Optical Indexing and Tapping Modules for Passive Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passive optical networks face challenges in efficiently managing optical signals without active electronic devices, particularly in distributing and tapping optical signals while maintaining network reliability and reducing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The integration of indexing and tapping modules that allow for the intermixing of optical signals, dropping only untapped signals at indexing modules, and ensuring consistent fiber positioning to maintain signal integrity across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive optical networks are used to deliver high bandwidth communication capabilities, then network complexity and cost are reduced and reliability is increased, but efficient management of optical signals becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The network is divided into discrete indexing modules and tapping modules that can be independently configured and managed. Each module handles specific functions (indexing or tapping) separately, making the overall signal management more manageable despite the passive network architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Indexing modules serve as intermediaries between the optical signal source and tapping modules. These modules organize and index optical signals before they reach tapping modules, simplifying the management of optical signals in passive networks by introducing structured intermediate processing.
2Productivity
If indexing modules drop only untapped optical signals, then signal distribution efficiency is improved, but fiber positioning consistency becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary indexing of optical signals at indexing modules before they reach tapping modules. This preliminary organization of signals ensures that when signals are later tapped, the fiber positioning and signal routing are already established, maintaining consistency while enabling efficient distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the optical domain, specifically changing the spatial arrangement and positioning parameters of fibers at indexing modules. By adjusting fiber positioning parameters systematically, the system maintains consistency in signal routing while enabling efficient dropping of untapped signals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tap modules carry optical signals through pass-through lines, then network adaptability is improved, but signal loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements partial tapping where only a portion of the optical signal is extracted at each tapping module, while the majority continues through pass-through lines. This partial action allows the network to be adaptable and versatile while minimizing signal loss by avoiding complete signal termination at each node.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where tapping modules are integrated within the flow of indexing modules. The pass-through lines are nested within the fiber architecture, allowing signals to be tapped at multiple levels without disrupting the overall signal flow, thus maintaining adaptability while reducing signal loss.
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 enables efficient signal distribution and tapping without signal loss, reducing network complexity and cost, while maintaining reliability by ensuring consistent fiber positioning and power management.
Implementation Method 1
Passive optical networks are a desirable choice for delivering high-speed communication data because they may not employ active electronic devices, such as amplifiers and repeaters, between a central office and a subscriber termination
Data Source
AI summary
Indexing modules and tapping modules that can be interconnected in one or more chains to form a network. The indexing modules each include at least one pass-through line that is not dropped or indexed at the indexing module. The tap modules each include a tap line and a pass-through line. Input and pass-through connection interfaces of the indexing and tapping modules are configured so that the tap line of the tap modules is connected only to the pass-through line of the indexing modules.