Optical Transceiver Power Delivery Beyond PoE Distance Limits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Power over Ethernet (PoE) systems are limited in range to a few meters to about 100 meters and have a maximum power delivery capacity of approximately 100 Watts, which is inadequate for many classes of devices, and when longer distances or higher power delivery is needed, power must be supplied through local sources.
Innovation Solution
The integration of power delivery through an optical transceiver system using fiber cabling, allowing power to be supplied at greater distances (up to 10 km) and in larger quantities (up to several kilowatts), eliminating the need for local power distribution within data centers and enabling power delivery to network devices beyond the 100 m range of traditional PoE systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional PoE systems are used for power delivery, then power can be delivered over copper cables, but the delivery distance is limited to about 100 meters and power capacity is limited to approximately 100 Watts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical fiber cabling with electrical power delivery capabilities into a hybrid cable system. The optical fibers provide extended distance communication while electrical conductors within the same cable bundle deliver power at higher capacities (kilowatt range) over the extended optical distance, merging the advantages of both optical and electrical transmission media.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical-to-electrical conversion device as an intermediary component. This device receives optical signals carrying power information over fiber, converts them to electrical power, and delivers it to the endpoint. The intermediary enables power delivery over distances beyond conventional PoE limits by translating optical transmission benefits to electrical power delivery.
2Length of moving object
If fiber optic cables are used for extended distance communication, then distance limitation is removed, but power cannot be delivered through the fiber optic cable itself
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional cable system where the same cable infrastructure simultaneously provides both optical communication and electrical power delivery capabilities. The hybrid cable contains both optical fibers for data/communication and electrical conductors for power, making the single cable system universal for both functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite cable structure combining different materials and transmission media - optical fibers for light transmission and electrical conductors for power delivery - within a single integrated cable assembly. This composite approach allows both optical communication and electrical power delivery through one unified infrastructure.
3Power
If local power sources are installed in data rooms to provide adequate power, then power capacity is sufficient, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power delivery function from the communication infrastructure and delivers it through a separate but integrated electrical conductor system within the hybrid cable. This extraction allows power to be delivered through the existing cable routing without requiring additional local power distribution equipment in data rooms, simplifying the overall infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid cable system provides self-service by incorporating both communication and power delivery capabilities within the same cable infrastructure. The cable itself carries both data and power to the endpoint without requiring external power sources or complex distribution equipment at remote locations, making the system self-sufficient.
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 solution enables extended power delivery to network devices, supporting up to 10 km reach and several kilowatts, allowing equipment to be powered from a building entrance point, reducing the need for electrical distribution equipment in data rooms and enabling IoT applications like fog computing.
Implementation Method 1
provide optical to electrical media conversion for data transmitted from the power insertion device to an end device
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment, a method includes receiving power delivered over a data fiber cable (18) at an optical transceiver (16) installed at a network communications device (14, 15) and transmitting data and the power from the optical transceiver (13) to the network communications device (14, 15). The network communications device (14, 15) is powered by the power received from the optical transceiver (16). An apparatus is also disclosed herein.