IOWN All-Photonics Network Enables Wide-Area Traffic Monitoring
NTT Corporation, NTT EAST Corporation, NTT WEST Corporation and NEC Corporation have jointly devised a connection configuration to add optical fiber sensing functions to the IOWN All-Photonics Network (APN)(1). By applying this configuration to multiple routes of optical fiber for communication already laid underground (in the service area of NTT WEST in Osaka City), they have demonstrated that it is possible to grasp area-wide traffic trends using optical fiber sensing, and to visualize and analyze traffic conditions in real time.Optical fiber sensing in the IOWN APN enables low-cost, prompt, and flexible expansion of urban monitoring across a wide plane.
Background
Optical fiber sensing, which enables the use of optical fiber for communication as a sensor, is expected to create new social value as demonstration tests and introduction of technologies for detecting construction vibration [1], supporting road snow removal decisions [2], and improving the efficiency of communication facility maintenance and operation progress [3]. The combination of IOWN and optical fiber sensing enables advanced data analysis by taking advantage of the high-speed transfer of large amounts of data by APN, and is thought to promote the use of sensing data. [4]. With the aim of social implementation of optical fiber sensing using IOWNs, the four companies constructed a connection configuration that enables optical fiber sensing via APN-G, and conducted wide-area traffic flow monitoring on open roads. Several examples of traffic flow monitoring using optical fiber sensing have been reported [5], but this is the first case of wide area monitoring along multiple open roads.
Point of the technology
Construction of a connection configuration that can add optical fiber sensing functions to the APN-GSince optical fiber sensing is measured using the round trip propagation of light, it is necessary to connect the optical fiber sensing instrument in a configuration that avoids devices (such as optical amplifiers) placed on the optical path of the APN that transmit light only in one direction.
Role of each company
NTT: Devising and constructing a connection configuration to provide sensing functions to IOWN APNsNTT EAST: Calibration of vehicle speed and vehicle count positionNTT WEST: Selection of traffic vibration monitoring sites and selection and provision of facilities for demonstration testsNEC: Provision of APN-G and implementation of optical fiber vibration measurement and vehicle speed analysis.
Outlook
Based on these achievements, they will continue developing the optical fiber sensing market using APNs collaborating with other companies, including discussions at the IOWN Global Forum. In addition, along with the nationwide expansion of APN, they aim to realize low-cost, wide-area urban monitoring that enables flexible sensing at arbitrary locations as long as it is connected with optical fiber, and does not require the installation and construction of permanent outdoor devices. In the future, they will promote R&D and co-creation activities aiming to solve social and regional issues through the social implementation of optical fiber sensing, with a perspective of various applications through urban monitoring, such as infrastructure monitoring, disaster prevention, and the realization of infrastructure design incorporating nature in urban planning.
