2
DESCRIPTION
TRANSMISSION APPARATUS AND PROCESSING METHOD THEREOF
TECHNICAL FIELD
[OOO 11
The present invention relates to a transmission apparatus that relays a
communication signal, and a processing method thereof.
Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 201 1-1 13222, filed May
10 20, 20 1 1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002]
Regarding characteristics of radio transmission that utilizes spatial propagation,
15 transmission performance may vary due to environmental conditions about weather,
obstruction, or the like. Therefore, when the weather condition is bad, the radio
transmission should be operated within a restricted frequency band.
On the other hand, since optical transmission utilizes an optical fiber as a
transmission medium, it has a risk such that the optical fiber may be broken off due to an
20 earthquake, a fire, road work, or the like. Therefore, if an optical fiber for optical
transmission is broken off due to an earthquake or the like, a detour should be established
so as not to use the broken line, and the broken optical fiber should be restored.
A technique relating to the present invention is shown in Patent-Document 1,
PRIOR ART DOCUMENT
Patent Document
[0003]
Patent Document 1 : Japanese Unexamined Patent Application, First Publication No.
2001 -057527.
30
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
Problem to be Solved by the Invention
[0004]
Recently, a technique for the transmission apparatus is desired in which
communication by optical transmission and communication utilizing radio signals can be
appropriately switched with each other in accordance with communication statuses
thereof, and such a fknction enhancement can be easily performed in an existing
5 transmission apparatus.
Therefore, the present invention has an object to provide a transmission apparatus
and a processing method thereof, which can achieve the object.
Means for Solving the Problem
10 [0005]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a transmission
apparatus comprising:
a package that has a plurality of slots into each of which a board can be freely
detachably inserted;
15 at least one control board;
a PWE (Pseudo Wire Emulation) interface communication unit that is connected
to the control board, converts an input SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) or PDH
(Pre Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) signal to a packet signal, and outputs the converted
signal to the control board;
20 a radio transmission communication unit that is connected to the control board,
converts the packet signal to a radio signal, and outputs the converted signal; and
an optical transmission communication unit that is connected to the control board,
converts the packet signal to an optical transmission signal, and outputs the converted
signal,
2 5 wherein the units are separately inserted in the slots.
[0006]
In the above structure, it is possible to further comprise an SDHIPDH signal
communication unit that is further separately inserted in the slots so as to be connected to
the control board and outputs the input SDH or PDH signal to the control board, wherein
30 the PWE interface communication unit receives the SDH or PDH signal output via the
SDHPDH signal communication unit and the control board, converts the received signal
to the packet signal, and outputs the converted signal.
[0007]
4
The present invention also provides a processing method of a transmission
apparatus which includes a package that has a plurality of slots into each of which a
board can be freely detachably inserted; and at least one control board, where a PWE
interface communication unit, a radio transmission communication unit, and an optical
5 transmission communication unit are each connected to the control board and are
separately inserted in the slots, wherein in the method:
the PWE interface communication unit converts an input SDH or PDH signal to a
packet signal, and outputs the converted signal to the control board;
the radio transmission communication unit converts the packet signal to a radio
10 signal, and outputs the converted signal; and
the optical transmission communication unit converts the packet signal to an
optical transmission signal, and outputs the converted signal.
[OOOS]
In the above method, it is possible that:
an SDHffDH signal communication unit that is further separately inserted in the
slots so as to be connected to the control board and outputs the input SDH or PDH signal
to the control board; and
the PWE interface communication unit receives the SDH or PDH signal output
via the SDHffDH signal communication unit and the control board, converts the received
20 signal to the packet signal, and outputs the converted signal.
Effect of the Invention
[0009]
In accordance with the present invention, for a transmission apparatus in which a
25 communication unit that converts an SDHIPDH signal to a packet signal by means of a
Pseudo-Wire technique is inserted into a slot of the apparatus so that the control board
only possesses a packet switch, it is possible for the transmission apparatus to convert a
signal for the SDHIPDH signal into a radio signal or an optical transmission signal and to
output the converted signal to an appropriate device.
30 Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, a redundant arrangement
is applied to each input signal so that the output route can be appropriately chosen
between one that utilizes a radio signal and one that utilizes an optical transmission
5
signal. Therefore, a highly reliable transfer can be performed in the relevant
communication even when a change in the environment or a serious disaster occurs.
