Fiber Distribution Hub Port Availability via Real-Time Disconnect Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber distribution hubs (FDHs) rely on manually maintained records for tracking available ports, leading to high likelihood of human error, delayed detection of disconnections, and inaccurate recordkeeping, which can cause premises to be accidentally disconnected and take hours or days to correct.
Innovation Solution
A system that automatically updates fiber distribution records in real-time by detecting when a termination unit disconnects from a PON, using a graphical user interface (GUI) to organize ports based on bandwidth utilization, and providing a comprehensive view of port availability, reducing the need for switching between multiple views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manually maintained records are used to track available ports in FDH, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of port availability data deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical record-keeping with an automated optical detection system. The system uses optical signals to automatically detect the presence or absence of termination units at fiber ports, eliminating human error in manual recording while maintaining relatively simple hardware implementation through optical detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service monitoring where the fiber distribution hub automatically detects and reports port availability status without requiring manual intervention. The optical detection system continuously monitors the fiber connections and updates the database automatically, allowing the system to maintain its own accurate records without human operational involvement.
2Loss of time
If manually maintained records are used for port tracking, then loss of information is reduced through simpler processes, but loss of time for error correction increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a real-time feedback mechanism where the optical detection system continuously monitors fiber port status and automatically updates the database. When a termination unit is connected or disconnected, the system immediately detects the change and updates the records, providing continuous feedback that prevents errors from accumulating and enables rapid correction of any discrepancies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection and validation of port availability before any fiber connection or disconnection occurs. By continuously monitoring and pre-validating the status of all ports, the system prevents incorrect records from being created in the first place, eliminating the need for lengthy error correction processes later.
3Ease of operation
If multiple separate views are used to display port information, then adaptability is improved for different user needs, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal database structure that serves multiple functions simultaneously. The single integrated database stores all port availability information, connection status, and fiber distribution data in a unified format that can be accessed and displayed in various ways depending on user needs, eliminating the requirement for separate specialized views while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges previously separate database records and display views into a single integrated interface. By combining port availability information, connection status, and fiber distribution data into one unified view, the system reduces the number of separate interfaces users must navigate while maintaining all the information that would have been displayed across multiple separate views.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating a simulated model of a tracking fiber port availability in a fiber distribution hub via a graphical user interface (GUI) are presented. An exemplary method may include: receiving, via the GUI, a user indication to organize a plurality of icons representative of a corresponding plurality of ports included in a fiber distribution hub of a passive optical network (PON) into groups based on a specific criteria, wherein the specific criteria includes port bandwidth utilizations for the corresponding plurality of ports; determining port bandwidth utilizations of at least some of the corresponding plurality of ports; and automatically modifying at least some of the plurality of icons in the GUI based on the determined port bandwidth utilizations of the at least some of the corresponding plurality of ports.