JP7159719B2 - Control device, transmission node, optical communication system, and signal quality test method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical communication device, and more particularly to a technology for setting communication conditions.

Disaggregation of optical communication systems used in communication networks, data centers, etc. is becoming popular, mainly by large-scale communication carriers and service providers. Disaggregation is a method of dividing an all-in-one type communication system into functional block units such as transponders, switches, and optical amplifiers, and configuring the communication system only with required functions and required quantities. In the all-in-one type, for example, as shown in FIG. 12, one communication system vendor supplies each device constituting the system. On the other hand, in a disaggregation-type communication system, for example, as shown in FIG. 13, it is possible to freely combine devices of a plurality of vendors in the required quantity, and the cost reduction effect of the communication system can be expected.

In the all-in-one type, one communication system vendor supplies each device. Therefore, it is designed to ensure communication quality in a communication network composed of a plurality of nodes. On the other hand, since the Disaggregation-type communication system is composed of multi-vendor devices, a separate mechanism for ensuring communication quality is important.

In the recent optical communication system, modulation schemes are becoming more sophisticated due to increased capacity, and the degree of multi-value is improving. At the same time, wavelength intervals are becoming narrower, increasing the influence of crosstalk between channels. Therefore, when additional transponders are added, the additional transponders may be arranged with a different vendor and a different modulation format from the transponders currently in use. When adding a transponder with a different vendor or modulation format, it is important to have a technique to confirm in advance the effect of the added transponder on the signal quality of the currently used transponder. For example, Patent Literatures 1 to 3 disclose techniques for confirming in advance the influence of the added transponder on the signal quality of the current transponder when adding such a transponder.

Patent Document 1 relates to a method of measuring the influence of an added transponder when adding transponders. Patent Document 1 discloses a method of arranging test continuous light so as to be adjacent to modulated light of a main signal and measuring the influence of an additional transponder. Patent document 2 discloses a method of measuring the influence using a sinusoidal pilot signal having a wavelength different from that of the modulated light of the main signal. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a method of measuring the influence of an additional transponder using a test signal having the same wavelength as the main signal.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-311721 JP-A-2006-135788 JP-A-2000-115077

However, the technique of Patent Document 1 is not sufficient in the following respects. In the method of Patent Document 1, in a communication system with a narrow wavelength interval, test continuous light adjacent to the main signal can affect the main signal. Therefore, it is not possible to test the setting conditions of the additional transponder while communicating with the active transponder. Also, in the methods of Cited Documents 2 and 3 as well, if the setting conditions of the additional transponder are optimized, there is a risk of affecting communication by the active transponder. Therefore, the methods of each cited document are not sufficient as techniques for optimizing the setting conditions of additional transponders without affecting communications by the active transponders.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above problems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a control device capable of optimizing the setting conditions of additional transponders without affecting communications by working transponders.

In order to solve the above problems, the control device of the present invention comprises control means and acquisition means. The control means sets parameters for an additional transponder to be added in addition to the active transponder. The control means controls the active transponder and the additional transponder, or the first test transponder simulating the active transponder and the second test transponder simulating the additional transponder based on a predetermined set value, and the main signal is transmitted. A test signal is transmitted so that at least one of the wavelength and the transmission line to be transmitted is different from the output signal from the working transponder. The acquiring means acquires signal quality data of the test signal at a node that receives the test signal. When the signal quality of the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition, the control means sets the additional transponder based on a predetermined set value and controls transmission of the main signal from the working transponder and the additional transponder. The control means changes a predetermined set value to control transmission of the test signal when the signal quality does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

The transmitting node of the present invention comprises transmitting means and control means. The transmitting means transmits main signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder, or from a first test transponder simulating the working transponder and a second testing transponder simulating the additional transponder, based on a predetermined set value. A test signal that is different from the output signal from the working transponder in at least one of the wavelength of the main signal and the transmission line on the same route as the transmission line on which the main signal is transmitted and the transmission line on the same route. to send. When the signal quality of the test signal at the node receiving the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition, the control means sets the additional transponder based on a predetermined set value to transmit the main signal from the working transponder and the additional transponder. to start. The control means changes a predetermined set value and transmits a test signal when the signal quality does not satisfy a predetermined condition.

In the signal testing method of the present invention, a working transponder and an extension transponder that is added in addition to the working transponder, or a first test transponder imitating the working transponder and a second testing transponder imitating the extension transponder are tested in a predetermined manner. Control based on the set value, and transmit the test signal so that at least one of the wavelength and the transmission line that is transmitted to the transmission line that is the same as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted is different from the output signal from the working transponder do. A signal testing method of the present invention determines whether the signal quality of a test signal satisfies a predetermined condition. According to the signal testing method of the present invention, when the signal quality of the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition, the extension transponder is set based on a predetermined set value to control transmission of the main signal from the working transponder and the extension transponder. According to the signal testing method of the present invention, when the signal quality does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the predetermined set value is changed to control transmission of the test signal.

According to the present invention, it is possible to optimize the setting conditions of the additional transponder without affecting the communication by the working transponder.

