Inter–carrier network connection system and inter–carrier network connection method

Abstract

An inter–carrier network connection system (1000) that connects a plurality of carrier networks over an optical path comprises: an inter–carrier network connection device 100 that has, as functional units required for inter–carrier network connection, at least one of wavelength adjustment units (110-1, 110-2), modulation speed alteration units (120-1, 120-2), modulation scheme alteration units (130-1, 130-2), and pathway selection units (140, 140-1, 150-2); and an inter-carrier connection management unit (31) that collects information for setting a wavelength path that is managed at carrier networks (10, 10A–10D) and, on the basis of the collected information, makes the functional units of the inter–carrier network connection device conform to conditions that make it possible for the carrier networks (10, 10A–10D) to connect to each other.

Description

System and method for connecting carrier networks

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier network inter-connection system and a carrier network inter-connection method for connecting networks of different communication carriers.

[0002] Conventionally, when providing a path across carriers, wavelength signals using optical modulation methods capable of long-distance transmission are terminated within the carrier network (hereinafter referred to as NW) and converted into highly interconnected Ethernet signals for transmission. Converting wavelength signals into Ethernet signals requires advanced signal processing, and processing time and power consumption must be taken into consideration. An All-Photonics Network (APN) is a communications technology that uses photonics-based technology to connect everything from the network to terminals, connecting them optically. By providing end-to-end optical paths (optical paths) that directly connect users and terminals, an APN achieves traffic exchange with overwhelmingly higher capacity, lower latency, and lower power consumption than conventional electronics-based technologies.

[0003] A wavelength cross-connect device used in an optical path is connected as a relay node for optical signals to optical fibers of a path (optical transmission path) that bundles together multiple optical fibers in an optical network. Wavelength cross-connect devices are used, for example, in a reconfigurable optical add / drop multiplexer (ROADM) that serves as a path switch for optical signals transmitted using various modulation methods such as wavelength division multiplexing in an optical network. In this wavelength cross-connect device, wavelength-multiplexed signal light transmitted from an input path is output to an output path via multiple wavelength selective switches (WSSs).

[0004] A WSS is an optical switch that not only has the wavelength multiplexing / demultiplexing function of connecting input WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) signals to different output ports for each wavelength, but also has the ability to change the combination of wavelength and output port.By using a WSS, on-site work is not required when changing the transmitting and receiving wavelengths, and path changes can be made quickly by remote operation.

[0005] A wavelength cross-connect device enables the switching of optical signal paths in a wavelength multiplexing transmission system. Generally, a wavelength cross-connect device is capable of switching any optical path (see Non-Patent Document 1).

[0006] Sugang Xu et al., “Resilience enhancement in open network-cloud ecosystems through disaggregation and cooperation”, vol.16, No.2 / February2024 / Journal of Optical Communications and Networking

[0007] However, when providing an end-to-end optically directly connected wavelength path across multiple network operators in an APN, the following problems arise.

[0008] 15 is a diagram illustrating the issues that arise when providing end-to-end directly optically connected wavelength paths across multiple network operators in an APN. The network system shown in FIG. 15 connects multiple operator networks 10A to 10D (operator networks A to D are collectively referred to as operator networks 10) located in remote locations with an inter-operator connection network 30 consisting of end-to-end directly optically connected paths 20. Each operator network 10A to 10D is managed by an operator A management unit 11A, an operator B management unit 11B, an operator C management unit 11C, and an operator D management unit 11D (each management unit 11A to 11D is collectively referred to as an operator management unit 11), respectively. The operator management unit 11 is composed of a database, a server, etc. that store management information.

[0009] The connection conditions in the inter-operator connection network 30 are, for example, as follows: Wavelength: there must be an available wavelength Route: the connecting route must be determined Modulation method: the modulation method must be specified by both parties (DP-QPSK, DP-16QAM, etc.) Modulation rate: the modulation rate must satisfy the influence of the wavelength width to be secured

[0010] However, in the network system shown in Figure 15, when providing end-to-end optically directly connected wavelength paths across multiple network operators, the information required to set up wavelength paths managed in each operator's network (such as ``connectable wavelengths'' and ``transmission method'') is generally not shared with other operators.

