DE19946487A1 - Optical protection module for optical network topologies - Google Patents

Abstract

The module has at least two signal inputs (EW,EP) and two signal outputs (AW,AP). Each of the inputs is connected with both outputs. Signal inputs (EWL,EPL) take signals from a line side, a signal output (AWT) provides a signal to a tributary side, a signal input (EWT) takes a signal from the tributary side, and signal outputs (AWL,APL) provide signals to the line side. Each of the two inputs (EW,EP) is connected with one of the outputs (AP,AW) via an optical switch (S) and the first of the inputs (EW) is connected with both of the outputs (AW,AP) via a single splitter (SP).

Description

Optical protection module and circuit arrangements for Realization of different network emergency circuit radio for optical network topologies.

The invention relates to an optical protection module as well as various circuit arrangements for realizing different network equivalent circuit functions for optical Network topologies.

In optical rings and meshed nets become a talking point Different protected data transmission set switching functions required. This is the 1 + 1 equivalent circuit, which be a reserve transmission path keeps riding, which is used in the event of a fault. The 1 + 1 replacement switching at the optical channel level is a configuration con I accept the redudant, protected transmission of telecommunication cations traffic facilities. There is also 1: 1 equivalent circuit conditions that use existing lines in the event of a fault that otherwise be used for low priority data traffic. In addition, there is the BSHR (bidirectional self-healing Ring) protocol, which is an efficient equivalent circuit concept for SDH (Synchronous-Digital-Hierarchy) rings describes which one the utilization of the available capacity through improved sharing of SDH shift rings.

All of these equivalent circuits have so far been used in optical networks realized with different circuit arrangements that next optical elements also electrical or mechanical Include items. For each one of these equivalent circuits special hardware solutions were developed.

The object of the present invention is in optical Rin and meshed networks with optical alternative routes and  Protection mechanisms with different protection switching functions to enable one and the same circuit arrangement.

This task is carried out by a device according to the current claims solved. Advantageous configurations are shown in the sub-claims defined.

In particular, the invention is solved by an optical Protection module with at least one EW signal input and / or at least one signal input EP, at least one Signal output AW and / or at least one signal output AP, where at least one signal input EW with a signal output AW can be connected to at least one signal input EW Signal output AP is connectable and at least one signal gang EP can be connected to a signal output AW. Are there the inputs and outputs designated W are preferred intended for signals of the working line. The inputs and outputs ge, denoted by P, are preferred for signals of the Protection line, i.e. H. the equivalent circuit. This Inputs and outputs are preferred via optical light waves connectable. If there are inputs or outputs, that point to the tributary side, they are denoted by T. net. If there are inputs or outputs on the line side, so are marked with L.

With such an optical protection module (OPM) can Signals of the working line on a signal input EW are normally on the corresponding signal output AW be directed. In the event of a malfunction, these signals can be the wor king-Line via the signal input EW to the signal output AP to get redirected. In addition, the signals in the A fault at input EP is present at output AW white be forwarded.

In another preferred embodiment of the above lying OPM is at least one signal input EP  can be connected to a signal output AP. This allows you to Inputs of the Protection-Line EPT also Si gnale, which are present at such an entrance, on the Protec tion line output APL to be forwarded. this makes possible normally the switching through of low-priority signals via an input EP to an output APL.

In a further preferred embodiment of the above The present invention is an OPM for a 1 + 1 equivalent circuit provided that a signal input EWL for the working Line signal of the line side and a signal input EPL for that Protection signal from the line side is provided; on Signal output AWT for the working line signal for tributary Side is provided; an EWT signal input from the Tributa ry side is provided for the working line signal and a Signal output STL for the working line signal from the line Side and a signal output APL for the protection line Signal to the line side is provided. With this OPM a ne 1 + 1 equivalent circuit are shown. On the tributary There are only one signal input EWT or one Signal output AWT. The Si coming from the tributary side gnal can be connected to the signal output via the EWT signal input STL are normally connected. In the event of a fault, the Si Signal from the EWT input to the APL output on the protection line be redirected. In the same way, the com signals in the normal case or in the "good case" via the on pass EWL on the exit AWT on the tributary side be switched. In the event of a fault, the signals come on gear EPL from the line side and are then on the off gang AWT switched through. With this OPM is the link created between the tributary side and the line side, with the protected traffic from the tributary side via ei NEN 1 + 1 equivalent switching path on the line side is cash.  

