Optical Splitter Segmentation for Fiber User Density
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical network deployment methods fail to efficiently utilize congested ducts, limiting the number of optical fibers that can be laid and thus the number of users that can be connected, especially in infrastructure built for other types of cables.
Innovation Solution
The method involves interrupting optical fibers at branch points to split signals, allowing multiple users to be connected using a reduced number of fibers by re-injecting split signals into the same fiber or idle fibers downstream, utilizing optical splitters to distribute signals to multiple users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a reduced number of optical fibers is used in congested ducts, then fiber deployment becomes feasible in limited physical space, but the number of users that can be connected is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber is segmented at branch points to create multiple fiber segments that can be independently routed to different users. This segmentation allows a single fiber to serve multiple users by creating distribution points along the fiber path, effectively increasing the number of connectable users without requiring additional fibers in the congested duct.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical splitters are introduced as intermediary devices at branch points to divide the optical signal from a single fiber into multiple signals that can be routed to different users. This intermediary component enables one fiber to communicate with multiple users simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between limited fiber count and the need to connect more users.
2Quantity of substance
If optical fibers are interrupted at branch points to connect multiple users, then more users can be served with fewer fibers, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Optical splitters are pre-installed at branch points during the initial fiber deployment, creating a passive optical network infrastructure that can accommodate future users without requiring active intervention or complex switching equipment. This preliminary setup simplifies the overall system by using passive components rather than active electronic switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical splitter automatically divides the incoming optical signal into multiple output signals based on its fixed splitting ratio, requiring no external control or power supply. This self-service characteristic reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for controlled switching mechanisms, power supplies, or complex control systems that would be required for active optical switches.
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 the connection of a high number of users with a reduced number of optical fibers, maximizing fiber efficiency and accommodating a larger user base within limited physical space.
Implementation Method 1
providing an optical splitter at the branch point which comprises an input and at least two outputs; coupling the first corresponding optical fiber segment to the input of the optical splitter provided at the branch point; coupling a first output of the optical splitter with at least one user
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for connecting a number of users with at least one signal bearing optical fiber (1101÷z; 2101÷5) contained in an optical cable (105; 205) is proposed. The method comprises the following steps: a) interrupting said signal bearing optical fiber (1101÷z; 2101÷5) at a first branch point (115x|1; 215p1÷5), obtaining a first optical fiber segment (110x|1; 210i1÷5) upstream of said branch point (115x|1; 215p1÷5) and a second optical fiber segment (110x|2) downstream of said branch point (115x|1; 215p1÷5); b) providing an optical splitter (120x|1; 220p1÷5) at the branch point (115x|1; 215p1÷5), the optical splitter (120x|1; 220p1÷5) comprising an input and two outputs; c) coupling the first optical fiber segment (110x|1; 210i1÷5) with the input of the optical splitter (120x|1; 220p1÷5); d) coupling a first output of the optical splitter (120x|1; 220p1÷5) with a first user; e) coupling a second output of the optical splitter (120x|1; 220p1÷5) with a downstream optical fiber segment (110x|1; 2106÷8|1÷5) of an interrupted optical fiber (110x; 2106÷8)contained in the optical cable (105; 205), and f) coupling said downstream optical fiber segment (110x|1; 2106÷8|1÷5) with at least one further user at a further branch point (215s1÷5|a÷c) downstream said first branch point (115x|1; 215p1÷5).