Automated Optical Fiber Detection via Network Element Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber detection methods are time-consuming and labor-intensive, affecting service transmission and increasing maintenance costs due to the need for manual scanning and separate operation of OTDR devices.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber detection method and platform that integrates an OTDR device with a Fiber Multiplexer-Demultiplexer (FMD) and a network element management system, allowing for automated detection of optical fiber paths through a visual interface, controlled detection light transmission, and analysis of reflected light to calculate fiber length and loss coefficients, reducing the need for manual fault location and minimizing service disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual scanning with OTDR meter is used, then fault location capability is achieved, but maintenance cost increases and service transmission is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber detection device automatically performs detection without requiring manual operation. The device self-selects optical fiber paths, configures parameters, executes detection, and generates reports autonomously, eliminating the need for maintenance personnel to manually carry and operate OTDR meters at each station.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic control. The network element management system electronically configures and controls the optical fiber detection device, substituting the mechanical process of manually connecting, configuring, and operating OTDR meters with automated electronic parameter configuration and control.
2Reliability
If manual OTDR detection is performed, then optical fiber faults can be located, but service transmission is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber detection device performs periodic automatic detection at scheduled intervals rather than continuous operation. This allows the system to detect faults periodically while maintaining normal service transmission between detection cycles, minimizing service disruption while ensuring fault detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element management system acts as an intermediary that coordinates detection operations. It intelligently schedules and controls detection timing, allowing detection to occur during appropriate windows when service impact is minimized, thus mediating between fault detection needs and service continuity requirements.
3Reliability
If separate operation of OTDR device is used, then detection function is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical fiber detection device with the network element management system into an integrated unified system. The detection device is no longer operated separately but is combined with the management system that handles configuration, control, and data processing, thereby simplifying operations through consolidation.
Solution Approach 2:
The network element management system is enhanced to perform multiple functions including not only network management but also optical fiber detection configuration and control. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate specialized operations for each function, reducing overall operational complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution streamlines optical fiber detection, reducing maintenance costs and improving efficiency by automating the detection process, allowing for quicker fault identification and reduced service disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
existing optical fiber detection methods mainly use an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) meter or an optical fiber monitoring device with an integrated OTDR function
Implementation Method 2
the OTDR device is controlled to collect returned reflected light and analyze the collected reflected light
Implementation Method 3
an FMD device with a integrated WDM function; control the FMD device to combine the detection light and the service light into one optical fiber output
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
An optical fiber detection method includes: selecting an optical fiber path required to be detected and setting relevant parameters of an optical fiber detection device related to the optical fiber path (S10); sending a detection starting instruction to the optical fiber detection device for the optical fiber detection device to detect the optical fiber path according to the detection starting instruction (S20); receiving a result of the detection performed by the optical fiber detection device on the optical fiber path, and analyzing the result of the detection to acquire the working status of the optical fiber path (S30). With the use of the method, there is no need for a maintainer to carry a meter or device to a station to locate a fault by scanning optical fibers manually, the effect is avoided that is caused to services every time an OTDR meter is connected, the maintenance cost of the operator is reduced, and optical fiber detection efficiency is improved. A network element management system and an optical fiber detection device and platform are also disclosed.