In another embodiment of the present OPM for a 1: 1 equivalent circuit is a signal input EWL and a signal input EPL is provided from the line side; on Signal output AWT and a signal output APT for tributary Side provided; a signal input EWT and a signal input EPT provided from the tributary side and a signal output STL and a signal output APL provided on the line side. With this embodiment of the OPM according to the invention four inputs and four outputs are provided, each two are provided on the line or tributary side. On If the signal arrives at the EWT input, the Output STL can be switched through. You can usually click on low priority signals applied to the input EPT via the Pro tection line to the APL output. Of the Line-side signals of the working line can be input EWL can be switched through to the AWT output. Low priority Signals are present at the EPL input and are sent to the output APT switched through. In the event of a fault, the EWT input is switched to Output APL switched through to those on the tributary side Input EWT applied working line signals to the output the Protection-Line APL. These signals the wor king-Line are now using the alternative routes and are located on the Line side arriving at the EPL entrance. From there, they are on the output AWT redirected.

If there is reason to fear that in the event of a fault, the EPT or EWL signals that traffic the working line Could interfere with signals over the replacement route, so the Switching through the route EPT to APL or EWL to AWT at be broken. This is preferably done by switches, ins particularly preferred by optical switches. This happens by means of a cross switch, the EW signal is switched to AP places and at the same time the EP signal on the AW output switches.  

A second switch can particularly preferably be provided be, via which the input EP can be connected to the output AP is and in a second switch position of the switch is interruptible. Exactly the same applies to the connection route between the input EP and the output AW. Thereby unwanted signal traffic, especially low priority Signals that are blocking the traffic on the replacement switching path for the working line signals could interfere.

In another preferred embodiment of the above OPM's is the EW input with the AW output above a splitter connected, the input EW with the off gang AP is connected via the same splitter. As good as can input EP with output AW via a splitter be connected, for which also the input EW with the output AW is connected. In this way, the diversion of the Si gnals accomplished with a known optical element become.

The signal input EW via the split is particularly preferred ter and a switch with the signal output AP in one Most switch position of the switch connectable, while in egg ner second position of the switch preferably the Si Signal input EP can be connected to the output AP, the Path from signal input EW to signal output AP is broken. In this way, an assembly of the OPM be provided the traffic with the splinter the equivalent switching path can be redirected to this connection but only comes about by switching a switch. This switch closes the equivalent switching path while the Path blocked for any low priority signals. By the Use of this switch is either the equivalent switching path for the working line signals via the splitter to the output of the equivalent switching path closed and the route of the low- priority signals thereby interrupted or the route  the equivalent switching path through the second switch position bloc marked and closed for low priority traffic.

Another embodiment of the invention is an op table protection module for a 1: 1 equivalent circuit at least one signal input EWL and one signal input EPL for protected signal traffic from the line side; mind least one signal output AWT and one signal output APT for protected signal traffic to the tributary side; at least one signal input EWT and signal input EPT for ge protect signal traffic from the tributary side; at least a signal output STL and a signal output, the Signal input EWL via a path P3 via a switch S3 can be connected or interrupted with the signal output AWT; the signal input EPL via a path P4 via a switch S4 ver with the signal output AWT or the signal output APT is binding; the signal input EWT via a path P1 via a splitter SP and via a path P1.1 with the signal out AWL is connectable and the signal input EWT via the Path P1, via the splitter SP and via a path P1.2 via a switch S2 can be connected to the signal output APL; and the signal input EPT via a path P2 and via the Switch S2 can be connected to the signal output APL.

With this optical protection module according to the invention it is possible to use 1: 1 equivalent circuits by simply resetting of these optical protection modules between an add- Drop module of the line side and the interface to the tributa ry side to realize. The optical protection module (OPM) is a functional unit, for example, on wavelengths tributary side signals or a multi-wavelength signal gnal connected to the line side of an add-and-drop module can be. The OPM can protect an existing unprotected one Ring can be expanded to a protected ring. The optical Line can be single or multi-fiber, bi- or unidirectional linear connection or a ring. The interface T  of the OPM is preferred with a transponder module (reception diode) or a regeneration module.

