Optical Network Unit External Power Terminal for Outage Resilience
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-home communication apparatuses cannot connect to communication networks during power outages, disrupting internet access and communication services.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical network unit with an external power supply input/output terminal, allowing the apparatus to function using auxiliary power from user terminals or batteries, and utilizing applications on user terminals to replicate home gateway functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the in-home communication apparatus uses commercial power supply, then it operates normally under standard conditions, but it cannot operate during power outages
Solution Approach 1:
The external power supply input/output terminal is designed to accept multiple types of power sources (commercial power, battery, or other external power supplies) and automatically adapt to the available power source. This multi-functionality allows the communication apparatus to operate reliably during power outages without requiring a completely separate backup power system, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The power conversion unit acts as an intermediary between the external power supply terminal and the optical network unit. It converts and regulates power from various external sources (including batteries during outages) to the appropriate voltage and current levels required by the ONU, enabling seamless operation during power outages without directly exposing the ONU to the complexity of multiple power sources.
2Reliability
If the communication apparatus operates continuously to maintain network connection, then network availability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic monitoring of power supply status and network connection state. During battery-powered operation, it can periodically adjust operational modes, activate sleep states during low-activity periods, and wake up when necessary to maintain connections, thereby reducing average energy consumption while preserving network availability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication apparatus dynamically adjusts its operational characteristics based on the available power source. When operating on battery power during outages, the system can dynamically modify transmission power levels, data rate, and connection maintenance frequency to optimize the balance between network availability and energy consumption, rather than operating at fixed high-power settings.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a communication apparatus for making connection to a communication network, including: an optical network unit; and an external power supply input/output terminal, the communication apparatus being configured such that electrical power is fed to the optical network unit from an external terminal that is connected to the external power supply input/output terminal and functions as an auxiliary power supply.