U.S. patent application number 16/420791 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-26 for systems, methods, and apparatus for optical transceiver with multiple switch state configurations.
This patent application is currently assigned to Juniper Networks, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Juniper Networks, Inc.. Invention is credited to Kevan Peter JONES, Robert William KEYS.
Application Number | 20200371295 16/420791 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004153391 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20200371295 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
JONES; Kevan Peter ; et
al. |
November 26, 2020 |
SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND APPARATUS FOR OPTICAL TRANSCEIVER WITH
MULTIPLE SWITCH STATE CONFIGURATIONS
Abstract
According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an
apparatus is provided. In an aspect, the apparatus includes an
optical transceiver having a first port, a second port and an
optical switch coupled to the first port and the second port. The
optical switch is switchable between a unidirectional port
operation mode and a bidirectional port operation mode. When the
optical switch is in the unidirectional port operation mode, the
first port is configured to send a first optical signal, and the
second port configured to receive a second optical signal. When the
optical switch is in the bidirectional port operation mode, the
first port configured to send the first optical signal and receive
the second optical signal, and the second port configured to
receive a third optical signal and not send the first signal.
Furthermore, a second bidirectional port operation mode is
supported with the second port configured to send the first optical
signal and receive the second optical signal, and the first port
configured to receive a third optical signal and not send the first
signal.
Inventors: |
JONES; Kevan Peter; (Kanata,
CA) ; KEYS; Robert William; (Stittsville,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Juniper Networks, Inc. |
Sunnyvale |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Juniper Networks, Inc.
Sunnyvale
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000004153391 |
Appl. No.: |
16/420791 |
Filed: |
May 23, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 2006/12145
20130101; H04J 14/0212 20130101; G02B 2006/12111 20130101; H04L
49/357 20130101; G02B 6/268 20130101; G02B 2006/12152 20130101;
H04Q 11/0001 20130101; G02B 6/355 20130101; G02B 2006/12147
20130101; G02B 6/3542 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G02B 6/35 20060101
G02B006/35; H04Q 11/00 20060101 H04Q011/00; H04L 12/931 20060101
H04L012/931; G02B 6/26 20060101 G02B006/26; H04J 14/02 20060101
H04J014/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus, comprising: an optical transceiver having a first
port, a second port and an optical switch coupled to the first port
and the second port, the optical switch including a first switch
coupled to the first port, a second switch coupled to the second
port, and an optical coupler coupled to the first port via the
first switch and the second port via the second switch, the optical
switch switchable between a unidirectional port operation mode and
a bidirectional port operation mode, when the optical switch is in
the unidirectional port operation mode, the first port configured
to send a first optical signal, and the second port configured to
receive a second optical signal, when the optical switch is in the
bidirectional port operation mode, the first port configured to
send the first optical signal and receive the second optical
signal, and the second port configured to detect a third optical
signal and not receive the first optical signal and the second
optical signal.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical switch includes:
the first switch being switchable between a pass state and a block
state; and the second switch being switchable between the pass
state and the block state.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the optical switch includes:
the first switch coupled to the first port and switchable between a
pass state and a block state, the first switch in the pass state
when the optical switch is in the unidirectional port operation
mode; the second switch coupled to the second port and switchable
between the pass state and the block state, the second switch is in
the pass state when the optical switch is in the unidirectional
port operation mode; when the optical switch is in the
bidirectional port operation mode, the first switch is in one of
the pass state or the block state, and the second switch is in one
of the pass state or the block state, the second switch in the
block state when the first switch is in the pass state, and the
second switch in the pass state when the first switch is in the
block state.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the bidirectional port
operation mode includes a protected bidirectional port operation
mode.
5. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein a wavelength of the first
optical signal differs from a wavelength of the second optical
signal.
6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the optical switch includes:
the first switch coupled to the first port and switchable between a
pass state and a block state, the first switch in the pass state
for the first optical signal and the second optical signal when the
optical switch is in the bidirectional port operation mode; the
second switch coupled to the second port and switchable between the
pass state and the block state, the second switch is in the block
state for the first optical signal and the second optical signal
and configured to detect the third optical signal when the optical
switch is in the bidirectional port operation mode.
7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first optical
source coupled to the optical protection switch, the first optical
source configured to output light at a first frequency; and a
second optical source coupled to an optical detector, the second
optical source configured to output light at a second frequency;
the optical detector coupled to the optical switch.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a first optical
source coupled to the optical switch, the first optical source
outputting light at a first frequency, the first optical signal
having the first frequency when the optical switch is in the
unidirectional port operation mode, the first optical signal and
the third optical signal having the first frequency when the
optical switch is in the bidirectional port operation mode; and a
second optical source coupled to an optical detector, the optical
detector coupled to the optical switch, the second optical source
outputting light at a second frequency, the second optical signal
having the second frequency associated when the optical switch is
in the unidirectional port operation mode or the bidirectional port
operation mode.
9. A machine-readable medium storing code representing instructions
to be executed by a processor, the code comprising code to cause
the processor to: switch an optical switch between a bidirectional
port operation mode and a unidirectional port operation mode, the
bidirectional port operation mode including a protected
bidirectional port operation mode, the optical switch including a
first switch coupled to a first port, a second switch coupled to a
second port, and an optical coupler coupled to the first port via
the first switch and the second port via the second switch; send,
in the unidirectional port operation mode and via the first port, a
first optical signal and not sending and not receiving a second
optical signal; receive, in the unidirectional port operation mode
and via the second port, the second optical signal; send, in the
bidirectional port operation mode and via the first port, the first
optical signal; receive, in the bidirectional port operation mode
and via the first port, the second optical signal; and detect, in
the bidirectional port operation mode and via the second port, a
third optical signal and not receiving the first signal and the
second optical signal.
10. The machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the code to
switch between a bidirectional port operation mode and a
unidirectional port operation mode includes code to: set the first
switch, switchable between a pass state and a block state, to the
pass state; and set the second switch, switchable between the pass
state and the block state, to the pass state.
11. The machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the code to
send, in the unidirectional port operation mode and via the first
port, the first optical signal and not sending and not receiving
the second optical signal includes code to: send the first optical
signal at a wavelength corresponding to a wavelength of the second
optical signal.
12. The machine-readable medium of claim 10, wherein the code to
send, in the unidirectional port operation mode and via the first
port, the first optical signal and not sending and not receiving
the second optical signal includes code to: send the first optical
signal at a wavelength distinct from a wavelength of the second
optical signal.
13. The machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the code to
switch between a bidirectional port operation mode and a
unidirectional port operation mode includes code to: set the first
switch, switchable between a pass state and a block state, to the
pass state; and set the second switch, switchable between the pass
state and the block state, to the block state.
14. The machine-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the code to
switch between a bidirectional port operation mode and a
unidirectional port operation mode includes code to: set the first
switch, switchable between a pass state and a block state, to the
block state; and set the second switch, switchable between the pass
state and the block state, to the pass state.
15. The machine-readable medium of claim 13, wherein to code to
send, in the bidirectional port operation mode and via the first
port, the first optical signal includes code to: send the first
optical signal at a wavelength distinct from a wavelength of the
second optical signal.
16. The machine-readable medium of claim 14, wherein the code to
send, in the bidirectional port operation mode and via the first
port, the first optical signal includes code to: send the first
optical signal at a wavelength distinct from a wavelength of the
second optical signal.
