Fiber Optic Network Anomaly Localization via Geospatial Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Network Management Systems (NMS) for fiber optic networks struggle to accurately localize anomalies, particularly along lengthy routes, requiring time-consuming and labor-intensive manual testing by field engineers, which can lead to unnecessary troubleshooting and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates geographical coordinates of fiber optic network components into a Network Management System, using Keyhole Markup Language (KML) data to display Network Elements and fiber links on a graphical user interface, allowing for a physical fiber plant map to be viewed, enabling precise localization of anomalies within a geographical context.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual testing by field engineers is performed to pinpoint anomaly locations, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical fiber optic network by integrating geographical coordinate data (KML/KMZ) with network topology data. This virtual model allows operators to visualize and analyze anomaly locations on a digital map representation, eliminating the need for physical field testing while maintaining accurate location identification. The virtual network model serves as a replica that can be interrogated remotely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a geographical information system (GIS) as an intermediary layer between the network management system and the physical network infrastructure. This GIS layer acts as a mediator that translates abstract network element identifiers into real-world geographical locations, allowing operators to pinpoint anomalies on a map without physically traveling to each network element.
2Measurement precision
If manual field testing is conducted to identify anomaly locations, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service anomaly localization by automatically integrating and processing geographical coordinate data with network test results. The NMS automatically correlates anomaly data with geographical information, generating location-aware visualizations without requiring operator intervention for manual mapping or field deployment. The system serves itself by autonomously combining multiple data sources to provide enhanced location information.
3Device complexity
If generalized anomaly indications are displayed without geographical context, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate information systems: the network management system containing topology and test data, and the geographical information system containing spatial coordinate data. By combining these systems and their respective data sources, the patent creates a unified view that displays both network performance information and real-world geographical location, preventing information loss while adding minimal complexity through data integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for logical to physical link mapping in a fiber optic network are provided. In one implementation, a method includes receiving geographic data related to one or more fiber links in a fiber optic network; receiving logical links on the one or more fiber links; receiving results from one or more tests performed on the one or more fiber links; utilizing the results to determine a physical representation of the one or more fiber links; and displaying a network map of the fiber optic network with the physical representation.