Optical Connection Node Switching for Automatic Path Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for setting optical paths through multiple optical transmission paths, such as dark fibers and carrier networks, require manual intervention and resource limitations, leading to increased costs and time, and inefficient use of available resources.
Innovation Solution
A connection node device and optical transmission system that automatically selects an optimum transmission mode by analyzing transmission path characteristics and available resources, enabling seamless connection of optical transceivers without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple optical modules are connected in series to extend transmission distance, then transmission distance is improved, but insertion loss increases and signal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An optical amplifier is introduced as an intermediary component between optical modules in the series connection. This amplifier compensates for signal attenuation by amplifying the optical signal, thereby maintaining signal quality over extended transmission distances without requiring excessive increase in transmission power at each module.
2Reliability
If transmission power is increased to compensate for insertion loss, then signal quality is improved, but the risk of optical module damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical amplifier serves as a mediator that performs signal regeneration at intermediate points in the transmission chain. Instead of transmitting high-power signals throughout the entire chain, the amplifier receives weakened signals, amplifies them to appropriate levels, and forwards them, thereby maintaining signal quality while preventing excessive power accumulation that could damage modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical amplifier performs preliminary signal restoration before the signal deteriorates beyond recovery. By amplifying and regenerating signals at intermediate stages rather than relying on end-to-end high power transmission, the system maintains signal integrity while avoiding the harmful effects of excessive power exposure on optical components.
3Device complexity
If conventional connection methods are used without consideration of polarization mode dispersion, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission distance and signal quality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a polarization mode dispersion compensator specifically at the connection node between optical modules, rather than requiring complex polarization management throughout the entire transmission system. This localized compensation approach maintains overall system simplicity while effectively addressing PMD accumulation at critical connection points.
Data Source
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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.