Passive Optical Network Redundancy Links for Fast Wavelength Failover

The patent uses optical copying by transmitting the same optical signal at different wavelengths through the same physical fiber infrastructure. A first optical signal is transmitted at a first wavelength and a second optical signal is transmitted at a second wavelength, creating redundant communication paths without physical duplication of hardware. This resolves the contradiction by providing reliability through signal copying rather than hardware redundancy.

The patent changes the wavelength parameter of optical signals to create protection mechanisms. By transmitting signals at different wavelengths (first wavelength vs. second wavelength) and using wavelength switching capability, the system achieves network protection without adding complex switching devices. The wavelength parameter serves as the key variable that enables redundancy while maintaining infrastructure simplicity.

The patent creates redundant communication paths by copying optical signals at different wavelengths through the existing fiber infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive redundant hardware. This approach provides network protection while avoiding the high deployment costs associated with traditional methods that require additional OLTs and switching devices.

The patent makes the existing fiber infrastructure multi-functional by enabling it to carry both primary and protective optical signals simultaneously through wavelength division. The same physical infrastructure serves dual purposes: normal communication and network protection, thereby reducing deployment costs while maintaining reliability.

The patent replaces mechanical switching devices with optical wavelength switching. Instead of using complex electro-mechanical switches to redirect signals, the system uses wavelength switching capability inherent in coherent optical systems. This substitution achieves fast service restoration while avoiding the complexity of additional mechanical switching hardware.

The patent enables fast restoration by maintaining copied optical signals at different wavelengths that can immediately take over when the primary signal fails. The pre-established wavelength-diverse copies allow for rapid failover without requiring complex real-time switching mechanisms, thus reducing MTTR without increasing device complexity.