JP6777607B2 - Optical communication network, network control device, and network control method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an optical communication network control technique for controlling the configuration of an optical communication network including a communication path of a single-core optical amplifier and a communication path of a multi-core optical amplifier.

In recent years, Internet traffic has been on a continuous increase, and optical communication networks that support the backbone have responded to such an increase in traffic by increasing transmission capacity. On the other hand, a high transmission optical power is required to further increase the transmission capacity, but the fiber fuse phenomenon caused by the induction of nonlinear waveform deterioration due to the increase in transmission optical power and the excessive injection of transmission optical power further increases. This is an issue for increasing the transmission capacity.

In order to solve such problems, as a technology for increasing the capacity per fiber, a dramatic increase in transmission capacity can be achieved by providing multiple cores and transmission modes on one fiber and placing signals on each independently. Space division multiplexing transmission technology that enables this is drawing attention (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

FIG. 8 is a basic configuration example of a space division multiplexing transmission system using a multi-core fiber. As shown in FIG. 8, the space division multiplex transmission system using the multi-core fiber mainly consists of fan-in / fan-out that separates / couples each core of the multi-core fiber into a plurality of single-core optical fibers. It is equipped with a multi-core optical amplifier that collectively amplifies the core signals.

Examples of multi-core optical amplifiers include a multi-core erbium-added optical fiber amplifier (MC-EDFA: Multicore Er-doped fiber amplifier) and a multi-core erbium / it-libium-added optical fiber amplifier (MC-EYDFA: Multicore Er / Yb-doped fiber amplifier). There is.
Hereinafter, as a control of the multi-core optical amplifier, a conventional optical amplifier such as an erbium-added optical fiber amplifier (EDFA: Er-doped fiber amplifier) will be referred to as a single-core optical amplifier. Further, as a control of the multi-core fiber, the conventional single-mode fiber is referred to as a single-core fiber.

The single wavelength or wavelength division multiplexing optical signal input to the fan-in is connected to the core of the multi-core fiber provided corresponding to the input port of the fan-in and transmitted. The multi-core optical amplifier is deployed at regular intervals, for example, 80 km with respect to the transmission line, and collectively amplifies the optical signal of each core in the fiber whose transmission quality has deteriorated. On the receiving side, it is separated into a plurality of single core fibers again in core units by fanout.
The optical amplifier may be provided as a preamplifier or postamplifier in an optical node such as a ROADM (Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer) or an OXC (Optical Cross Connect), but a multi-core optical amplifier is a conventional single-core optical amplifier. It can be applied in the optical node in the same way as.

Such space division multiplexing transmission technology makes it possible to dramatically increase the transmission capacity per fiber. It also has the advantage that the introduction of a multi-core optical amplifier can reduce power consumption compared to multiple single-core optical amplifiers compared to the approach of parallelizing single-core fibers to increase capacitance (for example, non-patented). Reference 2 etc.).

FIG. 9 is a graph showing changes in the power consumption of the multi-core optical amplifier as the traffic increases. Here, the changes in the power consumption for each of the parallel number of the single-core optical amplifier and the multi-core optical amplifier are shown, the horizontal axis shows the traffic amount, and the vertical axis shows the power consumption.

As shown in FIG. 9, when the single-core optical amplifiers are arranged in parallel, the power consumption increases proportionally as the number of fibers increases, while when the multi-core optical amplifier is used, regardless of the number of cores used. The power consumption is constant or very small until the multi-core optical amplifier is added. In this example, in a situation where the required number of fibers exceeds 6, using one multi-core optical amplifier having more cores than the number of parallels consumes less power than using multiple single-core optical amplifiers in parallel. It turns out that

Takayuki Mizuno et al., "High Density Time Division Multiplexing (DSDM) Long Distance Optical Transmission Infrastructure Technology", NTT Technology Journal, March 2017 K. Maeda, et al., "Multicore Erbium Doped Fiber Amplifiers", Proc. SPIE 9773, Optical Metro Networks and Short-Haul Systems VIII, 977302, 2016

By introducing a multi-core optical amplifier, such a conventional technique may realize not only a large capacity of an optical communication network but also a low power consumption. However, as shown in FIG. 9, depending on the traffic, it may be possible to realize low power consumption by arranging the single-core optical amplifier in parallel rather than using the multi-core optical amplifier. Therefore, there is a problem that the power consumption of the entire network cannot be reduced only by switching the communication path of the single-core optical amplifier to the communication path of the multi-core optical amplifier.

The present invention is for solving such a problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide an optical communication network control technology capable of realizing low power consumption of the entire network.

In order to achieve such an object, the optical communication network according to the present invention switches and controls a plurality of optical nodes connected in a network via a communication path and an input / output route of an optical signal in these optical nodes. It is an optical communication network including a network control device, and is used as one of the communication paths, and a plurality of input optical signals are collectively amplified and output by a multi-core optical amplifier common to these optical signals. The network control device includes a multi-core communication path and a single-core communication path that is used as one of the communication paths and individually amplifies and outputs a plurality of input optical signals by each single-core optical amplifier. Is a multi-core system required when a target optical signal to be transmitted between any two optical nodes among the plurality of optical nodes is transmitted via the multi-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes. Based on the power consumption comparison unit that compares the power consumption and the single-core system power consumption required for transmission on the single-core communication path that connects the two optical nodes, and the result of the comparison. It is provided with a switching control unit that switches and controls the input / output route of the target optical signal in the two optical nodes to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path.

Further, in one configuration example of the optical communication network according to the present invention, the network control device calculates the multi-core system power consumption based on the power consumption consumed by the multi-core optical amplifier provided in the multi-core communication path. In addition, the power consumption management unit that calculates the power consumption of the single core system based on the power consumption consumed by the single core optical amplifier provided in the single core communication path is further provided, and the power consumption comparison unit is provided. The multi-core system power consumption obtained by the power consumption management unit is compared with the single-core system power consumption.

