ONT Battery Backup Control for FTTP Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber-to-the-Premises (FTTP) systems face challenges in providing uninterrupted telephone service during power failures, as traditional battery backup systems are inefficient and space-consuming, especially when the Optical Network Terminal (ONT) is located inside customer premises.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable battery backup unit (BBU) is integrated with the ONT, disconnecting power after a predetermined time to conserve energy, reconnecting upon phone usage, and maintaining service for short periods until the battery is depleted, using a smaller battery size suitable for indoor placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a large back-up battery is used to extend service duration during power outages, then the duration of action is improved, but the volume occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery backup system dynamically adjusts its operation between two modes: continuous power delivery during the initial outage period, and on-demand power delivery for subsequent calls. This dynamic operation allows the use of a smaller battery while maintaining extended backup capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements periodic action by shutting down the battery power during idle periods and reactivating it only when telephone usage is detected. This periodic on-demand operation extends the effective backup duration without requiring a proportionally larger battery.
2Reliability
If continuous battery power is supplied to the ONT during power outages, then the reliability of telephone service is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic action by shutting down battery power during idle periods and reactivating it only when telephone usage is detected through off-hook sensing. This ensures reliable service availability while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the battery in a low-power state during non-usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service by automatically detecting telephone usage through off-hook sensing and autonomously reactivating battery power without user intervention. This maintains service reliability while optimizing energy usage based on actual demand.
3Area of stationary object
If the ONT is placed inside customer premises to save space, then the area occupied is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to integrated battery backup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the battery backup functionality with the ONT device, creating an integrated unit that combines optical network terminal operations with battery power management. This integration allows indoor placement while managing the complexity through unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The ONT device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an optical network terminal and as a battery-backed-up telephone interface. This universal design consolidates multiple functions into a single device, reducing overall system complexity despite the added battery integration.
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 solution provides extended, efficient, and space-efficient battery backup for FTTP systems, ensuring uninterrupted telephone service during power outages, aligning with the majority of outage durations, and allowing 'as-needed' calling potential with a smaller battery footprint.
Implementation Method 1
A rechargeable battery backup unit (BBU) is located at the customer premises and is rechargeable by the power supply. The BBU is operatively coupled to the ONT and to the customer's telephone(s) via the ONT for the purpose of supplying substitute electrical power to the ONT and to the telephone(s) if and when the utility company electric power fails.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for permitting a customer of a telecommunication company, for whom fiber to the premises (FTTP) has been installed, to continue to use the telephone during utility company power failure, by powering both the optical network terminal (ONT) and the customer's telephone(s). The battery backup unit (BBU) maintains telephone usage for a predetermined period of time after power failure, e.g., two hours, consistent with duration of most utility company power outages. This permits non-interrupted telephone service for most outages and, after that period of time, if utility company power has not been restored, the BBU provides power in order to provide telephone service only on demand by the customer, for up to approximately two more cumulative hours of usage. At the end of each usage on demand, the BBU powers the telephone for approximately five more minutes to permit return phone calls, if any, after which telephone service is shut off until any next usage on demand.