Optical Network Link Performance Parameter Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for obtaining performance parameters in optical network links, such as power and OSNR, suffer from inaccuracies due to unaccounted parameters like fixed insertion loss, wavelength-dependent loss, and control accuracy errors in components like WSS, VOA, and EDFA, leading to significant deviations between theoretical calculations and actual measurements.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that measure actual optical power at monitoring points and modify parameters in a theoretical model, specifically adjusting amplifier gain and link loss using differences between actual and theoretical output powers, to improve the accuracy of performance parameter calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a theoretical model is used to calculate performance parameters, then calculation speed is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inaccurate parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation speedVSAvoidperformance parameter accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where actual measured optical power values are fed back to correct the theoretical model parameters. The system continuously compares calculated values with actual measurements and adjusts parameters such as WSS insertion loss, VOA attenuation, and EDFA gain to minimize the difference, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining the efficiency of theoretical calculation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts model parameters based on actual measurements. Instead of using fixed theoretical parameters, the system modifies parameters like component insertion loss, attenuation values, and amplifier gain according to real-world measurements, transforming the static theoretical model into a dynamic adaptive model that achieves both calculation speed and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If more accurate component parameters are acquired, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance parameter accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically adjusting its own parameters based on measurements it takes itself. The optical performance monitor measures actual power values, and the control unit automatically corrects the theoretical model parameters without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention, reducing device complexity while improving precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the optical performance monitor serve multiple functions: it not only measures optical power for performance monitoring but also performs calibration by providing feedback to correct theoretical model parameters. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate calibration equipment, reducing overall system complexity while achieving high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If actual measurements are taken at all monitoring points, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to extensive measurement processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperformance parameter accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs a preliminary calibration phase where actual measurements are taken to establish correction factors for the theoretical model. Once calibrated, the system can use the corrected theoretical model for rapid calculations without requiring continuous extensive measurements, thus achieving high precision while reducing time loss in ongoing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs measurements selectively at key monitoring points rather than continuously at all points. By identifying critical measurement locations where actual values most significantly impact model accuracy, the system achieves sufficient precision with reduced measurement overhead, balancing accuracy requirements with time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2717496B1Method and device for obtaining performance parameters of optical network link
Publication Date: 2016.10.05 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2717496B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2717496B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2717496B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for obtaining a performance parameter of an optical network link. Monitored actual optical power and theoretical optical power are acquired; modification is performed on a theoretical model by using the actual optical power and the theoretical optical power; and a performance parameter value in each node of the optical network is obtained from the modified theoretical model, so that a performance parameter given through the theoretical model is more accurate, thereby solving a problem in the prior art that a large deviation exists between a performance parameter calculated with the theoretical model and an actually measured result, and improving accuracy of the performance parameter given through the theoretical model.