Optical Access Module Integrating UNI and NNI PHYs for Direct Network Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
General-purpose Ethernet switches and IP routers cannot be directly connected to various networks such as ODN and HFC using a common optical module, requiring dedicated devices like OLT and CMTS, which increases the number of active devices operators need to purchase and complicates network connectivity.
Innovation Solution
An optical access module with an electrical signal processing module and a controller, including a UNI PHY, NNI PHY, and a data link layer bridge unit, integrated into a miniaturized package, allowing direct connection to different networks and reducing the need for dedicated line cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated line cards are used in OLT devices for processing ODN optical fibers, then network access functionality is achieved, but device complexity and the number of active devices required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the dedicated line card functionality with a common optical module, integrating PON MAC and PON PHY functions into a unified module that can be inserted into standard optical module cages. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated line cards while maintaining full network access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical access module is designed with universal compatibility, allowing it to function both as a dedicated access device and as a standard optical module. It supports multiple access techniques (GPON, EPON, HFC) and can be used in various network configurations, replacing multiple specialized devices with a single multi-functional module.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated access devices like OLT and CMTS are used, then specific network access requirements are met, but initial device costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical access module provides multi-functionality across different access networks (GPON, EPON, HFC) and can be deployed in various network configurations. This universality allows operators to use a single type of module rather than purchasing multiple specialized devices, significantly reducing initial device costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the use of standard optical module cages and interfaces that are already widely deployed in the industry. By copying the form factor and interface standards of common optical modules, the access module can leverage existing infrastructure and economies of scale, reducing costs.
3Ease of operation
If common optical modules are used in Ethernet switches, then photoelectric conversion is achieved, but direct connection to access networks like ODN and HFC is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the photoelectric conversion functions of common optical modules with the access network protocol handling capabilities of dedicated line cards. This combination allows the module to perform both photoelectric conversion and direct connection to access networks like ODN and HFC simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical access module segments the functionality into distinct layers: the physical layer (photoelectric conversion) inherited from common optical modules, and the data link layer (PON MAC/PHY) added for access network compatibility. This segmentation allows incremental enhancement of functionality while maintaining compatibility with existing infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an optical access module including an electrical signal processing module and a controller. The electrical signal processing module includes a UNI PHY and a NNI PHY configured to implement interface functions specified by a designated communication protocol and a data link layer bridge unit configured to manage packets forwarded between the UNI PHY and the NNI PHY The controller is configured to control, according to a management address, the electrical signal processing module to forward a packet to a user equipment or a network equipment corresponding to the management address. This solves the problem in the related art where a general-purpose Ethernet switch and a general-purpose IP router cannot be connected, through an optical module, directly to various networks such as an ODN and an HFC and must be connected to devices such as an OLT and a CMTS under the general-purpose Ethernet switch and the general-purpose IP router.