[0011] (Issue 1) There is a problem that the information required for interconnection is not always consistent (for example, the consistency of information between carrier A and carrier B, as indicated by the white arrow aa in FIG. 15 ). (Issue 2) When providing an end-to-end optical direct path spanning carriers, there is a problem that the time until implementation and the facility costs are long because transmission paths, equipment, etc. for connecting between carriers must be prepared each time (for example, the preparation of equipment and transmission paths between carriers C and D, as indicated by the white arrow dd in FIG. 15 ). (Issue 3) Sharing information required for connection between carriers means that each carrier's management information is made available to other companies, which may result in the leakage of the technology and usage status of each company to competitors, and therefore there is a problem that disclosure is not always possible (for example, management information is not shared between the management department of carrier A and the management department of carrier B, as indicated by the white arrow cc in FIG. 15 ).

[0012] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide an operator network connection system and an operator network connection method that can reduce the time required for implementation and equipment costs while aligning the information required for connection and eliminate the possibility of leakage of the company's own technology or usage status.

[0013] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an operator network interconnection system that connects a plurality of operator networks via optical paths, characterized in that it comprises an operator network interconnection device that has at least one of a wavelength adjustment unit, a modulation speed change unit, a modulation method change unit, and a route selection unit as a functional unit required for connecting between operator networks, and a management unit that collects information for setting wavelength paths managed by the operator networks and, based on the collected information, adjusts the functional units of the operator network interconnection device to meet the conditions under which the operator networks can be interconnected.

[0014] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a wavelength cross-connect device and an operator network connection system that can reduce the time required for implementation and equipment costs while aligning the information required for connection and eliminate the possibility of leakage of in-house technology or usage status.

[0015] 7A is a configuration diagram showing a carrier network inter-connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a configuration diagram showing a carrier network inter-connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7B is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7D is a configuration diagram in which a route selection unit of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected using a Matrix SW. FIG. 7E is another configuration diagram in which a route selection unit of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected using a Matrix SW. FIG. 7F is a diagram explaining issues related to existing inter-carrier wavelength connection. FIG. 7G is a diagram explaining issues related to existing inter-carrier wavelength connection. FIG. 7H is a diagram explaining issues related to existing inter-carrier wavelength connection. FIG. 7H is a diagram explaining issues of wavelength setting by a carrier management unit of a carrier network inter-connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a diagram explaining a pattern in which carrier A on the requesting side specifies a wavelength. FIG. 7B is a diagram explaining a pattern in which carrier B on the request receiving side specifies a wavelength. FIG. 7A is a diagram explaining a pattern in which neither carrier A nor carrier B specifies a wavelength. FIG. 7B is a diagram explaining an overview of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7C is a configuration diagram explaining an inter-carrier connection protocol of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7D is a control sequence diagram of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7F is a diagram explaining an inter-carrier connection protocol when changing the wavelength of a carrier network inter-connection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 1 is a processing flowchart of an inter-operator connection management unit of an inter-operator connection network according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a carrier network inter-connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a carrier network inter-connection device arranged in the inter-operator connection network of the carrier network inter-connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 4 is a diagram explaining issues when providing an end-to-end directly optically connected wavelength path across multiple network operators in an APN.

[0016] Hereinafter, a carrier network connection system and the like in an embodiment for carrying out the present invention (hereinafter referred to as "the present embodiment") will be described with reference to the drawings. (Embodiment) Figures 1A and 1B are configuration diagrams showing a carrier network connection system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1A shows a carrier network connection system 1000 of a connection topology pattern 1, and Figure 1B shows a carrier network connection system 1000 of a connection topology pattern 2.

[0017] 1A and 1B include an end-to-end direct optical path 20 that connects a plurality of carrier networks 10A to 10D (carriers A to D are collectively referred to as carrier network 10), and a carrier network connecting device 100 that is connected to the end-to-end direct optical path 20 and connects the carrier networks 10A to 10D. The carrier network connecting systems 1000 and 1000A connect a plurality of carrier networks via direct optical paths 20 (optical paths).

[0018] 1A, a carrier network interconnection system 1000 of connection topology pattern 1 has one carrier network interconnection device 100 disposed at an intersection of end-to-end direct optical paths 20 that connect carrier networks 10A to 10D. In connection topology pattern 1, the carrier network interconnection device 100 connects end-to-end direct optical paths 20 (optical paths) that span each of the carrier networks 10A to 10D.

