Passive Optical Network Edge ONT Auto-Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The networking efficiency of passive optical networks (PON) is low due to the manual configuration of a large number of edge optical network terminals (ONTs), which complicates the networking process.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for PON that allows edge ONTs to automatically detect and configure their networking mode with the primary ONT using optical fiber, network cable, or wireless connection, enabling efficient configuration without manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual configuration is used for each edge ONT, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but networking efficiency deteriorates due to the large quantity of edge ONTs requiring configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetworking efficiencyVSAvoidmanual configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The edge ONT automatically detects the networking mode (first or second mode) and configures itself based on the detected mode and authentication result, eliminating the need for manual configuration. The system performs self-service by autonomously completing the configuration process through automatic mode detection, authentication with the OLT, and self-configuration according to pre-stored configuration information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automatic configuration is implemented, then networking efficiency improves, but system complexity increases due to automatic mode detection and authentication mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetworking efficiencyVSAvoidautomatic configuration system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration information is pre-stored in the edge ONT before deployment. When the edge ONT needs to be configured, it directly uses the pre-stored information after automatic authentication, avoiding complex real-time configuration processes. This preliminary preparation simplifies the actual configuration operation while maintaining automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Area of stationary object

If edge ONTs are deployed in large quantities, then network coverage improves, but configuration time increases due to each ONT requiring individual manual setup

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork coverageVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Each edge ONT independently performs automatic mode detection, authentication, and self-configuration without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability allows multiple edge ONTs to be deployed and configured simultaneously or sequentially without proportionally increasing configuration time, thus supporting large-scale deployment while maintaining efficient configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4216567B1Networking method and apparatus for passive optical network
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP4216567B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP4216567B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6
  • EP4216567B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

This application provides a networking method for a passive optical network, and an apparatus. The method belongs to the field of fiber-optic communication technologies. A PON includes a primary ONT and at least one edge ONT, and the at least one edge ONT includes a first edge ONT. The method includes: The first edge ONT detects a networking mode with the primary ONT (501); and when detecting that the networking mode is a first networking mode, the first edge ONT receives configuration content delivered by the primary ONT, and configures the first edge ONT based on the configuration content (502). Alternatively, when detecting that the networking mode is a second networking mode, the first edge ONT configures the first edge ONT as a bridge ONT of the primary ONT, or enters a sleep mode (503). According to this application, networking efficiency of the PON can be improved.