That is, if the frequency band for radio transmission should be restricted due to
environmental degradation, such restriction can be compensated utilizing optical
5 transmission. On the other hand, if an optical fiber is broken off due to a serious disaster
or the like, the relevant transmission path can be secured utilizing radio transmission.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[OO lo]
10 Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a communication network to which a
transmission apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is
applied.
Fig. 2 is a general external view of the transmission apparatus in the embodiment.
Fig. 3 is a diagram that shows connection arrangement of the structural
15 components of the transmission apparatus in the embodiment.
Fig. 4 is a first diagram that shows a main signal connection configuration
between a control board and communication units.
Fig. 5 is a second diagram that shows a main signal connection configuration
between a control board and communication units.
20 Fig. 6 is a third diagram that shows a main signal connection configuration
between a control board and communication units.
Fig. 7 is a fourth diagram that shows a main signal connection configuration
between a control board and communication units.
2 5 MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[OOl 11
Below, an embodiment of the present invention will be explained in detail with
reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the structure of a communication network 50 to
30 which a transmission apparatus 2 (see Fig. 2) in accordance with the present embodiment
is applied.
The communication network 50 has radio terminals 5 1 such as cellular phones,
radio base stations 52, radio line control stations 53, a core network 54, and an external
network 55.
Each radio terminal 5 1 can perform communication within a range which can
5 receive radio waves from any radio base station 52.
Each radio base station 52 is connected to a radio line control station 53 as an
upper station, and the radio line control station 53 controls a plurality of the radio base
stations 52.
In addition, each radio line control station 53 is connected to the core network 54.
10 The core network 54 is connected to the external network 55 (e.g., a mobile
communication network operated by another communication carrier or a public line
network).
[OO 1 21
A radio communication apparatus 1 is provided at each of the radio base stations
15 52 and the radio line control stations 53, and communication between two radio base
stations 52 or between a radio base station 52 and a radio line control station 53 is
performed via radio waves.
The radio communication apparatus 1 is a communication apparatus that utilizes
microwaves to perform high-speed radio communication, and the radio communication
20 apparatus 1 includes an outdoor device such as an antenna utilized for radio wave
transmission and reception, and an indoor apparatus such as a transmission apparatus 2
that processes received waves.
[00 131
Fig. 2 is a general external view of the transmission apparatus 2.
2 5 The transmission apparatus 2 as a functional constituent of the radio
communication apparatus 1 has a package 3 having a rectangular shape, communication
units 4 (each shown as "IR" in Fig. 2) built in the package 3, a control board 5, an
(electric) power unit 7, and an external device connecting board 8.
The communication units 4, the control board 5, the power unit 7, and the
30 external device connecting board 8 are connected to each other via a mother board 9 (see
Fig. 3 that will be explained later) arranged on the back surface side of the package 3 (i.e.,
the side opposite to the opening side thereof).
[00 141
The package 3 has a package main body having a box shape whose front face has
an opening. On both lateral sides of the package main body 10, a plurality of ventilation
holes are formed. Hereinbelow, a direction perpendicular to a face that includes the
above-described opening is called a "depth direction", and a horizontal direction
5 perpendicular to the depth direction is called a "cross direction".
In the present embodiment, when viewing from the opening side of the package 3,
the internal space of the package 3 has (i) four sections divided in the cross direction, and
(ii) six steps divided in the vertical direction, where the fifth and sixth steps form a
common region, and the upper four steps function as a plurality of slots, into each of
10 which a board can be freely detachably inserted.
Here, the internal space of the package 3 may have any number of sections
divided in the cross direction, and any number of steps divided in the vertical direction
when viewing from the opening side of the package 3.
On the mother board 9, a plurality of connectors to which the communication
15 units 4, the control board 5, the power unit 7, and the external device connecting board 8
can be connected are provided at positions corresponding to the units and boards to be
connected.
[00 1 51
Below, connection arrangement of the structural components of the transmission
20 apparatus 2 and details of the respective structural components will be explained.
As shown in Fig. 3, communication units 4a to 4d (collectively called as the
above-described communication units 4), the control boards 5, fan units 6, the power
units 7, and the external device connecting board 8 are connected via the mother board 9.
Here, the transmission apparatus 2 has two control boards 5, two fan units 6, and
25 two power units 7, and a plurality of communication units 4 can also be connected.
