable light sources.

[0030] Embodiment 2 A second embodiment of the optical communication system will now be described. The optical communication system according to this embodiment is configured to change or specify the wavelength of the light L output by the light source 10 in accordance with the wavelength request signal included in the optical signal LR received from an external communication destination device.

[0031] Figure 3 schematically shows the configuration of the optical communication system 2000 according to Embodiment 2. The optical communication system 2000 has a configuration in which the optical transceiver 100 in the optical communication system 1000 is replaced with an optical transceiver 200.

[0032] The optical transceiver 200 has a configuration in which the optical signal receiving unit 2 is replaced with an optical signal receiving unit 6, and a control unit 7, a wavelength change signal output unit 8, and an optical circulator 9 are added. The optical signal receiving unit 6 has a configuration in which a wavelength request signal receiving unit 61 is added to the optical signal receiving unit 2. The optical circulator 9 is also referred to as the first optical circulator. In this configuration, the light source 10 may be configured as a wavelength tunable light source element such as a wavelength tunable laser module.

[0033] The configuration of the light source 10 in this embodiment will now be described. Figure 4 schematically shows the configuration of the light source 10 according to Embodiment 2. Here, the light source 10 is configured as a tunable light source capable of switching the wavelength of the output light L. The light source 10 has an input / output port 111, a circulator 112, a light receiving unit 113, a signal processing unit 114, a light source control unit 115, and a tunable laser element 116.

[0034] The tunable laser element 116 outputs light L, which is then output to the optical transceiver 200 via the input / output port 111. The light L is then input to the optical circulator 9 via the second input / output port P2. Additionally, the wavelength-changing optical signal LW output from the wavelength-changing signal output unit 8 is input to the input / output port 111 via the second input / output port P2, and subsequently input to the light-receiving unit 113.

[0035] The light receiving unit 113 receives the wavelength-changing optical signal LW and outputs signal S1, an electrical signal obtained by photoelectric conversion of the wavelength-changing optical signal LW, to the signal processing unit 114. The signal processing unit 114 outputs signal S2, obtained by performing predetermined signal processing on signal S1 output from the light receiving unit 113, to the light source control unit 115. The light source control unit 115 outputs a control signal CON1 to the tunable laser element 116 to instruct it to switch the wavelength of light L according to signal S2.

[0036] Next, the wavelength change operation of the optical communication system 2000 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. Figure 5 shows the sequence of the wavelength change operation of the optical communication system 2000 according to Embodiment 2.

[0037] Step S11 The light receiving unit 21 receives the optical signal LR_F and outputs the signal SR obtained by photoelectric conversion of the optical signal LR_F to the signal processing unit 22 and the wavelength request signal receiving unit 61. In this embodiment, the optical signal LR_F received by the light receiving unit 21 includes a signal that instructs a change in the wavelength of the light L output by the light source 10, in other words, a wavelength request signal that specifies the wavelength of the light L. For example, the wavelength request signal may be superimposed on the optical signal LR_F by ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying) modulation. The wavelength request signal receiving unit 61 extracts the wavelength request signal included in the signal SR output from the light receiving unit 21 and outputs a wavelength request signal REQ indicating the extraction result to the control unit 7.

[0038] Step S12 Based on the wavelength request signal REQ, the control unit 7 outputs a wavelength change signal W1 to the wavelength change signal output unit 8, which commands the light source 10 to change the wavelength of the light L that it should output.

[0039] Step S13 The wavelength change signal output unit 8 outputs a wavelength change optical signal LW to the optical circulator 9 based on the wavelength change signal W1. The wavelength change optical signal LW is also referred to as the third optical signal. The wavelength change optical signal LW output from the wavelength change signal output unit 8 is input to the optical circulator 9, and the optical circulator 9 outputs it to the light source 10 via the second input / output port P2.

[0040] In this configuration, the light L output from the light source 10 is input to the optical circulator 9 via the first input / output port P1, and the optical circulator 9 outputs the light signal to the optical signal transmission unit 1.