17. An apparatus, comprising: an optical transceiver having a first
port, a second port and an optical switch coupled to the first port
and the second port, the optical switch including a first switch
coupled to the first port, a second switch coupled to the second
port, and an optical coupler coupled to the first port via the
first switch and the second port via the second switch the optical
switch switchable between a unidirectional port operation mode and
a bidirectional port operation mode, when the optical switch is in
the unidirectional port operation mode, the optical transceiver
configured to operate as a unidirectional optical transceiver, when
the optical switch is in the bidirectional port operation mode, the
optical transceiver configured operate as a bidirectional optical
transceiver.
18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein when the optical switch is
in the unidirectional port operation mode, the optical transceiver
configured to operate as the unidirectional optical transceiver
sending on the first port and not the second port and receiving on
the second port and not the first port, when the optical switch is
in the bidirectional port operation mode, the optical transceiver
configured to operate as the bidirectional optical transceiver
sending on the first port and receiving on the first port and
receiving on the second port.
19. (canceled)
20. (canceled)
21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first switch or the
second switch comprises a variable optical attenuator (VOA).
22. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the optical coupler
comprises a Mach-Zehnder interferometers (MZI).
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of
optical transceivers for optical telecommunications, and in
particular, to an optical transceiver with multiple switch state
configuration capability for configuration and control in, of, and
for optical access networks.
BACKGROUND
[0002] To meet the growing demand for high rates of data transfer
or bandwidth and capacity in access networks, optical networks such
as passive optical networks (PON(s)), including, for example,
wave-division multiplexed-PONs (WDM PON(s)), and the like, can be
implemented. For example, PONs such as WDM PONs can be implemented
to provide a logical or virtual point-to-point (P2P) network
topology over a physical, point-to-multipoint (P2M), fiber-based
network topology. This can provide for simpler, more efficient, and
sustainable network capabilities that can scale with the growing
demand, and further, provide, in some instances--longer reach,
greater security, and higher capacity and bandwidth (per user), and
the like. PONs such as WDM PONs can provide an economical,
efficient, and scalable network architecture (e.g., fiber-to-the-X
(FTTx) network architecture) by which the growing demand can be
met, however, various technical challenges contributing to the cost
associated with the operation, administration, and maintenance
(OA&M) of such networks still exist.
SUMMARY
[0003] In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an optical
transceiver having a first port, a second port and an optical
switch ("optical switch" or "optical port configuration switch" or
"port configuration switch") coupled to the first port and the
second port. The optical switch is switchable between a
unidirectional port operation mode and a bidirectional port
operation mode. When the optical switch is in the unidirectional
port operation mode, the first port is configured to send a first
optical signal, and the second port is configured to receive a
second optical signal. When the optical switch is in the
bidirectional port operation mode, the first port is configured to
send the first optical signal and receive the second optical
signal, and the second port is configured to detect a third optical
signal and not receive the first signal and the second optical
signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram depicting an optical
communications system, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0005] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram depicting an optical
transceiver, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0006] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting an example operation of a
coherent optical transceiver, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0007] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver, in accordance with an embodiment.
[0008] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver when switched to a first operating mode, in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0009] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver when switched to a second operating mode, in
accordance with an embodiment.
[0010] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver when switched to a third operating mode, in
accordance with an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A PON such as a WDM PON can include, for example, an
upstream node such as a provider-side optical line terminal
(OLT(s)) that is interconnected, via one or more communication
channels, paths, or links ("channel(s)", "path(s)", "link(s)"), to
a downstream node such as a client- or user-side optical network
unit (ONU(s)). The links can include, for example, optical fibers
("fiber(s)") such as one-way or unidirectional fibers
("unidirectional channel(s)" or "unidirectional path(s)"), two-way
or bidirectional fibers ("bidirectional channel(s)" or
"bidirectional path(s)"), and the like. Network traffic and signals
("traffic" "network traffic" or "data communications" or
"signal(s)") can be routed, for example, over and across a WDM PON
and between nodes via links including unidirectional paths and/or
bidirectional paths. For example, signals can be transmitted and
received, between nodes and via one or more unidirectional and
bidirectional paths, by optical transceivers at each node.
[0012] For example, a link interconnecting a particular pair of
nodes (e.g., including an optical line terminal (OLT) and an
optical network terminal (ONT)) in a WDM PON can include one or
more unidirectional paths configured to support, for example,
one-way data communications to provide TV or radio broadcast
services to an end-user. As another example, a link interconnecting
a particular pair of nodes (e.g., end-user premises and ONT) in the
WDM PON can include one or more bidirectional paths configured to
support, for example, two-way data communications to provide
Internet access services to an end-user. Optical transceivers
disposed at individual nodes in the WDM PON are typically used to
transmit and receive the data communications via links that include
both unidirectional and bidirectional paths.
[0013] In general, once deployed in an access network such as a WDM
PON, known optical transceivers are configured to operate in one of
a unidirectional port operation mode (or simplex (two fiber)
communications mode) and a bidirectional port operation mode (or a
duplex (one fiber) communications mode), and typically involve
manual, on-site reconfiguration (e.g., at a physical location of an
ONU). Moreover, in some instances, reconfiguring a known optical
transceiver, to switch the transceiver from one mode of
communication or operation to another, may require installation of
additional equipment. Further, known coherent optical transceivers
are typically configured for one of unidirectional or bidirectional
communications--not both. For example, known optical transceivers
such as coherent optical transceivers, and the like, typically
share a common signal source for uni-directional operation--and for
bidirectional operation, typically use separate signal sources for
signal transmission and receipt. This can contribute to the costs
associated with the operation, administration, and maintenance
(OA&M) of the access network, due in part to the number of
parts necessitated by the known optical transceivers, coherent
optical transceivers, and the like.
[0014] Accordingly, a need exists for systems and methods by which
to overcome the aforementioned limitations associated with the
known optical transceivers. Some embodiments described herein are
directed to an optical transceiver that provides software-based
programmability between, for example, simplex and duplex operation.
Advantageously, some embodiments described herein can be used to
control and automate the deployment, configuration, operation,
control, and maintenance of optical access networks such as WDM
PON, and the like.
[0015] In some embodiments, an optical transceiver includes one or
more adjustable signal sources (e.g., tunable laser sources). In
the case of at least two adjustable signal sources, one of the
signal sources can be used for signal transmission at a first
wavelength on a transmit side (e.g., of a communication channel),
and the other of the signal sources can, if desired, operate at a
second wavelength substantially equal to the first wavelength. The
second wavelength can otherwise be different than the first
wavelength. In some embodiments, multiplexing and demultiplexing
functions are provided by a combination of a coupler (e.g.,
2.times.2 coupler) and variable optical attenuators (e.g.,
1.times.1 switches) configured to provide controlled coupling to
enable and provide selective signal routing, passing, and blocking
capability. This manner of multiplexing and demultiplexing enables
path protection via diverse paths. In some embodiments, an optical
(e.g., directional) isolator can be used as part of the signal
passing and blocking capability. In some embodiments, the optical
transceiver instead includes only one adjustable signal source
(e.g., tunable laser source) and an additional modulator for
carrier suppressed modulation (e.g., to generate two carrier or
baseband signals having different wavelengths). In some
embodiments, the only one adjustable signal source can be, for
example, a multi-wavelength source, usable in conjunction with one
or more ring resonators for selective wavelength-selective
operation.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram depicting an optical
communications system 100, in accordance with an embodiment. As
shown, the optical communications system 100 includes optical
transceiver 110 and the optical transceiver 120, which can
otherwise be configured to operatively interconnect, via the path
104 and the path 106, to enable, generate, provide, transmit, and
receive signals and communications over network 102. While the
optical communications system 100 is depicted in FIG. 1 as
including two discrete devices (e.g., 110, 120), interconnected by
two elements (e.g., 104, 106) other arrangements are possible. For
example, the optical transceiver 110, the optical transceiver 120,
the path 104, and/or the path 106 can otherwise respectively and
individually include or be suitably formed of one or more
integrated devices or materials.
