Fiber Network Extension via Multiport Modem Sharing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of fiber cables and related facilities for fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) technology is costly and complex due to regulatory and physical constraints, making it difficult to deploy fiber networks ubiquitously.

Innovation Solution

The system employs multiport modems to extend fiber connections through device-to-device communication, allowing fiber resources to be shared and segmented among neighboring devices, enabling broadband services without physical installation of additional cables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If fiber cables and related facilities are physically installed to extend fiber networks, then fiber coverage is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to regulatory and physical constraints

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediary nodes (such as WiFi access points, mesh nodes, or relay devices) that act as mediators between the fiber network and end-user devices. These intermediaries receive fiber connectivity at a central location and redistribute it wirelessly or through alternative media to distant or hard-to-reach locations, eliminating the need for direct physical fiber installation throughout the entire service area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical fiber cable installation system with a wireless or alternative transmission system. Instead of laying physical optical fibers to every premises, the system uses wireless communication protocols (WiFi, mesh networking) or existing infrastructure (power lines, radio waves) to deliver fiber connectivity, thereby avoiding the complex mechanical installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If primary flexibility points (PFPs) are deployed to address bandwidth saturation, then fiber bandwidth availability is improved, but the number of facilities to be installed increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefiber bandwidthVSAvoidnumber of facilities

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs multi-functional nodes that can serve multiple purposes simultaneously. A single intermediary node can provide both fiber connectivity aggregation and wireless distribution, while also offering bandwidth management, security functions, and future-proofing capabilities. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate facilities needed compared to deploying dedicated PFPs for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of fiber termination, bandwidth management, and wireless distribution into unified access points or gateway devices. By combining multiple functions that would traditionally require separate facilities into single integrated units, the system achieves high bandwidth availability while reducing the overall quantity of installations required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Area of stationary object

If fiber cables are installed in public or private properties, then fiber network coverage is improved, but legal issues such as right of way agreements and easements arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork coverage areaVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses intermediary devices placed in locations that do not require extensive right-of-way agreements or easements. By positioning access points in existing buildings, community centers, or other properties where access is already granted, the system can extend network coverage without needing to secure additional legal rights for cable installation across public or private lands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fiber cable laying process with wireless transmission technologies that do not require physical installation in public or private properties. By using WiFi, mesh networking, or other wireless protocols, the system achieves network coverage without the legal complications associated with installing physical infrastructure on third-party properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250300851A1Systems and methods facilitating extension of fiber networks

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 PACIFIC BELL TELEPHONE CO

AI summary

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, systems and methods for identifying a first subscriber device that operates as a fiber connection extension control point, where the first subscriber device is connected to a fiber network via a wired connection, based on the identifying and a first subscription agreement, providing a predetermined fiber connection resource to the first subscriber device, identifying a group of neighbor subscriber devices located proximate to the first subscriber device within a predetermined threshold, slicing the predetermined fiber connection resource into multiple segments, and distributing, via the first subscriber device, the multiple segments to the identified group of neighbor subscriber devices. Other embodiments are disclosed.