KR20030026507A - The Ethernet Media Converter Module with Wavelength Division Multiplexing Characteristic - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An ethernet media converter module having a wavelength division multiplexing characteristic is provided to realize a bidirectional communication by using a WBM(WDM Bidirectional Module), thereby efficiently using a system. CONSTITUTION: RJ45 jacks(24a,24b) make external electric signals input to an ethernet module, realizing a function of MDI(Media Dependent Interface)/MDIX(Media Dependent Interface eXchange) in circuit, so that a user cables a UTP(Unshielded Twisted Pair) without cross cables. Data format converters(26a,26b) convert the external electric signals inputted from the RJ45 jacks into optical signals or convert the optical signals inputted from optical transceivers(28a,28b) to the electric signals. The optical transceivers transmit the optical signals converted by the data format converters to a receiving part at high speed. WDM(Wavelength Division Multiplexing) couplers(30a,30b) divide wavelength inputted for up and down communications with one optical fiber.

Description

The Ethernet Media Converter Module with Wavelength Division Multiplexing Characteristic

The present invention relates to an Ethernet media converter module, and more particularly, to an Ethernet media converter module having a wavelength division multiplexing characteristic to enable bidirectional communication with one strand of optical fiber.

Due to the generalization of the Internet, the explosion of data traffic in the transmission network has led to the development of optical transmission systems. In particular, alternative technologies for urban areas where data traffic is concentrated are emerging.

The core of the macro Ethernet business model is "Optical Edge", which is a concept of building a low-cost, high-speed information highway.The macro Ethernet service requires the construction of a large number of subscriber networks / access networks consisting of optical cables. Low-Ethernet solutions will be transformed into FTTH products for both residential and residential areas.

At home, the Internet will be able to access the Internet at tens of times the speed of current cable modems or Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Lines (ADSL). The equipment for this is the Ethernet media converter, which unshields the transmission medium of Ethernet frames. It converts from optical transmission lines such as twisted pair (UTP), shielded twisted pair (STP), and coax (coaxil cable) to optical fiber. As a result, it is possible to extend the transmission distance of Ethernet frames up to several tens of kilometers in the case of electrical signals in local area network (LAN). It is very useful in terms of increasing trends and harmonizing with existing installations.

Ethernet has been limited to 100m on electrical transmission lines such as Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) in the network. By converting the medium to light, the transmission distance could be extended to tens of kilometers. Since the transmission distance was not secured in the past, the transmission medium was transmitted from the macro area to the T1 / E1 level, which is 1.044 / 2.048 Mbps in terms of data rate. Bottlenecks have occurred in networks in the metro area that connect 2.5Gbps to several Tbps in the backbone network.

In addition to eliminating bottlenecks in the macro area, voice-based networks with dedicated lines such as Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH) / Synchronous Optical Network (SONET) are costly to operators. However, since a network constructed using Ethernet media converters based on Ethernet does not require conventional transmission methods such as SDH / SONET, the interest here is superior to the dedicated circuits provided by the Metro Ethernet solution. Performance ratio. This macro is used for Ethernet as a media converter (or 10 / 100Base TX / FX converter).

1 is a diagram illustrating a prior art Ethernet media converter module.

Referring to FIG. 1, the Ethernet media converter modules 12a and 12b include RJ45 modular jacks 14a and 14b for inputting external electrical signals to the Ethernet module, and data format converters 16a and 16b for converting data formats. And optical transceivers 18a and 18b for transmitting the converted data format to the receiving side as optical signals.

The data format converters 16a and 16b convert electrical signals input to the RJ45 modular jacks 14a and 14b into a format for transmitting optical signals, or convert optical signals input through the optical transceivers 18a and 18b into electrical signals. It converts the data format for transmission. That is, it converts an electrical signal of a corresponding voltage type into a suitable format for applying an optical signal, or vice versa.

The optical transceivers 18a and 18b serve to transmit the converted optical signals by the data format converters 16a and 16b to the receiving side at high speed.

Explaining their operation, when an electrical signal is applied through the RJ45 modular jack 14a connected to an external unshielded twisted pair, the electrical signal of this voltage type is converted into an optical signal for transmission through an optical fiber communication line. do. The converted optical signal is transmitted at high speed by the transmission side of the optical transceiver 18a to a communication line composed of optical fibers.

The optical signal transmitted at this high speed receives the optical signal by the receiving side of the optical transceiver 18b, and the received optical signal converts the optical power information of the optical channel into an electrical signal through the data format converter 16b. do. This converted electrical signal is input to another user network through an unshielded twisted pair cable again through the RJ45 modular jack 14b.