The OPM allows the implementation of different replacements switching functions with the same simple hardware.

By adding two more switches S1, S2 he can OPM according to the invention can be used in a BSHR. In the Realization of the BSHR2 principle means a shortening of the optical replacement paths in optical rings a better over portability of the signals due to the shorter distance.

Another embodiment of the present invention is an optical protection module for a 1 + 1 replacement scarf device with at least one signal input EWL and one Si Signal input EPL for protected signal traffic from the line Page; at least one signal output AWT for tributary Page; at least one signal input EWT from the tributary Page; at least one signal output STL and one signal APL output for protected signal traffic to the line side; the signal input EWL via a path P3 via a Switch S3 can be connected to the signal output AWT; the Si signal input EPL via a path P4 via a switch S4 the signal output AWT can be connected; and the signal input EWT over a path P1 over a splitter SP and over one Path P1.1 can be connected to the signal output STL and the Signal input EWT via path P1, via splitter SP and Can be connected to the signal output APL via a path P1.2 is.

With this optical protection module is the realization a 1 + 1 equivalent circuit possible. This OPM does not include any Inputs and outputs on the EPT or APT tributary page. There this module gets by with even fewer assemblies. On optical channel level, this OPM can be configured with an add-and-drop  Module are connected and used to make the 1 + 1 To implement an equivalent circuit at the optical channel level.

The OPM of the present invention is preferably used for a 1 + 1 equivalent circuit on the optical channel level and / or on the optical multiplex level; a 1 + 1 equivalent circuit on the optical channel level and / or on the optical multiplex level; an OMS-SPRing or BSHR 2 equivalent circuit or an OCh-SPRing equivalent circuit or an OCh-DPRing equivalent circuit and / or a drop-and-continue circuit arrangement and / or equivalent circuits for protected ring transitions between the above rings. These ring transitions are in particular those for the protected transition between two OMS-SPRing rings, for the protected transition between two OCh-SPRing rings, for the protected transition between two OCh-DPRing rings, for the protected transition between an OMS SPRing and an OCh-SPRing, for the protected transition between an OMS-SPRing ring and an OCh-DPRing and for the protected transition between an OCh-SPRing and an OCh-DPRing.

Advantageous embodiments of the invention are further described in the drawings explained. Here show:

Fig. 1 is a diagram of a connection of a erfindungsge MAESSEN OPM at an add-and-drop module;

Fig. 2 is a schematic of a circuit arrangement for an exemplary implementation of the OPM From the invention for a 1: 1 equivalent circuit at optical channel level for linear compounds, and rings with three exporting approximately examples (a), (b) and (c);

Fig. 3 shows a circuit arrangement of the linking principle of an embodiment of an OPM according to the invention with 1: 1 equivalent circuits at the optical multiplex level;

4a is a circuit diagram of a linear compound having an optical 1 + 1 protection.

FIG. 4b tection a representation of rings with optical 1 + 1 Pro;

Fig. 5a is a circuit arrangement to illustrate the Ver coupling principle of an embodiment of an OPM according to the invention with linear 1 + 1 replacement circuit on the optical channel level;

Figure 5b is a representation of the linking principle an embodiment of an OPM's invention in 1 + 1 protection switching in optical multiplex level.

Fig. 6 illustrates a two-fiber BSHR together with ungeschützem traffic;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram for optical BSHR with shortened signal paths;

Fig. 8 is a circuit diagram of a logic principle an embodiment of an OPM's according to the invention for optical BSHR 2 and

Fig. 9 is a circuit diagram for another embodiment of an OPM's for BSHR 2;

10a is a representation of the Verschaltungsprinzips of drop-and-continue between two rings.

Figure 10b is an illustration of the principle of linking drop-and-continue with an embodiment of he inventive OPM's OADM3 the example of the Fig. 10a.

11a is a representation of a protected ring Verschaltungsprinzips transfer between two rings. and

FIG. 11b shows an illustration of a linking principle of a protected ring transition on the example of node A from the illustration of FIG. 11a.

