Ring Topology Relay System Defect Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing relay systems face challenges in maintaining service continuity when a defect occurs in a remote unit, particularly in cascade topologies, as they require additional infrastructure and modules, such as redundancy fibers, which increase costs.
Innovation Solution
A relay system configured as a ring topology with a remote unit that switches Tx/Rx functions without redundancy fiber, using a control section to manage signal processing and switching between forward and reverse signals, allowing continuous service provision even if a defect occurs in a remote unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive optic switch is used to provide optical passing when abnormality occurs in a remote unit, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring a separate module
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching function with the existing remote unit structure by integrating a switch module within the remote unit itself, rather than using a separate passive optic switch. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional standalone modules while maintaining the ability to switch signal paths when defects occur, thereby improving service continuity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The remote unit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal signal transmission in cascade topology and alternative path switching when defects occur. The integrated switch module enables the remote unit to universally handle both operational modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated switching hardware and reducing overall system complexity
2Reliability
If relays system are configured as a ring topology using redundancy fiber, then service continuity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring photoelectric and electro-optic devices, input/output ports, and redundancy fiber infrastructure twice more
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic path switching capability within the existing cascade topology infrastructure. The switch module dynamically changes signal routing based on detected defects, allowing the system to adapt its topology from normal cascade operation to alternative path routing without requiring permanent dual infrastructure. This dynamic adaptation provides ring-like reliability while maintaining simpler static infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (signal path routing) rather than physical infrastructure configuration. By modifying the routing parameters through software-controlled switching rather than requiring physical redundancy fiber and additional photoelectric devices, the system achieves improved service continuity without the associated infrastructure complexity and cost
3Device complexity
If cascade topology is used for relay system, then device complexity is reduced, but service continuity deteriorates when a defect occurs in at least one remote unit
Solution Approach 1:
The switch module is pre-configured within each remote unit before defects occur, with predetermined alternative signal paths established in advance. When a defect is detected, the system can immediately activate the pre-configured switching logic and alternative routes without requiring complex real-time decision-making or infrastructure reconfiguration, thus maintaining service continuity while preserving the simplicity of the original cascade topology
Data Source
AI summary
A master unit configured to manage a plurality of remote units connected in a ring topology, the master unit comprising: a network management section configured to transmit at least one of a path-state monitoring control signal and a delay measurement control signal to the plurality of remote units in a first direction and a second direction which is a reverse direction of the first direction, and receives an acknowledgement signal in response to the at least one of a path-state monitoring control signal and a delay measurement control signal; and switching control means for transmitting a forward signal received from a base station in the first direction, and transmitting a switching control signal in the second direction when a defect is detected in any remote unit among the plurality of remote units by the network management section.