WO2023175899A1 - Optical switch device and optical transmission system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is an optical switch device that can achieve switching of optical paths between each device that is connected to a optical fiber cable and each optical fiber pair that is included in the optical fiber cable. An optical switch device (3) comprises: a first optical switch means (31) that is provided with a plurality of input terminals (P_IN), and outputs an optical signal which was inputted to an input terminal (P_IN) selected from among the plurality of input terminals (P_IN); a second optical switch means (32) that is provided with a plurality of output terminals (P_OUT), and outputs, from an output terminal (P_OUT) selected from among the plurality of output terminals (P_OUT), the optical signal which was outputted by the first optical switch means (31); and a control means (22) that, on the basis of prescribed a first instruction, provides control to select an input terminal (P_IN) of the first switch means (31) and control to select an output terminal (P_OUT) of the second optical switch means (32).

Description

Optical switch equipment and optical transmission system

The present disclosure relates to an optical switch device and the like.

Systems that transmit optical signals using optical fiber cables (hereinafter referred to as "optical transmission systems") are known. Specifically, for example, an optical transmission system is known that transmits optical signals for communication between land stations using an optical fiber cable laid on the ocean floor (so-called "submarine cable"). Patent Documents 1 to 3 disclose techniques related to optical transmission systems.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2002-280978 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-318567 JP2020-036312A

In general, an optical fiber cable of an optical transmission system can be connected to a plurality of types of devices that serve as input sources of control signals to the optical fiber cable. Specifically, for example, a test device that performs an optical pulse test to detect a break point in an optical fiber cable is connected to the optical fiber cable, and a control device that executes command control for a distant device. is connected to the fiber optic cable. An OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is a test device that performs a light pulse test. Hereinafter, the optical pulse test performed by OTDR may be referred to as "OTDR test."

Further, generally, an optical fiber cable of an optical transmission system includes a plurality of optical fiber pairs. Bidirectional communication is achieved by using individual optical fiber pairs.

Here, it is preferable that the test optical signal outputted by the test device as described above is selectively input to each of the plurality of optical fiber pairs connected to the test device. Furthermore, the control optical signal output by the control device as described above is selectively input to each of the plurality of optical fiber pairs that are the targets of the optical pulse test and the transmission of command control. suitable. With a view to realizing such a selection, it is possible to realize the switching of the optical path between the individual devices connected to the optical fiber cable and the individual optical fiber pairs included in the optical fiber cable, depending on the tests or controls to be performed, etc. required to do so.

In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an optical fiber that can realize optical path switching between individual devices connected to an optical fiber cable and individual optical fiber pairs included in the optical fiber cable, for example. The purpose of this invention is to provide switching devices, etc.

An optical switch device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a first optical switch unit that includes a plurality of input terminals and outputs an optical signal input to a selected input terminal of the plurality of input terminals; a second optical switch means comprising a plurality of output terminals and outputs the optical signal outputted by the first optical switch means from a selected one of the plurality of output terminals, and based on a predetermined first instruction, A control means is provided that executes control for selecting an input terminal in the first optical switch means and control for selecting an output terminal in the second optical switch means.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to realize, for example, switching of optical paths between individual devices connected to an optical fiber cable and individual optical fiber pairs included in the optical fiber cable.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portion of the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment, including an optical communication device and a first optical branching device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an optical communication device in the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing parts of the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment, including an optical switch device, a server device, a test device, and a control device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the optical switch means of the optical switch device in the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means of the optical switch device in the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a portion of the optical transmission system according to the second embodiment, including an optical communication device and a second optical branching device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing parts of the optical transmission system according to the second embodiment, including an optical switch device, a server device, and a measuring device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the optical switch means of the optical switch device in the optical transmission system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control means of the optical switch device in the optical transmission system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an optical switch device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an optical transmission system according to the third embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[First embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a portion of the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment, including an optical communication device and a first optical branching device. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an optical communication device in the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing parts of the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment, including an optical switch device, a server device, a test device, and a control device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the optical switch means of the optical switch device in the optical transmission system according to the first embodiment. An optical transmission system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, the optical transmission system 100 includes an optical communication device 1 and a first optical branching device 2. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the optical transmission system 100 includes an optical switch device 3, a server device 4, a test device 5, and a control device 6.

A plurality of optical communication devices including the optical communication device 1 are provided in the middle of an optical fiber cable (not shown) including N optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. Here, N is an arbitrary integer of 2 or more. The optical fiber cable including the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N is laid, for example, on the ocean floor. That is, the optical fiber cable including the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N is, for example, a submarine cable. In this case, the optical transmission system 100 uses a submarine cable to transmit optical signals for communication between a first land station (not shown) and a second land station (not shown). More specifically, bidirectional communication between the first land station and the second land station is achieved using each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. Hereinafter, optical signals for communication may be referred to as "communication light."

Here, a plurality of optical communication devices including the optical communication device 1 are provided, for example, at predetermined distances along the submarine cable. This enables long-distance communication using submarine cables. That is, each of the plurality of optical communication devices is constituted by, for example, an optical repeater (more specifically, an optical submarine repeater). In other words, the optical communication device 1 is configured by, for example, an optical repeater (more specifically, an optical submarine repeater).

As shown in FIG. 2, each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N includes a transmission optical fiber F_TX as seen from the first land station (F_TX_1 to F_TX_N in the figure). Further, each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N includes a receiving optical fiber F_RX as seen from the first land station (F_RX_1 to F_RX_N in the figure). The optical communication device 1 includes N optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N that respectively correspond to N optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. Each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N is constituted by, for example, an optical repeater.

That is, each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N includes a first amplifier (not shown). Here, the first amplifier is provided to amplify an optical signal transmitted through a corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N. In other words, the first amplifier is an amplifier for amplifying communication light transmitted from the first land station to the second land station. Further, each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N includes a second amplifier (not shown) for amplifying the optical signal transmitted through the corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N. include. The second amplifier is provided to amplify an optical signal transmitted through a corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N. In other words, the second amplifier is an amplifier for amplifying communication light transmitted from the second land station to the first land station.

Here, in each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N, parameters (for example, amplification factors) of the first amplifier and the second amplifier are set by command control. In other words, the operation of each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N is controlled by command control. Command control is executed by a control device 6, which will be described later.

Further, each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N includes a loopback circuit (not shown) for realizing an OTDR test on a corresponding one of the N optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. It may be something. The OTDR test on each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N is performed by a test device 5, which will be described later.

