Optical Communication System Remote Redundancy Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication networks, the lack of redundancy in access sections leads to increased operational costs and communication interruptions due to the need for on-site engineer intervention during failures or updates, as implementing redundancy is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with intermediate devices that relay optical signals between upper and lower networks, including a switching device and a control device that dynamically switches connections based on communication status, allowing for remote operation and redundancy without physical presence, thereby reducing downtime and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundancy is implemented in the access section with multiple communication ports and devices, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments redundancy functionality into two layers: device-level segmentation (single intermediate device with multiple ports) and system-level segmentation (multiple intermediate devices). This allows redundancy without requiring full duplication of complex devices at every access point, thereby improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate communication device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a relay device and as a switching device. This universal design consolidates functions that would otherwise require separate redundant components, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability through the switching capability.
2Reliability
If redundancy is implemented in the access section, then communication continuity is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the relay function and switching function into a single intermediate communication device. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate redundant devices and reduces the number of communication ports required, thereby implementing redundancy at lower cost while maintaining communication continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically duplicating entire redundant device systems, the patent uses virtual copying through the switching device that can redirect communication to backup ports or devices. This virtual redundancy approach maintains communication continuity without the full cost of physical duplication.
3Reliability
If on-site engineer intervention is required for failure handling, then reliability is maintained through proper diagnosis, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching device is pre-configured with switching rules and backup port assignments before failures occur. When a failure is detected, the system can immediately execute pre-planned switching operations without waiting for on-site engineer diagnosis, thereby reducing downtime while maintaining reliable failure handling through automated rule-based switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the switching device monitors communication status and automatically triggers switching operations based on detected failures. This closed-loop feedback system enables rapid response to failures without requiring immediate on-site intervention, reducing communication downtime while maintaining handling quality through continuous monitoring and automated correction.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system is a communication system connected to an upper network and a lower network, and includes at least one intermediate communication device including a plurality of upper ports for inputting and outputting optical signals to and from the upper network, and a plurality of lower ports for inputting and outputting optical signals to and from the lower network, the intermediate communication device being configured to relay communication between the upper network and the lower network, a switching device that is connected to the upper and lower networks and the plurality of upper and lower ports, switches a connection between the upper network and the plurality of upper ports, and switches a connection between the lower network and a plurality of lower ports, and a control device that outputs, to the switching device, an instruction to switch the connection by the switching device according to a communication status between the upper network and the lower network.