Optical Access Network Module with Dynamic ONU Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical access networks face high power consumption and limited flexibility in adapting connection capacity to user needs, with existing architectures suffering from high losses in optical couplers and inefficient capacity allocation.
Innovation Solution
An access network module with integrated optical network units (ONUs) and a control unit that activates/deactivates ONU equipment based on user activity, using reconfigurable electronic routing and bit interleaved modulation to optimize capacity allocation and reduce power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If optical couplers are used in intermediate nodes for signal distribution, then the network can connect multiple users, but high losses occur within the optical couplers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the optical coupler component from the network architecture and replaces it with individual optical fibers connecting each ONU to the OLT. This eliminates the inherent losses of optical couplers while maintaining the ability to connect multiple users through separate dedicated fiber paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The network is segmented into individual user connections rather than using a shared coupler. Each ONU receives a dedicated optical fiber connection, dividing the network into separate transmission paths that avoid the power splitting losses of conventional couplers.
2Reliability
If WDM multiplexers are used to allocate dedicated wavelengths to each user, then transmission capacity per user is guaranteed, but capacity and energy are wasted when users are inactive
Solution Approach 1:
The network transitions from a static wavelength allocation scheme to a dynamic capacity allocation system. The OLT dynamically assigns bandwidth and transmission resources to ONUs based on their actual activity status and traffic demands, allowing inactive users to release their capacity allocation and reducing overall network energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the transmission parameters dynamically by adjusting the allocated bandwidth, modulation format, and power levels based on user activity. When users are inactive, their transmission parameters are reduced or suspended, eliminating wasted energy while maintaining service readiness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tunable lasers and amplifiers are added to each ONU and intermediate nodes to achieve flexible wavelength allocation, then user-specific capacity control is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The OLT acts as an intermediary that performs the complex wavelength and capacity management functions centrally, while individual ONUs remain relatively simple. The OLT manages wavelength assignment, power control, and capacity allocation for all users, eliminating the need for complex tunable lasers and amplifiers at each ONU or intermediate node.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (wavelength management, power control, capacity allocation, signal processing) are merged into the central OLT. This consolidation provides the necessary adaptability and versatility while reducing device complexity at distributed locations by centralizing intelligent control functions.
4Area of stationary object
If ONUs are distributed in customer homes to provide access service, then network coverage is improved, but power consumption increases by more than 50% of total consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic monitoring of user activity and dynamic activation/deactivation of ONU transmission functions. When no traffic is detected, ONUs enter low-power or sleep modes, reducing their power consumption while maintaining network coverage capability. This periodic activity-based control significantly reduces overall network power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The ONUs autonomously adjust their power consumption based on detected traffic conditions and control signals from the OLT. The system self-regulates by activating full functionality only when needed and reducing power states during idle periods, eliminating the need for continuous high-power operation while maintaining coverage.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention refers to an access network module (17) destined to be linked on one side to a remote optical line terminal "OLT" (21) and on the other side to a plurality of access points (23) of a common area (26) via a plurality of local connections (27), the said module (17) comprises: - a plurality of optical network units "ONUs" (29) configured for processing signals exchanged between the remote optical line terminal "OLT" (21) and the local connections (27) and, - a control unit (31) configured for activating and deactivating the optical network units "ONUs" (29) equipments according to the activity of the local connections (27).