Optical module, network device, communication system and co-cable detection method

Abstract

Provided in the embodiments of the present application are an optical module, a network device, a communication system and a co-cable detection method. Since an optical module serving as a transmitting end transmits an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, a receiving end device determines positional features of reflection points on the basis of an electrical signal generated from the received optical signal, thus facilitating the detection, on the basis of the positional features of the reflection points in different optical fiber links, of whether the optical fiber links are on the same cable. Since OTDR is no longer relied on for co-cable detection, a receiving end device takes on the task of determining positional features of reflection points, and as such the limitations of OTDR technology in terms of application are reduced to a certain extent, and an optical module serving as a transmitting end does not need to be configured with additional devices for performing various processing on reflected signals such as separating the reflected signals and sampling the reflected signals, in order to implement OTDR, thereby reducing the power consumption generated for the entire optical module by means of the additional devices in the optical module serving as the transmitting end in the OTDR technology.

Description

Optical module, network equipment, communication system and cable detection method

[0001] This application claims priority to the Chinese patent application filed with the State Intellectual Property Office of China on November 2, 2023, with application number 202311459552.4 and invention name “Optical module, network equipment, communication system and co-cable detection method”, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference into this application. Technical Field

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communications, and in particular to an optical module, a network device, a communication system, and a method for detecting same cable. Background Art

[0003] In a communication network, the optical cable connecting two long-distance transmission devices usually passes through multiple optical switching boxes, which is equivalent to an optical cable being divided into multiple sections by multiple optical switching boxes. The optical switching box is deployed between the optical module connected to the sending end device and the optical module connected to the receiving end. For example, the optical module connected to the sending end device is connected to the first optical distribution frame (ODF) through an optical cable, the first ODF is connected to the first optical switching box through an optical cable, the first optical switching box is connected to the second optical switching box through an optical cable, the second optical switching box is connected to the second ODF through an optical cable, and the second ODF is connected to the optical module connected to the receiving end device through an optical cable. If different optical fiber links share the same optical cable segment, when this section of optical cable is interrupted due to external reasons such as construction, all optical fiber links in this section of optical cable will be interrupted, affecting communication reliability. Therefore, how to achieve same-cable detection (i.e., detecting whether different optical fiber links are located in the same section of optical cable) is very important for optical communication networks.

[0004] When performing co-cable detection based on Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) technology, the optical module uses a self-transmitting and self-receiving method to achieve co-cable detection. To implement OTDR, the optical module also includes many additional components, such as a microcontroller unit (MCU), a driver (DRV), a receiver optical sub-assembly (ROSA), and filters. Specifically, after the optical module, acting as the transmitter, transmits the optical signal, it is refracted as it travels from one connector to another in the fiber optic link. A portion of the optical signal is reflected back, generating a reflected signal. The optical module, acting as the transmitter, receives the reflected signal through additional components, separates the reflected signal from the original optical signal, and performs co-cable detection using the separated reflected signal.

[0005] When using OTDR for coaxial cable testing, many components need to be added to the optical module at the transmitting end, resulting in high power consumption of the optical module.

[0006] Summary of the Invention

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide an optical module, a network device, an optical communication system, and a method for detecting same cable, which help reduce the power consumption of the optical module. The technical solution is as follows.

[0008] In a first aspect, an optical module is provided, which is a first optical module. The first optical module includes an electrical interface, an electro-optical converter, and an optical interface. The electrical interface is connected to a first network device. The optical interface is connected to a second optical module via a first optical fiber link. The second optical module is also connected to a second network device. The first optical fiber link includes a reflection point. The electro-optical converter is used to generate a first optical signal. The first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type. The predetermined code type is used to describe the shape of a relationship curve between signal power and time. The optical interface is used to send the first optical signal to the second optical module via the first optical fiber link, so that the second network device determines the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link according to the electrical signal generated by the second optical module based on the received optical signal. The position characteristics of the reflection point are used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0009] Based on the optical module provided in the first aspect, the optical module serving as the transmitter transmits an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, so that the receiving device determines the position characteristics of the reflection point based on the electrical signal generated by the received optical signal, thereby facilitating the detection of whether optical fiber links are co-cabled based on the position characteristics of the reflection points of different optical fiber links. Since the co-cable detection is no longer dependent on the OTDR, and the task of determining the position characteristics of the reflection point is instead undertaken by the receiving device, the limitations of OTDR technology in application are reduced to a certain extent. The optical module serving as the transmitter does not need to be equipped with additional devices (such as MCU, MCM, DRV, ROSA, and filters) for separating and sampling reflected signals and other processing of reflected signals in order to implement OTDR, thereby reducing the power consumption of the optical module as a whole caused by the additional devices in the transmitting optical module in OTDR technology.

[0010] In addition, considering that optical modules tend to be miniaturized, the optical module provided in this embodiment helps to achieve co-cable detection to a certain extent while avoiding the addition of additional components within the limited optical module space, so that the optical module can maintain a smaller size and does not need to occupy more space to place additional components. This reduces the technical difficulty of the transmitting optical module in OTDR technology being constrained by the limited space of the optical module, which makes it difficult to deploy additional devices and thus makes it impossible to achieve co-cable detection, and reduces the dependence on the volume integration of the optical module.

[0011] In addition, since the hardware changes to the optical module are relatively small (based on the hardware structure of the optical module that does not require modification), it can also help to achieve cable co-detection to a certain extent. Therefore, it has good compatibility with existing optical modules, which helps the existing optical modules to smoothly evolve to achieve cable co-detection. There is no need to re-iterate the hardware version of the optical module to perform cable co-detection, reducing the implementation complexity of cable co-detection based on the optical module.

[0012] In addition, the cost of the entire optical module caused by additional components in the transmitting optical module in OTDR technology is also saved.

[0013] In addition, the adverse effects of additional components in the transmitting optical module on the heat dissipation and energy saving of the optical module in the OTDR technology are also reduced.

[0014] In addition, there is no need to insert a dedicated OTDR module into the port of the mainboard of the transmitting device to achieve co-cable detection, thereby saving the port occupied by the dedicated OTDR module on the mainboard of the transmitting device. Therefore, it helps to improve the port utilization rate of the mainboard of the transmitting device and is more suitable for application scenarios with high port density.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter includes a laser, and the first optical module is configured to modulate an optical signal generated by the laser so that the laser outputs a first optical signal.

[0016] Since the optical signal generated by the laser is top-modulated so that the optical module sends an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, the execution position of the modulation of the signal code pattern is very close to the optical port. For example, after the transmitting optical module executes signal processing processes such as electrical signal processing and electro-optical conversion and before transmitting the optical signal, the modulation of the signal code pattern is realized by top-modulation, thereby reducing the deviation between the code pattern of the optical signal actually sent by the optical module and the predetermined code pattern caused by the execution of signal processing processes such as electrical signal processing and electro-optical conversion. Therefore, the interference caused by the deviation between the code pattern of the optical signal actually sent by the optical module and the predetermined code pattern on the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving device is reduced, thereby helping to improve the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving device, and further helping to improve the accuracy of the same cable detection.

[0017] In addition, the generation of optical pulse signals with a predetermined code pattern can be achieved based on a universal optical module, without requiring the optical module to include an oDSP for modulation of the predetermined code pattern. This further expands the range of optical modules applicable to the solution and reduces the requirements for the transmitting optical module for co-cable detection.

[0018] In addition, there is no need to modify the onboard service chip of the network device so that the onboard service chip of the network device can modulate the predetermined code type electrical signal, thereby reducing the requirements for the onboard service chip of the network device.

[0019] The laser is configured to generate a first optical signal based on a first bias current, wherein a modulation curve between the first bias current and the output optical power of the laser corresponds to a predetermined code pattern.

[0020] By adjusting the bias current of the laser based on the modulation curve, the output optical power of the laser can fluctuate within a range corresponding to a predetermined code pattern, so that the laser can output an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern.

[0021] The first optical module also includes a microcontroller unit MCU, which is used to generate a first bias current and input the first bias current to the laser; alternatively, the electrical interface is also electrically connected to a signal source located outside the first optical module, and the electrical interface receives the first bias current from the signal source and inputs the first bias current to the laser.

[0022] The above provides multiple sources of bias current, which are applicable to more scenarios.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter further includes a driver; the driver is configured to generate a first driving electrical signal based on the first control signal, and output the first driving electrical signal to the laser, wherein a modulation curve between the first driving electrical signal and the output optical power of the laser corresponds to a predetermined code pattern;

[0024] The laser is configured to generate a first optical signal based on a first driving electrical signal.

[0025] Because a driver drives a laser to generate an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern, the deviation between the pattern of the optical signal actually transmitted by the optical module and the predetermined pattern caused by signal processing processes such as electrical signal processing and electro-optical conversion is reduced. This reduces the interference caused by the deviation between the pattern of the optical signal actually transmitted by the optical module and the predetermined pattern on the receiving end device's determination of the location characteristics of the reflection point, thereby helping to improve the receiving end device's determination of the location characteristics of the reflection point and, in turn, the accuracy of co-cable detection. Furthermore, because the driver and laser are common hardware in the optical module, there is no need to configure a dedicated signal processor in the optical module to modulate the optical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern, thereby reducing the requirements for modulating the optical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern on the optical module.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first optical module further includes an optical digital signal processor oDSP, which is used to generate a first electrical signal, where the first electrical signal includes an electrical pulse signal with a predetermined code type; and an electro-optical converter, which is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the first electrical signal to generate a first optical signal.

[0027] By using oDSP to generate an electrical signal with a predetermined code pattern, the electrical signal received by the electro-optical converter itself has the predetermined code pattern. Therefore, the optical signal output by the electro-optical converter after electro-optical conversion of the electrical signal will also have the predetermined code pattern. This eliminates the need to rely on the service chip on the motherboard to generate an electrical signal with a predetermined code pattern. In addition, there is no need to require the electro-optical converter in the optical module to support top modulation to generate an optical signal with a predetermined code pattern, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the electro-optical converter in the optical module.

[0028] In some embodiments, the electrical interface is used to receive a first electrical signal from a first network device, where the first electrical signal includes an electrical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern; and the electrical-to-optical converter is used to perform electrical-to-optical conversion on the first electrical signal to generate a first optical signal.

[0029] Because the electrical pulse signal received by the optical module has a predetermined pattern, the optical module performs electrical-to-optical conversion on the electrical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern, generating an optical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern. Furthermore, the optical module does not need to support top-down modulation to generate an optical signal with the predetermined pattern, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the optical module.

[0030] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter generates an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern at predetermined time intervals, thereby generating a first optical signal. The first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having multiple cycles, and the optical pulse signal of each cycle has the predetermined code pattern.

[0031] Considering that if the transmitting optical module only sends one cycle of optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, and the receiving end device only samples one cycle of signal, the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end may be insufficient due to the limited data amount of the sampled signal, by the transmitting optical module periodically sending an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, the receiving end optical module can sample multiple cycles of signals, thereby increasing the data amount of the signal sampled by the receiving end optical module, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end.

[0032] In some embodiments, the duration of a pulse in the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern is less than 1 μs, and the duty cycle of the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern is less than 5%. Since the pulse signal duration is less than 1 microsecond, the signal pulse sent by the transmitter is very short, or the signal sent by the transmitter has a higher resolution in the time domain. This can increase the sharpness and clarity of the signal, making it easier for the receiver to detect pulse changes and more accurately identify the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern). In addition, it helps the receiver to more accurately distinguish the starting and ending positions of the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern) and the reflected signal (the secondary pulse signal), making the comparison between the main pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal more accurate.

[0033] In some implementations, the predetermined code pattern includes a square wave, a sine wave, or a triangle wave.

[0034] Since the optical pulse signal modulated by the transmitting optical module can be a square wave pulse signal, a sine wave pulse signal, a triangle wave pulse signal, or other code patterns, it is less dependent on the modulation format of the optical module, greatly broadening the applicable optical module types.

[0035] In some implementations, the predetermined code pattern is a square wave pulse signal.

[0036] Since the implementation complexity of generating a square wave pulse signal is low and the square wave pulse signal is relatively narrow (the duty cycle is relatively small), it is relatively simple for the receiving device to analyze the square wave pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point, thereby reducing the overall implementation complexity of the solution.

[0037] In a second aspect, an optical module is provided, the optical module being a second optical module, the second optical module including an electrical interface, an optoelectronic converter, an analog-to-digital converter, and an optical interface, the electrical interface being connected to a second network device, the optical interface being connected to a first optical fiber link, the first optical fiber link being connected to the first optical module, the first optical fiber link including a first optical fiber link, and the first optical fiber link including a reflection point;

[0038] an optical interface configured to receive a first optical signal from a first optical module via a first optical fiber link, wherein the first optical signal comprises an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, wherein the predetermined code pattern is a shape of a curve representing a relationship between signal power and time;

[0039] a photoelectric converter, configured to perform photoelectric conversion on the first optical signal to obtain an analog electrical signal;

[0040] an analog-to-digital converter for sampling an analog electrical signal at a predetermined sampling frequency to obtain a digital electrical signal, wherein a ratio between the predetermined sampling frequency and a signal frequency corresponding to a predetermined code pattern satisfies a condition;

[0041] An electrical interface is used to send a digital electrical signal to a second network device so that the second network device determines a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the digital electrical signal. The position characteristic of the reflection point is used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0042] Based on the optical module provided in the second aspect, after the receiving optical module receives an optical signal from the optical fiber link, it performs photoelectric conversion on the received optical signal to obtain an analog electrical signal. The receiving optical module samples the analog electrical signal to obtain a digital electrical signal. The receiving optical module transmits the digital electrical signal to the receiving service chip. The receiving service chip identifies the main pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal based on the digital electrical signal, and compares the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0043] In particular, given that optical signals are continuously varying analog signals, their amplitude and shape can vary significantly. By converting optical signals into electrical signals, for example, by converting the optical signal's power into voltage or current, the resulting analog electrical signal parameters (such as amplitude and time position) are related to the optical signal. Since most service chips do not directly analyze analog electrical signals but instead process discrete digital data, optical modules sample and convert analog electrical signals into digital electrical signals, allowing service chips to extract the parameters of the primary and secondary pulse signals from the digital electrical signals.

[0044] In some implementations, the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern is greater than 1 MHz, and the sampling frequency is greater than 10 MHz.

[0045] Because the receiving optical module samples the electrical signal converted from the optical signal at a sampling frequency greater than 10MHz, it can better capture signal details, thereby further reducing the distortion of the predetermined code pattern and information loss during the sampling process, thereby improving the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end service chip based on the sampling results of the receiving end optical module, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of cable detection.

[0046] In a third aspect, a network device is provided, the network device being a first network device, the first network device comprising a service chip and an electrical interface, the electrical interface being connected to a first optical module according to the first aspect or any optional manner of the first aspect;

[0047] The service chip is used to generate a first electrical signal, which includes an electrical pulse signal with a predetermined code type. The service chip sends the first electrical signal to the first optical module through the electrical interface.

[0048] Because the electrical pulse signal sent by the service chip has a predetermined pattern, the electrical pulse signal received by the optical module also has a predetermined pattern. Therefore, after the optical module performs electrical-to-optical conversion on the electrical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern, the generated optical pulse signal will also have the predetermined pattern, thereby achieving the function of generating an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern. Furthermore, there is no need for the optical module to support top modulation to generate an optical signal with a predetermined pattern, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the optical module.

[0049] In some embodiments, the service chip detects the status of the service chip. When the service chip is in an idle state, the service chip transmits an electrical pulse signal having a predetermined pattern. The electrical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern is converted into an optical pulse signal having a predetermined pattern by an electro-optical converter within the optical module. The optical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern is then transmitted to the second network device via an optical fiber link. Because the optical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern is transmitted when the service chip is in an idle state, the optical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern used for co-cable detection consumes almost no processing time for service data, thereby reducing the impact of the transmission of the optical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern on the transmission quality of the service data.

[0050] In a fourth aspect, a network device is provided, the network device being a second network device, the second network device including a service chip and an electrical interface, the electrical interface being connected to the second optical module according to the second aspect or any optional manner of the second aspect;

[0051] an electrical interface, configured to receive a digital electrical signal from the second optical module;

[0052] The service chip is used to determine the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the digital electrical signal.

[0053] The position feature of the reflection point is used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0054] The position characteristic of a reflection point refers to a parameter used to describe the position of the reflection point in the optical fiber link. In some embodiments, the position characteristic of a reflection point represents the relative position of the reflection point.

[0055] The service chip determines the positional characteristics of the reflection points in the optical fiber link based on the digital electrical signals from the optical module. The positional characteristics of the reflection points help to locate where the optical signal is reflected during the transmission process of the optical fiber link to a certain extent, thereby helping to estimate the position of the optical cable connector in the optical fiber link. For example, the positional characteristics of the reflection points of different optical fiber links can serve as a basis for determining whether different optical fiber links share the same optical cable segment. If the positional characteristics of the reflection points of two optical fiber links match, it can be determined that the two optical fiber links are at risk of sharing the same optical cable segment. Specifically, the cause of the reflection point is related to the optical cable connector. Generally, the location where the optical fiber link connects to the port of the optical cable connector is likely to generate a reflection point. Therefore, if the positional characteristics of each reflection point in the two optical fiber links are the same, it means that the two optical fiber links are likely to pass through the same optical cable connector, and there is a risk of common cable problems.

[0056] In some embodiments, the business chip is used to determine a main pulse signal in a digital electrical signal and a secondary pulse signal in the digital electrical signal, and compare the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point. The main pulse signal is generated based on an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type through photoelectric conversion and sampling, and the secondary pulse signal is generated based on a derivative tail signal generated by reflection when the optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type passes through a reflection point during transmission in the first optical fiber link through photoelectric conversion and sampling.

[0057] In some embodiments, the position feature of the reflection point includes a distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the position of the main pulse signal indicates the time when the main pulse signal arrives at the second network device, and the position of the secondary pulse signal indicates the time when the secondary pulse signal arrives at the second network device;

[0058] The service chip is used to compare the position of the main pulse signal with the position of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal.

[0059] The location characteristics of a reflection point indicate the time difference between the time the receiving end service chip receives the primary pulse signal and the time the receiving end service chip receives the secondary pulse signal, or the time difference between the time the receiving end optical module samples the primary pulse signal and the time the receiving end optical module samples the secondary pulse signal. The closer the distance between a reflection point and the transmitting end, the closer the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point is to the primary pulse signal in the time dimension. Therefore, by comparing the secondary pulse signal with the primary pulse signal, the location characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to the secondary pulse signal can be determined.