1 is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration of a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration of a communication system according to a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the configuration of a node according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transponder that constitutes a node of the second embodiment of the invention; FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an NMS according to the second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. It is a figure which shows the operation|movement flow of the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transponder that constitutes a node of a third embodiment of the invention; It is a figure which shows the operation|movement flow of the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transponder that constitutes a node of a fourth embodiment of the invention; It is a figure which shows the operation|movement flow of the 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of a structure of the computer which performs each process in each embodiment of this invention. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an all-in-one communication system; FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a Disaggregation-type communication system; FIG.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overview of the configuration of the control device of this embodiment. The control device of this embodiment includes control means 10 and acquisition means 20 . The control means 10 sets parameters for an additional transponder that is added in addition to the active transponder. The control means 10 controls the active transponder and the additional transponder, or the first test transponder simulating the active transponder and the second test transponder simulating the additional transponder based on a predetermined set value, and the main signal is A test signal is transmitted so that at least one of the wavelength and the transmission line to be transmitted is different from that of the output signal from the working transponder. Acquisition means 20 acquires signal quality data of a test signal at a node that receives the test signal. When the signal quality of the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition, the control means 10 sets the additional transponder based on a predetermined set value, and controls transmission of the main signal from the working transponder and the additional transponder. When the signal quality does not satisfy a predetermined condition, the control means 10 changes a predetermined set value to control transmission of the test signal.

The control device of the present embodiment is controlled by the control means 10 such that at least one of the wavelength and the transmission line to which the main signal is transmitted is different from the output signal from the current transponder. sending a test signal to In the control device of this embodiment, the acquiring means 20 acquires signal quality data of the test signal, and the control means 10 sets the additional transponder depending on whether the signal quality satisfies a predetermined standard. In this way, by transmitting the test signal so that at least one of the wavelength or the transmission line to be transmitted is different from the output signal from the working transponder and setting the additional transponder, the optical signal of the working transponder can be transmitted. It is possible to suppress the influence of In addition, since the setting of the additional transponder is performed based on the signal quality of the test signal transmitted under conditions close to those of actual operation, the setting of the transponder can be optimized. As a result, by using the control device of this embodiment, the setting conditions of the additional transponder can be optimized without affecting the communication by the working transponder.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 shows an overview of the configuration of the communication system of this embodiment. The communication system of this embodiment is configured as an optical communication network for transmitting and receiving wavelength multiplexed signals between nodes. In the communication system of the present embodiment, setting of each node and monitoring of communication status are performed by an NMS (Network Management System).

The communication system of this embodiment comprises a node 101 and NMS 102 . Each node 101 is connected to each other via a transmission line using an optical fiber. Also, the NMS 102 is connected to each node 101 via a communication line.

The node 101 has a function of switching the path of the wavelength-multiplexed optical signal input from the optical transmission line 201 in units of wavelengths and transmitting the signal to the optical transmission line 201 again. A configuration of the node 101 will be described. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of the node 101 of this embodiment used as a sending node and a receiving node.

Node 101 comprises optical switch 203 , multicast optical switch 205 and transponder 206 . The optical switch 203 and the multicast optical switch 205 are connected via the drop/add port 202 . Also, the multicast optical switch 205 and the transponder 206 are connected via the transponder side port 204 .

The optical switch 203 is a switch that drops and adds an optical signal of an arbitrary wavelength among the wavelength multiplexed signals transmitted through the optical transmission line 201 . The optical switch 203 switches wavelength-multiplexed optical signals that are branched from the optical transmission line 201 at the node 101 and output to the branch/add port 202 on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis. Also, the optical switch 203 switches wavelength-multiplexed optical signals to be added to the optical transmission line 201 at the node 101 input via the drop/add port 202 on a wavelength-by-wavelength basis. The optical switch 203 is configured using, for example, a WSS (Wavelength Selectable Switch).

The multicast optical switch 205 connects the add/drop side port 202 and the transponder side port 204 in wavelength units. The multicast optical switch 205 is an optical switch that connects each transponder 206 and each port of the optical switch 203 under the control of the node controller 207 . An optical switch having a CDC (Colorless, Directionless, Contentless) function is used for the multicast optical switch 205 . An optical switch with a CDC function is an optical switch free from route restrictions, wavelength restrictions and wavelength contention.

Transponder 206 is a communication module that transmits and receives optical signals. Transponder 206 may have either transmit or receive capabilities. A node controller 207 controls the wavelength and modulation method of the optical signal transmitted and received by the transponder 206 . The transponder 206 includes a semiconductor laser that outputs light of an assigned wavelength and a modulator as elements constituting a transmission function. Also, the transponder 206 has a photodiode as an element constituting a reception function.

A node controller 207 has a function of controlling each unit of the node 101 . The node controller 207 controls the wavelength and modulation scheme of each transponder 206 based on information received from the NMS 102 . Node controller 207 controls optical switch 203 and multicast optical switch 205 based on information received from NMS 102 . Also, the node controller 207 controls each unit based on information received from the NMS 102 to transmit and receive test signals. The node controller 207 is configured by a semiconductor device such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), for example.

The optical amplifier 208 has a function of compensating for loss in the optical transmission line. The optical amplifier 208 is configured using, for example, an EDFA (Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifier) and an excitation light source.

The configuration of the transponder 206 in the node 101 of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of transponder 206 in each of the transmitting node and receiving node.

