Distribution Point Unit Third Port Power Over Ethernet Integration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current distribution point units lack the capability to efficiently integrate and power electrical devices such as IP cameras and sensors within existing Fiber To The Distribution Point (FTTdP) infrastructure, limiting the offering of additional services like security and surveillance without the need for additional infrastructure or local power sources.

Innovation Solution

The distribution point unit is enhanced with a third port and additional components to host and power Ethernet devices, utilizing Power Over Ethernet (POE) and reverse powering techniques to connect and power electrical devices, allowing for data exchange and control through a media access controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If distribution point unit uses existing FTTdP infrastructure without expansion, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but capability to integrate and power electrical devices is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to integrate electrical devicesVSAvoidinfrastructure expansion

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution point unit is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it maintains its original role in optical-electrical signal conversion while simultaneously providing electrical device integration, Power Over Ethernet (POE) power delivery, and local network routing capabilities through a third port, eliminating the need for separate infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If distribution point unit is installed at central locations, then access to strategic positions is improved, but availability of local power sources is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to strategic positionsVSAvoidavailability of local power sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution point unit extracts and utilizes the electrical power locally available at the installation site through its power extraction circuitry, converting the existing electrical environment into usable power for both itself and connected electrical devices, eliminating dependency on external power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines signal transmission and power delivery functions into a single integrated system where the same electrical infrastructure that carries data signals also provides power through POE technology, allowing central location installation without external power sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Use of energy by moving object

If additional infrastructure is deployed to power electrical devices, then power availability is improved, but infrastructure cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower availability for electrical devicesVSAvoidinfrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3291494B1Distribution point unit to exchange communication data between a service provider and subscribers

Publication Date: 2020.09.30 CORNING OPTICAL COMMUNICATIONS LLC

Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B

AI summary

A distribution point unit (100) to exchange communication data between a service provider (1) and subscribers (2a, 2b, ..., 2n) comprises a first port (10) to couple the distribution point unit (100) to an optical data network (200) to exchange communication data between the distribution point unit (100) and the service provider (1) and a second port (20) to couple the distribution point unit (100) to an electrical data network (300) to exchange the communication data between the subscribers (2a, ..., 2n) and the distribution point unit (100). The distribution point unit (100) comprises a third port (30) to couple the distribution point unit (100) to an electrical device (3), the third port (30) being configured to provide control data to control the electrical device (3).