Hybrid Satellite-Optical Network for Multi-Service Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distribution systems for television, radio, telephone, and broadband services are limited by geographical reach and require separate infrastructure, making it difficult to provide a common supply network for all services, especially in areas not connected to cable networks, and satellite providers face disadvantages due to using different distribution means for each service.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a common optical distribution network to transmit data for television, radio, telephone, and broadband services from a headend location, where data is converted into optical format and allocated to different wavelengths for transmission via satellite and optical fibre, allowing bundling of services over a single network without geographical restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a cable based optical fibre distribution network is used to provide high speed delivery of services, then service delivery speed is improved, but geographical reach and system availability are limited to areas connected to the cable network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines satellite transmission and cable network distribution into a unified hybrid system. Satellite dishes receive signals that are converted to optical format and distributed through the existing cable network infrastructure, merging two previously separate distribution paths into one integrated system that leverages the geographical coverage of satellite and the high-speed delivery of optical fibre.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system serves multiple functions: it provides service to areas with cable infrastructure at high speeds, extends service to areas without cable infrastructure via satellite, and allows the same distribution network to deliver multiple service types (television, radio, telephony, broadband) simultaneously through wavelength division multiplexing.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a cable based distribution network is installed to provide services to users, then service availability is improved, but initial infrastructure investment and installation cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The satellite system acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between service providers and users in areas where cable infrastructure is unavailable or too expensive to install. By receiving signals via satellite and converting them to optical format for distribution over the existing cable network, the system eliminates the need to build new infrastructure in remote or difficult-to-reach areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies the high-speed optical distribution capability to satellite-served areas by converting satellite-received signals into optical format, allowing the same service quality and speed to be delivered without physically replicating the expensive cable infrastructure in every location.
3Adaptability or versatility
If satellite transmission is used to deliver television and radio data to any premises, then geographical reach is improved, but the ability to provide a common supply network for multiple services is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes the cable network universal by enabling it to carry multiple service types (television, radio, telephony, broadband) simultaneously through wavelength division multiplexing. The same optical fibre infrastructure that carries satellite-converted television and radio signals also carries telephony and broadband services, creating a unified multi-service platform.
4Reliability
If separate distribution systems are used for each service, then service reliability is maintained, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate distribution systems into a single unified optical network using wavelength division multiplexing. Different services are assigned different wavelengths on the same optical fibre, combining what were previously separate physical infrastructures into one integrated system that is easier to manage and maintain while preserving service reliability through dedicated wavelength channels.
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 efficient and reliable delivery of multiple services to users over a common network, overcoming geographical limitations and providing additional revenue streams by allowing service bundling and installation flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting the data signals for the respective services at different optical wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a system and method for the provision of data signals to allow a plurality of services, such as television and radio, telephone and/or Ethernet/broadband services, to be provided at one or more user locations, with at least some of the data signals having been initially broadcast and received at the headend via a wireless transmission system. In accordance with the invention, the data for all of the services are provided to the user location via a common distribution network and without any geographical restriction on the availability of the services.