The transmitting node and receiving node of FIG. 4 comprise a working transponder 301 , an additional transponder 302 , a first testing transponder 303 and a second testing transponder 304 . The working transponder 301 transmits or receives a 5Ch optical signal. Further, the additional transponder 302 transmits or receives an optical signal of 1Ch with a wavelength adjacent to the working transponder 301 .

The first test transponder 303 and the second test transponder 304 respectively transmit or receive optical signals of assigned wavelengths. A first test transponder 303 is used as a transponder that simulates the working transponder 301 . Also, the second test transponder 304 is used as a transponder that simulates the additional transponder 302 .

The NMS 102 is a control device that controls each node 101 that configures the communication network. FIG. 5 shows an example of the configuration of the NMS 102. As shown in FIG. The NMS 102 in FIG. 5 includes a communication control section 121, a setting control section 122, and a signal quality acquisition section 123. The NMS 102 also has a communication module that communicates with each node 101 .

The communication control unit 121 has a function of controlling the entire communication network. The communication control unit 121 monitors the communication network and controls each node 101 .

The setting control unit 122 has a function of setting the wavelength and modulation method of the optical signal transmitted/received by each node 101 . The setting control unit 122 sets the optical power, wavelength, modulation method, etc. of the optical signal transmitted/received by each transponder 206 when the transponder 206 is added to each node 101 or when the setting is changed. The setting control unit 122 controls each node 101 and performs a test to confirm the optimum wavelength when setting the wavelength of the optical signal transmitted and received by the transponder 206 when the transponder 206 is added. Also, the setting control unit 122 of the present embodiment corresponds to the control means 10 of the first embodiment.

Signal quality acquisition section 123 acquires signal quality data of the received signal from node 101 on the receiving node side. Also, the signal quality acquisition unit 123 of this embodiment corresponds to the acquisition unit 20 of the first embodiment.

The communication control unit 121, the setting control unit 122, and the signal quality acquisition unit 123 are configured using semiconductor devices such as FPGAs and semiconductor storage devices, for example. Each process performed by the NMS 102 may be performed by executing a computer program by a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

The operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 6 shows the operation flow when setting the setting values of the additional transponders in the communication system of this embodiment.

Upon detecting that the transponder has been added, the NMS 102 starts testing the setting conditions of the added transponder, which is the added transponder. The NMS 102 detects the addition of transponders by, for example, receiving a signal indicating that a transponder has been added from each node 101 . The NMS 102 may determine the addition of transponders and the initiation of testing by operator scanning.

When the test is started, the NMS 102 provides the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node with information on predetermined setting values of the first test transponder 303 and the second test transponder 304 for transmitting test signals. send. The predetermined set value information is configured as information including the set values of the optical power of the optical signal of the test signal output from each test transponder, the modulation method, and the wavelength of the optical signal. Candidates for setting values of optical power, modulation scheme, and optical signal wavelength are set in advance based on communication network settings and wavelength design. Also, the wavelength interval between the first test transponder 303 and the second test transponder 304 is selected from candidates for the wavelength interval assumed as the wavelength interval between the active transponder 301 and the additional transponder 302 . The wavelength of the optical signal for the test signal is set to a wavelength band different from that of the working transponder 301 .

The NMS 102 sets the first test transponders 303 of the transmitting node and the receiving node via the node controller 207 so that they have the same optical power and the same modulation format as the working transponder 301, but different wavelengths (step S11). .

In addition, the NMS 102 sets the optical power, modulation format, and wavelength of the second test transponder 304 of each node via the node controller 207 using the set values assumed for the added transponder (step S12).

After setting the test transponders, the NMS 102 starts transmitting and receiving test signals between the transmitting node and the receiving node using the first test transponder 303 and the second test transponder 304 (step S13).

Upon receiving the test signal, the first test transponder 303 and the second test transponder 304 of the receiving node respectively measure the signal quality of the received signal. In this embodiment, the test transponder of the receiving node measures the Q value as the signal quality of the received signal. After measuring the signal quality, first test transponder 303 and second test transponder 304 send the measured signal quality data to NMS 102 via node controller 207 .

Upon receiving the signal quality measurement data, the NMS 102 determines whether the signal quality at the receiving node meets a predetermined criterion, ie, whether the signal quality is within acceptable limits (step S14). The predetermined standard of signal quality is set, for example, as a range of Q values corresponding to the signal quality required for stable reception of the signal.

When the signal quality is out of the allowable range (No in step S15), the NMS 102 sends information on the optical power, modulation format and wavelength corresponding to the new setting values to the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node, The test transponder is reset using the new setting value (step S18).

Upon receiving the new set value information, each node controller 207 resets the second test transponder 304 with the new set value. After resetting the second test transponder 304, the NMS 102 again executes the operations from the communication test in step S13.

When the signal quality is within the allowable value (Yes in step S15), the NMS 102 sets the additional transponder 302 based on the set value within the allowable value. The NMS 102 sets the set values of the optical power and modulation format when they are within the allowable range as the set values of the optical power and modulation format of the additional transponder 302 . Further, the NMS 102 sets the wavelength of the additional transponder 302 so that the wavelength interval between the test transponders when it is within the allowable value is the same as the wavelength interval between the working transponder 301 and the additional transponder 302 (step S16). ).