Further, in one configuration example of the optical communication network according to the present invention, the power consumption management unit is consumed by the multi-core optical amplifier provided in the own node to amplify the target optical signal in the power consumption of the multi-core system. The power consumption is added, and the power consumption consumed by the single-core optical amplifier provided in the own node and amplifying the target optical signal is added to the single-core system power consumption.

Further, in one configuration example of the optical communication network according to the present invention, when the power consumption management unit calculates the power consumption of the multi-core system, the two optical nodes are connected via one or a plurality of relay optical nodes. When connected by a plurality of multi-core communication paths, the multi-core system power consumption is calculated by summing the power consumption calculated for each of these multi-core communication paths, and when the single-core system power consumption is calculated, the above-mentioned When two optical nodes are connected by a plurality of single-core communication paths via one or a plurality of relay optical nodes, the power consumption calculated for each of these single-core communication paths is totaled to obtain the single core. The system power consumption is calculated.

Further, in one configuration example of the optical communication network according to the present invention, when the power consumption management unit calculates the power consumption of the single core system, the power consumption of one single core optical amplifier and the single core communication path The single-core system power consumption is calculated by multiplying the number of parallel single-core optical amplifiers provided in the above or the number of optical signals of the target optical signal transmitted via the single-core communication path. It is a thing.

Further, in one configuration example of the optical communication network according to the present invention, when the power consumption management unit calculates the power consumption of the single core system, the power consumption of one single core optical amplifier and the single core communication path The power consumption of the single-core system is calculated by multiplying the number of parallel single-core optical amplifiers provided in the above, and the power consumption of optical signals other than the target optical signal in the single-core communication path is calculated. It is designed to be subtracted from the power consumption of the single core system.

Further, in one configuration example of the optical communication network according to the present invention, when the power consumption management unit calculates the power consumption of the multi-core system, the optical signals other than the target optical signal in the multi-core communication path are already used. The power consumption of the shared multi-core communication path being transmitted is regarded as zero.

Further, in one configuration example of the optical communication network according to the present invention, the power consumption management unit has a first target optical signal transmitted between the first two optical nodes among the optical nodes, and these optical signals. When the second target optical signal transmitted between the second two optical nodes different from the node passes through the same multi-core communication path, the first multi-core system power consumption related to the first target optical signal and the said The unified multi-core system power consumption is calculated by subtracting the multi-core system power consumption of the same multi-core communication path from the total with the second multi-core system power consumption of the second target optical signal, and the first target light The unified single-core system power consumption is calculated by adding up the first single-core system power consumption related to the signal and the second single-core system power consumption related to the second target optical signal. The unified multi-core system power consumption obtained by the power consumption management unit is compared with the unified single-core system power consumption, and the switching control unit is in the first two optical nodes based on the result of the comparison. The input / output route of the first target optical signal is switched and controlled to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path corresponding to the first target optical signal, and the second two lights are used. The input / output route of the second target optical signal in the node is switched and controlled to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path corresponding to the second target optical signal.

Further, the network control device according to the present invention is used as one of a plurality of optical nodes connected in a network via a communication path and the communication path, and a plurality of input optical signals are used as these optical signals. A multi-core communication path that is collectively amplified and output by a common multi-core optical amplifier, and a plurality of input optical signals that are used as either of the above communication paths and individually amplified and output by each single-core optical amplifier. A network control device used in an optical communication network including a single-core communication path to switch and control the input / output directions of optical signals in the plurality of optical nodes, and is arbitrary among the plurality of optical nodes. The multi-core system power consumption required when the target optical signal to be transmitted between the two optical nodes is transmitted via the multi-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes, and the two optical nodes. The input of the target optical signal in the two optical nodes is based on the power consumption comparison unit that compares the power consumption of the single core system required for transmission on the connected single core communication path and the result of the comparison. It is provided with a switching control unit that switches and controls the output route to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path.

Further, the network control method according to the present invention is used as one of a plurality of optical nodes connected in a network via a communication path and the communication path, and a plurality of input optical signals are used as these optical signals. A multi-core communication path that is collectively amplified and output by a common multi-core optical amplifier, and a plurality of input optical signals that are used as either of the above communication paths and individually amplified and output by each single-core optical amplifier. It is a network control method used in an optical communication network including a single-core communication path to switch and control the input / output directions of optical signals in the plurality of optical nodes, and is a power consumption comparison method. A multi-core required when a unit transmits a target optical signal to be transmitted between any two optical nodes among the plurality of optical nodes via the multi-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes. The power consumption comparison step for comparing the system power consumption and the single core system power consumption required for transmission on the single core communication path connecting the two optical nodes, and the switching control unit perform the comparison. Based on the result, it includes a switching control step for switching and controlling the input / output route of the target optical signal in the two optical nodes to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path.

According to the present invention, an optical signal transmitted between optical nodes is transmitted via a communication path having less power consumption among a multi-core communication path and a single-core communication path. Therefore, the multi-core communication path can be effectively used as compared with the case where the optical signal passing through the single-core communication path is simply switched to the multi-core communication path regardless of the traffic amount, and as a result, the entire network can be used effectively. It is possible to realize low power consumption.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an optical communication network. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of an optical node. It is a flowchart which shows the switching control processing in a network control device. This is an example of switching control according to the first embodiment. This is an example of switching control according to the second embodiment. This is an example of switching control according to the third embodiment. This is an example of switching control according to the fourth embodiment. This is a basic configuration example of a space division multiplexing transmission system using a multi-core fiber. It is a graph which shows the change of the power consumption of a multi-core optical amplifier with the increase in traffic.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
First, the optical communication network 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an optical communication network.

[Optical communication network]
As shown in FIG. 1, the optical communication network 1 according to the present embodiment has a plurality of optical nodes 20 connected in a network via a communication path and input / output routes of optical signals in the optical nodes 20, respectively. It is provided with a network control device 10 for switching control.

