Optical Transponder Connectivity Verification in WDM Networks

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Solution Overview

Problem

In telecommunication networks, especially in WDM networks, the verification of correct installation of optical transmit/receive devices such as transponders and switches is often manual and prone to errors, leading to potential downtime and misidentification of connectivity issues.

Innovation Solution

A processing system activates a light source in the optical transmit/receive device and detects its presence at the corresponding port of an optical add/drop multiplexer, verifying that the device matches the network provisioning order and generating an indication of correct installation, thereby automating the verification process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual verification of optical device installation is performed, then installation flexibility is maintained, but verification accuracy decreases and potential errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidinstallation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The optical transmit/receive device automatically performs verification by activating its own light source and detecting the received light at the multiplexer port, eliminating the need for manual verification operations while maintaining installation flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification operations with an automated optical detection system that uses light source activation and light reception detection to verify installation correctness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual installation verification is performed, then device complexity remains low, but installation time increases due to waiting for verification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidverification waiting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The verification process is initiated automatically upon device installation by activating the light source and detecting light reception, eliminating the need for waiting periods while network provisioning centers perform separate verification procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces time-consuming manual verification processes with automated optical detection that provides immediate verification results, significantly reducing installation waiting time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If installer assumes physical connectivity is correct after installation, then installation process is simplified, but reliability of connection decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically verifies its own installation correctness by activating its light source and detecting whether the light is received at the correct multiplexer port, providing self-validation without requiring installer assumptions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides automatic feedback by detecting light reception at the multiplexer port and generating verification indications, allowing the installer to confirm correct installation before departing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This method ensures accurate and efficient verification of device installation, reducing downtime and correctly identifying physical connectivity issues, even when new transponders and switches are not immediately activated.

Implementation Method 1

connecting the transponder to a ROADM using fiber optic patch cords

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight transmission through optical fiber: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

detect a receiving of a light from the first light source at a port of an optical add/drop multiplexer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS11329751B2Network switch and optical transponder connectivity verification for wavelength division multiplexing network

Publication Date: 2022.05.10 AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I L P

AI summary

Devices, computer-readable media and methods are disclosed for verifying that an optical transmit/receive device is correctly installed. For example, a processing system including at least one processor may activate a first light source of an optical transmit/receive device of a telecommunication network and detect a receiving of a light from the first light source at a port of an optical add/drop multiplexer of the telecommunication network. The processing system may then verify the optical transmit/receive device and the port of the optical add/drop multiplexer match a network provisioning order, when the receiving of the light from the first light source is detected, and may generate an indication that the optical transmit/receive device is correctly installed, when the optical transmit/receive device and the port of the optical add/drop multiplexer match the network provisioning order.