Hybrid Fiber-Power Network for High-Bandwidth Data and PoE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional enterprise Local Area Networks (LANs) face limitations in bandwidth and latency due to the use of Category 5 cables, which cannot accommodate the increasing demands for higher bandwidth and lower latency required by modern applications, and upgrading to higher-category cables or fiber optic links is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A fiber optic communications network with a flexible, low-voltage architecture that integrates high-speed data and power over Ethernet (PoE) infrastructure, using cost-efficient optical transceivers, robust connection interfaces, and hybrid fiber-power cable links to provide simultaneous data and power to devices via a single cable, allowing for easy reconfiguration and compatibility with existing PoE systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If CAT 5 cables are used for network connections, then installation is simple and cost is low, but bandwidth is limited and latency increases with distance
Solution Approach 1:
A media converter is introduced as an intermediary device that converts electrical signals from CAT 5 cables to optical signals for fiber optic transmission. This allows the existing CAT 5 infrastructure to be maintained for simple installation while fiber optics provide high bandwidth for long-distance, high-speed communication without being limited by cable category constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical signal transmission mechanism of CAT 5 cables with optical signal transmission through fiber optic cables. This substitution eliminates the bandwidth and distance limitations inherent in electrical cable systems while maintaining ease of installation through standardized fiber optic connectors and interfaces
2Speed
If edge switches are moved closer to users to achieve 1000 Mbs speed on CAT 5 cable, then cable speed problem is solved, but network complexity and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing CAT 5 cable transmission with fiber optic transmission, the system achieves 1000 Mbs speed over the original cable runs without moving switches. The fiber optic medium provides sufficient bandwidth to support Gigabit Ethernet over standard distances, eliminating the need for additional network architecture changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides excessive bandwidth capacity by implementing fiber optic connections that can support speeds beyond what is immediately required. This future-proofs the network infrastructure, allowing it to accommodate increasing bandwidth demands without requiring additional physical infrastructure changes
3Speed
If CAT 6 or CAT 7 cables are used to upgrade network performance, then bandwidth improves modestly, but cost increases significantly and the solution is temporary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes fiber optic cable infrastructure for expensive CAT 6 or CAT 7 copper cable upgrades. Fiber optic cables provide superior bandwidth performance at a lower cost point, while also offering long-term scalability. The optical transmission medium fundamentally solves the bandwidth limitation problem that plagues copper cable systems regardless of category
4Speed
If conventional fiber optic links are used, then high bandwidth is achieved, but cost of transceivers and installation labor increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media converter is designed with multi-functionality, serving as both an optical-to-electrical converter and a network switch. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate transceiver devices at each endpoint, reducing equipment costs. The universal design allows the same device to handle multiple network functions, simplifying installation and reducing overall system cost
5Speed
If fiber optic technology is deployed, then bandwidth increases, but ability to interface with Power over Ethernet connections is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The media converter acts as an intermediary that separates the optical data transmission function from the electrical power delivery function. Power over Ethernet continues to be delivered through the copper cable connection to the media converter, which then provides power to the optical transceiver. This architecture maintains PoE compatibility while enabling fiber optic data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the data and power transmission paths. Data transmission is handled through the fiber optic connection for high bandwidth, while power delivery is handled through the copper cable connection for PoE compatibility. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other
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 high-bandwidth, low-latency networks with reduced complexity and cost, supporting power levels up to 180 watts and accommodating various devices, while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure and reducing network latency.
Implementation Method 1
cost-efficient optical transceivers
Implementation Method 2
hybrid fiber-power cable links
Implementation Method 3
low-voltage powering
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A system for providing power and data communication for at least one client end device is provided, comprising: a power insertion device, connected to an external remote data source via at least one fiber optic cable of a fiber optic network and connected to a source of mains power, wherein the power insertion device is configured to convert the mains power to low voltage power, wherein the low voltage power is approximately 60 volts or less, and wherein the power insertion device is configured to deliver, via at least one hybrid cable and via at least one connection interface device, the low voltage power from the power insertion device to the at least one client end device; at least one connection interface device, connected to the power insertion device via the at least one hybrid cable, wherein the at least one hybrid cable comprises at least one fiber optic line and at least one low voltage power line; and the at least one client end device, connected to the at least one connection interface device, wherein the at least one client end device is configured to communicate digital data with the external remote data source via the at least one fiber optic line of the at least one hybrid cable, via the at least one fiber optic cable of the fiber optic network, and via the at least one connection interface device; wherein the at least one connection interface device is further configured to provide optical to electrical or electrical to optical media conversion for the digital data communicated with the external remote data source.