Modem Interface Switching for Uninterrupted Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modems using external power supplies cannot provide services when powered off, disrupting data and voice services, especially in copper twisted pair access methods where power distribution is limited and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

The modem switches to an electrical interface using a copper twisted pair for power supply when the external power is off, allowing it to continue data and voice services by switching from a fiber interface to an electrical interface or a wireless communications module, ensuring continuous service.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a modem uses an external power supply, then the modem can provide stable power for data and voice services, but the service is interrupted when the external power supply is powered off

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidpower supply convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The modem dynamically changes its power supply source based on the availability of external power. When external power is unavailable, the system switches from external power supply mode to copper twisted pair power supply mode, changing the power parameter from external adapter to network infrastructure supply

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The copper twisted pair line is designed to serve dual functions: data transmission and power supply. This multi-functionality allows the modem to receive both data and power through the same interface, eliminating the single point of failure associated with external power adapters

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Use of energy by moving object

If a copper twisted pair is used to supply power to a telephone, then the telephone can obtain power, but the telephone must be connected to a line telephone port which limits location flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distributionVSAvoidlocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply capability is extended from traditional telephone ports to all copper twisted pair interfaces including Ethernet ports. This allows any device connected via copper twisted pair to potentially receive power, greatly increasing location flexibility while maintaining power distribution capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The network infrastructure automatically provides power through the copper twisted pair without requiring manual configuration or specific port assignments. The power is delivered as part of the normal data connection, making the system self-serve and eliminating the need for dedicated power ports

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Speed

If a PON access technology is used, then bandwidth is improved, but the modem requires external power supply which reduces service reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovebandwidthVSAvoidservice continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains the high bandwidth benefit of PON technology while changing the power supply parameter from external adapter to integrated copper twisted pair supply. This allows the modem to operate in hybrid mode, using optical fiber for data and copper pair for power

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The copper twisted pair acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the PON data connection and power supply needs. It serves as a mediator that can deliver power from the network infrastructure to the modem without affecting the optical fiber data transmission path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3086540B1Modem and communication method thereof
Publication Date: 2019.09.04 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3086540B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3086540B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3086540B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention provides a communications method of a modem, including: determining a current power supply mode; if it is determined that the current power supply mode is that a network device is used to supply power by using a copper twisted pair, switching a communications interface from a fiber interface to an electrical interface, where the electrical interface connects to the network device by using the copper twisted pair and the fiber interface connects to a passive optical network by using an optical fiber. The present invention further provides a modem, and a wireless charging method and device. According to the technical solutions provided in the present invention, it is implemented that a service can still be provided after an external power supply is powered off.