[0017] The optical communications system 100 represents an optical
access network system. The optical communications system 100 can be
configured to operate in various modes of communication, including,
for example, a simplex mode or a duplex mode. The optical
communications system 100 can include or be configured to
communicate with a network (e.g. network 102) such as an access
network such as a PON, WDM PON, dense wave-division multiplexed PON
(DWDM PON), or the like. The optical communications system 100 can
include any suitable network topology or combination of network
topologies, any of which can be physical, logical, or virtual,
including, for example, a point-to-multipoint (P2M) network
topology, a point-to-point (P2P) network topology, and the like.
The optical communications system 100 can otherwise include any
suitable type of access network having any suitable network
topology, architecture, or characteristic, in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0018] In some implementations, network 102 can include, for
example, an intranet, a local area network (LAN), a metropolitan
area network (MAN), a backhaul network, a fronthaul network, a
long-haul network, and/or a wide area network (WAN) such as the
Internet, and can include wired and/or fiber optic connections.
Network 102 can otherwise include any combination of connections
and protocols configured to support communications nodes (not
depicted).
[0019] The path 104 and the path 106 represent respective and
individual links (that can implement one or more communication
channels). The path 104 and/or the path 106 can include, for
example, one or more unidirectional paths, bidirectional paths, and
the like. For example, the path 104 and/or the path 106 can
respectively and individually include a common optical fiber (or
multiple optical fibers) that interconnects the optical transceiver
110 and the optical transceiver 120, such as shown in FIG. 1.
[0020] As another example, the path 104 and/or the path 106 can,
with or without one or more other fibers, be bundled, disposed, and
insulated in an optical cable. The optical cable can include, for
example, an insulating jacket in which the bundled fibers can be
disposed. The path 104 and/or the path 106 can otherwise
respectively and individually include any suitable type of
communication channel, as such can be used in an optical access
network such as a PON, WDM PON, and the like, in accordance with
embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0021] The path 104 and/or the path 106 each represent a respective
communications link, path, or channel in network 102. For example,
the path 104 and/or the path 106 can be disposed between and used
to interconnect nodes (e.g., optical transceiver 110, optical
transceiver 120) in the network 102. The path 104 and/or the path
106 can each include, for example, a unidirectional signal
communications path ("unidirectional path"), a bidirectional signal
communications path ("bidirectional path"), and the like. The path
104 and/or the path 106 can include, for example, paths capable of
conveying network traffic and signals in an optical communications
system such as the optical communications system 100. The network
traffic and signals can include, for example, optical signals such
as frequency tunable signals, coherent signals, and the like.
[0022] In some implementations, the path 104 and/or the path 106
may each respectively be configured to transmit or carry, for
example, signals associated with a particular wavelength or range
of wavelengths, such as can be generated and conditioned via one or
more WDM techniques, as described in further detail herein with
reference to FIG. 2. For example, the path 104 and/or the path 106
can be configured to transmit or carry, for example, signals having
a frequency or wavelength in a range of the C band and/or the L
band of the electromagnetic spectrum. As an example, the signals
can have a frequency or wavelength in the range of approximately
1260 to 1625 nm. As another example, the signals can alternatively
or additionally have a frequency or wavelength in the range of
approximately 1530 nm to 1565 nm (e.g., C band). As another
example, the signals can alternatively or additionally have a
frequency or wavelength in the range of approximately 1565 nm to
1625 nm (e.g., L band). The signals can otherwise be characterized
by measurement of any suitable signal characteristic, such as
frequency or wavelength, signal polarization, signal amplitude,
phase, or the like, such as may be used in an optical
communications system such as the optical communications system
100, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] The optical transceiver 110 and the optical transceiver 120
each represent respective and individual coherent optical
transceivers. The optical transceiver 110 and the optical
transceiver 120 can, for example, be configured to operatively
interconnect, via the path 104 and the path 106, to enable,
provide, and transmit signals and communications, over a network
(e.g., network 102), in optical communications system 100. The
optical transceiver 110 and/or the optical transceiver 120 may be,
for example, individually disposed in respective nodes (not
depicted). For example, the optical transceiver 110 and the optical
transceiver 120 can be disposed in an OLT and an ONU, respectively.
The optical transceiver 110 and the optical transceiver 120 may
each respectively and individually operate and function, for
example, substantially similarly or identically to that described
in further detail herein, with reference to FIG. 2.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram depicting an optical
transceiver 210, in accordance with an embodiment. The optical
transceiver 210 can be functionally and/or structurally similar to
any of the optical transceivers (e.g., optical transceiver 110,
optical transceiver 120), as described herein. For example, as
shown, the optical transceiver 210 includes first port 214, second
port 216, signal conditioner 203, detector 207, optical source 201,
optical source 205, and port configuration switch 230 ("port
configuration switch 230" or "optical switch 230"). The port
configuration switch 230 includes switches 234A-B and coupler 232.
While the optical transceiver 210 is depicted in FIG. 2 as
including nine discrete devices or components (e.g., 201, 203, 205,
207, 214, 216, 230, 232, 234A, 234B, 240), interconnected by two
elements (e.g., 204, 206) other arrangements are possible. For
example, the optical transceiver 210 can alternatively or otherwise
include any suitable number of integrated devices, materials, and
the like. As another example, the port configuration switch 230 may
itself be a modular or composite component, including, for example,
a coupler (e.g., coupler 232), and one or more switches (e.g.,
switch 234A, switch 234B), such as described in further detail
herein. The optical transceiver 210 can otherwise include or be
suitably formed of any number of integrated, composite, pluggable,
or modular components, or materials.
[0025] The optical transceiver 210 represents a coherent optical
transceiver. The optical transceiver 210 can be functionally and/or
structurally similar to the optical transceiver 110 and/or optical
transceiver 120, respectively, as described herein. In some
implementations, the optical transceiver 210 can include an optical
transceiver having a first port (e.g., 214), a second port (e.g.,
216), and an optical switch (e.g., 230) coupled to the first port
and the second port. For example, the optical transceiver 210 can
be configured to interconnect, at port 214 and port 216 and via the
path 204 and the path 206, to a network (e.g., network 102). The
optical transceiver 210 can be interconnected to the network such
as by interconnection, via the path 204 and the path 206, with
another optical transceiver (e.g., optical transceiver 120) in the
network. The optical transceiver 210 can be interconnected to the
network to establish, support, maintain, and facilitate a flow of
network traffic through the network. For example, the optical
transceiver 210 can be configured to interconnect, via first port
214 and second port 216, with an optical transceiver (e.g., optical
transceiver 120), an optical receiver (not depicted), an optical
transmitter (not depicted), and the like, to transmit and receive
signals in the network.
[0026] In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 is
configured to be operatively interconnected, at switch 234A and
switch 234B (collectively, "switch(es) 234") and by way of port 214
and port 216, respectively, in an optical communications system
(e.g., optical communications system 100). The switch 234A and the
switch 234B can be operatively interconnected, on a port-facing
side, to the path 204 and the path 206, respectively, and further,
on a non-port-facing side, to the coupler 232, such as shown in
FIG. 2. In this example, the coupler 232 can be operatively
interconnected, on the non-port-facing side, to signal conditioner
203 and detector 207, such as shown in FIG. 2. In this example, the
signal conditioner 203 can be operatively interconnected, on the
non-port-facing side, to optical source 201, such as shown in FIG.