[0060] In some embodiments, the position characteristics of the reflection point include the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the amplitude of the main pulse signal indicates the power of the main pulse signal, and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal indicates the power of the secondary pulse signal; the business chip is used to compare the amplitude of the main pulse signal with the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal.

[0061] In some embodiments, the business chip is used to determine a main pulse signal and a secondary pulse signal from the digital electrical signal based on the amplitude of the digital electrical signal. The main pulse signal is the pulse signal with the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal, and the secondary pulse signal is the main pulse signal with a non-largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal.

[0062] If the distance between a reflection point and the transmitting end is closer, the distance between the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point and the main pulse signal in the signal strength dimension is closer. Therefore, by comparing the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal with the amplitude of the main pulse signal, the position characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to the secondary pulse signal can be determined.

[0063] In some embodiments, the service chip is configured to screen a target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on a position of the secondary pulse signal, wherein a distance between the position of the target secondary pulse signal and a position of the main pulse signal is greater than a distance threshold;

[0064] The parameters of the main pulse signal are compared with the parameters of the target secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0065] Since the distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal represents the distance between the physical position of the reflection point generating the secondary pulse signal and the physical position of the transmitting device, if the distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal is less than the distance threshold, it means that the distance between the reflection point generating the secondary pulse signal and the transmitting device is too short. In this case, there is a high probability that the secondary pulse signal is not generated by the reflection point of the port of the optical cable connector. By performing signal screening, the secondary pulse signals with a distance less than the distance threshold are excluded from the range of signal comparison, thereby reducing the risk of errors in the position characteristics of the reflection point caused by the reflection signal generated by the reflection point of the port other than the optical cable connector, which helps to improve the accuracy of cable detection.

[0066] In some embodiments, the business chip is used to screen a target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal, where the amplitude of the target secondary pulse signal is greater than an amplitude threshold, or the amplitude of the target secondary pulse signal ranks first in the secondary pulse signal by a set number of digits; and compare the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the target secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0067] Considering that the larger the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal, the greater the intensity of the secondary pulse signal, the stronger the reflection signal corresponding to the secondary pulse signal is, and the probability that the secondary pulse signal comes from the reflection signal of the reflection point at the port of the optical cable connector is greater, the position feature of the reflection point extracted based on the secondary pulse signal is more accurate. By screening the target secondary pulse signal based on the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal, the interference of the weak reflection signal on the same cable detection is reduced, which helps to improve the accuracy of the same cable detection.

[0068] In some implementations, the service chip is further configured to send the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link to the analysis device.

[0069] In some embodiments, the business chip is further used to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link, and in response to the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link meeting the matching conditions, determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0070] In a fifth aspect, a method for detecting cables is provided, the method comprising:

[0071] receiving a first optical signal from a first optical fiber link;

[0072] determining, based on the first optical signal, a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link;

[0073] receiving a second optical signal from a second optical fiber link;

[0074] determining, based on the second optical signal, a position characteristic of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link;

[0075] In response to the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, it is determined that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0076] In some embodiments, in response to a positional feature of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link and a positional feature of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, determining that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment includes:

[0077] In response to the number of reflection points having the same positional characteristics in the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link being greater than a quantity threshold, determining that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment; or,

[0078] In response to the positional characteristics of each reflection point in the first optical fiber link being identical to the positional characteristics of the corresponding reflection point in the second optical fiber link, it is determined that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0079] In a sixth aspect, a communication system is provided, the communication system including a first network device, a first optical module, a second network device, a second optical module, a third network device, a third optical module, a fourth network device, and a fourth optical module;

[0080] The first network device is connected to the first optical module, the first optical module is connected to the second optical module via a first optical fiber link, the second optical module is connected to the second network device, the third network device is connected to the third optical module, the third optical module is connected to the fourth optical module via a second optical fiber link, and the fourth optical module is connected to the fourth network device;

[0081] a first optical module, configured to transmit a first optical signal to a second optical module via a first optical fiber link, wherein the first optical signal comprises an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, wherein the predetermined code pattern is used to describe a shape of a curve of a relationship between signal power and time;

[0082] a second optical module, configured to receive the first optical signal through the first optical fiber link, perform photoelectric conversion and sampling on the first optical signal, and obtain a first digital electrical signal;

[0083] a second network device, configured to determine a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the first digital electrical signal;

[0084] a third optical module, configured to send a second optical signal to the fourth optical module through the second optical fiber link, wherein the second optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern;

[0085] a fourth optical module, configured to receive the second optical signal through the first optical fiber link, perform photoelectric conversion and sampling on the second optical signal, and obtain a second digital electrical signal;

[0086] The fourth network device is configured to determine a position characteristic of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link based on the second digital electrical signal.

[0087] In some embodiments, the system further includes an analysis device, the analysis device being connected to the second network device and the fourth network device respectively;

[0088] The second network device is further configured to send the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link to the analysis device;

[0089] The fourth network device is further configured to send the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link to the analysis device.

[0090] The analyzing device is configured to determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment in response to the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition.

[0091] In a seventh aspect, a cable co-existence detection device is provided, the device comprising:

[0092] a receiving unit, configured to receive a first optical signal from a first optical fiber link;

[0093] a processing unit, configured to determine a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the first optical signal;

[0094] The receiving unit is further configured to receive a second optical signal from a second optical fiber link;

[0095] The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the second optical signal, a positional characteristic of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link; and in response to the positional characteristic of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the positional characteristic of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0096] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment in response to the number of reflection points having the same positional characteristics in the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link being greater than a quantity threshold; or to determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment in response to the positional characteristics of each reflection point in the first optical fiber link being the same as the positional characteristics of the corresponding reflection point in the second optical fiber link.

[0097] In some embodiments, the processing unit is used to determine a main pulse signal in the digital electrical signal and a secondary pulse signal in the digital electrical signal, and compare the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point. The main pulse signal is generated based on an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern through photoelectric conversion and sampling, and the secondary pulse signal is generated based on a derivative tail signal generated by reflection when the optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern passes through the reflection point during transmission in the first optical fiber link through photoelectric conversion and sampling.

[0098] In some embodiments, the position feature of the reflection point includes a distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the position of the main pulse signal indicates the time when the main pulse signal arrives at the second network device, and the position of the secondary pulse signal indicates the time when the secondary pulse signal arrives at the second network device;

[0099] The processing unit is used to compare the position of the main pulse signal with the position of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal.

[0100] In some embodiments, the positional characteristics of the reflection point include the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the amplitude of the main pulse signal indicates the power of the main pulse signal, and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal indicates the power of the secondary pulse signal; the processing unit is used to compare the amplitude of the main pulse signal with the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal.

[0101] In some embodiments, the processing unit is used to determine a main pulse signal and a secondary pulse signal from the digital electrical signal based on the amplitude of the digital electrical signal, where the main pulse signal is the pulse signal with the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal, and the secondary pulse signal is the main pulse signal with a non-largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal.

[0102] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to filter a target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on a position of the secondary pulse signal, wherein a distance between the position of the target secondary pulse signal and a position of the main pulse signal is greater than a distance threshold;

[0103] The parameters of the main pulse signal are compared with the parameters of the target secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0104] In an eighth aspect, an analysis device is provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing at least one computer program instruction, the at least one computer program instruction being loaded and executed by the processor to cause the analysis device to implement the method provided by the analysis device in the sixth aspect or any optional embodiment of the sixth aspect. Specific details of the analysis device provided in the eighth aspect can be found in the sixth aspect or any optional embodiment of the sixth aspect, and are not further described here.

[0105] In the ninth aspect, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, which stores at least one instruction. When the instruction is executed on a computer, the computer executes the method provided in the fifth aspect or any optional method of the fifth aspect.

[0106] In the tenth aspect, a computer program product is provided, which includes one or more computer program instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and run by a computer, the computer executes the method provided in the fifth aspect or any optional method of the fifth aspect.

[0107] In the eleventh aspect, a chip is provided, comprising a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store computer instructions, and the processor is used to call and run the computer instructions from the memory to execute the method in the above-mentioned fifth aspect and any possible implementation of the fifth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0108] FIG1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a network system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0109] FIG2 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a network system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0110] FIG3 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a network system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0111] FIG4 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of a network system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0112] FIG5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-sectional structure of an optical cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0113] FIG6 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting a same cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0114] FIG7 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting a same cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0115] FIG8 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0116] FIG9 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting a same cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0117] FIG10 is a schematic diagram of the hardware structure of an optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0118] FIG11 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting a same cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0119] FIG12 is a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting a same cable provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0120] FIG13 is a schematic diagram of an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code pattern provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0121] FIG14 is a schematic diagram of an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code pattern provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0122] FIG15 is a schematic diagram of an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code pattern provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0123] FIG16 is a schematic diagram of a modulation curve of a laser provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0124] FIG17 is a schematic diagram of a modulation curve provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0125] FIG18 is a schematic diagram of a digital electrical signal sequence received by a receiving-end service chip provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0126] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of this application clearer, the implementation methods of this application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0127] The following is an explanation of some terminology concepts involved in the embodiments of this application.

[0128] (1) Code type

[0129] The code type can also be called a pattern, a characteristic of a signal, or the modulation information carried in a signal. For example, the code type refers to the shape of the waveform of a signal. The code type is the shape of the relationship curve between the amplitude of the signal waveform and time. For example, the code type is the shape of the relationship curve between the signal power and time, and the code type is used to indicate how the power of the signal changes over time. For another example, the code type is the shape of the relationship curve between the signal current and time. For another example, the code type is the shape of the relationship curve between the signal voltage and time. For example, the types of code types include square waves, sine waves, or triangle waves. Parameters that can describe the code type include at least one of the code type, pulse width, pulse period, duty cycle, peak amplitude, valley amplitude, signal frequency, rise time, and fall time.

[0130] (2) Predetermined code pattern

[0131] A predetermined code pattern refers to a pre-set code pattern. In some embodiments of the present application, the optical signal transmitted by the optical module at the transmitting end has a predetermined code pattern. The predetermined code pattern is used to indicate the corresponding relationship between the power of the optical signal and time. The predetermined code pattern characterizes how the power of the optical signal changes over time.

[0132] As specific examples, optical pulse signals with predetermined code patterns include, but are not limited to, square waves, sine waves, or triangular waves. When the predetermined code pattern is a square wave, the optical signal power alternates between peak power and valley power at predetermined time intervals. For example, within one cycle, the optical signal power rapidly rises from valley power to peak power, and then rapidly drops from peak power to valley power. When the predetermined code pattern is a sine wave, the optical signal power exhibits a linear rise and fall trend according to a predetermined time pattern, and the relationship between the optical signal power and time conforms to the law of a sine function. Within one cycle, the optical signal power gradually rises from valley power to peak power, and then gradually drops from peak power back to valley power. When the predetermined code pattern is a triangular wave, the optical signal power exhibits a linear rise and fall trend according to predetermined time intervals.

[0133] In other embodiments of the present application, the electrical signal transmitted by the service chip at the transmitting end has a predetermined pattern. For example, the shape of the curve plotting the relationship between the current signal transmitted by the service chip and time has a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern characterizes how the current value of the electrical signal changes over time. For another example, the shape of the curve plotting the relationship between the voltage signal transmitted by the service chip and time has a predetermined pattern. The predetermined pattern characterizes how the voltage value of the electrical signal changes over time.

[0134] As specific examples, electrical pulse signals with predetermined code patterns include, but are not limited to, square waves, sine waves, or triangular waves. When the predetermined code pattern is a square wave, the power of the electrical signal sent by the service chip to the optical module alternates between peak power and valley power at predetermined time intervals. For example, within one cycle, the electrical signal power rapidly rises from valley power to peak power, and then rapidly drops from peak power to valley power. For another example, the current sent by the service chip to the optical module alternates between peak current and valley current at predetermined time intervals. For another example, the voltage sent by the service chip to the optical module alternates between peak voltage and valley voltage at predetermined time intervals. For another example, when the predetermined code pattern is a sine wave, the power of the electrical signal sent by the service chip to the optical module exhibits a linear rise and fall trend according to a predetermined time pattern. The relationship between electrical signal power and time conforms to the law of a sine function. Within one cycle, the electrical signal power gradually rises from valley power to peak power, and then gradually drops from peak power back to valley power. When the predetermined code pattern is a triangle wave, the power of the electrical signal sent by the service chip to the optical module presents a linear increase and linear decrease trend according to a predetermined time interval.

[0135] For the receiving end, the predetermined code pattern is equivalent to an effective basis for determining the position characteristics of the reflection point. Specifically, during the transmission of the optical signal sent by the transmitting end through the optical fiber link, the optical signal is reflected at the reflection point, so that the code pattern of the optical signal received by the receiving end changes compared with the code pattern of the optical signal sent by the transmitting end. The receiving end compares the code pattern of the received optical signal with the code pattern of the original signal emitted by the transmitting end, and can derive the code pattern change of the received signal compared with the code pattern of the original signal emitted by the transmitting end. Based on the code pattern change of the received signal compared with the original signal emitted by the transmitting end, the receiving end can determine the position characteristics of the reflection point in the optical fiber link through which the signal passes. Since the code pattern of the optical signal is pre-set, or in other words, the original optical signal sent by the transmitting end is a standard signal, the predetermined code pattern of the signal sent by the transmitting end is equivalent to information known to the receiving end. The receiving end can easily distinguish the original optical signal from the reflected signal based on the predetermined code pattern, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the comparative analysis to determine the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0136] (3) Signal modulation

[0137] The signal modulation in the embodiments of the present application generally refers to a technology that enables a signal to have a predetermined code type. In other words, any technical means that supports allowing the waveform of a signal to reflect a predetermined code type can be called signal modulation. In other embodiments, the object of signal modulation is an optical signal, and in some embodiments, the object of signal modulation is an electrical signal. In some embodiments, the electrical signal is modulated by a business chip (onboard business chip) provided on the mainboard. In some embodiments, the electrical signal or the optical signal is modulated by an optical module. In some embodiments, the optical module modulates the optical signal during the electro-optical conversion process. In other embodiments, the optical module modulates the electrical signal before the electro-optical conversion and during the digital signal processing of the electrical signal. For the technical implementation details of how to modulate the signal so that the signal has a predetermined code type, please refer to modulation mode one to modulation mode three in the following text.

[0138] (4) Pulse signal

[0139] A pulse signal is a signal whose waveform changes rapidly in a short period of time. The main feature of the pulse signal waveform is that the signal amplitude reaches a high peak or a low peak within a relatively short period of time, and then the signal amplitude returns to the initial state. Pulse signals are, for example, electrical signals and optical signals. This embodiment involves the electro-optical conversion process and the photoelectric conversion process of the signal. In order to distinguish between pulse signals whose carriers are electricity and pulse signals whose carriers are light, the pulse signals whose carriers are electricity are referred to as electrical pulse signals in many places below, and the pulse signals whose carriers are light are referred to as electrical pulse signals.

[0140] (5) Reflection points

[0141] A reflection point, also known as a characteristic point, is a location in a fiber optic link where light signals are reflected. A fiber optic link contains one or more reflection points. Typically, a reflection point occurs where the fiber optic link connects to the port of the optical cable connector. Specifically, due to differences in the refractive index of light at the ports of the optical cable connector, when a light signal enters the input port of the optical cable connector and exits the output port, it is refracted between the two different media, causing reflection. Specifically, when a light signal is transmitted from the optical fiber to the input port of the optical cable connector, due to the change in the media on both sides of the input port, such as the interface between glass and air at the output port of the optical cable connector, the light signal is refracted at the input port of the optical cable connector. According to Snell's law, when light passes from a denser medium into a less dense medium, it is bent toward the normal, and there is a relationship between the angle of incidence and the angle of refraction. Some light signals undergo total internal reflection, meaning they are not completely refracted and are instead reflected back into the original medium. Similarly, when an optical signal leaves the output port of a fiber optic connector, the changes in the medium on both sides of the output port can also cause the optical signal to refract at the output port of the fiber optic connector. Additionally, the connection between the optical cable and the connector may be loose, the surface may be rough, or the fiber surface may be uneven. These factors can all cause a certain degree of reflection of the optical signal at the connector port, creating reflection points.

[0142] Taking the scenario shown in Figure 1 as an example, since both the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link pass through optical cable connector A and optical cable connector B, the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment (cable segment 3). When the first optical fiber link passes through port a3 of optical cable connector A, the media on both sides of port a3 are different. The media on one side of port a3 is the media of optical cable connector A itself, and the media on the other side of port a3 is the media of optical cable segment 3. As a result, the optical signal transmitted in the first optical fiber link is reflected at port a3, resulting in a reflection point. Similarly, when the second optical fiber link passes through port a3 of optical cable connector A, the optical signal transmitted in the second optical fiber link is also reflected at port a3, resulting in a reflection point. Similarly, when the second optical fiber link passes through port a3 of optical cable connector A, the optical signal transmitted in the second optical fiber link is also reflected at port a3, resulting in a reflection point.

[0143] (6) Derived tail signal

[0144] A derived tail signal is equivalent to a new signal component generated by the original optical signal transmitted by the transmitting optical module due to passing through a reflection point. A derived tail signal can also be understood as the characteristic left by the reflection point in the original optical signal. A derived tail signal is an additional signal in the signal received by the receiving end, in addition to the original signal transmitted by the transmitting end. A derived tail signal is also called an echo signal. A derived tail signal includes the positional characteristics of the reflection point. For example, a derived tail signal is generated by an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern being reflected by a reflection point in an optical fiber link during transmission. For example, a derived tail signal is generated by an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern being reflected by a port of an optical cable connector. A derived tail signal may be generated based on multiple reflections. For example, an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern transmitted by the transmitting end generates a reflected signal after passing through a reflection point during transmission. This reflected signal is reflected back to the transmitting end through the optical fiber link. When the reflected signal reaches the optical port of the transmitting optical module, it is reflected again. The reflected signal re-enters the optical fiber link and is transmitted to the receiving end. Because the transmission path of the reflected signal is a return path, the transmission path of the reflected signal is longer than the transmission path of the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern) sent by the transmitter. Therefore, the time when the reflected signal arrives at the receiver is later than the time when the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern) arrives at the receiver. In addition, the intensity (energy) of the reflected signal is attenuated due to reflection, resulting in the amplitude of the reflected signal being smaller than the amplitude of the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern), forming a signal tail. Since the derived tail signal is generated based on the reflection of the reflection point, the parameters of the derived tail signal can determine the position characteristics of the reflection point. In some embodiments, the derived tail signal is an optical signal. In some embodiments, the derived tail signal is an electrical signal, for example, the derived tail signal is obtained by the receiver through photoelectric conversion of the received optical signal. In some embodiments, the derived tail signal is a digital electrical signal, for example, the derived tail signal is obtained by the receiver through photoelectric conversion and sampling of the received optical signal. In other embodiments, the derived tail signal is an analog electrical signal.

