POE Adapters and Splitters for Optical Network Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing power to Network Utilities (NUs) in optical networks, such as Optical Network Units (ONUs) and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs), is challenging due to the lack of a power source proximity, requiring complex arrangements like backup batteries.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Power over Ethernet (POE) adapters and splitters to derive and convert AC power into DC signals, allowing for efficient power distribution to NUs without the need for alternate power sources like batteries, using POE adapters to derive AC power and data signals from subscriber devices and POE splitters to split and deliver DC signals to NUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power source is placed in proximity to NUs, then power provision becomes simple and convenient, but it requires additional infrastructure and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses existing communication cables (coaxial or fiber optic) as intermediaries to transmit power from a centralized power source to NUs. The power is converted to suitable voltage levels and injected into the communication infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power wiring while maintaining simplicity of power provision to end devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication cable infrastructure is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both data signals and power simultaneously. This universal use of the existing infrastructure eliminates the need for dedicated power wiring, reducing installation complexity while providing power directly to NUs where needed.
2Reliability
If alternate power arrangements like back-up batteries are provided, then power reliability is improved, but it requires special provisions for storing batteries and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery storage function from the NU location and centralizes power provision at the service provider's end. By removing batteries from subscriber premises and using centralized power injection through communication cables, the system maintains reliability while eliminating the complexity of local battery storage and management.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service power delivery where the communication infrastructure itself provides power to NUs without requiring external battery arrangements at each location. The power is automatically delivered through the existing cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for manual battery installation, monitoring, and replacement at subscriber premises.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power points are installed at subscriber premises, then power availability to NUs is improved, but it increases installation complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments power delivery into manageable voltage levels (e.g., 48V DC) that can be transmitted through existing communication cables. This segmentation of power voltage and transmission medium allows multiple NUs to be powered through the same infrastructure without requiring separate power points, reducing installation complexity while maintaining power availability.
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 simplifies power provision to NUs, eliminates the need for backup batteries, optimizes power usage in optical networks, reduces operational expenses, and minimizes the number of power points required at subscriber premises.
Implementation Method 1
one or more Power over Ethernet (POE) adapters operatively coupled to the plurality of devices of the subscribers. The one or more POE adapters are configured to derive AC power and data signals from the plurality of devices, and convert the derived AC power into DC signals
Implementation Method 2
a Power over Ethernet (POE) splitter operatively coupled to the one or more POE adapters. The POE splitter is configured to split the DC signals from the data signals, and feed the DC signals to the ONU for satisfying its power needs
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a device (1000) for providing power to one or more Optical Network Utilities (NUs) (1100) in an optical network (1300) used to provide communication to a plurality of devices (1400) of subscribers. The device (1000) includes one or more Power over Ethernet (POE) adapters (1200) operatively coupled to the subscriber devices. The POE adapters are configured to derive AC power and data signals from the plurality of devices, and convert the derived AC power into DC signals. Further, the device includes a Power over Ethernet (POE) splitter (1500) operatively coupled to the POE adapters. The POE splitter is configured to split the DC signals from the data signals, and feed the DC signals to the one or more NUs for satisfying their power needs.