As shown in FIG. 1, a first optical branching device 2 is provided in the middle of an optical fiber cable (for example, a submarine cable) including optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. The first optical branching device 2 is configured by, for example, an optical submarine branching device. The first optical branching device 2 branches each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. The branched branch is connected to each of the test device 5 and the control device 6 via the optical switch device 3. In other words, each of the test device 5 and the control device 6 is connected to each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N via the optical switch device 3.

Note that the first optical branching device 2 may include the same amplifiers as the optical communication device 1 (i.e., a first amplifier and a second amplifier). Further, the first optical branching device 2 may include a loopback circuit similar to the optical communication device 1 (ie, a loopback circuit for OTDR testing). Further, the first optical branching device 2 may be configured integrally with the optical communication device 1.

As shown in FIG. 3, the optical switch device 3 includes an optical switch means 21 and a control means 22. As shown in FIG. 4, the optical switch means 21 includes a first optical switch means 31, a second optical switch means 32, and a third optical switch means 33. Each of the first optical switch means 31, the second optical switch means 32, and the third optical switch means 33 is constituted by at least one optical switch SW. That is, the optical switch means 21 is constituted by a plurality of optical switches SW.

Specifically, for example, the first optical switch means 31 is constituted by an optical switch SW_1 with two inputs and one output (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "2x1"). The second optical switch means 32 is constituted by an optical switch SW_2 with 1 input and N outputs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "1×N"). The output terminal of the optical switch SW_1 is connected to the input terminal of the optical switch SW_2. That is, the optical switches SW_1 and SW_2 are provided in series with each other.

Further, the third optical switch means 33 includes an optical switch SW_3 with N inputs and 1 output (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "N×1") and a 1 input and 2 outputs (hereinafter also referred to as "1×2"). ) optical switch SW_4. The output terminal of the optical switch SW_3 is connected to the input terminal of the optical switch SW_4. That is, the optical switches SW_3 and SW_4 are provided in series with each other.

The first optical switch means 31 includes a plurality of input terminals P_IN. More specifically, the first optical switch means 31 includes two input terminals P_IN_1 and P_IN_2. Input terminal P_IN_1 is connected to output optical fiber F_OUT_1 in test apparatus 5. Input terminal P_IN_2 is connected to output optical fiber F_OUT_2 in control device 6.

The second optical switch means 32 includes a plurality of output terminals P_OUT. More specifically, the second optical switch means 32 includes N output terminals P_OUT_1 to P_OUT_N. The N output terminals P_OUT_1 to P_OUT_N are respectively (respectively) connected to the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N.

The third optical switch means 33 includes a plurality of input terminals. More specifically, the third optical switch means 33 includes N input terminals. The N input terminals are respectively (respectively) connected to the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N. Further, the third optical switch means 33 includes a plurality of output terminals. More specifically, the third optical switch means 33 includes two output terminals. One of the two output terminals (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "first output terminal") is connected to the input optical fiber F_IN_1 in the test apparatus 5. Another one of the two output terminals (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second output terminal") is connected to the input optical fiber F_IN_2 in the control device 6.

The control means 22 is configured by, for example, a computer. The control means 22 executes control to select the input terminal P_IN in the first optical switch means 31 and executes control to select the output terminal P_OUT in the second optical switch means 32. Hereinafter, these controls may be collectively referred to as "first selection control." The control means 22 also controls the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch so that a state is realized in which the optical signal input to the selected input terminal P_IN is output from the selected output terminal P_OUT. Control for switching the optical path in the switch means 32 is executed. More specifically, the control means 22 executes control to switch the optical path within the optical switch SW_1 and the optical path within the optical switch SW_2. Hereinafter, such control may be referred to as "first switching control."

Further, the control means 22 executes control to select an input terminal in the third optical switch means 33 and also executes control to select an output terminal in the third optical switch means 33. Hereinafter, these controls may be collectively referred to as "second selection control." The control means 22 also controls switching of the optical path in the third optical switch means 33 so that the optical signal input to the selected input terminal is output from the selected output terminal. Execute. More specifically, the control means 22 executes control to switch the optical path in the optical switch SW_3 and the optical path in the optical switch SW_4. Hereinafter, such control may be referred to as "second switching control."

Here, the optical switch device 3 can freely communicate with the server device 4 via the network NW. The server device 4 is configured by, for example, a computer. The first selection control and the second selection control are executed based on instructions given by the server device 4.

That is, the server device 4 acquires information indicating the schedule of the OTDR test to be executed by the test device 5, which will be described later. Hereinafter, the information indicating the schedule of the OTDR test may be referred to as "first schedule information." The first schedule information is, for example, information input in advance by a person (such as an administrator of the optical transmission system 100). Alternatively, for example, the server device 4 receives the first schedule information from the test device 5 by communicating with the test device 5 via the network NW. In addition, in FIG. 3, the connection line between the network NW and the test device 5 is not shown.

The server device 4 uses the acquired first schedule information to determine a time interval (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "test period") ΔT1 in which the OTDR test is performed by the test device 5. Further, the server device 4 uses the acquired first schedule information to determine the timing at which the OTDR test is performed on each optical fiber pair FP within the test period ΔT1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "test timing"). ) Determine T1. Specifically, for example, the server device 4 determines N test timings T1_1 to T1 to N that respectively (respectively) correspond to N optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N in each test section ΔT1.

Additionally, the server device 4 acquires information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "second schedule information") indicating a schedule for command control to be executed by the control device 6, which will be described later. The second schedule information is, for example, information input in advance by a person (such as an administrator of the optical transmission system 100). Alternatively, for example, the server device 4 receives the first schedule information from the control device 6 by communicating with the control device 6 via the network NW. In addition, in FIG. 3, the connection line between the network NW and the control device 6 is not shown.

The server device 4 uses the acquired second schedule information to determine the time interval (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "control period") ΔT2 in which command control is executed by the control device 6. Further, the server device 4 uses the acquired second schedule information to determine the timing (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "control timing") at which command control is executed for each optical communication means 11 during the control period ΔT2. ) Determine T2. Specifically, for example, the server device 4 determines N control timings T2_1 to T2 to N that respectively (respectively) correspond to the N optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N in each control period ΔT2.

Note that the control period ΔT2 is usually set to a different time interval from the test period ΔT1. In other words, the control period ΔT2 is set to a time interval that avoids the test period ΔT1. Thereby, it is possible to avoid overlapping each control timing T2 with each test timing T1.

