Experimental Demonstration of a Highly Reliable Multicore-Fiber-Based Optical Network

et al. 2015

J. Lightwave Technol.

Self Cite

We developed a novel multi-core fiber (MCF) link based on a multi-ring structure composed of field programmable gate array (FPGA)-based optical switching units for highly reliable networks. The switching algorithm implemented on the FPGA in the unit has five high-functioning processes capable of coping with multiple link failures in the network. To verify the operations of this MCF link, we experimentally demonstrated automatic impairment-aware optical path switching when a failure occurred in an MCF link based on a two-ring structure. We were able to perform path recovery by switching within a relatively short period of time, 7.6 msec, which is sufficiently less than that required by ITU-T. The restoration path that substitutes for the failed working path was also optimized for low-loss transmissions by selecting the path having the minimum number of units through which a signal passes. These results indicate that the link will be useful for optical network designs that simultaneously need to ensure high capacity and reliable transmissions in businesses such as data centers.Index Terms-Recovery, Optical switch, Multi-core fiber, Network, FPGA-based unit, Multi-ring structure.

Section: Mcf Link Based On Multi-ring Structurementioning

confidence: 99%

“…we utilize the MCF as both a transmission and a restoration path for data signals, as it is possible to assign redundant cores to the job of being the restoration path that substitutes for the working path when a failure occurs and use multiple cores as the working path for high-capacity transmissions [7] [8].…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%

Automatic Impairment-aware Optical Path Switching in Multi-core Fiber Link Based on Multi-ring Structure

Lee

et al. 2015

J. Lightwave Technol.

Self Cite

“…The coupling losses in their outer cores increase due to the angular misalignment between the two MCFs when the housing is applied to the connector for MCFs. An SC-type MCF connector with a ferrule pressurized by a spring has been developed and reported on that prevents the ferrule from turning [6][7][8]. We especially mentioned its application for the redundancy in optical networks in these reports.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…We especially mentioned its application for the redundancy in optical networks in these reports. MCF connectors containing a spring that is integrally molded to the housing using resin were reported [9] after our SC-type MCF connector reports [6,7].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

SC-type multi-core optical-fiber connectors using a pressurization spring

Hiruma

Sugawara

et al. 2015

Opt Rev

Self Cite

Prototype standard-connector (SC)-type physical-contact connectors were designed and fabricated for a seven-core fiber. The ferrule in the connector has a capillary inserted into a pipe, which fits into a flange with freedom to slide. After the capillary (with the seven-core fiber) and the flange are aligned and adhered, a pressurization spring is used to press fit the flange to a plug frame in a housing. Several prototype connectors have been used to achieve a low attenuation (less than 0.5 dB) and high return loss (40 dB or more). These coupling characteristics indicate that these SC-type physical-contact connectors will be one of the key devices for achieving space division multiplexing (SDM).

“…Novel network systems that consist of protection optical-switch units (POSUs) and MCFs for high-capacity and highly reliable optical links were recently proposed by Hiruma et al 9 and Lee et al 10 To date, we have fabricated prototype optical-switch units with MCFs, as well as compact fan-in/-out (FI/FO) modules and optical connectors for the MCFs. Automatic impairment-aware optical-path switching was experimentally demonstrated by configuring an MCF network with these units and components.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multi-core fiber technology for highly reliable optical network in access areas

Tanaka

Lee

Next-Generation Optical Networks for Data Centers and Short-Reach Links II

et al. 2015

Self Cite

A failure recovery system utilizing a multi-core fiber (MCF) link with field programmable gate array-based optical switch units was developed to achieve high capacity and highly reliable optical networks in access areas. We describe the novel MCF link based on a multi-ring structure and a protection scheme to prevent link failures. Fanin/-out devices and connectors are also presented to demonstrate the development status of the MCF connection technology for the link. We demonstrated path recovery by switching operation within a sufficiently short time, which is required by ITU-T. The selection of a protecting path as a failure working path was also optimized as the minimum passage of units for low loss transmission. The results we obtained indicate that our proposed link has potential for the network design of highly reliable network topologies in access areas such as data centers, systems in business areas, and fiber to the home systems in residential areas.