Optical Fiber Route Identification Using DAS-OTDR Vibration Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying common optical path portions between deployed optical fibers in communication networks is challenging due to the complexity of tracking fiber routes and determining if fibers are located in the same cable, which affects redundancy and diversity, and there is a risk of substantial installation location errors.
Innovation Solution
A method using Distributed Acoustic Sensing-Optical Time-Domain Reflectometry (DAS-OTDR) to send test signals sensitive to vibration events along optical fibers, receive return signals, locate vibration events, determine correspondence between fibers, and identify common optical path portions based on these events, potentially aided by machine learning models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional fiber routing tracking methods are used, then the operation process is simple, but the measurement precision of fiber location and cable identification is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical/optical tracking methods with acoustic field-based detection. By injecting test signals and analyzing acoustic responses (Rayleigh scattering) from vibration events along the fiber, the system achieves precise location identification without complex physical tracking infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary to detect fiber characteristics. Test signals generate acoustic vibrations that interact with the fiber medium, and the returned acoustic signals carry information about the fiber's physical state, cable routing, and vibration events, enabling indirect but accurate identification.
2Productivity
If manual fiber route tracking is performed, then the equipment cost is low, but the time consumption and operational complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous acoustic monitoring along the entire fiber length. By continuously sending test signals and analyzing returned acoustic responses, the system can identify fiber routes, cables, and vibration events in real-time without interruption, dramatically improving identification speed compared to manual methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic cable itself serves as the sensing medium. The fiber's physical properties (acoustic response, vibration characteristics) are directly exploited to identify its route and cable housing, eliminating the need for separate tracking infrastructure or manual documentation.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic signaling methods are used to identify fiber paths, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and signal processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes specific acoustic response characteristics (time-of-flight, amplitude, frequency content) from the complex returned signals. By focusing on key features like the timing and intensity of acoustic echoes from vibration events, the system achieves precise location identification without requiring full-spectrum signal processing.
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
Accurately identifies common optical path portions and assesses route diversity by correlating vibration events, enhancing the reliability of communication networks by ensuring fibers are not redundantly routed.
Implementation Method 1
employing at least one Distributed Acoustic Sensing-Optical Time-Domain reflectometer (DAS-OTDR)
Implementation Method 2
employing at least one Distributed Acoustic Sensing-Optical Time-Domain reflectometer (DAS-OTDR)
Implementation Method 3
sending at least one test signal sensitive to the vibration events in the first and second deployed optical fibers and receiving at least one return test signal therefrom
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for identifying one or more common optical path portions between a first and a second deployed optical fibers of a communication network are disclosed. Each of the first and second deployed optical fibers are potentially affected by vibration events therealong. A method includes performing a plurality of successive acquisitions, each acquisition comprising sending at least one test signal sensitive to the vibration events in the first and second deployed optical fibers and receiving at least one return test signal therefrom, locating the vibration events affecting the first and second deployed optical fibers based on the received at least one return test signal over said plurality of acquisitions, determining a correspondence between the vibration events located along the first and the second deployed optical fiber, respectively and identifying the one or more common optical path portions between the first and second optical fibers based on said correspondence.