Optical Router Wavelength Channel Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical data transmission systems, particularly in wavelength division multiple access (WDMA) systems, it is impractical to provide every user device with a laser source operating within its assigned wavelength band for upstream data transmission, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs due to the need for diverse wavelength-specific optical network units (ONUs).
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a method and system where ONUs transmit data signals to a kerb location, which includes optically pumped sources and an optical router capable of routing wavelength channels, allowing for conversion of data signals into wavelength channels with predefined ranges, enabling efficient multiplexing and transmission to a hub without the need for each ONU to have a unique laser source, using similar components that can operate within a specified wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If every user device is provided with a laser source operating within its assigned wavelength band, then upstream data transmission capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The laser source is extracted from the user device (ONU) and relocated to the hub. User devices now only require simple modulators to impress data onto received optical signals, while the hub contains all laser sources that generate wavelength-specific carrier signals. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple laser sources across user devices, reducing system complexity while maintaining transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub serves multiple functions: it generates all wavelength-specific optical carrier signals, modulates incoming electrical data signals onto appropriate wavelength channels, and routes modulated signals to the optical network. This consolidation of functions at the hub eliminates the need for complex wavelength-specific components at each user device.
2Reliability
If every user device is provided with a laser source operating within its assigned wavelength band, then upstream data transmission is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple wavelength-specific laser sources and their associated modulation functions are merged into a single hub unit. Instead of manufacturing and deploying expensive wavelength-specific optical components at each user device, the system consolidates these functions centrally, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
User devices use simple, inexpensive modulators instead of expensive laser sources. The modulators can be easily manufactured and replaced, while the expensive laser sources remain centralized at the hub where they can be maintained and replaced as needed without affecting individual user devices.
3Measurement precision
If wavelength-specific optical network units are used, then precise wavelength control is achieved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hub acts as an intermediary that generates precise wavelength-specific optical carrier signals and routes them through optical fibers to user devices. This intermediary approach allows precise wavelength control to be achieved centrally without requiring complex wavelength control mechanisms at each user device, simplifying assembly while maintaining precision.
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
This approach simplifies the assembly and reduces costs by allowing identical ONUs to be used, as they only need to provide data modulated pumping light at similar wavelengths or within a specified range, while ensuring efficient data transmission and wavelength selection within the network, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the optical data transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
The kerbside unit comprises a plurality of optically pumped sources
Data Source
AI summary
An optical data transmission system having a hub, an optical router, and a plurality of optically pumped sources at a curb location, and a plurality of optical network units (ONUs). The ONUs generate and transmit respective data modulated pumping light to the curb location where it is received by the optically pumped sources, which convert it into the wavelength channels having predefined wavelength ranges assigned to respective ONUs. The optical router routes the wavelength channels for transmission to the hub.