Further, the optical communication network 1 is used as one of the communication paths connecting the optical nodes 20, and a plurality of optical signals input to the multi-core fiber FM are collectively used by a multi-core optical amplifier AM common to these optical signals. It is used as either a multi-core communication path LM that amplifies and outputs and a communication path that connects the optical nodes 20, and a plurality of optical signals input to a plurality of single-core fiber FSs are input to each single-core optical amplifier AS. It is equipped with a single-core communication path LS that is individually amplified and output.

FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a section related to two optical nodes A and B (20) in the optical communication network 1. These optical nodes A and B are connected in parallel by a multi-core communication path LM and a single-core communication path LS, and the input / output directions of optical signals in these optical nodes A and B are from the network control device 10. Switching control is performed based on the switching instruction. The number of optical nodes 20 is not limited to this, and may be 3 or more. Further, the connection form of the multi-core communication path LM and the single-core communication path LS connecting the optical nodes 20 is not limited to this, and any optical node 20 can be connected to the multi-core communication path LM and the single-core communication. Any connection form may be used in which the road LSs are connected in parallel.

The multi-core communication path LM is composed of one multi-core fiber FM that transmits a plurality of optical signals by a time division multiplexing transmission method, and a multi-core optical amplifier AM that collectively amplifies these optical signals.
Examples of multi-core optical amplifiers include a multi-core erbium-added optical fiber amplifier (MC-EDFA: Multicore Er-doped fiber amplifier) and a multi-core erbium / it-libium-added optical fiber amplifier (MC-EYDFA: Multicore Er / Yb-doped fiber amplifier). There is.

The single-core communication path LS is composed of a plurality of single-core fiber FSs and a plurality of single-core optical amplifiers AS that individually amplify the optical signals of the single-core fiber FSs.
Hereinafter, as a control of the multi-core optical amplifier, a conventional optical amplifier such as an erbium-added optical fiber amplifier (EDFA: Er-doped fiber amplifier) will be referred to as a single-core optical amplifier. Further, as a control of the multi-core fiber, the conventional single-mode fiber is referred to as a single-core fiber.

In FIG. 1, it is assumed that N (N is an integer of 1 or more) optical signals S1, S2, ..., SN having a single wavelength or wavelength division multiplexing are accommodated between the optical nodes A and B. Specifically, the number of signals N increases or decreases according to the amount of traffic between the optical nodes A and B.
In the present embodiment, in the initial state, it is assumed that the communication of these optical signals is established by using the single core communication path LS of the single core fiber FS. The optical signals S1, S2, ..., And SN pass through the section between the optical nodes A and B, but the points at which the signals are terminated may be different from each other.

When wavelength division multiplexing communication is performed, the number of fibers of the single core fiber FS is N or less, and when wavelength division multiplexing communication is not performed, the number of fibers of the single core fiber FS is N. Further, the number of cores of the multi-core fiber FM shall be equal to or larger than the number of in-use fibers N of the single-core fiber FS.

[Network control device]
Next, the network control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
The network control device 10 consumes power in the multi-core communication path LM and the single-core communication path LS through which each optical signal passes through the input / output directions of optical signals in each optical node 20 provided in the optical communication network 1. That is, it has a function of switching and controlling each based on the comparison result of the multi-core system power consumption PM and the single-core system power consumption PS.

Regarding the input / output routes related to the optical signals in each optical node 20, when starting the transmission of a new optical signal, the network control device 10 performs switching control to select the input / output routes with low power consumption. Alternatively, it may be carried out periodically to review and switch the input / output route with low power consumption.

As shown in FIG. 1, the network control device 10 includes a power consumption management unit 11, a power consumption comparison unit 12, and a switching control unit 13 as main functional units. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of the CPU and the program.

The power consumption management unit 11 has a function of calculating the multi-core system power consumption PM based on the power consumption of the multi-core optical amplifier AM provided in the multi-core communication path LM connecting the two optical nodes 20, and the two optical nodes. It has a function to calculate the single-core system power consumption PS based on the power consumption of the single-core optical amplifier AS provided in the single-core communication path LS connecting 20 units and the parallel number N of the single-core optical amplifier AS. doing.

At this time, the power consumption management unit 11 determines the multi-core power consumption PM or the single based on the individual power consumption of the multi-core optical amplifier AM or the single-core optical amplifier AS provided in each communication path, which is set in advance. The core power consumption PS is calculated statically. The power consumption management unit 11 may dynamically acquire the individual power consumption related to these AMs and ASs from an external device that maintains and manages the optical communication network 1. Further, the power consumption management unit 11 may dynamically acquire the multi-core power consumption PM and the single-core power consumption PS calculated by the external device.

When the power consumption comparison unit 12 transmits the target optical signal to be transmitted between any two optical nodes 20 among the plurality of optical nodes 20 via the multi-core communication path LM connecting the two optical nodes 20. It has a function of comparing the multi-core power consumption PM required for the above and the single-core power consumption PS required for transmission on the single-core communication path LS connecting the two optical nodes 20.

Based on the result of the comparison in the power consumption comparison unit 12, the switching control unit 13 sets the input / output route of the target optical signal transmitted between the two optical nodes 20 of the multi-core communication path LM or the single-core communication path LS. It has a function to switch to either one.

[Optical node]
Next, the optical node 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an optical node.
As shown in FIG. 2, the optical node 20 according to the present embodiment is a general optical node capable of accommodating the multi-core communication path LM and the single-core communication path LS. FIG. 2 shows a configuration example including two multi-core ports P1 and P5 and six single-core ports P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, P7, and P8 as ports for connecting communication paths. It is shown.

The optical node 20 includes a cross-connect unit 21, an optical node control unit 22, an add-drop unit 23, a multi-core optical amplifier 24, 27, a fan-out 25, and a single-core optical amplifier 28, 29 as main functional units. Of these functional units, the optical node control unit 22 is realized by the cooperation of the CPU and the program, and the other functional units are realized by hardware.

