Optical Network Unit Registration via Wavelength Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing PON systems face challenges in efficiently registering optical network units (ONUs) without introducing latency, particularly in scenarios where multiple work types and wavelengths are involved.

Innovation Solution

The method involves determining the current work type of the ONU based on the supported work types and a downlink message from the Optical Line Terminal (OLT), allowing for seamless registration without latency windows on low-latency service wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If the ONU uses the low-latency service uplink wavelength for registration, then the latency caused by the quiet window is eliminated, but the OLT cannot correctly receive the registration information from the ONU

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration latencyVSAvoidregistration information reception
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink transmission into two distinct wavelengths: one dedicated for registration (non-low-latency service uplink wavelength) and another for low-latency services. This segmentation allows the OLT to correctly receive registration information without interference from quiet windows, while still enabling low-latency service transmission on the service wavelength after registration completes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wavelength conversion mechanism as an intermediary. The ONU converts its registration signal from the low-latency service uplink wavelength to a dedicated registration wavelength, allowing the OLT to receive registration information reliably without being affected by the quiet window period that occurs on service wavelengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of time

If the ONU works in low-latency mode using service wavelength for registration, then registration latency is reduced, but it affects other low-latency ONUs sharing the same wavelength

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration latencyVSAvoidinterference to other ONUs
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the uplink spectrum into dedicated registration wavelength and service wavelength. By assigning registration traffic to a separate wavelength resource, the system eliminates interference between registration processes of different ONUs and ensures that low-latency service wavelengths remain dedicated to service traffic, preventing any harmful effects on other ONUs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Loss of time

If the ONU uses a different uplink wavelength for registration, then registration can occur without quiet window latency, but the device complexity increases due to wavelength switching requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration latencyVSAvoidwavelength switching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wavelength conversion mechanism as an intermediary component in the ONU. This converter enables the ONU to switch between using the service wavelength for normal operations and a dedicated registration wavelength when performing registration, thereby eliminating quiet window latency while managing the added complexity through a dedicated conversion component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4131987B1Optical network unit registration method, optical network unit, optical line terminal and system
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 ZTE CORP
  • EP4131987B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4131987B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4131987B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present application provides an optical network unit (ONU) registration method, an ONU, an optical line terminal (OLT) and a system. The method comprises: determining the working type of a current ONU according to the working type supported by the current ONU and a downlink message from an OLT, wherein the downlink message is used for marking the type of the ONU supported by the OLT; and completing registration to the OLT based on the determined working type of the current ONU.