PON OLT ONU Layer 2 Management Channel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current PON management systems rely on layer 3 protocols, leading to high maintenance costs when layer 3 connections are disconnected, requiring on-site intervention by maintenance personnel.

Innovation Solution

Establishing a channel based on a layer 2 network protocol between the OLT and ONU using Gigabit Ethernet, allowing management instructions to be sent through an extended Ethernet OAM packet, enabling remote management even when layer 3 connections fail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If layer 3 protocol is used for ONU management, then management functionality is provided, but maintenance costs increase when layer 3 connection is disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a layer 2 channel as an intermediary communication path between OLT and ONU. When layer 3 connection fails, this layer 2 channel serves as a backup mediator to transmit management instructions, enabling remote maintenance without requiring on-site personnel intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a layer 2 management channel in advance as a cushioning mechanism. Before layer 3 connection failure occurs, the system prepares an alternative communication path that can immediately take over when the primary layer 3 connection fails, preventing maintenance cost increases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Ease of operation

If layer 3 protocol is used for ONU management, then management instructions can be sent, but on-site intervention is required when connection fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote managementVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The layer 2 channel acts as an intermediary that enables continuous remote management operations even when layer 3 connection is disrupted. Maintenance personnel can send management instructions through this alternative path without needing to travel to the site, eliminating time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If layer 2 channel is established for management, then remote management is enabled, but additional communication channel is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance capabilityVSAvoidchannel structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The layer 2 channel serves multiple functions: it acts as both a data transmission path and a management instruction path. By making the communication infrastructure multi-functional, the patent enables remote maintenance capability without requiring separate dedicated management channels, thus not increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10084894B2Method, apparatus, and system for managing terminal device in passive optical network

Publication Date: 2018.09.25 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

The present invention provides a method for managing a terminal device in a PON network. When a layer 3 network between an OLT and an ONU is disconnected, a layer 2 channel is established between the OLT and the ONU by extending an OAM protocol, and the ONU is managed by using the layer 2 channel. In this way, maintenance personnel do not need to go to a site to perform commissioning, and therefore, maintenance costs can be reduced.