[0145] (7) Main pulse signal and secondary pulse signal

[0146] In some embodiments of the present application, the receiving end performs photoelectric conversion and sampling on the received optical signal to determine the position characteristics of the reflection point. Since the optical signal received by the receiving end includes both the optical signal generated by the transmitting end through the optical module and the derivative tail signal generated by the reflection in the optical fiber link, in order to distinguish between the signal obtained by performing photoelectric conversion and sampling on the optical signal generated by the transmitting end optical module and the signal obtained by performing photoelectric conversion and sampling on the derivative tail signal, this embodiment uses "main pulse signal" to describe the signal generated after performing photoelectric conversion and sampling on the optical signal generated by the transmitting end optical module, and uses "secondary pulse signal" to describe the signal generated after performing photoelectric conversion and sampling on the derivative tail signal. The distinguishing characteristics between the main pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal are further explained below.

[0147] The main pulse signal corresponds to an optical signal generated by the transmitting end through the optical module. For example, the main pulse signal has a predetermined code pattern.

[0148] In some embodiments, the main pulse signal is the signal at the front position in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end. The position of the main pulse signal is used to indicate the time when the receiving end receives the main pulse signal (or the time when the main pulse signal reaches the service chip of the receiving end or the time point when the optical module samples the pulse signal). For example, the position of the main pulse signal is the coordinate of the position of the main pulse signal on the time axis. The front position of the main pulse signal also represents that the time when the main pulse signal appears in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end is earlier than other signals. For example, the main pulse signal is the signal with the earliest receiving time point in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end. For example, in the case where the transmitting end periodically sends an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code type, the main pulse signal of the digital electrical signal sequence sampled within a cycle is, for example, the first pulse signal in the digital electrical signal sequence of the cycle. For example, the main pulse signal is the first electrical signal sampled by the receiving end within a cycle.

[0149] Because the optical signal generated by the optical module at the transmitter does not undergo reflection in the optical fiber link, the transmission path of the optical signal generated by the optical module is shorter than the transmission path of the derived tail signal. Therefore, the optical signal generated by the optical module reaches the receiver before the derived tail signal. Therefore, the main pulse signal obtained after sampling the optical signal generated by the optical module will be at the front of the digital electrical signal sequence. Therefore, the receiver can accurately distinguish the main pulse signal from the secondary pulse signal based on the position of each signal in the digital electrical signal sequence. This helps to determine the location characteristics of the reflection point by comparing the parameter differences between the main pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal.

[0150] In some embodiments, the main pulse signal is the signal with the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end. The amplitude of the main pulse signal is used to indicate the energy size or intensity of the main pulse signal. For example, the amplitude of the main pulse signal is used to indicate the power of the main pulse signal. For example, the amplitude of the main pulse signal is the coordinate of the amplitude of the main pulse signal on the vertical axis (power axis). The maximum amplitude of the main pulse signal also represents that the intensity of the main pulse signal in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end is stronger than other signals. For example, in the case where the transmitting end periodically sends an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code type, the main pulse signal of the digital electrical signal sequence sampled within one period is, for example, the signal with the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal sequence of the period.

[0151] Because the optical signal generated by the transmitter's optical module is less susceptible to attenuation, scattering, and multipath propagation than the derived tail signal, the main pulse signal obtained after sampling has the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal sequence. Therefore, the receiver can accurately distinguish the main pulse signal from the secondary pulse signal based on the amplitude of each signal in the digital electrical signal sequence. This helps determine the location characteristics of the reflection point by comparing the parameter differences between the main and secondary pulse signals.

[0152] The secondary pulse signal corresponds to the derivative tail signal. The secondary pulse signal is a signal generated by photoelectric conversion and sampling of the optical signal generated by the reflection at the position of the reflection point. The secondary pulse signal is a signal that is located after the main pulse signal in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end. For example, the position of the secondary pulse signal is the coordinate of the position of the secondary pulse signal on the time axis. The position of the secondary pulse signal after the main pulse signal also means that the time when the secondary pulse signal appears in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end is later than the main pulse signal. For example, the secondary pulse signal is a signal whose receiving time point is not the earliest in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end. For example, in the case where the transmitting end periodically sends an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code type, the secondary pulse signal of the digital electrical signal sequence sampled within one period is, for example, a pulse signal after the first pulse signal in the digital electrical signal sequence of the period.

[0153] In some embodiments, the secondary pulse signal is a signal with a non-maximum amplitude in the digital electrical signal sequence sampled by the receiving end. The amplitude of the secondary pulse signal is used to indicate the energy of the secondary pulse signal or the strength of the secondary pulse signal. For example, the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal is used to indicate the power of the secondary pulse signal. The intensity of the secondary pulse signal is smaller than the intensity of the primary pulse signal. For example, when analyzing the signal with signal strength as the vertical axis, the amplitude (vertical coordinate) of the secondary pulse signal is smaller than the amplitude (vertical coordinate) of the primary pulse signal. The power of the secondary pulse signal is smaller than the power of the primary pulse signal.

[0154] The change in the secondary pulse signal compared to the main pulse signal indicates the positional characteristics of the reflection point that generates the secondary pulse signal. The distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal indicates the distance between the reflection point that generates the secondary pulse signal and the transmitting end device. The closer the distance between the reflection point and the transmitting end device, the closer the distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal. The position of the secondary pulse signal indicates the position of the reflection point that generates the secondary pulse signal in the optical fiber link. The distance between the two secondary pulse signals indicates the distance between the two reflection points that generate the two secondary pulse signals in the optical fiber link. The difference between the positional characteristics of the two secondary pulse signals indicates the distance between the two reflection points that generate the positional characteristics of the two secondary pulse signals.

[0155] (8) Position characteristics of reflection points

[0156] The position characteristic of a reflection point refers to a parameter used to describe the position of a reflection point in an optical fiber link. In some embodiments, the position characteristic of a reflection point characterizes the relative position of the reflection point. For example, the position characteristic of a reflection point indicates the distance between the position of the reflection point and the position of the transmitting device. Taking the scenario shown in FIG1 as an example, the position characteristic of reflection point 1 (the reflection point corresponding to port a3 of optical cable connector A) indicates the distance between the physical position of port a3 of optical cable connector A and the physical position of the first network device. For another example, the position characteristic of a reflection point indicates the distance between the position of the reflection point and the position of the receiving device. For another example, the position characteristic of a reflection point indicates the distance between the position of the reflection point and other reflection points.

[0157] The positional characteristics of the reflection points can help to locate where the light signal is reflected during the transmission process of the optical fiber link to a certain extent, thereby helping to estimate the position of the optical cable connector in the optical fiber link. In some embodiments of the present application, the main purpose of the positional characteristics of the reflection points is to detect the same cable. The positional characteristics of the reflection points of different optical fiber links can serve as a basis for judging whether different optical fiber links share the same optical cable segment. If the positional characteristics of the reflection points of two optical fiber links match, it can be determined that the two optical fiber links have a risk of sharing the same optical cable segment. Specifically, the cause of the reflection point has a certain relationship with the optical cable connector. Under normal circumstances, the position where the optical fiber link is connected to the port of the optical cable connector is likely to produce a reflection point. Therefore, if the positional characteristics of each reflection point in the two optical fiber links are the same, it means that the two optical fiber links are likely to have passed through the same optical cable connector and there is a risk of sharing the same cable.

[0158] In some embodiments, the positional characteristics of the reflection point are determined based on parameters of the primary pulse signal and parameters of the secondary pulse signal. For example, the positional characteristics of the reflection point are obtained by comparing the parameters of the primary pulse signal with the parameters of the secondary pulse signal. Since the secondary pulse signal is generated by reflection from the reflection point, the comparison result of the parameters of the primary pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal can serve as the positional characteristics of the reflection point.

[0159] In the case where there are n reflection points in an optical fiber link and the digital electrical signal sequence obtained by sampling includes n secondary pulse signals, in some embodiments, the position characteristics of the n reflection points are determined based on the parameters of the main pulse signal and the parameters of each secondary pulse signal in the n secondary pulse signals. For example, the position characteristics of the first reflection point in the optical fiber link (the reflection point closest to the transmitter) are determined based on the parameters of the main pulse signal and the parameters of the first secondary pulse signal in the n secondary pulse signals (the secondary pulse signal obtained by sampling the receiver earliest outside the main pulse signal). For another example, the position characteristics of the second reflection point in the optical fiber link (the reflection point next closest to the transmitter) are determined based on the parameters of the main pulse signal and the parameters of the second secondary pulse signal in the n secondary pulse signals.

[0160] In some embodiments, the position feature of the reflection point is obtained by comparing the position of the main pulse signal with the position of the secondary pulse signal. For example, the position feature of the reflection point includes the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal.

[0161] In some embodiments, the positional characteristics of the reflection point include characteristics of the time domain dimension. For example, when the time axis is the horizontal axis, the positional characteristics of the reflection point are characteristics of the horizontal axis dimension. For example, the position of the main pulse signal indicates the time when the receiving end business chip receives the main pulse signal (or the time when the receiving end optical module samples to obtain the main pulse signal). The positional characteristics of the secondary pulse signal indicate the time when the secondary pulse signal receiving end business chip receives the secondary pulse signal (or the time when the receiving end optical module samples to obtain the secondary pulse signal). The positional characteristics of the reflection point indicate the time difference between the time when the receiving end business chip receives the main pulse signal and the time when the receiving end business chip receives the secondary pulse signal, or the time difference between the time when the receiving end optical module samples to obtain the main pulse signal and the time when the receiving end optical module samples to obtain the secondary pulse signal. If the distance between a reflection point and the transmitting end is closer, the distance between the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point and the main pulse signal in the time dimension is closer, so the positional characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to the secondary pulse signal can be determined by comparing the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal.

[0162] When there are n reflection points in an optical fiber link and the sampled digital electrical signal sequence includes n secondary pulse signals, in some embodiments, the position characteristics of the n reflection points are determined based on the position of the main pulse signal and the position of each secondary pulse signal in the n secondary pulse signals.

[0163] For example, the positional characteristic of the first reflection point in an optical fiber link (the reflection point closest to the transmitter) is determined based on the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the first secondary pulse signal among the n secondary pulse signals. For example, the positional characteristic of the first reflection point in an optical fiber link is the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the first secondary pulse signal among the n secondary pulse signals. For example, the positional characteristic of the second reflection point in an optical fiber link (the reflection point next closest to the transmitter) is determined based on the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the second secondary pulse signal among the n secondary pulse signals. For example, the positional characteristic of the second reflection point in an optical fiber link is the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the second secondary pulse signal among the n secondary pulse signals. And so on.

[0164] For example, when the position of the pulse signal is the arrival time point of the pulse signal (or the time point when the optical module samples the pulse signal), the position characteristic of the i-th reflection point in the optical fiber link is the time difference between the arrival time point (or sampling time point) of the main pulse signal and the arrival time point (or the time point when the optical module samples the pulse signal) of the i-th secondary pulse signal among the n secondary pulse signals (the secondary pulse signal that arrives at the receiving end the earliest other than the main pulse signal).

[0165] In some embodiments, the positional characteristics of the reflection point include characteristics in the dimension of signal intensity (also known as amplitude or signal energy, such as power, current or voltage). For example, when the signal energy is the horizontal axis, the positional characteristics of the reflection point are characteristics in the dimension of the vertical axis. For example, the positional characteristics of the reflection point include the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the amplitude of the main pulse signal indicates the power of the main pulse signal, and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal indicates the power of the secondary pulse signal. The positional characteristics of the reflection point include the intensity difference between the intensity of the main pulse signal sampled by the receiving end and the intensity of the secondary pulse signal sampled by the receiving end. If the distance between a reflection point and the transmitting end is closer, the distance between the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point and the main pulse signal in the dimension of signal intensity is closer, so the positional characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to the secondary pulse signal can be determined by comparing the secondary pulse signal with the main pulse signal.

[0166] In some embodiments, the location characteristics of the reflection point include characteristics in the time domain dimension and characteristics in the signal strength dimension. For example, the location characteristics of the reflection point include the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, and the distance between the position (arrival time point or sampling time point) of the main pulse signal and the position (arrival time point or sampling time point) of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point.

[0167] The time domain dimension features and the signal strength dimension features complement each other and serve as a reference for each other. If two optical fiber links have a reflection point at the same location, the time domain dimension features of the reflection point obtained from the two optical signals transmitted by the two optical fiber links will most likely be the same, and the signal strength dimension features of the reflection point obtained from the two optical signals transmitted by the two optical fiber links will also most likely be the same. Therefore, if the receiving end uses both the time domain dimension features and the signal strength dimension features to determine the position features of the reflection point, the position features of the reflection point will be more accurate, reducing the risk of misjudgment by the receiving end due to multiple reflections on the optical fiber link when only one dimension is referenced.

[0168] In some further embodiments, the position feature of the reflection point is the physical position of the reflection point, which is determined based on the transmission speed of light, parameters of the main pulse signal, parameters of the secondary pulse signal, and the physical position of the transmitting device.

[0169] (9) Sampling

[0170] Sampling in this embodiment refers to the process of converting an analog electrical signal into a digital electrical signal. For example, the sampling process involves quantizing the analog electrical signal to convert it into a digital electrical signal. Alternatively, the sampling process involves binarizing the analog electrical signal to convert it into a digital electrical signal consisting of 0s and 1s.

[0171] (10) Sampling frequency

[0172] The sampling frequency is also called the sampling rate or sampling ratio. The sampling frequency indicates the number of samples taken per second. The unit of the sampling frequency is, for example, Hertz (Hz). In this embodiment, the sampling frequency is the parameter on which the analog-to-digital conversion process is based, and the sampling frequency is the frequency at which the analog signal is sampled when the analog signal is converted into a digital signal. According to the Nyquist sampling theorem, the sampling frequency must be greater than twice the highest frequency in the signal to reduce sampling errors and information loss. The higher the sampling frequency, the more accurately the shape and details of the original analog signal can be restored. For example, sampling an analog electrical signal at a sampling frequency of 10 MHz means that the analog electrical signal is sampled 10 million times per second, that is, 10 million sample points are obtained per second for subsequent signal analysis.

[0173] (11) Pulse width

[0174] The pulse width of a pulse signal is used to indicate the duration of the pulse signal. The pulse width of a pulse signal is usually expressed in time. The units of the pulse width of a pulse signal are, for example, seconds (s), milliseconds (ms), and microseconds (μs). For example, the pulse width includes at least one of a high-level duration and a low-level duration. The high-level duration refers to the duration of the high level in the pulse signal. For example, if the high-level duration of a pulse signal is 2μs, then in each pulse cycle, the high level of the pulse signal will last for 2 microseconds. The low-level duration refers to the duration of the low level in the pulse signal. For example, if the low-level duration of a pulse signal is 2μs, then in each pulse cycle, the low level of the pulse signal will last for 2 microseconds.

[0175] (12) Pulse Period

[0176] The pulse period is used to indicate the time interval between two adjacent pulses. For example, the pulse period is the time interval between the start and end time points of a pulse signal. The pulse period is typically expressed in time. Units for the pulse period include seconds, milliseconds, or microseconds. The pulse period is also called the pulse period duration (PRI). For example, if the time interval between the start and end time points of a pulse signal is 10 microseconds, then the pulse period duration is 10 microseconds.

[0177] (13) Peak amplitude

[0178] Peak amplitude refers to the maximum amplitude of a pulse signal within a cycle. For example, the peak amplitude of an electrical pulse signal is the maximum voltage or current value within a cycle. The peak amplitude of an optical pulse signal is the maximum optical power within a cycle.

[0179] (14) Valley amplitude

[0180] Valley amplitude refers to the minimum amplitude of a pulse signal within a cycle. For example, the valley amplitude of an electrical pulse signal is the minimum voltage or current value within a cycle. The valley amplitude of an optical pulse signal is the minimum optical power within a cycle.

[0181] (15) Signal frequency

[0182] Signal frequency refers to the number of times a pulse signal repeats per unit time. The unit of pulse signal frequency is usually Hertz (Hz). For example, if a pulse signal repeats 10 times per second, the frequency of the pulse signal is 10 Hz.

[0183] (16) Duty cycle (PW / PRI)

[0184] The duty cycle represents the ratio between the high-level duration (PW) of a pulse signal and the pulse period (PRI). The duty cycle indicates the proportion of the high-level signal (pulse width) relative to a complete pulse period. Duty cycle is typically expressed as a percentage or fraction. For example, if a pulse signal has a high-level duration of 1 microsecond (PW) and a pulse period of 10 microseconds (PRI), the duty cycle of the pulse signal is 1 / 10 = 0.1.

[0185] (17) Optical power

[0186] Optical power refers to the power of an optical signal. Optical power is also called the intensity of an optical signal. Optical power can also be understood as the rate at which the energy of an optical signal is transmitted per unit time. The unit of optical power is, for example, the watt (W).

[0187] (18) Fiber Optic Link

[0188] A fiber optic link is a communication path built using optical fiber. Optical fiber is a fiber made of glass or plastic. It conducts light and transmits signals between devices.

[0189] (19) Optical cable

[0190] An optical cable is a type of cable used for fiber-optic communications. It transmits light signals through the optical fibers within the cable. A single section of optical cable contains one or more optical fibers. For example, an optical cable may include a protective sheath encasing multiple optical fibers. The cable may also contain other components, such as fillers and power cords.

[0191] (20) Optical cable connector

[0192] An optical cable connector is a device used to connect optical cables. Examples of optical cable connectors include optical distribution frames (ODFs), junction boxes, and fiber optic cables. These connectors are deployed between the optical module connected to the transmitting device and the optical module connected to the receiving device. They provide a connection point for optical cables, facilitating wiring in optical communication networks.

[0193] (21) Optical distribution frame (ODF)

[0194] An optical fiber distribution frame (ODF) is a device used to organize, manage, and connect optical fibers in optical communication networks. It provides a physical interface for centralized management of fiber connections, facilitating fiber routing and maintenance. The ODF primarily consists of a frame, fiber interface slots, connectors, patch panels, and labels.

[0195] (22) Optical cross-connection box

[0196] An optical cross-connect box (OCB), also known as a fiber optic cable junction box, is a passive device primarily containing multiple connectors. It connects and distributes optical fibers. Deploying an OCB organizes or consolidates the optical fibers connecting network devices in various computer rooms, facilitating fiber management and simplifying fiber layout. OCBs are typically installed outdoors to protect fiber connection points and distribute fiber signals to various devices.

