Optical Network Unit Provisioning via Transponder Wireless Reader
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Solution Overview
Problem
In passive optical networks, the existing methods for provisioning optical network units (ONUs) often require a service technician to input identifying information via a POTS port, which is inconvenient and impractical, especially when voice services are not required or when ONUs are mounted outside customer locations.
Innovation Solution
A provisioning system that includes a wireless reader in the ONU and a transponder unit attached to a fiber optic cable, which stores provisioning data and uses NFC or RFID technology to automatically transmit registration IDs and other information to the OLT, eliminating the need for human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a service technician inputs identifying information via POTS port, then ONU provisioning can be activated, but the process becomes inconvenient and impractical when voice services are not required or ONU is mounted outside customer location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the provisioning information transfer from the POTS port (voice channel) and relocates it to the data communication channel between ONU and OLT. The identifying string is now transmitted through the optical network infrastructure itself rather than requiring external voice-based input, eliminating the need for POTS port involvement in the provisioning process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service provisioning where the ONU automatically transmits its identifying string to the OLT during the discovery procedure without requiring manual intervention. The ONU self-provisions by utilizing its existing communication capabilities with the OLT, eliminating the need for service technician involvement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If POTS port is used for transferring identifying string, then voice services can be provided, but the method becomes unavailable when voice services are not required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the data communication channel serve a dual function: both data transmission and provisioning information transfer. The same optical interface used for normal data communication is also used to transmit the identifying string during discovery, eliminating the need for a separate POTS port and making the system universally applicable regardless of voice service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using the voice channel (POTS port) for provisioning as in traditional methods, the patent inverts the approach by using the data channel for both data and provisioning purposes. The identifying string transmission is moved from the voice domain to the data domain, reversing the conventional assignment of communication channels.
3Productivity
If service technician is required for ONU activation, then provisioning can be performed, but the process becomes time-consuming and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The ONU is pre-configured with a unique identifying string during manufacturing or deployment. This identifying information is already stored in the ONU before installation, so when the ONU connects to the network, it can immediately transmit this pre-prepared information to the OLT during the discovery procedure, eliminating the need for on-site provisioning actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service provisioning where the ONU automatically transmits its identifying string to the OLT during the discovery procedure without requiring manual intervention. The ONU self-provisions by utilizing its existing communication capabilities with the OLT, eliminating the need for service technician involvement.
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
Enables automated provisioning of ONUs without the need for a service technician, improving convenience and practicality by using wireless communication to transmit necessary data through the fiber optic cable, facilitating efficient bandwidth allocation and service activation.
Implementation Method 1
A provisioning system is disclosed that includes a wireless reader in the ONU and a transponder unit attached to a fiber optic cable, which stores provisioning data and uses NFC or RFID technology to automatically transmit registration IDs and other information to the OLT
Implementation Method 2
A provisioning system is disclosed that includes a wireless reader in the ONU and a transponder unit attached to a fiber optic cable, which stores provisioning data and uses NFC or RFID technology to automatically transmit registration IDs and other information to the OLT
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed that generally pertain to provisioning an optical network unit (ONU) by an optical line terminal (OLT) of a passive optical network (PON). An exemplary provisioning system includes a wireless reader incorporated into the ONU and a transponder unit attached to a fiber optic cable coupled to the ONU. The transponder unit includes a storage element in which is stored provisioning information, such a registration ID associated with the ONU. The wireless reader automatically obtains the provisioning information from the transponder when the fiber optic cable is coupled to the ONU and transmits the provisioning information to the OLT via the fiber optic cable as a part of a discovery procedure. The transmission of the provisioning information in this manner eliminates the need for a service technician to visit a customer premise and manually provide the provisioning information via a POTS port of the ONU.