Cylindrical Network Node for Hybrid Fibre-Copper Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and infrastructure requirements of installing Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) networks make it uneconomical to provide high-speed internet services to areas with a small number of customer premises, as conventional VDSL2 cabinets are not viable due to fixed costs associated with installation and power supply.
Innovation Solution
A compact, cylindrical network node that integrates a digital subscriber line transceiver and reverse power feed circuit, allowing optical data signals to be converted to electrical signals over existing copper cables, eliminating the need for a separate power supply and cabinet infrastructure, and utilizing existing copper and optical fibre connections for VDSL or G.fast technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) networks are installed, then high-speed data services can be provided, but the cost and infrastructure requirements become uneconomical for areas with a small number of customer premises
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the traditional cabinet-based FTTC infrastructure into smaller, distributed network nodes that can be deployed individually at multiple locations. Each node serves a localized group of customers independently, eliminating the need for a centralized cabinet and reducing the minimum viable customer density requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node integrates multiple functional components within a compact housing structure. The cylindrical node contains the transceiver, power circuitry, and fibre/copper interface components nested within a single integrated unit that can be mounted on existing infrastructure like telephone poles.
2Productivity
If conventional VDSL2 cabinets are deployed, then high-speed data services are enabled, but fixed costs associated with installation and power supply make it uneconomical for small customer groups
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential VDSL2 functionality from the bulky cabinet infrastructure and implements it in a compact node that eliminates the need for dedicated power supply connections and complex installation requirements. The node can be powered directly from the copper pairs themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node is designed as a low-cost, simplified device compared to traditional cabinets. The reduced bill of materials and simplified installation/maintenance requirements make it economically viable to deploy even single nodes serving few customers, rather than requiring high-volume deployments to amortize cabinet costs.
3Productivity
If optical fibre cables are connected to cabinets, then VDSL or G.fast technologies can be transmitted, but the need for separate power supply and cabinet infrastructure increases complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the optical fibre interface, copper pair interface, power supply circuitry, and data transmission functions into a single integrated network node. This eliminates the need for separate cabinet infrastructure and power supply connections, reducing installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The network node is designed to support multiple data transmission technologies (VDSL2, G.fast) and can be deployed in various locations (ground-mounted, pole-mounted) with the same basic infrastructure requirements. The node universally interfaces with standard copper pairs and optical fibre cables.
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
Enables cost-effective and simplified provision of high-speed data services to small groups of customers by reducing the need for new infrastructure, allowing for efficient installation and operation of VDSL or G.fast technologies without the need for a dedicated cabinet or power supply, thereby increasing accessibility of high-speed internet.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink which comprises heat pipe which extends along the length of the node
Data Source
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AI summary
A network node for use in a hybrid fibre-copper access network, wherein the node comprises DSL and reverse-power feed functionality. The node has a substantially cylindrical shape such that it receives an input metallic cable at a first end, an output metallic cable at a second end and an optical fibre cable which is received at a point along the body of the node.