Common Backup Transponder for Optical Signal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical transmission apparatuses with redundancy switching functions require separate backup transponders for different signal types, such as STM-64 and 10GbE LAN, leading to complex configurations and increased installation costs.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmission apparatus with a common backup transponder unit that can handle multiple signal types by using a monitor control unit to manage and switch between different signal formats and priorities, employing optical switches and transceivers to relay communication via backup transponders during failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate backup transponders are used for different signal types (STM-64, 10GbE LAN), then signal protection reliability is improved, but device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single backup transponder that can handle multiple signal types (STM-64, 10GbE LAN, etc.) through software configuration rather than requiring separate hardware for each signal type. The control unit reconfigures the backup transponder's parameters to match the failed working transponder's signal characteristics, enabling one backup unit to protect multiple different signal types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the backup transponder's operational parameters (signal type, transmission rate, frame structure) based on which working transponder fails. The control unit detects the failure, retrieves the failed transponder's parameters, and reconfigures the backup transponder to match those parameters, allowing seamless switching across different signal types.
2Reliability
If separate backup transponders are used for different signal types, then signal protection reliability is improved, but installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces installation costs by implementing a universal backup transponder design that eliminates the need to purchase and install multiple specialized backup transponders for different signal types. A single backup transponder with reconfigurable parameters can protect all signal types, reducing hardware procurement costs and installation complexity.
3Device complexity
If a common backup transponder is used for multiple signal types, then device complexity is reduced, but signal protection capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains full signal protection capability with a common backup transponder by dynamically changing its parameters to match the failed working transponder. The control unit stores parameter information for each working transponder and reconfigures the backup transponder's signal type, rate, and format parameters to exactly replicate the failed transponder's characteristics, ensuring complete compatibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the status of working transponders, detects failures, and automatically reconfigures the backup transponder based on the failed transponder's parameters. This closed-loop feedback ensures the backup transponder is always properly configured to protect the specific signal type that fails.
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide an optical transmission apparatus that protects different types of signals with a common backup transponder. An optical transmission apparatus includes working transponder units 21a and 22a that relay respective optical signals on corresponding working transmission lines to or from external client devices 1a and 2a, a backup transponder unit 50a that can relay optical signals of different interface types, a 3:1 optical switch unit 40a and a 1:3 optical switch unit 60a that connect the external client devices 1a and 2a and the working transponder units 21a and 22a, and can connect the external client device 1a or 2a and the backup transponder unit 50a, and a monitor control unit 70a that monitors occurrence of a failure in the working transponder units 21a and 22a and the backup transponder unit 50a, and controls switching of the transmission lines upon detection of a failure.