Modular Optical Distribution Point Without Dedicated Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hybrid network architectures require dedicated electrical power lines for distribution points, increasing installation complexity and cost, and reverse powering methods do not consider proportional usage by customer premises equipment (CPEs).
Innovation Solution
A network architecture that combines an optical multiplexer with independent electro-optical modules, powered autonomously by the local loop from connected CPEs, eliminating the need for a dedicated power supply and ensuring fair power distribution based on usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated electrical power line is provided to the distribution point, then the distribution point can operate reliably, but the installation complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power supply function from the central office and relocates it to the distribution point itself, which is powered independently by each connected CPE. This eliminates the need for dedicated power lines from the central office to the distribution point, reducing installation complexity while maintaining operational reliability through decentralized power sourcing.
Solution Approach 2:
Each CPE serves itself by providing power to its own connected module at the distribution point. The system becomes self-sufficient, with each CPE-module pair forming an autonomous unit that does not rely on centralized power infrastructure, thereby eliminating the need for dedicated power lines and reducing installation complexity.
2Device complexity
If reverse powering is implemented with all CPEs powering the distribution point, then no dedicated power line is needed, but the power distribution becomes unfair to CPEs with low usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distribution point into multiple independent modules, where each module is exclusively powered by and serves a specific CPE. This segmentation creates a one-to-one correspondence between CPEs and modules, ensuring that each CPE only powers the module it uses, thereby eliminating the fairness issue while maintaining the benefit of no dedicated power lines.
Solution Approach 2:
Each module at the distribution point is configured with specific local quality characteristics tailored to its connected CPE, including dedicated power supply, wavelength configuration, and service parameters. This local customization ensures that power distribution is fair and efficient, with each CPE providing power only for its own module rather than sharing the load across all modules.
3Productivity
If multiple CPEs share a common module at the distribution point, then resource utilization is improved, but power management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by creating dedicated modules for each CPE connection, eliminating the need for complex power management in shared scenarios. Each module is independently powered by its corresponding CPE, simplifying power management while maintaining resource utilization efficiency through the modular architecture that allows multiple CPEs to connect to the distribution point via different modules.
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
Simplifies installation, reduces complexity, and ensures fair power allocation by allowing each module to be powered independently, reducing overall power consumption and costs.
Implementation Method 1
each electro-optical module (22) configured to convert the optical signal received from the optical multiplexer (21) into one or more electrical signals sent to one or more connected CPE(s) (14)
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A distribution point for a telecommunication and/or data network, particularly a DSL-type hybrid network, is described with an optical part (21) having an optical port (131) for connecting to the network through an optical connection and a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) and a plurality of electro-optical modules (22), with each module connected at an optical signal port to a different optical channel of the WDM and an electrical signal port to a wired signal connection to a customer premises equipment (CPE) and comprising an optical receiver (Rx) and an optical transmitter (Tx) and an electrical power supply unit powered by electrical power transmitted from the CPE through the wired signal connection, such that the distribution point can be operated independent of the number of connected modules and without dedicated electrical power connections.