Based on the results of these determinations, the server device 4 generates a signal instructing selection in the first selection control. Hereinafter, a signal instructing selection in the first selection control may be referred to as a "first instruction signal." Furthermore, the server device 4 generates a signal instructing selection in the second selection control based on the results of these determinations. Hereinafter, a signal instructing selection in the second selection control may be referred to as a "second instruction signal."

That is, the first instruction signal is an instruction that one input terminal P_IN_1 of the two input terminals P_IN_1 and P_IN_2 provided in the first optical switch means 31 should be selected in each test period ΔT1. including. Further, the first instruction signal indicates that the corresponding one of the N output terminals P_OUT_1 to P_OUT_N of the second optical switch means 32 is output at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1 to N. Contains an indication that it should be selected.

Further, the first instruction signal is an instruction that one input terminal P_IN_2 of the two input terminals P_IN_1 and P_IN_2 provided in the first optical switch means 31 should be selected in each control period ΔT2. including. Further, the first instruction signal indicates that a corresponding one of the N output terminals P_OUT_1 to P_OUT_N of the second optical switch means 32 is activated at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2 to N. Contains an indication that it should be selected.

Furthermore, the second instruction signal includes an instruction that the first output terminal of the two output terminals of the third optical switch means 33 should be selected in each test period ΔT1. Further, the second instruction signal indicates that a corresponding one of the N input terminals of the third optical switch means 33 should be selected at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1 to N. Contains an instruction to that effect.

Furthermore, the second instruction signal includes an instruction that the second output terminal of the two output terminals of the third optical switch means 33 should be selected in each control period ΔT2. Further, the second instruction signal indicates that a corresponding one of the N input terminals of the third optical switch means 33 should be selected at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2 to N. Contains an instruction to that effect.

The server device 4 transmits the generated first instruction signal and second instruction signal to the optical switch device 3. The optical switch device 3 receives the transmitted first instruction signal and second instruction signal. The control means 22 executes the first selection control based on the instruction indicated by the received first instruction signal. Further, the control means 22 executes the second selection control based on the instruction indicated by the received second instruction signal.

Hereinafter, the instructions indicated by the first instruction signal may be collectively referred to as "first instructions." Further, the instructions indicated by the second instruction signal may be collectively referred to as "second instructions." As described above, the content of the second instruction at each test timing T1 corresponds to the content of the first instruction at each test timing T1. Further, the content of the second instruction at each control timing T2 corresponds to the content of the first instruction at each control timing T2.

That is, at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the optical path in the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32 connects the optical fiber F_IN_1 and the corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N. The optical path is set to connect the real optical fiber F_TX. This is based on the first instruction. Furthermore, at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the optical path in the third optical switch means 33 connects the corresponding one optical fiber F_RX of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N and the optical fiber F_IN_1. Set to the optical path to be connected. This is based on the second instruction.

Similarly, at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2_N, the optical path in the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32 is set to the optical fiber F_IN_2 and the corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N. The optical path is set to connect one optical fiber F_TX. This is based on the first instruction. Furthermore, at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2_N, the optical path in the third optical switch means 33 connects the corresponding one optical fiber F_RX of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N and the optical fiber F_IN_2. Set to the optical path to be connected. This is based on the second instruction.

As described above, since the content of the second instruction corresponds to the content of the first instruction, the optical path in the third optical switch means 33 is changed at each timing (T1, T2) when the OTDR test or command control is executed. is an optical path corresponding to the optical path in the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32. As a result, as will be described later, an OTDR test on each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N is realized. Furthermore, as will be described later, responses to command control for each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N are realized.

The test device 5 is configured by, for example, an optical pulse tester (i.e., OTDAR). The test device 5 is connected to the optical switch device 3 using an output optical fiber F_OUT_1 and an input optical fiber F_IN_1. As described above, the optical fiber F_OUT_1 is connected to the input terminal P_IN_1 of the first optical switch means 31. Further, the optical fiber F_IN_1 is connected to the first output terminal of the third optical switch means 33. The test device 5 performs an OTDR test on each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N.

That is, the test device 5 outputs an optical signal for OTDR testing at a predetermined timing based on a predetermined schedule. Hereinafter, the optical signal for OTDR testing may be referred to as a "test optical signal" or "test light." Specifically, for example, the test device 5 outputs test light at each of N test timings T1_1 to T1_N. The output test light passes through the optical fiber F_OUT_1 and is input to the optical switch means 21 of the optical switch device 3. More specifically, the output test light is input to the input terminal P_IN_1 of the first optical switch means 31.

At this time, the optical paths in the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32 are switched by the control means 22 as described above. Therefore, at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the input test light is transmitted to the corresponding one of the N output terminals P_OUT_1 to P_OUT_N of the second optical switch means 32. is output from. That is, at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the input test light is output to a corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N.

Here, in the middle of the optical fiber cable (for example, a submarine cable) including the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N, a loopback circuit for OTDR test is installed at one or more predetermined positions in each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. is provided. Specifically, for example, in each of the plurality of optical communication devices including the optical communication device 1, N loopback circuits are provided that respectively (respectively) correspond to the N optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. . Alternatively, for example, between each two adjacent optical communication devices among a plurality of optical communication devices including the optical communication device 1, N loopback circuits are provided.

By providing such a loopback circuit, the test light transmitted through each of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N is then transferred to the corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N. is transmitted and returns to the optical switch means 21 of the optical switch device 3. More specifically, at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the transmitted test light is input to a corresponding one of the N input terminals provided in the third optical switch means 33. be done. Hereinafter, the test light that returns to the optical switch means 21 may be referred to as "return light."

At this time, the optical path in the third optical switch means 33 is switched by the control means 22 as described above. Therefore, at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the inputted return light is output from the first output terminal of the two output terminals provided in the third optical switch means 33. That is, at each of N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the input return light is output to the optical fiber F_IN_1.

The outputted return light passes through the optical fiber F_IN_1 and is input to the test device 5. The test device 5 uses the input returned light to perform signal processing for the OTDR test. Note that various known techniques can be used for signal processing for the OTDR test. A detailed explanation of these techniques will be omitted.

In this way, OTDR in each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N is realized. The results of such an OTDR test are used, for example, to monitor the status of each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. More specifically, the results of the OTDR test are used to detect whether or not a break has occurred in each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N, and to detect the position where the break has occurred.

The control device 6 is configured by, for example, a computer equipped with an optical transceiver. The control device 6 is connected to the optical switch device 3 using an output optical fiber F_OUT_2 and an input optical fiber F_IN_2. As described above, the optical fiber F_OUT_2 is connected to the input terminal P_IN_2 of the first optical switch means 31. Further, the optical fiber F_IN_2 is connected to the second output terminal of the third optical switch means 33. The control device 6 executes command control for each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N.

