Cooperative Multi-Point Processing in Passive Optical Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Passive optical networks (PONs) face challenges in extended reach, higher data rates, and larger fan-out, which require more signal power, especially from upstream signals, but the introduction of active components to mitigate these issues increases network deployment and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A cooperative multi-point (CoMP) approach is implemented in PON systems, where multiple optical line terminals (OLTs) jointly process upstream optical signals using a passive optical distribution network (ODN) to enhance error detection and correction, reducing the need for active components and improving link budget without increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If active components are introduced to mitigate signal power requirements, then extended reach and higher data rates are achieved, but network deployment and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a Type B backup protection system where a second OLT is designated as a backup unit that maintains a hot standby configuration. This backup OLT receives and processes copies of upstream signals from ONUs through the optical distribution network, enabling seamless failover capability without requiring active signal boosting components throughout the network. The copying approach allows error detection and correction through comparison of signals processed by both primary and backup OLTs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active signal amplification components with a passive optical distribution network configuration that utilizes cooperative multi-point processing. Instead of introducing active optical amplifiers or repeaters to extend reach, the system uses a passive ODN with a backup OLT that performs error detection and correction through joint processing of upstream signals, substituting mechanical active components with a control-based approach.
2Productivity
If active components are introduced to mitigate signal power requirements, then higher data rates are achieved, but network deployment and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The backup OLT maintains a hot standby configuration where it continuously receives and processes copies of upstream signals from ONUs. This allows the system to detect and correct errors in real-time, ensuring high data integrity and effective data rates without requiring active signal boosting components that would increase deployment costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through the backup OLT that monitors upstream signals from ONUs. By comparing signals processed by both primary and backup OLTs, the system can detect errors and implement corrections, ensuring high data rates with improved reliability without introducing costly active components into the optical distribution network.
3Reliability
If multiple OLTs are used for error detection and correction, then error identification is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designates a second OLT as a backup unit that receives and processes copies of upstream signals from ONUs. This copying approach enables error detection through comparison of signals processed by both primary and backup OLTs, enhancing reliability while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture where the backup OLT mirrors the primary OLT's functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The backup OLT is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a standby unit for failover protection and as an active participant in error detection and correction through joint processing of upstream signals. This universal design allows a single additional unit to provide multiple functions (backup protection, error detection, error correction) without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for error detection within a passive optical network (PON), the method comprising receiving a first upstream optical signal that is copied at an optical splitter, converting the first upstream optical signal to a first electrical signal, receiving a second electrical signal that is converted from a second upstream optical signal that is copied at the optical splitter, and determining a corrected transmitted data stream using at least the first electrical signal and the second electrical signal, wherein the first upstream optical signal and the second upstream optical signal are copies of an upstream optical signal generated from a plurality of optical network units (ONUs).