Modular Optical Terminal Bodies for Flexible Signal Splitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive optical networks face challenges in efficiently managing signal distribution and modifying signal strength or wavelength without recabling, as existing solutions lack flexibility and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of signal distribution arrangements with modular terminal bodies and separator modules, such as tap modules and WDM modules, that allow for plug-and-play connections, enabling easy modification of signal strength or wavelength without recabling by swapping modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional signal distribution arrangements are used in passive optical networks, then signal distribution can be achieved, but flexibility to modify signal strength or wavelength is limited and recabling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The signal distribution arrangement is divided into modular components: a terminal body and separable modules (tap modules, WDM modules) that can be independently installed and configured. This segmentation enables flexible modification of signal strength and wavelength without requiring recabling, as modules can be swapped or adjusted within the terminal body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustability through plug-and-play modules that can be easily installed, removed, or reconfigured. The terminal body provides a stable structure while the separable modules offer dynamic modification capabilities, allowing network operators to adjust signal parameters without physical reinstallation of cables.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular separator modules are introduced to enable flexible signal modification, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of separable modules (tap modules for signal strength adjustment, WDM modules for wavelength selection). This multi-functionality approach increases network adaptability while managing complexity through a standardized interface and unified housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal body acts as an intermediary structure that simplifies the interface between the fiber optic cable and the various separable modules. It provides a standardized mounting mechanism and signal distribution path, reducing the complexity of direct module-to-cable connections and enabling easier module swapping.
3Adaptability or versatility
If recabling is performed to modify signal distribution, then signal strength or wavelength can be changed, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal body is pre-installed with the fiber optic cable connection, providing a ready-to-configure platform. Separable modules are designed with pre-configured optical paths and connection interfaces, allowing them to be quickly installed or swapped without requiring recabling or complex alignment procedures, thus reducing installation time.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of physically recabling the entire signal distribution path, the system uses modular copies of functional units (tap modules, WDM modules) that can be independently installed within the terminal body. This allows signal modification through module replacement rather than complete reinstallation of the fiber path.
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
Facilitates flexible and efficient management of signal distribution in passive optical networks by allowing on-site adjustments to signal strength and wavelength without the need for recabling, enhancing network adaptability and reducing installation complexity.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device (e.g., an asymmetric optical tap, a wave division multiplexer, a wave division demultiplexer, a wave division multiplexer/demultiplexer, etc.) configured to separate an input signal into a pass-through signal and at least one output signal
Implementation Method 2
Each of the outputs receives a portion of the optical signals received at the input. The pass-through output receives a larger portion (e.g., a higher power percentage, a greater number of wavelengths, etc.) of the optical signals compared to the drop outputs
Data Source
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AI summary
Signal distribution arrangements are assembled by selecting a terminal body and a tap module combination that provides the desired signal strength at the intended position in an optical network. Each terminal body includes an input connection interface, a pass-through connection interface, a module connection interface, and multiple drop connection interfaces. Each tap module houses an optical tap having an asymmetric split ratio. Most of the optical signal power received at the signal distribution arrangement passes to the pass-through connection interface. A portion of the optical signal power is routed to the drop connection interfaces (e.g., via a symmetrical optical power splitter). The tap module and terminal body combination are selected based on the desired number of drop connection interfaces and to balance the asymmetric split ratio with the symmetric split ratio.