Patent ID: 9391695
Filing Date: 2016-07-12
CPC Classification: H04B

Claim Text:
1. A method of operation of an optical network communication system comprising: sending a downstream data message at a downstream data wavelength in an optical link attached to an optical fiber; sending an optical time domain reflectometry (OTDR) broadcast pattern continuously at an OTDR wavelength different from the downstream data wavelength in the optical link, the downstream data message and the OTDR broadcast pattern sent simultaneously; splitting an OTDR reflected response pattern with an optical element configured to split optical power equally for the OTDR wavelength to reduce an optical power penalty in a planar lightwave circuit; receiving the OTDR reflected response pattern on a broadband photo detector during an open time slot not used for receiving an upstream data message for indicating an optical fault; and calculating an error distance along the optical fiber based on the optical fault.