Optical Test Device for Remote Loop-Back Signal Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical communication network monitoring methods are inefficient as they require expensive on-site equipment and manual maintenance, unable to isolate errors between transmit and receive paths, and lack the ability to determine signal strength at the receiving end.
Innovation Solution
An optical test device with optical filters and monitoring devices that allow for loop-back testing of optical signals, enabling remote monitoring and fault isolation without the need for on-site equipment, by switching the signal between transmit and receive fibers based on detected signal characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If expensive termination equipment is installed at customer's site for monitoring optical network links, then monitoring capability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical network link monitoring system enables self-service by utilizing existing customer equipment (optical network terminal, optical line terminal) to perform monitoring functions. The system automatically detects link status, signal quality, and faults without requiring external monitoring equipment at the customer site, thereby eliminating the need for expensive termination equipment while maintaining monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system achieves multi-functionality by using existing optical communication equipment to perform both signal transmission and monitoring functions simultaneously. The optical network terminal and optical line terminal serve dual purposes: communicating data and monitoring link health, eliminating the need for dedicated monitoring equipment and reducing overall system cost.
2Reliability
If maintenance crew is dispatched to customer's location for testing and monitoring, then fault detection capability is improved, but time consumption and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the optical network terminal and optical line terminal continuously monitor link status and automatically detect faults without requiring manual intervention. This eliminates the need for maintenance crew dispatch while maintaining fault detection capability, thereby reducing time consumption and operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system implements continuous feedback by automatically detecting link status and signal quality parameters, comparing them against threshold values, and generating alerts when faults are detected. This automated feedback mechanism enables real-time fault detection without manual inspection, eliminating the need for maintenance crew dispatch and reducing response time.
3Device complexity
If signal is monitored only at originating end, then monitoring implementation is simplified, but error isolation capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system divides the optical network link into two separate monitoring paths: transmit path monitoring (from optical line terminal to optical network terminal) and receive path monitoring (from optical network terminal to optical line terminal). Each path is independently monitored using bidirectional communication, enabling precise error isolation to specific path segments while maintaining manageable system complexity through structured implementation.
4Measurement precision
If on-site equipment is used for monitoring, then monitoring accuracy is improved, but deployment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves monitoring accuracy without on-site equipment by enabling existing optical network terminals and optical line terminals to perform monitoring functions. The bidirectional communication mechanism allows the system to measure signal quality, detect faults, and isolate errors using equipment already deployed at customer locations, thereby maintaining monitoring accuracy while eliminating deployment complexity associated with additional on-site equipment.
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
Enables cost-effective, efficient monitoring and testing of optical connections and fibers, allowing for remote detection of faults and signal integrity assessment without the need for on-site equipment, improving network reliability and reducing maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one optical filter coupled with a first optical fiber. The first optical filter is configured to allow an optical signal on the first optical fiber to pass from the first optical fiber to a second optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
at least one monitoring device coupled with the at least one optical filter. The monitoring device is configured to receive a portion of the optical signal to test the optical signal
Implementation Method 3
a first switch in communication with the first optical fiber. The switch is configured to switch the optical signal on the first optical fiber to a third optical fiber for loop-back testing
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for monitoring optical communications between a managed location and a remote location. In particular, an optical signal is transmitted over an optical fiber and passed-through a test device. A portion of the optical signal is filtered from the original optical signal and passed to a monitoring unit. The monitoring unit may instruct one or more switches in the test device to loop the optical signal back toward the managed location. Subsequently, testing and monitoring may be performed at the managed location. The device may provide a test output or may transmit the information to the managed location.