Optical Device for Passive Network Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for managing and discovering passive optical devices in optical networks are manual and prone to errors, lacking automation and information on device interconnections, especially in outdoor sites without electrical power supply.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising an optical input, passive optical component, memory, splitter, photodetector, accumulator, laser, and controller that uses received optical signals to charge and transmit information, enabling automatic discovery and management of passive optical components without external power, using auxiliary and traffic wavelengths to minimize collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual data introduction or local reading methods are used for passive optical device management, then device information can be obtained, but the process requires manual operation which leads to missing or incorrect data and cannot provide interconnection information
Solution Approach 1:
The passive optical device itself performs the identification and information provision functions. When an interrogation signal is received, the device automatically responds with its stored information (serial number, location, interconnection details) without requiring manual reading or external power supply, thus achieving self-service management
Solution Approach 2:
A passive optical device with embedded memory and photodetector acts as an intermediary between the optical network infrastructure and the management system. It receives optical interrogation signals, processes them using stored information, and returns accurate device data automatically
2Adaptability or versatility
If passive optical devices are deployed in outdoor sites without electrical power supply, then network coverage is extended, but the devices cannot be powered to transmit information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical power system with an optical power system. The passive optical device uses a photodetector to convert received optical signals into electrical energy, which charges an accumulator to power the laser for information transmission. This substitution enables operation without external electrical power infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The optical signal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries traffic data, provides power to the device through photodetection, and enables intercommunication. This multi-functionality allows the device to operate autonomously in power-constrained outdoor environments
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical power is used to charge the accumulator and transmit information, then external power supply is not required, but the optical signal must be split which causes insertion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The optical splitter extracts only a small portion of the optical power (e.g., 1-5%) needed to charge the accumulator and power the photodetector, while the majority of the optical power continues through the passive optical component. This partial action minimizes the impact on the main optical signal path
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables automatic and accurate discovery and management of passive optical components in optical networks, particularly in access networks, reducing errors and enabling remote monitoring and inventory management.
Implementation Method 1
The photodetector is configured to receive the split optical signal and is configured to generate a corresponding photodetector output signal. The accumulator is configured to be charged by the photodetector output signal.
Implementation Method 2
The laser is configured to be powered by the accumulator. The controller is configured to cause the laser to transmit an optical signal carrying a message based on said information read from the memory device.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical device (100) for an optical network, comprising an optical input (110), a passive optical component (112), a memory device (114) for storing information relating to the passive optical component. The optical device further comprises an optical splitter (116) configured to power split off a portion of received optical signals to form split optical signals and to output the remaining optical power of received optical signals to the passive optical component and a photodetector (118) configured to receive the split optical signals and to generate a corresponding photodetector output signal. Further the optical device comprises an accumulator (120) configured to be charged by the photodetector output signal, a laser (122) configured to be powered by the accumulator and a controller (124) configured to, in response to a trigger from the photodetector, read said information from the memory device and to cause the laser to transmit an optical signal from an optical output (110), the optical signal carrying a message based on said information read from the memory device.