The cross-connect unit 21 has a function of switching and controlling optical signals input from a plurality of input routes to corresponding output routes in response to an instruction from the optical node control unit 22.
The optical node control unit 22 has a function of controlling switching of input / output routes in the cross-connect unit 21 in response to an instruction from the network control device 10.
The add-drop unit 23 accommodates a communication device (not shown) under the own node, and has a function of relaying an optical signal transmitted between the communication device and the cross-connect unit 21.

The multi-core optical amplifier (preamplifier) 24 has a function of collectively amplifying a plurality of optical signals input from each core of the multi-core communication path LM1 connected to the port P1.
The fan-out 25 has a function of separating the optical signals output from the multi-core optical amplifier 24 and outputting them to the cross-connect unit 21 via individual single-core fibers.

The fan-in 26 has a function of combining the respective optical signals output from the cross-connect unit 21 via the individual single-core fibers and outputting the optical signals via the respective cores of the multi-core fiber.
The multi-core optical amplifier (post-amplifier) 27 has a function of collectively amplifying the optical signals of each core output from the fan-in 26 and outputting them to each core of the multi-core communication path LM2 connected to the port P5. ing.

The single-core optical amplifier (preamplifier) 28 individually amplifies a plurality of optical signals input from the single-core communication paths LS1, LS2, and LS3 connected to the ports P2, P3, and P4, and the cross-connect unit 21. It has a function to output to.
The single-core optical amplifier (post-amplifier) 29 individually amplifies a plurality of optical signals output from the cross-connect unit 21, and the single-core communication paths LS4 and 4 connected to the corresponding ports P6, P7, and P8. It has a function to output to LS5 and LS6.

In FIG. 2, as an example of switching the input / output routes, the output routes of the optical signals S1 and S2 input from the LS2 and LS3 and the optical signals S3 input from the add-drop unit 23 are connected by the cross-connect unit 21. , LM2 or LS4 is switched and controlled.

[Operation of the first embodiment]
Next, the operation of the network control device 10 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing a switching control process in the network control device. FIG. 4 is an example of switching control according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of a section related to four optical nodes A, B, C, and D (20) in the optical communication network 1. Of these, the optical nodes A and C and the optical nodes C and B are connected via the multi-core communication paths LM1 and LM2, respectively, and the optical nodes A and D and the optical nodes D and B are single. It is connected via the core communication paths LS1 and LS2. Further, the LM1 and LM2 are each provided with one multi-core optical amplifier AM1 and one AM2, and the LS1 and LS2 are each provided with N single-core optical amplifiers AS1 and AS2, respectively.

When switching and controlling the input / output routes of the target optical signals transmitted between the optical nodes A and B, here, the optical signals S1 and S2, in the network control device 10, the power consumption management unit 11 first receives the LM1 and LM2. The multi-core power consumption PM indicating the power consumption consumed is calculated (step 100), and the single-core power consumption PS indicating the power consumption consumed by the LS1 and LS2 is calculated (step 101).

Basically, the power consumption of the multi-core communication path LM is obtained by the total value of the power consumption of the multi-core optical amplifier AM provided in the LM. As a result, in the example of FIG. 4, since AM1 and AM2 are provided one by one in LM1 and LM2, the power consumption PM1 of LM1 is obtained by the power consumption of AM1, and the power consumption PM2 of LM2 is the consumption of AM2. It will be required by electricity. At this time, the individual power consumption PAM for each AM may be a preset one.

In general, the increase / decrease in power consumption in AM depending on the number of cores used in the multi-core fiber FM, that is, the number of optical signals, is small, but when calculating PM1 and PM2, it is preset per optical signal. Fluctuations due to the number of optical signals may be considered based on the power consumption increase ΔPAM. Further, when the LM is shared by an optical signal other than the target optical signal, fluctuations due to the other optical signal may be considered.

On the other hand, the power consumption of the single-core communication path LS is obtained by the total value of the power consumption of the single-core optical amplifier AS provided in the LS. As a result, in the example of FIG. 4, since N AS1 and AS2 are provided in parallel in the LS1 and LS2, the power consumption PS1 of the LS1 is obtained by multiplying the power consumption of the AS1 by N, and the power consumption of the LM2. PM2 is determined by the power consumption of AM2. As the individual power consumption PAS for each AS, a preset one may be used.

Therefore, in the configuration example of FIG. 4, PM corresponds to the total value of the power consumptions PM1 and PM2 consumed by LM1 and LM2, and is obtained by PM = PM1 + PM2.
On the other hand, PS corresponds to the total value of the power consumption PS1 and PS2 consumed by LS1 and LS2, and is obtained by PS = PS1 + PS2.

Next, the power consumption comparison unit 12 compares the multi-core power consumption PM thus obtained by the power consumption management unit 11 with the single-core power consumption PS (step 102).
Based on the result of the comparison in the power consumption comparison unit 12, the switching control unit 13 sets the input / output route of the target optical signal transmitted between the two optical nodes 20 of the multi-core communication path LM or the single-core communication path LS. Switch to either one.

As a result of comparison (step 103), when the multi-core power consumption PM is smaller than the single-core power consumption PS and PM <PS (step 103: YES), the switching control unit 13 uses the optical nodes A and B, and further An instruction for switching and controlling the input / output directions of S1 and S2 to the multi-core communication path side is output to the optical node C (step 104), and a series of switching control processes is completed.
As a result, the input / output routes of S1 and S2 in the optical nodes A, B, and C are switched to the multi-core communication path side, respectively, and S1 and S2 pass through the multi-core system path consisting of the multi-core communication paths LM1 and LM2. It will be transmitted.

On the other hand, when the multi-core power consumption PM is not smaller than the single-core power consumption PS and PM ≧ PS (step 103: NO), the switching control unit 13 relates to the optical nodes A and B and further to the optical node D. Then, an instruction for switching and controlling the input / output directions of S1 and S2 to the single-core communication path side is output (step 105), and a series of switching control processes is completed.
As a result, the input / output routes of S1 and S2 in the optical nodes A, B, and D are switched to the single core communication path side, respectively, and S1 and S2 use the single core system path consisting of the single core communication paths LS1 and LS2. It will be transmitted via.