[0197] (23) Optical module

[0198] An optical module is a hardware module used to implement electrical-to-optical and / or optoelectronic conversion. For example, when a transmitting network device sends data, the service chip configured in the transmitting network device generates an electrical signal. The optical module configured in the transmitting network device performs electrical-to-optical conversion on the electrical signal to produce an optical signal. The optical module configured in the transmitting network device then transmits the optical signal via an optical cable. When a receiving network device sends data, the optical module configured in the receiving network device receives the optical signal via an optical cable. The optical module configured in the receiving network device performs optoelectronic conversion on the optical signal to produce an electrical signal. The service chip configured in the receiving network device then receives the electrical signal.

[0199] In some embodiments, the optical module is disposed outside the housing of the network device. For example, the optical module is pluggable and is inserted into an electrical interface on the surface of the housing of the network device, thereby electrically connecting to a service chip inside the network device.

[0200] In some embodiments, the optical module is disposed inside a housing of the network device, for example, the optical module is integrated on a mainboard of the network device.

[0201] Optical modules typically conform to standard packaging. Small modules are typically the size of a finger, while large modules are typically the size of a mobile phone. Optical modules primarily include an electrical interface, an electro-optical converter, an optoelectronic converter, and an optical interface.

[0202] (24) Electrical interface of optical module

[0203] An electrical interface refers to an interface for transmitting electrical signals. An electrical interface is also called a system-side interface or an electrical port. The electrical interface of an optical module is connected to the mainboard of a network device. An electrical interface is, for example, a serializer / deserializer (SerDes) interface. The electrical interface includes one or more pairs of serialized channels (lanes), each pair of lanes including a receiving channel and a transmitting channel. Each pair of lanes includes a SerDes for transmitting and a SerDes for receiving. In some embodiments, the electrical interface includes an electrical port connector having a plurality of pins, each pin being used to provide a transmission channel for an electrical signal.

[0204] (25) Optical interface of optical module

[0205] An optical interface refers to an interface for transmitting an optical interface. An optical interface is also called a line-side interface or an optical port. The optical interface of an optical module is connected to an optical cable. In some embodiments, the optical interface includes an optical port connector having multiple pins, each pin being used to provide a transmission channel for an optical signal. For example, the optical interface includes a duplex LC connector. A duplex LC connector is a fiber optic patch cord connector for optical fiber connection. A duplex LC connector includes two interconnected LC connectors, one LC connector for transmitting optical signals and the other LC connector for receiving optical signals.

[0206] (26) Electro-optical converter

[0207] An electro-optical converter, also known as a transmitter optical sub-assembly (TOSA) or optical transmitter, is hardware used for electro-optical conversion. Specifically, the converter receives an electrical signal at its input, converts it into an optical signal, and then outputs the optical signal at its output. The converter's output is typically connected to an optical interface, through which the optical signal can be transmitted to an optical cable. The converter includes a laser and a driver.

[0208] (27) Laser

[0209] A laser is a piece of hardware that can generate light signals. For example, a laser receives an input electrical signal, and under the drive of a driving current, the laser generates a light signal through the recombination radiation of electrons and holes and the effect of light amplification. A laser is, for example, a laser diode. A laser is, for example, a direct-drive laser (DML) or an electro-absorption modulated laser (EML). DML supports changing the power of the output light signal by adjusting the current input to the DML, thereby achieving modulation of the light signal. EML is another type of laser. EML achieves modulation of the light signal by combining two functional units, a laser and a modulator. The modulator part of EML uses an electro-absorption modulator (Electro-absorption Modulator) to adjust the intensity of the output light signal by changing the voltage or current applied to the modulator.

[0210] (28) Driver

[0211] A driver is the hardware used to drive a laser diode. It's also called a driver circuit. It provides the laser with an electrical drive signal, which in turn stimulates the laser to generate and output a light signal. For example, the driver's input receives a control signal, which it then generates a drive signal based on. The driver's output then outputs the drive signal to the laser's input, ensuring that the laser generates the desired light signal. The driver typically includes a power supply.

[0212] (29) Photoelectric converter of optical module

[0213] A photoelectric converter, also known as a receiver optical sub-assembly (ROSA) or optical receiver, is hardware used for photoelectric conversion. It is located at the end of the receiving optical module, near the optical interface. The photoelectric converter receives optical signals at its input, converts them into electrical signals, and then outputs them at its output. The input of the photoelectric converter is typically connected to an optical interface. The optical signal received by the optical interface from the optical cable can be input to the input of the photoelectric converter.

[0214] (30) Optical digital signal processing (oDSP)

[0215] The oDSP is a chip inside an optical module that performs digital signal processing and modulation format conversion. The oDSP typically supports a variety of digital signal processing functions. For example, the oDSP is used for digital signal encoding, decoding, filtering, and clock recovery. The oDSP also includes an encoding unit, which encodes digital signals.

[0216] (31) Network equipment

[0217] Network devices are also called communication devices, hosts, or forwarding devices. For example, network devices are devices used to forward messages. For example, network devices are routers, switches, or firewalls. Another example is a network element in an optical communication network, such as an optical network terminal (ONT), a multiplexer unit (MXU), an optical line terminal (OLT), a switch, or a router. Another example is a general-purpose computer device. Network devices include motherboards.

[0218] (32) Motherboard

[0219] The motherboard, also known as a single board or service board, serves as a platform for transmitting electrical signals between various hardware components within a network device. It connects and integrates various hardware components within the network device. For example, a motherboard includes a printed circuit board (PCB) and hardware components such as service chips, memory, and electrical interfaces. These components are connected via copper wires laid across the PCB, which transmit electrical signals.

[0220] (33) Business Chip

[0221] A business chip refers to a chip used to process business data. A business chip includes a processor. For example, a business chip includes a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a network processor (NP), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural-network processing unit (NPU), a data processing unit (DPU), a microprocessor, or one or more integrated circuits for implementing the solution of the present application. For example, a business chip includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. PLD is, for example, a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a generic array logic (GAL), or any combination thereof.

[0222] (34) Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC)

[0223] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC), also known as an ADC unit, performs sampling. The ADC receives an analog signal at its input, samples it, and generates a digital signal. The ADC outputs the digital signal.

[0224] (35) Optical communication network

[0225] Optical communication networks include, but are not limited to, optical transport networks (OTN), optical access networks (OAN), synchronous digital hierarchy (SDH), passive optical networks (PON), Ethernet, flexible Ethernet (FlexE), and wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) networks.

[0226] (36)Analytical equipment

[0227] An analysis device is used to analyze whether different optical fiber links share the same optical cable segment. The analysis device is in communication with the receiving end device of each of the multiple optical fiber links. The analysis device receives reflection point location information from the receiving end device of each of the multiple optical fiber links and determines whether the different optical fiber links share the same cable segment based on whether the reflection point location information of the receiving end devices of the different optical fiber links matches.

[0228] In some embodiments, the analysis device is integrated into a controller, network management device (NM), or other network element of a communication system. For example, the analysis device is a software defined network (SDN) controller or a path computation element (PCE). In another example, the analysis device is a network element in an optical communication network. In another example, the analysis device is a general-purpose computer device, such as a server or terminal. In other embodiments, the analysis device is a standalone device in the communication system dedicated to analyzing cable inconsistencies.

[0229] In some embodiments, the network device and the analysis device are implemented in a co-located manner, with the network device and the analysis device integrated into the same physical device. Some embodiments of this application describe the process using the case where the network device and the analysis device are separately located as an example. When the network device and the analysis device are co-located, the steps performed by the network device and the steps performed by the analysis device are both performed by the device that integrates the network device and the analysis device. For example, when the analysis device is integrated into the network device, the steps performed by the analysis device are actually performed by the network device.

[0230] In some embodiments, when the network device and the analysis device are implemented separately, the network device and the analysis device are different physical devices that communicate with each other. For example, the network device is provided on a general-purpose network device such as a router, switch, or firewall, or a dedicated network device, while the analysis device is provided on a server that communicates with the network device. The server implements the functions of the analysis device by running software that supports the control and management plane functions.

[0231] Optionally, the analysis device includes a plurality of devices working in coordination, or the analysis device is a single device.

[0232] (37) Laser bias current

[0233] The laser's bias current is a stable DC current input to the laser. The magnitude of the bias current controls the laser's output optical power. For example, increasing the laser's bias current increases the laser's output optical power. However, increasing the laser's bias current decreases the laser's output optical power.

[0234] (38) Laser modulation curve

[0235] The modulation curve of a laser is also called the response characteristic curve of the laser or the output characteristic curve of the laser. The modulation curve of a laser is used to indicate the corresponding relationship between the output optical power of the laser and the input electrical signal of the laser (such as bias current). The modulation curve of a laser describes the change of the output optical power of the laser as the input electrical signal of the laser changes. For example, the modulation curve of a laser describes the corresponding relationship between the output optical power of the laser and the input current value of the laser. For another example, the modulation curve of a laser describes the corresponding relationship between the output optical power of the laser and the input voltage value of the laser. In some embodiments, the modulation curve of the laser is a linear curve. When the input electrical signal to the laser changes linearly, the output optical power of the laser will also change linearly. For example, when the input electrical signal to the laser increases from 0 current to 1mA, the output optical power of the laser will also increase from 0 to 10mW accordingly. In other embodiments, the modulation curve of the laser is a nonlinear curve.

[0236] (39)Modulation curve of the driver

[0237] The modulation curve of the driver is also called the response characteristic curve of the driver or the output characteristic curve of the driver. The modulation curve of the driver is used to indicate the relationship between the output electrical signal of the driver and the control signal input to the driver. The modulation curve of the driver describes the change of the output optical power of the driver as the input electrical signal of the driver changes. For example, the modulation curve of the driver describes the corresponding relationship between the output optical power of the driver and the input current value of the driver. For another example, the modulation curve of the driver describes the corresponding relationship between the output optical power of the driver and the input voltage value of the driver. In some embodiments, the modulation curve of the driver is a linear curve. When the input electrical signal to the driver changes linearly, the output optical power of the driver will also change linearly. For example, when the control voltage signal input to the driver increases from 0V to 2V, the output electrical signal of the driver will also change from 0V to 4V. In other embodiments, the modulation curve of the driver is a nonlinear curve.

[0238] (40) 100G LR1 optical module

[0239] 100G LR1 optical modules support a transmission rate of 100 Gigabit per second. They typically use a single wavelength (one laser) and employ the Pulse Amplitude Modulation 4-Level (PAM4) modulation format.

[0240] (41) 100G LR4 optical module

[0241] A 100G LR4 optical module is an optical module that supports 100G transmission rates. It typically uses a four-wavelength laser and employs the NRZ modulation format. For example, a 100G LR4 optical module includes an electrical connector, power supplies, a clock and data recovery (CDR) or limiting amplifier, a monitoring / controller (CDR) or equalizer, a laser diode driver (LDD), lasers, an optical mux, a duplex LC connector, and an optical demux.

[0242] The following is an example of an application scenario of the embodiment of the present application.

[0243] The embodiments of the present application are applied to scenarios where two network devices equipped with optical modules are connected via an optical cable to achieve optical fiber communication. Typically, a single optical cable segment has a limited length, and as the transmission distance increases, the size and weight of the cable also increase. Therefore, it is often difficult to achieve signal transmission between distant network devices using only one segment of optical cable. In view of this, by connecting multiple segments of optical cable, the length of the optical fiber link can be extended to achieve end-to-end optical fiber communication.

[0244] When connecting multiple sections of optical cable, optical cable connectors play a crucial role. Optical cable connectors are used to connect different sections of optical cable. Examples of these connectors include optical cross-connect boxes, optical fiber connectors (ODFs), or junction boxes. Optical cable connectors are deployed between the optical module connected to the transmitting device and the optical module connected to the receiving device. Multiple sections of optical cable between the optical module connected to the transmitting device and the optical module connected to the receiving device are interconnected via optical cable connectors, forming a single unit and achieving an end-to-end optical fiber link. Alternatively, the end-to-end optical fiber link between the transmitting and receiving devices can be divided into multiple sections via optical cable connectors.

[0245] For example, the first port of a fiber optic cable connector is used to connect k fiber optic cable segments, and the second port of the fiber optic cable connector is used to connect m fiber optic cable segments, where m is less than or equal to k. This is equivalent to the fiber optic cable connector converging k fiber optic cable segments into m fiber optic cable segments, reducing the number of fiber optic cable segments, improving wiring neatness, and simplifying the layout of fiber optic cables in the network. A fiber optic cable segment can be understood as a continuous section of fiber optic cable between two connection points; there are no splices or connection points within a fiber optic cable segment.

[0246] As a specific example of an application scenario in which multiple optical cable segments are interconnected by deploying optical cable connectors, please refer to FIG1 , which shows a schematic diagram of the architecture of a network system 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Network system 10 includes a first network device, a second network device, a third network device, and a fourth network device. Different network devices in network system 10 are connected to optical modules to transmit optical signals through the optical modules. Optionally, network system 10 is deployed in an optical communication network, and the first network device, the second network device, the third network device, and the fourth network device are all network elements in the optical communication network.

[0247] As shown in Figure 1, a first network device is connected to a first optical module. A second network device is connected to a second optical module. A third network device is connected to a third optical module. A fourth network device is connected to a fourth optical module. The first optical module is connected to the second optical module via a first optical fiber link.

[0248] The third optical module is connected to the fourth optical module through a second optical fiber link.

[0249] Network system 10 is equipped with optical cable connector A and optical cable connector B. Optical cable connector A is located between the first and second optical modules, and between the third and fourth optical modules. Optical cable connector B is located between the first and second optical modules, and between the third and fourth optical modules.

[0250] In the scenario shown in Figure 1, the first network device communicates with the second network device via a first optical fiber link, and the third network device communicates with the fourth network device via a second optical fiber link. As shown in Figure 1, the first optical fiber link sequentially passes through optical cable segment 1, optical cable segment 3, and optical cable segment 4. The first optical module is connected to port a1 of optical cable connector A via optical cable segment 1. Port a1 of optical cable connector A is connected to optical cable segment 1, and port a3 of optical cable connector A is connected to optical cable segment 3. Port b3 of optical cable connector A is connected to optical cable segment 3. Port b1 of optical cable connector B is connected to optical cable segment 4. Optical cable segment 4 is connected to the second optical module. The fourth optical fiber link sequentially passes through optical cable segment 2, optical cable segment 3, and optical cable segment 5. The third optical module is connected to port a2 of optical cable connector A via optical cable segment 2. Port a2 of optical cable connector A is connected to optical cable segment 3, and port a3 of optical cable connector A is connected to optical cable segment 3. Port b3 of optical cable connector A is connected to optical cable segment 3. Port b2 of optical cable connector B is connected to optical cable segment 5. Optical cable segment 5 is connected to the fourth optical module.

[0251] The fiber optic cable segment protects the optical fiber by wrapping it. However, if a cable segment fails (such as being cut, bent, or squeezed), all optical fiber links in the segment will fail, causing communication quality to deteriorate or even be interrupted.

[0252] To address this issue, a primary-backup protection mechanism is typically employed, establishing multiple fiber optic links between network devices. These links include a primary and backup fiber optic link. The backup fiber optic link acts as a backup for the primary fiber optic link, protecting it. When a primary fiber optic link fails, such as a fiber break in the primary link due to construction, a rapid switchover to the backup fiber optic link improves communication reliability and reduces the risk of service data transmission interruptions caused by a single fiber optic link failure.

[0253] However, during fiber optic installation, it's common for the primary and backup fiber links to share the same cable. For example, the primary and backup fiber links may reside in the same trench or even the same cable segment. For example, referring to Figure 1, both the first and second fiber links pass through cable segment 3. In other words, cable segment 3 is a shared segment between the first and second fiber links.

[0254] Sharing the same cable for both the primary and backup optical fiber links is equivalent to a "fake primary / backup" mechanism, meaning there's no effective backup protection mechanism. Specifically, if a fault occurs in the cable segment shared by both the primary and backup optical fiber links, such as a cut, bend, or crush, both the primary and backup optical fiber links will be disconnected and rendered inoperable. In other words, each optical cable segment used by the primary and backup optical fiber links must be independent of each other to achieve effective backup protection.

[0255] For example, referring to Figure 1 , the first fiber link is the primary fiber link, and the second fiber link is the backup fiber link. However, if cable segment 3 in Figure 1 is cut, both the first and second fiber links are disconnected, and traffic transmitted on the first fiber link cannot be switched to the second fiber link, rendering the backup protection function ineffective.

[0256] For example, please refer to Figure 5, which is a schematic diagram of an exemplary cross-sectional structure of an optical cable. The optical cable shown in Figure 5 includes a protective sleeve 21, and four optical fibers 22 are enclosed within the protective sleeve 21, namely, optical fiber 1, optical fiber 2, optical fiber 3, and optical fiber 4 in Figure 5. Optionally, other components are also provided in the optical cable, such as fillers and power cords. The optical cable segment 3 in Figure 1, for example, has the structure shown in Figure 5. The first optical fiber link in Figure 1 includes optical fiber 1 among the optical fibers 22 in Figure 5, and the second optical fiber link in Figure 1 includes optical fiber 2 among the optical fibers 22 in Figure 5. If the protective sleeve 21 in the optical cable shown in Figure 5 is cut, the links constructed by the four optical fibers within the protective sleeve 21 are all disconnected.

[0257] Therefore, detecting whether different fiber links share the same cable segment (hereinafter referred to as co-cable detection) is extremely important for network communications. Many network operators hope to use equipment to automatically perform co-cable detection so that they can take appropriate measures in advance based on the detection results.

[0258] However, if you rely on an OTDR for coaxial cable testing, the optical module, acting as the transmitter, needs to receive the reflected signal and perform a series of signal processing operations, including separation and sampling. This requires additional components within the optical module (such as an MCU, MCM, DRV, ROSA, and filters) to process the reflected signal. These additional components result in higher power consumption for the optical module as a whole. Furthermore, these additional components increase the cost of the optical module, occupy excessive space within the module, and negatively impact heat dissipation and energy efficiency.

[0259] In light of this, in some embodiments of the present application, a transmitter performs signal modulation to obtain an optical signal having a predetermined code pattern. The transmitter then transmits the optical signal having the predetermined code pattern, and the receiver determines the positional characteristics of the reflection point based on the received optical signal. By comparing the positional characteristics of the reflection points of two optical fiber links, the risk of the two optical fiber links being co-located can be determined. This method of co-location detection based on the positional characteristics of the reflection points determined by the receiver can also be referred to as optical time domain analysis (OTDA).

