Dynamic Optical Access System Reducing Rayleigh Backscattering
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current access network topologies are limited by high Rayleigh backscattering effects, which require extensive middle equipment like routers and switches, increasing operational and capital costs.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength-shifted dynamic intelligent bidirectional optical system utilizing quantum dot-enabled semiconductor optical amplifiers, phase modulators, and intensity modulators to reduce Rayleigh backscattering, combined with intelligent devices incorporating micro-processors, wireless sensors, and RFID sensors for on-demand bandwidth and machine-to-machine communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional access network topology is used, then middle equipment like routers and switches are needed, but operational and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the need for middle equipment (routers and switches) from the access network topology by implementing a direct optical connection between optical line terminals and network terminals, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining network connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical line terminal is designed to perform multiple functions including signal modulation, wavelength shifting, and direct communication with network terminals, replacing the need for specialized middle equipment and reducing overall system complexity
2Ease of operation
If Rayleigh backscattering effect is present, then optical signal transmission is limited, but network reach is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of the optical signal using a tunable laser in the optical line terminal, shifting to wavelengths that experience less Rayleigh backscattering, thereby extending the achievable network reach while maintaining signal transmission quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive middle equipment is deployed, then network coverage is improved, but operational and capital costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes middle equipment from the network architecture, achieving network coverage through direct optical connections between optical line terminals and network terminals, thereby eliminating the operational and capital costs associated with deploying and maintaining routers and switches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate components (modulator, laser, optical amplifier) into an integrated optical line terminal, achieving comprehensive network coverage functionality while reducing the number of discrete equipment pieces and associated costs
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
This solution enables a longer-reach access network topology, reducing the need for middle equipment and allowing for dynamic bandwidth allocation and seamless communication, including the Internet of Things and machine-to-machine interactions, while lowering operational and capital costs.
Implementation Method 1
These key optical elements reduce the Rayleigh backscattering effect on the transmission of optical signals
Implementation Method 2
a phase modulator and an intensity modulator to provide upstream optical signals
Implementation Method 3
a phase modulator and an intensity modulator to provide upstream optical signals
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment of the present invention, a wavelength-shifted dynamic intelligent bidirectional access optical system utilizes key optical elements such as: a quantum dot enabled semiconductor optical amplifier, a phase modulator and an intensity modulator to provide upstream optical signals. These key optical elements reduce the Rayleigh backscattering effect on the transmission of optical signals. to enable a longer-reach access network topology between a subscriber unit and a super node (e.g., many local nodes collapsed into one super node). Such a longer-reach access network topology eliminates operational and capital costs related routers and switches. Furthermore, a wavelength to a subscriber unit may be protected and dynamically varied for on-Demand bandwidth, information and services and also a subscriber's unit may be configured with any array of connectivity options.