Optical Tapping in Indexing Architectures with Redundant Fiber Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive optical networks face challenges in efficiently tapping and routing optical signals while maintaining network reliability and simplicity, particularly in environments requiring redundancy and bidirectional signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of optical taps and indexing components that asymmetrically split optical signals, with redundant fiber paths and couplers to manage signal directionality, allowing for efficient tapping and routing in both forward and reverse directions, and the use of passive optical splitters to distribute signals to subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical taps are used to tap signals from the redundant fiber path, then signal distribution capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional couplers and splitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical couplers as intermediary devices that tap a portion of the optical signal from the redundant fiber path without disrupting the main signal flow. These couplers act as mediators between the redundant path and the distribution network, enabling signal tapping while maintaining the integrity of the original signal path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical signal distribution into multiple independent paths: the main forward path, the redundant reverse path, and tapped distribution paths. By using optical splitters to divide the tapped signal into multiple output channels, the system achieves versatile signal distribution while keeping each segment relatively simple and modular.
2Reliability
If redundant fiber paths are implemented for network reliability, then network reliability is improved, but cabling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the redundant fiber path multi-functional by enabling it to serve both as a backup path and as an active signal distribution path. The same redundant fiber carries signals in reverse direction for redundancy purposes while also providing tapped signals to multiple subscribers through couplers and splitters, eliminating the need for separate cabling for backup and distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the redundant fiber path with the signal distribution function by integrating optical couplers and splitters into the existing redundant infrastructure. This combination allows the system to achieve both network reliability through redundancy and efficient signal distribution without requiring separate independent cabling systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional signal transmission is enabled on redundant paths, then network versatility is improved, but signal routing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the redundant fiber path in the reverse direction (bidirectional transmission) to provide both backup capability and active signal distribution. By inverting the typical unidirectional approach and allowing signals to travel in both directions on the same fiber, the system achieves enhanced versatility while using passive optical components that automatically handle the routing without complex active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive optical components (couplers and splitters) automatically route signals based on their inherent optical properties without requiring active control or complex routing logic. The system self-manages the bidirectional signal transmission and distribution, reducing the need for complex active signal routing mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An indexing system includes an indexing component; a redundant optical path; and a fiber tap arrangement. Multiple indexing components can be daisy-chained together in the indexing system. The redundant optical path is created between any forward port and any rearward port in the network. Multiple redundant optical paths can be created within the network. One or more tap arrangements can be disposed along each redundant optical path. Accordingly, feed signals in a bidirectional indexing environment can be supplied to each drop line along the redundant optical path from either direction without recabling.