[0260] For example, in the scenario shown in Figure 1, a first network device and / or a first optical module, for example, acts as a transmitter, and a second network device and / or a second optical module, for example, acts as a receiver. The first optical module transmits an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code pattern via a first optical fiber link. The second network device and / or the second optical module obtains the positional characteristics of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the signal received from the first optical fiber link. Similarly, a third network device and / or a third optical module, for example, acts as a transmitter, and a fourth network device and / or a fourth optical module, for example, acts as a receiver. The third optical module transmits an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code pattern via a second optical fiber link. The fourth network device and / or the fourth optical module obtains the positional characteristics of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link based on the signal received from the second optical fiber link. If the positional characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to port a3 in the first optical fiber link are the same as the positional characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to port a3 in the second optical fiber link, and the positional characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to port b3 in the first optical fiber link are the same as the positional characteristics of the reflection point corresponding to port b3 in the second optical fiber link, it can be determined that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link have a risk of being in the same cable, which is equivalent to identifying that both the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link pass through optical cable segment 3.

[0261] Referring to Figure 2, Figure 2 shows another architectural schematic diagram of the network system 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The network system 10 shown in Figure 2 is a specific example of the network system 10 shown in Figure 1. The optical cross-box 1 in Figure 2 is a specific example of the optical cable connector A in Figure 1, and the optical cross-box 2 in Figure 2 is a specific example of the optical cable connector B in Figure 1. The positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with the optical cross-box 1 in the first optical fiber link, the positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with the optical cross-box 2 in the first optical fiber link, the positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with the optical cross-box 1 in the second optical fiber link, and the positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with the optical cross-box 2 in the second optical fiber link can serve as a basis for determining whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment. If the positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with optical cross-box 1 in the first optical fiber link are the same as the positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with optical cross-box 1 in the second optical fiber link, and the positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with optical cross-box 2 in the first optical fiber link are the same as the positional characteristics of the reflection point generated at the connection with optical cross-box 2 in the second optical fiber link, it can be determined that there is a risk that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0262] Referring to FIG3 , FIG3 shows another schematic diagram of the architecture of a network system 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. The network system 10 shown in FIG3 , based on the network system 10 shown in FIG1 , further comprises an analysis device. The analysis device is communicatively connected to a second network device serving as a receiving end and a fourth network device serving as a receiving end, respectively. The analysis device is configured to receive the positional characteristics of a reflection point in a first optical fiber link from the second network device and the positional characteristics of a reflection point in a second optical fiber link from the fourth network device. Based on the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link, the analysis device determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment. In other embodiments, the analysis device and the second network device are implemented in a co-located manner, with the second network device and the analysis device being integrated into the same physical device. For example, the second network device receives the positional characteristics of a reflection point in a second optical fiber link from the fourth network device. Based on the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link determined by the second network device and the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link sent by the fourth network device, the second network device determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment, thereby implementing the function of the analysis device.

[0263] Referring to Figure 4, Figure 4 shows a hardware structure diagram applicable to the network system 10 provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 4 (a) shows a hardware structure diagram of the sending end network device. The first network device and the third network device shown in Figure 1 optionally have the structure shown in Figure 4 (a). Figure 4 (b) shows a hardware structure diagram of the sending end optical module. The first optical module and the third optical module shown in Figure 1 optionally have the structure shown in Figure 4 (a). Figure 4 (c) shows a hardware structure diagram of the receiving end optical module. The second optical module and the fourth optical module shown in Figure 1 optionally have the structure shown in Figure 4 (c). Figure 4 (d) shows a hardware structure diagram of the receiving end network device. The second network device and the fourth network device shown in Figure 1 optionally have the structure shown in Figure 4 (d).

[0264] Please refer to the description of the terminology section above for the individual functions of the various hardware components shown in Figure 4. The following focuses on the connection relationship and functional coordination relationship between the various hardware components shown in Figure 4.

[0265] The first network device 100 includes a mainboard 110 and an optical module 120 .

[0266] The mainboard 110 is electrically connected to the optical module 120. The mainboard 110 includes a service chip 111 and an electrical interface 112. For example, the electrical interface 112 of the mainboard 110 is connected to the electrical interface 121 of the optical module 120. For example, the mainboard 110 includes one or more PCBs, and the service chip 111 and the electrical interface 112 are disposed on the PCBs. In some embodiments, the service chip 111 and the optical module 120 communicate using the Inter-Integrated Circuit (IIC) protocol.

[0267] Optical module 120 includes an electrical interface 121, an electro-optical converter 122, and an optical interface 123. These interfaces are located on the same signal transmission path. In other words, when an electrical signal from service chip 111 is input to electrical interface 121, it is converted into an optical signal by electro-optical converter 122, allowing it to be output to an optical cable through optical interface 123. The electrical interface 121 of optical module 120 is also connected to electro-optical converter 122.

[0268] The input end of the electro-optical converter 122 is connected to the electrical interface 121. The output end of the electro-optical converter 122 is connected to the optical interface 123. The electro-optical converter 122 is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the electrical signal from the electrical interface 121 to obtain an optical signal, and output the optical signal to the optical interface 123. The electro-optical converter 122 includes a laser 1221 and a driver 1222. The driver 1222 is used to drive the laser 1221. The driver 1222 is used to generate a driving electrical signal (such as a driving current or a driving voltage) and input the driving electrical signal to the laser 1221, so that the laser 1221 generates an optical signal based on the driving electrical signal. The output end of the driver 1222 is connected to the input end of the laser 1221. The output end of the laser 1221 is connected to the optical interface 123.

[0269] Optical interface 123 is connected to an optical cable. An optical cable includes one or more cable segments. Each cable segment includes one or more fiber links. Optical interface 123 is used to output optical signals to the optical cable. The optical signals are then transmitted to the other end via the fiber links in the optical cable.

[0270] In some embodiments, the optical module 120 further includes a DAC unit 124. The DAC unit 124 is located on the same signal transmission path as the electrical interface 121, the electro-optical converter 122, and the optical interface 123. The DAC unit 124 is configured to convert the digital electrical signal from the electrical interface 121 into an analog electrical signal and output the analog electrical signal to the electro-optical converter 122. The input end of the DAC unit 124 is connected to the electrical interface 121. The output end of the DAC unit 124 is connected to the electro-optical converter 122.

[0271] In some embodiments, optical module 120 further includes an oDSP 140. oDSP 140 is located on the same signal transmission path as electrical interface 121, electro-optical converter 122, and optical interface 123. oDSP 140 is configured to perform digital signal processing and modulation format conversion on the digital electrical signal from electrical interface 121 and output the processed digital electrical signal to DAC unit 124.

[0272] In some embodiments, the oDSP 140 is integrated with the DAC unit 124. For example, the DAC unit 124 is integrated within the oDSP 140. In other embodiments, the oDSP 140 and the DAC unit 124 are separate from each other.

[0273] In some embodiments, the optical module 120 further includes an MCU 180. The MCU 180 is used to control various components within the optical module 120. For example, the MCU 180 is used to provide control signals to the driver 1222. The MCU 180 generates control signals and inputs the control signals to the driver 1222, so that the driver 1222 generates a driving signal that meets the requirements under the control signal. The output of the MCU 180 is connected to the input of the driver 1222.

[0274] The second network device 200 includes a mainboard 210 and an optical module 220 .

[0275] The optical module 220 includes an optical interface 223, an electrical interface 221, an optical-to-electrical converter 222, and an analog-to-digital converter 224. The optical interface 223, the electrical interface 221, the optical-to-electrical converter 222, and the analog-to-digital converter 224 are located on the same signal receiving path.

[0276] The optical interface 223 is connected to the optical cable. The optical interface 223 is used to receive optical signals from the optical fiber link in the optical cable. The optical interface 223 is connected to the input end of the optical-to-electrical converter 222.

[0277] The photoelectric converter 222 is used to receive the optical signal from the optical interface 223 , perform photoelectric conversion on the optical signal, obtain an analog electrical signal, and output the analog electrical signal. The output end of the photoelectric converter 222 is connected to the analog-to-digital converter 224 .

[0278] The analog-to-digital converter 224 is used to receive the analog electrical signal from the photoelectric converter 222 and perform analog-to-digital conversion on the analog electrical signal to obtain a digital electrical signal. The input end of the analog-to-digital converter 224 is connected to the photoelectric converter 222. The output end of the analog-to-digital converter 224 is connected to the electrical interface 221.

[0279] The electrical interface 221 is electrically connected to the mainboard 210 and is used to output digital electrical signals to the mainboard 210 .

[0280] Optionally, optical module 220 also includes an MCU 280. MCU 180 is used to control various components within optical module 220. For example, MCU 180 is used to provide control signals to analog-to-digital converter 224. MCU 180 generates a control signal carrying a sampling frequency and inputs the control signal carrying the sampling frequency into analog-to-digital converter 224, causing analog-to-digital converter 224 to perform sampling according to the sampling frequency under the triggering of the control signal. The output of MCU 180 is connected to the input of analog-to-digital converter 224.

[0281] Optionally, the optical module further includes an oDSP 240. In some embodiments, the oDSP 240 is integrated with the analog-to-digital converter 224. For example, the analog-to-digital converter 224 is integrated within the oDSP 240. In other embodiments, the oDSP 240 and the analog-to-digital converter 224 are separate from each other.

[0282] In some embodiments, the MCU 280 and the analog-to-digital converter 224 are integrated together. For example, the analog-to-digital converter 224 is integrated within the MCU 280. In other embodiments, the MCU 280 and the analog-to-digital converter 224 are separate. The mainboard 210 includes a service chip 211 and an electrical interface 212. The electrical interface 212 is electrically connected to the electrical interface 221 of the optical module 220. The electrical interface 212 is configured to receive electrical signals from the optical module 220. The service chip 211 is connected to the electrical interface 212. The service chip 211 is configured to process the electrical signals from the electrical interface 212.

[0283] Referring to Figure 6 , a schematic flow chart of a method for detecting cable coexistence provided in an embodiment of the present application is shown. The method shown in Figure 6 can be applied to the network system 10 shown in Figure 1 , the network system 10 shown in Figure 2 , or the network system 10 shown in Figure 3 . For example, the first network device and the second network device in the method shown in Figure 6 have the hardware structure shown in Figure 4 .

[0284] In step S410, a first optical module generates a first optical signal. The first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, where the predetermined code pattern is used to describe the shape of a curve of a relationship between signal power and time.

[0285] In some embodiments, the predetermined pattern includes a pulse duration that is less than a predetermined duty cycle. For example, the duty cycle of the optical pulse signal of the predetermined pattern is less than 5%. This low duty cycle reduces overlap between the primary and secondary pulse signals, making it easier for the receiver to distinguish between the initial signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined pattern) and the reflected signal (the secondary pulse signal), thereby improving the accuracy of the receiver's determination of the reflection point's location characteristics.

[0286] In some embodiments, the predetermined code pattern includes a signal frequency greater than a set frequency. For example, the signal frequency is greater than 1 MHz. Because the signal frequency transmitted by the transmitter is higher, the complexity of distinguishing between the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern) and the reflected signal (the secondary pulse signal) at the receiver is reduced.

[0287] Since the optical pulse signal modulated by the transmitting optical module can be a square wave pulse signal, a sine wave pulse signal, a triangle wave pulse signal, or other code patterns, it is less dependent on the modulation format of the optical module, greatly broadening the applicable optical module types.

[0288] In some embodiments, a transmitting optical module transmits a square wave pulse signal so that a receiving device can perform cable co-location detection based on the received signal. Because the transmitting device generates a square wave pulse signal with relatively low implementation complexity and a relatively narrow pulse width (small duty cycle), it is relatively simple for the receiving device to analyze the square wave pulse signal to determine the location characteristics of the reflection point, thereby reducing the overall implementation complexity of the solution.

[0289] In some embodiments, the predetermined code pattern includes a pulse duration that is less than the set pulse duration. For example, the predetermined code pattern includes a pulse duration that is less than 1 us. Since the duration of the pulse signal is less than 1 microsecond, it is equivalent to that the signal pulse sent by the transmitter is very short, or the signal sent by the transmitter has a higher resolution in the time domain, thereby increasing the sharpness and clarity of the signal, making it easier for the receiving end to detect the change of the pulse and more accurately identify the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern). In addition, it helps the receiving end to more accurately distinguish the starting position and the ending position of the original signal (the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern) and the reflected signal (the secondary pulse signal), so that the result of the receiving end comparing the main pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal is more accurate.

[0290] Taking the predetermined code pattern as a square wave as an example, for example, please refer to Figure 13, which shows a waveform diagram of an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code pattern. In Figure 13, PW represents the high level duration, PRI represents the duration of a pulse cycle, and PW / PRI represents the duty cycle D.

[0291] Taking the predetermined code pattern as a triangle wave as an example, for example, please refer to FIG14 , which shows a waveform diagram of an optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern.

[0292] Taking the predetermined code pattern as a sine wave as an example, for example, please refer to FIG15 , which shows a waveform diagram of an optical pulse signal of the predetermined code pattern.

[0293] In some embodiments, the first optical module receives a configuration instruction. The configuration instruction is used to indicate the code type of the optical signal. The configuration instruction carries parameters that can describe the predetermined code type. For example, the configuration instruction carries at least one of the code type, pulse width, pulse period, duty cycle, peak amplitude, valley amplitude, signal frequency, rise time, and fall time. The first optical module parses the configuration instruction, obtains the parameters that can describe the predetermined code type carried by the configuration instruction, and generates the first optical signal based on the parameters that can describe the predetermined code type. Based on this, the code type, pulse width, pulse period, duty cycle, peak amplitude, valley amplitude, signal frequency, rise time, and fall time can be customized and edited according to needs to improve flexibility.

[0294] In step S420 , the first optical module sends a first optical signal to the second optical module through the first optical fiber link.

[0295] In step S430 , the second optical module receives the first optical signal through the first optical fiber link.

[0296] In step S440 , the second optical module performs photoelectric conversion and sampling on the first optical signal to obtain a first digital electrical signal.

[0297] Step S450: The second optical module sends a first digital electrical signal to a service chip in the second network device.

[0298] Step S460: The service chip in the second network device receives the first digital electrical signal from the second optical module.

[0299] Step S470: The second network device determines a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the first digital electrical signal.

[0300] Step S480: The second network device sends the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link to the analysis device.

[0301] Step S910: The third optical module generates a second optical signal.

[0302] The second optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern. The code pattern of the second optical signal generated by the third optical module and the first optical signal generated by the first optical module are, for example, the same.

[0303] Step S920: The third optical module sends a second optical signal to the fourth optical module through the second optical fiber link.

[0304] Step S930: The fourth optical module receives the second optical signal through the first optical fiber link.

[0305] In step S940 , the fourth optical module performs photoelectric conversion and sampling on the second optical signal to obtain a second digital electrical signal.

[0306] Step S950: The fourth optical module sends a second digital electrical signal to a service chip in the fourth network device.

[0307] Step S960: The service chip in the fourth network device receives the second digital electrical signal.

[0308] Step S970: The fourth network device determines a position characteristic of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link based on the second digital electrical signal.

[0309] Step S980: The fourth network device sends the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link to the analysis device.

[0310] Step S490: The analysis device receives the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link from the second network device and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link from the fourth network device.

[0311] In step S491, the analyzing device determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment in response to the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition.

[0312] In the method provided in this embodiment, when two transmitting optical modules (a first optical module and a third optical module) respectively transmit optical pulse signals of predetermined code patterns through two optical fiber links, and two receiving ends (a second network device and a fourth network device) process the two optical signals received by the two optical fiber links, thereby identifying (or determining) the position characteristics of the reflection points. If the position characteristics of the corresponding reflection points in the two optical fiber links are the same, it can be predicted with a certain probability that the two optical fiber links are connected to the same cable.

[0313] Taking the scenario shown in FIG. 1 as an example, by applying the method shown in FIG. 6 in the scenario shown in FIG. 1 , it is helpful to detect the risk that both the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link are in the optical cable segment 3 .

[0314] Referring to FIG. 7 , FIG. 7 further illustrates S410 and / or S910 in the method shown in FIG. 6 using a timing interaction diagram. The method shown in FIG. 7 focuses on how the various hardware components in the optical module within the transmitter interact to implement S410 and / or S910. The method shown in FIG. 7 may optionally be applied to the first optical module or the third optical module in the network system 10 shown in any of FIG. 1 to FIG. The network deployment locations of the optical modules to which the method shown in FIG. 7 applies can be referenced in the descriptions of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 .

[0315] Step S404 : The electro-optical converter generates a first optical signal, where the first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, where the predetermined code pattern is used to describe the shape of a curve of a relationship between signal power and time.

[0316] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter generates an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern at predetermined time intervals, thereby generating a first optical signal. The first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having multiple cycles, and the optical pulse signal of each cycle has the predetermined code pattern.

[0317] Considering that if the transmitting optical module only sends one cycle of optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, and the receiving end device only samples one cycle of signal, the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end may be insufficient due to the limited data amount of the sampled signal, by the transmitting optical module periodically sending an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, the receiving end optical module can sample multiple cycles of signals, thereby increasing the data amount of the signal sampled by the receiving end optical module, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end.

[0318] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter generates an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern at predetermined time intervals, thereby generating a first optical signal. The first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having multiple cycles, and the optical pulse signal of each cycle has the predetermined code pattern.

[0319] Considering that if the transmitting optical module only sends one cycle of optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, and the receiving end device only samples one cycle of signal, the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end may be insufficient due to the limited data amount of the sampled signal, by the transmitting optical module periodically sending an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, the receiving end optical module can sample multiple cycles of signals, thereby increasing the data amount of the signal sampled by the receiving end optical module, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end.

[0320] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter performs signal modulation based on pattern parameters and a modulation curve to generate a pulse signal having a predetermined pattern. The pattern parameters refer to parameters used to describe the predetermined pattern.

[0321] Step S406: The electro-optical converter sends a first optical signal to the optical interface.

[0322] In step S408, the optical interface sends a first optical signal to the second optical module through the first optical fiber link, so that the second network device determines the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link according to the electrical signal generated by the second optical module based on the received optical signal. The position characteristics of the reflection point are used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0323] The optical module provided in this embodiment, acting as a transmitter, transmits an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, enabling a receiving device to determine the location characteristics of a reflection point based on an electrical signal generated by the received optical signal. This facilitates the detection of whether optical fiber links are co-located based on the location characteristics of the reflection points of different optical fiber links. Since the co-location detection no longer relies on an OTDR, and instead the receiving device is responsible for determining the location characteristics of the reflection points, the limitations of OTDR technology are reduced to a certain extent. This eliminates the need for the transmitter optical module to include additional components (such as an MCU, MCM, DRV, ROSA, and filters) for separating and sampling reflected signals, as required for OTDR implementation. This reduces the overall power consumption of the transmitter optical module caused by additional components in the OTDR technology.