[0019] In a carrier network interconnection system 1000A of connection topology pattern 2 shown in FIG. 1B, a carrier network interconnection device 100 is disposed in each optical connection section of carrier networks 10A to 10D, and each carrier network interconnection device 100 is connected to other carrier network interconnection devices 100 via an end-to-end optically directly connected path 20 (optical path). In connection topology pattern 2, a carrier network interconnection device 100 is disposed in each carrier network 10 to connect each carrier network 10 to another carrier network 10, and an optical path spanning the carrier networks 10 is connected. Connection topology pattern 2 is suitable when the physical distance between the carrier networks 10 is large, such as when the carrier networks 10 are located in remote locations. The detailed configuration of the carrier network interconnection system 1000A of connection topology pattern 2 shown in FIG. 1B will be described later in FIG. 13.

[0020] 2 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the carrier network connecting device 100. The carrier network connecting device 100 includes functional units provided on a path connecting an optical wavelength signal from the carrier X network to the carrier Y network, such as a wavelength tuning unit 110-1, a modulation rate changing unit 120-1, a modulation method changing unit 130-1, a route selecting unit 140-1, and an other changing unit 150-1, and functional units provided on a path connecting an optical wavelength signal from the carrier Y network to the carrier X network, such as a wavelength tuning unit 110-2, a modulation rate changing unit 120-2, a modulation method changing unit 130-2, a route selecting unit 140-2, and an other changing unit 150-2. The carrier network interconnection device 100 has at least one of the following functional units required for interconnection between carrier networks: wavelength tuning units 110-1, 110-2, modulation rate changing units 120-1, 120-2, modulation method changing units 130-1, 130-2, route selection units 140, 140-1, and other change units 150-1, 150-2.

[0021] The above-mentioned functional units are all functional units that perform optical processing, although some may perform optical processing after electrical processing.

[0022] The presence or absence of each of the above functional units and the order in which they are set are arbitrary. For example, the carrier network connecting device 100 may have a configuration in which the modulation rate changing units 120-1 and 120-2 and the other changing units 150-1 and 150-2 are removed from the configuration of FIG. 2. The arrangement order of the functional units in the configuration of FIG. 2 may be, for example, modulation method changing units 130-1 and 130-2, modulation rate changing units 120-1 and 120-2, and wavelength tuning units 110-1 and 110-2. Furthermore, the presence or absence and order in which each functional unit is set may differ between the functional units of the path connecting from the carrier X network to the carrier Y network and the functional units of the path connecting from the carrier Y network to the carrier X network.

[0023] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of the carrier network interconnection device 100 shown in FIG. 2. The carrier network interconnection device 100 shown in FIG. 3 shows the connection of optical wavelength signals between carrier A and carrier X networks. The carrier network interconnection device 100 shown in FIG. 3 includes, among the functional units of the carrier network interconnection device 100 shown in FIG. 2, wavelength conversion functions of wavelength tuning units 110-1 and 110-2 (denoted as "wavelength conversion" in the figure) and route selection units 140-1 and 140-2. The route selection units 140-1 and 140-2 include a multiplexing unit 140a (denoted as "multiplexing" in the figure), a route selection unit 140b, and a demultiplexing unit 140c (denoted as "demultiplexing" in the figure). The arrangement of the functional units of the carrier network interconnection device 100 shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and other functional units may be arranged at the positions enclosed by dashed lines x in FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram in which the route selection units 140-1 and 140-2 of the carrier-network interconnection device 100 in FIG. 3 are connected using a Matrix SW 160. Components that are the same as those in FIGS. 2 and 3 are assigned the same reference numerals. The carrier-network interconnection device 100 shown in FIG. 4 includes a direct optical path 21 that connects each functional unit and the route selection unit 140, multiple Matrix SWs 160 that can select a required function on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis, the route selection unit 140, and a route 22 arranged on the output side of the route selection unit 140. The Matrix SW 160 is arranged between the wavelength tuning unit 110, the modulation rate change unit 120, the modulation method change unit 130, and the other change unit 150, and selects and switches the input / output optical signals of each functional unit or the optical signals passing through each functional unit on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis.

[0025] The Matrix SW 160 includes a WSS (Wavelength Selective Switch) located opposite the input side and a WSS on the output side connected to the WSS. The WSS is an optical switch that demultiplexes the input multiplexed wavelengths and switches them to an arbitrary path. The WSS has one input port and N (e.g., six) output ports.

[0026] The route 22 outputs the wavelength multiplexed signal (for example, a wavelength multiplexed signal in the C band) from the route selector 140 .

