Optical Fiber Access Network Wireless Backup Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing optical fiber access networks lack effective protection methods, particularly between the optical branching divider and the optical network unit in star structures, leading to communication service disruptions when optical fibers are cut, and current solutions are costly and resource-intensive.

Innovation Solution

An optical fiber access network that integrates a wireless communication system with the optical fiber communication system, using detection modules and a communication service switch device to seamlessly switch between optical and wireless communication when fiber failures occur, ensuring continuous service and reducing infrastructure costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate cable in separate pipes protection manner is adopted for optical fiber line, then protection reliability is improved, but construction cost and resource consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection reliabilityVSAvoidconstruction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary backup path. When optical fiber failure occurs, the system switches to wireless communication through a base station, avoiding the need for expensive dual-cable underground piping infrastructure while providing reliable protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from optical fiber to wireless radio frequency signals. This parameter change allows the system to provide protection without requiring physical duplicate fiber infrastructure, reducing construction costs while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If optical fiber line protection is not implemented between optical branching divider and optical network unit, then construction cost is reduced, but communication service continuity deteriorates when fiber is cut

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction costVSAvoidcommunication service continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The base station acts as an intermediary backup communication path between the optical branching divider and optical network unit. When fiber failure occurs, traffic is routed through the base station, ensuring service continuity without requiring expensive point-to-point fiber protection for each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless base station provides universal protection coverage for multiple optical network units simultaneously, rather than requiring individual protection links for each unit. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system cost while maintaining service continuity.

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

3Reliability

If wireless communication system is integrated for protection, then service continuity is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice continuityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary configuration where the base station and communication service switch device are pre-configured with switching protocols. When fiber failure occurs, the switch device automatically detects the failure and initiates the switching process without requiring complex real-time decision-making or manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The communication service switch device performs self-service by automatically detecting optical fiber failures through detection modules and initiating the switching process to wireless backup path without external control. This automation reduces operational complexity while ensuring continuous service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP1933477B1A optical fiber access network and a communication protection method thereof
Publication Date: 2012.10.10 CHINA MOBILE COMM GRP CO LTD
  • EP1933477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1933477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1933477B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an optical fiber access network and a communication protection method thereof. The optical fiber access network comprises an optical fiber communication system, a wireless communication system, a communication service switch device (8), a second optical network unit (6) and protection optical fiber (91,92). The protection optical fiber (91,92) is used to protect the optical fiber line between the optical line terminal (1) and the optical branching divider (2) in the optical fiber communication system. At the same time, the wireless communication system is introduced to protect the optical fiber between the optical branching divider (2) and the optical network unit (3) in the optical fiber communication system. The protection optical fiber or the wireless communication system is used to protect the communication service respectively when there is a broken failure between the optical line terminal (1) and the optical network unit (3) in the optical fiber communication system. This invention overcomes the limit of the resource, such as pipe, cable, and so on. It can protect communication service of the optical fiber communication system efficiently, and improve the bandwidth utility of the communication system.