[0324] In addition, considering that optical modules tend to be miniaturized, the optical module provided in this embodiment helps to achieve co-cable detection to a certain extent while avoiding the addition of additional components within the limited optical module space, so that the optical module can maintain a smaller size and does not need to occupy more space to place additional components. This reduces the technical difficulty of the transmitting optical module in OTDR technology being constrained by the limited space of the optical module, which makes it difficult to deploy additional devices and thus makes it impossible to achieve co-cable detection, and reduces the dependence on the volume integration of the optical module.

[0325] In addition, since the hardware changes to the optical module are relatively small (based on the hardware structure of the optical module that does not require modification), it can also help to achieve cable co-detection to a certain extent. Therefore, it has good compatibility with existing optical modules, which helps the existing optical modules to smoothly evolve to achieve cable co-detection. There is no need to re-iterate the hardware version of the optical module to perform cable co-detection, reducing the implementation complexity of cable co-detection based on the optical module.

[0326] In addition, the cost of the entire optical module caused by additional components in the transmitting optical module in OTDR technology is also saved.

[0327] In addition, the adverse effects of additional components in the transmitting optical module on the heat dissipation and energy saving of the optical module in the OTDR technology are also reduced.

[0328] In addition, there is no need to insert a dedicated OTDR module into the port of the mainboard of the transmitting device to achieve co-cable detection, thereby saving the port occupied by the dedicated OTDR module on the mainboard of the transmitting device. Therefore, it helps to improve the port utilization rate of the mainboard of the transmitting device and is more suitable for application scenarios with high port density.

[0329] In S410 of the method shown in FIG. 6 , there are multiple implementations for how the first optical module specifically generates an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code type. In the embodiment of the present application, the following three modulation modes are used as examples for illustration. Any one of the following three modulation modes can be used in S410.

[0330] Modulation mode 1: The transmitting optical module modulates the optical signal to generate an optical signal with a predetermined code pattern.

[0331] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter includes a laser, and the laser modulates the optical signal so that the laser outputs a first optical signal.

[0332] Top modulation refers to adjusting the characteristics of the original waveform of the optical signal so that the adjusted waveform of the optical signal has a predetermined shape, thereby generating an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type. The waveform characteristics of the optical signal include parameters such as the time series, peaks, troughs, and frequency of the optical signal. The waveform shape of the optical signal can describe the change pattern of the optical signal on the time axis. For example, the waveform of the original optical signal generated by the laser (the optical signal that has not been top-modulated) is a straight line. By top-modulating the original optical signal, the waveform of the optical signal has peaks and troughs, thereby forming an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type. In some embodiments of top modulation, the optical module adjusts the parameters such as the amplitude, frequency, peak position, trough position or duty cycle based on which the laser generates the optical signal, thereby affecting the waveform characteristics of the optical signal so that the laser has an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type.

[0333] In some implementations of top-modulation, the power of the optical signal is used as a carrier for a predetermined code pattern. The optical module adjusts the power of the optical signal output by the optical module according to the predetermined code pattern, which is equivalent to encoding the optical signal so that different optical signal powers represent different digital bits. For example, a relatively simple optical signal encoding method is non-return to zero (NRZ). In NRZ encoding, when the optical signal power is high, it represents the number 1; when the optical signal power is low or there is no optical signal, it represents the number 0. In this way, by changing the power of the optical signal, the predetermined code pattern can be transmitted to the receiving device.

[0334] In some embodiments of top modulation, the laser adjusts its output optical power according to a predetermined pattern, so that the output optical power fluctuates within a range corresponding to the predetermined pattern, thereby outputting an optical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern. For example, the output optical power of the laser is generally stable, such as the original output optical power of the laser being 1 mW. Taking the predetermined pattern being a square wave as an example, during the top modulation process, the laser first adjusts its output optical power to 0.5 mW, and the laser continuously outputs an optical signal at an output optical power of 0.5 mW; after a first predetermined time interval, the laser adjusts its output optical power to 1.5 mW, and the laser continuously outputs an optical signal at an output optical power of 1.5 mW; after a second predetermined time interval, the laser re-adjusts its output optical power to 1 mW, and the laser continuously outputs an optical signal at an output optical power of 1 mW, and so on. The output optical power of the laser fluctuates in a pattern of 0.5 mW → 1.5 mW → 0.5 mW → 1.5 mW, thereby generating the predetermined pattern.

[0335] Since the optical signal generated by the laser is top-modulated so that the optical module sends an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, the execution position of the modulation of the signal code pattern is very close to the optical port. For example, after the transmitting optical module executes signal processing processes such as electrical signal processing and electro-optical conversion and before transmitting the optical signal, the modulation of the signal code pattern is realized by top-modulation, thereby reducing the deviation between the code pattern of the optical signal actually sent by the optical module and the predetermined code pattern caused by the execution of signal processing processes such as electrical signal processing and electro-optical conversion. Therefore, the interference caused by the deviation between the code pattern of the optical signal actually sent by the optical module and the predetermined code pattern on the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving device is reduced, thereby helping to improve the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving device, and further helping to improve the accuracy of the same cable detection.

[0336] In addition, the generation of optical pulse signals with a predetermined code pattern can be achieved based on a universal optical module, without requiring the optical module to include an oDSP for modulation of the predetermined code pattern. This further expands the range of optical modules applicable to the solution and reduces the requirements for the transmitting optical module for co-cable detection.

[0337] In addition, there is no need to modify the onboard service chip of the network device so that the onboard service chip of the network device can modulate the predetermined code type electrical signal, thereby reducing the requirements for the onboard service chip of the network device.

[0338] The implementation method of generating an optical signal with a predetermined code pattern based on optical signal top modulation specifically includes the following implementation mode A or implementation mode B.

[0339] Implementation Method A of Optical Signal Trimming: Bias modulation is used to trim the output optical signal of the laser in the optical module, thereby outputting an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern. Bias modulation is also called bias modulation or TOSA modulation.

[0340] In some embodiments of bias current modulation, a laser receives an input first bias current, generates a first optical signal based on the first bias current, and outputs the first optical signal through an output terminal.

[0341] In some embodiments, the optical module first sets an initial bias current for the laser as a reference current, then superimposes a current with a specific code type on the initial bias current, and inputs the superimposed bias current to the input end of the laser, so that the laser generates and outputs an optical signal with a specific code type based on the superimposed bias current.

[0342] Code pattern parameters refer to parameters used to describe a predetermined code pattern. In some embodiments of bias current modulation, code pattern parameters corresponding to a first bias current are configured for the optical module. The optical module generates a first bias current based on the code pattern parameters corresponding to the first bias current and inputs the first bias current to the input of the laser, thereby triggering the laser to generate and output an optical signal having a specific code pattern. The code pattern parameters corresponding to the first bias current include at least one of pulse width, pulse period, duty cycle, peak amplitude, valley amplitude, signal frequency, rise time, and fall time.

[0343] In some embodiments, a modulation curve between the first bias current and the output optical power of the laser corresponds to a predetermined code pattern. The first bias current is, for example, determined based on the modulation curve and the predetermined code pattern. The modulation curve of the laser is used to indicate the corresponding relationship between the output optical power of the laser and the bias current input to the laser. The modulation curve describes how the output optical power of the laser changes with changes in the bias current. By adjusting the bias current of the laser based on the modulation curve, the output optical power of the laser can fluctuate within a range corresponding to the predetermined code pattern, thereby enabling the laser to output an optical pulse signal having the predetermined code pattern.

[0344] In some embodiments, the first bias current includes a peak bias current and a valley bias current. The peak bias current refers to the maximum value of the bias current input to the laser within a predetermined time interval. The peak bias current is determined based on the peak optical power and the modulation curve of the laser. The peak optical power refers to the maximum value of the output optical power of the laser within a predetermined time interval. The valley bias current refers to the minimum value of the bias current input to the laser within a predetermined time interval. The valley bias current is determined based on the valley optical power and the modulation curve of the laser. The valley bias current refers to the maximum value of the output optical power of the laser within a predetermined time interval. The laser generates and outputs the peak optical power based on the input peak bias current. The laser generates and outputs the valley optical power based on the valley value of the input bias current, so that the power of the optical signal output by the laser has peak and valley fluctuations, thereby generating an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern.

[0345] For example, for an EML laser, when the bias current input to the EML laser is 30mA, the output optical power of the EML laser is 0dBm; when the bias current input to the EML laser is 30mA, the output optical power of the EML laser is 5dBm. This bias current adjustment method can achieve an optical output power corresponding to a predetermined code pattern. For example, referring to Figure 16, which shows a schematic diagram of a modulation curve for a laser, a first bias current is determined based on the modulation curve shown in Figure 16. The first bias current is input to the laser, causing the laser to output an optical pulse signal of a predetermined code pattern.

[0346] As a specific example, the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code type is, for example, a square wave, and the optical module generates a first bias current, and the first bias current alternates between a peak current and a valley current at a predetermined time interval. After the first bias current is input into the laser, the optical signal output by the laser alternates between peak power and valley power at a predetermined time interval.

[0347] The source of the bias current corresponding to the predetermined code pattern optical pulse signal includes various situations. In some embodiments, the first optical module further includes a microcontroller unit (MCU), which is configured to generate the first bias current and input the first bias current to the laser. In other embodiments, the electrical interface is further electrically connected to a signal source external to the first optical module, and the electrical interface receives the first bias current from the signal source and inputs the first bias current to the laser.

[0348] Implementation method B of optical signal modulation uses a driver modulation method to modulate the output optical signal of the laser in the optical module based on a driving electrical signal related to a predetermined code pattern, thereby outputting an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern.

[0349] In some embodiments, an input terminal of a driver receives a first control signal. The driver generates a first electrical drive signal based on the first control signal. An output terminal of the driver outputs the first electrical drive signal to the laser. An input terminal of the laser receives the first electrical drive signal. The laser generates a first optical signal based on the first electrical drive signal. An output terminal of the laser outputs the first optical signal.

[0350] The modulation curve between the first driving electrical signal and the output optical power of the laser corresponds to a predetermined code pattern. For example, the amplitude, frequency or duty cycle of the first driving electrical signal corresponds to the predetermined code pattern. The first driving electrical signal is, for example, a current signal or a voltage signal. The first control signal is, for example, a current signal or a voltage signal. For example, in the case of using an MZ type electro-optical modulator, the modulation curve corresponding to the MZ type electro-optical modulator is shown in FIG17. The modulation curve shown in FIG17 shows the relationship between the modulated light intensity and the modulation voltage. The modulated light intensity is the intensity of the optical signal output by the laser, and the modulation voltage is the amplitude of the voltage signal (control signal) input to the laser. By inputting a predetermined voltage into the MZ type electro-optical modulator, the output optical power is modulated to achieve the purpose of outputting a predetermined code pattern.

[0351] In some embodiments, the output optical power is adjusted by controlling the modulation signal pin of the driver. For example, a signal source external to the driver inputs a first control signal to the modulation signal pin of the driver, causing the driver to output a first driving electrical signal.

[0352] Because a driver drives a laser to generate an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern, the deviation between the pattern of the optical signal actually transmitted by the optical module and the predetermined pattern caused by signal processing processes such as electrical signal processing and electro-optical conversion is reduced. This reduces the interference caused by the deviation between the pattern of the optical signal actually transmitted by the optical module and the predetermined pattern on the receiving end device's determination of the location characteristics of the reflection point, thereby helping to improve the receiving end device's determination of the location characteristics of the reflection point and, in turn, the accuracy of co-cable detection. Furthermore, because the driver and laser are common hardware in the optical module, there is no need to configure a dedicated signal processor in the optical module to modulate the optical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern, thereby reducing the requirements for modulating the optical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern on the optical module.

[0353] As a specific example, the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code type is, for example, a square wave, and the driver generates a first driving electrical signal, and the first driving electrical signal alternates between a peak voltage and a valley voltage at a predetermined time interval. For example, the first driving electrical signal is a voltage signal that alternates between a high level and a low level. After the first driving electrical signal is input into the laser, the optical signal output by the laser alternates between peak power and valley power at a predetermined time interval.

[0354] This top-modulation method can be used in optical modules using NRZ modulation, such as the 100G LR4 optical module. Considering that NRZ modulated optical modules do not contain an oDSP chip, top-modulation can be performed on the transmitting optical module to transmit optical pulse signals with a predetermined code pattern.

[0355] Referring to FIG8 , FIG8 shows a schematic diagram of the structure of a 100G LR4 optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application. The 100G LR4 optical module shown in FIG8 is suitable for executing the method for generating a predetermined code type optical signal by modulating the top as described in Modulation Mode 1. Optionally, the first optical module and the third optical module in the network system 10 shown in FIG1 , FIG2 , or FIG3 have the hardware structure shown in FIG8 . Optionally, the optical module 120 shown in FIG4 has the hardware structure shown in FIG8 .

[0356] In some embodiments, the electro-optical converter 122 in the optical module 120 shown in FIG. 4 includes the electro-optical converter shown in FIG. 8 .

[0357] The driver 1222 in the electro-optical converter 122 shown in FIG4 includes, for example, four LDDs as shown in FIG8. Each LDD is used to drive a laser. The input end of each LDD is connected to an equalizer or controller. The output end of each LDD is connected to a laser.

[0358] Lasers 1221 in electro-optical converter 122 shown in FIG4 include the four lasers shown in FIG8 . The input end of each of the four lasers is connected to driver 1222. The output end of each of the four lasers is connected to an optical multiplexer. The four lasers are used to generate and output four optical pulse signals having a predetermined pattern.

[0359] The electro-optical converter 122 in the optical module 120 shown in FIG4 further includes an optical multiplexer. The input end of the optical multiplexer is connected to four lasers, and the output end of the optical multiplexer is connected to an optical port connector.

[0360] The electrical interface 121 in the optical module 120 shown in FIG4 includes the electrical connector shown in FIG8. The electrical connector is used to electrically connect to the motherboard. The electrical connector is, for example, a 38-pin electrical connector.

[0361] The optical interface 123 in the optical module 120 shown in Figure 4 includes an optical port connector shown in Figure 8. The optical port connector is used to connect to the optical fiber link in the optical cable.

[0362] 8 , for example, in the case of implementation A using optical signal modulation, each of the four LDDs in the driver 1222 generates a first bias current, and the output end of each of the four LDDs outputs the first bias current.

[0363] Each of the four lasers in laser 1221 receives a first bias current from the LDD. Based on the first bias current, each of the four lasers in laser 1221 generates an optical pulse signal of a predetermined pattern. Each of the four lasers in laser 1221 outputs an optical pulse signal of a predetermined pattern.

[0364] The input end of the optical multiplexer receives four optical pulse signals with a predetermined code pattern. The optical multiplexer combines the four optical pulse signals with the predetermined code pattern into one optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern. The output end of the optical multiplexer outputs one optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern. The optical port connector transmits the optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern to the optical fiber link in the optical cable, so that the optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern is transmitted through the optical fiber link.

[0365] 8 , for example, in the case of implementation B using optical signal modulation, each of the four LDDs in the driver 1222 generates a first driving voltage, and the output end of each of the four LDDs outputs the first driving voltage.

[0366] Each of the four lasers in laser 1221 receives a first drive voltage from the LDD. Based on the first drive voltage, each of the four lasers in laser 1221 generates an optical pulse signal of a predetermined pattern. Each of the four lasers in laser 1221 outputs an optical pulse signal of a predetermined pattern.

[0367] The input end of the optical multiplexer receives four optical pulse signals with a predetermined code pattern. The optical multiplexer combines the four optical pulse signals with the predetermined code pattern into one optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern. The output end of the optical multiplexer outputs one optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern. The optical port connector transmits the optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern to the optical fiber link in the optical cable, so that the optical pulse signal with the predetermined code pattern is transmitted through the optical fiber link.

[0368] Through implementation method A of optical signal modulation and implementation method B of optical signal modulation, the transmitting end performs signal modulation through the optical module.

[0369] In modulation mode 2, the transmitting end uses an optical module including an oDSP to modulate the electrical signal to generate an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern.

[0370] Referring to FIG. 9 , FIG. 9 further illustrates S410 in the method shown in FIG. 6 using a timing interaction diagram. The method shown in FIG. 9 focuses on how the various hardware components in the optical module within the transmitter interact to implement S410 when using modulation mode 2. Step S504 in the method shown in FIG. 9 is a specific example of step S410 in the method shown in FIG. The method shown in FIG. 9 can optionally be applied to the first optical module or the third optical module in the network system 10 shown in any of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 .

[0371] In step S502, the oDSP in the optical module generates a first electrical signal. The first electrical signal includes an electrical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, and the first electrical signal is, for example, a digital electrical signal.

[0372] Step S503: The oDSP sends a first electrical signal to the electro-optical converter in the optical module.

[0373] In step S504 , the electro-optical converter receives a first electrical signal.

[0374] In step S505 , the electro-optical converter performs electro-optical conversion on the first electrical signal to generate a first optical signal.

[0375] For example, the oDSP outputs the first electrical signal through the output terminal of the oDSP, and the input terminal of the electro-optical converter is electrically connected to the output terminal of the oDSP, so the electro-optical converter can receive the first electrical signal.

[0376] For example, the oDSP includes an encoding unit. The oDSP uses this unit to generate a digital electrical signal with a predetermined pattern, which it then outputs through its output terminal. The driver generates a first drive signal based on the digital electrical signal with the predetermined pattern, and the laser generates and outputs an optical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern based on the first drive signal.

[0377] By using oDSP to generate an electrical signal with a predetermined code pattern, the electrical signal received by the electro-optical converter itself has the predetermined code pattern. Therefore, the optical signal output by the electro-optical converter after electro-optical conversion of the electrical signal will also have the predetermined code pattern. This eliminates the need to rely on the service chip on the motherboard to generate an electrical signal with a predetermined code pattern. In addition, there is no need to require the electro-optical converter in the optical module to support top modulation to generate an optical signal with a predetermined code pattern, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the electro-optical converter in the optical module.

[0378] In some implementations of signal modulation using the oDSP, the oDSP receives a configured pattern and interleaves it to modulate a signal that generates a predetermined pattern. A pattern is a sequence of binary digits describing a predetermined pattern. Pattern interleave involves inserting a pattern into a signal stream or altering the signal's amplitude based on the pattern, thereby achieving modulation.

