Patent Grant
9640941
The field of the invention is optical transmission technologies.
The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
Distributed Raman amplifiers provide for greater transmission distances through pumping optic fiber transmission lines. However, the power of the pumping laser can exceed the physical capability of the transmission line to support the pumping activity, thereby damaging the fiber or optical components. In order to prevent such damage, a distributed Raman amplifier sends a short duration probe pulse down the transmission line to detect by return signals if there are optical losses. If the optical losses are too severe, the distributed Raman amplifiers will shut down. If the optical losses are less severe or low, the distributed Raman amplifier will begin pumping the transmission line.
In some scenarios, multiple optical point-loss sources are proximate to a distributed Raman amplifier where the aggregated sources individually contribute to optical losses that are so significant that the distributed Raman amplifier shuts down. For example, multiple optical connectors disposed within a carrier hotel could contribute to aggregated optical losses that would cause the distributed Raman amplifier to fail to pump the transmission lines.
Interestingly, a major supplier of optical network infrastructure suggests, in such scenarios, an “alternative solution would be to ‘homerun’ fibers, which means bypassing some patch panels.” Such an approach is not practical in carrier hotels and is not a cost effective solution.
U.S. patent application publication 2007/0030558 to Martinelli et al., titled, “Raman-Amplified Optical Transmission System and Method for Amplifying Optical Signals”, filed Jun. 13, 2006, describes a scenario where a lumped Raman amplifier is coupled with a distributed Raman amplifier. The lumped Raman amplifier, disposed behind the distributed Raman amplifier, achieves localized gain, possibly via a spooled high-Raman efficiency amplification fiber. Although the Martinelli approach provides for additional gain via a spooled fiber, the Martinelli configuration would still fail in the carrier hotel environment as the aggregated losses would still cause the distributed Raman amplifier to shut down.
Thus there remains a signification need to offset optical losses in environment where optical point-loss sources are proximate to a distributed Raman amplifier.
All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.
The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
In some embodiments, the numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, and so forth, used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the invention are to be understood as being modified in some instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the invention are approximations, the numerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as practicable. The numerical values presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.
Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.
As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.
Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.
The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which a Raman amplifier system is able to overcome or offset debilitating optical losses on a transmission line while also retaining pumping efficiency and connectivity. One aspect of the inventive subject matter includes a distributed Raman amplifier system that includes a distributed Raman amplifier, a set of point-loss sources, and a spool of fiber. The distributed Raman amplifier is configured to detect if observed optical losses on a transmission line satisfy optical threshold criteria. If so, the Raman amplifier can pump the transmission line without damaging the transmission line. The set of optical point-loss sources (e.g., connectors, dirty fibers, equipment, etc.), possibly within a carrier hotel, in aggregate have aggregated losses that fail to satisfy the optical threshold criteria, which would ordinarily cause the distributed Raman amplifier to shut down. The spool of fiber is placed between the distributed Raman amplifier and the set of optical point-losses where the spool of fiber couples the Raman amplifier to the set of optical point-losses via an optic fiber. The optic fiber, due to the length of the fiber, offsets the aggregated losses by causing the distributed Raman amplifier to measure observed optical losses that do satisfy the optical threshold criteria, thereby allowing the distributed Raman amplifier to initiate pumping.
Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
It should be noted that any language directed to a computer should be read to include any suitable combination of computing devices, including servers, interfaces, systems, databases, agents, peers, engines, controllers, or other types of computing devices operating individually or collectively. One should appreciate the computing devices comprise a processor configured to execute software instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory computer readable storage medium (e.g., hard drive, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). The software instructions preferably configure the computing device to provide the roles, responsibilities, or other functionality as discussed below with respect to the disclosed apparatus. Further, the disclosed technologies can be embodied as a computer program product that includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing the software instructions that causes a processor to execute the disclosed steps. In especially preferred embodiments, the various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchanges, web service APIs, known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchanging methods. Data exchanges preferably are conducted over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other type of packet switched network.
One should appreciate that the disclosed techniques provide many advantageous technical effects including configuring an optical fiber system that includes a distributed Raman amplifier to offset aggregated optical losses.
The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.
As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term “coupled to” is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms “coupled to” and “coupled with” are used synonymously.