In the configuration example of FIG. 4, before the switching control, the optical signals S1 and S2 are transmitted between the optical nodes A and B via the single core system path including the single core communication paths LS1 and LS2. Therefore, when PM <PS, the input / output routes of S1 and S2 are switched, and S1 and S2 are transmitted via the multi-core route including the multi-core communication paths LM1 and LM2.
Further, when PM ≧ PS, the input / output routes of S1 and S2 are not switched, and transmission is performed via the current single-core route consisting of LS1 and LS2.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2, when the target optical signals S1 and S2 pass through the multi-core optical amplifiers 24 and 27 provided in the optical nodes A and B, they are consumed by the corresponding multi-core optical amplifiers 24 and 27. The power consumption to be generated may be included in the PM. Similarly, when the target optical signals S1 and S2 pass through the single-core optical amplifiers 28 and 29 provided in the optical nodes A and B, the power consumption consumed by the corresponding single-core optical amplifiers 28 and 29 is consumed. It may be included in PS.

[Effect of the first embodiment]
As described above, in the present embodiment, in the network control device 10, the power consumption comparison unit 12 transmits the target optical signals S1 and S2 between the arbitrary two optical nodes A and B among the plurality of optical nodes 20. The multi-core power consumption PM required when transmitting via the multi-core communication paths LM1 and LM2 connecting the two optical nodes A and B, and the single-core communication connecting the two optical nodes A and B. The two optical nodes A are compared with the single-core power consumption PS required for transmission on the paths LS1 and LS2, and the switching control unit 13 is based on the comparison result obtained by the power consumption comparison unit 12. , B, the input / output directions of the target optical signals S1 and S2 are switched and controlled to either the multi-core communication path LM or the single-core communication path LS.

As a result, when the multi-core power consumption PM for the target optical signals S1 and S2 between the optical nodes A and B is smaller than the single-core power consumption PS, the input / output directions of S1 and S2 are switched from LS to LM. It will be. As a result, in the above-mentioned example of FIG. 9, when the number of signals N according to the traffic amount is 5 or less, PS <PM, so that the input / output route of the target optical signal is switched and controlled to the LS side. Further, when the number of signals N is larger than 5, PS <PM, so that the input / output route of the target optical signal is switched and controlled to the MS side.

Therefore, there may be a case where the power consumption increases when the target optical signal passing through the single-core communication path is simply switched to the multi-core communication path regardless of the traffic amount. However, according to the present embodiment, the optical node S1 and S2 transmitted between A and B are transmitted via the communication path having the lowest power consumption among the multi-core communication path LM and the single-core communication path LS. Therefore, the power consumption of the entire optical communication network 1 can be reduced, and as a result, the multi-core communication path LM can be used more effectively.

Further, in the present embodiment, the power consumption management unit 11 is provided in the network control device 10, and the multi-core system power consumption PM is calculated based on the power consumption consumed by the multi-core optical amplifier AM provided in the multi-core communication path LM. In addition to the calculation, the single-core system power consumption PS may be calculated based on the power consumption consumed by the single-core optical amplifier AS provided in the single-core communication path LS. As a result, the network control device 10 can calculate PM and PS required for switching control of the input / output directions of the target optical signals S1 and S2 without the need to add equipment such as an external device.

Further, in the present embodiment, the power consumption management unit 11 converts the power consumption consumed by the multi-core optical amplifier AM provided in the own node 20 to amplify the target optical signals S1 and S2 into the multi-core power consumption PM. The power consumption consumed by the single-core optical amplifier provided in the own node 20 and amplifying the target optical signal may be added to the single-core power consumption PS. This makes it possible to calculate more accurate PM and PS.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the power consumption management unit 11 calculates the multi-core system power consumption PM, there are a plurality of optical nodes A and B between the two optical nodes A and B via one or a plurality of relay optical nodes C and D. When connected by the multi-core communication paths LM1 and LM2, PM may be calculated by summing the power consumption calculated for each of the multi-core communication paths LM1 and LM2. Further, when calculating the single-core system power consumption PS, the two optical nodes A and B are connected by a plurality of single-core communication paths LS1 and LS2 via one or a plurality of relay optical nodes C and D. In this case, PS may be calculated by summing the power consumption calculated for each of the single core communication paths LS1 and LS2. As a result, the input / output directions of the target optical signals S1 and S2 that transmit the section in which the relay optical nodes C and D exist between the two optical nodes A and B can be correctly switched and controlled.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the power consumption management unit 11 calculates the power consumption PS of the single core system, the power consumption of one single core optical amplifier AS and the single core provided in the single core communication path LS PS may be calculated by multiplying the number of parallel optical amplifiers AS or the number of optical signals of the target optical signal transmitted via the single-core communication path LS. Thereby, more accurate PS can be calculated.

[Second Embodiment]
Next, the optical communication network 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is an example of switching control according to the second embodiment.
In the present embodiment, when an optical signal other than the target optical signal is mixed in the single core communication path LS through which the target optical signal passes, all the optical signals accommodated in the single core communication path LS are switched. The case where the target optical signal is selected and switched instead of the above will be described.

In the present embodiment, the power consumption management unit 11 multiplies the power consumption of one single-core optical amplifier AS by the number of parallel single-core optical amplifiers AS provided in the single-core communication path LS. It has a function of calculating the single-core power consumption PS and a function of subtracting the power consumption of an optical signal other than the target optical signal from the single-core power consumption PS in the single-core communication path LS.

FIG. 5 shows a configuration example of a section related to four optical nodes A, B, C, and D (20) in the optical communication network 1. The difference from FIG. 4 is that the optical signals S3 other than the target optical signals S1 and S2 are transmitted between the optical nodes D and C via the single core communication path LS2.