[0027] 5 is another configuration diagram in which the route selection units 140-1 and 140-2 of the carrier-network connecting device 100 of FIG. 3 are connected using a Matrix SW 160. The same components as in FIG. 4 are assigned the same reference numerals. The carrier-network connecting device 100 shown in FIG. 5 has one Matrix SW 160, and a wavelength tuning unit 110, a modulation rate changing unit 120, a modulation method changing unit 130, and an other changing unit 150 are arranged on the output side of the Matrix SW 160, and output optical signals of the wavelength tuning unit 110, the modulation rate changing unit 120, the modulation method changing unit 130, and the other changing unit 150 are re-input to the Matrix SW 160 via a feedback path 22.

[0028] The carrier network connecting device 100 shown in FIG. 5 can reduce the number of Matrix SWs 160 compared to the carrier network connecting device 100 shown in FIG.

[0029] The operation of the carrier network interconnection device 100 configured as described above will be described below. <Issues Relating to Inter-Carrier Wavelength Connection> First, the issues related to inter-carrier wavelength connection will be described. When connecting networks of different telecommunications carriers, wavelength management is divided between the carriers, so available wavelengths are unknown. In other words, carrier A does not know what wavelength of optical signal to pass to carrier B. This will be described in detail using Figures 6A-C.

[0030] 6A-C are diagrams illustrating the issues related to existing inter-operator wavelength connections. In FIGS. 6A-C, an operator A network 10A has an optical connection unit 50, and an operator A management unit 11A manages the connection of the operator A network 10A. An operator B management unit 11B manages the connection of an operator B network 10B (FIG. 6B), not shown. The optical connection unit 50 is an Ethernet connection unit. In FIG. 6A, the operator A management unit 11A manages wavelengths, so it knows available wavelengths. Here, the operator A management unit 11A sets λ2 because λ2 is available.

[0031] In FIG. 6B, the provider A management unit 11A sets λ2 because only λ2 is available. The provider B management unit 11B sets λ3 because only λ3 is available. As shown by the white arrow a in FIG. 6B, when the provider A management unit 11A attempts to connect the provider A network 10A to the provider B network 10B, the provider A management unit 11A does not know the available wavelengths in the provider B network 10B, and therefore does not know how to make the connection. The provider A management unit 11A needs to guarantee connectivity and performance when handing over a path to the provider B network 10B. The provider A management unit 11A also needs to communicate in the event of an abnormality.

[0032] 6C shows an example in which carrier networks are connected using Ethernet (registered trademark). Because Ethernet is non-WDM, there is no concept of detailed wavelength settings, and connection is possible even if each carrier does not understand each other's settings. Furthermore, even when connecting Ethernet using LAG (Link Aggregation) 52, Ethernet uses a gray cable, which does not have the concept of wavelength as a LAN, so connection is possible even if each carrier does not understand each other's settings.

[0033] <Wavelength Setting by the Provider Management Unit> How the provider management unit sets wavelengths will be specifically described using Figures 7A-D. Figure 7A is a diagram that re-posts Figure 6B to explain the issues with wavelength setting by the provider management unit. As indicated by the white arrow a in Figure 7A, the provider A management unit 11A does not know the available wavelengths in the provider B network 10B, and therefore does not know how to connect. Furthermore, the provider A management unit 11A shown in Figure 7A needs to ensure connectivity and performance when transferring paths to the provider B management unit 11B. The provider A management unit 11A also needs to notify the provider B management unit 11B of any abnormalities and confirm delivery to both parties. Delivery confirmation is performed using, for example, Ethernet OAM (Ethernet Operations, Administration, Maintenance).

[0034] In FIG. 7A, there are three patterns for how the service provider management unit sets the wavelength: - A pattern in which the requesting service provider A specifies the wavelength Because the requesting service provider specifies the wavelength, the request receiving service provider must take measures such as wavelength conversion or freeing up the relevant wavelength. FIG. 7B is a diagram explaining a pattern in which the requesting service provider A specifies the wavelength in FIG. 7A. Since the service provider A management unit 11A only has λ2 available, there is a request to connect to the service provider B network 10B via λ2 (symbol b in FIG. 7B). Furthermore, the service provider B network 10B only has λ3 available. Therefore, as shown by symbol c in FIG. 7B, the service provider B needs to perform wavelength conversion using the wavelength conversion unit 51B. On the other hand, service provider B does not need to disclose to service provider A what wavelengths are being used in the service provider B network 10B.

