Optical Transceiver Signal Level Differentiation for Unused Path Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical fiber identification techniques are limited in long-distance communication due to the inability to use relay amplifiers for signals with different wavelengths, leading to high costs and potential misidentification of used and unused paths, especially when actual data signals intermittently flow.
Innovation Solution
An optical transmission system that uses optical transceivers with a laser and optical intensity control unit to differentiate the optical levels of idle, OAM, and actual data signals, allowing for accurate detection of unused paths without additional circuits or rewiring, and enabling long-distance detection with a single wavelength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical fiber identification technique using identification light with different wavelength is used, then unused path detection is enabled, but relay amplifier cannot be used for long-distance communication and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of optical signal characteristics by modulating the identification light at a low frequency (e.g., 1 Hz to 100 Hz) that is distinct from normal data signals. This frequency modulation allows the identification light to be distinguished from other optical signals without requiring different wavelengths, enabling the use of relay amplifiers for long-distance communication while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing optical transmission system multi-functional by enabling it to carry both normal data signals and identification signals through the same optical fiber and relay amplifier infrastructure. The low-frequency modulation of identification light allows the system to perform both data transmission and path identification functions without requiring separate dedicated infrastructure.
2Measurement precision
If identification light with different wavelength is used for unused path detection, then path identification is possible, but relay amplifier cannot be used leading to limited communication distance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using different wavelengths, the patent changes the frequency parameter of the identification light to a low-frequency range (1 Hz to 100 Hz). This allows the identification signal to be transmitted through the same optical fiber and relay amplifier as normal data signals, enabling long-distance communication while maintaining accurate path identification capability.
3Measurement precision
If optical fiber identifier is used to detect leakage light, then unused path can be detected, but additional devices and reinstallation are required increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the optical transmission system to perform self-diagnosis by using the existing optical transceivers to transmit and detect identification signals. The system uses its own built-in components (laser, photodetector, signal processing circuits) to identify unused paths, eliminating the need for external optical fiber identifiers and reducing implementation costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing optical transceivers are made multi-functional by adding the capability to transmit and detect low-frequency modulated identification signals in addition to their normal data transmission function. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated identification devices and reduces overall system cost.
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 accurate detection of unused paths in long-distance redundant networks at a lower cost, improving operational efficiency by distinguishing between used and unused paths without the need for additional devices or reinstallation.
Implementation Method 1
a laser for emitting a laser beam serving as the optical signal
Implementation Method 2
an optical intensity control unit for performing control to change an optical level of the optical signal of the laser beam from the laser
Data Source
AI summary
An unused path through which actual data is not transmitted in a long-distance redundant network can be appropriately detect, and this function is realized at low cost. A transmission unit 33 of optical transceivers 21a and 21b connected to each other by an optical fiber cable 22 in an optical transmission system 20 includes a laser 37 for emitting a laser beam serving as an optical signal P1 to the optical fiber cable 22, and an optical intensity control unit 35 for performing control to change the optical level of the optical signal of the laser beam. Each of the optical transceivers 21a and 21b includes a control unit 31 for superimposing each of an idle signal A1, an OAM signal O1, and an actual data signal D1 on an XGMII signal 31s and outputting this XGMII signal 31s to the transmission unit 33 that transmits the optical signal P1, and a signal determination unit 32 for determining unique information regarding each signal output to the transmission unit 33 and outputting a determination result signal 32s. The optical intensity control unit 35 performs control to change the optical level of the optical signal P1 on which a signal of the determination of each signal indicated by the determination result signal 32s is superimposed to different optical levels L1 to L3 between the signals.