Fiber Optic Network Architecture with Pre-Terminated Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber optic networks face challenges in rapid deployment and efficient upgrades due to complex configurations and the need for field splicing, which increases costs and reduces reliability.
Innovation Solution
The proposed architecture incorporates pre-terminated components with plug-and-play technology and rapid spooling, along with hardened multi-fiber optical connectors and fan-out devices, to facilitate easy deployment and upgrades without the need for field splicing, utilizing a distributed fiber optic network design that includes fiber distribution hubs, collector boxes, and multi-service terminals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If field splicing is used in fiber optic network deployment, then network coverage can be extended, but deployment time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-terminating fiber optic cables with connectors in a controlled factory environment before deployment. This allows cables to be prepared in advance with precise terminations, eliminating the need for complex field splicing operations and significantly reducing deployment time and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fiber optic cable into modular sections with pre-attached connectors. This segmentation allows for plug-and-play connectivity where standardized modules can be quickly connected without requiring skilled splicing operations, thus improving deployment productivity while maintaining simplicity.
2Reliability
If field splicing is performed to extend network coverage, then more areas can be served, but reliability decreases due to additional connection points
Solution Approach 1:
By performing fiber termination in advance under controlled factory conditions, the patent ensures higher quality connections with consistent performance. This preliminary action eliminates the variability and potential errors associated with field splicing, thereby improving network reliability without sacrificing deployment efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses standardized connector designs that can be replicated precisely in factory settings. This copying approach ensures that each connection point meets the same high reliability standards, eliminating the quality variations that occur when different technicians perform field splicing under different conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fiber optic components are used, then existing infrastructure can be maintained, but upgrade efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic, modular fiber optic components that can be easily reconfigured and upgraded. The standardized connector designs allow for rapid interchange of components, enabling service providers to upgrade network capacity or technology by simply replacing modules rather than reconfiguring entire systems, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while dramatically improving upgrade efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fiber optic network architecture that uses outside plant fan-out devices to distribute optical signals between fiber distribution hubs and multi-service terminals. The network architecture can also include collector boxes positioned at selected locations of the network architecture. Additionally, patching systems can be used in facilitating upgrading the capacity of the fiber optic network.