Residential Gateway Optical Transceiver for Meshed Home Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current residential gateways are limited to Fast Ethernet bit rates and require high crosstalk attenuation in simplex operation, restricting the implementation of Gigabit Ethernet and meshed network structures, while also limiting the availability of Ethernet ports for optical transmission media.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating optical transceivers with digital and analog front ends, allowing for duplex or simplex operation, and using directional or reflection couplers to enable meshed network structures with higher bit rates and reduced crosstalk requirements, while maintaining the availability of Ethernet ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external media converters are used to add optical transmission to existing RG, then optical transmission capability is added, but the number of available Ethernet ports is reduced and Fast Ethernet bit rate limitation persists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of media converters and Ethernet switches into a single integrated optical network device. This merging eliminates the need for separate external media converters, reduces device complexity, and provides both optical transmission capability and Ethernet switching functionality in one unit, thereby resolving the contradiction between adding optical capability and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical network device performs multiple functions including optical signal transmission, Ethernet switching, and media conversion. This multi-functionality allows the device to replace multiple separate components (media converters and switches), thereby adding optical transmission capability while reducing the overall number of devices needed in the network.
2Reliability
If directional couplers with high crosstalk attenuation are used for simplex operation, then optical transmission reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the high crosstalk attenuation requirement from the system design by implementing duplex operation instead of simplex operation. This removes the need for expensive high-performance directional couplers, as duplex operation using separate transmit and receive paths does not require the same level of crosstalk isolation, thereby reducing device complexity and cost while maintaining transmission reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using simplex operation with high crosstalk attenuation requirements, the patent inverts the approach by using duplex operation with separate transmit and receive paths. This inversion eliminates the crosstalk problem inherent in simplex operation, allowing the use of simpler, lower-cost directional couplers while maintaining or improving transmission reliability.
3Speed
If Fast Ethernet interfaces are redesigned for optical transmission, then Gigabit Ethernet capability is achieved, but Ethernet port availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network functions by providing separate optical interfaces and Ethernet ports in the integrated device. This segmentation allows simultaneous support for both Gigabit Ethernet optical transmission and standard Ethernet connections, enabling the system to achieve high bit rates while maintaining Ethernet port availability for various network configurations and devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical network device provides universal connectivity by supporting both optical interfaces for Gigabit Ethernet and traditional Ethernet ports. This multi-functionality ensures that the device can handle high-speed optical transmission while also maintaining compatibility with standard Ethernet devices, thereby achieving high bit rates without reducing Ethernet port availability.
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
Enables high data transfer rates beyond Fast Ethernet standards, supports meshed network structures, and reduces the number of media converters needed, ensuring compliance with eye safety regulations and improving Quality of Service (QoS) in home networks.
Implementation Method 1
connected to a digital front end (DFE), an analog front end (AFE) connected to the digital front end (DFE) and at least one optical interface (OIF) connected to the analog front end (AFE), wherein the at least one optical interface (OIF) comprises an optical transmitter and an optical receiver in parallel
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
The invention relates to a residential gateway (RG), comprising a broadband connection (WAN port) for connecting to an Internet service provider (ISP) on an input side, an interconnecting and processing unit (IPU), and a plurality of interfaces for connecting devices equipped with an Internet data connection on an output side according to the G.hn or HPAV specifications, wherein at least one of the plurality of interfaces is designed as an optical connection and can be connected to an optical transmission medium.