In this case, since the power consumption PS3 related to S3 is not related to the switching control of S1 and S2, PS3 is excluded from PS.
Therefore, in the configuration example of FIG. 5, PM corresponds to the total value of the power consumptions PM1 and PM2 consumed by LM1 and LM2, and is obtained by PM = PM1 + PM2.
On the other hand, PS corresponds to the total value of the power consumption PS1 and PS2 consumed by LS1 and LS2 minus PS3, and is obtained by PS = PS1 + PS2-PS3.

At this time, if there is an unused single-core fiber FS constituting the LS, the power consumption related to the AS may be excluded. Therefore, the number of optical signals of the target optical signal transmitted via the LS may be N', and PS1 may be obtained by PS1 = PAS × N'. As a result, the PS3 mentioned above can also be excluded from the PS2.

[Effect of the second embodiment]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the power consumption management unit 11 multiplies the power consumption of one single-core optical amplifier AS by the number of parallel single-core optical amplifiers AS provided in the single-core communication path LS. By doing so, the single-core system power consumption PS is calculated, and the power consumption of the optical signals other than the target optical signal in the single-core communication path LS is subtracted from the single-core system power consumption PS.

As a result, even when PS is calculated based on the number of parallel ASs, PS corresponding to the target optical signal can be calculated accurately. Therefore, even when an optical signal other than the target optical signal is mixed in the single-core communication path LS through which the target optical signal passes, all the optical signals accommodated in the single-core communication path LS are not switched. Only the target optical signal can be selected and switching control can be performed efficiently.

[Third Embodiment]
Next, the optical communication network 1 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an example of switching control according to the third embodiment.
In the present embodiment, a case where the multi-core communication path LM through which the target optical signal passes includes a shared multi-core communication path LMC that has already transmitted an optical signal other than the target optical signal will be described.

In the present embodiment, when calculating the multi-core system power consumption, the power consumption management unit 11 determines the power consumption of the shared multi-core communication path LMC that has already transmitted an optical signal other than the target optical signal among the multi-core communication paths. , Has a function to be regarded as zero.

FIG. 6 shows a configuration example of a section relating to the four optical nodes A, B, C, and D (20) as an example of the optical communication network 1. Of these, the optical nodes A and B are connected via a multi-core communication path LM1 provided with one multi-core optical amplifier AM1, and N single-core optical amplifiers AS1 are connected to each core between the optical nodes C and D. It is connected via the single core communication path LS1 provided in. Further, the optical nodes A and C and the optical nodes B and D are connected via single core communication paths LS2 and LS3 made of a single core fiber without an amplifier, respectively.

When the target optical signal to be transmitted between the optical nodes C and D, here the input / output directions of the optical signals S3 and S4 are switched and controlled, S3 and S4 are transmitted via a multi-core path composed of LS2, LM1 and LS3. In some cases, S3 and S4 may be transmitted via a single-core route composed of LS1.

Of these, for the multi-core path, the LM1 is used to transmit the optical signals S1 and S2 between the optical nodes A and B, and has already transmitted S1 and S2 other than the target optical signals S3 and S4. It corresponds to the shared multi-core communication path LMC. Therefore, even if S3 and S4 are transmitted by the LM1, no new power consumption is generated, and the power consumption required for the transmission of S3 and S4 can be regarded as zero.

Further, in the multi-core system path, since the amplifier is not provided in LS2 and LS3, power consumption is not generated in LS2 and LS3. Therefore, the multi-core system power consumption PM related to the multi-core system path becomes zero.
On the other hand, for the single-core route, the power consumption PS1 in LS1, that is, AS1 becomes the single-core power consumption PS.

As a result, the power consumption management unit 11 of the network control device 10 calculates PM = 0 as the multi-core power consumption PM, and PS = PS1 as the single-core power consumption PS.
Therefore, according to the configuration example of FIG. 6, as a result of comparison by the power consumption comparison unit 12, PM <PS, so that the switching control unit 13 sets the input / output directions of S3 and S4 from the LS1 side to the LS2. Switching control is performed on the LM1 and LM3 sides.

[Effect of the third embodiment]
As described above, in the present embodiment, when the power consumption management unit 11 calculates the multi-core system power consumption PM, the optical signals S1 and S2 other than the target optical signals S3 and S4 are already transmitted in the multi-core communication path LM. The power consumption of the shared multi-core communication path LMC is regarded as zero.
As a result, the input / output directions of the target optical signals S3 and S4 are switched and controlled to bypass the existing optical signals S1 and S2 having different end points to the LMC that has already transmitted, and the multi-core optical amplifier provided in the LMC. It can be amplified collectively with AM.

[Fourth Embodiment]
Next, the optical communication network 1 according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is an example of switching control according to the fourth embodiment.
In the present embodiment, a case where a plurality of target optical signals transmitted between different nodes are simultaneously switched and controlled will be described.

That is, in the present embodiment, the power consumption management unit 11 has the first target optical signal transmitted between the first two optical nodes among the optical nodes and the second two different optical nodes. When the second target optical signal transmitted between the optical nodes passes through the same multi-core communication path, the first multi-core system power consumption related to the first target optical signal and the second multi-core related to the second target optical signal A function to calculate the unified multi-core system power consumption by subtracting the multi-core system power consumption of the same multi-core communication path from the total of the system power consumption, and the first single-core system power consumption and the first with respect to the first target optical signal. It has a function to calculate the unified single-core system power consumption by adding up the second single-core system power consumption related to the target optical signal of 2.

Further, the power consumption comparison unit 12 has a function of comparing the unified multi-core system power consumption and the unified single core system power consumption obtained by the power consumption management unit 11.
Further, the switching control unit 13 sets the input / output route of the first target optical signal in the first two optical nodes to the multi-core communication path or single corresponding to the first target optical signal based on the comparison result. The function of switching to one of the core communication paths and the input / output route of the second target optical signal in the second two optical nodes are multi-core communication paths or single-core communication corresponding to the second target optical signal. It has a function to switch to one of the roads.

