Sensing Transceiver Fiber Status Detection Access Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for fiber optic cable sensing in access networks are cost-prohibitive and inefficient due to the need for dedicated dark fibers or wavelength sharing, making it difficult to monitor and determine the status of access fiber optic cables, leading to resource consumption in re-establishing connectivity and communicating disrupted services.
Innovation Solution
A sensing transceiver that transmits communication data, ceases transmission to generate an optical pulse, and analyzes the reflected signal to determine the status of access fiber optic cables, conserving resources by identifying operational, damaged, or faulty cables without the need for dedicated dark fibers or extensive wavelength sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dedicated dark fiber optic cables are used for sensing, then measurement precision of fiber status is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables communication transceivers to perform both communication and fiber sensing functions using the same infrastructure. The sensing transceiver uses the access fiber optic cable for both data communication and distributed acoustic sensing, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensing fibers and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines communication and sensing functions into a single transceiver unit. By integrating the optical pulse generation and reflected signal analysis capabilities into existing communication transceivers, the system merges two previously separate functions into one unified device.
2Device complexity
If wavelength sharing technology is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic optical pulse transmission at specific time intervals to perform distributed acoustic sensing. By cease transmission of communication data temporarily and generate optical pulses periodically, the system achieves accurate fiber status measurement without requiring complex wavelength sharing mechanisms.
3Reliability
If fiber sensing is implemented in access networks, then reliability of service monitoring is improved, but loss of time occurs due to transmission cessation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs fiber sensing at periodic intervals by temporarily ceasing communication transmission only during the brief optical pulse measurement window. This periodic approach ensures reliable fiber status monitoring while minimizing overall transmission interruption time compared to continuous sensing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing operation rapidly transmits optical pulses and analyzes reflected signals in a brief time window, then quickly resumes normal communication transmission. This rushing through the sensing process minimizes the duration of transmission cessation while still achieving reliable fiber status detection.
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
The sensing transceiver effectively determines the status of access fiber optic cables, conserving resources by reducing the need for re-establishing connectivity and minimizing communication with customers regarding disrupted services, thereby optimizing resource usage.
Implementation Method 1
generate an optical pulse... transmit the optical pulse to the transceiver via the access fiber optic cable... receive a reflected signal from the access fiber optic cable based on transmitting the optical pulse
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a device may transmit communication data to a transceiver via an access fiber optic cable. The device may determine that fiber sensing is to be performed for the access fiber optic cable. The device may cease transmission of the communication data for a predetermined time period. The device may generate an optical pulse after ceasing transmission of the communication data. The device may transmit the optical pulse to the transceiver via the access fiber optic cable. The device may receive, prior to expiration of the predetermined time period, a reflected signal from the access fiber optic cable based on the optical pulse. The device may analyze the reflected signal to generate sensing results. The device may perform one or more actions based on the sensing results.