Fiber-to-Coax Conversion Unit for GPON Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy hybrid fiber coax (HFC) networks face challenges in achieving 1 Gbps downlink speed without upgrading to the latest DOCSIS standard, making them less competitive with Fiber-To-The-Home (FTTH) and wireless service providers, and are costly to upgrade.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a fiber-to-coax conversion unit that converts GPON fiber signals into Ethernet-based RF signals, allowing for 1 Gbps downlink speed over existing coaxial cables without infrastructure changes, using optical network units and adaptors to support GPON, EPON, and 10G-PON specifications, and includes a splitter to distribute fiber signals to multiple premises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If legacy HFC networks are upgraded to the latest DOCSIS standard to achieve 1 Gbps downlink speed, then the network speed and quality improve, but the capital cost and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the fiber network into multiple optical network units (ONUs) that can independently convert optical signals to electrical signals. Each ONU serves a specific group of coaxial cable segments, allowing incremental deployment and reducing overall upgrade costs by processing only the necessary portions of the network rather than requiring complete system replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical network units (ONUs) as intermediary devices that bridge the existing coaxial cable infrastructure and the fiber optic network. These ONUs convert optical signals to electrical signals that can traverse the legacy coaxial cables, serving as a mediator that enables high-speed fiber connectivity without requiring direct fiber installation to every premises
2Productivity
If fiber is installed all the way to every home (Stage S3) to provide maximum data capacity, then the network performance improves, but the capital cost and labor cost become extremely expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial fiber deployment by installing fiber only to strategic points (pedestals or aerial TAPs) rather than all the way to every home. The optical network units at these partial deployment points handle signal conversion, providing sufficient data capacity for most applications without the excessive cost of complete fiber-to-the-home installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical network units that can be replicated and deployed at multiple pedestal locations throughout the service area. Each ONU unit serves as a copy of the signal conversion functionality, allowing the system to extend fiber benefits to multiple neighborhoods without requiring direct fiber runs to every individual premises
3Ease of manufacture
If optical network units and adaptors are deployed to convert fiber signals over existing coaxial cables, then the infrastructure cost is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical-to-electrical conversion functionality and the Ethernet-to-coaxial adaptation functionality into a single integrated optical network unit. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate devices needed in the field and simplifies installation, even though the internal complexity of each unit increases to handle multiple signal conversions
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 high-speed internet service delivery to subscribers without upgrading existing equipment, maintaining transparency to customers, and allowing for future expansion with advanced modulation technologies, thus competing with telecom and wireless operators.
Implementation Method 1
The optical network unit is configured to convert a fiber optical signal into an electrical signal
Implementation Method 2
The adaptor is configured to convert the electrical signal into an RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber-to-coax optical network unit for converting one or more Gigabit or Ethernet Passive Optical Network (GPON or EPON) fibers to one or more coaxial cable lines to connect a subscriber's premises to a Community Access Television (CATV) system.