Unidirectional amplification for bi-directional transmission using wavelength-division multiplexing
AssigneeWilliams Telecommunications Group, Inc.
InventorPhillip E. Baker
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device in accordance with the invention uses a novel four-port wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) filter and a single erbium-doped optical amplifier (EDFA) to implement a dual wavelength bi-directional (single fiber) optical amplifier module. A system using an amplifier module in accordance with the invention, advantageously allows communication network managers to simultaneously reduce the cost of signal amplification hardware across a fiber optic network, increase fiber utilization, simplify field installation and maintenance operations, and maintain adherence to conventional protection philosophies such as "one system per fiber."
Claims7
An optical line amplifier module comprising a single dichroic filter having four ports wherein:
- (a) a specified first port is connected to a first optical transmission fiber;
- (b) a specified second port is connected to a second optical transmission fiber;
- (c) a specified third port is connected to the input port of at least one optical amplifier;
- and
- (d) a specified fourth port is connected to the output port of said at least one optical amplifier.
An optical amplifier module comprising one dichroic filter having four ports and at least one uni-directional amplifier, said amplifier module configured to amplify both an east light path and a west light path uni-directionally through the at least one unidirectional optical amplifier.
A method of transmitting a first optical signal, having a first wavelength, that is propagating in a first direction in a optical fiber in which a second optical signal, having a second wavelength, is propagating in a second direction, comprising the steps of:
- (a) routing said first and second optical signals to the input port of an optical amplifier through a router;
- (b) amplifying said first and second optical signals;
- (c) rerouting said first optical signal in said first direction through said router;
- and
- (d) rerouting said second optical signal in said second direction through said router.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.