Cascade WDM Transceiver Eliminates Multiplexing Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical access networks face limitations in maximum bitrates using TDM and face complexity and high costs in upgrading WDM and TWDM systems due to the need for wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing boxes, which require specific configuration for each port and are not easily upgradable.
Innovation Solution
An optoelectronic emitter-receiver device that connects bidirectional optical fibers, allowing for the extraction and insertion of specific wavelengths while passing others intact, eliminating the need for wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing boxes by cascading devices and connecting directly to the CEx box, enabling flexible and cost-effective infrastructure upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing boxes are used to group wavelengths band-wise, then the number of ports at the input of the CEx box is reduced, but the device complexity and initial cost overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing function from separate WM boxes and integrates it directly into the OLT ports. Each OLT port now performs its own wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing operations, eliminating the need for intermediate WM boxes and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining port consolidation benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The OLT ports are designed to perform multiple functions: they directly multiplex and demultiplex wavelengths, connect to the CEx box, and interface with optical network terminals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing boxes, reducing device complexity while achieving port consolidation
2Reliability
If wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing boxes are configured for specific wavelength channels, then the wavelengths can be properly multiplexed and demultiplexed, but the adaptability to upgrade the network is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The OLT ports are designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing the wavelength channels they handle to be modified, added, or removed without hardware changes. This dynamic capability enables the network to be upgraded and adapted to new wavelength standards while maintaining the core multiplexing/demultiplexing functionality through software or control plane updates rather than physical reconfiguration
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mixed optical infrastructure with TDM, TWDM, and WDM systems is deployed, then economic reasons and user migration are accommodated, but the device complexity and configuration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each OLT port automatically performs wavelength multiplexing and demultiplexing operations independently, without requiring external WM boxes or complex centralized control for wavelength routing. This self-service capability simplifies the management of mixed optical infrastructures by distributing the wavelength management function across individual ports rather than requiring centralized complex coordination
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 simplifies the optical distribution network by eliminating the need for wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing boxes, reducing costs and enhancing upgradability, allowing for flexible configuration and easy integration with existing standards, thereby improving the efficiency and flexibility of optical distribution infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical-optical conversion module able to provide the insertion-extraction module with the wavelength inserted into the second optical signal on the basis of an incoming electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical-electrical conversion module able to convert the wavelength extracted from the first optical signal by the insertion-extraction module into an outgoing electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optoelectronic transceiver device comprising a first optical connector (OC1) capable of connection to a first bidirectional optical fiber (OF1), and a second optical connector (OC2) capable of connection to a second bidirectional optical fiber (OF2), the device further comprising: an insertion-extraction module (ADM) capable of: extracting a wavelength (λRx) from a plurality of wavelengths constituting a first optical signal received by the first optical connector (OC1) and transmitting the first optical signal without the extracted wavelength to the second optical connector (OC2); inserting a wavelength (λTx) into a second optical signal received by the second optical connector (OC2) and transmitting the second optical signal with the inserted wavelength to the first optical connector (OC1); an electric-optical conversion module (EC1) capable of providing the insertion-extraction module with the wavelength (λTx) inserted into the second optical signal from an incoming electric signal (Data Tx); and an optical-electric conversion module (EC2) capable of converting the wavelength (λRx) extracted from the first optical signal by the insertion-extraction module into an outgoing electric signal (Data Rx).