After setting the additional transponder settings, the NMS 102 sends information about the settings of the additional transponder 302 to the transmitting node and the receiving node. When the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node receive the setting value information of the additional transponder 302, they set the additional transponder 302 based on the received setting value. When the setting of the additional transponder 302 is completed, the NMS 102 controls each node to start communication between the transmitting node and the receiving node (step S17).

In the communication system of the present embodiment, the signal quality is measured using test transponders that respectively simulate the working transponder and the additional transponder in a band different from the wavelength band that the working transponder uses for the main signal. . In the communication system of the embodiment, the wavelength of the additional transponder is set based on the wavelength of the working transponder based on the wavelength interval between the test transponders when the signal quality is satisfied in the measurement using the test transponder. Setting transponder. With such a configuration, the communication system of this embodiment can set the wavelength of the additional transponder without affecting the signal of the working transponder.

In the communication system of this embodiment, by setting the additional transponder based on the conditions set using the test transponder, the influence on the working wavelength is suppressed, and the signal of the working wavelength is generated under the conditions similar to those of the extension. can estimate the impact on As a result, the communication system can install and operate the additional transponder while transmitting/receiving the optical signal by the current transponder.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The communication system of the present embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 2, as in the second embodiment, and has nodes configured as shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the communication system and each node will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

The communication system of the second embodiment uses a test transponder to test the influence of the added wavelength on the working wavelength. Instead of such a configuration, the communication system of the present embodiment is characterized in that the optical signals output from the working transponder and the added transponder are used to test the influence of the added wavelength on the working wavelength. .

A configuration of a transponder that configures each node 101 will be described. FIG. 7 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of transponders in each node. Also, the transmission node and the reception node are connected via a first optical transmission line 401 that transmits the main signal and a second optical transmission line 404 that transmits the test optical signal. The first optical transmission line 401 and the second optical transmission line 404 are configured using single core fibers. The first optical transmission line 401 also includes an optical amplifier 402 that compensates for loss of the main signal. Also, the second optical transmission line 404 has an optical amplifier 405 for compensating the test signal.

The active transponder 301 and the additional transponder 302 of this embodiment are provided with a monitor port for branching and outputting a part of the output optical signal from the main signal. The branching of the optical signal is performed using, for example, an optical coupler. In this embodiment, the branching ratio of the monitor port is set to 1:9 between the test signal and the main signal. The monitor port branching ratio may be other ratios.

The optical amplifier 403 amplifies the optical power of the test optical signal output through the monitor ports of the active transponder 301 and the additional transponder 302 to the same level as the main signal.

The quality monitor section 406 has a function of measuring the signal quality of the test signal received via the second optical transmission line 404 . The quality monitor unit 406 measures, for example, the Q value of the test signal received via the second optical transmission line 404 as the signal quality. The quality monitor unit 406 sends the measured signal quality data to the NMS 102 via the node controller 207 .

The optical switch 203 at the transmission node multiplexes the wavelengths of the main signal and the test signal output from each transponder. Also, the optical switch 203 of the receiving node demultiplexes the wavelengths of the main signal and the test signal to each transponder in the receiving node. Also, in the present embodiment, the second optical transmission line 404 is an optical transmission line using an actual optical fiber, but numerical analysis that emulates an optical transmission line may be used.

The operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 shows the operation flow when setting the set values of the additional transponders in the communication system of this embodiment.

Upon detecting that an additional transponder has been added, the NMS 102 starts testing the setting conditions of the additional transponder 302, which is the added transponder. When the test is started, the NMS 102 sets the optical power, modulation format and wavelength using the set values assumed for the additional transponder 302 (step S21). The NMS 102 sends the setting value information of the additional transponder 302 to the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node.

Upon receiving the setting value information, the node controller 207 of each node sets the optical power, modulation format, and wavelength based on the received setting value information.

After setting the additional transponder 302, the NMS 102 sends an instruction to each node to start transmitting and receiving test signals. Upon receiving the instruction to start transmission/reception of the test signal, the node controller 207 of the transmission node opens only the monitor port, and transmits the test signal in which the optical signals from the active transponder 301 and the additional transponder are multiplexed (step S22). At this time, working transponder 301 may continue to transmit the main signal.

When the test signal is transmitted, the optical amplifier 403 amplifies the optical power of the test signal so that it becomes the same level as the optical power of the main signal transmitted through the first optical transmission line 401 (step S23). ). In this embodiment, the optical amplifier 403 amplifies the optical power of the test signal nine times. The test signal whose optical power is amplified by the optical amplifier 403 is sent to the receiving node via the second optical transmission line 404 (step S24).

Upon receiving the test signal via the second optical transmission line 404, the quality monitor section 406 of the receiving node measures the signal quality. The quality monitor unit 406 sends the measured signal quality data to the NMS 102 via the node controller 207 .

Upon receiving the signal quality data at the receiving node, the NMS 102 determines whether the signal quality at the receiving node is within an acceptable range (step S25). The signal quality is set using, for example, a Q value set based on the signal quality required for stable reception processing.

When the signal quality is out of the allowable range (No in step S26), the NMS 102 sends information on the optical power, modulation format and wavelength corresponding to the new setting values to the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node, The additional transponder 302 is reset using the new setting value (step S28).

Upon receiving the new set value information, each node controller 207 resets the additional transponder 302 with the new set value. After resetting, the operation from the setting of the additional transponder 30 in step S21 is executed.

