Multicore Fiber Optical Link Layout for Low-Cost Bidirectional Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single-core bidirectional optical transceivers require multiple optical transceivers with multiplexers/demultiplexers for different wavelengths, leading to high costs, especially when monitoring is involved.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication system using a multicore fiber with optical communication devices arranged in a line-symmetric positional relationship, allowing bidirectional communication without the need for multiplexers/demultiplexers by using different cores for signal transmission and reception, and enabling the use of identical products rotated for cost-effective installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If single-core bidirectional optical transceivers use multiplexers/demultiplexers for different wavelengths, then bidirectional communication can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single optical fiber into multiple independent transmission channels by utilizing multiple cores within the same fiber. Each core can independently transmit optical signals in specific directions, eliminating the need for complex multiplexer/demultiplexer assemblies while achieving bidirectional communication through spatial separation rather than wavelength multiplexing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from wavelength-domain multiplexing (using different wavelengths for different directions) to spatial-domain multiplexing (using different cores for different directions). This dimensional change from spectral to spatial separation simplifies the transceiver structure by removing wavelength-selective components while maintaining bidirectional communication capability.
2Reliability
If multiple optical transceivers with different wavelengths are used, then bidirectional communication is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple optical transmission functions into a single transceiver unit by utilizing multiple cores within one optical fiber. Instead of requiring separate transceivers for each wavelength channel, the system integrates bidirectional communication capabilities into a unified device structure, reducing the total number of components and simplifying system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transceiver is designed to handle multiple functions through a single device: it can transmit and receive optical signals on different cores simultaneously, support both bidirectional communication and monitoring functions, and operate without requiring external multiplexer/demultiplexer assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive communication capabilities.
3Reliability
If monitoring optical signals are added to the system, then operation monitoring is enabled, but the number of wavelengths and hardware components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention allocates specific cores for monitoring functions while other cores handle data transmission. By segmenting the fiber core usage, monitoring optical signals can be transmitted on dedicated cores without interfering with data communication cores, eliminating the need for additional wavelength multiplexing for monitoring purposes and keeping the system configuration simple.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication system includes: an optical fiber including a plurality of cores; a first optical communication device provided with an optical transmission unit and an optical reception unit each connected to one end of one of the cores on an interface surface; and a second optical communication device provided with an optical transmission unit and an optical reception unit each connected to another end of any one of the cores on an interface surface, in which one of the connection ends of the first optical communication device and of the second optical communication device being in a line-symmetric positional relationship with respect to a vertical line to a horizontal plane of when the first optical communication device and the second optical communication device are installed on the horizontal plane such that the interface surfaces of the first optical communication device and the second optical communication device face a front.