Aircraft Passive Optical Network with Dual-Terminal Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft communication networks are complex, costly, and inflexible, with significant maintenance times and downtime due to fixed physical topologies, and existing passive optical communication networks are energy-intensive and difficult to adapt to aeronautical constraints.
Innovation Solution
A passive optical communication network with dual optical line terminals and switches that allow for failover to a secondary path in case of failure, optimizing bandwidth and reducing downtime by ensuring communication continuity through dual active terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical line terminal is used in the passive optical communication network, then the network infrastructure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the network reliability deteriorates because there is no backup in case of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical line terminals into a single device that can operate in multiple modes. The optical line terminal is configured to receive incoming communication signals from multiple information systems simultaneously and convert them into optical signals, effectively combining the capabilities of multiple terminals while maintaining a single physical infrastructure, thus improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical line terminal employs dynamic switching capabilities where it can selectively connect to different information systems and optical network units based on operational needs. The terminal can dynamically allocate bandwidth and switch between different signal sources, providing flexibility and reliability without requiring permanent duplicate infrastructure, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and reliability
2Productivity
If the optical line terminal converts incoming communication signals into optical signals for multiple optical network units, then the bandwidth utilization is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to the continuous operation of the terminal
Solution Approach 1:
The optical line terminal maintains continuous operation to convert incoming communication signals into optical signals, ensuring uninterrupted service to multiple optical network units. By keeping the terminal continuously active rather than switching it on and off, the system maintains optimal bandwidth utilization while the terminal's efficient design minimizes energy consumption during continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The optical line terminal is designed as a multi-functional device that can serve multiple information systems and multiple optical network units simultaneously. It can convert different types of incoming communication signals into optical signals for various destinations, maximizing bandwidth utilization across the network while consolidating energy consumption into a single efficient device rather than multiple separate terminals
3Ease of operation
If traditional electrical wiring is installed throughout the aircraft cabin, then communication connectivity is achieved, but the installation complexity and maintenance difficulty increase due to the extensive cabling required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical wiring with an optical communication system. Instead of using extensive electrical cables throughout the aircraft cabin, the system uses optical fibers connected to optical network units that receive optical signals from the optical line terminal. This substitution eliminates the need for complex electrical wiring installation and maintenance while achieving the same communication connectivity, directly resolving the contradiction between installation ease and wiring complexity
4Device complexity
If the physical topology of the network is fixed, then the network structure is simplified, but the adaptability to changes deteriorates when new equipment needs to be added
Solution Approach 1:
The optical line terminal implements dynamic configuration capabilities that allow the network topology to be changed without physical reconfiguration. The terminal can dynamically allocate bandwidth, switch connections, and accommodate new optical network units or information systems by changing software configurations rather than physical wiring. This dynamic approach maintains simplified network structure while providing high adaptability to changes
Solution Approach 2:
The optical line terminal is designed as a universal interface that can connect to various types of information systems and optical network units through standardized optical connections. This universality allows new equipment to be added to the network without changing the fundamental network structure, as the terminal can accommodate different device types through its multi-functional capabilities, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and adaptability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The network provides robust communication with increased bandwidth and rapid failover, optimizing resource utilization and reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
Implementation Method 1
each configured to convert an incoming communication signal received from a separate information system into the same optical signal, of wavelength λ1
Implementation Method 2
each optical network unit being configured to reconvert the received incoming optical signal, of wavelength λ1, into an incoming communication signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a passive optical communication network comprising: - two optical line terminals intended respectively to receive a communication signal from information systems, - at least two optical network units intended to receive the communication signal, - at least two optical switches, one part of which is connected at input to a first terminal via a primary nominal operating path and to the second terminal via a secondary path, and the other part of which is connected at input to a second terminal via a primary nominal operating path and to the first terminal via a secondary path, each switch being connected at output to at least one optical network unit, - a monitoring/control module connected to the switches and configured to control said switches such that, when a fault is detected on a primary path, the switch associated with said path is toggled.