Typically long distance or long haul optic fiber networks use EDFA amplifiers to achieve distances of 2000 Km, especially in a carrier hotel environment. In order to support high bandwidth transmission over greater distances (e.g., 4000 Km), distributed Raman amplifiers are required. However, distributed Raman amplifiers can be quite sensitive to optical losses on transmission lines in a carrier hotel, which reduces the amplifier's utility. The disclosed inventive subject matter describes a system by which the sensitivity of the distributed Raman amplifiers can be offset.
Distributed Raman amplifier 110 is configured to detect observed optical losses 113 of transmission line 130 via sending pulse 120 down transmission line 130. In response to pulse 120, distributed Raman amplifier 110 detects return signals, which are measured to generate observed optical losses 113. Distributed Raman amplifier 110 also includes optical threshold criteria 115. Optical threshold criteria 115 defines the conditions that should be met with respect to observed optical losses 113 in order for distributed Raman amplifier 110 to pump transmission line 110.
In the example shown, optical point-loss sources 143, in aggregate, cause aggregated losses such that observed optical losses 113 fail to satisfy optical threshold criteria 115. Example criterion within optical threshold criteria 115 could include the follow in order to pump transmission line 130:
A single loss event should not exceed 1.0 dB;
Loss from all events should not exceed 2.0 dB;
Reflections from a single event is greater than −30 dB; and
Reflections from all events (Optical Return Losses) is greater than −30 dB.
Optical threshold criteria 115 can be based on the fiber or the Raman amplifier manufacture specifications, or based on industry standards.
Optical threshold criteria 115 can include numerous criteria with respect to losses. For example, optical threshold criteria 115 could include a condition similar to the above that a single point-loss has loss of no greater than 2 dB, or more preferably, no greater than 1 dB. With respect to the example of
Optical point-loss sources 143 could be disposed within one or more proximal carrier hotels 140 within 20 Km of digital Raman amplifier 110. Further, optical point-loss sources 143 could include a broad spectrum of conditions. Example point-loss sources could include optical connectors, dirty fiber, splices, bends, or other conditions. Each of these sources could individually contribute 0.2 dB, 0.5 dB, or more loss in gain. Thus, when there are a sufficient number of such optical point-loss sources 143, observed optical losses 113 could fail to satisfy optical threshold criteria 115. For example, there could be three, four, five, or even 10 or more point-loss sources along transmission line 130, that individually or collectively cause distributed Raman amplifier 110 to shut down.
In system 200, the length of fiber in spool of fiber 250 serves multiple purposes. First, it provides a gain media for distributed Raman amplifier 110 allowing distributed Raman amplifier 110 to pump incoming signals. Second, the length of the fiber ensures aggregate losses originating from optical point-loss sources 143 do not impact the distributed Raman amplifier 110. Thus, spool of fiber 250 offsets aggregate losses and thereby eliminates the need for “homerun” fibers and isolates the sensitivity of distributed Raman amplifier 110 from the dirty environment of carrier hotel 140. The term “spool” is used euphemistically to mean a length of fiber and should not be construed as requiring an actual spool. An acceptable spool of fiber could include those manufactured by Optilab®.
Spool of fiber 250 can comprise a fiber having a fiber length that is sufficient to offset the aggregate losses. Thus, for substantially lossy environments, the fiber length might be no more than 20 Km. Still, in other embodiments, depending on the nature of the optical losses, the fiber length might be no more than 15 Km, 10 Km, or for less lossy environment no more than 5 Km. Further in more preferred embodiments, spool of fiber 250 comprises a single spool, no-loss fiber so that it does not contribute to observed optical losses 213. Spool of fiber 250 can be further packaged (e.g., sized and dimensioned) to fit within a 1 U rack-mount module for deployment into carrier hotel 140 or other rack-based system.
In some embodiments, spool of fiber 250 could include a “smart spool” where the smart spool could probe optical point-loss sources 143 and report observed optical losses 213. For example, the smart spool itself can comprise its own Raman amplifier configured to send a pulse toward optical point-source losses 143. Once any optical losses are detected, the losses could be reported to a network manager, possibly via SNMP or other management protocol. The distributed Raman amplifier can then be optically decoupled from transmission line 230 to allow the spool fiber to couple to devices external to distributed Raman amplifier 110.