That is, the control device 6 generates a command for controlling the operation of each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N. Specifically, for example, the control device 6 generates a command for setting parameters (amplification factors, etc.) of individual amplifiers in each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N. The control device 6 outputs an optical signal (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "control optical signal" or "control light") indicating the generated command at a predetermined timing based on a predetermined schedule.

Specifically, for example, the control device 6 transmits control light to a corresponding one of the N optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N at each of N control timings T2_1 to T2_N. Output. The output control light passes through the optical fiber F_OUT_2 and is input to the optical switch means 21 of the optical switch device 3. More specifically, the output control light is input to the input terminal P_IN_2 of the first optical switch means 31.

At this time, the optical paths in the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32 are switched by the control means 22 as described above. Therefore, at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2_N, the input control light is transmitted to a corresponding one of the N output terminals P_OUT_1 to P_OUT_N of the second optical switch means 32. is output from. That is, at each of the N test timings T1_1 to T1_N, the input test light is output to a corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N.

As a result, control light corresponding to each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N is transmitted. Each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N controls its own operation based on the command indicated by the control light. Specifically, for example, each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N sets parameters (amplification factors, etc.) of the individual amplifiers based on the command indicated by the control light. At this time, each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N outputs an optical signal for response to the control light (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "response light"). The response light is, for example, an optical signal indicating a positive response (so-called "ACK") or an optical signal indicating a negative response (so-called "NACK").

That is, at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2_N, one of the N optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N corresponds to one of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N. A response light is output to one optical fiber F_RX. The output response light is transmitted through the corresponding one optical fiber F_RX and input into the optical switch means 21. More specifically, the output response light is input to a corresponding one of the N input terminals included in the third optical switch means 33.

At this time, the optical path in the third optical switch means 33 is switched by the control means 22 as described above. Therefore, at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2_N, the input response light is output from the second output terminal of the two output terminals of the third optical switch means 33. That is, at each of N control timings T2_1 to T2_N, the input response light is output to the optical fiber F_IN_2.

As a result, the control device 6 acquires the response light at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2_N. This response light is output by a corresponding one of the N optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N. In other words, the control device 6 transmits the response light output by one optical communication means 11 to which the control light is transmitted (that is, the target of command control) at each of the N control timings T2_1 to T2_N. get. As a result, the control device 6 can know the result of command control.

In this way, command control for each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N is realized. Note that the contents of the command control for each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N are not limited to the above specific example (ie, setting of the amplification factor). Various known techniques can be used for command control. A detailed explanation of these techniques will be omitted.

In this way, the main parts of the optical transmission system 100 are configured.

Note that the optical transmission system 100 includes a portion provided on land. Here, the part provided on land is, for example, a part including the first land station, a part including the second land station, or a part including the optical switch device 3, the test device 5, and the control device 6. Further, the optical transmission system 100 includes a portion provided on the ocean floor (for example, a portion including a submarine cable). A predetermined interface is used to connect the part provided on land and the part provided on the seabed. Specifically, for example, OCI (Open Cable Interface) is used. FI_1 to FI_N in FIG. 3 indicate such interfaces.

Next, the operation of the optical switch device 3 in the optical transmission system 100 will be explained. More specifically, the operation of the control means 22 will be mainly explained with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the optical switch device 3 receives an instruction signal transmitted by the server device 4. Thereby, the control means 22 acquires the instruction included in the received instruction signal. More specifically, the control means 22 obtains a first instruction and a second instruction (step ST1).

Next, the control means 22 executes first selection control and first switching control based on the first instruction acquired in step ST1 (step ST2). That is, the control means 22 executes control to select the input terminal P_IN in the first optical switch means 31 based on the obtained first instruction, and controls to select the output terminal P_OUT in the second optical switch means 32. Execute. The control means 22 also controls the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch so that a state is realized in which the optical signal input to the selected input terminal P_IN is output from the selected output terminal P_OUT. Control for switching the optical path in the switch means 32 is executed.

Furthermore, the control means 22 executes second selection control and second switching control based on the second instruction acquired in step ST1 (step ST3). That is, the control means 22 executes control to select the input terminal in the third optical switch means 33 based on the obtained second instruction, and also executes control to select the output terminal in the third optical switch means 33. do. The control means 22 also controls switching of the optical path in the third optical switch means 33 so that the optical signal input to the selected input terminal is output from the selected output terminal. Execute.

Next, a modification of the optical transmission system 100 will be described.

First, the optical transmission system 100 may not include the first optical branching device 2. In this case, the optical switch device 3, the test device 5, and the control device 6 may be provided at the first land station or the second land station, for example.

Second, the optical transmission system 100 may not include the server device 4. In this case, the control means 22 may use preset first and second instructions instead of the first and second instructions given by the server device 4.

For example, if the schedule for an OTDR test that is periodically executed by the test device 5 is fixed, and the schedule for command control that is periodically executed by the control device 6 is fixed, the first instruction and the It is not necessary to change the 2 instructions. In this case, the control means 22 may execute the first selection control and the second selection control based on the first instruction and second instruction set in advance based on these schedules.

In other words, the first instruction may be any predetermined instruction. Further, the second instruction may be any instruction that corresponds to the first instruction from the viewpoint of realizing an OTDR test and realizing a response to command control.

Third, the devices connected to each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N via the optical switch device 3 are not limited to the test device 5 and the control device 6. The device to be connected can be any device as long as it is a device that outputs an arbitrary optical signal to each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N, or a device that accepts input of an arbitrary optical signal from each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. It may be a device. In a second embodiment described later, an example will be described in which another device different from the test device 5 and the control device 6 is connected. More specifically, an example will be described in which a measuring device that performs optical spectrum measurement is connected. Note that there is an OSA (Optical Spectrum Analyzer) as a measurement device that performs optical spectrum measurement. Hereinafter, the optical spectrum measurement performed by OSA may be referred to as "OSA measurement."

Furthermore, depending on the type of device to be connected, the optical switch means 21 may not include the third optical switch means 33. In a second embodiment described later, an example will be described in which the third optical switch means 33 is not provided.

Fourth, the number of input terminals P_IN in the first optical switch means 31 is not limited to two. Further, the number of output terminals in the third optical switch means 33 is not limited to two. The number of these terminals may be two or more. For example, the number of these terminals may differ depending on the number or type of devices connected to the optical fiber cable including the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N.

Next, the effects of the optical switch device 3 will be explained.

