Loop Back Connector for Reverse Drop Signal Routing in Passive Optical Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive optical networks face challenges in efficiently routing signals through fiber optic cable networks due to the absence of active electronic devices, which can lead to underutilization of fiber resources and complexity in managing active and inactive fiber positions.
Innovation Solution
A loop-back connector is integrated into the indexing terminal, allowing unused live fibers to be redirected to inactive fibers, enabling signal routing from active to inactive positions, and daisy chaining indexing components to manage fiber positions efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive optical networks are used to deliver high bandwidth communication, then network reliability and simplicity are improved by eliminating active electronic devices, but fiber resource utilization deteriorates due to underutilization of fiber positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by creating a reverse drop mechanism that redirects signals from forward drop locations back to the indexing system through unused fiber positions. Instead of signals only traveling in the forward direction from the indexing system to drop locations, the invention establishes a return path that utilizes previously inactive fibers, thereby improving fiber resource utilization while maintaining the passive network architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational state of fiber positions from static (active or inactive) to dynamic by implementing a loop back mechanism. The reverse drop fibers enable previously inactive fiber positions to become active for returning signals, effectively changing the utilization parameter of the fiber resources without altering the passive nature of the network
2Device complexity
If active electronic devices are eliminated to simplify the network, then device complexity is reduced, but signal routing capability deteriorates due to inability to dynamically manage fiber positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary passive loop back connector that enables signal routing between forward drop locations and reverse drop locations without requiring active electronic devices. This intermediary component provides the necessary signal path management while maintaining the passive network architecture, thus preserving simplicity while enhancing routing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical network into distinct functional sections: the indexing system, forward drop locations, reverse drop locations, and loop back connectors. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, with the loop back connectors handling the return path separately, thereby maintaining simplicity while improving adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects and techniques of the present disclosure relate to a fiber optic communications network that includes a loop back connector in conjunction with one or more distribution devices daisy chained together to index optical fibers within the network. The network includes a central office that sends signals in one direction. The loop back connector can be mounted at the end of the chain to allow un-used live indexing optical fibers corresponding to active fiber positions to be looped back to feed signals to dead indexing optical fibers corresponding to inactive fiber positions. The dead indexing optical fibers can be optically connected to progressively dropped fibers or reverse ports in the indexed network.