Fiber Optic Distribution Architecture with Edge Power Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for cost-effective fiber optic distribution architectures that are easy to deploy, particularly in rural environments where subscribers are more spread out, and that move passive optical power splitting out toward the edge of the network.
Innovation Solution
A fiber distribution arrangement with indexing and hardened fiber optic connectors, including a fiber optic cable with feed and distribution fibers, multi-fiber ferrules, and a passive optical power splitter, facilitating deployment by moving passive optical power splitting out toward the edge of the network and reducing field splicing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If passive optical power splitting is moved toward the edge of the network using indexing and hardened connectors, then deployment cost and ease of installation are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the optical network into modular components: feed fibers with indexing at the first end, multi-fiber ferrules for connection, and passive optical power splitters distributed at various locations. This segmentation allows for easier deployment in rural areas while managing complexity through standardized modules
Solution Approach 2:
Indexing is pre-applied to feed fibers at the first end during manufacturing, and hardened connectors are pre-installed on multi-fiber ferrules. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex field splicing operations, reducing deployment cost and time while maintaining manageable system complexity
2Ease of operation
If passive optical power splitting is moved toward the edge of the network, then ease of deployment in rural environments is improved, but field splicing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Hardened connectors serve as intermediaries between the feed fibers with indexing and the distribution fibers. These pre-assembled connector units eliminate the need for field splicing by providing ready-to-connect interfaces, thereby improving ease of deployment while reducing field splicing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing on feed fibers and the hardening of connectors are performed as preliminary actions during manufacturing. This pre-preparation eliminates complex field splicing operations, making deployment easier while keeping field operations simple
3Ease of manufacture
If indexing and hardened connectors are used to facilitate deployment, then deployment cost is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Indexing is applied to feed fibers and connectors are hardened during the manufacturing process as preliminary actions. This consolidates complexity into the manufacturing phase rather than the deployment phase, reducing deployment cost while managing manufacturing complexity through automated processes
Solution Approach 2:
The indexing on feed fibers provides self-alignment and identification capabilities that facilitate automated connection during deployment. This self-service feature reduces the need for complex manual alignment operations, lowering deployment cost while the indexing system itself is implemented through standardized manufacturing processes
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
The solution reduces deployment costs and simplifies installation in rural areas by using indexing and hardened connectors, enabling efficient distribution of optical signals to subscriber locations.
Implementation Method 1
move passive optical power splitting out toward the edge of the network
Implementation Method 2
employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmit large volumes of data and voice signals
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic distribution architecture for an optical network that uses a relatively low fiber count cable and implements passive optical power splitting at or near an edge of the network. Optical components for building/deploying the architecture are also disclosed. The architectures can include pre-connectorized versions, spliced versions, and combinations thereof.