2. In this example, the detector 207 can be operatively
interconnected, on the non-port-facing side, to optical source 205,
such as shown in FIG. 2.
[0027] The path 204 and the path 206 represent respective and
individual links or communication channels. The path 204 and the
path 206 can be functionally and/or structurally similar to the
path 104 and/or the path 106, respectively, as described herein.
For example, the path 204 and/or the path 206 can include one or
more unidirectional paths, bidirectional paths, and the like.
[0028] The first port 214 and the second port 216 represent
individual unidirectional and bidirectional ports. For example, the
first port 214 and the second port 216 can be configured to
interconnect to the path 204 and the path 206 to establish and
facilitate one or more communication channels between the optical
transceiver 210 and an optical transceiver in the network (e.g.,
optical transceiver 110, optical transceiver 120). The first port
214 and/or the second port 216 can include or be configured to
provide, for example, a unidirectional port, a bidirectional port,
and the like. The first port 214 and/or the second port 216 are
configured to interconnect or couple the optical transceiver 210 to
the path 204 and the path 206. The first port 214 and/or the second
port 216 can be configured to be coupled to the optical source 201.
Moreover, the first port 214 and/or the second port 216 can be
configured to be coupled to the detector 207, with the optical
source 205 configured to be coupled to and terminated at the
detector 207 (e.g., local oscillator). For example, the first port
214 can be configured to interconnect and establish a communication
channel linking the path 204 to the port configuration switch 230,
the signal conditioner 203 and the optical source 201; and the
second port 216 can be configured to interconnect and establish a
communication channel linking the path 206 to the port
configuration switch 230 and the detector 207 and terminating at
the detector 207. In this example, the optical source 205 can be
separately interconnected to the detector to provide local
oscillator signals (e.g. for beating or mixing with inbound or
received signals)
[0029] In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 can be
configured to provide control over a signal direction, or
directional isolation of signals conveyed between the first port
214 and the second port 216 and the optical source 201 and the
optical source 205, to enable selective directional signal control,
such as via the coupler 232, as described in further detail herein.
For example, the directional signal control can be implemented to
block signals traveling from the port 214, through the switch 234A,
through the coupler 232, and into the signal conditioner 203, to
prevent signals from the first port 214 from being input to the
signal conditioner 203. This can have the effect of reducing noise,
undesired interference, and the like. In some implementations, the
first port 214 and the second port 216 can be configured to be
coupled to an optical transceiver (e.g., optical transceiver 210)
via an external wavelength multiplexer, and the like.
[0030] In some implementations, the first port 214 and/or the
second port 216 are configured to interface with electrical signals
to enable management and configuration of the optical transceiver
210 (e.g., via execution of a software-defined command). In some
implementations, the first port 214 and the second port 216 are
configured to enable management and configuration of one or more
operating modes of the optical transceiver 210. One or more of the
operating modes can include, for example, a unidirectional port
operation mode and a bidirectional port operation mode. In some
implementations, when the optical switch is in the unidirectional
port operation mode, the optical transceiver is configured to
operate as a unidirectional optical transceiver. In some
implementations, when the optical switch is in the bidirectional
port operation mode, the optical transceiver is configured operate
as a bidirectional optical transceiver. For example, the optical
transceiver 210 can be configured to be interconnected with or
integrated into a component such as a line card, or the like, with
which the first port 214 and/or the second port 216 can be
configured to interconnect and couple. In some implementations, the
first port 214 and/or the second port 216 can be software-defined
logical or virtual ports.
[0031] In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 can
include one or more electrical interface ports (not depicted) such
as an Ethernet interface. In some implementations, the first port
214 and/or the second port 216 are configured to detect inbound or
received signals (e.g., inbound received signals). For purposes of
the present disclosure, "inbound signal(s)" refer to any received
or westbound signal (e.g. by optical transceiver 210) via a port
(e.g. port 214, port 216). Moreover, "outbound signal(s)" refer to
any transmitted, sent, or eastbound signal (e.g. by or from optical
transceiver 210) via a port (e.g. port 214, port 216).
[0032] The inbound or received signals can be detected
independently of a switch state (e.g., of switch 234A, switch
234B). For example, an inbound signal can be detected via a
photodetector (not shown) disposed at the first port 214 and/or the
second port 216, independently of the switch state (e.g., of switch
234A, switch 234B), such that the inbound signal can be detected if
the switch state is set to pass or block. In this example, a signal
or indication of the inbound can be generated by the photodetector,
and communicated to a controller (e.g. processor 240) to enable
detection of the inbound signal. The signals can include, for
example, narrowband wavelength signals, broadband wavelength
signals, or associated spectral components or characteristics of
the signals, and the like. In some implementations, the first port
214 and/or the second port 216 are configured to detect (e.g., via
a photodetector, spectral discrimination, multiple (photo)
detectors) the signals with a sufficient level of sensitivity so as
to provide a control capability function over port operation (e.g.,
of optical transceiver 210).
[0033] The optical transceiver 210 can be configured to send,
transmit, and/or receive optical signals via the first port 214
and/or the second port 216, such as over one or more communications
links including, for example, path 204 and/or path 206. In some
implementations, the optical transceiver 210 can be configured to
implement one or more modulation techniques to transmit a signal.
The optical transceiver 210 can be configured to transmit the
signal by modulating, for example, one or more of an amplitude,
frequency, phase, polarization, and wavelength characteristic of
the signal.
[0034] In some implementations, when configured in a bidirectional
port operation mode, the optical transceiver 210 can be configured
to implement a multiplexing technique such as directional
multiplexing, and the like. In some implementations, when
configured in the bidirectional port operation mode to send and
receive signals at different wavelengths or frequencies, the
optical transceiver 210 can be configured to implement a
multiplexing technique such as wavelength division multiplexing or
wave-division multiplexing, and the like.
[0035] In some implementations, one or more of the modulation
techniques may additionally or otherwise include, for example,
amplitude-shift keying (ASK), frequency-shift keying (FSK),
phase-shift keying (PSK), quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM),
and polarization-division multiplexing (PDM).
[0036] In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 can
include, for example, a C-form pluggable generation (CFP)
transmitter, a coherent CFP4 transmitter, a C-form pluggable
generation 2--analog coherent optics (CFP2-ACO) transmitter that is
coupled with a digital signal processor (DSP) chip through a
pluggable interface. Moreover, the optical transceiver 210 may
additionally or otherwise include, for example, CFP2, CFP8, a quad
(4-channel) small form-factor pluggable (QSFP), a quad small
form-factor pluggable with double density (QFSP-DD), an octal
(8-channel) small form-factor pluggable (OSFP), and the like. In
such implementations, the optical transceiver 210 may be
implemented, for example, with the DSP internal to the pluggable
module (e.g., as in digital coherent optics (DCO) modules such as
CFP2-DCO) or with the DSP external to the pluggable module (e.g.,
as in analog coherent optics (ACO) modules such as CFP2-ACO)).
[0037] In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 can
include, for example, a coherent optical M-ary quadrature amplitude
modulation (M-QAM) transceiver, a coherent polarization-multiplexed
(PM) M-QAM transceiver, and the like.
[0038] In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 can be
a hot-pluggable coherent optical transceiver. The optical
transceiver 210 can be functionally and/or structurally similar to
the optical transceiver 110 and/or the optical transceiver 120, as
described herein. In some implementations, the optical transceiver
210 can be configured to, for example, programmably switch between
operating modes, including, for example, a unidirectional port
operation mode and a bidirectional port operation mode. The optical
transceiver 210 can be configured to receive signals such as
control signals, and the like, and to switch between operating
modes, as described in further detail herein.
