ONT Backward Signal Intensity for PON Topology Discovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
In passive optical network (PON) systems, determining the correct topological structure and connection relationships between optical splitters and network terminals is challenging, leading to difficulties in identifying and rectifying faults during runtime due to manual errors and dynamic changes in the connection relationships.
Innovation Solution
The optical network terminal (ONT) uses intensity information from backward optical signals to determine its connection relationship with an optical splitter, employing a MAC module to parse indication information and store data, enabling quick fault identification and rectification by sending upstream optical signals based on processed information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual recording of connection relationships is used, then the resource management system can be implemented, but the accuracy and reliability of connection information deteriorates due to human errors and changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated topology discovery where the network infrastructure itself (OLT, ONUs, optical splitters) automatically reports and updates its connection relationships without human intervention. The OLT actively discovers and records the topological structure, transforming the manual recording process into a self-updating automated system that maintains current and accurate connection information.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where connection relationship information is automatically discovered, reported, and updated in real-time. The OLT receives feedback from optical splitters and ONUs about their connection status, and this feedback is used to dynamically update the resource management system, ensuring the connection information remains accurate and current.
2Measurement precision
If automated topology discovery is implemented, then the connection relationship accuracy is improved, but the system complexity increases due to additional discovery mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The optical splitter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both its primary function of splitting optical signals and a secondary function of enabling automated topology discovery. By integrating the topology discovery capability into the existing optical splitter infrastructure, the system achieves accurate connection relationship determination without adding separate dedicated discovery devices, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the optical splitter with integrated discovery functionality) that mediates between the OLT and ONUs to enable automated topology discovery. This intermediary allows the OLT to indirectly discover connection relationships by receiving information from optical splitters, simplifying the overall discovery process compared to direct OLT-ONU communication for topology mapping.
3Loss of time
If real-time connection monitoring is implemented, then fault identification speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases due to continuous monitoring activities
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic topology discovery and monitoring actions rather than continuous monitoring. The OLT performs automated topology discovery at appropriate intervals or triggered by specific events, allowing the network to maintain accurate connection information while reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring of all connection parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous availability of accurate connection relationship information through automated discovery mechanisms that operate continuously in the background, while the actual fault identification and rectification actions are triggered only when needed. This ensures the useful action of having accurate topology data is continuous, while the energy-intensive monitoring and discovery operations are optimized to reduce unnecessary energy consumption.
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
This method allows for accurate and timely determination of faults in the PON system, facilitating efficient fault rectification and improving the reliability of the network by automating the identification of connection relationships and fault locations.
Implementation Method 1
the intensity information of the backward optical signal generated by the first upstream optical signal in the fiber-optic network
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
This application provides a method for determining an optical network terminal ONT connection, a device, and a system. A device receives intensity information that is sent by a second ONT and that is of a backward optical signal generated, in a fiber-optic network, by a first upstream optical signal sent by a first ONT. The second ONT is all ONTs in a passive optical network PON system or another ONT other than the first ONT in a PON system. The device determines, based on the intensity information of the backward optical signal that is sent by the second ONT, a third ONT connected to a same optical splitter as the first ONT. An optical splitter connected to each ONT may be determined by using this method, so that when the PON system runs, a point of fault can be quickly and correctly determined based on a connection relationship determined by using this method, and the point of fault can be quickly rectified.