Optical Function-Block Configuration for Versatile Submarine Cable Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of ocean communication systems necessitates a communication device with diverse functions, leading to an increase in hardware types, which complicates management and increases costs for manufacturers and users.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with multiple function blocks, each with interfaces for optical connections to both terrestrial networks and submarine cables, allowing for flexible optical signal processing without requiring additional hardware by adjusting the optical connection mode using patch cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communication device includes a large number of types of interfaces to deal with diverse system specifications, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the device complexity and hardware types increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single communication device that can perform multiple functions through different connection configurations. The device includes a function block with multiple interfaces that can be optically connected in different configurations to provide either terrestrial communication network functions or submarine cable communication functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the device configuration changeable through optical connection mode adjustments. The function block can dynamically switch between different operational modes (terrestrial network mode or submarine cable mode) by reconfiguring the optical connections between interfaces, allowing the device to adapt to different requirements without physical hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a communication device includes a large number of types of interfaces to deal with diverse system specifications, then the adaptability and versatility of the device is improved, but the management workload and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces cost by implementing versatility through a single universal device rather than multiple specialized devices. The function block with multiple interfaces can be configured to provide different communication functions, reducing the total number of hardware units needed and thereby lowering manufacturing and deployment costs for both manufacturers and users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges terrestrial communication network functions and submarine cable communication functions into a single communication device. By combining these functions in one device with configurable interfaces, the patent eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices, reducing overall system cost and simplifying management.
3Reliability
If dedicated communication devices are prepared for each function required for a terrestrial station, then the reliability of each function is improved, but the hardware types and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains reliability by ensuring that the function block can reliably perform either terrestrial network functions or submarine cable functions through proper optical connection configuration. The universal design does not compromise reliability because the device is specifically configured for the required function through optical connections, ensuring dedicated performance for each operational mode.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to provide a technology for realizing a communication device capable of providing various functions without increasing the types of hardware, this communication device used for a submarine cable system includes a plurality of functions blocks; the function bocks each include interfaces to which an optical signal can be connected; one of the function blocks can be optically connected with a land communication network through the interfaces; the other function blocks can be optically connected with a submarine cable through the interfaces; the function blocks optically connected through the interfaces carry out, on optical signals, processes based on the functions of the function blocks.