[00 1 61
The two power units 7 (indicated by "PS 1" and "PS 2" in Fig. 3) have the same
structure, and supply power via the mother board 9 to the control boards 5, fan units 6,
and the external device connecting board 8, where electric power required by the
30 transmission apparatus 2 can be supplied by one power unit 7.
That is, even when one of the two power units 7 is not operated (in failure), the
transmission apparatus 2 can be operated.
[00 171
In normal settings, the two power units 7 are operated in parallel so that they
share required power to be supplied. If one of them has broken down, the other power
unit 7 that can operate normally supplies the entire power. In addition, the power unit 7
in failure can be replaced with a normal unit without stopping the operation of the radio
5 communication apparatus 1.
[00 1 81
The two control boards 5 (indicated by "MAIN CARD 1" and "MAIN CARD 2"
in Fig. 3) also have the same structure, and each of them generally controls the respective
structural components of the transmission apparatus 2. That is, even when one of the
10 control boards 5 is not operated, the transmission apparatus 2 can be operated. In
addition, the control board 5 in failure can be replaced with a normal board without
stopping the operation of the radio communication apparatus 1.
[00 191
The two fan units 6 (indicated by "FAN 1" and "FAN 2" in Fig. 3) also have the
15 same structure, and each of them has two fans so as to exhaust air within the package 3 as
described above. In normal settings, the two fan units 6, that is, the four fans are
operated. If one of the fan units 6 has broken down, wind power of the remaining fan
unit 6 is increased.
[0020]
20 As an example, the communication units 4 to be connected may be an SDH
(Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) 1 PDH (Pre Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) signal
communication unit 4a (indicated by "LOW IIF" in Fig. 3), a packet signal
communication unit 4b (indicated by "LOW IIF" in Fig. 3), a radio transmission
communication unit 4c (indicated by "HIGH IIF" in Fig. 3), and an optical transmission
25 communication unit 4d (indicated by "HIGH IIF" in Fig. 3).
The control boards 5 each can perform signal control of the SDHIPDH signal
communication unit 4a, the packet signal communication unit 4b, the radio transmission
communication unit 4c, and the optical transmission communication unit 4d.
[002 11
3 0 The external device connecting board 8 (indicated by "TERM" in Fig. 3) is a
board utilized for connecting the control boards 5 with an external device such as a
personal computer. Although it is not shown, on a front panel of the external device
connecting board 8, a connector utilized for executing the communication is provided.
Additionally, the external device connecting board 8 can be connected to either of the
two control boards 5.
[0022]
Fig. 4 is a first diagram that shows a main signal connection configuration
5 between one control board 5 and the communication units 4.
First, the main signal connection configuration between the control board 5, the
SDHIPDH signal communication unit 4a, the packet signal communication unit 4b, the
radio transmission communication unit 4c, and the optical transmission communication
unit 4d will be explained.
10 As shown in Fig. 4, the SDHPDH signal communication unit 4a, the packet
signal communication unit 4b, the radio transmission communication unit 4c, and the
optical transmission communication unit 4d are connected to the control board 5 via the
mother board 9 (not shown in Fig. 4).
On the control board 5, a TDM (Time Division Multiplex) switch 45 that
15 performs a transfer process of TDM data and a packet switch 46 that performs a transfer
process of packet communication data are provided.
[0023]
The SDHPDH signal communication unit 4a is connected via the mother board 9
to the TDM switch 45 of the control board 5. Here, the SDWPDH signal communication
20 unit 4a is connected via the mother board 9 to the packet switch 46 of the control board 5.
The packet signal communication unit 4b is connected via the mother board 9 to
the packet switch 46 of the control board 5. Here, the packet signal communication unit
4b is connected via the mother board 9 to the TDM switch 45 of the control board 5.
The radio transmission communication unit 4c is connected via the mother board
25 9 to the TDM switch 45 of the control Board 5, and simultaneously connected via the
mother board 9 to the packet switch 46 of the control board 5.
Similarly, the optical transmission communication unit 4d (high-speed interface
card) is connected via the mother board 9 to the packet switch 46 of the control board 5,
and simultaneously connected via the mother board 9 to the TDM switch 45 of the
30 control board 5.
[0024]
In the transmission apparatus 2 of the present embodiment, the TDM switch 45 of
the control board 5 receives an SDHIPDH signal as a client signal, and the packet switch
46 of the control board 5 receives a packet signal (e.g., an Ethernet (registered trademark)
signal) as a client signal.
