Distribution Frame Device With Modular Converter Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a distribution frame device that can efficiently switch over electrical subscriber lines from one service to another, particularly supporting G.fast technology while minimizing infrastructure investment by utilizing existing infrastructure, such as twisted twin cores and optical fibers, and accommodating multiple subscribers with flexible voltage supply options.
Innovation Solution
The distribution frame device incorporates a connection technology for electrical subscriber lines and optical fibers, featuring converters for signal conversion, modular design with switchover mechanisms, and optional voltage supply through subscriber lines or separate cables, allowing for flexible connection and upgrade options, including Fibre To The Home (FTTH) services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If glass fibres are routed to the subscriber (FTTH), then bandwidth is increased, but infrastructure investment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution frame device is designed to support multiple services and connection technologies simultaneously. It can handle both traditional electrical subscriber lines and optical fibre connections through integrated converter units, allowing the same infrastructure to serve multiple purposes and reduce the need for separate dedicated installations for different services.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs modular converter units that can be independently added or removed. Each converter unit handles optical-to-electrical conversion for individual subscribers, allowing gradual deployment and flexible configuration. This segmentation enables operators to upgrade only specific portions of the network as needed, reducing overall investment costs.
2Quantity of substance
If G.fast technology is deployed to increase bandwidth, then active technology must be moved closer to the subscriber, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The G.fast functionality is segmented into separate, standardized converter units that can be independently managed. Each converter unit is a self-contained module with standardized interfaces, reducing the complexity of the overall system by breaking it down into manageable, replaceable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The distribution frame device allows dynamic configuration and reconfiguration of converter units. Subscribers can be switched between different services (electrical lines or optical fibres) by reconfiguring the modular units, enabling the system to adapt to changing bandwidth requirements without complete redesign.
3Productivity
If multiple subscribers are served by the distribution frame device, then productivity increases, but heat management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Each converter unit is designed as an independent module with its own heat dissipation characteristics. This segmentation allows heat to be distributed across multiple separate units rather than concentrated in a single large device, improving thermal management through increased surface area and better air circulation around individual modules.
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 efficient switching and upgrade of services for multiple subscribers with reduced infrastructure costs, supporting increased bandwidth requirements and flexible deployment of G.fast technology, while maintaining independence between subscriber connections and heat management through modular design.
Implementation Method 1
at least one converter for converting optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa for the second service
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a distribution frame device (1) for communications and data technology for switching over at least one electrical subscriber line (2) from a first service to a second service, wherein the distribution frame device (1) has a connection technology (3) for the electrical subscriber lines (2), a connection technology (4) for the electrical lines (5) of the first service and a connection technology (6) for optical fibres of the second service, wherein the distribution frame device (1) further has an active technology with at least one converter (14) for converting optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa for the second service, wherein a connection for optical fibres and a connection for electrical lines are associated with the at least one converter (14), wherein the distribution frame device (1) has means by means of which the connection technology (3) of the subscribers can selectively be connected to the connection technology (4) of the first service or to the associated electrical connection of the converter (14).