PON Point-to-Point Channel Allocation Using Availability Signals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing point-to-point communication architectures in optical networks lack effective collision management, leading to potential data conflicts when multiple optical data packets attempt to access the same channel simultaneously, particularly in next-generation PON networks that integrate point-to-point channels.

Innovation Solution

A method for allocating point-to-point channels in optical communication networks by detecting a predetermined availability signal on existing channels, allowing for collision-free allocation by selecting an available channel based on communication quality criteria, reducing energy consumption, and ensuring compatibility with existing achromatic PON infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If point-to-point channels are introduced in PON networks to offer data rates exceeding 10 Gbit/s, then communication speed is improved, but collision management becomes problematic

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidcollision management
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by having optical terminations transmit availability signals before channel allocation occurs. User modules detect these signals in advance to identify available channels, and the network controller allocates channels based on this pre-information, preventing collisions before they occur rather than managing them after they happen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through the availability signals transmitted by optical terminations to user modules. These signals provide real-time information about channel availability status, allowing the system to adjust allocations dynamically and ensure that only available channels are assigned, thereby preventing data collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If multiple user modules share optical channels in PON architecture, then device complexity is reduced, but collision-free communication cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveequipment quantityVSAvoidcollision-free communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the optical channels into different types: shared channels for multiple users and dedicated point-to-point channels for single user. This segmentation allows the system to maintain the simplicity of shared architecture while providing collision-free communication paths when needed, effectively separating the conflicting requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different channel access characteristics to different user modules based on their specific needs. Some user modules can access shared channels with collision management, while others receive dedicated point-to-point channels with guaranteed collision-free communication, tailoring the quality of service locally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Measurement precision

If availability signals are transmitted on all point-to-point channels, then channel allocation accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel allocation accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by having optical terminations transmit availability signals only on channels that are actually available for allocation, rather than continuously monitoring or transmitting on all channels. This selective approach maintains allocation accuracy while reducing unnecessary energy consumption on occupied or unavailable channels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP3900239B1Method for allocating a point-to-point channel to a user module of an optical communication network, computer program product, storage medium and corresponding device
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ORANGE SA
  • EP3900239B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3900239B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3900239B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for allocating a point-to-point channel to a user module of an optical communication network, said network comprising user modules and optical terminations, and supporting point-to-multipoint channels and a plurality of point-to-point channels, a single point-to-point channel being allocated to a single optical termination. The method is implemented for a user module, referred to as the requester user module, and comprises the following steps: detecting (420) a predetermined availability signal carried by a point-to-point channel of the plurality of point-to-point channels; allocating (430), to the requester user module, the point-to-point channel on which the predetermined availability signal is carried, referred to as available point-to-point channel.