When the signal quality is within the allowable value (Yes in step S26), the NMS 102 sets the additional transponder 302 based on the setting value within the allowable value. The NMS 102 sets the set values of the optical power and modulation format when they are within the allowable range as the set values of the optical power, modulation format and wavelength of the additional transponder.

After setting the setting value of the additional transponder 302, the NMS 102 sends the setting value information of the additional transponder 302 to the transmitting node and the receiving node. When the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node receive the setting value information of the additional transponder 302, they set the additional transponder 302 based on the received setting value. When setting of the additional transponder 302 is completed, communication between the transmitting node and the receiving node is started (step S27).

The communication system of this embodiment splits the optical signals of the working transponder and the additional transponder, and appropriately sets the additional transponder based on the signal quality of the optical signal transmitted using the optical fiber of the same route as the actual route. checking the value. By adopting such a configuration, in the communication system of the present embodiment, it is possible to add more transponders while suppressing the influence on the transmission and reception of signals by the current transponder and on the optical signal after the start of operation.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The communication system of the present embodiment has a configuration as shown in FIG. 2, as in the second embodiment, and has nodes configured as shown in FIG. Therefore, in the following description, the configuration of the communication system and each node will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG.

The communication system of the third embodiment transmits the main signal and the test signal using different optical transmission lines on the same route. Instead of such a configuration, the communication system of the present embodiment is characterized in that the test signal is transmitted using another core of the same cable as the optical fiber that transmits the main signal.

A configuration of a transponder that configures each node 101 will be described. FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of transponders in each node 101. As shown in FIG.

Each node 101 comprises a working transponder 301 , an additional transponder 302 and an optical amplifier 403 . Also, the receiving node further comprises a quality monitor section 406 .

A transmission node and a reception node are connected via an optical transmission line 501 . The optical transmission line 501 transmits the main signal and the test signal output from each transponder. The optical transmission line 501 is configured using multi-core fibers respectively corresponding to the main signal and the test signal. The optical transmission line 501 also includes an optical amplifier 502 compatible with multi-core fibers. The optical amplifier 502 compensates for loss in the optical transmission line 501 by amplifying the optical powers of the main signal and the test signal.

The optical amplifier 403 amplifies the optical power of the test optical signal output through the monitor ports of the active transponder 301 and the additional transponder 302 to the same level as the main signal. In this embodiment, the branching ratio of the monitor port is set to 1:9 between the test signal and the main signal. The monitor port branching ratio may be other ratios.

The quality monitor unit 406 has a function of measuring the signal quality of the test signal received via the optical transmission line 501 . The quality monitor unit 406 measures, for example, the Q value of the test signal received via the optical transmission line 501 as the signal quality. The quality monitor unit 406 sends the measured signal quality data to the NMS 102 via the node controller 207 .

The optical switch 203 at the transmission node multiplexes the wavelengths of the main signal and the test signal output from each transponder. Also, the optical switch 203 of the receiving node demultiplexes the wavelengths of the main signal and the test signal to each transponder in the receiving node. Also, in the present embodiment, the optical transmission line 501 is an optical transmission line using an actual optical fiber, but numerical analysis that emulates the optical transmission line may be used.

The operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described. FIG. 10 shows the operation flow when setting the setting values of the additional transponders in the communication system of this embodiment.

Upon detecting that an additional transponder has been added, the NMS 102 starts testing the setting conditions of the additional transponder 302, which is the added transponder. When the test starts, the NMS 102 sets the optical power, modulation format, and wavelength using the set values assumed for the additional transponder 302 (step S31). The NMS 102 sends the setting value information of the additional transponder 302 to the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node.

Upon receiving the setting value information, the node controller 207 of each node sets the optical power, modulation format, and wavelength based on the received setting value information.

After setting the additional transponder 302, the NMS 102 sends an instruction to each node to start transmitting and receiving test signals. Upon receiving the instruction to start transmission/reception of the test signal, the node controller 207 of the transmission node opens only the monitor port, and transmits the test signal in which the optical signals from the active transponder 301 and the additional transponder are multiplexed (step S32). At this time, working transponder 301 may continue to transmit the main signal.

When the test signal is transmitted, the optical amplifier 403 amplifies the optical power of the test signal so that it becomes the same level as the optical power of the main signal transmitted through the optical transmission line 501 (step S33). In this embodiment, the optical amplifier 403 amplifies the optical power of the test signal nine times. The test signal whose optical power has been amplified by the optical amplifier 403 is sent to the receiving node via the optical transmission line 501 (step S34).

Upon receiving the test signal via the optical transmission line 501, the quality monitor section 406 of the receiving node measures the signal quality. The quality monitor unit 406 sends the measured signal quality data to the NMS 102 via the node controller 207 .

Upon receiving the signal quality data, the NMS 102 determines whether the signal quality at the receiving node is within acceptable limits (step S35). The signal quality is set using, for example, a Q value set based on the signal quality required for stable reception processing.

When the signal quality is out of the allowable range (No in step S36), the NMS 102 sends information on the optical power, modulation format and wavelength corresponding to the new setting values to the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node, The extension transponder 302 is reset with the new setting value (step S38).

Upon receiving the new set value information, each node controller 207 resets the additional transponder 302 with the new set value. After resetting, the operation from the setting of the additional transponder 302 in step S31 is executed.