[0039] As shown in FIG. 2, the port configuration switch 230 is
coupled to the first port 214 and the second port 216 via switch
234A and switch 234B, respectively. In some implementations, the
port configuration switch 230 is configured to be switchable
between a unidirectional port operation mode and a bidirectional
port operation mode. In some implementations, the port
configuration switch 230 is configured to be switchable between the
unidirectional port operation mode and the bidirectional port
operation mode based on switch state configuration (e.g. of switch
234A; switch 234B). For example, the optical switch (e.g. 230) can
be configured to operate in the unidirectional port operation mode
when a switch state configuration of the first switch and the
second switch are such that both are positioned in or set to the
pass state.
[0040] When the port configuration switch 230 is in the
unidirectional port operation mode, the first port (e.g., 214) can
send (e.g., via path 204) a first optical signal and the second
port (e.g., 216) can receive (e.g., via path 206) a second optical
signal whilst also sending a third optical signal (e.g., via path
206). The first, second, and third optical signals can be sent,
received, and/or detected (e.g. by optical transceiver 210),
accordingly, to, from, and/or with respect to an optical
transceiver in the network (e.g., optical transceiver 110, optical
transceiver 120) with which the optical transceiver 210 is coupled,
as described herein. In some implementations (e.g., when the port
configuration switch 230 is in the unidirectional port operation
mode), the third optical signal can include, for example, a control
signal corresponding to a (split) instance of the first signal
(e.g., split via a coupler such as coupler 232 of the optical
transceiver in the network with which the optical transceiver 210
is coupled). The control signal (corresponding to the (split)
instance of the first signal) can include, for example, a parasitic
(optical) signal from the optical transceiver in the network with
which the optical transceiver 210 is coupled. In some
implementations, in response to detecting or determining that a
signal characteristic of the control signal has fallen below or
exceeded a predetermined threshold, the optical transceiver 210
(via the port configuration switch 230) can be configured to switch
from the unidirectional port operation mode to a bidirectional port
operation mode, as described herein.
[0041] When the port configuration switch 230 is in the
bidirectional port operation mode, the first port can send the
first optical signal and receive the second optical signal, and
(e.g., in some instances and at the same time) the second port can
receive or detect the third optical signal and does not receive the
first signal and the second optical signal. In some
implementations, a wavelength of the first optical (and the third
optical signal, if present) signal may correspond to a wavelength
of the second optical signal. In other implementations, a
wavelength of the first optical signal (and the third optical
signal, if present) may differ from a wavelength of the second
optical signal.
[0042] In some implementations, the bidirectional port operation
mode can include a protected bidirectional port operation mode. In
the protected bidirectional port operation mode, in response to
detecting or determining that a signal characteristic of the third
signal (e.g., control signal) has fallen below or exceeded a
predetermined threshold, the optical transceiver 210 can be
configured to implement (e.g., via the port configuration switch
230) active switching (e.g., to reconfigure switch state
configuration of switch 234A; switch 234B) to thereby provide path
protection (e.g., over path 204 and path 206).
[0043] In addition to the switch 234A and the switch 234B, the port
configuration switch 230 can include an optical coupler. In some
implementations, the switch 234A is a first switch that is coupled
to the first port (e.g., port 214) and is switchable between a pass
state and a block state, where the first switch is in the pass
state when the optical switch is in the unidirectional port
operation mode. The switch 234B is a second switch that is coupled
to the second port and switchable between the pass state and the
block state, where the second switch is in the pass state when the
optical switch is in the unidirectional port operation mode. An
optical coupler (e.g., coupler 232) is coupled to the first port
via the first switch and the second port via the second switch.
When the port configuration switch 230 is in the bidirectional port
operation mode, the first switch is in one of the pass state or the
block state; and the second switch is in one of the pass state or
the block state, the second switch in the block state when the
first switch is in the pass state, and the second switch in the
pass state when the first switch is in the block state.
[0044] For example, the optical switch (e.g. 230) is in the
bidirectional port operation mode when the switch 234A is in the
pass state and the switch 234B is in the block state. In some
implementations, in the bidirectional port operation mode, the
switch 234B is configured to enable detection (e.g. via a
photodetector at port 216) of the third optical signal. For
example, the optical transceiver (210) can be configured to detect
(e.g. via a photodetector disposed at port 216) the third optical
signal (e.g., the presence or incidence thereof at the port 216) at
the port 216. In some implementations, setting a switch (e.g.
switch 234A) to a particular state (e.g. pass, block) causes the
state of another switch (e.g. switch 234B) to be inverted.
[0045] In some implementations, when the port configuration switch
230 is in the unidirectional port operation mode, the optical
transceiver 210 is configured to operate as a unidirectional
optical transceiver sending on the first optical port 214 and not
the second optical port 216 and receiving on the second optical
port and not the first optical port. In some instances, there may
be a third signal corresponding to a parasitic output from the
second optical port (and not the first optical port). In some
implementations, when the port configuration switch 230 is in the
bidirectional port operation mode, the optical transceiver 210 is
configured to operate as a bidirectional optical transceiver
sending on the first optical port and not the second optical port
and receiving on the first optical port and not the second optical
port. In some implementations, when the port configuration switch
230 is in the protected bidirectional port operation mode, the
optical transceiver 210 is configured to operate as a bidirectional
optical transceiver (configured to provide path protection), by
sending on the first optical port and not the second optical port
and receiving on the first optical port and the second optical
port. The second optical port may be configured, for example, to
receive or detect the third optical signal (e.g., corresponding to
a control signal), as described herein.
[0046] The switch 234A and the switch 234B can be implemented as
individual optical attenuators. For example, the switch 234A and/or
the switch 234B individually include, for example, a variable
optical attenuator (VOA). In some implementations, the switch 234A
and the switch 234B are each configured to be switchable between a
first state ("pass state") to transmit optical signals, and a
second state ("block state") to block optical signals. The VOA can
be configured to balance power. In some implementations, the switch
234A and/or the switch 234B can include two or more VOAs,
configured to achieve independent switching and power balancing
functions. For example, the switch 234A and the switch 234B may
each include a VOA, configured to pass signals in a low-loss state,
and to block signals in a high-loss state. In some implementations,
the switch 234A and the switch 234B each include a VOA having an
attenuation ratio of, for example, greater than 15 dB, greater than
20, greater than 25 dB, or greater than 30 dB. The attenuation
ratio can otherwise be any other suitable value. Generally, the
switch 234A and the switch 234B can be implemented as any suitable
type of optical attenuator, such as described herein.
[0047] In some implementations, the switch 234A and the switch 234B
can include electro-optical switches. For example, each
electro-optical switch can include one or more electro-optical
crystals with variable refractive index under an electric field. In
some implementations, one or more of the electro-optical crystals
can include, for example, at least one of Lithium Niobate
(LiNbO.sub.3), Lithium Tantalate (LiTaO.sub.3), Lead Zirconate
Titanate (Pb(Zr, Ti)O.sub.3), and Lead Lanthanum Zirconate Titanate
[(Pb, La)(Zr, Ti)O.sub.3. In other implementations, the switch 234A
and the switch 234B can include thermo-optical switches. For
example, each thermo-optical switch can include a Mach-Zehnder
interferometer having a thermal (signal) phase adjustment
capability.
[0048] The switch 234A and the switch 234B may each include one or
more Mach-Zehnder interferometers, which can be configured to split
signals into two arms of the interferometers. Changing the
refractive index in one arm can alter the interference between the
optical signals from the two arms. For example, in some
implementations, one or more of the Mach-Zehnder interferometers
can be configured to switch to a constructive signal interference
state by which a constructive interference can be configured as the
first state to generate an output signal substantially identical to
the input optical signal, while a destructive interference can be
configured as the second state to generate an output signal with
negligible power.
