Fiber Optic Port Mapping for Reduced Installation Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and cost of fiber optic network installations are increased due to the need for extensive fiber optic cable lengths and multiple connections, which complicates the delivery of broadband services to subscribers, necessitating more efficient architectures for optical connector terminations.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic network device with a port mapping scheme that aligns and couples optical fibers in a consecutive sequence, allowing for efficient optical coupling between multi-fiber cables and drop cables through a system of input ports, drop ports, and pass-through ports using multi-fiber adapters, reducing the need for extensive cable lengths and multiple connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If extensive fiber optic cable lengths and multiple connections are used to deliver broadband services, then optical connectivity between service providers and subscribers is established, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber optic network is segmented into modular components with standardized port mappings. Each network device is configured with predetermined fiber sequences and port assignments, allowing modular installation without requiring extensive custom routing or multiple intermediate connections, thereby reducing installation time while maintaining connectivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The port mapping scheme performs preliminary configuration of fiber sequences and port assignments before installation. The consecutive sequence numbering and predetermined routing plans are established in advance, enabling technicians to quickly connect fibers without time-consuming on-site configuration, thus reducing installation time while ensuring reliable optical connectivity
2Reliability
If extensive fiber optic cable lengths are used to reach subscribers, then optical service is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into segmented zones with centralized optical connection terminals positioned strategically. This segmentation allows shorter drop cables to reach subscribers from nearby terminals rather than requiring long cables to extend from distant central offices, reducing total cable quantity while maintaining service delivery reliability
Solution Approach 2:
Optical connection terminals serve as intermediary nodes between the core network and subscriber premises. These intermediaries receive optical signals from the network and distribute them to multiple subscribers via shorter drop cables, reducing the overall cable length required while ensuring reliable service delivery to all subscribers
3Reliability
If multiple connections are required for each drop cable, then optical connectivity is maintained, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical connection terminals are designed with multi-functional ports that can accommodate multiple drop cables simultaneously. Each terminal provides standardized interfaces that can connect to various subscriber premises, eliminating the need for separate dedicated connections for each drop cable and reducing overall connection complexity while maintaining connectivity reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The port mapping scheme uses standardized parameter assignments (consecutive sequence numbers, fixed port-to-fiber mappings) to simplify connections. By changing from custom, ad-hoc connection configurations to standardized parameter-based mappings, the complexity of establishing multiple connections is dramatically reduced while ensuring reliable optical connectivity through consistent, repeatable configurations
Data Source
AI summary
A fiber optic network device comprising an input port adapted to receive a multi-fiber cable having active optical fibers designated in a consecutive sequence is disclosed. A first plurality and a second plurality of optical fibers are disposed within the fiber optic network device. The first plurality of optical fibers aligns to a first section of the consecutive sequence and a second plurality of optical fibers aligns to a second section of the consecutive sequence. A plurality of drop ports in the fiber optic network device are adapted to optically couple ones of the first plurality of optical fibers to at least one drop cable. A pass-through port is adapted to optically couple the second plurality of optical fibers to a second fiber optic network device through a multi-fiber adapter in a central alignment at the pass-through port.