Apparatus And Method For Transmitting In An Optical Communication Network
An apparatus and method for transmitting in an optical communication network. Optical transmissions, and in particular burst mode transmissions, are subject to wavelength drift. Described herein is a manner of executing optical transmissions while mitigating wavelength drift, in some cases without significantly reducing transmit power. Emphasis is placed on timely and efficient feedback so that adjustments may be made. A network node such as an ONT in a PON is provided with a light source and means for modulating an upstream optical transmission. A tap provides a portion of the generated (and perhaps modulated) light beam to a wavelength control loop, which in a preferred embodiment includes a channel selection filter and a wavelength discrimination filter. The wavelength generated by the light source is adjusted, if necessary, according to, at least in part, the output of the wavelength control loop.
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This provisional application is related to and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/316,034, filed on 31 Mar. 2016, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/437,437, filed on 21 Dec. 2016, and of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/437,363, filed on 21 Dec. 2016, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND Field of the DisclosureThe present disclosure relates generally to network communication and, more particularly, to a manner of transmitting an optical signal while controlling for wavelength drift, such as might be advantageously applied to burst mode transmission in an optical communication network.
Description of the Related ArtThe following abbreviations are herewith expanded, at least some of which are referred to within the following description.
APC Automatic Power Control
BM Burst Mode
CO Central Office
DFB Distributed FeedBack
EDFA Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifier
EML Electro-absorption Modulation Laser
GPON Gigabit PON
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
ITU International Telecommunication Union
NG-PON2 Next-Generation PON2
OLT Optical Line Terminal
ONT Optical Network Terminal
ONU Optical Network Unit
PON Passive Optical Network
RS Reed-Solomon
RSSI Received Signal Strength Indication
TEC Thermo-Electric Control
WDM Wavelength Division Multiplexer/demultiplexer
WM Wavelength Multiplexing/demultiplexing module
A PON (passive optical network) uses modulated optical signals transmitted over a fiber optic cable to communicate between two or more network nodes. It is “passive” because it typically requires no power input along the communication path between the transmitting and receiving nodes. In a common implementation one node is an OLT located in a service provider's central office communicating with a number of ONTs, each located at a subscriber premises. A splitter/combiner located between distributes the downstream signal from the OLT and combines upstream ONT transmissions onto a single fiber for the OLT.
In such a scenario, upstream and downstream optical transmissions often use different wavelengths to avoid interfering with one another. In addition, upstream transmissions are typically done according to a schedule established by the OLT. Each ONT buffers its upstream transmissions until sending them in a burst when its allocated time slot opens.
The light signals transmitted in a PON are often produced by lasers or similar devices. Lasers are well-suited to this purpose but do have some drawbacks. One disadvantage is that a laser generates heat as it operates and this heating may cause the wavelength to drift from its original setting. If the wavelength drifts too far it may drift out of its assigned optical channel and interfere with other signals or become more difficult to detect. These problems may be especially expected when an ONT laser is operating in burst mode in a multi-wavelength system.
These and other problems are addressed by the system, apparatus, and method of the present invention. Although provided as background for describing the present invention, no implication or admission is made or intended that the information herein is known to others besides the inventors.
SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTSThe following presents a summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed subject matter. This summary is not an exhaustive overview of the disclosed subject matter. It is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the disclosed subject matter or to delineate the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is discussed later.
In one aspect, a method for mitigating the effects of wavelength drift in an optical communication network includes generating a light beam along an optical channel, tapping the optical channel to direct a portion of the light beam toward a wavelength control loop comprising a channel selection filter and a wavelength discrimination filter, wherein the wavelength discrimination filter is configured to output an optical signal at a power commensurate with the wavelength of the generated light, and determining a wavelength adjustment as a function of at least output from the channel selection filter and the wavelength discrimination filter.
In this aspect, the method may be executed by a network node, for example, an ONT in a PON. The method is expected to be of particular advantage when performed during burst-mode upstream transmissions, and in a preferred embodiment, an ONT is so configured.
