Remote Powering DSL ADMs via Twisted Wire Pair
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Solution Overview
Problem
Telecom networks face challenges in maintaining 99.999% uptime during power outages, particularly in the 'Last Mile' to customers, as existing backup systems are costly and economically unfeasible for VoIP over Cable networks, making telcos uncompetitive.
Innovation Solution
A subscriber communication node with a powering arrangement that allows remote powering via an electrically conductive twisted wire pair, using a power domain separator, diodes, switches, or relays, enabling components to switch between local and remote power sources, supporting POTS and DSL communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple power grid feeds and large battery arrays are provided to maintain 99.999% uptime, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the power backup function from complex centralized battery arrays and relocates it to the network edge by enabling remote powering of DSL ADMs through existing telephone lines. This allows individual nodes to be powered remotely during outages without requiring each node to have its own battery array, thus maintaining reliability while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the existing telephone wire pair serve multiple functions: it simultaneously carries voice communications, data transmissions, and power delivery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to provide continuous service during power outages.
2Reliability
If power is provided to network access devices using deployed cable plant, then service continuity is improved, but economic feasibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables existing telephone wire pairs to perform triple duty: voice, data, and power delivery. By utilizing the already-deployed copper infrastructure for power delivery, the system achieves service continuity during outages without requiring new power infrastructure or cable modifications, thereby maintaining economic feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-powered operation of DSL ADMs by allowing them to draw power from the existing telephone lines that already connect them to the network. This eliminates the need for external power infrastructure at remote locations, making the system economically viable while ensuring service continuity.
3Ease of operation
If remote powering through twisted wire pair is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention integrates power delivery functionality into the existing DSL communication infrastructure by enabling the twisted wire pair to carry both data and power simultaneously. This approach simplifies operation by using already-installed infrastructure but requires additional components like power domain separators and conversion circuits, increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces power domain separators and voltage conversion circuits as intermediary components that enable safe and efficient power delivery over the twisted wire pair. These intermediaries manage the complexity of power delivery while maintaining simplicity in operation by automatically handling power conversion and isolation without user intervention.
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 continuous communication services during power outages by providing a reliable power source for DSL components and POTS, maintaining network uptime and competitiveness for telcos.
Implementation Method 1
a powering arrangement that enables subscriber communication node components including at least the network communication components to be powered either by a local power source or remotely through an electrically conductive twisted wire pair
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods of remote powering of DSL ADMs are disclosed. In a subscriber communication node, at least communication components that enable the subscriber communication node to communicate with a network switching device, and possibly also subscriber communication components that enable one or more subscriber communication devices to communicate with the network switching device, can be powered either by a local power source or remotely through an electrically conductive twisted wire pair. A network node may derive its own power and also supply power to subscriber communication nodes through twisted wire pairs. A linear or ring topology of subscriber communication nodes can thus be kept operational, and subscriber communications can potentially also be maintained, when a local power source at one or more subscriber nodes becomes unavailable.