Optical Branching Device With WSS Redundancy for Submarine Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical branching/coupling devices in submarine cable systems face high laying costs due to multiple optical transmission paths and are prone to communication failure when the wavelength selective switch (WSS) fails.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates first to third optical transmission paths, multiplexing/demultiplexing means, optical branching means, and optical switching means to reduce laying costs and ensure high reliability by using a WSS redundant unit to maintain communication even when WSSs fail.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple optical transmission paths are used to achieve bidirectional communication among terminals, then communication reliability is improved, but laying cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical transmission paths into a shared infrastructure by having multiple WSS units access the same optical fibers. This allows bidirectional communication among terminals to be achieved while reducing the total number of separate transmission paths needed, thereby lowering laying costs while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical transmission paths are designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - carrying signals between different terminal pairs (A-B, A-C, B-C) in both directions. This multi-functionality reduces the overall quantity of transmission paths required compared to dedicated point-to-point connections, resolving the contradiction between reliability and cost.
2Device complexity
If a single WSS is used to simplify device structure, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates when WSS fails
Solution Approach 1:
The single WSS unit is segmented into multiple independent WSS units (first WSS, second WSS, etc.), each capable of independently processing optical signals. This segmentation allows the system to maintain functionality even if one WSS unit fails, improving reliability while keeping each individual unit relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements redundant WSS units as a form of beforehand cushioning against failure. When a WSS unit fails, the system can switch to using another WSS unit to maintain communication, preventing total system failure and ensuring continuous operation despite component failures.
3Reliability
If redundant WSS units are added to improve reliability, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple WSS units are merged into a single integrated device housing, sharing common control systems, power supplies, and optical transmission paths. This merging approach allows redundancy to be achieved while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by consolidating shared resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses identical copies of WSS units for redundancy, where each unit is a standardized module. This copying approach simplifies the overall system design and maintenance, as identical modules can be easily replaced and managed, reducing the operational complexity despite having multiple units for reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
A branching/coupling device is provided with: first to third optical transmission paths; a first multi/demultiplexer that outputs a first optical signal based on the wavelength-multiplexed optical signals inputted from the second and third optical transmission paths, outputs a second optical signal based on the wavelength-multiplexed optical signals inputted from the first and third optical transmission paths, and outputs a third optical signal based on the wavelength-multiplexed optical signals inputted from the first and second optical transmission paths; a second multi/demultiplexer that outputs one of the first to third optical signals based on the wavelength-multiplexed optical signals; an optical splitter that distributes the wavelength-multiplexed optical signals to the first and second multi/demultiplexer; and an optical switch that selects either the first to third optical signals generated in the first multi/demultiplexer or the second multi/demultiplexer, and outputs the selected optical signals to the output destinations.