Wavelength-Selective Optical Switches for Remote OTDR Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Fault testing in passive optical networks is time-consuming and expensive, requiring manual disconnection of local fibers and the use of Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) for fault location, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with wavelength-selective optical switches that allow for remote propagation of OTDR signals while maintaining data transmission signals, enabling selective testing of local fibers without interrupting service and reducing the need for technician visits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual disconnection of local fibers and OTDR testing is performed, then fault location can be determined, but the process becomes time-consuming and expensive requiring technician visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wavelength-selective optical switches as intermediaries between the OTDR testing system and the local fibers. These switches enable remote activation and allow OTDR signals to be directed to specific fibers without requiring physical access at the fiber distribution hub, thereby eliminating the need for technician visits while maintaining accurate fault location capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical disconnection and connection of fiber connectors with an automated optical switching system. The wavelength-selective optical switches can be activated remotely to connect OTDR signals to specific local fibers, substituting the mechanical manual operation with an automated optical control mechanism that can be operated from a distance
2Reliability
If manual disconnection of local fibers is performed for testing, then fault testing can be conducted, but the process becomes expensive requiring technician visits to FDH
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the optical network to perform self-diagnosis through remote OTDR testing. The wavelength-selective optical switches allow the system to automatically direct test signals to specific fibers and routes without human intervention, enabling the network to monitor and diagnose its own health status, thereby reducing the need for expensive technician visits for routine fault detection
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength-selective optical switches serve as intermediaries that enable remote testing capability. By allowing OTDR signals to be directed to specific fibers remotely, these switches eliminate the need for technicians to physically visit the fiber distribution hub, thereby reducing maintenance costs while preserving comprehensive fault detection capability
3Measurement precision
If OTDR signals are propagated through all output waveguides, then comprehensive testing can be performed, but data transmission signals are interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the optical switching wavelength-selective rather than uniform across all wavelengths. The wavelength-selective optical switches are configured to respond only to OTDR test wavelengths while being transparent to data transmission wavelengths, allowing comprehensive testing coverage to be applied locally only where needed without affecting data transmission in other wavelength channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by exploiting the wavelength parameter differentiation between OTDR test signals and data transmission signals. The wavelength-selective optical switches are configured with specific wavelength response characteristics that allow them to selectively pass or block signals based on their wavelength, enabling comprehensive testing at test wavelengths while maintaining uninterrupted data transmission at operational wavelengths
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 quicker and less expensive fault testing and repair operations by allowing remote testing of fiber communications systems, reducing network downtime and maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A waveguide splitter module is coupled at an input side of the waveguide splitter module to the input waveguide and to the plurality of output waveguides at an output side of the waveguide splitter module
Implementation Method 2
Wavelength-selective optical switches are disposed at respective locations at at least one of i) the plurality of output waveguides and ii) the waveguide splitter module
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to a system and method for troubleshooting in an optical data network that has a laser transmitter/receiver unit that outputs a data signal and an OTDR unit that produces an OTDR probe signal. The data and OTDR probe signals, typically at different wavelengths, are coupled into one end of a trunk fiber which is coupled at its far end to an optical circuit that includes a number of wavelength-selective optical switches and has multiple outputs that are directed to different end users. The optical switches are configurable so as to provide the OTDR probe signal to only one of the optical circuit's outputs while maintaining the data signal at the same output, while also maintaining the data signal, without the OTDR probe signal, at other outputs.