Modular SFU Optical Network Entity for Flexible G.Fast to FTTH Migration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current DPU topology is rigid, making it difficult to migrate from G.Fast to FTTH, as vectoring algorithms cannot function between multiple DPUs due to lack of control connections, and SFUs can only be used if necessary, limiting the use of G.Fast and vectoring/supervectoring in the same cable.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of single port fiber units (SFUs) that allow flexible adaptation of port numbers and enable demand-driven migration from G.Fast/xVDSL to PON, with automatic detection and vectoring proxy registration for efficient control, eliminating the need for a System Level Vectoring Unit and reducing hardware costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional DPU topology is used, then vectoring can be implemented for interference elimination, but the system becomes rigid and cannot flexibly migrate from G.Fast to FTTH

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemigration flexibilityVSAvoidtopology rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular single-port fiber units (SFUs) that can be independently configured and connected. Each SFU operates as a separate functional module with its own predistorter for vectoring, allowing flexible reconfiguration of the overall topology without requiring system-wide changes. This segmentation enables gradual migration from G.Fast to FTTH by activating or deactivating specific SFUs as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The DPU topology is made dynamic through the ability to add, remove, or reconfigure SFUs based on migration requirements. The system can transition from a static fixed topology to a dynamic reconfigurable topology where SFUs can be selectively connected to different ports and configured with or without vectoring capabilities, allowing adaptive migration strategies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple DPUs are used in one cable, then port capacity increases, but vectoring algorithm cannot work between DPUs due to lack of control connection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveport capacityVSAvoidvectoring control
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A centralized control unit acts as an intermediary between multiple SFUs, providing the necessary control connections for vectoring algorithms to function across all DPUs in the cable. This control unit coordinates the predistorters in each SFU and manages the vectoring process, enabling multiple DPUs to work together reliably with proper control signaling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it provides control connections for vectoring, manages the predistorters in each SFU, coordinates migration operations, and maintains system synchronization. This multi-functionality enables the system to support both vectoring capabilities and high port capacity simultaneously.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If SFUs are used for flexible migration, then demand-driven migration is enabled, but hardware costs increase due to additional control infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedemand-driven migrationVSAvoidhardware costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the system into standardized SFUs with integrated predistorters, the hardware costs are controlled through modular design. Each SFU is a self-contained unit that can be mass-produced using standardized components, reducing overall system cost despite the added flexibility and control infrastructure required for demand-driven migration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3211915B1Optical network entity, and optical fibre connection module
Publication Date: 2018.10.03 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP3211915B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3211915B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3211915B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to an optical network entity (301) for receiving an optical signal (302), comprising: a plurality of fiber optic connection modules (310, 320, 330) for converting a plurality of optical signals (304) into electrical signals (308, 318);and a control module (303), wherein each fiber optic connection module (310, 320, 330) has a pre-distortor (311) for pre-distorting the electrical signal (308, 318) to compensate for channel crosstalk, wherein each fiber optic connection module (310, 320, 330) is connectable to the optical network entity (301) via electrical contacts, wherein the control module (303) is configured to respond to an electrical connection of a fiber optic connection module (310, 320, 330) to the optical network entity (301) to detect the fiber optic connection module (310, 320, 330) and to transmit pre-distortion coefficients (306) to the detected fiber optic connection module (310, 320, 330), and wherein the pre-distortor (311) is configured to to pre-distort electrical signals (308, 318) using the transmitted pre-distortion coefficients (306).