Optical Network Unit Wireless Coupling for Mobile Backhaul

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Mobile Backhaul solutions require complex and cost-ineffective management systems for combining optical transport systems with Microwave Radio transport systems, and lack flexible capacity distribution, especially in areas without adequate fiber infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

An optical network unit that integrates an optical module with an optical-electric interface and a control unit, allowing for wireless coupling with a microwave radio link or other interfaces, sharing a common management system and enabling flexible capacity distribution by using Ultra-Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (UDWDM) or Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM) coherent networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional Mobile Backhaul solutions combine optical transport systems with Microwave Radio transport systems, then capacity and coverage are improved, but management system complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacity distribution flexibilityVSAvoidmanagement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges optical transport and microwave radio transport systems into a unified Optical Network Unit that handles both transmission types. The ONU integrates optical modules for fiber connectivity and radio frequency interfaces for wireless backhaul, consolidating previously separate management systems into a single device that manages both transmission media and protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Optical Network Unit is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions: optical signal reception and transmission, radio frequency signal processing, capacity allocation across different media, and unified network management. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate management systems for optical and microwave components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If extensive fiber infrastructure is deployed to provide adequate capacity, then data transmission capacity is improved, but infrastructure cost and deployment complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capacityVSAvoidinfrastructure deployment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces microwave radio links as an intermediary transmission medium between the optical network unit and mobile base stations. This allows capacity to be extended to areas where fiber deployment is impractical or too costly, using existing radio infrastructure or temporary wireless links as a bridge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes transmission parameters by switching between optical and radio frequency modes based on location requirements. In areas with fiber infrastructure, optical transmission provides high capacity; in areas without fiber, the same ONU uses radio frequency transmission to provide adequate capacity, adapting to local conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If separate management systems are used for optical and radio communication systems, then system control precision is improved, but operational expenses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem control precisionVSAvoidoperational expenses
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate management functions for optical and radio systems into a single integrated management unit within the ONU. This unified controller manages both transmission types with centralized logic, reducing the operational overhead of maintaining separate management systems while preserving precise control through integrated monitoring and allocation algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies network management by combining optical and radio communication systems under a single management system, reduces operational expenses, and provides flexible capacity distribution, reducing the need for extensive fiber infrastructure and lowering power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an optical module including an optical-electric interface and/or an electric-optical interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical-electric conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

an optical module including an optical-electric interface and/or an electric-optical interface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric-optical conversion: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

the first part and the at least one second part are wireless coupled with respect to each other via the interface modules

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2767012B1Optical network unit
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 XIEON NETWORKS SARL
  • EP2767012B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2767012B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2767012B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides an apparatus, in particular an optical network unit, which comprises a first part operably coupled to an arm of an optical fiber network, the first part comprises an optical module including an optical-electric interface and/or an electric-optical interface locked on a preset wavelength band, and an interface module, and at least one second part operably coupled to a network entity of a communication network, each comprising a control unit, a signal processing unit and an interface module. One of the control units of the at least one second part is set by a optical line terminal of the optical fiber network as a master control unit configured to tune and control the optical module of the first part. The first part and the at least one second part are wireless coupled with respect to each other via the interface modules.