FIG. 7 shows, as an example of the optical communication network 1, a configuration example of sections relating to the six optical nodes A, B, C, D, E, and F (20). Of these, N single-core optical amplifiers AS1 are connected between the optical nodes A and B via a single-core communication path LS1 provided for each core, and N single-cores are connected between the optical nodes C and D. The optical amplifier AS2 is connected via a single core communication path LS2 provided for each core.

On the other hand, the optical nodes E and F are connected via a multi-core communication path LM1 provided with one multi-core optical amplifier AM1. Further, between the optical nodes A and E, between the optical nodes B and F, between the optical nodes C and E, and between the optical nodes D and F, a single core communication path LS3, LS4, LS5, LS6 made of a single core fiber without an amplifier. They are connected to each other via.

Target optical signals transmitted between optical nodes A and B (first two optical nodes), here optical signals S1 and S2 (first target optical signals), and optical nodes C and D (second two). Multi-core power consumption related to S1, S2 and S3, S4 when switching and controlling the input / output route between the target optical signal transmitted between the optical nodes), here the optical signals S3 and S4 (second target optical signal). The PM and the single-core power consumption PS may be calculated in a unified manner.

At this time, LM1 can be shared as the same multi-core communication path LMS as the multi-core route of S1, S2 and S3, S4. Further, since the amplifier is not provided in the LS3, LS4, LS5, and LS6, power consumption is not generated in these communication paths. Therefore, for the multi-core route, the PM1 of the same multi-core communication path LMS (LM1) is subtracted from the power consumption PM1 of LM1 or AM1 for S1 and S2 and the power consumption PM1 of LM1 or AM1 for S3 and S4. What is done is the unified multi-core system power consumption PM.
On the other hand, for the single-core route, the total of the power consumption PS1 in LS1 or AS1 and the power consumption PS2 in LS2 or AS2 is the unified single-core power consumption PS.

As a result, the power consumption management unit 11 of the network control device 10 calculates PM = PM1 + PM1-PM1 = PM1 as the unified multi-core power consumption PM, and PS = PS1 + PS2 as the single-core power consumption PS. ..
Therefore, according to the configuration example of FIG. 7, the multi-core system power consumption PM is reduced as compared with the case where separate multi-core system routes are used in S1, S2 and S3, S4.

[Effect of the fourth embodiment]
As described above, in the present embodiment, the target optical signals S1 and S2 transmitted by the power consumption management unit 11 between the two optical nodes A and B among the optical nodes 20 and these optical nodes A and B are When the target optical signals S3 and S4 transmitted between two different optical nodes C and D pass through the same multi-core communication path LMS, the multi-core power consumption PM1 and the target optical signals S3 and S4 relating to the target optical signals S1 and S2 The unified multi-core power consumption PM is calculated by subtracting the multi-core power consumption PM1 of the same multi-core communication path LMS from the total of the multi-core power consumption PM1 and the single-core power consumption of the target optical signals S1 and S2. The unified single-core system power consumption PS is calculated by adding up the PS1 and the single-core system power consumption PS2 related to the target optical signals S3 and S4.

In addition to this, the power consumption comparison unit 12 compares the unified multi-core power consumption PM obtained by the power consumption management unit 11 with the unified single-core power consumption PS, and the switching control unit 13 compares the power consumption comparison unit 13. Based on the comparison result obtained in No. 12, the input / output directions of the target optical signals S1 and S2 in the optical nodes A and B are set to the multi-core communication path LM1 or the single-core communication path LS1 corresponding to the target optical signals S1 and S2. The input / output directions of the target optical signals S3 and S4 in the optical nodes C and D are either the multi-core communication path LM1 or the single-core communication path LS2 corresponding to the target optical signals S3 and S4. It is designed to switch to and control.

As a result, for example, when switching and controlling a plurality of target optical signals S1 and S2 having different end points and target optical signals S3 and S4 at the same time, these S1, S2 and S3 and S4 pass through the same multi-core communication path LMS. In this case, the unified multi-core power consumption PM is obtained by subtracting the multi-core power consumption PM1 of the same multi-core communication path LMS from the total of the multi-core power consumption PM1 of S1 and S2 and the multi-core power consumption PM1 of S3 and S4. Will be calculated as.

As a result, the plurality of target optical signals S1 and S2 having different end points and the target optical signals S3 and S4 are bypassed to the multi-core communication path LM1 via the single-core communication path LS3-LS6, and the multi-core optical provided in the LM1 is provided. Switching control can be performed to a multi-core system path that is collectively amplified by the amplifier AM1.

[Extension of Embodiment]
Although the present invention has been described above with reference to the embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes that can be understood by those skilled in the art can be made to the structure and details of the present invention within the scope of the present invention. In addition, each embodiment can be implemented in any combination within a consistent range.
For example, regarding the multi-core power consumption PM calculated by the power consumption management unit 11, the single-core power consumption PS, and the comparison results obtained by the power consumption comparison unit 12, the actual input / output directions of the target optical signals It can be used not only for switching control related to, but also for verification of power consumption reduction related to the newly installed multi-core communication path LM.

1 ... Optical communication network, 10 ... Network control device, 11 ... Power consumption management unit, 12 ... Power consumption comparison unit, 13 ... Switching control unit, 20 ... Optical node, 21 ... Cross connect unit, 22 ... Optical node control unit, 23 ... Add-drop section, 24, 27 ... Multi-core optical amplifier, 25 ... Fan-out, 26 ... Fan-in, 28, 29 ... Single-core optical amplifier, LM ... Multi-core communication path, LS ... Single-core communication path, AM ... Multi-core optical Amplifier, AS ... single core optical amplifier, PM ... multi-core system power consumption, PS ... single core system power consumption, S ... optical signal.

