Optical Fiber Segmentation for Last Mile Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical network deployment systems are inefficient in utilizing congested ducts, limiting the number of optical fibers that can be laid and failing to maximize fiber efficiency for connecting a high number of users.
Innovation Solution
The method involves interrupting an optical fiber in an optical cable, splitting the signal to connect users, and re-injecting the split signals into the same or other interrupted fibers to efficiently connect a large number of users with a reduced number of optical fibers, utilizing existing optical cables in congested conduits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical cables are laid through congested conduits with limited space, then the physical deployment is feasible, but the number of optical fibers that can be accommodated is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is divided into multiple segments along its length, with tapping points created at different locations. Each segment can serve different users or networks, allowing a single physical fiber to be functionally segmented into multiple independent connections. This enables one fiber to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate fibers.
Solution Approach 2:
A single optical fiber is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple users simultaneously through the implementation of tapping points. The fiber acts as a universal medium that can be accessed at various locations to serve different destinations, transforming a single-function medium into a multi-functional infrastructure that maximizes the use of limited fiber resources in congested conduits.
2Productivity
If the number of optical fibers in the cable is increased to connect more users, then more users can be connected, but the cable cannot be deployed in congested conduits with limited space
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the number of physical fibers, the system segments the optical signal at tapping points along the fiber length. This allows multiple logical connections to be created from a single physical fiber, maintaining a compact cable volume while increasing the number of usable connections to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves from a spatial dimension approach (adding more fibers side-by-side) to a temporal/signal dimension approach (creating multiple access points along the fiber length). By utilizing the longitudinal dimension of the fiber and creating tapping points at different locations, the system increases connection capacity without increasing the physical cross-sectional area or volume of the cable.
3Ease of operation
If optical fibers are extracted from cables through openings in the sheath, then individual fiber access is enabled, but the structural integrity and protection of the cable is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Protective boots are pre-installed on the optical fibers at the points where they will be accessed. This preliminary protection is applied before any extraction or tapping operations, ensuring that the fibers and cable structure are protected from damage during the access process. The boots are designed to be installed in advance, maintaining cable integrity while enabling future access operations.
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 approach allows for the connection of a high number of users with a reduced number of optical fibers, optimizing fiber usage and accommodating increased user connections within limited physical space.
Implementation Method 1
an optical fiber (110x) in an optical cable (105) for propagating an optical signal
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for connecting a number of users with at least one signal bearing optical fiber (1101÷z; 2101÷10) contained in an optical cable (105; 205) is proposed. The method comprises the steps of: a) interrupting said signal bearing optical fiber (1101÷z; 2101÷10) at a first branch point (115X|1; 215p1÷5), obtaining a first optical fiber segment (110X|2; 2109|1÷10) upstream of said branch point (115X|1; 215p1÷10) and a second optical fiber segment (110X|2; 2109|1÷10) downstream of said branch point (115X|1; 215p1÷10); b) providing an optical splitter (120X|1; 2209|1÷32) at the branch point (115X|1; 215p1÷10), the optical splitter (120X|1; 2209|1÷32) comprising an input and two outputs; c) coupling the first optical fiber segment (110X|1; 210i9) with the input of the optical splitter (120X|1; 2209|1÷10); d) coupling a first output of the optical splitter (120X|1; 2209|1÷32) with a first user; e) coupling a second output of the optical splitter (120X|1; 2209|1÷32) with a downstream optical fiber segment (110X|2; 2109|1÷8) of an interrupted optical fiber (110x; 2101÷8) contained in the optical cable (105; 205), and f) coupling said downstream optical fiber segment (110X|2; 2109|1÷8) with at least one further user at a further branch point (215s9|1÷8) downstream the first branch point (115X|1; 215p1÷10).