In FIG. 1, the connections of two OPM's invention of an add-and-drop module 10 are shown. The add-and-drop module 10 is integrated into an optical multiplex complex 15 with a line east E and a line west W. The OPMs OPM1, OPM2 are arranged between the line side L and the tributary side T and thus enable the transmission of protected traffic.

In Fig. 2a, the principle of the circuit arrangement of an embodiment of the OPM of the invention for a 1: 1 equivalent circuit shown. From the line side L there is an input EWL for the working line and a further signal input EPL for any traffic with low priority. In addition, there is a signal output on the tributary side of the OPM AWT for the working line signals and a signal output APT for signal traffic with low priority. The OPM also has two further inputs EWT and EPT on the tributary side, which are intended for signal traffic from the tributary side. In addition, the line side has two further outputs AWL and APL for the corresponding feeding of the signals to the line side.

The signal input EWL is via a path P3 and a scarf ter S3 can be connected to the signal output AWT. The signal gang EPL is via a path P4 and a switch S4 with the Signal output AWT connected. Furthermore, the entrance is EWT via the path P1 and the splitter SP and via a path P1.1 can be connected to the signal output APL and the signal on gang EWT is the path via path P1 and splitter SP P1.2 and connected to signal output APL via switch S2 the. The signal input EPT is via path P2 and via Switch S2 can be connected to the signal output APL.

The signal EWT coming from the interface T is in the Splitter SP divided into two optical signals. The left one Signal leads via path P1.1 directly to the STL output at the Interface L, while the right signal at switch S2 un can be broken. Switch S2 takes the right one Switch position on, traffic can move from EPT to APL  be switched through. At the same time, the EWT route is open APL interrupted in this switch position.

In addition, two measuring points M3 and M4 provided the signal quality of the two incoming Signals from the line side can determine and be given if switching S2, S3 and S4 can cause.

In the event that there is no disturbance, all three lie Switches S2, S3 and S4 in the right position. This will the working line signal EWL connected to the output AWT tet, the low priority signal coming in via the EPL input is switched through to the APT output, which is assigned by the tributary Side coming working line signal EWT is on the output STL switched through and the low- coming from the input EPT priority signal is sent to the output APL via switch S2 switched through. The signal branched off in the splitter SP EWT is due to the right switch position of the switch S2 not passed on to the APL output.

In the event of a fault on the line side L, the switch S4 is in the left position switched. This causes the EPL signal to go up the output AWT redirected. Via the input EPL at the Fault on the line side L passed the working signal that the EWL input no longer matters in the event of a fault. The wor king signal is thus despite the interference on the line side L received on the tributary page T at the AWT output. To disrupt traffic coming from the entry side via EWL can, to prevent, the switch S3 can preferably even if switched to the left position. This will the EWL signal, which is in the right switch position of the Switch S3 would also arrive at the AWT output, cut off or blocked. At the AWT output, only the working Signal from the EPL input on. The same can happen in the event of an accident on the tributary side T a signal that goes through the input EWT should be forwarded to the line side L by switching  of switch S2 to the left position on the off gang APL are redirected. This allows the tributary -sided working signal via the EWT input to the Er record output APL are redirected. The low priority signal, that is fed in via the input EPT is controlled by the left switch position of switch S2 blocked or abge cut. The low-priority signal traffic from the tributary Page is blocked in the event of a switchover.

If the fault does not persist, switches S2, S3 and / or S4 switched back to the right switch position the. From then on, both the working signals W as well as the low-priority signals P from the line side L to Tributary side T and from this also to the line side L be transmitted.

In Fig. 2b a principle is a further Schaltungsanord voltage for a further embodiment of the inventive SEN OPM for a 1: 1 equivalent circuit at optical channel level for linear compounds and rings shown. This OPM of Fig. 2b corresponds to the OPM of Fig. 2a with the difference that the input EWL is connected via a further splitter SP2 via a path P3.1 to the output AWT, while the input EWL via the second splitter SP2 and a switch S4 can be connected to the output APT. The input EPL can be connected to the output APT via the path P4 and the switch S4.

In this further embodiment of the invention OPM uses a symmetrical structure with two splitters. The EWL and EPL inputs are with the AWT and APT outputs connected in exactly the same way as the inputs EWT and EPT with the off courses AWL and APL. In the event of a malfunction, switch S4 becomes like this concluded that the input EPL via the switch S4 with the Output AWT is connected. So the working signal,  that arrives in the event of a fault via the input EPL, on the output AWT forwarded.

