Optical Transceiver Power Delivery Over Fiber for Long-Range Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems are limited in range to a few meters and power capacity, requiring local power sources when longer distances or higher power delivery is needed, which restricts the deployment of devices and data centers.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power delivery through optical transceivers and fiber cabling, enabling power transmission over distances up to 10 km and several kilowatts, allowing for centralized power supply from a building entrance, eliminating the need for local power distribution within data centers and extending the reach of power delivery to network devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional PoE systems are used for power delivery, then power can be delivered over data cables, but the delivery distance is limited to about one hundred meters and power capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical fiber technology (used for data transmission) with power delivery capabilities into a unified system. The optical transceiver integrates both data communication and power transmission functions, allowing simultaneous delivery of data and power over the same fiber optic infrastructure, thereby extending reach beyond conventional PoE limitations while maintaining power delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical conductor-based power delivery system (copper cables) with an optical-based system (fiber optics). This substitution enables power to be transmitted through photonic carriers rather than electrical conductors, eliminating the resistance and power loss constraints that limit conventional PoE systems in terms of distance and power capacity
2Length of moving object
If fiber optic cables are used for data transmission, then long distance communication is achieved, but power cannot be delivered through the same cables
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver is designed to perform multiple functions: data transmission, data reception, power transmission, and power reception, all through the same fiber optic interface. This multi-functional capability allows the system to simultaneously deliver both data and power over long distances using fiber optic cables, making the communication infrastructure universally applicable for both information and energy transfer
3Power
If local power sources are installed at data centers, then adequate power supply is ensured, but device deployment flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from localized sources at data centers and consolidates it into centralized power sourcing equipment located at remote ends of the fiber optic link. This extraction allows power to be delivered remotely through the optical fiber to distributed devices, eliminating the need for local power infrastructure at each data center and thereby increasing deployment flexibility while maintaining adequate power supply
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
This solution enables the delivery of both data and power over long distances, supporting high-power devices and IoT applications, allowing for the placement of equipment beyond the traditional 100-meter range of conventional PoE systems, enhancing flexibility and scalability in network infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the power and the data on the optical fiber to the network device
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving power delivered over a data fiber cable at an optical transceiver installed at a network communications device and transmitting data and the power from the optical transceiver to the network communications device. The network communications device is powered by the power received from the optical transceiver. An apparatus is also disclosed herein.