OLT Reach Extender Connectivity Identification via DBA Grant Correlation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) do not provide connectivity information between Reach Extenders (RE) and Optical Network Units (ONUs), leading to challenges in identifying the correct RE-ONU connection, which affects field testing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting a Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation (DBA) grant or Ranging Bandwidth Assignment grant by the OLT via a Multi-Channel Termination Reach Extender (MCRE), retrieving recorded optical signal power measurements or ONU identifiers, and correlating them to identify the connected RE-CT, using existing grant mechanisms without adding new attributes or messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the OLT uses existing DBA grant mechanisms without adding new attributes or messages, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to identify RE-CT to ONU connections is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by utilizing the existing DBA grant mechanism as a carrier to convey connectivity information. The DBA grant, which already exists in the system for bandwidth allocation, is repurposed to include RE-CT identification information through correlation of optical signal power measurements. This intermediary use of existing infrastructure avoids adding new complex attributes or messages while still achieving the goal of transmitting connectivity information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service by having the RE-CT automatically perform optical signal power measurements and record them locally. When the OLT retrieves these recorded measurements, the RE-CT itself provides the necessary data without requiring additional external intervention or new messaging protocols. The existing RE-CT uses its own measurement capabilities to generate the connectivity information needed.
2Measurement precision
If the OLT retrieves and correlates optical signal power measurements to identify RE-CT connections, then the connectivity information accuracy is improved, but the measurement and detection difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the RE-CT perform optical signal power measurements and store the results in advance, before the OLT needs to identify connections. The RE-CT continuously monitors and records the optical power of upstream signals from different ONUs, preparing this data beforehand. When connectivity identification is needed, the OLT simply retrieves these pre-recorded measurements and correlates them with DBA grant information, significantly reducing the real-time measurement difficulty.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system uses existing DBA grant mechanisms for identification, then the adaptability to current PON architecture is improved, but the identification functionality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by making the existing DBA grant mechanism serve multiple functions: its original bandwidth allocation function plus the new function of conveying RE-CT connectivity information. By correlating optical power measurements with DBA grant timing and power levels, the system extracts identification capability from a multi-functional existing component, avoiding the need for separate dedicated identification protocols or attributes.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for identifying a connection between a reach extender channel termination (RE-CT) and an optical network unit (ONU). A method performed by an optical line terminal (OLT) for identifying a connection between a RE-CT and an ONU includes transmitting, by the OLT, a dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA) grant to the ONU via a multi-channel termination reach extender (MCRE), retrieving, by the OLT from the MCRE, recorded optical signal power measurements associated with an upstream transmission by the ONU, and identifying, by the OLT, the RE-CT of the MCRE that is connected to the ONU by correlating the recorded optical signal power measurements associated with the upstream transmission by the ONU with the DBA grant.