Optical Transmission System Wavelength Conversion for Fiber Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing optical transmission systems face challenges in maintaining signal quality and reducing costs due to the need for expensive L-band compatible equipment when switching between single mode fibers (SMF) and dispersion shifted fibers (DSF), as the non-linear optical effects cause signal distortion and require power attenuation, leading to insufficient transmission distance and increased apparatus costs.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system is designed with nodes using SMF and DSF, where wavelength converters are strategically placed to convert signals between the C-band and L-band, allowing for efficient transmission by maintaining signal quality and reducing the need for costly L-band equipment, by converting the wavelength band at specific nodes to ensure compatibility and optimal power levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wavelength-multiplexed optical signals in the C-band are transmitted through DSF, then signal quality deteriorates due to non-linear optical effects, but using SMF throughout the transmission path avoids this issue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the optical signal from C-band to L-band when transitioning to DSF sections, allowing the signal to be transmitted through DSF without suffering from non-linear optical effects that plague C-band signals in DSF
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavelength conversion as an intermediary process at boundary nodes between SMF and DSF sections, enabling seamless transition between different fiber types by converting the signal wavelength to match the optimal band for each fiber type
2Reliability
If optical attenuators are used to suppress non-linear optical effects in DSF sections, then signal distortion is reduced, but reception power becomes insufficient and transmission distance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attenuating the signal power, the patent changes the wavelength parameter to L-band, which allows DSF transmission without non-linear effects while maintaining sufficient signal power for long-distance transmission
3Reliability
If L-band compatible optical transmission equipment is deployed at each node to enable transmission through DSF sections, then signal quality is maintained, but apparatus cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies wavelength conversion only at specific boundary nodes where SMF and DSF sections meet, rather than deploying L-band equipment throughout the entire transmission path, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining signal quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables C-band transponders to serve dual purposes by combining them with wavelength conversion capabilities at boundary nodes, allowing the same transponder infrastructure to handle both SMF and DSF sections without requiring separate L-band 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
This configuration enhances signal quality by minimizing signal distortion and reduces apparatus costs by allowing the use of C-band transponders instead of L-band transponders, thereby improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the transmission system.
Implementation Method 1
a first wavelength converting circuit that converts a wavelength band of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal from the first wavelength band to the second wavelength band
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission system includes a plurality of nodes in which respective adjacent nodes are coupled by a first kind of optical fiber compatible with light in a first wavelength band or a second kind of optical fiber compatible with light in a second wavelength band, wherein each of the plurality of nodes includes a transmitting node that generates a wavelength-multiplexed optical signal in the first wavelength band by carrying out wavelength multiplexing of a plurality of optical signals and transmits the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal, a receiving node that demultiplexes the plurality of optical signals from the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal and receives the plurality of optical signals, and one or more relay nodes that relay the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal from the transmitting node to the receiving node through the first kind or the second kind of optical fiber.