Passive Optical Network Authorization for Multi-Provider Billing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications networks are economically inefficient due to high costs and lack of scalability, with multiple providers serving few sites, and existing shared network arrangements lack secure remote monitoring and authorization mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A passive optical network system that connects multiple service providers' signals through a point of presence unit with optical switches and authorization receivers, using authorization codes to securely manage connections and disconnections, and provides detailed billing records.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple service providers build separate networks to deliver services, then service reliability and provider independence are improved, but capital costs and operating expenses increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple service providers' networks into a shared passive optical network infrastructure. Multiple providers can deliver their services over the same physical network, reducing redundant capital expenditures while maintaining service independence through logical separation and authorization mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive optical network is designed as a universal infrastructure that can support multiple service providers and various service types simultaneously. The network infrastructure serves multiple functions and multiple customers, eliminating the need for each provider to build separate dedicated networks.
2Quantity of substance
If service providers share a common network infrastructure to reduce costs, then capital expenses decrease, but network security and service authorization become more vulnerable to tampering and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback through real-time monitoring of network usage and authorization status. The network provider receives automated notifications of connection events and can verify authorization codes, enabling immediate detection and response to unauthorized access attempts while maintaining cost-effective shared infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authorization system that mediates between service providers and the shared network infrastructure. This intermediary layer verifies authorization codes and manages access rights, providing security without requiring each provider to maintain separate secure infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If manual switching devices are used to connect service feeds in shared networks, then device complexity is reduced, but the system becomes susceptible to tampering and lacks remote monitoring capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching devices with automated optical switching systems controlled by authorization codes. This substitution eliminates the need for physical manual operations while providing automated remote monitoring and control capabilities, improving both security and operational ease.
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
Reduces capital and operating costs by sharing network infrastructure, enhances security with real-time connection management, and provides accurate billing records for service providers.
Implementation Method 1
each authorization receiver comprising at least one optical switch
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing access to a passive optical network for services to homes or businesses from two or more telecommunications service providers and a billing means is described. A first service provider connects to a point of presence at one side of passive optical network. The provider transmits the appropriate services through this network to an authorization receiver. The authorization receiver is used to receive a periodic authorization code from the network provider to enable the appropriate services from the service provider to be transmitted to a subscriber at a home or business. The authorization receiver enables an optical fiber path to be established for the services to flow to and from the home or business. The authorization code that is transmitted through the network also provides an unambiguous means to provide a billing record such that the service provider can be billed by the network provider on an individual service address connected basis in conjunction with a record of houses passed and not yet connected.