The method may further include converting the output of the wavelength discrimination filter from an optical signal to an electrical signal, and then digitizing the electrical signal. The digitized electrical signal may then be provided to a microcontroller. The microcontroller may use this signal to perform the wavelength adjustment. The wavelength adjustment determination may include calculating the wavelength of the generated light, for example by comparing a wavelength/power table with the power commensurate with the generated light. The table may be stored on a memory device of the network node. The wavelength adjustment may then include comparing the calculated wavelength to the assigned wavelength.
In some embodiments, the method may also include dividing the portion of the generated light beam such that a sub-portion propagates toward the wavelength control loop and a sub-portion propagates toward at least one secondary control loop. The wavelength adjustment may then also be a function of output from the at least one secondary control loop.
In some embodiments, the method also includes executing the determined wavelength adjustment. This may be done, for example, by adjusting the light source output power, by regulating an embedded heating element associated with the light source, by regulating a thermo-electric cooler associated with the light source, or by a combination of these techniques.
In another aspect, a network node, includes a light source for generating a light beam, a transmission channel for propagating light generated by the light source toward an optical fiber port for transmission, a tap for redirecting a portion of the light beam away from the transmission channel, a wavelength control loop for receiving at least a sub-portion of the redirected light-beam portion, the wavelength control loop comprising a wavelength discrimination filter configured to output an optical signal at a power commensurate with the wavelength of the generated light. The network node also usually includes a microcontroller configured to determine a wavelength adjustment as a function of at least the output of the wavelength control loop and a memory device. The network node may be, for example, an ONT in a PON.
In some embodiments, the light source is a direct modulation light source that generates a modulated light beam. In others, the network node includes an external modulator for modulating the generated light beam. The light source may be, for example, a DFB laser.
In some embodiments, the network node wavelength control loop also includes an O/E (optical/electrical) converter configured to convert the output of the wavelength discrimination filter from an optical signal to an electrical signal and an A/D (analog/digital) convertor configured to digitize the output of the optical/electrical converter and provide the digitized electrical signal to the microcontroller. The wavelength control loop further comprises a channel selection filter configured at least to select an assigned optical channel and remove artifacts from adjacent channels before the at least a sub-portion enters the wavelength discrimination filter.
In some embodiments, the network node also includes at least one secondary wavelength control loop. In this case, the network node may also include a power divider for redirecting a sub-portion of the redirected light-beam portion to the at least one secondary wavelength control loop.
Additional aspects of the invention will be set forth, in part, in the detailed description, figures and any claims which follow, and in part will be derived from the detailed description, or can be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention as disclosed.
The present disclosure may be better understood, and its numerous features and advantages made apparent to those skilled in the art by referencing the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference symbols in different drawings indicates similar or identical items.
Various exemplary embodiments will now be described, and in general they are directed to an advantageous manner of providing wavelength-drift mitigation in an optical communication network, for example a PON (passive optical network). Note that the term “PON” is herein intended to be inclusive of all such networks, including for example XG-PON and NGPON2. And again, the solutions presented herein may also be employed in other types of optical networks.
PON 100 also includes an OLT 120, which communicates directly or indirectly with various sources of content and network-accessible services (not shown) that are or may be made available to the subscribers associated with PON 100. As should be apparent, OLT 120 handles the communications between these other entities and the ONTs. OLT 120 may also be involved in regulating the PON and individual ONTs. As mentioned above, the OLT 120 is typically located at a service provider location referred to as a central office. The central office may house multiple OLTs (not separately shown), each managing their own respective PON.
OLT 120 is in at least optical communication with each of the ONTs in the PON 100. In the embodiment of
In other optical networks, the splitter may also separate the signal into different wavelengths, if used, associated with each or various of the respective ONTs. The splitter in a PON is typically a passive element requiring no power. The splitter may be located, for example, in a street-side cabinet near the subscribers it serves (
In the example of
Unfortunately, as alluded to above, using burst-mode transmissions frequently introduces the problem of wavelength drift, especially where constraints imposed on the network tend to be intolerant of significant drift. In most implementations, there is a tradeoff between high (or sufficient) power output and “tight” wavelength control.