However, as can be seen in Figure 1 it can be seen that the optical interface is using two strands of optical fiber for up-down communication. Due to the many potential uses of these Ethernet media converters, many types of applications have been introduced, but they do not adopt wavelength division multiplexing, which is very inefficient in terms of utilizing expensive optical fibers. There is a disadvantage in that new fiber should be laid when it is saturated.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an Ethernet media converter module having a wavelength division multiplexing characteristic capable of bidirectional communication using a single fiber.

1 is a schematic representation of an Ethernet media converter according to the prior art;

2 illustrates an Ethernet media converter module having wavelength division multiplexing according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

3 illustrates the principle of conversion of the data format converter in FIG.

4 is a detailed view of the optical transceiver in FIG.

5A and 5B illustrate the WDM coupler in FIG. 2 in detail.

6 illustrates an Ethernet media converter module having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a view showing one embodiment of the WBM module in FIG. 6 in detail. FIG.

FIG. 8 is a view showing another form of the WBM module in FIG. 6 in detail. FIG.

<Description of the symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

10a, 11a, 20a, 32a: electrical signal input 10b, 11b, 20b, 32b: electrical signal output

12a, 12b, 22a, 22b, 36a, 36b: Ethernet Media Converter Module

14a, 14b, 24a, 24b: RJ45 modular jack 16a, 16b, 26a, 26b: data format converter

18a, 18b, 28a, 28b: optical transceiver 30a, 30b: WDM coupler

32a: MLT-3 to NRZI 32b: NRZI to MLT-3

34a: NRZI to NRZ 34b: NRZ to NRZI

36a, 36b: 4B5B 38: MII interface

40 laser diode driving circuit 42 light emitting unit

44: post amplifier 46: light receiver

50a, 50b: filter 52a, 52b: coupler

In order to achieve the above object, the Ethernet media converter module having a wavelength division multiplexing function according to the present invention is connected to the transmission line for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal from the user, and connected to the connection means and the transmitted electrical A first data format converter for controlling data conversion so that a signal is converted into an optical signal; A first optical transceiver, a second optical transceiver integrated with the first optical transceiver to convert an optical signal received from the one optical fiber into an electrical signal, and integrated with the first data format converter through the second optical transceiver The converted electrical signal matches the electrical signal input from the user. A second data format converter for controlling lock data conversion, and an optical signal connected between the one optical fiber and the first and second optical transceivers and transmitted / received to / from the one optical fiber by wavelength division multiplexing in both directions; And a filter for controlling the wavelength of the optical signal received in the wavelength division multiplexing coupler for controlling communication.

The Ethernet media converter module having another wavelength division multiplexing characteristic according to the present invention includes a connecting means for connecting to a transmission line for transmitting and receiving an electrical signal from a user, and converting the transmitted electrical signal into an optical signal. A first data format converter for controlling data conversion, and a wavelength division multiplexing bidirectional for converting the converted electrical signal into a wavelength-divided optical signal and controlling the incident and transmission of the wavelength-divided optical signal to one optical fiber Means and a second data format converter integrated with said first data format converter for controlling data conversion to match an electrical signal from said wavelength division multiplexed bidirectional means to an electrical signal input from said user. .

Other objects and features of the present invention in addition to the above objects will be apparent from the description of the embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8.

2 is a diagram illustrating an Ethernet media converter module having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the Ethernet media converter modules 22a and 22b having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics are RJ45 modular jacks 24a and 24b for inputting an external electrical signal to the Ethernet module, and a data format for converting data formats. Converters 26a and 26b, optical transceivers 28a and 28b for transmitting the converted data format as optical signals to the receiving side, and for transmitting optical signals in one strand to another user network using wavelength division multiplexing. Wavelength Division Multiplexing Coupler (hereinafter referred to as " WDM Coupler ") 30a, 30b.

RJ45 modular jacks 24a and 24b circuitically implement the functions of Media Dependent Interface (MDI) / Media Dependent Interface eXchange (MDIX), eliminating the need for cross-cables for users cabling unshielded twisted pair (UTP). Therefore, it is possible to provide time savings and convenience in network configuration. Electrical transmission is transmitted and received by using the 1,2,3,6 wires among the 8 unshielded twisted pairs.

The data format converters 26a and 26b convert an electrical signal input to the RJ45 modular jacks 24a and 24b into a format for transmitting an optical signal, or convert an optical signal input through the optical transceivers 28a and 28b into an electrical signal. Convert to a data format for transfer. In other words, it converts an electrical signal of a corresponding voltage type into an appropriate format for applying an optical signal, or vice versa.