[0379] Modulation mode 2 is applicable to optical modules using PAM4 modulation, such as the 100G LR1 optical module. PAM4 optical modules contain an oDSP chip, which can configure pattern interleaving to generate optical pulse signals with a predetermined pattern.

[0380] Referring to Figure 10 , Figure 10 illustrates a schematic structural diagram of a 100G LR1 optical module provided in an embodiment of the present application. The 100G LR1 optical module illustrated in Figure 10 is suitable for executing the method for generating a predetermined code-type optical signal described in Modulation Mode 2. Optionally, the first and third optical modules in the network system 10 illustrated in Figures 1 , 2 , or 3 have the hardware structure illustrated in Figure 10 . Optionally, the optical module 120 illustrated in Figure 4 has the hardware structure illustrated in Figure 10 .

[0381] The 100G PAM4 DSP in the 100G LR1 optical module shown in FIG10 is a specific example of oDSP 140 in optical module 120 shown in FIG4 . The 100G LR1 optical module can generate an electrical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern through 100G PAM4 DSP modulation. The 100G LR1 optical module generates an optical pulse signal with a predetermined pattern based on the electrical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern through an electro-optical converter.

[0382] Modulation mode three: the transmitting end generates an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern through modulation by a service chip (such as an onboard service chip).

[0383] Referring to FIG. 11 , FIG. 11 further illustrates S410 in the method shown in FIG. 6 using a timing interaction diagram. The method shown in FIG. 11 focuses on how the various hardware components in the optical module within the transmitter interact to implement S410 when using modulation mode 2. Steps S601 through S604 in the method shown in FIG. 11 are specific examples of step S410 in the method shown in FIG. The method shown in FIG. 11 may optionally be applied to the first network device or the third network device in the network system 10 shown in any of FIG. 1 to FIG. 3 .

[0384] In step S601, a service chip in a mainboard generates a first electrical signal, where the first electrical signal includes an electrical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern.

[0385] In some embodiments, the service chip receives a configuration instruction. The configuration instruction carries parameters that can describe a predetermined code pattern. For example, the configuration instruction carries at least one of the code pattern type, pulse width, pulse period, duty cycle, peak amplitude, valley amplitude, signal frequency, rise time, and fall time. The service chip parses the configuration instruction, obtains the parameters that can describe the predetermined code pattern carried in the configuration instruction, and generates a first electrical signal based on the parameters that can describe the predetermined code pattern.

[0386] In step S602 , the service chip sends a first electrical signal to the first optical module through the electrical interface.

[0387] Step S603: The electrical interface of the first optical module receives a first electrical signal from the service chip.

[0388] In step S604 , the electro-optical converter of the first optical module receives the first electrical signal and performs electro-optical conversion on the first electrical signal to generate a first optical signal.

[0389] Because the electrical pulse signal received by the optical module has a predetermined pattern, the optical module performs electrical-to-optical conversion on the electrical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern, generating an optical pulse signal with the predetermined pattern. Furthermore, the optical module does not need to support top-down modulation to generate an optical signal with the predetermined pattern, thereby reducing the implementation complexity of the optical module.

[0390] In some embodiments, a service chip in the first network device detects the status of the service chip. When the service chip is in an idle state, the service chip transmits an electrical pulse signal having a predetermined pattern. The electrical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern is converted into an optical pulse signal having a predetermined pattern by an electro-optical converter in the optical module. The optical pulse signal having the predetermined pattern is then transmitted to the second network device via an optical fiber link.

[0391] In some embodiments, a transmitting optical module determines the state of a fiber link and transmits an optical pulse signal of a predetermined pattern during an idle time slot of the fiber link. Because the optical pulse signal of the predetermined pattern is transmitted during an idle time slot of the fiber link, the optical pulse signal of the predetermined pattern used for cable co-location detection barely occupies the transmission time of service data, thereby reducing the impact of the transmission of the optical pulse signal of the predetermined pattern on the transmission quality of service data.

[0392] The above examples illustrate how the transmitter generates an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type by combining three modulation methods. The transmitter can flexibly choose which modulation method to use based on demand. For example, the transmitter determines which modulation method to use based on the hardware capabilities of the device. For example, when the optical module supports top modulation of the optical signal, the transmitter uses modulation method one. For example, when the optical module includes a direct-drive laser, the transmitter uses bias current modulation. For example, when the type of laser in the optical module is EML, the transmitter uses driver modulation. For another example, when the optical module at the transmitter has oDSP, the transmitter uses modulation method two. For another example, when the optical module does not support top modulation of the optical signal and does not have oDSP, the transmitter uses modulation method three.

[0393] Referring to Figure 12 , Figure 12 further illustrates steps S430 through S450 of the method shown in Figure 6 using a timing interaction diagram. The method shown in Figure 12 focuses on how the various hardware components within the receiving optical module interact to execute steps S430 through S450. The method shown in Figure 12 is applied to the second optical module in the network system 10 shown in any of Figures 1 through 3 . The method shown in Figure 12 includes the following steps.

[0394] In step S630, the optical interface in the second optical module receives the first optical signal from the first optical module through the first optical fiber link. The first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern. The predetermined code pattern is the shape of a curve representing the relationship between signal power and time.

[0395] In step S642 , the photoelectric converter performs photoelectric conversion on the first optical signal to obtain an analog electrical signal.

[0396] In step S644 , the analog-to-digital converter samples the analog electrical signal at a predetermined sampling frequency to obtain a digital electrical signal.

[0397] Considering that the service chip typically processes digital electrical signals, the receiving optical module samples the electrical signal generated by the optoelectronic converter, converting the analog electrical signal generated by the optoelectronic converter into a digital electrical signal. This allows the receiving service chip to determine the location characteristics of the reflection point based on the digital electrical signal, reducing the risk of the receiving service chip determining the location characteristics of the reflection point due to its lack of support for processing analog electrical signals. Furthermore, because the analog-to-digital converter can sample at a predetermined sampling frequency corresponding to a predetermined code pattern, the accuracy of the sampled digital electrical signal meets the requirements for determining the location characteristics of the reflection point.

[0398] In some embodiments, the sampling frequency at which the receiving optical module samples the electrical signal converted from the optical signal is related to a predetermined code pattern. For example, the sampling frequency used by the receiving optical module corresponds to the predetermined code pattern. For example, the sampling frequency used by the receiving optical module corresponds to the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern. For example, the sampling frequency used by the receiving optical module is determined based on the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern. For example, the sampling frequency used by the receiving optical module is positively correlated with the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern. In other words, the greater the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern, the greater the sampling frequency used by the receiving optical module.

[0399] Since the sampling frequency used by the receiving optical module increases accordingly with the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern, and the receiving optical module can collect more sampling points by increasing the sampling frequency based on the predetermined code pattern, the receiving optical module can better collect signal details, reduce signal code distortion and information loss during the sampling process, and enable the sampling results to more accurately restore and reflect the predetermined code pattern of the signal sent by the transmitter. This is equivalent to the receiving optical module acting as a high-precision sampling tool, which helps to improve the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving service chip based on the sampling results of the receiving optical module, thereby helping to improve the accuracy of cable detection.

[0400] In some embodiments, the ratio between the sampling frequency based on which the receiving end optical module samples the electrical signal converted from the optical signal and the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern meets a condition. For example, the ratio between the sampling frequency used by the receiving end optical module and the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern is greater than a set ratio. For example, the sampling frequency used by the receiving end optical module is greater than 2 times the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern. For example, the sampling frequency used by the receiving end optical module is 10 times the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern. For example, the frequency of the optical signal of the predetermined code pattern sent by the transmitting end optical module is greater than 1 MHz, and the receiving end optical module samples the electrical signal converted from the optical signal at a sampling frequency greater than 10 MHz, thereby being able to better capture the details of the signal, thereby further reducing the distortion of the predetermined code pattern and the loss of information during the sampling process, thereby improving the accuracy of the position characteristics of the reflection point determined by the receiving end service chip based on the sampling results of the receiving end optical module, and thus helping to improve the accuracy of the same cable detection.

[0401] In some implementations, the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern is greater than 1 MHz, and the sampling frequency is greater than 10 MHz.

[0402] This embodiment does not limit the position of the analog-to-digital converter in the optical module or the source of the analog-to-digital converter. The following describes the embodiment with reference to three embodiments.

[0403] In the first embodiment of the analog-to-digital converter, the optical module further includes an oDSP. The oDSP includes an analog-to-digital converter; the oDSP performs the sampling process described in step S644 through the built-in analog-to-digital converter.

[0404] In the second embodiment of the analog-to-digital converter, the optical module further includes an MCU, and the MCU includes an analog-to-digital converter. The MCU performs the sampling process described in step S644 through the built-in analog-to-digital converter.

[0405] In the third embodiment of the analog-to-digital converter, the optical module includes an independent analog-to-digital converter, which is located outside the oDSP and the MCU. For example, the analog-to-digital converter and the main hardware components (electrical interface, photoelectric converter, and optical interface) in the optical module are arranged on the same circuit board. The analog-to-digital converter and the main hardware components (electrical interface, photoelectric converter, and optical interface) in the optical module are electrically connected to the photoelectric converter via a circuit board. The input end of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the photoelectric converter, and the output end of the analog-to-digital converter is connected to the electrical interface. The analog-to-digital converter receives an analog electrical signal through the input end, and the analog-to-digital converter performs the sampling process described in step S430 based on the received analog electrical signal and a predetermined sampling frequency.

[0406] Step S650: The electrical interface sends the digital electrical signal to the service chip on the mainboard of the second network device.

[0407] For example, the optical module communicates with the service chip using IIC. The optical module sends a digital electrical signal through an electrical interface based on ICC. The mainboard of the second network device receives the digital electrical signal. The service chip in the mainboard receives the digital electrical signal. The service chip determines the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the digital electrical signal. The position characteristics of the reflection point are used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0408] In the method provided in this embodiment, after an optical module at the receiving end (the second network device) receives an optical signal from a fiber optic link, it performs photoelectric conversion on the received optical signal to generate an analog electrical signal. The optical module then samples the analog electrical signal to generate a digital electrical signal. The optical module then transmits the digital electrical signal to the service chip at the receiving end. The service chip at the receiving end identifies the primary pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal based on the digital electrical signal, and compares the parameters of the primary pulse signal with those of the secondary pulse signal to determine the location characteristics of the reflection point.

[0409] In particular, given that optical signals are continuously varying analog signals, their amplitude and shape can vary significantly. By converting optical signals into electrical signals, for example, by converting the optical signal's power into voltage or current, the resulting analog electrical signal parameters (such as amplitude and time position) are related to the optical signal. Since most service chips do not directly analyze analog electrical signals but instead process discrete digital data, optical modules sample and convert analog electrical signals into digital electrical signals, allowing service chips to extract the parameters of the primary and secondary pulse signals from the digital electrical signals.

[0410] The method shown in FIG12 is described by taking application in the second optical module as an example. The method shown in FIG12 can also be applied to the fourth optical module. For example, S930 to S950 are implemented in the fourth optical module by using the method shown in FIG12 .

[0411] The following describes how the hardware components of the receiving-end network device interact to perform steps S460 to S470 as an example.

[0412] Step S460: The electrical interface receives a digital electrical signal from the second optical module.

[0413] In step S470, the service chip determines the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the digital electrical signal. The position characteristics of the reflection point are used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0414] In some embodiments, the process of determining the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link includes the following steps S4701 to S4702.

[0415] In step S4701, the service chip determines a main pulse signal in a digital electrical signal and a secondary pulse signal in the digital electrical signal.

[0416] In step S4702, the service chip compares the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0417] The main pulse signal is generated by photoelectric conversion and sampling based on an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern, and the secondary pulse signal is generated by photoelectric conversion and sampling based on a derivative tail signal generated by reflection when the optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern passes through a reflection point during transmission in the first optical fiber link.

[0418] In some implementations, the service chip compares the position of the main pulse signal with the position of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal.

[0419] In some embodiments, the service chip determines the position characteristics of the reflection point by analyzing the difference between the waveform of the main pulse signal and the waveform of the secondary pulse signal.

[0420] For example, the positions of the secondary pulse signals generated by different reflection points are different relative to the position of the original pulse signal (main pulse signal) sent by the transmitter. For example, if the distance between reflection point a and the transmitter is 3 kilometers, then the distance between the secondary pulse signal generated by reflection point a and the main pulse signal in the signal received by the receiver will be the distance corresponding to 3 kilometers. After obtaining the digital signal output after sampling, the distance between the position of the derivative pulse signal generated by the reflection point and the position of the original pulse signal (main pulse signal) is detected from the digital signal. The closer the distance between a reflection point and the transmitter, the closer the distance between the secondary pulse signal generated by the reflection point and the main pulse signal. Therefore, the positional relationship between the reflection points can be determined based on the relative time difference between the different pulse signals.

[0421] In some embodiments, the service chip compares the amplitude of the primary pulse signal with the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the amplitudes of the primary pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal. For example, the service chip determines the amplitude of the primary pulse signal and compares the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the amplitudes of the primary pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal.

[0422] Implementation methods for identifying the main pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal include a position-based identification method, an amplitude-based identification method, and a position-and-amplitude-based identification method.

[0423] In some embodiments based on amplitude recognition, the service chip obtains the amplitude of the digital electrical signal and determines a primary pulse signal and a secondary pulse signal from the digital electrical signal. The primary pulse signal is the pulse signal with the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal, and the secondary pulse signal is the primary pulse signal with a smaller amplitude. As a specific example, the digital electrical signal is a signal sequence comprising multiple pulse signals arranged in sequence. The service chip sorts the pulse signals in the signal sequence in descending order of amplitude; the service chip determines the pulse signal with the largest amplitude as the primary pulse signal, and the pulse signal with a smaller amplitude as the secondary pulse signal.

[0424] In some embodiments based on position identification, the digital electrical signal is a signal sequence comprising a plurality of pulse signals arranged in sequence, and the business chip obtains the relative position of each pulse signal in the signal sequence; the business chip determines the pulse signal at the front position in the signal sequence as the main pulse signal; the business chip determines the pulse signal at a non-front position as a secondary pulse signal. As a specific example, the position of the pulse signal is represented by the coordinates of the pulse signal on the time axis. The coordinates on the time axis represent the time point when the pulse signal arrives at the business chip (or the time point when the optical module samples the pulse signal). The business chip determines the time when each pulse signal in the signal sequence arrives at the business chip, and the business chip selects the pulse signal that first arrives at the business chip from the signal sequence as the main pulse signal; the business chip selects the pulse signal that does not first arrive at the business chip from the signal sequence as the secondary pulse signal.

[0425] In some embodiments based on amplitude and position recognition, the digital electrical signal is a signal sequence comprising multiple pulse signals arranged in sequence. The business chip determines the pulse signal with the front position and the largest amplitude in the signal sequence as the main pulse signal; the business chip determines the pulse signal with a non-front position or non-largest amplitude as a secondary pulse signal.

[0426] In the case where the transmitting optical module uses a periodic method to send an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type, in some embodiments, the service chip determines the digital electrical signal sequence within a single cycle based on the received digital electrical signal sequence and the length of the cycle; the service chip determines the pulse signal that is at the front (arrives at the service chip first) and has the largest amplitude from the digital electrical signal sequence within a single cycle as the main pulse signal.

[0427] When the digital electrical signal received by the business chip includes multiple secondary pulse signals, in some embodiments, the business chip filters the target secondary pulse signal from the multiple secondary pulse signals, compares the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the target secondary pulse signal, and obtains the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0428] In some embodiments of screening target secondary pulse signals, the service chip selects the target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal. For example, if the amplitude of the target secondary pulse signal is greater than or equal to an amplitude threshold, the service chip compares the amplitude of each secondary pulse signal in the received digital electrical signal with the amplitude threshold. If the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal is greater than or equal to the amplitude threshold, the service chip determines that secondary pulse signal as the target secondary pulse signal. If the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal is less than the amplitude threshold, the service chip filters out the secondary pulse signal, eliminating the need for further comparison. As an example, the service chip sorts each secondary pulse signal in the received digital electrical signal in descending order of amplitude. The service chip selects the secondary pulse signal with the first set number of digits from the amplitude-sorted secondary pulse signals to obtain the target secondary pulse signal. As an example, the service chip selects the secondary pulse signal with the first three digits of amplitude from each secondary pulse signal in the received digital electrical signal to obtain the target secondary pulse signal.

[0429] Considering that the larger the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal, the greater the intensity of the secondary pulse signal, the stronger the reflected signal corresponding to the secondary pulse signal is, and the secondary pulse signal is more likely to be a reflected signal from the reflection point at the port of the optical cable connector, the position feature of the reflection point extracted based on the secondary pulse signal is more accurate, which helps to improve the accuracy of cable detection.

[0430] In some embodiments of screening target secondary pulse signals, the service chip screens the target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on the position (arrival time) of the secondary pulse signal, and the distance between the position of the target secondary pulse signal and the position of the main pulse signal is greater than a distance threshold. As an example, the service chip determines the distance between the position of each secondary pulse signal and the position of the main pulse signal based on the position of each secondary pulse signal in the received digital electrical signal; the service chip compares the distance between each secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal with the distance threshold. If the distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal is greater than the distance threshold, the service chip determines the secondary pulse signal as the target secondary pulse signal. If the distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal is less than the distance threshold, the service chip filters out the secondary pulse signal, so that the secondary pulse signal whose distance to the main pulse signal is less than the distance threshold does not need to participate in further comparison process.

[0431] Since the distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal represents the distance between the physical position of the reflection point generating the secondary pulse signal and the physical position of the transmitting device, if the distance between the secondary pulse signal and the main pulse signal is less than the distance threshold, it means that the distance between the reflection point generating the secondary pulse signal and the transmitting device is too short. In this case, there is a high probability that the secondary pulse signal is not generated by the reflection point of the port of the optical cable connector. By performing signal screening, the secondary pulse signals with a distance less than the distance threshold are excluded from the range of signal comparison, thereby reducing the risk of errors in the position characteristics of the reflection point caused by the reflection signal generated by the reflection point of the port other than the optical cable connector, which helps to improve the accuracy of cable detection.

[0432] For example, please refer to Figure 18, which shows a schematic diagram of a digital electrical signal sequence received by a receiving service chip. As shown in Figure 18, within a cycle, the main pulse signal is positioned first and has the largest amplitude. The main pulse signal is followed in sequence by secondary pulse signals, each with a smaller amplitude than the main pulse signal, forming a signal tail. The service chip can compare the amplitude and position of a main pulse signal with the amplitude and position of three secondary pulse signals to derive the positional characteristics of the reflection point.

