Flexible and low cost wavelength management for optical networking
OwnerDan Dan Yanginventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method and devices for individually controlling the signal strength of single or multiple optical channels. A controller module monitors the signal strength of channels and amplifies those that need amplifying while attenuating those that are too strong using the same Erbium doped fiber amplifier. A controllable compensation module receives at least one channel and, when required, can either amplify or attenuate the signal strength of the channels. The module can be constructed out of a single fiber with an associated pump laser. If the laser provides insufficient pumping power, the fiber acts as an attenuator. If the laser provides a higher level of pump power, the fiber acts as an amplifier.
Claims16
A method of controlling a selected group of adjacent optical channels, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) selecting a range of adjacent optical channels for inclusion into said group;
- b) isolating said selected range of adjacent optical channels from other optical channels;
- c) determining an amount by which a signal strength of said selected range of adjacent optical channels is to be changed;
- and
- d) changing said signal strength for said selected range of adjacent optical channels by said amount.
A system for controlling a signal strength of a selected group of adjacent optical channels, the system comprising:
- isolation means for isolating said adjacent optical channels from other optical channels;
- means for changing said signal strength of said adjacent optical channels;
- control means for controlling said means for changing said signal strength, wherein
- said isolation means routes said adjacent optical channels to said means for changing said signal strength after isolating said adjacent optical channels, and
- said control means sends control signals to said means for changing said signal strength to control an amount by which said signal strength of said adjacent optical channels is changed.
A method of controlling a selected group of adjacent optical channels, the method comprising the steps of:
- a) selecting a range of adjacent optical channels for inclusion into said group;
- b) isolating said selected range of adjacent optical channels from other optical channels;
- c) determining an amount by which a signal strength of said selected range of adjacent optical channels is to be changed;
- and
- d) changing said signal strength for said selected range of adjacent optical channels by said amount such that said signal strength is substantially similar to corresponding signal strengths of other optical channels.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.