As described above, the first optical switch means 31 includes a plurality of input terminals P_IN, and outputs an optical signal input to a selected input terminal P_IN from among the plurality of input terminals P_IN. The second optical switch means 32 includes a plurality of output terminals P_OUT, and outputs the optical signal outputted by the first optical switch means 31 from a selected one of the plurality of output terminals P_OUT. The control means 22 executes control to select the input terminal P_IN in the first optical switch means 31 and control to select the output terminal P_OUT in the second optical switch means 32 based on a predetermined first instruction.

By using the optical switch device 3 equipped with these means (31, 32, 22), the individual devices (5, 6) connected to the optical fiber cable and the individual optical fiber pairs (FP_1) included in the optical fiber cable can be connected. ~FP_N) can be realized.

Here, as a comparative optical switch device for the optical switch device 3, consider the following optical switch device. That is, in the optical switch device 3, the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32 are separated from each other. Specifically, for example, as described above, the first optical switch means 31 is composed of a 2×1 optical switch SW_1, and the second optical switch means 32 is composed of a 1×N optical switch SW_2. ing. In contrast, in the comparative optical switch device, the functions corresponding to the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32 are realized by a single optical switch. More specifically, this function is realized by a 2-input N-output (hereinafter referred to as "2×N") optical switch.

By using the 2×1 optical switch SW_1 and the 1×N optical switch SW_2, it is possible to more easily switch the optical path in each optical switch than when using a 2×N optical switch. In other words, since the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means 32 are mutually separate components (for example, the optical switch SW_1 and the optical switch SW_2), the first optical switch means 31 and the second optical switch means Compared to the case where 32 is a single component (for example, a 2×N optical switch), switching of the optical path as described above can be easily realized.

Additionally, as a comparative optical transmission system for the optical transmission system 100 including the optical switch device 3, the following optical transmission system will be considered. That is, the comparative optical transmission system does not have an optical switch device corresponding to the optical switch device 3. Instead, in the comparative optical transmission system, each of the test device 5 and the control device 6 is provided with an N-output optical switch for output and an N-input optical switch for input. As a result, each of the test device 5 and the control device 6 is connected to each of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N without going through an optical switch device, and is connected to each of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N. Connected.

The case where the optical switch device 3 is connected to the interfaces FI_1 to FI_N (that is, the optical transmission system 100) is different from the case where the test device 5 and the control device 6 are connected to the interfaces FI_1 to FI_N (that is, the optical transmission system for comparison). Therefore, such a connection is easy. In other words, by providing the optical switch device 3, it is possible to simplify the connection of devices to the interfaces FI_1 to FI_N. Thereby, for example, a system configuration compatible with OCI (so-called "open cable") can be easily supported.

Next, the effects of the optical transmission system 100 will be explained.

The optical transmission system 100 includes an optical switch device 3. This provides the effects described above. That is, it is possible to realize optical path switching between the individual devices (5, 6) connected to the optical fiber cable and the individual optical fiber pairs (FP_1 to FP_N) included in the optical fiber cable. In particular, such switching of optical paths can be easily realized. Furthermore, the optical transmission system 100 can easily accommodate an open cable system configuration.

The optical transmission system 100 also includes a test device 5 that is connected to any one of the plurality of input terminals P_IN and outputs test light, which is an optical signal for a light pulse test, to the optical switch device 3. Be prepared. The optical transmission system 100 includes a control device 6 that is connected to any other input terminal P_IN among the plurality of input terminals P_IN and outputs control light, which is an optical signal for command control, to the optical switch device 3. . Thereby, for example, the optical transmission system 100 having the system configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 can be realized. Also, for example, both OTDR testing and command control can be realized.

Further, the optical transmission system 100 includes an optical communication device 1 including a plurality of optical communication means 11 each connected to a plurality of output terminals P_OUT. Each of the plurality of optical communication means 11 is controlled by control light. Thereby, for example, the optical transmission system 100 having the system configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 can be realized. Further, for example, command control for each of the optical communication means 11_1 to 11_N can be realized.

Furthermore, each of the plurality of optical communication means 11 is connected to the optical switch device 3 using an optical fiber pair FP, and outputs response light, which is an optical signal for responding to the control light, to the optical fiber pair FP. The optical switch device 3 controls the optical path in the optical switch device 3 so that the response light outputted by each of the plurality of optical communication means 11 is transmitted to the control device 6 based on a second instruction corresponding to the first instruction. A third optical switch means 33 for switching is provided. This makes it possible to respond to command control.

The optical transmission system 100 also includes a server device 4 that gives a first instruction to the optical switch device 3. As a result, different first instructions can be given to the optical switch device 3, for example, depending on the schedule of the OTDR test or command control executed by the individual devices (5, 6). As a result, the optical switch device 3 can dynamically switch the optical path according to this schedule.

The optical transmission system 100 also includes a server device 4 that provides a first instruction and a second instruction to the optical switch device 3. Thereby, the first instruction and the second instruction that correspond to each other can be given to the optical switch device 3 together.

[Second embodiment]
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a portion of the optical transmission system according to the second embodiment, including an optical communication device and a second optical branching device. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing parts of the optical transmission system according to the second embodiment, including an optical switch device, a server device, and a measuring device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the optical switch means of the optical switch device in the optical transmission system according to the second embodiment. An optical transmission system according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8. Note that in FIGS. 6 to 8, elements similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, the optical transmission system 100a includes an optical communication device 1 and a second optical branching device 7. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the optical transmission system 100a includes an optical switch device 3a, a server device 4, and a measuring device 8.

As shown in FIG. 6, a second optical branching device 7 is provided in the middle of an optical fiber cable (for example, a submarine cable) including the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. The second optical branching device 7 is configured by, for example, an optical submarine branching device. The second optical branching device 7 branches each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. The branched branch is connected to the measurement device 8 via the optical switch device 3a. In other words, the measurement device 8 is connected to each of the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N via the optical switch device 3a.

As shown in FIG. 7, the optical switch device 3a includes an optical switch means 21a and a control means 22a. As shown in FIG. 8, the optical switch means 21a includes a first optical switch means 31a and a second optical switch means 32a. Each of the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch means 32a is constituted by at least one optical switch SW. That is, the optical switch means 21a is composed of a plurality of optical switches SW.

Specifically, for example, the first optical switch means 31a is composed of an N×1 optical switch SW_2 and an N×1 optical switch SW_3. The optical switches SW_2 and SW_3 are provided in parallel with each other. Further, the second optical switch means 32a is composed of a 2×1 optical switch SW_1 and a 2×1 optical switch SW_4. The optical switches SW_1 and SW_4 are provided in parallel with each other.