It should be appreciated that the disclosed system provides as close to 100% gain as permitted for a given configuration. This is achieved by offsetting the aggregated losses. Any point losses cause a significant decrease in Raman gain to the system, the greater the point-losses the greater the decrease in gain. In general, there is a 1:3+ ratio from point-losses to decreased gain, subject to varying conditions. For example, a 0.5 dB point loss (i.e. connector) would generally decrease Raman gain by 1.5 dB; a series of point losses of ˜1 dB would decrease Raman gain by 3 dB and so forth. Therefore, with a clean spool directly in series with the Raman up to 100% of the gain is possible, minus of course the dB/km of the spool. Thus, it is desirable for the spool to have lowest dB/km as possible in this system; depending upon fiber type, manufacturer and date, spools can be had with various fiber type characteristics, potentially some as low as 0.20 dB/km (or lower). In such conditions the distributed Raman amplifier would see ˜100% gain−minus ˜4 dB of spool. Additionally the concern of deteriorating local point-loss conditions in the carrier hotel are removed, such that if a distributed Raman amplifier was used without a spool with aggregate point-losses just below the 2 dB mark, and if fiber was cut, unplugged, etc., and the point-losses deteriorated in any way, then the system would not restart itself due to the aggregate losses begin greater than the distributed Raman amplifier's maximum threshold. While the spool does add ˜4 dB to the overall first span, if the remaining dB to the first amplifier is <20 dB, then the spool implementation becomes very advantageous.
Further, the disclosed approach is also applicable to other sensitive optical communication infrastructure. For example, Super Channels (See URL en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super-channel), a type of dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) can also be sensitive to local points-of-loss. Therefore, the disclosed approach of using a spool of fiber to offset such sensitivity is considered to be advantageous for Super Channels.
In one aspect, the spool 250 is located in the carrier hotel 140 where it couples the distributed Raman amplifier 110 to the set of optical point-losses via an optic fiber. In some aspects, the spool of fiber 250 can be a rack-mounted spool, such as a 1 U rack-mount module for deployment in the carrier hotel 140 or other rack-based system.
Since the spool of fiber 250 does not need to be spliced, it can comprise a different type of fiber, such as one which suffers less loss. Thus, in one aspect, the spool of fiber 250 can comprise hollow core fiber. Other types of low-loss fiber can be employed.
In some aspects, the spool's 250 cladding type, core type, and/or cladding diameter can be selected to produce a greater Raman effect, which increases the OSNR and/or gain. Other fiber types that increase the Raman effect can be employed. By way of example, but without limitation, sloping (i.e., decreasing) the diameter of the cladding beginning at the transmission point can increase the Raman effect. In some aspects of the invention, only a portion of the spool 250 is adapted. In accordance with certain aspects, it can be advantageous to avoid introducing nonlinear effects, random imperfections, and asymmetries that affect chromatic and/or polarization dispersion.
At step 402, the optical return loss (ORL) is measured. Return loss is a measure of how well devices or lines are matched. A match is good if the return loss is high. A high return loss is desirable and results in a lower insertion loss. At step 403, if the ORL is above a predetermined value, control moves to process 404. Otherwise, the process terminates 412.
At step 404, Optical Time Domain Reflectometry (OTDR) is performed. The OTDR results are evaluated 405 for a single event that results in a loss greater than or equal to a threshold value (e.g., 1 dB), which terminates 413 the process. Otherwise, an aggregate of the events is compared 406 to a threshold value (e.g., 2 dB). If the threshold is exceeded, the process terminates 414. Otherwise, the distributed Raman amplifier is permitted to pump 407 the transmission line.
The length of fiber in the spool is selected to provide at least a sufficient length to offset aggregated losses arising from the optical point-loss sources, and thereby enable the distributed Raman amplifier to pump the transmission line. Point losses cause a significant decrease in Raman gain, but the spool provides a gain media for the distributed Raman amplifier which can offset those losses. In some aspects, the threshold may stipulate a maximum value for a single point loss. In any of these cases, the length of fiber in the spool is selected to cause the observed optical losses observed by the distributed Raman amplifier to satisfy the optical threshold criteria.
It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C . . . and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. provisional application 62/033,865 filed Aug. 6, 2014. This and all other extrinsic references referenced herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
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