Multi-Core Fiber Connector Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-core fiber communication networks, the complexity of adding and dropping optical signals increases significantly, leading to increased time and labor requirements for installation and maintenance due to the need for complex devices and processes.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a connector that allows for the addition and dropping of signals from allocated cores in a multi-core fiber, where the relative positional relationship between connection points is standardized across nodes, simplifying the process by using a connector that relays signals between cores based on a logical topology, reducing the need for wavelength division multiplexing and enabling efficient signal management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If wavelength division multiplexing is used to increase transmission capacity in multi-core fiber networks, then the transmission capacity increases, but the device complexity for adding and dropping signals increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the signal processing function into two separate devices: a wavelength division multiplexing device that handles wavelength multiplexing/demultiplexing, and a core switching device that handles core-to-core signal routing. This segmentation allows each device to specialize in one function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high transmission capacity through multi-core fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
The core switching device acts as an intermediary between the wavelength division multiplexing device and the multi-core fiber transmission medium. It receives multiplexed signals from the WDM device, performs core switching based on destination addresses, and routes signals to appropriate cores, thereby simplifying the Add/Drop operation at network nodes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex devices are used for adding and dropping signals in each node, then signal management capability improves, but installation and maintenance time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The core switching device automatically performs core switching based on destination address information embedded in the signals, without requiring manual configuration or complex mechanical switching mechanisms. This automated, self-service approach simplifies installation and maintenance while maintaining high signal management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces traditional mechanical switching mechanisms with an optical switching system that uses light-based control signals to route optical signals between cores. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical parts, reducing installation and maintenance time while improving signal management versatility.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A communication system includes three or more nodes and a multi-core fiber having a plurality of cores, the multi-core fiber being used in at least a partial segment of the connection between the nodes is provided. One node of the nodes is connected to the multi-core fiber and includes a connector configured to add and drop a signal to and from an allocated core exclusively allocated from among the cores as a communication path between the one node and another node of the nodes and/or configured to relay a signal transmitted through another core of the cores allocated for communication between other nodes in the multi-core fiber connected to the one node, and a relative positional relationship between a connection position of the allocated core in which a signal is added or dropped in the connector and a connection position of another core in which a signal is relayed in the connector is the same for all of the nodes connected to the multi-core fiber.