Optical Network Elements Using Adjustable Signal Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical networks with equipment from multiple vendors face challenges in maximizing performance due to insufficient details for network dimensioning and the need for regular assessment of equipment performance, especially with new-generation transponders and wavelength cross-connects, which are difficult to calibrate accurately in the field.
Innovation Solution
A calibration system for optical network elements that includes an adjustable signal degradation stage to apply physical modifications to optical signals, allowing in-situ assessment of performance parameters such as Q factor and SNR, using a shared calibration module connected to multiple transponders and OXC components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If equipment from multiple vendors is combined in optical networks, then network versatility and adaptability are improved, but measurement precision and calibration accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a calibration module as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple vendor equipment. This calibration module provides a standardized reference signal and measurement interface, enabling accurate calibration and performance assessment across equipment from different vendors. The intermediary calibration system eliminates the need for vendor-specific calibration procedures, thereby maintaining measurement precision while preserving network versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration module dynamically adjusts and measures multiple signal parameters (power, Q-factor, OSNR, BER) to characterize optical signals. By changing and measuring these parameters systematically, the system can accurately assess performance across different vendor equipment, resolving the contradiction between network versatility and calibration accuracy.
2Reliability
If new-generation transponders and wavelength cross-connects are deployed, then network performance capability is improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring performance parameters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration module implements a feedback mechanism that continuously measures performance parameters (power, Q-factor, OSNR, BER) and provides real-time information about signal quality and equipment performance. This feedback enables automated calibration and performance assessment, reducing the difficulty of measuring parameters in new-generation equipment while maintaining high network performance capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service calibration and performance assessment through automated measurement and feedback mechanisms. The calibration module automatically characterizes signals and provides performance data without requiring complex manual measurement procedures, thereby reducing measurement difficulty while supporting advanced equipment capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If in-situ calibration is performed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration module merges multiple calibration and measurement functions into a single integrated unit. By combining signal injection, parameter measurement (power, Q-factor, OSNR, BER), and feedback capabilities in one module, the system simplifies the overall device architecture while enabling easy in-situ calibration operations. This consolidation reduces operational complexity despite the advanced capabilities provided.
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical network element, comprises an optical input for receiving a plurality of optical signals on a plurality of wavelength channels, an optical output for transmitting a plurality of optical signals on the plurality of wavelength channels, a distributing component arranged to pass optical signals from the optical input to an optical transit path and to an optical drop path, a merging component arranged to pass optical signals from the optical transit path and from an optical add path to the optical output, a drop module comprising a plurality of optical receivers for demodulating optical signals, an add module comprising a wavelength multiplexing arrangement connected to the optical add path and a plurality of optical transmitters connected to the wavelength multiplexing arrangement for generating optical signals on the wavelength channels, and a calibration module comprising an adjustable signal degradation stage to apply a selected physical modification to an optical signal routed through the calibration module whereby to generate a modified optical signal for egress from one of the plurality of optical receivers.