Home Fiber Interconnect Gateways for Flexible Multi-Protocol Wiring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing home networks face inefficiencies in data transmission and control due to reliance on point-to-point wiring, which limits flexibility and scalability in connecting devices within the network.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a fiber interconnect system with multi-function gateways and multi-protocol fiber interconnect devices that utilize optical fibers to multiplex and demultiplex various data streams, including logical Ethernet and video bitstreams, enabling flexible and scalable device connections through a universal home gateway and wall boxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If point-to-point wiring is used to connect devices in a home network, then each device can be connected reliably, but the system becomes complex and difficult to scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple point-to-point connections into a single shared fiber optic backbone. Instead of having separate cables between each device pair, all devices connect to common fiber optic lines at wall boxes, consolidating the physical infrastructure while maintaining reliable logical connections between devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The fiber optic infrastructure serves multiple functions simultaneously - carrying data signals, video signals, and power over the same medium. The wall boxes act as universal interface points that can connect various devices (TVs, computers, set-top boxes) to multiple services through a single fiber connection, eliminating the need for separate dedicated wiring for each device-service pair.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dedicated wiring is installed for each device connection, then connection stability is ensured, but flexibility and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network is segmented into logical layers - a stable physical fiber optic infrastructure layer and a flexible logical connection layer. The physical wiring remains fixed and stable, while logical connections can be dynamically created, modified, or terminated through software configuration at the gateway and wall boxes, allowing network flexibility without changing physical installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic logical connections over static physical infrastructure. Devices can be connected or disconnected from services dynamically through software switching and signal routing at the wall boxes, allowing the network topology to change flexibly while the physical fiber connections remain stable and fixed.
3Reliability
If multiple data streams are transmitted separately through different cables, then signal integrity is maintained, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data streams (video, data, control signals) that would traditionally require separate cables are merged into a single fiber optic medium. The system uses wavelength division multiplexing or time-division multiplexing to carry multiple signals simultaneously over the same fiber, maintaining signal integrity through dedicated wavelengths or time slots while reducing physical installation complexity.
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
Facilitates efficient, flexible, and scalable data transmission and control among devices within a home network, reducing the need for dedicated wiring and enhancing connectivity options.
Implementation Method 1
wavelength multiplexing the logical video bitstream and the second logical Ethernet bitstream onto the optical fiber
Implementation Method 2
receives the multiplexed bitstream from the optical fiber coupled to a multi-protocol fiber interface of the device
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a fiber interconnect system that includes gateways and wall boxes. Gateways and wall boxes may include pluggable modules with client side connectors and may include optical connections. The client side connectors may be coupled to client devices via Ethernet connections, HDMI connections, and the like. The gateways and wall boxes may be coupled by optical fibers. Other embodiments are disclosed.