Integrated Ethernet Network for MDU Wiring Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs), retrofitting or installing telecommunications resources is challenging due to the lack of spare risers, leading to difficulties in upgrading electrical, communication, and life-safety systems, resulting in high costs and reduced rentable/salable space.
Innovation Solution
An integrated Ethernet communication system that reduces the need for separate wiring and space for voice, video, and data services, electrical closets, security cameras, and life-safety systems by combining these functions into a single network, utilizing centralized Ethernet powering and decentralized Ethernet switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate wiring systems are installed for voice, video, and data services, then service functionality is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate wiring systems (voice, video, data, electrical) into a single integrated Ethernet network infrastructure. This merging reduces the number of separate cables and wiring channels needed while maintaining full service functionality through protocol convergence and virtualization techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet network infrastructure is designed to universally support multiple service types (voice, video, data, power) through a single platform. The system uses multi-functional network switches and protocol adaptation layers that can handle different service requirements over the same physical infrastructure.
2Reliability
If separate electrical closets and wiring systems are installed for each service, then service reliability is improved, but the area occupied by infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple service infrastructures into a single network backbone, eliminating the need for separate electrical closets for each service type. The integrated approach maintains reliability through redundant network paths and centralized management while significantly reducing the physical footprint required for infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from physical separation of services to logical separation through network virtualization. Multiple virtual networks are created over a single physical infrastructure, allowing services to be isolated and managed independently in the logical domain while sharing physical resources in the spatial domain.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate systems are installed in MDUs, then service coverage is improved, but the cost of installation and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service delivery systems into a single Ethernet-based platform, reducing material costs (fewer cables, connectors, and equipment) and installation labor. The unified infrastructure requires only one installation team and set of tools to deploy all services simultaneously, while maintenance costs are reduced through centralized monitoring and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet network infrastructure is designed to universally deliver multiple services through a single deployment process. Network switches and access points are configured to provide voice, video, data, and power services simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate installation crews and reducing overall project costs while maintaining full service coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A telecommunications network for a high-rise Multi-Dwelling Unit (MDU) is provided. In the telecommunications network eliminates much of the wiring and space required for voice, video and data services, electrical closets, security cameras, building automation, fire annunciation systems, hard-wired smoke detectors, hard-wired heat detectors, electrical meters through the use of an integrated Ethernet communication system. Additionally, a video program guide (VPG) is provided that allows a user to interact with multiple streams of video in real time. The VPG includes techniques for displaying multiple streams of data on a single screen for a user.