[0035] - Pattern in which the request receiving party, operator B, specifies the wavelength: Since the request receiving party specifies the wavelength, the requesting party must take measures such as wavelength conversion or setting the corresponding wavelength. Figure 7C is a diagram explaining a pattern in which operator B, the request receiving party, specifies the wavelength in Figure 7A. Since the operator B management unit 11B, the request receiving party, only has λ3 available, it requests the operator A network 10A to output the optical signal at λ3 (symbol d in Figure 7C). Furthermore, the operator A network 10A only has λ2 available. Therefore, as shown by symbol e in Figure 7C, operator A needs to perform wavelength conversion using the wavelength conversion unit 51A. On the other hand, operator A does not need to disclose to operator B what wavelengths are being used in the operator A network 10A.

[0036] A pattern in which neither operator A nor operator B specifies a wavelength: Both operator A and operator B specify an inter-operator connection wavelength. By specifying an inter-operator connection wavelength for both operator A and operator B, connection is possible regardless of the usage status of either operator A or operator B. However, wavelength conversion is required for both. FIG. 7D is a diagram illustrating a pattern in which neither operator A nor operator B specifies a wavelength in FIG. 7A. As shown in FIG. 7D, wavelength conversion is required on the operator A side using a wavelength converter 51A, and wavelength conversion is required on the operator B side using a wavelength converter 51B. For example, as shown in section f of FIG. 7D, operator A uses the wavelength converter 51A to convert λ2 to λ1 and transmits an optical signal, and operator B uses the wavelength converter 51B, which transmits the optical signal transmitted at λ1, to convert λ1 to λ2 and receive it. This allows the connection wavelength to be specified regardless of the wavelength availability in each operator network.

[0037] <Overview of the Carrier Network Connecting Device 100> Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating an overview of the carrier network connecting device 100. Components identical to those in Figure 7A are designated by the same reference numerals. The carrier network connecting device 100 is disposed between a carrier A network 10A and a carrier B network 10B via a direct optical path 20. The carrier network connecting device 100 functions as a coordinator specialized for inter-carrier connections. By disposing the carrier network connecting device 100 between the carrier A network 10A and the carrier B network 10B, the carrier network connecting device 100 enables the carrier networks to be connected via the direct optical path 20 without the need to distribute wavelength management information of each carrier. The carrier network connecting device 100 acquires performance information and forwarded alarms as needed and provides them to the carrier. The carrier network connecting device 100 utilizes optical path monitoring technology and the like to acquire information as needed while conducting the main signal.

[0038] <Inter-operator connection protocol> The inter-operator connection protocol of the operator network connecting device 100 will be described. Fig. 9 is a configuration diagram illustrating the inter-operator connection protocol of the operator network connecting device 100. Fig. 10 is a control sequence diagram of the operator network connecting device 100 of Fig. 9. The same components as those in Figs. 1A, 1B and 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. The operator network inter-connection system 1000 shown in Figure 9 includes a plurality of operator networks 10X, 10Y, an inter-operator connection network 30, an end-to-end direct optical path 20 connecting the operator X's operator network 10X and the inter-operator connection network 30, and the operator Y's operator network 10Y and the inter-operator connection network 30, an operator network inter-connection device 100 connected to the end-to-end direct optical path 20 and connecting the operator networks 10X and 10Y, an operator X management unit 11X that manages the connection of the operator network 10X, an operator Y management unit 11Y that manages the connection of the operator network 10Y, and an inter-operator connection management unit 31 that manages the connection of the inter-operator connection network 30.

[0039] The inter-operator connection management unit 31 collects information for setting up wavelength paths managed by the operator network inter-connection device 100 and the operator network 10 (10A to 10D), and based on the collected information, adjusts the functional units of the operator network inter-connection device 100 to meet the conditions under which the operator networks 10 (10A to 10D) can be interconnected.