The TDM switch 45 or the packet switch 46 of the control board 5 performs a
control to output the received signal to the radio transmission communication unit 4c or
5 the optical transmission communication unit 4d. The radio transmission communication
unit 4c outputs the received signal in a form of a radio signal while the optical
transmission communication unit 4d outputs the received signal in a form of an optical
transmission signal.
[0025]
10 In the control board 5 (as a switch card), when the TDM switch 45 receives the
SDHIPDH signal from the SDHIPDH signal communication unit 4a, the TDM switch 45
performs route allocation (for each line) by means of switching so that the relevant
communication signal is output to the radio transmission communication unit 4c or the
optical transmission communication unit 4d.
15 Similarly, when the packet switch 46 receives the packet signal from the packet
signal communication unit 4b, the packet switch 46 performs route allocation (for each
flow) by means of switching so that the relevant communication signal is output to the
radio transmission communication unit 4c or the optical transmission communication
unit 4d.
20 [0026]
The radio transmission communication unit 4c (modem card) has a TDM terminal
41c that terminates the communication signal input fiom the TDM switch 45 and a
packet terminal 42c that terminates the communication signal input from the packet
switch 46. The radio transmission communication unit 4c performs frame processing in
25 each layer by terminating the input communication signal.
The radio transmission communication unit 4c also includes a multiprocessor 43c
that performs multiplex control for each communication signal, and a radio frame
converter 44c that converts each communication signal into a radio frame.
[0027]
3 0 The optical transmission communication unit 4d (SDH interface card) has a TDM
terminal 41d that terminates the communication signal input from the TDM switch 45
and a packet terminal 42d that terminates the communication signal input from the packet
switch 46. The optical transmission communication unit 4d performs frame processing
in each layer by terminating the input communication signal.
The optical transmission communication unit 4d also includes a multiprocessor
43d that performs multiplex control for each communication signal, and a high-speed
5 interface 44d that converts each communication signal into an optical transmission frame.
[0028]
Below, the operation of the transmission apparatus 2, that has the control board 5
and the communication units 4 shown in Fig. 4, will be explained.
When the SDWPDH signal communication unit 4a receives the SDHIPDH signal
10 as a client signal, it outputs the received signal to the control board 5 (switch card).
Here, the client signal is sent from (i) a base station apparatus in a radio network,
(ii) a line exchanger in a fixed line network, (iii) a sending apparatus provided in a user's
building for a dedicated line service, or (iv) a data center or a sending apparatus provided
in a carrier's building of a communication infrastructure.
15 When the TDM switch 45 of the control board 5 (switch card) receives the
relevant signal, it outputs the received signal to a predetermined destination that is the
radio transmission communication unit 4c or the optical transmission communication
unit 4d. For example, in order to output the signal as a radio signal to another apparatus
as a communication destination, the TDM switch 45 outputs the communication signal to
20 the radio transmission communication unit 4c.
[0029]
Accordingly, the TDM terminal 41 c of the radio transmission communication unit
4c terminates the communication signal input from the TDM switch 45. The
multiprocessor 43c performs multiplex control for the communication signal, and the
25 radio frame converter 44c converts the multiplexed communication signal into a radio
frame. The radio frame converter 44c outputs the radio frame to a radio communication
processor that outputs the relevant radio signal as radio waves via the antenna.
[0030]
On the other hand, in order to output the signal as an optical transmission signal
30 to another apparatus as a communication destination by means of the route allocation, the
TDM switch 45 outputs the communication signal to the optical transmission
communication unit 4d. Accordingly, the TDM terminal 4 1 d of the optical transmission
communication unit 4d terminates the communication signal input from the TDM switch
45. The multiprocessor 43d performs multiplex control for the communication signal,
and the high-speed interface 44d converts the multiplexed communication signal into an
optical transmission signal. The high-speed interface 44d outputs the relevant
transmission frame to an optical communication processor that outputs the optical
5 transmission signal.
[003 11
Below, an example in which the packet signal communication unit 4b receives a
client signal will be explained.
When receiving a packet signal as the client signal, the packet signal
10 communication unit 4b outputs the received signal to the control board 5 (switch card).
When the packet switch 46 of the control board 5 (switch card) receives the relevant
signal, it outputs the received signal to a predetermined destination that is the radio
transmission communication unit 4c or the optical transmission communication unit 4d.