When the signal quality is within the allowable value (Yes in step S36), the NMS 102 sets the additional transponder 302 based on the set value within the allowable value. The NMS 102 sets the set values of the optical power and modulation format when they are within the allowable range as the set values of the optical power, modulation format and wavelength of the additional transponder 302 .

After setting the setting value of the additional transponder 302, the NMS 102 sends the setting value information of the additional transponder 302 to the transmitting node and the receiving node. When the node controllers 207 of the transmitting node and the receiving node receive the setting value information of the additional transponder 302, they set the additional transponder 302 based on the received setting value. When the setting of the additional transponder 302 is completed, communication between the transmitting node and the receiving node is started (step S37).

The communication system of this embodiment splits the optical signals of the working transponder and the additional transponder, and based on the reception quality of the optical signal transmitted through a core different from the main signal, sets the appropriate setting value of the additional transponder. Confirmed. By adopting such a configuration, in the communication system of the present embodiment, it is possible to add more transponders while suppressing the influence on the transmission and reception of signals by the current transponder and on the optical signal after the start of operation.

Each process performed by the NMS and the node controller in each embodiment may be performed by executing a computer program on a computer. FIG. 11 shows an example of the configuration of a computer 600 that executes a computer program for each process executed by the NMS and node controllers. The computer 600 includes a CPU 601 , a memory 602 , a storage device 603 and an I/F (Interface) section 604 .

The CPU 601 reads a computer program for each process from the storage device 603 and executes it. A memory 602 is configured by a DRAM or the like, and temporarily stores computer programs executed by the CPU 601 and data being processed. A storage device 603 stores computer programs executed by the CPU 601, processing results, information acquired from the outside, and the like. The memory device 603 is configured by, for example, a nonvolatile semiconductor memory device. Other storage devices such as an HDD may be used as the storage device 603 . The I/F unit 604 is an interface for inputting/outputting data with other devices such as a host and a storage medium. The I/F unit 604 functions as an interface for inputting/outputting access requests and data transfer processing notifications, and for inputting/outputting control signals in data transfer processing between a host and a storage medium.

Also, the computer program for each process can be stored in a recording medium and distributed. As the recording medium, for example, a magnetic tape for data recording or a magnetic disk such as a hard disk can be used. Optical discs such as CD-ROMs (Compact Disc Read Only Memory) and DVDs (Digital Versatile Discs) can also be used as recording media. A nonvolatile semiconductor memory may be used as a recording medium.

Some or all of the above-described embodiments can also be described in the following supplementary remarks, but are not limited to the following.

(Appendix 1)
A current transponder and an additional transponder, or a first test transponder that simulates the current transponder and a second test transponder that simulates the additional transponder, depending on the assumed relationship between the current transponder and the additional transponder. The main signal is controlled based on a predetermined set value such that at least one of the wavelength of the main signal and the transmission line on the same route as the main signal is different from the output signal from the current transponder. a control means for transmitting a test signal to a transmission line on the same path as the transmission line through which the signal is transmitted;
an acquisition means for acquiring signal quality data of the test signal at a node that receives the test signal,
When the signal quality of the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition, the control means sets the extension transponder based on the predetermined setting value, and controls transmission of the main signal from the working transponder and the extension transponder. death,
A control device that controls transmission of the test signal by changing the predetermined set value when the signal quality does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

(Appendix 2)
The control means controls transmission of the test signal transmitted from the first test transponder and the second test transponder to the same transmission line as the main signal is transmitted. ,
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the wavelength interval between the first test transponder and the second test transponder set as the predetermined set value, and the wavelength interval between the working transponder and the additional transponder. 1. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the wavelengths of the optical signals output by the additional transponders are set so that the wavelength intervals match.

(Appendix 3)
The control means splits the output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder by controlling a switching element, and uses the main signal of the optical fiber forming the same transmission path as the main signal as the test signal. output to a core different from the core that transmits
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the extension transponder is set to output the main signal based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The control device according to appendix 1, characterized in that it controls the

(Appendix 4)
The control means splits output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder by controlling a switching element, and transmits the main signal forming the same transmission line as the main signal as the test signal. output to a different optical fiber than
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the extension transponder is set to output the main signal based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The control device according to appendix 1, characterized in that it controls the

(Appendix 5)
5. The control device according to any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined condition of the signal quality is set based on a Q value.

(Appendix 6)
from a current transponder and an additional transponder, or from a first test transponder simulating the current transponder and a second test transponder simulating the additional transponder, depending on the assumed relationship between the current transponder and the additional transponder Based on the predetermined set value, the main signal is transmitted such that at least one of the wavelength of the transmission line on which the main signal is transmitted and the transmission line on which the main signal is transmitted is different from the output signal from the working transponder. transmitting means for transmitting a test signal to a transmission line on the same path as the transmission line to be transmitted;
When the signal quality of the test signal at the node receiving the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition, the extension transponder is set based on the predetermined setting value, and the main signal from the working transponder and the extension transponder is set. and for changing the predetermined set value and transmitting the test signal when the signal quality does not satisfy the predetermined condition.