The output terminal of the optical switch SW_2 is connected to one input terminal of the two input terminals included in the optical switch SW_1. Hereinafter, one of the two input terminals included in the optical switch SW_1 may be referred to as a "first input terminal." The output terminal of the optical switch SW_4 is connected to the other one of the two input terminals included in the optical switch SW_1. Hereinafter, the other one of the two input terminals included in the optical switch SW_1 may be referred to as a "second input terminal."

The optical switch SW_2 includes N input terminals P_IN_1 to P_IN_N. Further, the optical switch SW_3 includes N input terminals P_IN_N+1 to P_IN_2N. Accordingly, the first optical switch means 31a includes 2N input terminals P_IN_1 to P_IN_2N. N input terminals P_IN_1 to P_IN_N of the 2N input terminals P_IN_1 to P_IN_2N are respectively (respectively) connected to N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N. Further, the other N input terminals P_IN_N+1 to P_IN_2N among the 2N input terminals P_IN_1 to P_IN_2N are respectively (respectively) connected to the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N.

The optical switch SW_1 includes one output terminal P_OUT_1. Further, the optical switch SW_4 includes one output terminal P_OUT_2. Thereby, the second optical switch means 32a includes two output terminals P_OUT_1 and P_OUT_2. One output terminal P_OUT_1 of the two output terminals P_OUT_1 and P_OUT_2 is connected to an input optical fiber F_IN_3 in the measuring device 8. Note that the other output terminal P_OUT_2 of the two output terminals P_OUT_1 and P_OUT_2 is so-called "vacant". That is, the output terminal P_OUT_2 is unused or unused.

The control means 22a is configured by, for example, a computer. The control means 22a executes control to select the input terminal P_IN in the first optical switch means 31a, and executes control to select the output terminal P_OUT in the second optical switch means 32a. That is, the control means 22a executes the first selection control.

The control means 22a also controls the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch so that a state is realized in which the optical signal input to the selected input terminal P_IN is output from the selected output terminal P_OUT. Control for switching the optical path in the switch means 32a is executed. More specifically, the control means 22 controls the optical path within the optical switch SW_2, the optical path within the optical switch SW_3, the optical path within the optical switch SW_1, the optical path within the optical switch SW_4, and the optical switches SW_2, SW_3 and the optical switch SW_1, Execute control to switch the optical path between SW_4. That is, the control means 22a executes the first switching control.

Here, the optical switch device 3a can freely communicate with the server device 4 via the network NW. The first selection control is executed based on instructions given by the server device 4.

That is, the server device 4 acquires information (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "third schedule information") indicating a schedule for OSA measurement to be executed by the measurement device 8, which will be described later. The third schedule information is, for example, information input in advance by a person (such as an administrator of the optical transmission system 100a). Alternatively, for example, the server device 4 receives the third schedule information from the measuring device 8 by communicating with the measuring device 8 via the network NW. In addition, in FIG. 7, the connection line between the network NW and the measuring device 8 is not shown.

The server device 4 uses the acquired third schedule information to determine the time interval (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "measurement period") ΔT3 in which the OSA measurement is performed by the measurement device 8. Further, the server device 4 uses the acquired third schedule information to determine the timing (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "measurement timing") at which the OSA measurement is performed on each of the optical fibers F_TX and F_RX during the measurement period ΔT3. .) Determine T3.

Specifically, for example, the server device 4 determines N measurement timings T3_1 to T3_N that respectively (respectively) correspond to N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N in each measurement period ΔT3. In addition, the server device 4 determines N measurement timings T3_N+1 to T3_2N that respectively (respectively) correspond to the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N in each measurement period ΔT3. That is, the server device 4 determines 2N measurement timings T3_1 to T3_2N that respectively (respectively) correspond to the 2N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N and F_RX_1 to F_RX_N in each measurement period ΔT3.

Based on the results of these determinations, the server device 4 generates a signal instructing selection in the first selection control. That is, the server device 4 generates the first instruction signal.

The first instruction signal includes an instruction to the effect that one output terminal P_OUT_1 of the two output terminals P_OUT_1 and P_OUT_2 provided in the second optical switch means 32a should be selected in each measurement period ΔT3. . Further, the first instruction signal indicates that one corresponding input terminal P_IN of the 2N input terminals P_IN_1 to P_IN_2N provided in the first optical switch means 31a is selected at each of the 2N measurement timings T3_1 to T3_2N. Contains instructions as to what should be done.

The server device 4 transmits the generated first instruction signal to the optical switch device 3a. The optical switch device 3a receives the transmitted first instruction signal. The control means 22a executes the first selection control based on the instruction indicated by the received first instruction signal. That is, the control means 22a executes the first selection control based on the first instruction.

The measuring device 8 is constituted by, for example, an optical spectrum measuring instrument (i.e., OSA). The measurement device 8 is connected to the optical switch device 3 using an input optical fiber F_IN_3. As described above, the optical fiber F_IN_3 is connected to the input terminal P_IN_1 of the first optical switch means 31a. The measuring device 8 performs OSA measurements on each of the optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N. Furthermore, the measurement device 8 performs OSA measurement on each of the optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N.

That is, the optical transmission system 100a includes a light source device (not shown) for OSA measurement. The light source device is provided, for example, at the first land station or the second land station. Or, for example, the light source device is configured integrally with the measuring device 8. The light source device outputs an optical signal for OSA measurement (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "optical signal for measurement" or "measurement light") at a predetermined timing based on a predetermined schedule.

Specifically, for example, the light source device outputs measurement light to a corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N at each of N measurement timings T3_1 to T3_N. The output measurement light is transmitted through the corresponding one optical fiber F_TX. Further, the light source device outputs measurement light to a corresponding one of the N optical fibers F_RX_1 to F_RX_N at each of the other N measurement timings T3_N+1 to T3_2N. The output measurement light is transmitted through the corresponding one optical fiber F_RX.

At this time, the optical paths in the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch means 32a are switched by the control means 22a as described above. Therefore, at each of the N measurement timings T3_1 to T3_N, the measurement light transmitted through the corresponding one optical fiber F_TX passes through the optical switches SW_2, SW_1 and the optical fiber F_IN_3, and is input to the measurement device 8. be done. In addition, at each of the other N measurement timings T3_N+1 to T3_2N, the measurement light transmitted through the corresponding one optical fiber F_RX passes through the optical switches SW_3, SW_1 and the optical fiber F_IN_3, and is sent to the measurement device 8. is input.