Wavelength drift may be mitigated by improvements in ONT, OLT, or both. Described herein is a novel ONT for use in wavelength-drift mitigation. ONT modifications may or may not obviate the need for OLT feedback although such feedback may also represent an improvement in the system.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In this embodiment, the output of wavelength discriminator filter 240 is provided to optical-electrical converter 250, where it is converted into an electrical signal. The electrical signal is then digitized by analog to digital converter 255 and the result provided to micro controller 260.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
Note that
The process in this embodiment then begins with determining a time slot for upstream transmission (step 305). The time slot will ordinarily be received in a schedule from a management node, such as an OLT in a PON. An upstream transmission wavelength is also determined (step 310) and it may also be indicated in a received schedule. When the indicated time lot arrives, a light source begins to generate light at the indicated wavelength (step 315).
In this embodiment, the data to be transmitted is then modulated (step 320) onto the light wave, for example using an electro-absorption modulator. The modulated light stream then passes through a diplexer and transmitted (step 325) on the optical network. Note that while an EML or other external modulator is presently preferred, it may in some implementations be omitted and in that case data modulation may occur in the originating light source. The light source may be a laser, for example a DFB.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
Note that SOA amplification is optional and may not be necessary or desirable in all implementations. It may be included, for example, if it is desirable to minimize the tap ratio of the monitor diode tap or power divider. The channel selection filter may also be omitted in some implementations, for example if the monitor diode tap ratio is large enough and optical discriminator filter is small enough. When this can be successfully done it has the advantage of cost savings.
In the embodiment of
In this embodiment, the actual wavelength of the laser diode output is then calculated (step 365), for example by comparing the measured power with a calibrated data table. The data table may be populated with the output power for each channel corresponding to the wavelength discriminator filter wavelength.
The measured wavelength is then compared (step 370) to the desired operating wavelength, for example in a microcontroller of the ONT. Any necessary wavelength adjustment is then determined (step 375). As implied in
In one embodiment, for example, the wavelength adjustment protocol includes adjusting the laser output power. Wavelength drift caused by heating may be mitigated by reducing power levels as permitted by the PON operating requirements. In another embodiment, where an embedded resistor or heating element is present in the laser die, it may be adjusted to promote heating or cooling, as needed to mitigate wavelength drift. In yet another embodiment, where a TEC is present, it may be adjusted to promote heating or cooling, as needed to mitigate wavelength drift.
Finally, in yet another embodiment both the die-embedded resister or heating element and a TEC may be adjusted to promote heating or cooling, as needed to mitigate wavelength drift. As one example, The TEC may be set to maintain a temperature below the required temperature for the desired wavelength. The heating element may then be operated in a pulsed mode such that the laser temperature is on average maintained at the required temperature to maintain the desired wavelength. In this case, the short term drift may be set by the sum of the TEC and resistor or heating element, while the later may be adjusted when the burst begins as laser self-heating maintains the proper temperature.
Note that the sequence of operation illustrated in
In some embodiments, certain aspects of the techniques described above may be implemented by one or more processors of a processing system executing software. The software comprises one or more sets of executable instructions stored or otherwise tangibly embodied on a non-transitory computer readable storage medium. The software can include the instructions and certain data that, when executed by the one or more processors, manipulate the one or more processors to perform one or more aspects of the techniques described above. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium can include, for example, a magnetic or optical disk storage device, solid state storage devices such as Flash memory, a cache, random access memory (RAM) or other non-volatile memory device or devices, and the like. The executable instructions stored on the non-transitory computer readable storage medium may be in source code, assembly language code, object code, or other instruction format that is interpreted or otherwise executable by one or more processors.
A computer readable storage medium may include any storage medium, or combination of storage media, accessible by a computer system during use to provide instructions and/or data to the computer system. Such storage media can include, but is not limited to, optical media (e.g., compact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), Blu-Ray disc), magnetic media (e.g., floppy disc, magnetic tape, or magnetic hard drive), volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM) or cache), non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM) or Flash memory), or microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)-based storage media. The computer readable storage medium may be embedded in the computing system (e.g., system RAM or ROM), fixedly attached to the computing system (e.g., a magnetic hard drive), removably attached to the computing system (e.g., an optical disc or Universal Serial Bus (USB)-based Flash memory), or coupled to the computer system via a wired or wireless network (e.g., network accessible storage (NAS)).
