Multi-Core Optical Splitter Layout for High-Density FTTH Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber to the home (FTTH) network construction requires multiple fiber access terminals (FATs) due to high user density, increasing investment costs and construction difficulty.
Innovation Solution
An optical splitting device with multi-core input and output interfaces and multiple optical splitters, allowing for increased connectivity to optical network terminals (ONTs) through plug-and-play fiber connectors, reducing the need for additional devices and splicing operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single-core distribution cable and limited FATs are used in ODN, then each FAT supports limited drop cables, but in high user density scenarios, the quantity of distribution cables and FATs must be increased, leading to increased investment costs and construction difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The optical splitting device divides the optical distribution function into multiple optical splitters within a single housing. Each optical splitter handles a portion of the signal distribution, allowing the system to support more ONTs (e.g., 1:32 or 1:64 splitting ratios) without requiring multiple separate FATs and distribution cables. This segmentation of the splitting function within one device reduces construction complexity while increasing adaptability to high-density scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple optical splitters that would traditionally require separate FAT housings are merged into a single optical splitting device housing. The housing integrates multiple optical interfaces (multi-core input, multi-core output, and single-core output interfaces) and houses multiple splitters together, combining what would have been multiple distribution points into one unified device. This merging reduces the number of required distribution cables and simplifies construction while supporting higher user density
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical splitters are disposed in the optical splitting device, then the device can be connected to more ONTs, but the quantity of optical splitters increases, requiring more optical fibers and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from single-core fiber connections to multi-core fiber connections. Instead of using multiple separate single-core fibers for each splitter input, a single multi-core fiber (containing multiple independent light transmission paths) carries signals to multiple optical splitters simultaneously. This dimensional change in fiber structure reduces the quantity of optical components and connections needed while supporting more ONTs
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional splicing operations are used for fiber connections, then optical fibers can be connected, but construction efficiency is reduced and construction difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adapters as intermediary components between optical fibers and optical splitters. These adapters provide standardized mechanical coupling interfaces that eliminate the need for complex splicing operations. The adapters serve as mediators that simplify the connection process, allowing for plug-and-play installation while maintaining optical signal transmission. This intermediary component significantly improves construction efficiency and ease of installation
Data Source
AI summary
An optical splitting device is provided, which includes a housing, at least one first optical splitter which is disposed in the housing, a multi-core input optical interface, a multi-core output optical interface, and at least one single-core output optical interface. The multi-core input optical interface, the multi-core output optical interface, and the at least one single-core output optical interface are disposed on an outer wall of the housing, and each first optical splitter includes an input end, a first output end, and at least one second output end. The multi-core input optical interface is connected to an input end of the at least one first optical splitter, the first output end of each first optical splitter is connected to the multi-core output optical interface, and the second output end of each first optical splitter is connected to the single-core output optical interface in a one-to-one correspondence.