[0041] Step S14 The light source 10 receives the wavelength-changing optical signal LW and changes the wavelength of the output light L to the wavelength indicated by the wavelength-changing optical signal LW. Specifically, as described above, the light receiving unit 113 photoelectrically converts the wavelength-changing optical signal LW into signal S1, and the signal processing unit 114 performs predetermined signal processing on signal S1 and outputs the resulting signal S2 to the light source control unit 115. In response to signal S2, the light source control unit 115 outputs a control signal CON1 to the tunable laser element 116 to instruct it to switch the wavelength of the light L. In response to the control signal CON1, the tunable laser element 116 changes the wavelength of the output light L.

[0042] Step S15 Furthermore, the control unit 7 outputs a wavelength change signal W2 to the tunable filter 5, which commands a change in the wavelength of the optical signal LR_F that the tunable filter 5 should transmit, based on the wavelength request signal REQ.

[0043] Step S16 The tunable filter 5 changes the wavelength of the light it transmits to the wavelength indicated by the wavelength change signal W2. As a result, the light receiving unit 21 can receive the optical signal LR_F with the wavelength specified by the wavelength request signal REQ.

[0044] Thus, with this configuration, it is possible to change the wavelength of the light L output by an externally installed light source in response to a wavelength request signal input from an external source. In addition, by changing the transmission wavelength of the tunable filter in response to the wavelength request signal, it is possible to appropriately correspond to the wavelength of the optical signal to be received.

[0045] Embodiment 3 The optical communication system according to Embodiment 3 will now be described. The optical communication system according to this embodiment is a modified version of the optical communication system according to Embodiment 2, and is configured to allow the selection of a tunable laser element that outputs optical light L to the optical transceiver according to the wavelength request signal.

[0046] Figure 6 schematically shows the configuration of the optical communication system 3000 according to Embodiment 3. The optical transceiver 200 is the same as in Embodiment 2, so its description is omitted. In the optical communication system 3000, a light source 110 is provided in place of the light source 10 of the optical communication system 2000.

[0047] The configuration of the light source 110 will now be described. The light source 110 is configured to have multiple tunable laser elements. Figure 7 schematically shows the configuration of the light source 110 according to Embodiment 3. Compared to the light source 10, the light source 110 has three tunable laser elements 116A to 116C instead of the tunable laser element 116. Here, the tunable laser elements 116A to 116C each output light in a different wavelength band.

[0048] Furthermore, compared to light source 10, light source 110 has an additional switching circuit 117. The switching circuit 117 is inserted between the tunable laser elements 116A~116C and the circulator 112, and is configured to switch the light propagation path between the tunable laser elements 116A~116C and the circulator 112.

[0049] Next, the wavelength change operation of the optical communication system 3000 will be described. Figure 8 shows the sequence of the wavelength change operation of the optical communication system 3000 according to Embodiment 3.

[0050] Steps S21-S23 Steps S21 to S23 are the same as steps S11 to S13 in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0051] Step S24 The light source control unit 115 receives a signal S2 from the signal processing unit 114, which is a signal obtained by converting the wavelength-changing optical signal LW and performing predetermined signal processing. Then, in response to the signal S2, the light source control unit 115 outputs a control signal CON2 to the switching circuit 117 in order to change the optical propagation path of the switching circuit 117 so that the light L output from one of the wavelength-tunable laser elements 116A to 116C reaches the input / output port 111.

[0052] Step S25 The switching circuit 117 changes the optical path according to the control signal CON2 it receives.

[0053] Step S26 The light source control unit 115 controls the tunable laser elements 116A to 116C by the control signal CON1 so that light is output only from tunable laser elements capable of outputting light of the wavelength specified by the wavelength change optical signal LW. Here, we will describe the case where the light source outputting light L is changed from tunable laser element 116A to tunable laser element 116C.

[0054] Step S27 In response to the control signal CON1, the tunable laser element 116A stops outputting light, and the tunable laser element 116C starts outputting light.

