SFP Transceiver with Integrated OTDR for Fiber Failure Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical time domain reflectometers (OTDRs) and optical transceivers require separate devices for fiber characterization, leading to increased power consumption and complexity in monitoring optical fiber links between aggregator switches and endpoint devices.
Innovation Solution
A small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver with integrated OTDR functionality and a monitoring processor that reports link status and failure information to a cloud-based application, reducing power consumption by remaining idle during normal operation and sending failure reports only when necessary.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a separate OTDR device is used to monitor optical fiber links, then measurement precision and fiber characterization capability are improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the OTDR monitoring functionality with the SFP optical transceiver by integrating an OTDR controller and monitor processor into the transceiver module. This merging eliminates the need for separate OTDR devices and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining fiber characterization capabilities through the unified transceiver design
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring is performed to detect link failures, then reliability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitor processor operates in periodic cycles, remaining in idle state during normal operation and activating only when link failures are detected. This periodic monitoring approach maintains reliable failure detection while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver performs self-monitoring through integrated OTDR functionality, with the monitor processor autonomously detecting link failures and initiating failure reports without requiring external monitoring equipment, thereby maintaining reliability while minimizing additional power requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If integrated OTDR functionality is added to the transceiver, then device versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SFP transceiver is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an optical communication interface and an OTDR monitoring device. The integrated OTDR controller and monitor processor enable the same hardware to perform data transmission and fiber characterization, improving versatility while using standardized manufacturing processes
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 SFP optical transceiver effectively monitors and characterizes optical fiber links, reducing power consumption and simplifying monitoring processes while providing real-time failure reporting and link re-establishment capabilities without increasing normal operating power usage.
Implementation Method 1
optical circuitry components (210) configured to convert between optical signals (202) received from or transmitted to the end point computing device (120) over the optical fiber cable (115) and electrical signals (204)
Implementation Method 2
Devices such as OTDRs inject a series of optical pulses into the fiber under test and extract, from the same end of the fiber, light that is scattered (Rayleigh backscatter) or reflected back from points along the fiber
Implementation Method 3
OTDRs inject a series of optical pulses into the fiber under test and extract, from the same end of the fiber, light that is scattered (Rayleigh backscatter) or reflected back from points along the fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments include a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver having optical time domain reflectometer functionality. A monitor processor is included in the transceiver to report link status and failure information to a cloud-based monitoring application. When a fiber optic link is established, the monitor processor remains idle to reduce power consumption by the transceiver. Upon failure of the link, the monitor processor sends a failure report to the monitoring application which can use the data to alert operators to presence and location of optical fiber breaks in the network.