This data format converter 26a includes MLT-3 to NRZI 32a, NRZI to NRZ 34a, 4B5B 36a, and MII (Media Independent Interface) as shown in FIG. First, the MLT-3 to NRZI 32a converts an electrical signal input to the RJ45 modular jacks 24a and 24b in a data format of MLT-3 into NRZI (Non-Return to Zero Inversion). The converted NRZI is converted into non-return to zero (NRZ) suitable for light by NRZI to NRZ 34a. The converted NRZ has a 5-bit data format, and the 4-bit data is converted into 5-bit data through the 4B5B 36a and input to the MII 38. The reverse operation is also possible and the reverse operation is performed through the lower end.

The optical transceivers 28a and 28b serve to transmit the converted optical signals by the data format converters 26a and 26b to the receiving side at high speed. The optical transceiver will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4.

Referring to Figure 4, the optical transceiver 28a is a laser diode drive circuit 40, a post amplifier 44. The light emitting unit 42 and the light receiving unit 46 are provided, and serve to convert an electrical signal into an optical signal or an optical signal into an electrical signal.

First, the electrical signal of TX data + input to the optical transceiver 28a operates the laser diode driving circuit 40 to drive a laser diode (hereinafter referred to as "LD") and converts it into an optical signal. The photodiode PD in the light emitting unit 42 monitors the optical signal generated from the LD to compensate for the deterioration of the LD characteristic due to the change in temperature. Therefore, this is called a monitor photo diode (MPD). The optical signal input to the light receiving unit 46 of the optical transceiver is input to a photodiode, converted into an electrical signal, first amplified through a transimpedance amplifier (TIA), and finally amplified by a post amplifier, and then RX data + It is output as

The WDM coupler 30a is for applying a wavelength division multiplexing scheme, and divides the input wavelength for uplink and downlink communication. Referring to FIG. 5A, 1310 nm is connected to the transmitting / receiving side of the optical transceivers 28a and 28b, and transmits / receives respective wavelengths to the transmitting / receiving side and transmits a signal to one optical fiber as a communication line. / 1550 nm filter type couplers 52a, 52b are provided. As a result, when the WDM coupler 30a or 30b transmits and receives a signal to the optical fiber, one optical fiber is connected.

To explain the operation, first, the signal TX output from the 1310nm optical transceiver passes through a 1310nm / 1550nm filter type coupler 52a and passes through one optical fiber. The signal passing through the optical fiber passes through the 1310nm / 1550nm filter type coupler 52b to the RX stage of the coupler 52b and is received by the PD of the 1550nm optical transceiver 26b through the 1310 / 1550nm filter 50b of the RX stage. It is done. The transceiver for the 1550nm wavelength is transmitted in the same manner as above. The 850nm / 1310nm wavelength division multiplexing couple operates in the same manner as above, except that the operating wavelength is different.

As a result, by providing a wavelength division multiplexing coupler in the Ethernet media converter, two wavelengths of 1310 nm / 1550 nm or 850 nm / 1310 nm can be bidirectionally communicated in a single fiber to enable the use of expensive optical fibers efficiently.

6 is a diagram illustrating an Ethernet media converter module having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the Ethernet media converter modules 36a and 36b having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics include an RJ45 modular jack 24a and 24b for allowing external electrical signals 20a, 20b, 32a, and 32b to be input and output to the Ethernet module. Data format converters 26a and 26b for converting data formats, and WDM Bidirection Transceivers for transmitting and receiving the converted data formats as optical signals to and from another user network using one optical fiber. 34a, 34b.

RJ45 modular jacks (24a, 24b) are connected to the UTP cable to transmit and receive the electrical Ethernet frame, and electrical transmission is transmitted and received by using the 1,2,3,6 wires among the 8 unshielded twisted pairs.

The data format converters 26a and 26b convert an electrical signal input to the RJ45 modular jacks 24a and 24b into a format for transmitting an optical signal, or convert an optical signal input through the optical transceivers 28a and 28b into an electrical signal. It is responsible for converting. That is, it serves to convert the electrical signal of the corresponding voltage type into the wavelength (λ) form for applying to the optical signal, or to reverse the action. The data format converter 26a is equipped with MLT-3 to NRZI 32a, NRZI to NRZ 34a, 4B5B 36a, MII (Media Independent Interface), and MLT-3 to NRZI 32a is an RJ45 modular. Converts an electrical signal input to the jack's MLT-3 data format into NRZI (Non-Return to Zero Inversion). The converted NRZI is converted into non-return to zero (NRZ) suitable for light by NRZI to NRZ 34a. The converted NRZ has a 5-bit data form, and the 5-bit data is converted into 4-bit data through the 4B5B 36a and input to the MII 38. The reverse operation is also possible and the reverse operation is performed through the lower end.