[0049] In some implementations, the switch 234A and the switch 234B
may each include one or more acousto-optic switches, which can use
acoustic waves to change the transmission of the switches. The
switch 234A and the switch 234B may each include one or more
opto-mechanical switches, configured to redirect an optical signal
by moving bulk fiber optic cable elements by mechanical devices
(e.g., via beam deflection). For example, in some implementations,
one or more of the opto-mechanical switches can use a stepper motor
to move a mirror that directs the optical signal light from the
input to the desired output. In some implementations, the switch
234A and the switch 234B can be configured to provide for power
balancing. For example, in some implementations, where the signal
input levels (e.g., amplitude, etc.) are distinct, the signals
arriving at the coupler 232 from the first port 214 and the second
port 216 can also be different if no compensation or balancing is
performed.
[0050] The coupler 232 represents an optical coupler (e.g.,
combiner), and an optical splitter (e.g., beam splitter), depending
on signal direction. For example, the coupler 232 can be configured
to function as a splitter with respect to outbound (e.g.,
eastbound, transmitted) signals, and as a coupler with respect to
inbound (e.g., westbound, received) signals. The coupler 232 can be
coupled to the first port (e.g., 214) via the first switch (e.g.,
234A) and to the second port (e.g., 216) via the second switch
(e.g., 234B). In some implementations, the coupler 232 can include
a colorless 2.times.2 coupler.
[0051] In some implementations, the coupler 232 can include, for
example, one or more of Mach-Zehnder interferometers, configured to
combine signals into one of the arms to effectively provide a
2.times.2 coupler by which to further optimize losses when
switching between unidirectional and bidirectional port operation
modes. In such implementations, (e.g., where the coupler 232
includes one or more Mach-Zehnder interferometers) the coupler 232
and one or more switches (e.g., switches 234) can be disposed on a
common waveguide. Accordingly, when the coupler 232 includes one or
more of Mach-Zehnder interferometers, the coupler 232 can be
implemented to provide a fixed or variable optical attenuation
capability. For example, in some implementations, when the coupler
232 includes one or more of Mach-Zehnder interferometers, the
coupler 232 can be implemented to provide a fixed signal
split/combine capability (e.g., for 50/50 power split of signals).
As another example, in some implementations, when the coupler 232
includes one or more of Mach-Zehnder interferometers, the coupler
232 can be implemented to provide a variable signal split/combine
capability (e.g., for 100/0 and/or 0/100 power split of signals).
In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 is configured
to implement directional isolation of signals conveyed between the
first port 214 and the second port 216 and the optical source 201
and the optical source 205, to enable selective directional signal
control, via the coupler 232, as described herein.
[0052] The optical source 201 and/or the optical source 205
represent optical signal sources, adjustable signal sources, and
the like. For example, the optical source 201 and/or the optical
source 205 can include an optical signal source such as a fixed
laser source, a tunable laser source, and the like. The optical
source 201 and the optical source 205 can include, for example, a
tunable laser source. The optical source 205 can include a local
oscillator (LO). The optical source 201 can be configured to
operate in conjunction with the signal conditioner 203 to enable
optical signal transmission (e.g., by optical transceiver 210 for
sending signals at specific wavelength). The optical source 201 can
be configured to operate in conjunction with the detector 207 to
enable optical signal reception and/or detection capability (e.g.,
of or by optical transceiver 210 for receiving signals having
specific wavelength). In some instances, the optical source 201 and
the optical source 205 can be respectively tuned to send and
receive signals at corresponding or different wavelengths,
frequencies, or a range of wavelengths or frequencies. In some
implementations, when the optical switch is in the unidirectional
port operation mode, the optical source 201 can output light at a
first frequency that is associated with (i) the first optical
signal, and when the optical switch is in the bidirectional port
operation mode, the optical source 201 can output light at the
first frequency that is associated with (ii) the first optical
signal and the third optical signal. In such implementations, the
optical source 205 can be a second optical source coupled to the
detector 207. When the detector 207 is coupled to the optical
source 205, the second optical source can output light at a second
frequency that is associated with the second optical signal when
the optical switch is in the unidirectional port operation
mode.
[0053] The signal conditioner 203 represents a signal modulator. In
some implementations, the signal conditioner 203 can include a
coherent signal modulator. The signal conditioner 203 can be
configured to add, combine, convert, or condition a carrier or
baseband signal with a signal to be to be transmitted to provide a
signal transmission for communication. For example, the signal
conditioner 203 can be configured to use amplitude and phase of
light, as well as two orthogonal polarizations, to transmit
multiple bits per symbol across fiber (e.g., path 204, path 206).
In some implementations, the signal conditioner 203 can be
configured to implement one or more modulation formation formats
including, for example, M-ary phase shift keying (such as
Quadrature Phase-Shift Keying (QPSK)) and
quadrature-amplitude-modulation (QAM). The modulation formats have
an in-phase (I) component and a quadrature phase (Q) component
(i.e., IQ). Additionally, the modulation format can be carried by
two orthogonal polarizations, represented as X polarization and Y
polarization. This is known as polarization multiplexing (PM). In
some implementations, the signal conditioner 203 can include, for
example, a polarization multiplexing, in-phase & quadrature
modulator (PM-IQ-MOD).
[0054] For example, using 16-QAM modulation format with 4 bits per
symbol and multiplexing two polarizations at a 32G baud (symbol
rate), a single wavelength can achieve 256 Gbps per channel and
thereby effectively provide, for example, 200 Gbps bandwidth. As
another example, by using a WDM configuration with eight
wavelengths carrying 256 Gbps each, the raw bit rate across the
fiber can reach 2048 Gbps (2.048 Terabits per second--Tbps). Each
data channel (e.g., path 204, 206) can include two polarization
tributaries, each of which being a polarization that contains
In-Phase and Quadrature components. Accordingly, each symbol has a
defined duration determined by the symbol rate. The number of bits
per symbol may range from two bits (e.g., via QPSK with single
polarization) up to eight bits (e.g., via 16-QAM with two
polarizations). In some implementations, the number of bits per
symbol period can be chosen based on the particular modulation
format used--for example, 1 bit/symbol via BPSK, 6 bits/symbol (or
12 bits/symbol in a dual (signal) polarization mode) via 64QAM and
the like. Generally, any suitable modulation format can be used, in
accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0055] The detector 207 represents a signal demodulator. In some
implementations, the detector 207 can include a coherent signal
demodulator. The detector 207 can be configured to detect a signal
by mixing the signal with that from a local oscillator (LO) (e.g.,
optical source 205) at the receiver side. If the LO light is at the
same wavelength, phase, and polarization as the carrier of the
signal, the LO and signal will beat against each other and create a
baseband signal retaining the information content that is much
larger in amplitude than the incoming signal, making it easy to
detect, or extract. That is, if there is a closely spaced adjacent
channel and the LO is tuned to that channel, there will be a new
baseband signal representative of the adjacent channel.
Accordingly, the detector 207 may retrieve the bit information
(e.g., bits encoded onto the received signal) for further
processing at the processor 240, as described in further detail
herein.
[0056] In some implementations, if a PM modulation format was used
to form the optical signal that is received by the optical
transceiver 210, the detector 207 can separate the received signal
into two polarizations, and further, to demodulate the received
signal on each polarization into I and Q components. The detector
207 can convert (e.g., via processor 240) the demodulated analog
signal to a digital signal (e.g., via processor 240), to compensate
for any transmission impairments introduced along the path (e.g.,
path 204, path 206).
