Fault Localization Using Subcarrier Multiplexing Monitoring Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fault localization methods for optical communication networks require additional monitoring light sources and expensive optical band pass filters, making them economically inefficient and limiting their effectiveness in accurately and promptly locating faults in optical fibers.
Innovation Solution
A fault localization apparatus that uses a downstream light source to modulate and transmit a monitoring pulse signal within a frequency band non-interfering with downstream data signals, allowing for fault detection without the need for additional monitoring light sources or expensive optical filters, utilizing a coupler or switch to combine and output the signals, and a monitoring pulse signal reception unit to extract and analyze the signal for fault position identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an additional monitoring light source and optical band pass filter are used for fault localization, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream light source is designed to serve dual functions: transmitting downstream data signals and transmitting monitoring pulse signals for fault localization. By modulating the monitoring pulse signal onto the downstream light source's wavelength, the system eliminates the need for separate monitoring light sources and optical band pass filters, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining fault detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the monitoring signal transmission function with the downstream data transmission function by using the same downstream light source and wavelength. The monitoring pulse signal is modulated onto the downstream optical signal, combining both functions into a single transmission path, which reduces the number of required components including light sources and optical filters
2Measurement precision
If an additional monitoring light source and optical band pass filter are used for fault localization, then fault detection accuracy is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downstream light source performs both data transmission and fault monitoring functions, eliminating the need to manufacture and install additional monitoring light sources and optical band pass filters. This multi-functional approach significantly reduces system cost while maintaining the ability to accurately detect faults through the modulated monitoring signals
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive optical band pass filters with electrical band pass filters for signal separation. Electrical filters are significantly cheaper and more easily manufactured than optical filters, thereby reducing system cost while still achieving effective signal separation and fault detection
3Ease of manufacture
If downstream light source is used for monitoring instead of additional light source, then system cost is reduced, but signal interference may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring pulse signal is transmitted periodically in the form of short pulses at specific time intervals, while downstream data signals are transmitted continuously. This periodic transmission allows the monitoring signal to be temporally separated from data signals, reducing interference and enabling clear detection of fault reflections without affecting data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
Modulation acts as an intermediary mechanism that separates the monitoring signal from the downstream data signal in the frequency domain. By modulating the monitoring pulse signal onto the downstream light source's wavelength, the system enables signal separation through frequency domain multiplexing, preventing interference between monitoring and data transmission
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
Enables cost-effective and accurate fault localization in optical communication networks by leveraging existing downstream light sources and electrical band pass filters, reducing the need for additional equipment and improving the reliability of fault detection in optical communication networks.
Implementation Method 1
modulates a monitoring pulse signal to a subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) signal of a certain frequency band
Implementation Method 2
backward-scattered light is received by an OTDR receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are a fault localization apparatus based on an optical communication network and a method thereof. In the fault localization apparatus according to the present invention, a downstream light source is used as a monitoring optical signal instead of using an additional monitoring light source and a subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) monitoring pulse signal of a certain frequency band having no interference with a frequency band of a downstream data signal is used and thus a fault position may be detected at low cost.