(Appendix 7)
the transmission means transmits the test signal output from the first test transponder and the second test transponder to the same transmission line as the main signal is transmitted;
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the control means controls the first test transponder and the first test transponder set as the predetermined set value when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. Transmission according to appendix 6, characterized in that the wavelength of the optical signal output by the additional transponder is set so that the wavelength interval of the second test transponder matches the wavelength interval of the working transponder and the additional transponder. node.

(Appendix 8)
further branching means for branching the output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder and transmitting them as the test signal to a core different from the main signal of an optical fiber forming the same transmission line as the main signal. prepared,
The control means sets the extension transponder based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The sending node according to appendix 7, characterized in that it controls the output of the main signal.

(Appendix 9)
branching means for branching the output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder and transmitting them as the test signal to an optical fiber different from the optical fiber transmitting the main signal forming the same transmission line as the main signal; further prepared,
The control means sets the extension transponder based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The sending node according to appendix 7, characterized in that it controls the output of the main signal.

(Appendix 10)
10. The transmission node according to any one of appendices 6 to 9, wherein the predetermined condition of the signal quality is set based on a Q value.

(Appendix 11)
A control device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 5;
a transmitting node according to any one of Appendices 6 to 10;
a receiving node having means for measuring signal quality of an optical signal received from the transmitting node via a transmission line,
The receiving node transmits data of the measured signal quality to the control device;
The optical communication system, wherein the controller sets the additional transponder of the transmission node based on the signal quality data received from the reception node.

(Appendix 12)
An active transponder, an additional transponder, a first test transponder simulating the active transponder, a second test transponder simulating the additional transponder, and an optical transmission line for transmitting an optical signal output from the transponder. and an optical amplifier that compensates for transmission loss,
A signal quality test system, wherein the first test transponder and the second test transponder are used to measure the effect of the additional transponder on the working transponder.

(Appendix 13)
The optical transmission line transmitting the output signals of the working transponder and the additional transponder is the same as the optical transmission line transmitting the output signals of the first test transponder and the second test transponder. 13. The signal quality test system of claim 12, characterized by:

(Appendix 14)
14. The signal quality testing system of claim 13, wherein wavelengths of the first test transponder and the second test transponder are different from wavelengths of the working transponder and the additional transponder.

(Appendix 15)
The optical transmission line for transmitting the output signals of the working transponder and the additional transponder is different from the optical transmission line for transmitting the output signals of the first test transponder and the second test transponder. 14. The signal quality test system of claim 13.

(Appendix 16)
The optical transmission line that transmits the output signals of the working transponder and the additional transponder is a first core of a multi-core fiber, and the transmission line that transmits the output signals of the first test transponder and the second test transponder. 16. The signal quality test system according to appendix 15, wherein the optical transmission line is a second core different from the first core of the multi-core fiber.

(Appendix 17)
A working transponder having a monitor port for branching and outputting a portion of a main signal, an additional transponder having a monitor port for branching and outputting a portion of the main signal, and a first transponder for amplifying the output from the monitor port. An optical amplifier, an optical transmission line for transmitting optical signals output from each of the transponders, and a second optical amplifier for compensating for transmission loss,
A transmission signal test system, wherein the output from the monitor port is used to measure the effect of the added transponder on the active transponder.

(Appendix 18)
18. The transmission signal test system according to claim 17, wherein the optical transmission line for transmitting the signals of the working transponder and the additional transponder is different from the optical transmission line for transmitting the output from the monitor port.

(Appendix 19)
The optical transmission line for transmitting the signals of the active transponder and the additional transponder is a first core of a multi-core fiber, and the optical transmission line for transmitting the output from the monitor port is the first core of the multi-core fiber. 19. The signal quality testing system of clause 18, wherein the second core is different from the .

(Appendix 20)
A current transponder and an extension transponder added in addition to the current transponder, or a first test transponder that imitates the current transponder and a second test transponder that imitates the extension transponder are combined with the current transponder and the extension transponder. is controlled based on a predetermined set value according to the assumed relationship of the above, and at least one of the wavelength and the transmission line transmitted on the same transmission line as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted is transmitted from the current transponder Sending a test signal to a transmission line on the same route as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted so as to be different from the output signal,
determining whether the signal quality of the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition;
when the signal quality of the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition, setting the extension transponder based on the predetermined setting value to control transmission of the main signal from the working transponder and the extension transponder;
A signal quality testing method, wherein when the signal quality does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the predetermined set value is changed to control transmission of the test signal.

(Appendix 21)
controlling transmission of the test signal by the first test transponder and the second test transponder to the same transmission line as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted;
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the first test transponder and the second test transponder set as the predetermined setting value when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. 21. The signal quality test method according to appendix 20, wherein the wavelength of the optical signal output by the additional transponder is set such that the wavelength interval of the working transponder and the wavelength interval of the additional transponder match.

(Appendix 22)
It is different from the core that divides the output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder by controlling the switching element and transmits the main signal of the optical fiber that forms the same transmission path as the main signal as the test signal. outputs to the core,
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the output of the main signal is controlled based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The signal quality test method according to Supplementary Note 20.

(Appendix 23)
Output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder are branched under the control of a switch element, and as the test signal, an optical fiber different from the optical fiber transmitting the main signal forming the same transmission line as the main signal. output to
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the output of the main signal is controlled based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The signal quality test method according to Supplementary Note 20.