[0057] The processor 240 represents a compute device such as a
controller. The processor 240 can include any suitable type of
processor capable of executing computer instructions and/or code,
such as can be stored on a machine-, processor-, and/or
computer-readable medium. The processor 240 can include electronic
circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry,
field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), or programmable logic arrays
(PLA), configured to execute computer- or machine-readable program
instructions, by using state information of the computer readable
program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry, so as
to perform various aspects of the present disclosure. For example,
the processor 240 can include any combination of hardware-based
components, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an
application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal
processor (DSP), a microcontroller, and/or the like. The processor
240 may additionally or otherwise be a software-based compute
device (e.g., as in computer code stored in memory and/or executed
at the processor), configured to execute one or more specific
functions, in accordance with embodiments of the present
disclosure.
[0058] In some implementations, when in a unidirectional port
operation mode, the optical transceiver 210 can be configured to
use the same wavelength for sending that it does for receiving, in
which case optical transceiver 210 can be configured to use the
same laser, that is, the local oscillator (e.g., optical source
205) for transmitting as it does for receiving. In such
implementations, the same wavelength can be used to send a first
optical signal having a wavelength corresponding to that of a
second optical signal. In some implementations, the optical
transceiver 210 can be configured to use a different wavelength for
sending than it does for receiving, in which case the optical
transceiver 210 may implement two different lasers (e.g., optical
source 201, optical source 205)--one for each direction. In such
implementations, a first optical signal can have a wavelength
different than that of a second optical signal.
[0059] In some implementations, one or more of the switches 234 can
be remotely configured, via software, by a processor such as the
processor 240. For example, the processor can actuate, select, or
set a switch (e.g., one or more of switches 234) to the first state
or the second state based on a desired operation mode or in
response to a particular operating parameter (e.g., one exceeding
or falling outside a threshold) of an optical transceiver such as
the optical transceiver 210. In operation, an operating mode of the
optical transceiver can be configured based on various combinations
of settings or switch configurations of the switch 234A and the
switch 234B.
[0060] For example, in some instances, when the switch 234A and the
switch 234B are each set to a first state (e.g., pass state), the
optical transceiver 210 may operate in a first operating mode, such
as a simplex, or unidirectional port operation mode, and be
configured to send or pass signals at both ports (e.g., port 214,
port 216). As another example, in some instances, when the switch
234A is set to the first state and the switch 234B is set to a
second state, the optical transceiver 210 may operate in a second
operating mode, such as in a duplex, or bidirectional port
operation mode, and can send or pass signals at a first port (e.g.,
port 214), and attenuate or block signals at a second port (e.g.,
port 216). As another example, in some instances, when the switch
234A is set to the second state and the switch 234B is set to the
first state, the optical transceiver 210 may operate in a third
operating mode, such as in a duplex, or bidirectional port
operation mode, and can send or pass signals at a second port
(e.g., port 216), and attenuate or block signals at a first port
(e.g., port 214).
[0061] In the first operating mode, the optical transceiver 210 can
be configured to operate such that wavelengths or frequencies at
which signals are sent (e.g., transmitted via optical source 201)
and received (e.g., detected via optical source 205) can be equal.
In the second operating mode or the third operating mode, the
optical transceiver 210 can be configured to operate such that
wavelengths or frequencies at which signals are sent (e.g.,
transmitted via optical source 201) and received (e.g., detected
via optical source 205) are not equal. Accordingly, the optical
transceiver 210 can be configured, remotely and via software, to
operate in any of the first, second, and third operating modes.
This is enabled by using a colorless 2.times.2 coupler in
conjunction with various combinations of configurations of VOAs
(e.g., switch 234A, switch 234B).
[0062] In some instances, an optical transceiver such as the
optical transceiver 210 can be configured to operate in a fourth
operating mode, such as when the optical transceiver is implemented
at a head end of a (communications) path, in which case both
switches (e.g., switches 234) can be set to pass. The fourth
operating mode can include a unidirectional port operation mode
(e.g., such as the first unidirectional port operation mode,
described herein). In some implementations, an optical transceiver
such as the optical transceiver 210 can be configured to operate in
the first operating mode or the fourth operating mode to send and
receive signals along paths (e.g., path 204, path 206).
[0063] In some implementations, such as when the optical
transceiver 210 is configured to operate in the second operating
mode or the third operating mode, inbound signals at ports for
which the associated switch is in the block state (e.g., in the
second operating mode, switch 234B is in block state at port 216;
in the third operating mode, switch 234A is in block state at port
214) can be detected at the ports, before reaching the associated
switch that is in the block state. That is, in the second operating
mode or the third operating mode, an attribute of inbound signals
at the ports from each path can be measured by a detector (e.g.
photodetector, not shown), such as may be disposed in the path at a
position adjacent to the ports and preceding a position of the
switches 234 along the path.
[0064] In some implementations, the switch 234A and/or the switch
234B can be configured to provide a control port function based on
measurement (e.g. via a photodetector) of a signal characteristic
of an inbound signal at a port for which the associated switch is
in the block state. In some implementations, detection of the
inbound signals at the ports can include, for example, measurement
of a signal characteristic such as signal wavelength, signal power,
and the like. In some implementations, detection of the inbound
signals at the ports can include, for example, measurement of a
signal characteristic such as signal polarization of the inbound
signals. In some implementations, detection of the inbound signals
at the ports can include, for example, measurement of a signal
characteristic such as signal spectrum of the inbound signals. In
any case, in response to determining that the signal characteristic
(e.g. power), for example, exceeds or falls below a predefined
threshold, a switching action, such as a path switch or protection
operation, can be performed, accordingly. For example, when a
signal characteristic such as power (e.g., signal power) falls
below a predefined threshold (e.g., predefined power level
threshold), this can indicate a path failure event (e.g., fiber
break), causing a loss of signal.
[0065] For example, in case of a path failure event such as a path
(e.g., fiber) break (e.g., on path 206), a signal characteristic
such as a power level of an inbound signal at a port (for which the
associated switch is in the block state) may cease--in which case
the path failure event (e.g., path break) can be confirmed.
Accordingly, in response to detection of the path failure event,
the optical transceiver 210 can be configured via software to
operate in a duplex or bidirectional port operation mode, that is,
in the second operating mode or the third operating mode, so as to
provide path protection (e.g., over path 204 and path 206). In the
duplex or bidirectional port operation mode, the path
interconnected to the port for which the associated switch is in
the pass state serves as the working path, and the path
interconnected to the port for which the associated switch is in
the block state serves as the protect path. Accordingly, this
enables the optical transceiver 210 to provide for greater (e.g.,
path) availability via the path protection, as described
herein.
[0066] In some implementations, the optical transceiver 210 is
reconfigurable between a 1+1 protection scheme and a 1:1 protection
scheme. For example, in some implementations, when operating in the
bidirectional port operation mode, the optical transceiver 210 can
provide 1+1 protection over path 204 (e.g., working path) via path
206 (e.g., backup path). The optical transceiver 210 can otherwise
be configured to provide any suitable type of path protection.
[0067] FIG. 3 is a flowchart depicting an example operation of a
coherent optical transceiver, in accordance with an embodiment. The
coherent optical transceiver can include optical transceiver 110,
optical transceiver 210, and the like. In some implementations, the
example operation can be executed by a processor such as the
processor 240 to cause the processor to perform one or more parts
of the example operation.
