Multi-Standard Optical Gateway Using Wavelength Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication systems are inflexible, as each Internet gateway is adapted to a single optical communication standard, making it complex for subscribers or operators to switch between different standards on the same optical fiber without replacing the gateway.
Innovation Solution
A connection circuit that includes a wavelength multiplexer and optical-electrical interfaces compatible with multiple standards, along with an electrical processing component and switch, allowing selective connection to various optical communication standards present on the optical fiber, integrated into an Internet gateway for flexible standard selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each Internet gateway is adapted to a single optical communication standard, then the gateway can reliably communicate with that standard, but it becomes complex and costly to switch between different standards on the same optical fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway is designed with multiple optical-electrical interfaces, each compatible with different optical communication standards (e.g., GPON, XGPON). The wavelength multiplexer directs signals to the appropriate interface based on the detected standard, enabling a single gateway to universally support multiple standards without requiring separate gateways for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway dynamically adapts to different optical communication standards through an automatic detection and selection mechanism. The electrical processing component detects which optical standard is present on the fiber and the switch dynamically connects the appropriate optical-electrical interface, allowing the system to transition between standards without manual reconfiguration or hardware replacement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical-electrical interfaces are added to support different standards, then standard adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A wavelength multiplexer serves as an intermediary component that receives optical signals from the fiber and directs them to the appropriate optical-electrical interface based on wavelength. This intermediary simplifies the overall system architecture by providing a centralized routing mechanism, reducing the need for complex switching logic and making the multi-interface gateway more manageable and less complex.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical-electrical interfaces and their associated components are integrated into a single unified gateway device. The wavelength multiplexer, electrical processing component, and switch work together as a combined system, merging what would otherwise be separate standalone units into one integrated gateway, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-standard support.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wavelength multiplexer with multiple downstream ports is used, then multiple standards can be handled, but the quantity of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical signal handling is segmented by wavelength, with the wavelength multiplexer separating different optical standards into different downstream ports based on their unique wavelength characteristics. This segmentation allows each optical-electrical interface to be optimized for a specific standard while sharing common upstream components, reducing the total component quantity compared to having completely separate systems for each standard.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes wavelength as a distinguishing parameter to differentiate between optical communication standards. By detecting the wavelength of incoming optical signals, the system can route them to the appropriate interface without requiring physical identification or manual configuration. This parameter-based routing reduces the need for additional identification components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
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 the same Internet gateway to connect to multiple optical communication standards on the same optical fiber, reducing component complexity and cost, while allowing operators to choose the optimal standard for service upgrades or changes.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength multiplexer comprising an upstream port intended to be connected to the optical fiber and a plurality of downstream ports
Implementation Method 2
a receiver comprising a photodiode for converting received light signals into usable electric signals
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Connection circuit arranged to connect at least one electrical equipment (12) to an optical fiber (13) on which light signals of different wavelengths are likely to travel, the connection circuit comprising a wavelength multiplexer (16) including an upstream port (17) intended to be connected to the optical fiber and a plurality of downstream ports (18, 19), a plurality of optical-electrical interfaces (24, 25) each compatible with at least one optical communication standard and each having an optical port (26) connected to one of the downstream ports of the wavelength multiplexer and an electrical port (27), an electrical processing component (35) including a communication port (36) through which the electrical processing component is arranged to transmit and/or receive electrical signals (TXD, RXD),and a switch (45) arranged to selectively connect the communication port of the electrical processing component to an electrical port of one of the optical-electrical interfaces.