The route allocation for each flow is performed utilizing a VLAN, MPLS headers,
15 MAC addresses, IP addresses, or the like. For example, in order to output the signal as a
radio signal to another apparatus as a communication destination, the packet switch 46
outputs the communication signal to the radio transmission communication unit 4c.
COO321
20 Accordingly, the packet terminal 42c of the radio transmission communication
unit 4c terminates the communication signal input from the packet switch 46. The
multiprocessor 43c performs multiplex control for the communication signal, and the
radio frame converter 44c converts the multiplexed communication signal into a radio
frame. The radio frame converter 44c outputs the radio frame to a radio communication
25 processor that outputs the relevant radio signal as radio waves via the antenna.
[0033]
On the other hand, in order to output the signal as an optical transmission signal
to another apparatus as a communication destination by means of the route allocation, the
packet switch 46 outputs the communication signal to the optical transmission
30 communication unit 4d. Accordingly, the packet terminal 42d of the optical transmission
communication unit 4d terminates the input communication signal. The multiprocessor
43d performs multiplex control for the communication signal, and the high-speed
interface 44d converts the multiplexed communication signal into an optical transmission
signal. The high-speed interface 44d outputs the relevant transmission frame to an
optical communication processor that outputs the optical transmission signal.
Since the multiplexing process of the client signal to be output to a radio
transmission path or an optical transmission path has been explained, a demultiplexing
5 process of the client signal from the radio transmission path or the optical transmission
path is performed in a reverse manner.
[0034]
Fig. 5 is a second diagram that shows a signal connection configuration between
one control board and the communication units.
10 In the connection configuration of Fig. 5, an SDH interface card is used as the
optical transmission communication unit 4d. The SDH interface card is a specific
example of the high-speed interface card, and has the same functional blocks as those of
the optical transmission communication unit 4d in Fig. 4.
In the SDH interface card, a signal received from the TDM switch 45 is
15 terminated by the TDM terminal 41d, and a signal received from the packet switch 46 is
subjected to packet termination and conversion to an SDH frame in the packet terminal
42d. In each termination process, frame processing in each layer may be performed. The
conversion process to an SDH frame utilizes a GFP or VCAT technique.
The multiprocessor 43d performs multiplex control for the communication signal,
20 and the high-speed interface 44d outputs the relevant transmission frame to the optical
communication processor that outputs the optical transmission signal.
[0035]
Fig. 6 is a third diagram that shows a signal connection configuration between
one control board and the communication units.
2 5 In the connection configuration of Fig. 6, the SDHPDH signal communication
unit 4a as shown in Fig. 4 is replaced with a PWE (Pseudo Wire Emulation) interface
communication unit 4e. The PWE interface communication unit 4e has a function of
converting an SDHPDF signal to a packet signal by means of a Pseudo-Wire technique.
Additionally, in the connection configuration of Fig. 6, an Ethernet (registered
30 trademark) interface card is used as the optical transmission communication unit 4d as
shown in Fig. 4.
In addition, the radio transmission communication unit 4c in Fig. 6 includes no
TDM terminal 41c, and similarly, the optical transmission communication unit 4d in Fig.
6 includes no TDM terminal 41 d.
According to the arrangement of Fig. 6, in the Ethernet (registered trademark)
5 interface card, a signal received from the packet switch 46 is terminated by the packet
terminal 42d. The multiprocessor 43d performs multiplex control for the communication
signal, and the high-speed interface 44d outputs the relevant transmission frame to the
optical communication processor that outputs the optical transmission signal.
On the other hand, when the radio transmission communication unit 4 receives a
10 packet signal output from the PWE interface communication unit 4e via the packet
switch 46, the packet signal is terminated by the packet terminal 42c. The multiprocessor
43c performs multiplex control for the communication signal, and the radio frame
converter 44c converts the multiplexed communication signal into a radio frame. The
radio frame converter 44c outputs the radio frame to the radio communication processor
15 that outputs the relevant radio signal as radio waves via the antenna.
[0036]
Fig. 7 is a fourth diagram that shows a signal connection configuration between
one control board and the communication units.
In the connection configuration between the control board and the communication
20 units in Fig. 7, the PWE interface communication unit 4e (as one of the communication
units 4) is separately inserted into a slot of the transmission apparatus 2 in addition to the
configuration shown in Fig. 4.