[0068] At 302, a processor (e.g., processor 240) switches an
optical transceiver (e.g., optical transceiver 110, optical
transceiver 210) between a bidirectional port operation mode and a
unidirectional port operation mode. At 304, the processor sends, in
the unidirectional port operation mode and via a first port (e.g.,
port 214), a first optical signal while not sending and not
receiving a second optical signal. At 306, the processor receives,
in the unidirectional port operation mode and via a second port
(e.g., port 216), the second optical signal. At 308, the processor
sends, in the bidirectional port operation mode and via the first
port, the first optical signal. At 310, the processor receives, in
the bidirectional port operation mode and via the first port, the
second optical signal. At 312, the processor detects, in the
bidirectional port operation mode (e.g., protected bidirectional
port operation mode) and via the second port, a third optical
signal (e.g., and not receiving the first signal and the second
optical signal).
[0069] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver 410, in accordance with an embodiment. The
optical transceiver 410 can be functionally and/or structurally
similar to any of the optical transceivers (e.g., optical
transceiver 210), as described herein. For example, as shown, the
optical transceiver 410 includes port A, port B, a signal
conditioner such as a polarization multiplexing, in-phase &
quadrature modulator (labeled "PM-IQ-MOD"), a detector such as a
polarization-multiplexed demodulator (labeled "PM-DEMOD"), a first
optical source such as a tunable laser source (TLS), a second
optical source such as a TLS, a processor such as a digital signal
processor (labeled "DSP"), and an optical switch (not labeled). The
optical switch can be functionally and/or structurally similar to
any of the optical switches (e.g., port configuration switch 230),
as described herein. For example, the optical switch can include a
coupler (labeled "2.times.2 coupler"), a first switch such as an
optical attenuator (labeled "ATT"), and a second switch such as an
optical attenuator (labeled "ATT"). In some implementations, the
PM-IQ-MOD and the PM-DEMOD can be implemented on a common
waveguide. This enables other components to be disposed on the same
integrated circuit (IC).
[0070] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver 510 when switched to a first operating mode, in
accordance with an embodiment. The optical transceiver 510 can be
functionally and/or structurally similar to any of the optical
transceivers (e.g., optical transceiver 210, optical transceiver
410), such as described herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 5,
the example optical transceiver 510 includes an optical port
configuration switch that includes a 2.times.2 coupler and two
variable optical attenuators, (labeled "ATT").
[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 5, switching the optical transceiver
between a bidirectional port operation mode and a unidirectional
port operation mode, such as to switch to the first operating mode,
can include setting a first switch, configured to be switched
between a pass state and a block state, to the pass state, and
setting a second switch, configured to be switched between the pass
state and the block state, to the pass state. Accordingly, the
optical transceiver 510 can send signals (e.g., signals 541A-D), at
a first wavelength and from the first optical source TLS, via the
port A, and further, can receive signals (e.g., signals 543A-C),
via the port B and at a second wavelength, for detection (e.g., via
signal(s) 543D from the second optical source TLS). The signals
output at the first wavelength via the port B represent parasitic
output from the port. The first and second wavelengths can
correspond or differ, as described herein. For example, from a
transmit end (e.g., at optical transceiver 510) signal 541F can
include a working bidirectional signal and signal 541D can include
a control signal. In some implementations, the optical transceiver
510 can be configured (e.g., switched), at a head end of a
(communications) path, to a head end port operation mode--such as
for communications with an optical transceiver such as the optical
transceiver 510 (e.g., when switched into the second operating mode
or the third operating mode, as described herein) at a tail end of
the (communications) path.
[0072] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver 610 when switched to a second operating mode,
in accordance with an embodiment. The optical transceiver 610 can
be functionally and/or structurally similar to any of the optical
transceivers (e.g., optical transceiver 210, optical transceiver
410, optical transceiver 510), such as described herein.
Accordingly, the optical transceiver 610 can send signals (e.g.,
signals 641A-E), at a first wavelength and from the first optical
source TLS, via the port A, and further, can detect and/or receive
signals (e.g., signals 643A-C), via the port B and at a second
wavelength, for detection (e.g., via signal(s) 643D from the second
optical source TLS). Moreover, the signal(s) 643E (e.g. parasitic
signal(s)) can be detected (e.g. as in control signal detection) at
the port B. For example, the inbound signals (e.g. 643E) at the
port B can be detected (e.g. via photodetector) and used as an
indication or control signal by which a control operation of the
optical transceiver 610 can be performed, as described herein. The
first and second wavelengths can correspond such as in
bidirectional port operation of the optical transceiver 610. The
first and second wavelengths can otherwise differ (e.g., as in
unidirectional port operation), as described herein.
[0073] FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram depicting an example
optical transceiver 710 when switched to a third operating mode, in
accordance with an embodiment. The optical transceiver 710 can be
functionally and/or structurally similar to any of the optical
transceivers (e.g., optical transceiver 210, optical transceiver
410, optical transceiver 510, optical transceiver 610), such as
described herein. Accordingly, the optical transceiver 710 can send
signals (e.g., signals 741A-E), at a first wavelength and from the
first optical source TLS, via the port B, and further, can detect
and/or receive signals (e.g., signals 743A-C), via the port B and
at a second wavelength, for detection (e.g., via signal(s) 743D
from the second optical source TLS). Moreover, the signal(s) 743E
(e.g. parasitic signal(s)) can be detected (e.g. as in control
signal detection) at the port A. For example, the inbound signals
at the port A can be detected (e.g. via photodetector) and used as
a control signal to control operation of the optical transceiver
710, as described herein. The first and second wavelengths can
correspond or differ, as described herein.
[0074] In some implementations, switching the optical transceiver
between a bidirectional port operation mode and a unidirectional
port operation mode, such as to switch to the third operating mode,
can include setting a first switch, configured to be switched
between a pass state and a block state, to the block state, and
setting a second switch, configured to be switched between the pass
state and the block state, to the pass state. In some
implementations, sending, in the bidirectional port operation mode
and via the first port, the first optical signal can include
sending the first optical signal at a wavelength distinct from a
wavelength of the second optical signal.
[0075] Detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed
herein for purposes of describing and illustrating claimed
structures and methods that can be embodied in various forms, and
are not intended to be exhaustive in any way, or limited to the
disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be
apparent without departing from the scope of the disclosed
embodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain
the principles of the one or more embodiments, practical
applications, or technical improvements over current technologies,
or to enable understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. As
described, details of well-known features and techniques can be
omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the embodiments of the
present disclosure.
[0076] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an example embodiment," or the like, indicate that
the embodiment described can include one or more particular
features, structures, or characteristics, but it shall be
understood that such particular features, structures, or
characteristics may or may not be common to each and every
disclosed embodiment of the present disclosure herein. Moreover,
such phrases do not necessarily refer to any one particular
embodiment per se. As such, when one or more particular features,
structures, or characteristics is described in connection with an
embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of
those skilled in the art to affect such one or more features,
structures, or characteristics in connection with other
embodiments, where applicable, whether or not explicitly
described.
[0077] While some implementations have been described and
illustrated herein, a variety of other means and/or structures for
performing the function and/or obtaining the results and/or one or
more of the advantages is possible. More generally, parameters,
dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are
meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions,
materials, and/or configurations will depend upon the specific
application or applications for which the inventive teachings
is/are used. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing
embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto; and that
embodiments can be practiced otherwise than as specifically
described and claimed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are
directed to each individual feature, system, article, material,
kit, and/or method described herein. In addition, any combination
of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits,
and/or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials,
kits, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included
within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0078] Also, various concepts can be embodied as one or more
methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed
as part of the method can be ordered in any suitable way.
Accordingly, embodiments can be constructed in which acts are
performed in an order different than illustrated, which can include
performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as
sequential acts in illustrative embodiments.
* * * * *