(Appendix 24)
receiving the test signal received via the transmission line at the receiving node;
measuring the signal quality of the test signal;
24. The signal quality testing method according to any one of appendices 20 to 23, wherein it is determined whether the signal quality of the test signal satisfies the predetermined condition based on the signal quality measured at the receiving node.

10 control means 20 acquisition means 101 node 102 NMS
121 communication control unit 122 setting control unit 123 signal quality acquisition unit 201 optical transmission line 202 add/drop side port 203 optical switch 204 transponder side port 205 multicast optical switch 206 transponder 207 node controller 208 optical amplifier 301 active transponder 302 additional transponder 303 first test transponder 304 second test transponder 401 first optical transmission line 402 optical amplifier 403 optical amplifier 404 second optical transmission line 405 optical amplifier 406 quality monitor section 501 optical transmission line 502 optical amplifier 600 computer 601 CPU
602 memory 603 storage device 604 I/F unit

Claims (10)

A current transponder and an additional transponder, or a first test transponder simulating the current transponder and a second test transponder simulating the additional transponder are placed on the same transmission line as the main signal transmission line. A predetermined operation is performed to transmit the test signal to the same transmission line as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted, so that at least one of the wavelength and the transmission line to be transmitted is different from the output signal from the working transponder. a control means for controlling based on the set value of
an acquisition means for acquiring signal quality data of the test signal at a node that receives the test signal,
The control means sets the additional transponder based on the predetermined set value when a predetermined condition is met that the signal quality of the test signal is within a range of allowable values required for stable reception of the signal. to control transmission of main signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder,
A control device that controls transmission of the test signal by changing the predetermined set value to a new set value when the signal quality does not satisfy the predetermined condition. The control means controls transmission of the test signal transmitted from the first test transponder and the second test transponder to the same transmission line as the main signal is transmitted. ,
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the wavelength interval between the first test transponder and the second test transponder set as the predetermined set value, and the wavelength interval between the working transponder and the additional transponder. 2. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the wavelengths of the optical signals output by said additional transponders are set so that the wavelength intervals match. The control means splits the output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder by controlling a switching element, and uses the main signal of the optical fiber forming the same transmission path as the main signal as the test signal. output to a core different from the core that transmits
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the extension transponder is set to output the main signal based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The control device according to claim 1, characterized in that it controls the At least one of a wavelength or a transmission path transmitted from a working transponder and an additional transponder, or a first test transponder simulating the working transponder and a second testing transponder simulating the adding transponder is transmitted from the working transponder transmitting means for transmitting a test signal to a transmission line on the same path as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted, based on a predetermined set value for setting to be different from the output signal of
When the signal quality of the test signal at the node receiving the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition that the signal quality of the test signal is within the allowable range required for stable reception of the signal, the extension based on the predetermined set value. Transponders are set to start transmission of main signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder, and when the signal quality does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the predetermined set value is changed to a new set value. and control means for transmitting the test signal. the transmission means transmits the test signal output from the first test transponder and the second test transponder to the same transmission line as the main signal is transmitted;
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the control means controls the first test transponder and the first test transponder set as the predetermined set value when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. 5. The wavelength of the optical signal output from the additional transponder is set so that the wavelength interval of the second test transponder matches the wavelength interval of the working transponder and the additional transponder. sending node. further branching means for branching the output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder and transmitting them as the test signal to a core different from the main signal of an optical fiber forming the same transmission line as the main signal. prepared,
The control means sets the extension transponder based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. 5. The transmission node according to claim 4, wherein the transmission node controls output of the main signal. a control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
a transmitting node according to any one of claims 4 to 6;
a receiving node having means for measuring signal quality of an optical signal received from the transmitting node via a transmission line,
The receiving node transmits data of the measured signal quality to the control device;
The optical communication system, wherein the controller sets the additional transponder of the transmission node based on the signal quality data received from the reception node. A working transponder and an additional transponder added in addition to the working transponder, or a first test transponder that imitates the working transponder and a second testing transponder that imitates the additional transponder are transmitted by wavelength or transmitted. At least one of the transmission lines is controlled based on a predetermined set value for setting the output signal from the working transponder to be different, and the test signal is transmitted to the same transmission line as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted. and send
determining whether the signal quality of the test signal satisfies a predetermined condition that the signal quality is within the range of acceptable values required for stable reception of the signal ;
when the signal quality of the test signal satisfies the predetermined condition, setting the extension transponder based on the predetermined setting value to control transmission of the main signal from the working transponder and the extension transponder;
A signal quality testing method, wherein when the signal quality does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the predetermined set value is changed to a new set value and transmission of the test signal is controlled. controlling transmission of the test signal by the first test transponder and the second test transponder to the same transmission line as the transmission line through which the main signal is transmitted;
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the first test transponder and the second test transponder set as the predetermined setting value when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. 9. The signal quality testing method according to claim 8, wherein the wavelength of the optical signal output from said additional transponder is set so that the wavelength interval of said working transponder and said additional transponder match. a core for branching the output signals from the working transponder and the additional transponder under the control of a switch element and transmitting the main signal as the test signal through an optical fiber forming the same transmission path as the main signal; outputs to different cores, and
When the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition, the output of the main signal is controlled based on the predetermined setting value of the extension transponder when the signal quality satisfies the predetermined condition. The signal quality test method according to claim 8.

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