Fiber Optic Wall Plate Redundancy System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual switching between primary and back-up lines in passive optical networks leads to increased downtime, contamination risks, and delays due to the need for manual intervention in case of failures.
Innovation Solution
An optical splitter/coupler is integrated into the network architecture to automatically switch from the primary to the back-up line, combining the primary and back-up lines into a single redundant pathway at the subscriber location, eliminating the need for manual patch cord switching and reducing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual switching between primary and back-up lines is used, then the system can provide redundancy, but the downtime increases and contamination risks arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic failover detection and switching without requiring manual intervention. The optical network terminal automatically detects line failures and switches to backup paths, enabling the system to serve itself during failure events, thereby reducing downtime and eliminating contamination risks associated with manual patch cord handling
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures multiple optical paths (primary and backup) and pre-establishes switching capabilities before failures occur. By having backup paths ready and switching mechanisms pre-installed, the system can immediately activate redundant paths when failures occur, minimizing downtime without requiring manual intervention
2Reliability
If manual patch cord switching is used, then redundancy is achieved, but contamination and verification delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching operations with automated optical switching mechanisms. The system uses optical path switching at the network equipment level rather than manual patch cord plugging/unplugging, thereby eliminating the mechanical actions that cause contamination and reducing the need for cleaning and verification activities
3Reliability
If manual switching is implemented, then backup paths are available, but negotiation delays between electronic components occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs failover detection and path switching without requiring manual intervention or extended negotiation periods. The optical network terminal autonomously monitors line status, detects failures, and activates backup paths, thereby eliminating delays associated with manual switching operations and electronic component negotiation
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 automatic switchover mechanism significantly reduces downtime, minimizes contamination risks, and streamlines the failure response process by enabling seamless transitions between primary and back-up lines without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The optical splitter/coupler includes first and second optical fibers that are optically coupled to a third optical fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An optical splitter/coupler may be disposed at a subscriber network access location to provide primary and back-up service to the subscriber network access location. The optical splitter/coupler includes first and second optical fibers that are optically coupled to a third optical fiber. The first and second optical fibers of the optical splitter/coupler are optically coupled to a service provider location. The third optical fiber is optically coupled to the subscriber network access location.