Optical Path Protection for Distributed Antenna Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber breaks and degradation in distributed antenna systems (DAS) networks significantly impact availability, requiring redundant paths but posing challenges due to limited power and space at remote nodes, where active switching devices are often not feasible.
Innovation Solution
A system with a hub and remote nodes connected via primary and backup fiber paths, using optical combiners and splitters for passive path protection, allowing seamless switching between paths based on signal quality indicators without the need for active equipment at remote nodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If active switching devices are installed at remote nodes to enable fiber path switching, then network reliability is improved, but device complexity and power requirements at remote nodes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the active switching function from the remote node and relocates it to the hub. The remote node now only contains passive optical components (combiner and splitter), while the hub houses the active optical switch that performs path switching based on signal quality monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary monitoring mechanism where the remote node detects signal quality degradation and communicates this to the hub, which then executes the switching decision. This intermediary approach allows distributed monitoring while centralized control.
2Reliability
If redundant fiber paths are implemented to protect against fiber breaks, then network availability is improved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes preliminary protective measures by pre-configuring backup fiber paths and passive optical components (combiner and splitter) at the remote node before any failure occurs. When degradation is detected, the system can immediately switch to the pre-prepared backup path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating redundant fiber paths that are physically separated and protected against the same local damage events. The passive optical components are positioned to enable immediate switching to the backup path, cushioning the system against service interruptions.
3Device complexity
If passive optical components (combiner and splitter) are used at remote nodes, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform active path switching is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electronic active switching system at the remote node with a passive optical system using combiners and splitters. The switching function is achieved through optical path routing rather than active electronic switching, eliminating the need for power and control electronics at the remote node.
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
Enhances network availability by enabling efficient switching between primary and backup fiber paths, reducing downtime and resource requirements at remote nodes, thus maintaining high network reliability with minimal infrastructure and power needs.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one remote node is coupled to the downlink fiber of the primary fiber path and the downlink fiber of the backup fiber path via an optical combiner
Implementation Method 2
the at least one remote node is further coupled to the uplink fiber of the primary fiber path and the uplink fiber of the backup fiber path via an optical splitter
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for optical path protection for distributed antenna systems are provided. In one embodiment, a system comprises a hub and at least one node located remotely from the hub. The hub is coupled to the node by first and second fiber paths, the first fiber path comprising an uplink fiber and a downlink fiber, the second fiber path comprising an uplink fiber and a downlink fiber. The node is coupled to the downlink fibers of the first and second fiber paths via an optical combiner, and is further coupled to the uplink fibers of the first and second fiber paths via an optical splitter. The node further monitors a signal quality of a downlink optical signal and communicates to the hub information indicative of the signal quality. The hub switches communications between the hub and the node from the first to second fiber path based on the information.