Optical Connection Node Switching for Transmission Mode Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing techniques for setting optical paths through multiple optical transmission paths, such as dark fibers and carrier networks, require manual intervention and consideration of resource limitations, leading to increased cost and time, and inefficient use of resources.

Innovation Solution

A connection node device that includes a connection information processor, an output port switching unit, and a controller to automatically select and switch between optical transmission paths based on acquired connection information and transmission mode information, allowing optical transceivers to connect without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement and setting of optical path characteristics is performed, then connection accuracy is improved, but setting time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical path characteristic measurement accuracyVSAvoidoptical path setting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical transmission path setting device automatically measures optical path characteristics and determines optimal transmission modes without requiring manual intervention. The system performs self-testing by transmitting test signals through the optical path and automatically analyzing the results to configure connection parameters, thereby eliminating the need for manual measurement while reducing setting time and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement processes with automated electronic measurement and control systems. The system uses electronic test signal transmission and automated analysis to substitute for manual measurement techniques, achieving both high precision and efficiency in optical path characterization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If manual intervention is used to set optical paths, then transmission mode optimization is improved, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission mode optimizationVSAvoidoptical path setting operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically determines optimal transmission modes by measuring optical path characteristics and selecting appropriate modulation methods, baud rates, and error correction parameters without requiring manual configuration. This self-service approach maintains transmission optimization while eliminating the complexity of manual setting operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where the system transmits test signals, measures the received signal quality, and uses this feedback to automatically adjust and optimize transmission parameters. This closed-loop control ensures reliable transmission mode selection while simplifying operations through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If resources are allocated for optical path setting, then connection quality is improved, but resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection qualityVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated optical path setting system performs measurements and configurations using existing network infrastructure without requiring dedicated manual resources. The system efficiently utilizes available network resources for self-testing and optimization, maintaining high connection quality while improving overall resource utilization efficiency through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4727040A2Connection node device, optical transmission system, and connection method
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 NT T INC
  • EP4727040A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4727040A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4727040A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An output port switching unit that connects to a first optical transmission path, a second optical transmission path, and the connection information processor, and sets a destination of the first optical transmission path as the connection information processor in an initial state. A controller that transmits transmission mode information indicating a transmission mode identified based on connection information of the first optical transmission path acquired from an optical signal transmitted by an optical transceiver provided in an optical communicator that the connection information processor connects to the first optical transmission path, connection request data included in the optical signal and transmitted by the optical transceiver, and transmission path information of the second optical transmission path to the optical transceiver through the first optical transmission path. The output port switching unit performs switching processing of switching a destination of the first optical transmission path from the connection information processor to the second optical transmission path after the controller transmits the transmission mode information.