The measurement device 8 uses the input measurement light to perform signal processing for OSA measurement. Note that various known techniques can be used for signal processing for OSA measurement. A detailed explanation of these techniques will be omitted.

In this way, OSA measurement on each of the optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N and F_RX_1 to F_RX_N is realized. The results of such OSA measurement are used, for example, to monitor the status of each of the optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N and F_RX_1 to F_RX_N. More specifically, the results of the OSA are used to detect whether or not a break has occurred in each of the optical fibers F_TX_1 to F_TX_N and F_RX_1 to F_RX_N, and to detect the position where the break has occurred.

In this way, the main parts of the optical transmission system 100a are configured.

Note that the optical transmission system 100a includes a portion provided on land. Here, the part provided on land is, for example, a part including the first land station, a part including the second land station, or a part including the optical switch device 3a and the measuring device 8. Further, the optical transmission system 100a includes a portion provided on the ocean floor (for example, a portion including a submarine cable). A predetermined interface is used to connect the part provided on land and the part provided on the seabed. Specifically, for example, OCI is used. FI_1 to FI_N in FIG. 7 indicate such interfaces.

Next, the operation of the optical switch device 3a in the optical transmission system 100a will be explained. More specifically, the operation of the control means 22a will be mainly described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

First, the optical switch device 3a receives an instruction signal transmitted by the server device 4. Thereby, the control means 22a acquires the instruction included in the received instruction signal. More specifically, the control means 22a acquires the first instruction (step ST1a).

Next, the control means 22a executes first selection control and first switching control based on the first instruction acquired in step ST1a (step ST2a). That is, the control means 22a executes control to select the input terminal P_IN in the first optical switch means 31a and control to select the output terminal P_OUT in the second optical switch means 32a based on the obtained first instruction. Execute. The control means 22a also controls the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch so that a state is realized in which the optical signal input to the selected input terminal P_IN is output from the selected output terminal P_OUT. Control for switching the optical path in the switch means 32a is executed.

Next, a modification of the optical transmission system 100a will be described.

First, the optical transmission system 100a may not include the second optical branching device 7. In this case, the optical switch device 3a and the measuring device 8 may be provided at the first land station or the second land station, for example.

Second, the optical transmission system 100a may not include the server device 4. In this case, the control means 22a may use a preset first instruction instead of the first instruction given by the server device 4.

For example, if the schedule of OSA measurements periodically performed by the measuring device 8 is fixed, it is unnecessary to change the first instruction. In this case, the control means 22a may execute the first selection control based on a first instruction set in advance based on the schedule. That is, the first instruction may be any predetermined instruction.

Third, the optical transmission system 100a may include the same first optical branching device 2, optical switch device 3, testing device 5, and control device 6 as the optical transmission system 100. That is, the optical transmission system 100a may include the test device 5 and the control device 6, and may also include the measurement device 8. The optical transmission system 100a also includes an optical switch device 3 provided between the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N and the test device 5 and the control device 6, and between the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N and the measuring device 8. The optical switch device 3a may be included in the optical switch device 3a.

In this case, the second optical branching device 7 may be configured integrally with the first optical branching device 2. For example, the first optical branching device 2 and the second optical branching device 7 may be configured by a single optical submarine branching device.

Next, the effects of the optical switch device 3a will be explained.

By using the optical switch device 3a, the same effects as when using the optical switch device 3 can be obtained. In other words, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained.

That is, the first optical switch means 31a includes a plurality of input terminals P_IN, and outputs an optical signal input to a selected input terminal P_IN from among the plurality of input terminals P_IN. The second optical switch means 32a includes a plurality of output terminals P_OUT, and outputs the optical signal outputted by the first optical switch means 31 from a selected one of the plurality of output terminals P_OUT. The control means 22a executes control to select the input terminal P_IN in the first optical switch means 31a and control to select the output terminal P_OUT in the second optical switch means 32a based on a predetermined first instruction.

By using the optical switch device 3a equipped with these means (31a, 32a, 22a), the individual devices (8) connected to the optical fiber cable and the individual optical fiber pairs (FP_1 to FP_N) included in the optical fiber cable can be connected. ) can be realized.

Here, the following optical switch device will be considered as a comparative optical switch device for the optical switch device 3a. That is, in the optical switch device 3a, the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch means 32a are separated from each other. Specifically, for example, as described above, the first optical switch means 31a is composed of an N×1 optical switch SW_2 and an N×1 optical switch SW_3, and the second optical switch means 32a is composed of a 2× optical switch SW_2 and an N×1 optical switch SW_3. It is composed of one optical switch SW_1 and 2×1 optical switch SW_4. In contrast, in the comparative optical switch device, the functions corresponding to the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch means 32a are realized by a single optical switch. More specifically, this function is realized by an optical switch with 2N inputs and 2 outputs (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "2Nx2").

By using the N×1 optical switch SW_2, the N×1 optical switch SW_3, the 2×1 optical switch SW_1, and the 2×1 optical switch SW_4, compared to the case of using a 2N×2 optical switch, Switching of optical paths in individual optical switches can be simplified. In other words, since the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch means 32a are mutually separate components (for example, optical switches SW_2, SW_3 and optical switches SW_1, SW_4), the first optical switch means 31a and the second optical switch means 32a are separated from each other. Compared to the case where the two-optical switch means 32a is a single component (for example, a 2N×2 optical switch), switching of the optical paths as described above can be easily realized.

Furthermore, by using the optical switch devices 3 and 3a, it is possible to realize the connection of the test device 5 and the control device 6 to the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N, and also to realize the connection of the measurement device 8 to the optical fiber pairs FP_1 to FP_N. It can be realized. In particular, these connections can be facilitated. As a result, it is possible to easily adapt to an open cable system configuration.

Here, the optical switches SW_1 to SW_4 included in the optical switch means 21a are the same as the optical switches SW_1 to SW_4 included in the optical switch means 21. Therefore, the optical switches SW_1 to SW_4 can be shared between the optical switch device 3 for connecting the test device 5 and the control device 6 and the optical switch device 3a for connecting the measuring device 8. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the design cost and manufacturing cost of the optical switch devices 3, 3a.

[Third embodiment]
FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an optical switch device according to a third embodiment. With reference to FIG. 10, an optical switch device according to a third embodiment will be described. Further, FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing an optical transmission system according to the third embodiment. An optical transmission system according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11. Note that in FIGS. 10 and 11, elements similar to those shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and explanations thereof will be omitted.