One is output between the EWT and EPL input signals selects and switched through to the AWT output. The EWL signals and EPL are not overlaid.

In Fig. 2c, a circuit arrangement to illustrate the linking principle of a further embodiment of an OPM according to the invention at 1: 1 equivalent circuits at the op channel level with linear connections and rings is shown. This OPM of FIG. 2c corresponds to the OPM of FIG. 2a. However, the splitter SP was replaced by a switch S1. The circuit arrangement for connecting the EWT and EPT inputs to the AWL and APL outputs corresponds exactly to the principle by which the EWL and EPL inputs are linked to the AWT and APT outputs. Power losses are avoided by dispensing with the splitter SP, so that more effective use of the signal can be achieved.

As long as there is no disturbance on the tributary side T, be switches S1 and S2 are in the left position and switch the EWT signal to the output via switch S1 STL through and the signal from input EPT via switch S2 to the AWT output. This makes it possible to Signal from the tributary side directly to the EWT input to switch through the STL output and via low-priority signals the EPT input to the AWP output via switch S2 to switch through. In the event of a malfunction, the switch S1 can Right position can be switched to the tributary side received working signals W via the EWT input to the Connect output AWP. The switch is also preferred S2 moved to the right switch position when the fade out or blocking of the signals arriving via the EPT input on the output AWP is desired.  

The signals arriving via the inputs EWL and EPL are switched to the outputs AWT and APT as described in Fig. 2a.

In Fig. 3, a circuit arrangement to illustrate the linking principle of an embodiment of an inventive OPM's with 1: 1 equivalent circuit on the optical Mul tiplex level is shown. Here are the OPM add-and-drop modules. The inputs EPT and EWT are switched through to the outputs APL and AWL via switches S2 and S1 and passed on to the add-and-drop module at optical multiplex level. The signals coming from the add-and-drop module are switched through the inputs of the OPM's EWL and EPL to the outputs AWT and APT via the splitter SP and the switch S4 to the outputs AWT and APT. In the event of a fault, the line-side input signal EWL is passed on to the output APT via the switch S4 in the upper position. The low priority signal, which reaches the OPM via the EPL input, is blocked by the switch S4 in the upper position and does not reach the APT output.

In the event of a fault on the line side L, the switch S1 is turned on the upper switching position switched, which means that at the input EWT pending working signal on output EPL is switched. The switch S2 is also preferred in the upper switching position switched so that the low priority signal not connected to the APL output via the EPT input is blocked, but by the open switch position becomes. In this way, a 1: 1 equivalent circuit can be reali be settled.

In Fig. 4a, a circuit arrangement is a linear Ver bond with an optical 1 + 1 protection switching illustrated. A signal λ _{k runs} in both directions over the distance marked as a solid line. In the event of a fault on this line, the signal λ _{k is} coupled out at the entry point and runs over the protective line shown in broken lines.

In Fig. 4b is a representation of rings with optical 1 + 1 protection switching is illustrated. Here, just as in FIG. 4a, the protected signal traffic is normally shown as a solid line without interference and goes via the ADM3 and ADM2 to the ADM1 or vice versa. In the event of a malfunction, for example in the event of a total failure between ADM2 and ADM3, the signal traffic is routed from the ADM3 via the ADM4, ADM5 and ADM6 to the ADM1 via the dashed line. This is a 1 + 1 equivalent circuit in a ring. The alternative route shown in dashed lines is only used in the event of a fault.

In Fig. 5a, a circuit arrangement is shown to illustrate the linking principle of an embodiment of an inventive OPM's with linear 1 + 1 equivalent circuit on optical channel level. Via the tributary-side input EWT, the signal is split between the STL and APL outputs via a splitter SP. The EWL input can be connected to the AWT output via switch S3, the EPL input can be connected to the AWT output via switch S4.

Normally the two switches S3 and S4 are in the right switch position, d. that is, the input EWL via the closed switch S3 connected to the output AWT and the input EPL is due to the open switch position of the Switch S4 is blocked. Incoming via the EWT input Working signals are sent to the outputs via the splitter SP STL and APL divided.