In the present configuration, if it is determined due to the route allocation that the
TDM switch 45 outputs a communication signal to the optical transmission
25 communication unit 4d, then the TDM switch 45 outputs the relevant signal to the
(external) PWE interface communication unit 4e.
Here, the PWE interface communication unit 4e is connected to the packet switch
46. Therefore, the PWE interface communication unit 4e converts the SDHIPDH signal
into a packet signal, and outputs it to the packet switch 46 of the control board 5. The
30 packet switch 46 then outputs the converted packet communication signal to the optical
transmission communication unit 4d.
The connection configuration of Fig. 7 shows an example that an Ethernet
(registered trademark) interface card is used as the optical transmission communication
unit 4d as shown in Fig. 4.
According to the arrangement of Fig. 7, in the Ethernet (registered trademark)
5 interface card, a signal received from the packet switch 46 is terminated by the packet
terminal 42d. The multiprocessor 43d performs multiplex control for the communication
signal, and the high-speed interface 44d outputs the relevant transmission frame to the
optical communication processor that outputs the optical transmission signal.
[003 71
10 If the transmission apparatus 2, in which a communication unit that converts an
SDHPDH signal to a packet signal by means of a Pseudo-Wire technique is inserted into
a slot of the apparatus so that the control board only possesses a packet switch, employs
the structure as shown in Fig. 6 or 7, then it is possible for the transmission apparatus 2 to
convert the SDHPDH signal into a radio signal or an optical transmission signal and to
15 output the converted signal to an appropriate device.
[003 81
On the other hand, if it is determined due to the route allocation that the TDM
switch 45 outputs a communication signal to the radio transmission communication unit
4c, then the TDM switch 45 outputs the communication signal to the radio transmission
20 communication unit 4c.
Accordingly, the TDM terminal 4 1 c of the radio transmission communication unit
4c terminates the communication signal input from the TDM switch 45. The
multiprocessor 43c performs multiplex control for the communication signal, and the
radio frame converter 44c converts the multiplexed communication signal into a radio
25 frame. The radio frame converter 44c outputs the radio frame to the radio
communication processor that outputs the relevant radio signal as radio waves via the
antenna.
[0039]
Here, a multiplexed signal of an El signal (defined in a European hierarchy
30 standard) and an Ethernet (registered trademark) signal, which are each input from an
interface connected to a client and form a specific common frame, is transmitted through
a transmission cable utilized for connecting the radio transmission communication unit
4c or the optical transmission communication unit 4d to the control board 5.
The control board 5 determines whether or not an error (failure) has occurred in a
specific El channel (Ch) or a specific Ethernet signal, that is included in a radio signal or
an optical transmission signal communicated between the radio transmission
communication unit 4c or the optical transmission communication unit 4d and its
5 communication partner.
The control board 5 switches the signal type of only (i) the El channel (Ch)
including the error for the El signal or (ii) the frame including the error for the Ethernet
signal (each signal being included in the radio signal or the optical transmission signal)
from one (that occurred the error: e.g., the radio signal) of the radio signal and the optical
10 transmission signal to the other (that is normal: e.g., the optical transmission signal) of
the radio signal and the optical transmission signal.
[0040]
If error has occurred in all signals multiplied in the radio signal or the optical
transmission signal, the type of signal transmission is switched from the signal
15 transmission which uses one (that occurred the error: e.g., the radio signal) of the radio
signal and the optical transmission signal to the signal transmission which uses the other
(e.g., the optical transmission signal).
According to such a redundant structure utilizing the radio transmission path and
the optical transmission path, even when a failure in the radio transmission path due to a
20 bad weather or a failure due to optical fiber breakdown caused by a serious disaster such
as an earthquake has occurred, the failure can be recovered.
[0041]
The present invention has been explained above. According to the abovedescribed
connection configuration between the control board and the communication
25 units, a redundant structure is implemented for a line signal input from a client's device.
Therefore, if an optical fiber or the like is broken off due to a change in the environment
or a serious disaster, the signal output can be switched from that utilizing the optical
transmission signal to that utilizing the radio signal so as to secure the transmission path.
On the other hand, if the frequency band for radio transmission is restricted due to
30 environmental degradation, such restriction can be compensated utilizing the optical
transmission.
COO421
The above-described transmission apparatus includes a computer system. The
above-described operations are each stored as a program in a computer-readable storage
medium, and the operation is performed when the relevant computer loads and executes
the program. The above computer readable storage medium is a magnetic disk, magneto
5 optical disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, semiconductor memory, or the like.