[0055] Steps S28 and S29 Steps S28 and S29 are the same as steps S15 and S16 in Figure 5, so their explanation will be omitted.

[0056] Thus, with this configuration, even when multiple light source elements are provided externally in response to a wavelength request signal input from an external source, it becomes possible to output light using a light source element that outputs light of the appropriate wavelength.

[0057] Other embodiments It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, although the embodiments described above were explained as receiving a wavelength request signal from an external communication destination device, this is merely illustrative. For example, an optical signal including a wavelength request signal may be input to the optical transceiver according to the embodiments described above from a device other than a communication destination device, such as any control device connected to the first input / output port P1 in a manner that enables the transmission of optical signals.

[0058] In the optical communication system according to Embodiment 3, the light source that outputs light was described as being changed from a tunable laser element 116A to a tunable laser element 116C, but this is merely an example. That is, the light source that outputs light may be changed from a tunable laser element 116A to a tunable laser element 116B, from a tunable laser element 116B to a tunable laser element 116A, or from a tunable laser element 116B to a tunable laser element 116C. Furthermore, the light source that outputs light may be changed from a tunable laser element 116C to a tunable laser element 116A, or from a tunable laser element 116C to a tunable laser element 116B. In addition, the light source element provided in the light source 110 may be not only a tunable laser element, but also various types of light-emitting elements.

[0059] In the optical communication system according to Embodiment 3, an example in which three light source elements are provided has been described, but this is merely an example, and the number of light source elements may be two, four or more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0060] 1. Optical signal transmission unit 2. Optical signal receiving unit 3.9 Light Circulator 4. Electrical connectors 5. Tunable filter 6. Optical signal receiving unit 7 Control Unit 8. Wavelength-changing signal output section 9. Light Circulator 10, 110 light source 11 Optical modulator driver 12 Optical modulators 21 Light receiving part 22 Signal Processing Unit 61 Wavelength Request Signal Receiving Section 100, 200 optical transceivers 111 input / output ports 112 Circulator 113 Light receiving part 114 Signal Processing Unit 115 Light source control unit 116, 116A~116C Wavelength-tunable laser elements 117 Switching Circuit 1000, 2000, 3000 Optical Communication Systems 1100 Optical transmission device P1 First input / output port P2 Second input / output port CON1, CON2 control signals DT Transmit Data Signal DR Received Data Signal L light LT, LR optical signal LW wavelength-changed optical signal MD modulated signal REQ Wavelength request signal SR signal W1, W2 wavelength change signals

Claims

1. A first input / output port connected to the communication destination device, A second input / output port connected to an externally located light source, An optical signal transmission unit outputs a first optical signal, which is a modulated optical signal obtained by inputting light from the light source via the second input / output port, via the first input / output port. An optical signal receiving unit receives a second optical signal input to the first input / output port from the communication destination device, and outputs a third optical signal to the light source via the second input / output port that commands a change in the wavelength of the light output by the light source, in accordance with a signal included in the second optical signal that specifies the wavelength of the light output by the light source. The system includes a first optical circulator that outputs the light input from the light source via the second input / output port to the optical signal transmission unit, and outputs the third optical signal input from the optical signal reception unit to the second input / output port, The aforementioned optical signal receiving unit is A light receiving unit that receives the second optical signal and outputs a signal indicating the reception result, A wavelength request signal receiving unit receives a signal that specifies the wavelength of the light included in the signal indicating the reception result, and outputs a wavelength request signal which is the received signal. A control unit that outputs a signal to command a change in the wavelength of the light in response to the wavelength request signal, The system includes a wavelength change signal output unit that converts a signal commanding a change in the wavelength of the light into a third optical signal and outputs it to the light source via the second input / output port. Optical transceiver.

2. The aforementioned light source is A tunable light source element, It comprises a light source control unit, The light source control unit outputs a control signal to the tunable light source element in response to the third optical signal, thereby changing the wavelength of the light output by the tunable light source element. The optical transceiver according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned light source is Multiple tunable light source elements, It comprises a light source control unit, The light source control unit outputs control signals to the plurality of tunable light source elements in response to the third optical signal, and controls the plurality of tunable light source elements so that light is output from only one tunable light source element corresponding to the wavelength specified by the third optical signal. The optical transceiver according to claim 1.