WBM module 32b is designed using a thin film (Thin Film) for the application of the wavelength division multiplexing method instead of the optical transceiver in Figure 2, or is designed using a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) bidirectional In order to enable communication, the signal simultaneously performs the roles of the optical transceiver and the WDM coupler in FIG.

The WBM module according to the second embodiment has a transceiver function capable of bidirectional communication of the optical transceiver applied to each direction of the transmission and reception, and applies a wavelength division multiplexing method to the optical fiber by one optical fiber to another user network. It plays a role of sending and receiving.

FIG. 7 is a view illustrating one embodiment of the WBM module in FIG. 6 in detail.

Referring to FIG. 7, the WBM module is a module designed using a thin film filter. The Ethernet signal converted to light through 1310 nm LD is applied to one optical fiber through the thin film filter. The optical signal inputted to another user's WBM module by the optical fiber is reflected by the thin film filter and input into the 1310nm PD and then converted into an electrical signal. In the same way, the Ethernet optical signal output at 1550 nm is performed in the same operation.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the WBM module in FIG. 6 in detail.

Referring to FIG. 8, the WBM module is designed by die bonding a flat plate optical circuit, 1310 nm / 1550 nm LD, and MPD, and wire bonding the circuits of the LD and PD semiconductors. The electrically applied Ethernet signal is converted into an optical signal input through the 1310nm LD, is transmitted after the waveguide is transmitted, and is outputted to another user's Ethernet media converter to be input to the 1310nm PD through the waveguide in the WBM module.

In the same way, the Ethernet optical signal output at 1550 nm is performed in the same operation.

As described above, an Ethernet media converter having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics according to the present invention is a wavelength division multiplexing bidirectional module (WBM) designed using a wavelength division multiplexing coupler or using a thin film filter or a planar lightwave circuit (PLC). By using WDM Bidirectional Module, two-way communication can be used to make the system more efficient and easy to expand, and to use expensive fiber optics efficiently.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the technical scope of the present invention should not be limited to the contents described in the detailed description of the specification but should be defined by the claims.

Claims (6)

Connecting means connected to a transmission line for transmitting and receiving electrical signals from a user; A first data format converter connected to the connecting means to control data conversion to convert the transmitted electrical signal into an optical signal; A first optical transceiver connected to the first data format converter and converting the converted electrical signal into an optical signal so as to be incident and transmitted to one optical fiber; A second optical transceiver integrated with the first optical transceiver and converting an optical signal received from the one optical fiber into an electrical signal; A second data format converter integrated with the first data format converter to control data conversion so that the electrical signal converted through the second optical transceiver is matched with the electrical signal input from the user; And a wavelength division multiplexing coupler connected between the one optical fiber and the first and second optical transceivers to control bidirectional communication of an optical signal transmitted / received to the one optical fiber by a wavelength division multiplexing scheme. An Ethernet media converter module having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics. The method of claim 1, The first optical transceiver includes a laser diode (LD) for emitting external light, a laser driving circuit for converting an electrical signal from the first data format converter into an optical signal by the laser diode (LD), and the light emission. A photodiode connected in parallel with the element and controlling the amount of light according to the light emitting element; The second optical transceiver includes a photodiode unit for converting an optical signal into an electrical signal using external incident light, and an amplifier for controlling the controlled electrical signal and sending the second data format converter to the second data format converter. Ethernet media converter module with multiplexing characteristics. The method of claim 1, The wavelength division multiplexing coupler is an Ethernet media converter module having wavelength division multiplexing characteristics, characterized in that for transmitting and receiving optical signals divided into 1310nm and 1550nm wavelength or 850nm 1310nm. Connecting means connected to a transmission line for transmitting and receiving electrical signals from a user; A first data format converter connected to the connecting means to control data conversion to convert the transmitted electrical signal into an optical signal; A wavelength division multiplexing bidirectional means for converting the converted electrical signal into a wavelength division optical signal and controlling the incident and transmission of the wavelength division optical signal to one optical fiber; And a second data format converter integrated with the first data format converter to control data conversion of the electrical signal from the wavelength division multiplexing bidirectional means to match the electrical signal input from the user. Ethernet media converter module with characteristics. The method of claim 4, wherein And the wavelength division multiplexing bidirectional means are packaged with a thin film filter, a photo diode and a laser diode. The method of claim 4, wherein The wavelength division multiplexing bidirectional means emits light to a photodiode for receiving light from the outside, a thin film filter for selectively passing the wavelength-divided optical signal, an optical waveguide for controlling the phase or interference of the transmitted optical signal, and the like. Ethernet media converter module having a wavelength division multiplexing characteristic characterized in that the laser diode is packaged as one.