Wavelength Division Multiplexing Remote Apparatus Self-Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength division multiplexing transmission systems require manual intervention and dedicated line monitoring nodes to set wavelengths for new remote apparatuses, leading to increased maintenance time and complexity due to the need for bidirectional communication and potential signal collisions.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength division multiplexing transmission system where remote apparatuses autonomously determine available wavelengths based on received optical signals from the station apparatus, eliminating the need for preconfiguration and dedicated line monitoring nodes, using wavelength determining means that include wavelength separating, control, and transmission means to adjust output wavelengths without extra signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual intervention and dedicated line monitoring nodes are used to set wavelengths for new remote apparatuses, then wavelength assignment can be achieved, but maintenance time and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote apparatus autonomously determines available wavelengths by receiving optical signals from the station apparatus and identifying unused wavelengths without requiring manual intervention or dedicated line monitoring nodes. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex centralized wavelength management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the wavelength determination function from centralized line monitoring nodes and manual configuration processes, enabling each remote apparatus to independently perform wavelength assignment. This decentralization removes the need for dedicated monitoring infrastructure.
2Reliability
If manual wavelength setting is performed for new remote apparatuses, then wavelength configuration is achieved, but maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote apparatus performs preliminary wavelength determination by continuously monitoring optical signals from the station apparatus to identify unused wavelengths before actual communication begins. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming manual configuration during deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous wavelength determination process allows remote apparatuses to self-configure without requiring maintenance personnel intervention, significantly reducing maintenance time while maintaining configuration reliability through systematic wavelength detection.
3Loss of information
If bidirectional communication is implemented for wavelength assignment, then wavelength information can be exchanged, but signal collisions may occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using bidirectional communication to exchange wavelength information, the patent inverts the approach by having remote apparatuses unidirectionally receive optical signals from the station apparatus and autonomously determine available wavelengths from the received signals, eliminating the need for bidirectional wavelength negotiation and preventing signal collisions.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If dedicated line monitoring nodes are used, then wavelength detection is achieved, but system configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The station apparatus performs multiple functions including both optical signal transmission and wavelength information provision to remote apparatuses. The remote apparatuses themselves perform wavelength detection by analyzing received signals, eliminating the need for dedicated line monitoring nodes and simplifying system configuration.
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 reduces maintenance requirements, eliminates signal collisions, and simplifies system configuration by allowing remote apparatuses to self-configure their wavelengths, thereby reducing operational complexity and costs while enabling efficient communication.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength demultiplexer 7 connected between the station apparatus 10 and the plurality of remote apparatuses 20-1-20-n
Implementation Method 2
a wavelength multiplexer 8 which multiplexes individual optical signals 2021-202n and outputs the resulting signal to the wavelength demultiplexer 4 of the station apparatus 10
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a wavelength division multiplexing transmission system and apparatuses used therein, in which a remote apparatus to be newly added to a station apparatus autonomously sets a wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus, thereby avoiding the need for presetting a wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus. The remote apparatus includes wavelength determining means that determines an available wavelength on the basis of an optical signal received from the station apparatus. The wavelength determining means may determine the wavelength of an unreceived optical signal as the available wavelength or may determine the wavelength of a received optical signal as the available wavelength, and may set that wavelength as a transmission and reception wavelength to be used in the remote apparatus.