[0040] The carrier network 10X uses λx. The carrier network 10Y uses λy. Furthermore, the inter-carrier connection network 30 includes a carrier network connecting device 100 on the end-to-end optically directly connected path 20 between the carrier networks 10X and 10Y. Since the inter-carrier connection network 30 includes the carrier network connecting device 100 on the input / output side of the optical signal, the inter-carrier connection network 30 can use a wavelength λx_y, which indicates that it can be converted to either λx or λy. Therefore, the carrier X management unit 11X does not need to know the λy of the carrier network 10Y, but only needs to know the λx_y of the inter-carrier connection network 30. Similarly, the carrier Y management unit 11Y does not need to know the λx of the carrier network 10X, but only needs to know the λx_y of the inter-carrier connection network 30.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 10 , the operator X management unit 11X transmits connectable information to the inter-operator connection management unit 31 of the inter-operator connection network 30, thereby updating the connectable information held by the inter-operator connection management unit 31 ("connectable information transmission / update") (step S1). The operator Y management unit 11Y transmits connectable information to the inter-operator connection management unit 31, thereby updating the connectable information held by the inter-operator connection management unit 31 ("connectable information transmission / update") (step S2). The "connectable information transmission / update" is executed as appropriate when information in the operator X management unit 11X or the operator Y management unit 11Y is changed (enclosed by a dot-dash line in Fig. 10 ). Note that the part enclosed by a dashed line in Fig. 10 does not necessarily have to be executed and is optional.

[0042] The operator X management unit 11X requests the inter-operator connection management unit 31 to connect to operator Y's operator network 10Y (step S3). Upon receiving the connection request from the operator X management unit 11X, the inter-operator connection management unit 31 requests connection to operator Y's operator network 10Y (step S4). The operator Y management unit 11Y responds to the inter-operator connection management unit 31 as to whether or not the connection is possible (step S5). The inter-operator connection management unit 31 responds to the operator X management unit 11X as to whether or not the connection is possible (step S6). The inter-operator connection management unit 31 also transmits connection information to operator X's operator network 10X to the operator X management unit 11X (step S7). The operator X management unit 11X responds to the inter-operator connection management unit 31 as to whether or not the connection is possible (step S8).

[0043] The inter-operator connection management unit 31 transmits connection information to the operator Y's operator network 10Y to the operator Y management unit 11Y (step S9). The operator Y management unit 11Y responds to the inter-operator connection management unit 31 as to whether or not the connection is possible (step S10). The inter-operator connection management unit 31 instructs the operator X management unit 11X to connect using the connection information from the operator Y management unit 11Y (step S11) and instructs the operator Y management unit 11Y to connect using the connection information from the operator X management unit 11X (step S12). The operator X management unit 11X initiates a connection to the inter-operator connection management unit 31, and the inter-operator connection management unit 31 passes the connection from the operator X management unit 11X through (step S13) and initiates a connection to the operator Y's operator network 10Y (step S14).

[0044] <Inter-carrier connection protocol when wavelength is changed> Next, a protocol when a wavelength is changed in the inter-carrier connection protocol of Fig. 9 will be described with reference to Fig. 9 and Fig. 11. Fig. 11 is a diagram for explaining the inter-carrier connection protocol when a wavelength is changed. The same components as in Fig. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals. The carrier network 10X uses λx. The carrier network 10Y uses λy. The inter-carrier connection network 30 is equipped with the carrier network connecting device 100 (Fig. 9) on the input / output side of the optical signal, and therefore can use a wavelength λx_y that can change the wavelength from λx (first wavelength λ1) and λy (second wavelength λ2).

[0045] Fig. 12 is a processing flowchart of the inter-operator connection management unit 31 of the inter-operator connection network 30 of Fig. 11. In step S21, the inter-operator connection management unit 31 assigns wavelengths (λx_y) to be set in the inter-operator connection network 30 connecting the operator network 10X of operator X to the operator network 10Y of operator Y (even one wavelength may be changed within the inter-operator connection network as necessary).

[0046] In step S22, the inter-operator connection management unit 31 receives wavelength information (λx) to be connected from operator X. In step S23, the inter-operator connection management unit 31 receives wavelength information (λy) for connecting to operator Y. In step S24, the inter-operator connection management unit 31 instructs a wavelength change unit (for example, modulation method change unit 130 in FIG. 2) in the inter-operator connection network 30 to specify a predetermined wavelength, executes the wavelength change, and ends the processing of this flow.

[0047] 13 is a diagram showing a detailed configuration of a carrier network interconnection system 1000A of connection topology pattern 2 shown in FIG. 1B. Components identical to those in FIG. 1B and FIG. 9 are assigned the same reference numerals. The carrier network interconnection system 1000A shown in FIG. 13 includes a plurality of carrier networks 10A to 10D, an inter-carrier connection network 30, an end-to-end optically directly connected path 20 connecting the carrier networks 10A to 10D and the inter-carrier connection network 30, a carrier network interconnection device 100 connected to the end-to-end optically directly connected path 20 and connecting the carrier networks 10A to 10D and the inter-carrier connection network 30, carrier management units 11 (carrier A management unit 11A, carrier B management unit 11B, carrier C management unit 11C, carrier D management unit 11D) that manage the connection of the carrier networks 10A to 10D, and an inter-carrier connection management unit 31 that manages the connection of the inter-carrier connection network 30.

