Modular Optical Network Terminal With Plug-In Service Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional optical network terminals (ONTs) have a fixed combination of integral interfaces, leading to wasted capital investment and decreased customer satisfaction due to unused or insufficient interfaces, as they cannot accommodate varying customer service subscriptions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular ONT design featuring a base unit with integral interfaces commonly used by most customers and a plug-in service module system, allowing field installation of additional interfaces and a wireless backup module for service continuity during network disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ONTs have a fixed combination of integral interfaces, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but capital investment is wasted and customer satisfaction decreases due to unused or insufficient interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The ONT is divided into a base unit containing commonly used integral interfaces and separate service modules containing additional interfaces. The base unit provides core functionality while service modules can be selectively added to provide specific services (telephony, data, video) only when needed, eliminating waste from unused interfaces while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The base unit is designed with universal interfaces that can support multiple service types, while service modules provide specialized functionality. This allows a single base unit to serve multiple customers with different service requirements, improving adaptability without requiring each ONT to have all possible interfaces built-in.
2Ease of operation
If service modules are made field-installable, then customer satisfaction and service flexibility improve, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Service modules are segregated from the base unit and designed as independent, self-contained components. Each module contains its specific interfaces and functionality, allowing technicians to install only the modules needed for a customer's service subscription. This segmentation enables field installation without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
Service modules are designed to be inserted into or coupled with the base unit in a nested configuration. The modules fit into designated slots or interfaces on the base unit, creating a compact integrated system once assembled. This nesting approach simplifies field installation as modules can be added or removed without affecting the base unit or other 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
The modular design minimizes waste by only integrating commonly used interfaces and allows for flexible service module installation, ensuring revenue generation and maintaining service availability even during network outages.
Implementation Method 1
an optical interface to optically couple the ONT to an optical network, and to convert an optical signal received from the optical network to form an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Example modular optical network terminals (ONTs) and methods to implement the same are disclosed. A disclosed example ONT includes a base unit having an integral optical interface to optically couple the ONT to an optical network, and to convert an optical signal received from the optical network to form an electrical signal, a plug-in service module to distribute the electrical signal within a customer premises, and a modular interface connector configured to receive the plug-in service module and to couple the electrical signal from the base unit to the plug-in service module.