4. A first input / output port connected to a communication destination device, A second input / output port connected to an externally located light source, An optical signal transmission unit outputs a first optical signal, which is a modulated optical signal obtained by inputting light from the light source via the second input / output port, via the first input / output port. An optical signal receiving unit receives a second optical signal input to the first input / output port from the communication destination device, and outputs a third optical signal to the light source via the second input / output port that commands a change in the wavelength of the light output by the light source, in accordance with a signal included in the second optical signal that specifies the wavelength of the light output by the light source. A tunable wavelength filter is inserted between the first input / output port and the optical signal receiving unit to wavelength filter the second optical signal, The system includes a second optical circulator that outputs the first optical signal input from the optical signal transmission unit to a first input / output port, and outputs the second optical signal input from the communication destination device via the first input / output port to the tunable wavelength filter, The aforementioned optical signal receiving unit is A light receiving unit that receives the second optical signal and outputs a signal indicating the reception result, A wavelength request signal receiving unit receives a signal that specifies the wavelength of the light included in the signal indicating the reception result, and outputs a wavelength request signal which is the received signal. A control unit that outputs a signal to command a change in the wavelength of the light in response to the wavelength request signal, The system includes a wavelength change signal output unit that converts a signal commanding a change in the wavelength of the light into a third optical signal and outputs it to the light source via the second input / output port, The control unit outputs a signal that specifies the wavelength to be transmitted by the tunable filter in response to the wavelength request signal. The tunable filter changes the wavelength of light it transmits in response to a signal that specifies the wavelength to be transmitted by the tunable filter. Optical transceiver.

5. The optical transceiver is configured as an SFP optical transceiver. The optical transceiver according to claim 1 or 2.

6. Optical transceiver and, The optical transceiver comprises a light source that outputs light to the optical transceiver, The aforementioned optical transceiver is A first input / output port connected to the communication destination device, A second input / output port connected to the aforementioned light source, An optical signal transmission unit outputs a first optical signal, which is a modulated optical signal of the light input from the light source via the second input / output port, via the first input / output port. An optical signal receiving unit receives a second optical signal input to the first input / output port from the communication destination device, and outputs a third optical signal to the light source via the second input / output port that commands a change in the wavelength of the light output by the light source, in accordance with a signal included in the second optical signal that specifies the wavelength of the light output by the light source. The system includes a first optical circulator that outputs the light input from the light source via the second input / output port to the optical signal transmission unit, and outputs the third optical signal input from the optical signal reception unit to the second input / output port, The aforementioned optical signal receiving unit is A light receiving unit that receives the second optical signal and outputs a signal indicating the reception result, A wavelength request signal receiving unit receives a signal that specifies the wavelength of the light included in the signal indicating the reception result, and outputs a wavelength request signal which is the received signal. A control unit that outputs a signal to command a change in the wavelength of the light in response to the wavelength request signal, The system includes a wavelength change signal output unit that converts a signal commanding a change in the wavelength of the light into a third optical signal and outputs it to the light source via the second input / output port. Optical communication system.

7. A first input / output port connected to the communication destination device, A second input / output port connected to an externally located light source, An optical signal transmission unit outputs a first optical signal, which is a modulated optical signal obtained by inputting light from the light source via the second input / output port, via the first input / output port. An optical signal receiving unit receives a second optical signal input to the first input / output port from the communication destination device, and outputs a third optical signal to the light source via the second input / output port that commands a change in the wavelength of the light output by the light source, in accordance with a signal included in the second optical signal that specifies the wavelength of the light output by the light source. The system includes a first optical circulator that outputs the light input from the light source via the second input / output port to the optical signal transmission unit, and outputs the third optical signal input from the optical signal reception unit to the second input / output port, The aforementioned optical signal receiving unit is A light receiving unit that receives the second optical signal and outputs a signal indicating the reception result, A wavelength request signal receiving unit receives a signal that specifies the wavelength of the light included in the signal indicating the reception result, and outputs a wavelength request signal which is the received signal. A control unit that outputs a signal to command a change in the wavelength of the light in response to the wavelength request signal, An optical transceiver comprising: a wavelength change signal output unit that converts a signal commanding a change in the wavelength of the light into a third optical signal and outputs it to the light source via the second input / output port, Light is input from the light source to the optical signal transmission unit via the second input / output port. Method for inputting optical signals to an optical transceiver.