In the event of a fault, switch S4 is in the left switch position switched so that the input EPL is connected to the output AWT that is. Switch S3 in is also particularly preferred the left position has been switched to about arriving at the EWL input  Blocking signals and preventing them from going out gang AWT to be put through. Traffic takes place in the case on the replacement route.

The signal quality of the at the measuring points M3 and M4 the incoming wavelength signals from the line side is correct and may cause the switches to switch leaves.

In Fig. 5b is a further illustration of the Verknüp Fung principle an embodiment of a erfindungsge MAESSEN OPM's in 1 + 1 protection switching in optical multiplex level or shown in the optical ring. In structure, the OPM of FIG. 5b corresponds to that of FIG. 5a.

The difference between the OPMs of FIGS. 5a and 5b lies in the application. In Fig. 5a the OPM is applied on the tributary side, in Fig. 5b on the line side.

In FIG. 6 is an illustration of an OCh-SPRing or an OMS-SPRING two-fiber or BSHR - together with protected and unprotected intercourse shown.

With the circuit principle of the OPM an OMS-SPRing or an OCh-SPRing architecture can be realized, in particular if a protocol is used, the shortened signal paths used in a similar way to the SDH protocol G.841, Annex A. With the use of this variant you achieve at the same time a shortening of the optical alternative path for these optical Rings.

An optical multiplex section (MS) comprises wavelength mul tiplex signals (WDM). Would one ei for the optical MS level use an equivalent switching mechanism that, in the event of a fault, op table channels switched together, could not be protected th data are transmitted. Should be protected and unprotected  Such data is transmitted in the ring set switching mechanism not suitable.

With the OPM according to the invention, an equivalent switching mechanism can must be realized, the protected as well as the unsung protected data can transmit. The OPM can be configured in this way be that any number k (1 ≦ k ≦ n, with n equal to the Total number of channels of the wavelength of the optical fiber) optical channels that use protection mechanisms. The remaining n - k optical channels are not used by the opti influences the OMS-SPRing and OCh-SPRing processes, incl sive of the replacement channels that would have been necessary for this and now for example for unprotected traffic. A special case is obtained when k = 1. This OCh-SPRing only works at the optical channel level. With k = n they are all Channels of the optical MS on the optical OMS-SPRing or on the OCh SPRing involved.

The two-fiber OMS-SPRing or OCh-SPRing shown in FIG. 6 allows unprotected traffic via OADM 4 to OADM 1 . At the same time, it is possible to switch protected traffic to OADM 1 via OADM 3 . The wavelength λl is therefore not involved in the BSHR and is used for unprotected traffic.

FIG. 7 shows a block diagram for an optical BSHR with shortened signal paths. This fulfills the requirements for the two-fiber OMS-SPRing and OCh-SPRing for the transmission of protected and unprotected traffic. The add-and-drop module in the ring couples signals W and P out to the OPM. These are passed on to the tributary side. Signals that are to be coupled into the ring from the tributary side reach the add-and-drop module via the OPM.

In Fig. 8 the linking principle of the OPM's for optical two-fiber OCh-SPRing with protected and unprotected traffic is shown. The measuring points M3 and M4 determine the signal quality of the two incoming signals and, if necessary, in conjunction with the OCh-SPRing BSHR 2 protocol, cause the switches S2, S3 and S4 to be switched. In the error-free case, the decoupled signal λk of the working line is led via switch S3 to the output AWT of the tributary-side interface. In the event of a fault, the decoupled signal λk of the protection line is routed via switch S4 to the AWT output. In the event of incorrect delivery of data (missconection), switch S4 is switched in the right switch position, switch S3 in the left switch position, so that no signal is present at signal output AWT.

The signal W coming from the interface T is via the Signal input EWT in the splitter SP with regard to the signal energy divided into two optical channels. Preferably, instead of the splitter also a switch, particularly preferably an op table switch can be used. This will make Lei Power losses due to the splinter avoided. In error in free fall the left signal leads directly to the working line to output STL, while the right signal at switch S2 un is broken. In the event of a fault, switch S2 (scarf position in the left switch position) the signal to Protec tion line via the APL output.

