Optical: systems and elements – Deflection using a moving element – Using a periodically moving element
Reexamination Certificate
1998-03-24
2001-03-13
Pascal, Leslie (Department: 2633)
Optical: systems and elements
Deflection using a moving element
Using a periodically moving element
C359S199200, C359S199200, C359S199200
Reexamination Certificate
active
06201620
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The invention relates to a method for testing the optical connections of modules of a network element provided for an optical communication system.
2. Discussion of Related Art
Network elements of this type generally consist of a chassis in which, depending on the design and the intended application, a variety of modules can be inserted which are electrically connected with each other by way of a bus system located on the backside of the chassis, sometimes called the backplane. The optical connections between the individual modules are usually implemented via optical waveguides (optical fibers). Such a network element typically also includes a control module for receiving alarm messages from all modules and for transmitting control commands to specified individual modules via the backplane bus system.
Advantageously, the reliability of such a network element can be enhanced by adding auxiliary modules to certain types of modules which are susceptible to malfunction, and by connecting these auxiliary modules to the other modules via an optical cross-connect switch. To ensure that such a back-up connection employing the auxiliary modules operates properly in the event of a malfunction, the optical connections between all modules which are provided, as mentioned above, by individual optical waveguides, have to be known exactly.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method for testing the optical connections between modules of a network element, so that the connections between the modules can be traced and determined even when the network element is already installed. It is another object of the invention to provide a network element for carrying out the test method.
According to a first aspect of the invention, a method for testing optical connections between modules of a network element for an optical communication system, wherein the optical network element comprises several modules and at least one auxiliary module which are connected with each other via optical waveguides and wherein at least some modules each comprise a laser, is characterized in that the modules have optical inputs with detectors adapted to test the presence of an optical signal at the input, and that for testing purposes, the lasers of the modules are sequentially switched off and on and the subsequent (downstream) modules are checked to determine if a signal loss has occurred.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a network element for an optical communication system, wherein the network element comprises several modules and at least one auxiliary module, which are connected with each other through optical waveguides and wherein at least some of the modules each include a laser, is characterized in that the modules which have optical inputs, also have detectors for testing if an optical signal is present, and that a memory of the network element contains a program module with a program for testing the optical connections between the modules wherein the program module, when implemented in a form of a microprocessor in a controller of the network element, addresses the modules in such a way that for performing the test, the lasers of the modules are sequentially switched off and on and the subsequent modules are checked for a signal loss.
The test method of the invention has the advantage that periodic alarm messages from individual modules which may be transmitted every 10 sec, do not influence or disturb the test results.
Moreover, with the test method of the invention, the time periods during which the components are momentarily switched off, can advantageously be kept very short. Consequently, the time periods during which the outputs are switched off, are also very short. Most advantageously, with the test method of the invention, a partially configured network element, i.e., a network element having expansion slots available for additional modules, can be expanded during operation without disturbing the operation.
These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in light of the detailed description of a best mode embodiment thereof, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5058103 (1991-10-01), Shimizu
patent: 5299293 (1994-03-01), Mestdagh et al.
patent: 5589683 (1996-12-01), Nakai
patent: 5903371 (1999-05-01), Arecco et al.
patent: 6005694 (1999-12-01), Liu
patent: 1208815 (1986-07-01), None
Alcatel
Pascal Leslie
Singh Dalzid
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