Optical Network Terminal Configuration via Cellular Secondary Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual configuration of optical network terminals (ONTs) in FTTH systems is inefficient, requiring manual handling of registration IDs and Line IDs for secure association with optical line terminals (OLTs, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a secondary path, such as a cellular network, to establish a secure data connection between the central office and ONT, allowing for automatic configuration of keys and logical assignment of ONT and OLT through a router, which communicates via a cellular network to exchange access credentials and manage IP connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration of ONT with Registration ID and Line ID is used, then secure association between ONT and OLT is achieved, but configuration time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ONT performs self-configuration by automatically obtaining the Registration ID from the OLT through the PON interface and using it to establish IP connectivity. The system eliminates manual configuration by enabling the ONT to autonomously complete the registration process, reducing configuration time while maintaining secure association through automated credential exchange
Solution Approach 2:
The OLT pre-generates and stores the Registration ID before the ONT connects. When the ONT initiates connection, the OLT already has the credentials ready to be transmitted, eliminating the need for manual pre-configuration of both devices and enabling rapid automated registration
2Reliability
If manual configuration of Registration ID and Line ID is performed, then correct ONT-OLT assignment is ensured, but error probability increases due to manual handling
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical process of configuring Registration ID and Line ID is replaced with an automated electronic exchange protocol. The ONT automatically receives the Registration ID from the OLT via the PON interface and uses it to establish IP connectivity, eliminating human error in credential entry and ensuring correct ONT-OLT assignment through systematic automated registration
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms where the ONT transmits the obtained Registration ID back to the OLT to verify correct assignment. This closed-loop verification process ensures that the ONT-OLT pairing is correct without requiring manual validation, reducing errors while maintaining reliability
3Reliability
If separate systems generate Registration ID and Line ID, then secure key management is achieved, but configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separate functions of Registration ID generation, Line ID management, and IP address assignment are merged into a unified automated registration process. The ONT obtains the Registration ID from the OLT, uses it to establish IP connectivity, and completes registration in a single integrated sequence, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining secure key management through the PON interface
Data Source
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AI summary
For improving and/or simplifying the implementation and/or configuration of a FTTH-based fiber optic communication connection, the invention proposes a method for configuring an optical network terminal (120), comprising the steps of: a) connecting the optical network terminal (120) to a networking device (130), b) establishing a local IP-based communication connection between the optical network terminal (120) and the networking device (130), c) transmitting a request to receive a registration identifier, said registration identifier being associated with the optical network terminal (120), from the networking device (130) to a central server (150), wherein the request is transmitted via a non-optical communication network, in particular a wireless communication network (200), d) transmitting a registration identifier, which is associated with the optical network terminal (120), from the central server (150) to the networking device (130) via the non-optical communication network (200) and transmitting the received registration identifier from the networking device (130) to the connected optical network terminal (120) via the IP-based communication connection, and e) storing the received registration identifier in the optical network terminal (120). The invention further proposes a router and an optical network terminal which are adapted to perform the method.