Remote ONT Power Supply for Extended Cabling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical network terminal (ONT) installations in FTTP networks face challenges due to power outage issues and restrictive cabling lengths, leading to high installation costs and delays, as many homes lack suitable power outlets within the allowed placement constraints.
Innovation Solution
An additional power supply unit is introduced between the ONT and the customer premises power source, converting 110 VAC to 48 VDC, allowing for longer cabling distances using lower gauge wiring, and optionally connected to a battery backup system, enabling greater placement flexibility and reducing the need for additional electrical installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UPS is deployed separately from the ONT to provide backup power, then the ONT can maintain telephone services during power outages, but additional power supply cabling is required between the ONT and UPS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ONT and UPS into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate power supply cabling between the ONT and UPS. The integrated design incorporates the battery backup system directly within the ONT housing, allowing the unit to maintain telephone services during power outages without requiring additional external cabling.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power supply cabling length is limited to comply with electrical codes, then safety requirements are met, but the ONT cannot be placed in locations more than 8 feet from power outlets
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the UPS within the ONT, the patent eliminates the need for external power supply cabling, thereby removing the 8-foot placement restriction imposed by electrical codes. This allows the ONT to be installed in a wider variety of locations without requiring additional electrical work or complex cabling installations.
3Loss of energy
If the cabling between UPS and ONT is kept short to reduce resistive losses, then power efficiency is improved, but the ONT must be placed close to the UPS
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the UPS within the ONT eliminates power supply cabling entirely, thereby eliminating resistive losses in the cabling. Simultaneously, this integration removes the constraint that would otherwise limit ONT placement based on proximity to the UPS, providing maximum placement flexibility without energy loss.
4Ease of manufacture
If existing data cabling is used for power transmission, then installation costs are reduced and existing infrastructure is utilized, but the power transmission distance is limited by the cabling gauge
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the power supply system within the ONT, the patent eliminates the need for separate power transmission cabling. This allows the unit to be powered directly from local power sources through existing data cabling infrastructure without being constrained by the distance limitations that would otherwise apply to extended power transmission through such cabling.
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 extends the distance between the power outlet and ONT, reduces installation costs, and enhances placement versatility by utilizing existing data cabling for power transmission, accommodating more homes without requiring additional electrical work.
Implementation Method 1
An optical network terminal (ONT) powering system includes a power supply unit having a voltage converter converting 110 VAC to 48 VDC
Data Source
AI summary
An optical network terminal (ONT) is powered via a remote power supply. The remote power supply is connected to a standard customer premises electrical power outlet, providing a power source for power at a first format (e.g., 110 VAC). The remote power supply performs a power transformation to convert the power in the first power format to a second format (e.g., 48 VDC). This allows the powering of the ONT from farther distances, and thus allows for the easier installation of ONTs at customer premises which may not have optimally placed power outlets. A battery backup may also be used (either in parallel or serially), in order to provide availability of communications signals during a public power outage. When the battery backup used serially with the remote power supply, additional distance between the power outlet and the ONT may be accommodated.