The switch S2 interrupts in its right switching position the optical equivalent switching channel of the faultless time and switches the incoming low priority traffic from the EPT input to the APL output. The from the interface L com sender signal switches S4 in the right switch position to exit APT through.

In Fig. 9, a further advantageous embodiment of the present OPM's is shown. In contrast to the OPM of FIG. 8, the arrangement of splitter and switch S2 has been replaced by a double switch S2 in this OPM. Dispensing with the splitter SP avoids loss of power, so that lower amplifier powers are required in order to switch the signals through.

In Fig. 10a is a function of the Verschaltungsprinzip drop-and-continue between two rings is shown. Drop-and-Continue is a configuration concept for the redundant, protected transmission of telecommunications traffic. The optical channel from OADM 1 to OADM 8 is shown for both transmission directions in Fig. 10a. For failures within the rings, the replacement channels OADM 1-5-4-3 in ring 1 and OADM 6-10-9-8 in ring 2 are provided. Failures in OADM 3 , OADM 6 or on the transition U are protected by drop-and-continue, which is configured in the OADM's 3 , 4 , 6 and 10 as shown in FIG. 10b.

In Fig. 10b, the drop-and-continue function is shown with an embodiment of the invention the example of the OPM's OADM 3 of Fig. 10a. Here, the signal coming from OADM 2 is introduced on line E into a drop-and-add module. The optical channel with the wavelength λk is decoupled and connected to the EWM input of the OPM. Then it is led to the splitter SP, where it is divided into two optical channels with respect to the signal energy. The left channel is returned to the original line, the right channel is routed via the APL output to the EWL input and from there switched to the AWT output, with switch S3 in the right switch position. From there, the signal λk is forwarded to OADM 6 . The signal coming from OADM 6 is coupled into line W. The signal coming from OADM 4 is coupled out via line W and applied to the input EPL. From there it is normally not switched further, since the switch S4 is in the right switching position.

In the event of an error, the working signal from Line W of OADM 4 is present . By switching switch S4 to the left switching position, preferably also switching switch S3 also to the left switching position, the working signal now present at the input EPL is switched through to the output AWT of the OPM and can thus be forwarded to the OADM 6 the. By switching switch S3 to the left switch position, false signals that are present at the EWT input from Line E are blocked for the AWT output and are not passed on to the OADM 6 . The signal coming from the OADM 6 is passed directly to the add-drop multiplexer.

In Fig. 11a shows an equivalent circuit between two rings is shown with protected ring transition. Here, common guard rings on the optical multiplex level are used for the equivalent circuit. Various nodes are shown in the ring, node A being between nodes E and D and B.

FIG. 11b shows an illustration of a linking principle of a protected ring transition using the example of node A from the illustration of FIG. 11a. The signal coming from node E is decoupled and applied via interface E at the EWT input. There it is split into two optical channels using a splitter SP. The left channel is returned to the original line, the right channel via switch S2 in the left switch position and the interface L to node D.

The measuring points M3 and M4 check those of node B and of Node D coming signals and possibly cause that Switching from S3 or S4. The switched signal is via the interface T and the add-and-drop module to the Kno ten E led.  

With the present invention, a solution has been advantageous adhere to the realization of optical rings and meshed net zen with purely optical alternative routes and protective mechanisms posed in which a circuit arrangement different Equivalent switching functions with one and the same circuit arrangement enables. In particular, the invention has an OPM provided with the 1 + 1 equivalent circuits on optical Path level and at optical multiplex level, 1: 1 replacement scarf at optical path level and optical multiplex level as well as an equivalent circuit for OMS-SPRing and OCh-SPRing or Rings, drop-and-continue functionality in optical rings and for equivalent circuits between two rings are. The listed solution for realizing the OMS-SPRing or the OCh-SPRing or BSHR 2 architecture means furthermore a shortening of the optical alternative routes in opti rings. In addition, the invention discloses a ver drive to unprotected traffic via those described above optical equivalent circuits at the channel level can.

