Multi-Rate ONU/OLT Optics for Software-Controlled PON Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Upgrading optical network components from 10G-PON to 25G-PON or 50G-PON requires replacing customer premise equipment, which is burdensome for both customers and service providers, and higher order PAM signaling is more sensitive to noise.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a set of optics within the OLT and/or ONUs that reuse lasers, photo diodes, and associated optics, controlled by software, allowing upgrades from 10G-PON to higher speeds without replacing equipment, using a switch to direct signals to appropriate amplifiers and processors based on modulation scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If optical network components are upgraded from 10G-PON to 25G-PON or 50G-PON by replacing customer premise equipment, then data throughput is improved, but installation complexity and customer burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-rate and multi-modulation ONU/OLT that can operate at multiple data rates (10G-PON, 25G-PON, 50G-PON) and modulation schemes (NRZ, PAM4, PAM8) using the same physical hardware. The device includes configurable lasers, photo diodes, amplifiers, and processors that can be dynamically adjusted via software to support different PON standards, eliminating the need for physical equipment replacement at customer premises while enabling throughput upgrades.
2Productivity
If higher order PAM signaling is used to increase data throughput, then productivity is improved, but signal sensitivity to noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic signal processing with configurable amplifiers and processors that can adapt their characteristics based on the selected modulation scheme. The system includes multiple amplifier types (limiting amplifier for NRZ, linear amplifier for PAM4/PAM8) and processing paths that are dynamically selected via switch controlled by a processor. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize signal integrity for each specific modulation type while maintaining high throughput capabilities.
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
Enables seamless upgrades in optical network capacity without replacing customer premise equipment, improving data throughput while maintaining signal integrity across different modulation schemes.
Implementation Method 1
The OLT 110 contains a high power distributed feedback ('DFB') laser to produce the light at 1.49 um in downstream 160 direction
Implementation Method 2
The passive splitters or couplers are devices working to pass or restrict light, and as such, have no power or processing requirements
Implementation Method 3
Implementing a set of optics within the OLT and/or ONUs that reuse lasers, photo diodes, and associated optics
Data Source
AI summary
An optical network unit may include a light sensitive unit suitable for receiving NRZ and/or PAM signals effectively. The optical network unit may include a laser transmission unit for providing NRZ and/or PAM signals effectively.