Optical Node Upstream Return Path for RFOG Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Radio Frequency Over Glass (RFOG) networks lack a mechanism for nodes to send upstream communications, including status information, to the central office, leading to reduced system availability and costly maintenance due to the absence of a return path for monitoring and management.
Innovation Solution
Nodes in the optical network combine upstream communications from subscriber devices with status information from the nodes themselves and transmit these combined signals as optical signals via fiber optic cables, effectively piggy-backing the node status information onto the existing upstream communication path used by subscriber devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If nodes in RFOG networks transmit upstream communications using existing infrastructure, then system complexity is reduced, but the ability to send node status information to the central office is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines node status information with subscriber upstream communications by merging them into a single composite signal. The node embeds its status information within the upstream communication stream that already carries subscriber data, allowing both types of information to be transmitted together over the same fiber optic cable without requiring separate infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The upstream communication channel is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it carries both subscriber device communications and node status information. This multi-functional approach allows the single communication path to fulfill both user data transmission and network monitoring roles, eliminating the need for dedicated status reporting infrastructure.
2Ease of manufacture
If RFOG networks use existing upstream communication paths, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but system availability for monitoring decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges node monitoring functionality with the existing upstream communication path. By embedding status information in the same communication stream that carries subscriber data, the system achieves both cost efficiency and monitoring capability without requiring separate infrastructure investments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously transmitting node status information upstream to the central office. This allows the network operator to receive real-time or near-real-time information about node health and performance, enabling proactive maintenance and improving overall system reliability while using existing infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If nodes piggy-back status information on subscriber communications, then additional infrastructure is avoided, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple information streams (subscriber communications and node status) into a single unified upstream signal. This merging approach avoids the need for separate physical infrastructure while the complexity of signal combination is managed through standardized embedding techniques at the node level.
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 remote monitoring and management of nodes, reducing maintenance costs and improving system availability by allowing for the transmission of critical status information without the need for additional infrastructure or upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical signals from the subscriber equipment may be used to modulate light generating devices, such as lasers, thereby converting the RF signal to an optical signal
Implementation Method 2
At the CPE or subscriber devices, the optical signals may be converted back to RF signals, e.g., using a photodiode
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques for providing a communication path for upstream communications originating from a node of an optical network. In particular, methods and devices are described for combining upstream communications originating from the node of the optical network with upstream communications originating from subscriber devices coupled to the node. The upstream communication originating from the node may, for example, include status information about the node. The upstream communication, which may include status information about the node, essentially piggy-backs onto upstream communication originating from the subscriber devices coupled to the node.