Semi-Automatic Line-System Provisioning with Integrated Physical-Parameter-Aware Methodology: Field Verification and Operational Feasibility

March 25, 2024/in Publications/by NEC Labs America

We propose methods and architecture to conduct measurements and optimize newly installed optical fiber line systems semi-automatically using integrated physics-aware technologies in a data center interconnection (DCI) transmission scenario. We demonstrate, for the first time, digital longitudinal monitoring (DLM) and optical line system (OLS) physical parameter calibration working together in real-time to extract physical link parameters for transmission performance optimization. Our methodology has the following advantages over traditional design: minimized footprint at the user site, accurate estimate of necessary optical network characteristics via complementary telemetry technologies, and ability to conduct all operation work from remotely. The last feature is crucial as remote operation personnel can implement network design settings for immediate response to quality of transmission (QoT) degradation and reverting in case of unforeseen problems. We successfully completed the semi-automatic line system provisioning over field fiber networks facilities at Duke University, Durham, NC. The tasks of parameter retrieval, equipment setting optimization, and system setup/provisioning were completed within 1 hour. The field operation was supervised by on-duty personnel who can access the system remotely from different timezones. By comparing Q-factor estimates calculated by the extracted link parameters with measured results from 400G transceivers, we confirmed our methodology has a reduction in the QoT prediction errors overexisting design.