Claims (10)

An optical communication network including a plurality of optical nodes connected in a network via a communication path and a network control device for switching and controlling the input / output directions of optical signals in these optical nodes.
A multi-core communication path that is used as one of the communication paths and collectively amplifies and outputs a plurality of input optical signals by a multi-core optical amplifier common to these optical signals.
It is provided with a single-core communication path that is used as any of the above-mentioned communication paths and individually amplifies and outputs a plurality of input optical signals by each single-core optical amplifier.
The network control device is
Multi-core system consumption required when a target optical signal to be transmitted between any two optical nodes among the plurality of optical nodes is transmitted via the multi-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes. A power consumption comparison unit that compares the power consumption with the single-core power consumption required for transmission on the single-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes.
Based on the result of the comparison, it is characterized by including a switching control unit that switches and controls the input / output route of the target optical signal in the two optical nodes to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path. Optical communication network. In the optical communication network according to claim 1,
The network control device calculates the multi-core system power consumption based on the power consumption consumed by the multi-core optical amplifier provided in the multi-core communication path, and also calculates the single-core optical system provided in the single-core communication path. Further equipped with a power consumption management unit that calculates the single-core system power consumption based on the power consumption consumed by the amplifier.
The power consumption comparison unit is an optical communication network characterized in that the multi-core system power consumption obtained by the power consumption management unit is compared with the single core system power consumption. In the optical communication network according to claim 2,
The power consumption management unit adds the power consumption consumed by the multi-core optical amplifier provided in the own node to amplify the target optical signal to the multi-core system power consumption, and adds the power consumption to the single-core system power consumption. An optical communication network characterized by adding power consumption consumed by a single-core optical amplifier provided in a node and amplifying the target optical signal. In the optical communication network according to claim 2 or 3.
When the power consumption management unit calculates the multi-core system power consumption, when the two optical nodes are connected by a plurality of multi-core communication paths via one or a plurality of relay optical nodes, these multi-core communication When the multi-core system power consumption is calculated by summing the power consumption calculated for each road and the single-core system power consumption is calculated, the two optical nodes are connected via one or a plurality of relay optical nodes. When connected by a plurality of single-core communication paths, the optical communication network is characterized in that the single-core system power consumption is calculated by totaling the power consumption calculated for each of these single-core communication paths. In the optical communication network according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
When calculating the single-core system power consumption, the power consumption management unit calculates the power consumption of one single-core optical amplifier, the number of single-core optical amplifiers provided in the single-core communication path in parallel, or the single-core. An optical communication network characterized in that the power consumption of the single core system is calculated by multiplying the number of optical signals of the target optical signal transmitted via a communication path. In the optical communication network according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
When calculating the single-core system power consumption, the power consumption management unit multiplies the power consumption of one single-core optical amplifier by the number of parallel single-core optical amplifiers provided in the single-core communication path. Thereby, the power consumption of the single core system is calculated, and the power consumption of the optical signals other than the target optical signal in the single core communication path is subtracted from the power consumption of the single core system. .. In the optical communication network according to any one of claims 2 to 6.
When calculating the multi-core system power consumption, the power consumption management unit considers the power consumption of the shared multi-core communication path that has already transmitted an optical signal other than the target optical signal as zero among the multi-core communication paths. An optical communication network characterized by that. In the optical communication network according to any one of claims 2 to 7.
The power consumption management unit transmits between the first target optical signal transmitted between the first two optical nodes among the optical nodes and the second two optical nodes different from these optical nodes. When the second target optical signal to be used passes through the same multi-core communication path, the first multi-core system power consumption related to the first target optical signal and the second multi-core system power consumption related to the second target optical signal are used. By subtracting the multi-core system power consumption of the same multi-core communication path from the total of the above, the unified multi-core system power consumption is calculated, and the first single-core system power consumption and the second single-core system power consumption related to the first target optical signal are calculated. The unified single-core system power consumption is calculated by adding up the second single-core system power consumption related to the target optical signal of.
The power consumption comparison unit compares the unified multi-core system power consumption obtained by the power consumption management unit with the unified single core system power consumption.
Based on the result of the comparison, the switching control unit sets the input / output route of the first target optical signal in the first two optical nodes to the multi-core communication corresponding to the first target optical signal. In addition to controlling switching to either the path or the single-core communication path, the input / output route of the second target optical signal in the second two optical nodes corresponds to the second target optical signal. An optical communication network characterized by switching and controlling to either a multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path. A plurality of optical nodes connected in a network via a communication path and a plurality of input optical signals used as one of the communication paths are collectively amplified by a multi-core optical amplifier common to these optical signals. An optical communication network including a multi-core communication path for output and a single-core communication path which is used as one of the communication paths and individually amplifies and outputs a plurality of input optical signals by each single-core optical amplifier. It is a network control device that switches and controls the input / output routes of optical signals in the plurality of optical nodes.
Multi-core system consumption required when a target optical signal to be transmitted between any two optical nodes among the plurality of optical nodes is transmitted via the multi-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes. A power consumption comparison unit that compares the power consumption with the single-core power consumption required for transmission on the single-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes.
Based on the result of the comparison, the two optical nodes are provided with a switching control unit that switches and controls the input / output route of the target optical signal to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path. Network control device. A plurality of optical nodes connected in a network via a communication path and a plurality of input optical signals used as one of the communication paths are collectively amplified by a multi-core optical amplifier common to these optical signals. An optical communication network including a multi-core communication path for output and a single-core communication path which is used as one of the communication paths and individually amplifies and outputs a plurality of input optical signals by each single-core optical amplifier. It is a network control method used in a network control device that switches and controls input / output routes of optical signals in the plurality of optical nodes.
When the power consumption comparison unit transmits a target optical signal to be transmitted between any two optical nodes among the plurality of optical nodes via the multi-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes. A power consumption comparison step for comparing the required multi-core system power consumption with the single-core system power consumption required for transmission on the single-core communication path connecting the two optical nodes, and
A switching control step in which the switching control unit switches and controls the input / output route of the target optical signal in the two optical nodes to either the multi-core communication path or the single-core communication path based on the result of the comparison. A network control method characterized by comprising.

Images