[0048] When connecting to each operator's network, the operator network connection system 1000A constructs an operator network connection network (operator network connection network 30) that connects multiple operator networks, and each operator network connects to the operator network connection network (operator network connection network 30), thereby realizing connection with multiple operator networks.

[0049] The above-mentioned operator A management unit 11A, operator B management unit 11B, operator C management unit 11C, operator D management unit 11D, and inter-operator connection management unit 31 are configured by computers or the like, and execute connection processing programs (for example, see the processing flow of Figure 12 for the inter-operator connection management unit 31) to access operator networks 10A to 10D and inter-operator connection network 30 (see dashed arrows in Figure 13), and perform connection management (see the control sequence of Figure 10).

[0050] The carrier network inter-connection system 1000A includes an inter-carrier connection network (inter-carrier connection network 30) that connects a plurality of carrier networks 10A to 10D. A carrier network inter-connection device 100 that can select and set setting information required for inter-carrier connection is disposed in the carrier networks 10A to 10D and the inter-carrier connection network 30, facilitating the connection of the carrier networks 10A to 10D.

[0051] The inter-operator connection management unit 31 collects information for setting wavelength paths managed by the operator network inter-connection device 100 and the operator networks 10 (10A to 10D), and, based on the collected information, adjusts the functional units of the operator network inter-connection device 100 to conditions that enable interconnection of the operator networks 10 (10A to 10D). The inter-operator connection network 30 may be located in the same location as a physical configuration, and is not restricted by the scale or physical size of the network. By including the operator network inter-connection device 100 in the inter-operator connection network (inter-operator connection network 30), the operator networks 10A to 10D can perform inter-operator connection without any consideration, simply by defining a connection point to the destination operator network 10A to 10D.

[0052] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the carrier network connecting device 100 disposed in the carrier network connecting network 30 of the carrier network connecting system 1000A shown in FIG. 3. The same components as those in FIGS. 2 and 13 are designated by the same reference numerals. As shown in FIG. 14, the carrier network connecting management unit 31 of the carrier network connecting network 30 controls the carrier network connecting device 100 using a control signal 32. Each functional unit of the carrier network connecting device 100 performs all-optical processing, but optical processing may be performed after some electrical processing. Furthermore, the type of functional unit disposed in each functional unit, how each functional unit is configured, and the order in which each functional unit is configured are all optional.

[0053] [Effects] As described above, the carrier network inter-connection system 1000 (FIG. 9) connects a plurality of carrier networks via optical paths, and includes the carrier network inter-connection device 100 (FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 9) having, as a functional unit, at least one of the wavelength tuning units 110-1 and 110-2, modulation rate changing units 120-1 and 120-2, modulation method changing units 130-1 and 130-2, and route selecting units 140, 140-1, and 150-2 (FIGS. 2, 4, 5), which are required for the carrier network inter-connection, and a management unit (inter-carrier connection management unit 31) (FIG. 9) that collects information for setting wavelength paths managed in the carrier networks 10, 10A to 10D (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 9) and, based on the collected information, adjusts the functional units of the carrier network inter-connection device to conditions under which the carrier networks 10, 10A to 10D can be interconnected.

[0054] In this way, the carrier network connection system 1000 can reduce the time required for implementation and the equipment costs while aligning the information required for connection. Furthermore, since the carrier network connection system 1000 does not share information required for connection between carriers, it is possible to eliminate the possibility of leakage of in-house technology or usage status.

[0055] A carrier network inter-connection system 1000A (FIG. 13) that connects a plurality of carrier networks with optical paths includes an inter-carrier connection network 30 (FIG. 13) that connects a plurality of carrier networks, and at least one of wavelength tuning units 110-1, 110-2, modulation rate changing units 120-1, 120-2, modulation method changing units 130-1, 130-2, and route selecting units 140, 140-1, 150-2 (FIGS. 2, 4, 5) that are required for the inter-carrier network connection. The system comprises a carrier network inter-connection device 100 (Figures 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, and 13) as a functional unit, and a management unit (carrier network inter-connection management unit 31) (Figure 13) that collects information for setting wavelength paths managed by the carrier networks 10, 10A to 10D (Figures 1A, 1B, and 13) and, based on the collected information, adjusts the functional unit of the carrier network inter-connection device to conditions that allow interconnection between the carrier networks and the carrier networks 10, 10A to 10D.

