Patent ID: 7653312
Filing Date: 2010-01-26
Classification: H04J

Abstract:
1. A multiple bit rate optical communication method in an optical communication system having an optical line terminal, a plurality of optical network units, and a branching/multiplexing means for branching an optical signal from the optical line terminal to the plurality of optical network units and for multiplexing optical signals from the plurality of optical network units for output to the optical line terminal in which k [k is an integer equal to or greater than 2] different communication bit rates Ai [i=1, . . . , k] set for the plurality of optical network units exist, wherein the optical line terminal constitutes a time division multiplex optical signal composed of a first data area having, if positive minimal multiples whose multiple operation values on the bit time lengths 1/Ai for the plurality of communication bit rates Ai become common are minimal multiples ai respectively, the bit rate Ai/ai and including frame synchronization information and a second data area in which packets addressed to each optical network unit of the communication bit rate Ai are time division multiplexed and transmits the time division multiplex optical signal to the plurality of optical network units via the branching/multiplexing means, and at the same time, each of the plurality of optical network units performs reception processing of content of the first data area of the time division multiplex optical signal from the branching/multiplexing means in an ai-bit cycle corresponding to the bit rate Ai set for the optical network unit and detects the frame synchronization information in the first data area, and based on the detected frame synchronization information, performs reception processing of packets addressed to a relevant optical subscriber in the second data area of the time division multiplex optical signal in bits.