Passive Optical LAN for Cruise Ships
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ship communication networks based on active switches occupy valuable space, consume excessive power, are heavy, prone to maintenance issues, and require frequent updates due to obsolescence, limiting their performance and reliability, especially in high-demand environments like cruise ships.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Passive Optical LAN (POL) network with a radial or star-type structure using broadband optic fibre GPON technology, replacing intermediate active switches with passive optical splitters, and utilizing OLT and ONT apparatuses to distribute signals over optic fibre, reducing the need for copper wires and electricity supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If traditional active switches and copper wire network are used, then the communication network can be established, but the space occupation is excessive and valuable shipboard space is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional active electronic switching system with a passive optical network. Specifically, active switches powered by electricity are substituted with passive optical splitters that distribute optical signals without requiring power, thereby eliminating the need for large IDF cabinets and reducing space occupation while maintaining network functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the active switching components (IDF cabinets, active switches, power supplies) from the network architecture. By taking out these space-consuming elements and replacing them with passive optical infrastructure, the system achieves significant space reduction while preserving communication reliability through the robustness of passive optical components
2Ease of manufacture
If active switches are installed in dedicated technical rooms, then the network can be properly maintained, but the installation complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex active electronic switching infrastructure with a simplified passive optical network. By substituting active switches that require power, cooling, and dedicated technical rooms with passive optical splitters that can be installed in standard cable access points, the system dramatically reduces installation complexity and eliminates the need for specialized maintenance facilities
Solution Approach 2:
The passive optical network infrastructure is designed to be universally installable in standard cable access points rather than requiring dedicated technical rooms. This multi-functional approach allows the same infrastructure to serve communication needs while utilizing existing shipboard structures, thereby simplifying installation and reducing the need for specialized maintenance spaces
3Use of energy by moving object
If active switches are used to power PoE devices, then the devices can operate, but the power consumption is excessive and electricity is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the active switching system that consumes significant electrical power with a passive optical network. By substituting electrically-powered active switches with passive optical splitters, the system eliminates the continuous power consumption associated with active electronics while maintaining device operation through alternative power delivery methods or local power sources
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the limitation of passive components (inability to actively manage power) into a benefit by eliminating the harmful effect of continuous power consumption and heat generation. The passive optical network removes the source of electricity waste while maintaining operational reliability through the inherent robustness of passive optical infrastructure and selective power delivery only when needed
4Weight of moving object
If active switches are deployed throughout the ship, then comprehensive coverage is achieved, but the weight on board increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy active switching equipment with lightweight passive optical infrastructure. By substituting electrically-powered active switches that require substantial cooling and housing with passive optical splitters, the system dramatically reduces onboard weight while extending coverage area through the high-bandwidth optical infrastructure that can serve more endpoints with less physical infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The passive optical network is segmented into multiple optical network units (ONUs) distributed throughout the ship, each serving local areas. This segmentation allows comprehensive coverage to be achieved through distributed lightweight units rather than集中式 heavy active switches, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining or expanding coverage area
5Object-affected harmful factors
If copper wires are used for distribution, then the network can be established, but the fire load increases and safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper wire infrastructure with optical fiber cabling. By substituting electrically-conductive copper wires that contribute to fire load and electromagnetic interference with non-conductive optical fibers, the system eliminates the fire hazard associated with extensive copper wiring while maintaining network reliability through the inherent safety and robustness of optical communication
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs optical fiber composite materials that combine high-bandwidth communication capabilities with inherent fire safety properties. By using glass or plastic optical fibers instead of copper conductors, the system achieves a material substitution that simultaneously improves fire safety by removing combustible metallic wiring while maintaining or enhancing communication reliability through the superior properties of optical materials
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
The POL network significantly reduces space and power consumption, enhances reliability, simplifies maintenance, and supports high-bandwidth applications without distance limitations, offering a more sustainable and cost-effective solution with reduced weight and electromagnetic interference sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
the data transmission network (10) is a transmission network POL (Passive Optical LAN) made using the technology of broadband optic fibre networks GPON
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to a ship, in particular a cruise ship, with integrated communication network on board (2) which connects one or more data processing centres (100a, 100b) to a plurality of users (110) by means of a data transmission network (10). According to the invention the data transmission network (10) is a passive optical network.