ROADM Optical Fiber Connection Testing via WSS Loss and Power Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for testing optical fiber connections in reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) systems are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, especially in complex multi-dimensional networks, affecting the accuracy of connection verification.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber detection method utilizing a network management server to control optical amplifiers and wavelength selective switches (WSS) to automatically test optical fiber connections by measuring optical power and on-off times, reducing the need for manual testing and minimizing human interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual testing of each optical fiber link is performed, then connection accuracy can be verified, but testing time and manpower cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection verification accuracyVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic self-testing of optical fiber connections by having the device under test generate test signals and measure connection status autonomously, eliminating the need for external testers to manually test each link while maintaining verification accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical testing operations with automated optical signal-based testing, where test signals are transmitted through optical fibers and connection status is determined automatically through signal detection and analysis, significantly reducing testing time while maintaining accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If manual testing of each optical fiber link is performed, then connection status can be determined, but human error interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest result accuracyVSAvoidtest result reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device automatically performs connection status determination without human intervention in the measurement process, eliminating human error factors while maintaining measurement precision through automated signal analysis and status determination algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where test signal responses are automatically analyzed and connection status is determined based on predefined criteria, ensuring consistent and reliable results without human error interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If comprehensive testing of all optical fiber links is performed, then connection accuracy is ensured, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection verification accuracyVSAvoidmanpower resources
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device autonomously performs comprehensive connection verification without requiring external testers, eliminating manpower resource consumption while ensuring accurate verification of all optical fiber links through self-generated test signals and automated analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 improves the accuracy and efficiency of optical fiber connection testing by reducing manpower and time costs while minimizing human error, ensuring reliable detection of abnormal connections.

Implementation Method 1

a downlink optical amplifier (101), a downlink wavelength selective switch (WSS) (102), an uplink optical amplifier (103), and an uplink WSS (104)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical amplification: Light

Implementation Method 2

power of each optical fiber link is measured with an optical power meter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical power detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4395205B1Optical fiber test method, roadm system, server and storage medium
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ZTE CORP
  • EP4395205B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4395205B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4395205B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The disclosure relates to the technical field of optical fibers, and particularly relates to an optical fiber detection method, a reconfigurable optical add-drop multiplexer (ROADM) system, a server, and a storage medium. The optical fiber detection method is applied to a network management server of the ROADM system. The method includes: sequentially turning on one optical fiber according to a preset order; controlling a downlink optical amplifier corresponding to the optical fiber to provide an optical signal; obtaining first optical power output by the downlink optical amplifier corresponding to the optical fiber and second optical power input to an uplink optical amplifier corresponding to the optical fiber; and obtaining a connection state of the optical fiber based on a pre-stored first insertion loss value of a downlink wavelength selective switch (WSS) corresponding to the optical fiber, a pre-stored second insertion loss value of an uplink WSS corresponding to the optical fiber, the first optical power, and the second optical power. In an entire testing process, corresponding optical fibers only need to be sequentially turned on according to the preset order, such that a lot of manpower, material resources and time cost are reduced, interference of human factors in test results is basically avoided, and reliability is greatly improved.