Here, each of the optical switch device 3 according to the first embodiment and the optical switch device 3a according to the second embodiment is an example of the optical switch device 3b according to the third embodiment. Further, each of the optical transmission system 100 according to the first embodiment and the optical transmission system 100a according to the second embodiment is an example of the optical transmission system 100b according to the third embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 10, the optical switch device 3b includes a first optical switch means 31, a second optical switch means 32, and a control means 22. As shown in FIG. 11, the optical transmission system 100b includes an optical switch device 3b. Even in these cases, the same effects as those described in the first embodiment can be obtained as described below.

That is, the first optical switch means 31 includes a plurality of input terminals P_IN, and outputs an optical signal input to a selected input terminal P_IN among the plurality of input terminals P_IN. The second optical switch means 32 includes a plurality of output terminals P_OUT, and outputs the optical signal outputted by the first optical switch means 31 from a selected one of the plurality of output terminals P_OUT. The control means 22 executes control to select the input terminal P_IN in the first optical switch means 31 and control to select the output terminal P_OUT in the second optical switch means 32 based on a predetermined first instruction.

By using the optical switch device 3b equipped with these means (31, 32, 22), individual devices (5, 6, 8) connected to the optical fiber cable and individual optical fiber pairs included in the optical fiber cable can be connected. (FP_1 to FP_N) can be switched.

Additionally, the optical transmission system 100b includes an optical switch device 3b. This provides the effects described above. That is, it is possible to realize optical path switching between the individual devices (5, 6, 8) connected to the optical fiber cable and the individual optical fiber pairs (FP_1 to FP_N) included in the optical fiber cable.

Note that the optical switch device 3b may include a third optical switch means 33 in addition to the first optical switch means 31, the second optical switch means 32, and the control means 22. Further, the optical switch device 3b includes a first optical switch means 31a, a second optical switch means 32a, and a control means 22a instead of the first optical switch means 31, the second optical switch means 32, and the control means 22. It's okay.

Furthermore, the optical transmission system 100b may include a test device 5 and a control device 6 in addition to the optical switch device 3b. Furthermore, the optical transmission system 100b may include the optical communication device 1 in addition to the optical switch device 3b. Further, the optical transmission system 100b may include a measuring device 8 in addition to the optical switch device 3b. Further, the optical transmission system 100b may include the server device 4 in addition to the optical switch device 3b.

Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes can be made to the structure and details of the present disclosure that can be understood by those skilled in the art within the scope of the present disclosure.

Part or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following additional notes, but are not limited to the following.

[Additional notes]
[Additional note 1]
a first optical switch unit comprising a plurality of input terminals and outputting an optical signal input to a selected one of the plurality of input terminals;
a second optical switch means comprising a plurality of output terminals and outputting the optical signal outputted by the first optical switch means from a selected one of the plurality of output terminals;
control means for executing control for selecting an input terminal in the first optical switch means and control for selecting an output terminal in the second optical switch means based on a predetermined first instruction;
An optical switch device comprising:
[Additional note 2]
An optical transmission system comprising the optical switch device according to appendix 1.
[Additional note 3]
a test device that is connected to any one of the plurality of input terminals and outputs test light, which is an optical signal for a light pulse test, to the optical switch device;
a control device that is connected to any other input terminal of the plurality of input terminals and outputs control light, which is an optical signal for command control, to the optical switch device;
The optical transmission system according to supplementary note 2, comprising:
[Additional note 4]
An optical communication device including a plurality of optical communication means each connected to the plurality of output terminals,
The optical transmission system according to appendix 3, wherein each of the plurality of optical communication means is controlled by the control light.
[Additional note 5]
Each of the plurality of optical communication means is connected to the optical switch device using an optical fiber pair, and outputs a response light that is an optical signal in response to the control light to the optical fiber pair,
The optical switch device is configured to transmit the response light outputted by each of the plurality of optical communication means to the control device based on a second instruction corresponding to the first instruction. The optical transmission system according to appendix 4, further comprising a third optical switch means for switching the optical path.
[Additional note 6]
The optical transmission system according to appendix 2, further comprising a measurement device connected to any one of the plurality of output terminals and receiving input of measurement light that is an optical signal for measuring an optical spectrum. .
[Additional note 7]
The optical transmission system according to any one of appendices 2 to 6, further comprising a server device that gives the first instruction to the optical switch device.
[Additional note 8]
The optical transmission system according to appendix 5, further comprising a server device that provides the first instruction and the second instruction to the optical switch device.

1 Optical communication device 2 First optical branching device 3, 3a, 3b Optical switching device 4 Server device 5 Testing device 6 Control device 7 Second optical branching device 8 Measuring device 11 Optical communication means 21, 21a Optical switching means 22, 22a Control Means 31, 31a First optical switch means 32, 32a Second optical switch means 33 Third optical switch means 100, 100a, 100b Optical transmission system

Claims (8)

1. a first optical switch unit comprising a plurality of input terminals and outputting an optical signal input to a selected one of the plurality of input terminals;
   a second optical switch means comprising a plurality of output terminals and outputting the optical signal outputted by the first optical switch means from a selected one of the plurality of output terminals;
   control means for executing control for selecting an input terminal in the first optical switch means and control for selecting an output terminal in the second optical switch means based on a predetermined first instruction;
   An optical switch device comprising:
2. An optical transmission system comprising the optical switch device according to claim 1.
3. a test device that is connected to any one of the plurality of input terminals and outputs test light, which is an optical signal for a light pulse test, to the optical switch device;
   a control device that is connected to any other input terminal of the plurality of input terminals and outputs control light, which is an optical signal for command control, to the optical switch device;
   The optical transmission system according to claim 2, comprising:
4. An optical communication device including a plurality of optical communication means each connected to the plurality of output terminals,
   The optical transmission system according to claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of optical communication means is controlled by the control light.
5. Each of the plurality of optical communication means is connected to the optical switch device using an optical fiber pair, and outputs a response light that is an optical signal in response to the control light to the optical fiber pair,
   The optical switch device is configured to transmit the response light outputted by each of the plurality of optical communication means to the control device based on a second instruction corresponding to the first instruction. The optical transmission system according to claim 4, further comprising a third optical switch means for switching the optical path.
6. The optical transmission according to claim 2, further comprising a measurement device connected to any one of the plurality of output terminals and receiving input of measurement light that is an optical signal for measuring an optical spectrum. system.
7. The optical transmission system according to any one of claims 2 to 6, further comprising a server device that gives the first instruction to the optical switch device.
8. The optical transmission system according to claim 5, further comprising a server device that provides the first instruction and the second instruction to the optical switch device.

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