Transponder-Amplifier Segmentation for Optical Network Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional long-haul terrestrial optical fiber networks are power-limited and have a high risk of large-scale system breakdown due to the failure of single active components, which can affect a large number of customers.
Innovation Solution
The integration of active amplifying components with transponders to form transponder-amplifiers, which are distributed throughout the network, allowing for independent operation and reducing the impact of a single component failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single amplifier is used to amplify all input signals before transmission, then the network can transmit data over long distances, but the breakdown of that single amplifier can cause large-scale system breakdown affecting many customers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single centralized amplifier into multiple distributed amplifiers, each serving a specific segment of the optical network. This segmentation ensures that if one amplifier fails, only its local segment is affected, not the entire network, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
Each distributed amplifier is configured to serve a specific local network segment with tailored parameters optimized for that segment's requirements. This local quality approach allows each amplifier to be independently optimized and fails independently, preventing cascade failures across the entire network
2Length of moving object
If amplifiers with greater power capabilities are used, then light signals can be transmitted over larger terrestrial distances, but the network becomes more vulnerable to single point of failure breakdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission path is segmented into multiple shorter segments, each served by its own amplifier. This allows the use of high-power amplifiers for long-distance transmission within each segment while limiting the impact of any single amplifier failure to only that segment, thereby maintaining both transmission distance capability and system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point amplification model to a distributed spatial arrangement of multiple amplifiers along the transmission path. This dimensional change from centralized to distributed architecture enables high-power transmission over long distances while eliminating single points of failure through spatial distribution
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional solid core optical fibers are used, then the network infrastructure is well-established, but the network is power-limited and cannot fully utilize the capabilities of hollow core fibers
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed amplifier system is designed to be universally applicable across different fiber types including both solid core and hollow core fibers. Each amplifier can be configured to work with the specific characteristics of the connected fiber type, enabling the network to flexibly adapt between fiber technologies while maintaining high optical power capabilities and transmission performance
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 solution increases the reliability and robustness of the network by minimizing the blast radius of component failures, allowing the network to maintain functionality despite individual amplifier failures, and enhancing overall system power and availability.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of first light signals are boosted using the power amplifier
Implementation Method 2
Each transponder-amplifier of the plurality of transponder-amplifiers comprises a transponder in optical communication with a power amplifier and a pre-amplifier
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting a light signal between a first solid core optical fiber network and a hollow core fiber network includes a plurality of transponder-amplifiers, where each transponder-amplifier of the plurality of transponder-amplifiers comprises a transponder in optical communication with one of a power amplifier and a pre-amplifier. The plurality of transponder-amplifiers is in optical communication with the first solid core optical fiber network and is operative to receive a plurality of first light signals from the plurality of transponder amplifiers. A multiplexer located downstream of the plurality of transponder-amplifiers is operative to receive the plurality of first light signals. The multiplexer is operative to select between a plurality of first light signals and transmits at least one light signal of the plurality of first light signals to the hollow core fiber network.