Fiber Optic Network Architecture With Indexed And Non-Indexed Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for advanced fiber optic network architectures that can efficiently and effectively extend high bandwidth communication capabilities to an increasing number of customers, as existing solutions struggle to manage the complexity and scalability of fiber optic communications networks.

Innovation Solution

A fiber optic network architecture is developed, where multiple fiber distribution components are daisy chained to form a chain with both indexed and non-indexed optical fiber paths, utilizing ruggedized connectors and indexing components to manage and route optical fibers efficiently, including the use of splitter terminals and loop-back apparatuses to maintain service integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fiber distribution components are daisy chained to extend network coverage, then the network can reach more customers, but the complexity of managing optical fiber paths increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork scalabilityVSAvoidfiber path management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments fiber path management into two distinct types: indexed paths (first set) for systematic identification and non-indexed paths (second set) for direct access. This segmentation allows the network to scale by adding more distribution components while maintaining manageable complexity through clear path categorization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing mechanism acts as an intermediary layer between the physical fiber infrastructure and the logical path management system. By introducing indexed identifiers as a mediator, the system enables scalable network expansion without proportionally increasing management complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If indexed fiber paths are used to systematically identify and route fibers, then path management becomes more organized, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber path identificationVSAvoidindexing mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fiber paths are segmented into indexed and non-indexed categories. The indexed paths receive systematic identification through indexing components, while non-indexed paths maintain simpler direct routing. This segmentation provides organized path management for critical connections without imposing indexing complexity on all fiber paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Indexing is applied locally to specific fiber paths that require systematic identification and management, rather than uniformly to all paths. This localized application of indexing provides enhanced organization where needed while keeping the overall system structure relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If non-indexed fiber paths are provided for direct access, then installation is simplified, but flexibility in routing and management is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidrouting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides both non-indexed paths for simplified direct access installations and indexed paths for flexible systematic routing. This segmentation allows installers to choose the appropriate path type based on specific installation requirements, balancing simplicity and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically accommodates different installation and management needs by providing two types of fiber paths. Non-indexed paths offer static simple routing for straightforward installations, while indexed paths provide dynamic flexible routing for complex network configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11728891B2Fiber optic network architecture with parallel indexed and non-indexed fiber paths
Publication Date: 2023.08.15 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC
  • US11728891B2 patent drawing
  • US11728891B2 patent drawing
  • US11728891B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic network including a plurality of fiber distribution components daisy chained together to form a chain of fiber distribution components, the chain of fiber distribution components having a first set of optical fiber paths that are indexed along a length of the chain and a second set of optical fiber paths that are not indexed along a length of the chain.