[0056] By doing this, the operator network connection system 1000A can reduce the time required for implementation and equipment costs while aligning the information necessary for connection, even when the operator networks 10 are located far apart and the physical distance between them is large, and can also eliminate the possibility of leakage of the company's own technology and usage status.

[0057] Furthermore, among the processes described in the above embodiments, all or part of the processes described as being performed automatically can be performed manually, or all or part of the processes described as being performed manually can be performed automatically using known methods. In addition, the processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, and information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings can be changed as desired unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, the components of each device shown in the drawings are functionally conceptual and do not necessarily have to be physically configured as shown. In other words, the specific form of distribution and integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the drawings, and all or part of the devices can be functionally or physically distributed and integrated in any unit depending on various loads, usage conditions, etc.

[0058] Furthermore, the above-described configurations, functions, processing units, processing means, etc. may be partially or entirely implemented in hardware, for example, by designing them as integrated circuits. The above-described configurations, functions, etc. may also be implemented by software that causes a processor to interpret and execute programs that implement the respective functions. Information such as programs, tables, and files that implement the respective functions may be stored in a memory, a recording device such as a hard disk or a solid-state drive (SSD), or a recording medium such as an integrated circuit (IC) card, a secure digital (SD) card, or an optical disk.

[0059] 10, 10A to 10D Carrier network 20 Optical direct connection path (optical path) 22 Route 31 Inter-carrier connection management unit (management unit) 100 Carrier network inter-connection device 110-1, 110-2 Wavelength adjustment unit (functional unit) 120-1, 120-2 Modulation rate change unit (functional unit) 130-1, 130-2 Modulation method change unit (functional unit) 140, 140-1, 140-2 Route selection unit (functional unit) 150-1, 150-2 Other change unit (functional unit) 160 Matrix SW 1000, 1000A Carrier network inter-connection system

Claims

1. A carrier network interconnection system that connects multiple carrier networks via optical paths, comprising: a carrier network interconnection device that has at least one of the following functional units required for connecting carrier networks: a wavelength adjustment unit, a modulation rate change unit, a modulation method change unit, and a route selection unit; and a management unit that collects information for setting wavelength paths managed by the carrier networks, and, based on the collected information, adjusts the functional units of the carrier network interconnection device to meet the conditions for interconnecting the carrier networks.

2. A carrier network inter-connection system that connects multiple carrier networks with optical paths, comprising: an inter-carrier connection network that connects multiple carrier networks; a carrier network inter-connection device that has at least one of a wavelength adjustment unit, a modulation rate change unit, a modulation method change unit, and a route selection unit as a functional unit required for connecting between carrier networks; and a management unit that collects information for setting wavelength paths managed by the carrier network, and based on the collected information, adjusts the functional units of the carrier network inter-connection device to conditions that allow the carrier network and the inter-carrier connection network to be interconnected.

3. A carrier network inter-connection method for a carrier network inter-connection system having a management unit that manages network connections between multiple carrier networks, wherein the carrier network inter-connection system has a carrier network inter-connection device that has at least one of a wavelength adjustment unit, a modulation rate change unit, a modulation method change unit, and a route selection unit as a functional unit required for connecting carrier networks via optical paths, and the management unit executes the steps of: collecting information for setting wavelength paths managed by the carrier networks; and adjusting the functional unit of the carrier network inter-connection device based on the collected information to meet the conditions for interconnecting the carrier networks.

4. A carrier network inter-connection method for a carrier network inter-connection system having a management unit that manages network connections between a plurality of carrier networks, wherein the carrier network inter-connection system comprises: an inter-carrier connection network that connects a plurality of carrier networks; and a carrier network inter-connection device that has at least one of a wavelength adjustment unit, a modulation rate change unit, a modulation method change unit, and a route selection unit as a functional unit required for connecting carrier networks via optical paths, and wherein the management unit executes the steps of: collecting information for setting wavelength paths managed by the carrier network; and adjusting the functional unit of the carrier network inter-connection device based on the collected information to meet conditions that enable interconnection between the carrier networks and the inter-carrier connection network.

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