Optical Communication Routing with Fewer Return Transmission Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems require a large number of return transmission lines and physical rewiring for connecting subscriber devices, leading to increased operational complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An optical communication device comprising a plurality of first and second distribution units connected to optical transmission lines, with a transfer unit that routes optical signals between these units to facilitate connections without the need for extensive rewiring, using a reduced number of return transmission lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of return transmission lines are used to connect subscriber devices, then the system can establish connections between arbitrary devices, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the return communication function into two separate optical switches (first optical switch for uplink, second optical switch for downlink) instead of using a single complex switch with many return transmission lines. This segmentation allows each switch to have fewer ports and simpler structure, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection flexibility between arbitrary subscriber devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a return transfer unit as an intermediary component that receives optical signals from the first optical switch and transfers them to the second optical switch. This intermediary structure enables return communication functionality without requiring each optical switch to have direct connections to all subscriber devices through multiple return transmission lines, thereby reducing device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical rewiring is performed to connect subscriber devices, then arbitrary connections can be established, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic connection establishment through optical switching rather than physical rewiring. The control unit can dynamically control the optical switches to establish connections between arbitrary subscriber devices on demand, eliminating the need for manual physical rewiring operations and significantly reducing operational complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical rewiring process with an optical switching system controlled by the control unit. Instead of manually connecting physical transmission lines, the system uses optical switches and transfer units that can be dynamically configured through control signals, thereby eliminating operational complexity associated with physical rewiring
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication device includes: a plurality of first distribution units that is connected to a plurality of optical transmission lines and outputs an optical signal input from any of first devices to any of the optical transmission lines; a plurality of second distribution units that is connected to a plurality of optical transmission lines and outputs an optical signal input from any of the optical transmission lines to any of second devices; and a transfer unit configured to transfer the optical signal transmitted from the first device connected to any of the plurality of first distribution units to any of the plurality of second distribution units connected to the specific second device.