Submarine Optical Cable Switching for Flexible Land Station Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing submarine optical cable systems face limitations in flexibility when additional installations, such as branch devices or submarine optical cables, are required to connect with new land stations, necessitating a configuration that cannot be changed without interrupting large-capacity optical communication.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates first and second switching devices connected to land stations via submarine optical cables, with optical and electrical switches that allow dynamic reconfiguration of optical fiber and power supply connections based on control signals, enabling flexible additional installations without disrupting existing communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed configuration of submarine optical cables and branch devices is used, then large-capacity optical communication is established, but flexibility for additional installations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamically reconfigurable optical switches at both land stations and branch devices, allowing the system to transition from static to dynamic configuration. The optical switches can change connection paths in real-time based on operational needs, enabling flexible addition of new land stations without fixed pre-configuration constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs branch devices with multi-functional capabilities, where each branch device can serve both as a connection point for existing submarine optical cables and as an interface for additional installations. The universal design allows the same hardware to handle both legacy and new connections through dynamic switching
2Adaptability or versatility
If submarine optical cables are replaced to add new land stations, then new connections are established, but communication interruption occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-deploys optical switches and alternative routing paths before additional installations are needed. The land stations and branch devices are equipped with switching capabilities in advance, creating ready-made backup paths that can be activated immediately when new connections are required, avoiding communication interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical switches as intermediary devices between land stations and submarine optical cables. These switches act as mediators that can redirect traffic through alternative paths during configuration changes, ensuring continuous communication while new land stations are integrated
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical switches are deployed at land stations and branch devices, then reconfigurability is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical switching function into separate modular units at land stations and branch devices. Each optical switch operates as an independent segment with localized control, reducing the complexity burden on any single device while collectively providing system-wide reconfigurability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where optical switches receive control signals based on system state information and automatically adjust connections. This feedback-driven automation reduces the need for complex manual configuration and simplifies the operational complexity of the switching devices
Data Source
AI summary
In order to improve the flexibilities of structures to be added, a submarine optical cable system according to the present invention comprises a first switching device connected to a first land station by means of a first submarine optical cable, a second switching device connected to a second land station by means of a second submarine optical cable, and a third submarine optical cable connected to the first switching device and to the second switching device, wherein the first switching device comprises a first optical fiber core connecting unit and a first optical switch group, and the second switching device comprises a second optical fiber core connecting unit and a second optical switch group.