8. An optical transceiver and The optical transceiver comprises a light source that outputs light to the optical transceiver, The aforementioned optical transceiver is A first input / output port connected to the communication destination device, A second input / output port connected to the aforementioned light source, An optical signal transmission unit outputs a first optical signal, which is a modulated optical signal of the light input from the light source via the second input / output port, via the first input / output port. An optical signal receiving unit receives a second optical signal input to the first input / output port from the communication destination device, and outputs a third optical signal to the light source via the second input / output port that commands a change in the wavelength of the light output by the light source, in accordance with a signal included in the second optical signal that specifies the wavelength of the light output by the light source. A tunable wavelength filter is inserted between the first input / output port and the optical signal receiving unit to wavelength filter the second optical signal, The system includes a second optical circulator that outputs the first optical signal input from the optical signal transmission unit to a first input / output port, and outputs the second optical signal input from the communication destination device via the first input / output port to the tunable wavelength filter, The aforementioned optical signal receiving unit is A light receiving unit that receives the second optical signal and outputs a signal indicating the reception result, A wavelength request signal receiving unit receives a signal that specifies the wavelength of the light included in the signal indicating the reception result, and outputs a wavelength request signal which is the received signal. A control unit that outputs a signal to command a change in the wavelength of the light in response to the wavelength request signal, The system includes a wavelength change signal output unit that converts a signal commanding a change in the wavelength of the light into a third optical signal and outputs it to the light source via the second input / output port, The control unit outputs a signal that specifies the wavelength to be transmitted by the tunable filter in response to the wavelength request signal. The tunable filter changes the wavelength of light it transmits in response to a signal that specifies the wavelength to be transmitted by the tunable filter. Optical communication system.

9. A first input / output port connected to a communication destination device, A second input / output port connected to an externally located light source, An optical signal transmission unit outputs a first optical signal, which is a modulated optical signal obtained by inputting light from the light source via the second input / output port, via the first input / output port. An optical signal receiving unit receives a second optical signal input to the first input / output port from the communication destination device, and outputs a third optical signal to the light source via the second input / output port that commands a change in the wavelength of the light output by the light source, in accordance with a signal included in the second optical signal that specifies the wavelength of the light output by the light source. A tunable wavelength filter is inserted between the first input / output port and the optical signal receiving unit to wavelength filter the second optical signal, The system includes a second optical circulator that outputs the first optical signal input from the optical signal transmission unit to a first input / output port, and outputs the second optical signal input from the communication destination device via the first input / output port to the tunable wavelength filter, The aforementioned optical signal receiving unit is A light receiving unit that receives the second optical signal and outputs a signal indicating the reception result, A wavelength request signal receiving unit receives a signal that specifies the wavelength of the light included in the signal indicating the reception result, and outputs a wavelength request signal which is the received signal. A control unit that outputs a signal to command a change in the wavelength of the light in response to the wavelength request signal, The system includes a wavelength change signal output unit that converts a signal commanding a change in the wavelength of the light into a third optical signal and outputs it to the light source via the second input / output port, The control unit outputs a signal that specifies the wavelength to be transmitted by the tunable filter in response to the wavelength request signal. The tunable filter is used in an optical transceiver that changes the wavelength of light transmitted in response to a signal specifying the wavelength to be transmitted by the tunable filter. Light is input from the light source to the optical signal transmission unit via the second input / output port. Method for inputting optical signals to an optical transceiver.

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