Optical Network Amplifier Gain Optimization via OSC Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical networks face challenges in accurately determining gain values for amplifiers, particularly in constant gain mode, leading to potential data loss or corruption due to inaccurate span loss measurements and the absence of channel monitoring elements like OCM or WSS modules.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a management node to optimize gain values for amplifiers in optical networks by obtaining received power measurements and target values, inputting them into an optimization process to determine and apply appropriate gain settings, thereby minimizing errors and ensuring optimal signal power and noise ratio across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If amplifiers operate in constant gain mode without channel monitoring elements, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of span loss deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a dedicated monitoring wavelength (OSC - Optical Supervisory Channel) that is separate from the data channels. This monitoring wavelength travels through the same span and provides a reference for measuring span loss without requiring monitoring elements at every amplifier node. The monitoring wavelength acts as a mediator to enable loss measurement in the absence of per-channel monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a copy of the span loss measurement process by using a dedicated monitoring wavelength that replicates the transmission path of the data channels. This monitoring wavelength is modulated with monitoring signals that can be measured at receiver nodes to infer the span loss characteristics without directly monitoring each data channel individually.
2Power
If gain values are set to compensate for span loss, then signal power at receivers is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accumulated errors in long chains of amplifiers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where receiver nodes measure the actual received power of monitoring signals and feed this information back through the network. This feedback enables the system to detect deviations from expected power levels and identify potential gain setting errors or span loss variations, allowing for corrective actions to maintain reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustment capabilities where gain values can be modified based on real-time or near-real-time measurements of span loss and received power. Rather than static gain settings, the system can adapt gain parameters in response to changing network conditions, component aging, or configuration changes to maintain optimal signal levels and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If total optical power measurements are used to determine span loss, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when channels are added or dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by measuring power at specific locations (receiver nodes) for specific wavelengths (monitoring wavelength) rather than attempting to measure total power across all channels. This localized measurement approach provides precise span loss information for the monitoring path while being operationally simple, as receivers naturally measure power of signals they are designed to receive.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect, a method performed by a management node for an optical network is provided. The optical network comprising a plurality of receivers and a plurality of amplifiers. The method comprises measurements of received power for the signals received at the receivers and target received power values for the receivers. The method further comprises inputting the received power measurements and target received power values into an optimisation process to determine gain values to be applied by the amplifiers on signals sent to the receivers. The method further comprises outputting the gain values for implementation at the amplifiers.