[0433] In some implementations, the service chip sends the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link to the analysis device.

[0434] In some embodiments, the business chip obtains the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link, and in response to the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0435] In some embodiments, the service chip executes the methods provided in this embodiment by running software. For example, the network device's mainboard may also include a memory. The service chip implements the methods provided in the above embodiments by reading program code stored in the memory. The program code stored in the memory may, for example, be an algorithm for comparing parameters of the primary pulse signal with parameters of the secondary pulse signal. In other embodiments, the service chip implements the methods provided in the above embodiments using internally stored program code.

[0436] In some further embodiments, the receiving end determines parameters of a derived tail signal based on the received optical signal, and the receiving end determines positional characteristics of the reflection point based on the parameters of the derived tail signal.

[0437] In some further embodiments, the receiving end determines the positional characteristics of the reflection point based on the amplitude of the derived tail signal. For example, the receiving end determines the positional characteristics of the reflection point that generated the derived tail signal based on the amplitude difference between the amplitude of the derived tail signal and the amplitude of the original pulse signal (e.g., the first received pulse signal). The amplitude of the derived tail signal represents the strength (power) of the derived tail signal. By comparing the difference between the amplitude of the derived tail signal and the amplitude of the original pulse signal, the degree of signal attenuation at the reflection point can be determined, thereby determining the positional characteristics of the reflection point.

[0438] The following further illustrates step S491 in the method shown in FIG. 6 .

[0439] There are multiple implementations for how the analysis device matches the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link with the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link.

[0440] In some embodiments, the analyzing device determines the number of reflection points having the same positional characteristics in the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link, and the analyzing device compares the number of reflection points having the same positional characteristics with a quantity threshold. If the number of reflection points having the same positional characteristics is greater than the quantity threshold, the analyzing device determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0441] Regarding the method of determining reflection points with the same position characteristics, for example, the first optical fiber link includes a first reflection point, the second optical fiber link includes a second reflection point, the first optical signal is transmitted in the first optical fiber link, and the second optical signal is transmitted in the second optical fiber link, the position characteristic of the first reflection point includes the distance between the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the first reflection point in the first optical signal and the main pulse signal in the first optical signal, and the position characteristic of the second reflection point includes the distance between the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the second reflection point in the second optical signal and the main pulse signal in the second optical signal. The analysis device determines that the first reflection point and the second reflection point have the same position characteristics based on the fact that the distance between the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the first reflection point and the main pulse signal in the first optical signal is the same as the distance between the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the second reflection point and the main pulse signal in the second optical signal. As a specific example, referring to Figure 1, reflection point 1 in the first optical fiber link and reflection point 2 in the second optical fiber link in Figure 1 are a pair of reflection points with the same position characteristics, and reflection point 3 in the first optical fiber link and reflection point 4 in the second optical fiber link in Figure 1 are a pair of reflection points with the same position characteristics.

[0442] If the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the reflection point in the second optical fiber link have the same position feature, indicating that the two reflection points have a probability of being located in the same optical cable segment, and the number of reflection points with the same position feature is greater than a quantity threshold, the analysis device can determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link have a risk of sharing the same optical cable segment.

[0443] In other embodiments, the analyzing device compares the positional characteristics of each reflection point in the first optical fiber link with the positional characteristics of the corresponding reflection point in the second optical fiber link. In response to the positional characteristics of each reflection point in the first optical fiber link being identical to the positional characteristics of the corresponding reflection point in the second optical fiber link, the analyzing device determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment. For example, referring to FIG1 , reflection point 1 in the first optical fiber link and reflection point 2 in the second optical fiber link are a pair of corresponding reflection points, and reflection point 3 in the first optical fiber link and reflection point 4 in the second optical fiber link are a pair of corresponding reflection points. The analyzing device compares the positional characteristics of reflection point 1 in the first optical fiber link with the positional characteristics of reflection point 2 in the second optical fiber link. The analyzing device compares the positional characteristics of reflection point 3 in the first optical fiber link with the positional characteristics of reflection point 4 in the second optical fiber link. Based on the fact that reflection point 1 in the first optical fiber link and reflection point 2 in the second optical fiber link have the same positional characteristics, and reflection point 3 in the first optical fiber link and reflection point 4 in the second optical fiber link have the same positional characteristics, the analyzing device determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0444] In some embodiments, the analysis device determines the similarity between the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link. If the similarity between the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link is greater than a similarity threshold, it is determined that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment. If the similarity between the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the positional characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link is less than a similarity threshold, it is determined that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment. For example, the reflection point in the first optical fiber link is located at the starting position of the first optical fiber link, and the reflection point in the second optical fiber link is located in the middle or the end position of the first optical fiber link. In this case, the analysis device determines that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link do not share the same optical cable segment because the positional characteristics of the reflection points in the two optical fiber links are inconsistent.

[0445] In some embodiments, a cable detection device is also provided, comprising:

[0446] The receiving unit is configured to receive a first optical signal from a first optical fiber link.

[0447] The processing unit is configured to determine a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the first optical signal.

[0448] The receiving unit is further configured to receive a second optical signal from a second optical fiber link.

[0449] The processing unit is further configured to determine, based on the second optical signal, a positional characteristic of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link; and in response to the positional characteristic of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the positional characteristic of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

[0450] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment in response to the number of reflection points having the same positional characteristics in the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link being greater than a quantity threshold; or to determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment in response to the positional characteristics of each reflection point in the first optical fiber link being the same as the positional characteristics of the corresponding reflection point in the second optical fiber link.

[0451] In some embodiments, the processing unit is used to determine a main pulse signal in the digital electrical signal and a secondary pulse signal in the digital electrical signal, and compare the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point. The main pulse signal is generated based on an optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern through photoelectric conversion and sampling, and the secondary pulse signal is generated based on a derivative tail signal generated by reflection when the optical pulse signal with a predetermined code pattern passes through the reflection point during transmission in the first optical fiber link through photoelectric conversion and sampling.

[0452] In some embodiments, the position feature of the reflection point includes the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the position of the main pulse signal indicates the time when the main pulse signal arrives at the second network device, and the position of the secondary pulse signal indicates the time when the secondary pulse signal arrives at the second network device.

[0453] The processing unit is used to compare the position of the main pulse signal with the position of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal.

[0454] In some embodiments, the positional characteristics of the reflection point include the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the amplitude of the main pulse signal indicates the power of the main pulse signal, and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal indicates the power of the secondary pulse signal; the processing unit is used to compare the amplitude of the main pulse signal with the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal.

[0455] In some embodiments, the processing unit is used to determine a main pulse signal and a secondary pulse signal from the digital electrical signal based on the amplitude of the digital electrical signal, where the main pulse signal is the pulse signal with the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal, and the secondary pulse signal is the main pulse signal with a non-largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal.

[0456] In some embodiments, the processing unit is configured to filter a target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on the position of the secondary pulse signal, wherein the distance between the position of the target secondary pulse signal and the position of the main pulse signal is greater than a distance threshold.

[0457] The parameters of the main pulse signal are compared with the parameters of the target secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

[0458] In some embodiments, an analysis device is also provided, comprising a processor coupled to a memory, the memory storing at least one computer program instruction, the at least one computer program instruction being loaded and executed by the processor to cause the analysis device to implement the method provided by the analysis device in the embodiment of FIG. Specific details of the analysis device provided in the eighth aspect can be found in the embodiment of FIG. 6 and are not further described here.

[0459] In some embodiments, a computer-readable storage medium is also provided, which stores at least one instruction. When the instruction is executed on a computer, the computer executes the method provided in Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 9, Figure 11 or Figure 12.

[0460] In some embodiments, a computer program product is also provided, which includes one or more computer program instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed by a computer, the computer executes the method provided in Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 9, Figure 11 or Figure 12.

[0461] In some embodiments, a chip is also provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory is used to store computer instructions, and the processor is used to call and run the computer instructions from the memory to execute the method provided in Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 9, Figure 11 or Figure 12.

[0462] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referenced to each other, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0463] A refers to B, which means that A is the same as B or A is a simple variant of B.

[0464] The terms "first" and "second" in the description and claims of the embodiments of this application are used to distinguish different objects, not to describe a specific order of objects, and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance. For example, the terms "first optical module" and "second optical module" are used to distinguish different optical modules, not to describe a specific order of optical modules, and should not be interpreted as implying that the first optical module is more important than the second optical module.

[0465] The information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.), data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, stored data, displayed data, etc.) and signals involved in the embodiments of this application are all authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties, and the collection, use and processing of relevant data must comply with relevant laws, regulations and standards of relevant countries and regions.

[0466] In the embodiments of the present application, unless otherwise specified, "at least one" means one or more, and "a plurality" means two or more. For example, a plurality of optical modules means two or more optical modules.

[0467] The above embodiments can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. When software is used for implementation, it can be implemented in whole or in part in the form of a computer program product. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer program instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the process or function described in accordance with the embodiment of the present application is generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network or other programmable device. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium. For example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from a website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center via a wired (e.g., coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL)) or wireless (e.g., infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.) method. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that a computer can access or a data storage device such as a server or data center that includes one or more available media integrations. The available medium can be a magnetic medium (e.g., a floppy disk, a hard disk, a tape), an optical medium (e.g., a DVD), or a semiconductor medium (e.g., a solid-state drive (SSD)).

[0468] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present application, rather than to limit them. Although the present application has been described in detail with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that they can still modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments, or make equivalent replacements for some of the technical features therein. However, these modifications or replacements do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application.

Claims

1. An optical module, characterized in that: The optical module is a first optical module, the first optical module includes an electrical interface, an electro-optical converter and an optical interface, the electrical interface is connected to a first network device, the optical interface is connected to a second optical module through a first optical fiber link, the second optical module is also connected to a second network device, and the first optical fiber link includes a reflection point; The electro-optical converter is used to generate a first optical signal, wherein the first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, wherein the predetermined code pattern is used to describe the shape of a curve of a relationship between signal power and time; The optical interface is used to send the first optical signal to the second optical module through the first optical fiber link, so that the second network device determines the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link according to the electrical signal generated by the second optical module based on the received optical signal, and the position characteristics of the reflection point are used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

2. The optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electro-optical converter includes a laser, and the first optical module is used to modulate the optical signal generated by the laser so that the laser outputs the first optical signal.

3. The optical module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The laser is used to generate the first optical signal based on a first bias current, and a modulation curve between the first bias current and the output optical power of the laser corresponds to the predetermined code type.

4. The optical module according to claim 3, characterized in that: The first optical module further includes a microcontroller unit MCU, and the MCU is used to generate the first bias current and input the first bias current to the laser; or, The electrical interface is also electrically connected to a signal source located outside the first optical module. The electrical interface receives the first bias current from the signal source and inputs the first bias current to the laser.

5. The optical module according to claim 2, characterized in that: The electro-optical converter also includes a driver; The driver is used to generate a first driving electrical signal based on a first control signal, and output the first driving electrical signal to the laser, wherein a modulation curve between the first driving electrical signal and the output optical power of the laser corresponds to the predetermined code pattern; The laser is used to generate the first optical signal based on the first driving electrical signal.

6. The optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first optical module further includes an optical digital signal processor oDSP, wherein the oDSP is used to generate a first electrical signal, wherein the first electrical signal includes an electrical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern; The electro-optical converter is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the first electrical signal to generate the first optical signal.

7. The optical module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The electrical interface is used to receive a first electrical signal from the first network device, wherein the first electrical signal includes an electrical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern; The electro-optical converter is used to perform electro-optical conversion on the first electrical signal to generate the first optical signal.

8. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The electro-optical converter generates an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern at predetermined time intervals, thereby generating the first optical signal, wherein the first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a plurality of cycles, and the optical pulse signal in each cycle has the predetermined code pattern.

9. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The duration of a pulse in the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code type is less than 1 us, and the duty cycle of the optical pulse signal of the predetermined code type is less than 5%.

10. The optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: The predetermined code pattern includes a square wave, a sine wave or a triangle wave.

11. An optical module, characterized in that: The optical module is a second optical module, the second optical module includes an electrical interface, an optoelectronic converter, an analog-to-digital converter and an optical interface, the electrical interface is connected to the second network device, the optical interface is connected to the first optical fiber link, the first optical fiber link is connected to the first optical module, the first optical fiber link includes a first optical fiber link, and the first optical fiber link includes a reflection point; The optical interface is used to receive a first optical signal from the first optical module through the first optical fiber link, wherein the first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, and the predetermined code pattern is the shape of a relationship curve between signal power and time; The photoelectric converter is used to perform photoelectric conversion on the first optical signal to obtain an analog electrical signal; The analog-to-digital converter is used to sample the analog electrical signal at a predetermined sampling frequency to obtain a digital electrical signal, and the ratio between the predetermined sampling frequency and the signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern meets a condition; The electrical interface is used to send the digital electrical signal to the second network device so that the second network device determines the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the digital electrical signal, and the position characteristics of the reflection point are used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

12. The optical module according to claim 11, characterized in that: The signal frequency corresponding to the predetermined code pattern is greater than 1 MHz, and the sampling frequency is greater than 10 MHz.

13. A network device, characterized in that: The network device is a first network device, the first network device comprises a service chip and an electrical interface, and the electrical interface is connected to the first optical module according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The service chip is used to generate a first electrical signal, wherein the first electrical signal includes an electrical pulse signal having a predetermined code type, and the service chip sends the first electrical signal to the first optical module through the electrical interface.

14. A network device, characterized in that: The network device is a second network device, the second network device comprises a service chip and an electrical interface, and the electrical interface is connected to the second optical module according to claim 11 or claim 12; The electrical interface is used to receive the digital electrical signal from the second optical module; The service chip is used to determine the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the digital electrical signal, and the position characteristics of the reflection point are used to detect whether the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

15. The network device according to claim 14, characterized in that: The business chip is used to determine the main pulse signal in the digital electrical signal and the secondary pulse signal in the digital electrical signal, and compare the parameters of the main pulse signal with the parameters of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point. The main pulse signal is generated based on the optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type through photoelectric conversion and sampling, and the secondary pulse signal is generated based on the derivative tail signal generated by the reflection of the optical pulse signal with a predetermined code type when passing through the reflection point during the transmission of the first optical fiber link through photoelectric conversion and sampling.

16. The network device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The position feature of the reflection point includes the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the position of the main pulse signal indicates the time when the main pulse signal arrives at the second network device, and the position of the secondary pulse signal indicates the time when the secondary pulse signal arrives at the second network device; The service chip is used to compare the position of the main pulse signal with the position of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the position of the main pulse signal and the position of the secondary pulse signal.

17. The network device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The position feature of the reflection point includes the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal corresponding to the reflection point, the amplitude of the main pulse signal indicates the power of the main pulse signal, and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal indicates the power of the secondary pulse signal; The business chip is used to compare the amplitude of the main pulse signal with the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal to obtain the distance between the amplitude of the main pulse signal and the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal.

18. The network device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The business chip is used to determine the main pulse signal and the secondary pulse signal from the digital electrical signal based on the amplitude of the digital electrical signal, the main pulse signal being the pulse signal with the largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal, and the secondary pulse signal being the main pulse signal with a non-largest amplitude in the digital electrical signal.

19. The network device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that: The service chip is used to screen a target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on the position of the secondary pulse signal, and the distance between the position of the target secondary pulse signal and the position of the main pulse signal is greater than a distance threshold; The parameters of the main pulse signal are compared with the parameters of the target secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

20. The network device according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that: The service chip is used to screen a target secondary pulse signal from the secondary pulse signals based on the amplitude of the secondary pulse signal, the amplitude of the target secondary pulse signal being greater than an amplitude threshold, or the amplitude of the target secondary pulse signal being ranked first by a set number of bits in the secondary pulse signals; The parameters of the main pulse signal are compared with the parameters of the target secondary pulse signal to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point.

21. The network device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that: The service chip is further used to send the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link to the analysis device.

22. The network device according to any one of claims 14 to 18, characterized in that: The business chip is also used to obtain the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link, and in response to the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

23. A cable detection method, characterized in that: The method comprises: receiving a first optical signal from a first optical fiber link; determining, based on the first optical signal, a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link; receiving a second optical signal from a second optical fiber link; determining, based on the second optical signal, a position characteristic of a reflection point in the second optical fiber link; In response to the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, it is determined that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

24. The method according to claim 23, characterized in that In response to the position feature of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position feature of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition, determining that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment includes: In response to the number of reflection points having the same positional characteristics in the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link being greater than a quantity threshold, determining that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment; or, In response to the position characteristics of each reflection point in the first optical fiber link being the same as the position characteristics of the corresponding reflection point in the second optical fiber link, it is determined that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment.

25. A communication system, characterized in that: The communication system includes a first network device, a first optical module, a second network device, a second optical module, a third network device, a third optical module, a fourth network device and a fourth optical module; The first network device is connected to the first optical module, the first optical module is connected to the second optical module through a first optical fiber link, the second optical module is connected to the second network device, the third network device is connected to the third optical module, the third optical module is connected to the fourth optical module through a second optical fiber link, and the fourth optical module is connected to the fourth network device; The first optical module is used to send a first optical signal to the second optical module through the first optical fiber link, wherein the first optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having a predetermined code pattern, and the predetermined code pattern is used to describe the shape of a curve of a relationship between signal power and time; The second optical module is used to receive the first optical signal through the first optical fiber link, perform photoelectric conversion and sampling on the first optical signal, and obtain a first digital electrical signal; the second network device being configured to determine a position characteristic of a reflection point in the first optical fiber link based on the first digital electrical signal; The third optical module is used to send a second optical signal to the fourth optical module through the second optical fiber link, wherein the second optical signal includes an optical pulse signal having the predetermined code type; The fourth optical module is used to receive the second optical signal through the first optical fiber link, perform photoelectric conversion and sampling on the second optical signal, and obtain a second digital electrical signal; The fourth network device is used to determine the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link based on the second digital electrical signal.

26. The system according to claim 25, characterized in that The system further comprises an analysis device, wherein the analysis device is connected to the second network device and the fourth network device respectively; The second network device is further used to send the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link to the analysis device; The fourth network device is further used to send the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link to the analysis device; The analysis device is used to determine that the first optical fiber link and the second optical fiber link share the same optical cable segment in response to the position characteristics of the reflection point in the first optical fiber link and the position characteristics of the reflection point in the second optical fiber link satisfying a matching condition.

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