100431
The program may execute a part of the above-explained functions.
In addition, the program may be one (so-called "differential program") by which
the above-described functions can be executed by a combination of this program and an
10 existing program which has already been stored in the relevant computer system.
INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY
[0044]
In accordance with the present invention, for a transmission apparatus in which a
15 communication unit that converts an SDHIPDH signal to a packet signal by means of a
Pseudo-Wire technique is inserted into a slot of the apparatus so that the control board
only possesses a packet switch, it is possible for the transmission apparatus to convert a
signal for the SDHPDH signal into a radio signal or an optical transmission signal and to
output the converted signal to an appropriate device.
20 In addition, a redundant arrangement is applied to each input signal so that the
output route can be appropriately chosen between one that utilizes a radio signal and one
that utilizes an optical transmission signal. Therefore, a highly reliable transfer can be
performed in the relevant communication even when a change in the environment or a
serious disaster occurs.
25
Reference Symbols
[0045]
2 transmission apparatus
3 package
30 4 communication unit
4a SDHPDH signal communication unit
4b packet signal communication unit
4c radio transmission communication unit
18 . 4d optical transmission communication unit
5 control board
I
6 fan unit
7 power unit (power board)
5 8 external device connecting board
41c, 41d TDM terminal
42c, 42d packet terminal
43c, 43d multiprocessor
44c radio frame converter
10 44d high-speed interface

a package that has a plurality of slots into each of which a board can be freely
5 detachably inserted;
at least one control board;
a PWE (Pseudo Wire Emulation) interface communication unit that is connected
to the control board, converts an input SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) or PDH
(Pre Synchronous Digital Hierarchy) signal to a packet signal, and outputs the converted
10 signal to the control board;
a radio transmission communication unit that is connected to the control board,
converts the packet signal to a radio signal, and outputs the converted signal; and
an optical transmission communication unit that is connected to the control board,
converts the packet signal to an optical transmission signal, and outputs the converted
15 signal,
wherein the units are separately inserted in the slots.
2. The transmission apparatus in accordance with claim 1, firther comprising:
an SDHPDH signal communication unit that is further separately inserted in the
20 slots so as to be connected to the control board and outputs the input SDH or PDH signal
to the control board,
wherein the PWE interface communication unit receives the SDH or PDH signal
output via the SDHIPDH signal communication unit and the control board, converts the
received signal to the packet signal, and outputs the converted signal.
2 5
3. The transmission apparatus in accordance with claim 2, wherein:
the control board comprises a device that outputs the SDH or PDH signal, which
is received from the SDHPDH signal communication unit, to the radio transmission
communication unit by means of route allocation; and the
3 0 the radio transmission communication unit converts the received SDH or PDH
signal to a radio signal, and outputs the radio signal.
4. The transmission apparatus in accordance with claim 1, wherein:
the PWE interface communication unit converts the SDH or PDH signal to the
packet signal by a Pseudo-Wire technique. 'c;r\3
5. The transmission apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 1 and 2,
5 wherein:
the control board outputs the packet signal to one of the radio transmission
communication unit and the optical transmission communication unit, which is
predetermined, or determined, based on information obtained from an external apparatus,
to be used in a communication process.
10
6. A processing method of a transmission apparatus which includes a package that
has a plurality of slots into each of which a board can be freely detachably inserted; and
at least one control board, where a PWE interface communication unit, a radio
transmission communication unit, and an optical transmission communication unit are
15 each connected to the control board and are separately inserted in the slots, wherein in
the method:
the PWE interface communication unit converts an input SDH or PDH signal to a
packet signal, and outputs the converted signal to the control board;
the radio transmission communication unit converts the packet signal to a radio
20 signal, and outputs the converted signal; and
the optical transmission communication unit converts the packet signal to an
optical transmission signal, and outputs the converted signal.
7. The processing method in accordance with claim 6, wherein:
an SDHPDH signal communication unit that is further separately inserted in the
slots so as to be connected to the control board and outputs the input SDH or PDH signal
to the control board; and
the PWE interface communication unit receives the SDH or PDH
via the SDHPDH signal communication unit and the control board,
30 signal to the packet signal, and outputs the converted signal.
Dated this 22nd day of November 2013
Of Anand and Anand Advocates
Agent for the Applicant