Claims (14)

1. Optical protection module with at least one signal input EW and / or at least one signal input EP;
at least one signal output AW and / or at least one signal output AP
characterized in that
at least one signal input EW can be connected to a signal output AW;
at least one signal input EW can be connected to a signal output AP; and
at least one signal input EP can be connected to a signal output AW. 2. Optical protection module according to claim 1 thereby ge indicates that at least one signal input EP can be connected to a signal output AP. 3. Optical protection module for a 1 + 1 equivalent circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that
a signal input EWL and a signal input EPL from the line side is provided;
a signal output AWT is provided to the tributary side;
a signal input EWT is provided from the tributary side; and
and a signal output STL and a signal output APL to the line side is provided. 4. Optical protection module for a 1: 1 equivalent circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that
a signal input EWL and a signal input EPL from the line side is provided;
a signal output AWT and a signal output APT to the tributary side is provided;
a signal input EWT and a signal input EPT from the tri-butary side is provided and
a signal output STL and a signal output APL to the line side is provided. 5. Optical protection module according to one of the preceding Expectations characterized in that the signal input EW via a switch S with the signal off gang AP is connectable and the signal input EP via the Switch S can also be connected to the output AW. 6. Optical protection module according to the previous type saying characterized in that the switch S is an optical switch. 7. Optical protection module according to the previous one the claims, characterized in that a second switch S2 is provided, via which the input EP connectable to the output AP and in a second scarf creation of the switch S2 is interruptible. 8. Optical protection module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that
the input EW is connected to the output AW via a splitter SP;
the input EW is connected to the output AP via the same splitter SP. 9. Optical protection module according to the previous type say  characterized in that the signal input EW via the splitter SP and a switch S with the signal output AP in a first switching position of the Switch S is connectable while in a second switching position of the switch S, preferably the signal input EP can be connected to the output AP, the path from the Si signal input EW to signal output AP is interrupted. 10. Optical protection module for a 1: 1 equivalent circuit
with at least one signal input EWL and one signal input EPL for protected signal traffic from the line side;
at least one signal output AWT and one signal output APT for protected signal traffic to the tributary side;
at least one signal input EWT and one signal input EPT for protected signal traffic from the tributary side;
at least one signal output STL and one signal output APL for protected signal traffic to the line side;
characterized in that
the signal input EWL can be connected or interrupted to the signal output AWT via a path P3 via a switch S3;
the signal input EPL can be connected via a path P4 via a switch S4 to the signal output AWT or the signal output APT;
the signal input EWT can be connected via a path P1 via a splitter SP and via a path P1.1 to the signal output STL and the signal input EWT can be connected via the path P1, via the splitter SP and via a path P1.2 via a switch S2 the signal output APL can be connected; and
the signal input EPT can be connected to the signal output APL via a path P2 and via the switch ter S2. 11. Optical protection module according to the preceding claim characterized in that
the signal input EWT can be connected to the signal output STL via a path P1 via a switch S1;
the signal input EPT can be connected to the signal output APL via a path P2 via a switch S2. 12. Optical protection module for a 1 + 1 equivalent circuit
with at least one signal input EWL and one signal input EPL for protected signal traffic from the line side;
at least one signal output AWT to the tributary side;
at least one signal input EWT from the tributary side;
at least one signal output STL and one signal output APL for protected signal traffic to the line side;
characterized in that
the signal input EWL can be connected to the signal output AWT via a path P3 via a switch S3;
the signal input EPL can be connected to the signal output AWT via a path P4 via a switch S4; and
the signal input EWT can be connected via a path P1 via a splitter SP and via a path P1.1 to the signal output STL and the signal input EWT can be connected via the path L1, via the splitter SP and via a path P1.2 to the signal output APL is connectable. 13. Use of an optical protection module according to one of the preceding claims in one
1 + 1 equivalent circuit at optical channel level and / or at optical multiplex level; and or
1: 1 equivalent circuit at the optical channel level and / or at the optical multiplex level; and or
OMS-SPRing or a BSHR 2 equivalent circuit; and or
OCh-SPRing equivalent circuit and / or
OCh-DPRing equivalent circuit and / or
Drop-and-continue circuitry; and or
Equivalent circuits for protected ring transitions between rings. 14. Procedure for the transmission of unprotected traffic via the optical equivalent circuits in claim 13, wherein a number k of optical channels of wavelength Multiplex signals of an optical multiplex section via at least one optical protection module according to one of the before forthcoming claims are passed characterized in that the number k is smaller than the total number of channels n one optical fiber used.