Note that not all of the activities or elements described above in the general description are required, that a portion of a specific activity or device may not be required, and that one or more further activities may be performed, or elements included, in addition to those described. Still further, the sequence in which activities are listed are not necessarily the order in which they are performed. Also, the concepts have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the claims below. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.
Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any feature(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essential feature of any or all the claims. Moreover, the particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the disclosed subject matter may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. No limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown, other than as described in the claims below. It is therefore evident that the particular embodiments disclosed above may be altered or modified and all such variations are considered within the scope of the disclosed subject matter. Accordingly, the protection sought herein is as set forth in the claims below.
Although multiple embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the foregoing Detailed Description, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but is capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications and substitutions without departing from the invention as set forth and defined by the following claims.
Claims
1. A method for mitigating the effects of wavelength drift in an optical communication network, comprising:
- generating a light beam along an optical channel;
- tapping the optical channel to direct a portion of the light beam toward a wavelength control loop comprising a channel selection filter and a wavelength discrimination filter, wherein the wavelength discrimination filter is configured to output an optical signal at an amplitude proportional to the wavelength of the generated light; and
- determining a wavelength adjustment as a function of at least output from the channel selection filter and the wavelength discrimination filter.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the method is executed by an ONT.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the ONT is configured to operate the wavelength control loop during upstream transmissions.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising converting the output of the wavelength discrimination filter from and optical signal to an electrical signal and digitizing the electrical signal.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising providing the digitized electrical signal to a microcontroller.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein determining the wavelength adjustment is performed by the microcontroller.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein determining the wavelength adjustment comprises calculating the wavelength of the generated light.
8. The method of claim 6, wherein calculating the wavelength of the generated light comprises comparing a wavelength/power table with the power commensurate with the generated light.
9. The method of claim 7, wherein determining the wavelength adjustment comprises comparing the calculated wavelength to the assigned wavelength.
10. The method of to claim 9, wherein the wavelength adjustment is a function of at least output from the at least one secondary control loop.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising executing the determined wavelength adjustment.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein executing the determined wavelength adjustment comprises adjusting the light source output power.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein executing the determined wavelength adjustment comprises regulating an embedded heating element associated with the light source.
14. A network node, comprising:
- a light source for generating a light beam;
- a transmission channel for propagating light generated by the light source toward an optical fiber port for transmission;
- a tap for redirecting a portion of the light beam away from the transmission channel;
- a wavelength control loop for receiving at least a sub-portion of the redirected light-beam portion, the wavelength control loop comprising a wavelength discrimination filter configured to output an optical signal at a power commensurate with the wavelength of the generated light;
- a microcontroller configured to determine a wavelength adjustment as a function of at least the output of the wavelength control loop; and
- a memory device.
15. The network node of claim 14, wherein the light source is a direct modulation light source that generates a modulated light beam.
16. The network node of claim 14, further comprising a modulator external to the light source for modulating the generated light beam.
17. The network node of claim 14, wherein the network node is an ONT.
18. The network node of claim 14, further comprising at least one secondary control loop.
19. The network node of claim 14, wherein the wavelength control loop further comprises an optical/electrical converter configured to convert the output of the wavelength discrimination filter from an optical signal to an electrical signal.
20. The network node of claim 14, wherein the wavelength control loop further comprises and analog/digital convertor configured to digitize the output of the optical/electrical converter and provide the digitized electrical signal to the microcontroller.
21. The network node of claim 14, wherein the wavelength control loop further comprises a channel selection filter configured at least to select an assigned optical channel and remove artifacts from adjacent channels before the at least a sub-portion enters the wavelength discrimination filter.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 31, 2017
Publication Date: Oct 5, 2017
Applicant: Nokia Solutions and Networks Oy (Espoo)
Inventors: James J. Stiscia (Garner, NC), Travis S. Lentz (Raleigh, NC)
Application Number: 15/476,639