Optical Splitter Port Identification With Wavelength Shift Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing port identification methods in passive optical networks (PON) are inaccurate due to center wavelength shifts of reflection components in outdoor optical splitters, leading to errors in determining the connection of optical network units (ONUs) to ports.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a tunable OTDR to determine the current center wavelength of reflection components by adjusting wavelengths based on nominal center wavelengths and shifts, enabling accurate identification of ports connected to ONUs by detecting maximum receive power of test optical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If reflection components with fixed nominal center wavelengths are used in outdoor optical splitters, then the port identification method is simple, but the center wavelength shifts due to environmental factors causing identification errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fixed nominal center wavelength parameter to a variable actual center wavelength by measuring the wavelength shift caused by environmental factors. The system measures the actual center wavelength of reflection components in outdoor optical splitters and uses this measured value for accurate port identification, thereby resolving the contradiction between method simplicity and measurement precision.
2Productivity
If the tunable OTDR uses nominal center wavelengths for test optical signals, then the testing process is straightforward, but wavelength shifts cause the reflection components to not reflect the test signals accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the actual center wavelength of reflection components before conducting port identification testing. By pre-measuring the wavelength shift and compensating for it in advance, the system ensures that subsequent testing using the tunable OTDR achieves accurate port connection determination without repeated failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback by measuring the actual center wavelength of reflection components and using this information to adjust the test optical signal wavelengths. The measured wavelength shift is fed back to correct the nominal wavelength values, ensuring reliable port identification despite environmental variations.
3Ease of manufacture
If outdoor optical splitters are deployed without wavelength compensation, then the deployment is simple and cost-effective, but center wavelength shifts lead to incorrect port identification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the outdoor optical splitter system to self-compensate for wavelength shifts by measuring the actual center wavelength of its reflection components and automatically adjusting the test parameters. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision without requiring complex external compensation mechanisms, preserving deployment simplicity while correcting wavelength accuracy issues.
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
The method ensures precise identification of ports connected to ONUs by compensating for wavelength shifts, improving accuracy and reducing errors in port connection determination.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavelength corresponding to a test optical signal with maximum receive power after being reflected by a reflection component
Data Source
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AI summary
This application provides a port identification method, apparatus, and system, and belongs to the field of optical communications technologies. The method includes: obtaining a first wavelength respectively corresponding to at least one optical splitter in an ODN, where for each optical splitter, the first wavelength is a wavelength of a test optical signal with maximum receive power after being reflected by a reflection component of a target port of the optical splitter during transmission in the ODN; determining a center wavelength shift of a reflection component of each port of the optical splitter based on the first wavelength corresponding to the optical splitter and a nominal center wavelength of a reflection component of a target port of the optical splitter; determining a current center wavelength of the reflection component of each port of the optical splitter based on the shift corresponding to each port of the optical splitter; and determining, based on the current center wavelength of the reflection component of each port of the optical splitter, a port connected to a target ONT in the ODN. According to this application, a connection relationship between the ONT and the optical splitter and a connection relationship between the ONT and the port of the optical splitter can be accurately identified.