Optical Forwarding Device for 5G Fronthaul Bidirectional Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
The deployment of 5G fronthaul networks faces issues with low optical fiber utilization and high costs due to excessive requirements for color light module preparation and deployment, particularly in achieving efficient bidirectional communication.
Innovation Solution
An optical forwarding device is designed with a specific optical connector and a first optical forwarding module, incorporating wavelength division multiplexers (WDM) and optical circulators to enable bidirectional transmission using single wavelengths, reducing the number of wavelengths required by half and allowing for expanded capacity without modifying existing networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional optical fiber deployment is used for 5G fronthaul networks, then bidirectional communication can be achieved, but optical fiber utilization rate is low and deployment costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges bidirectional communication functions into a single wavelength channel by combining forward and reverse communication signals on the same optical fiber using wavelength division multiplexing technology. This allows one optical fiber to simultaneously carry multiple wavelength signals for different communication directions, thereby improving fiber utilization and reducing deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical fiber is designed to serve multiple functions by transmitting both forward and reverse communication signals simultaneously on the same fiber using different wavelength divisions. This multi-functional approach increases the utility of each optical fiber and reduces the total number of fibers needed for network deployment.
2Productivity
If color light module preparation is increased to improve communication capacity, then bidirectional communication quality improves, but deployment costs increase excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of optical signals to enable bidirectional communication. By using wavelength division multiplexing with different wavelength channels (e.g., different colors of light), the system achieves enhanced communication capacity without increasing the physical infrastructure or color light module preparation, thereby controlling deployment costs.
3Productivity
If more wavelengths are used to expand network capacity, then communication capacity increases, but wavelength management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical spectrum into distinct wavelength channels using wavelength division multiplexing. Each wavelength channel is independently managed and routed, allowing for organized and systematic wavelength management. This segmentation approach enables scalable capacity expansion while maintaining manageable complexity through structured wavelength allocation and routing protocols.
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
This configuration enhances optical fiber utilization and reduces deployment costs by enabling bidirectional communication with fewer wavelengths, simplifying wavelength management and planning, and doubling wavelength capacity without additional fiber deployment.
Implementation Method 1
The first optical circulator includes a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port of the first optical circulator is coupled to the first WDM to receive the first optical signal, and forwards the first optical signal. The second port of the first optical circulator is coupled to the specific optical connector, forwards the first optical signal from the first port of the first optical circulator to the optical cable, receives a second optical signal from the optical cable, and forwards the second optical signal to the third port.
Implementation Method 2
The first WDM is coupled to the first optical connector, and receives and forwards the first optical signal from the first optical connector.
Implementation Method 3
The second WDM is coupled to the third port of the first optical circulator and the second optical connector, receives the second optical signal from the third port of the first optical circulator, and sends the second optical signal to the second optical connector.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical forwarding device includes a specific optical connector and an optical forwarding module. The optical forwarding module includes first and second optical connectors, first and second wavelength division multiplexers (WDM), and an optical circulator. The first WDM receives and forwards a first optical signal from the first optical connector. The optical circulator includes first, second, and third ports. The first port forwards the first optical signal from the first WDM. The second port forwards the first optical signal from the first port to the optical cable through the specific optical connector, and receives and forwards a second optical signal from the optical cable. The first and second optical signals have a first wavelength. The third port receives and forwards the second optical signal from the second port. The second WDM receives the second optical signal from the third port and sends the same to the second optical connector.