Effect of Macrobends on the Transmission Parameters of a High-Speed Coherent System

The escalating demand for high-speed data transmission has led to the widespread deployment of coherent systems. In this study, we investigate the profound impact of macrobends on a cutting-edge 200 Gbit/s ADVA transmission system, employing an innovative robotic arm for precise assessments. Environmental factors can introduce attenuation into optical paths, curbing the achievable link range. Furthermore, the intricate modulation formats utilized in these systems render them susceptible to disruptions in the optical path. This paper delves into the critical importance of comprehending the effects of macrobends, as it enables the detection and prevention of theft of service (ToS) attacks. By harnessing a specialized measurement workstation equipped with a robotic arm, we gain valuable insights into the behavior of macrobends on the coherent transmission system. Additionally, we explore the promising approach of utilizing correlations between individual transmission parameter values to detect such events without the need for supplementary systems. Our findings demonstrate that malicious attempts involving macrobends introduce attenuation into the optical path, leading to observable changes in signal-to-noise ratio and bit error rate. Leveraging these parameter alterations, we establish a diagnostic method for identifying the execution of specific attacks. This research constitutes a significant step forward in enhancing the security and robustness of high-speed coherent optical networks.