PON Terminal Link Failure Detection via Broadcast Comparison

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Passive Optical Networks (PON), detecting link failures between Optical Line Termination (OLT) and Optical Network Units (ONU) is laborious and time-consuming, often requiring service interruptions to identify whether the issue is due to a jump fiber error or device malfunction, especially when pre-configured connection information is incorrect.

Innovation Solution

A method and system where a PON terminal device receives a broadcast message from the OLT carrying connection information, compares it with locally pre-configured information, and determines if the link has a failure by checking if the device is activated for the first time, simplifying the detection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional link failure detection methods are used in PON systems, then maintenance personnel can identify connection issues, but the detection process is laborious and time-consuming requiring service interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink failure detection efficiencyVSAvoiddetection time and service interruption duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The PON terminal device automatically performs link failure detection by receiving broadcast messages from the OLT, extracting connection information, comparing it with pre-configured information, and determining link status without requiring maintenance personnel intervention or service interruptions. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling rapid automated detection that eliminates both laborious manual processes and service interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Extent of automation

If pre-configured connection information is used for link detection, then the detection process can be automated, but the method requires that the locally pre-configured connection information be correct from the start

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic link failure detectionVSAvoiddetection accuracy when pre-configured information is incorrect
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the broadcast message from the OLT as feedback to verify the correctness of pre-configured connection information. When pre-configured information is incorrect, the comparison between broadcast and pre-configured information reveals the discrepancy, allowing the system to identify link failures even without correct initial configuration. This feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by enabling automated detection to remain reliable regardless of pre-configuration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If manual checking of the entire ODN is performed to identify link failures, then connection issues can be identified, but services must be interrupted and the process is laborious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelink failure identification accuracyVSAvoidmaintenance complexity and service impact
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential connection information from the broadcast message and compares it directly with pre-configured information at the PON terminal device. This extraction approach isolates the detection function from the need to manually check the entire ODN, enabling precise link failure identification without laborious manual procedures or service interruptions. The contradiction is resolved by extracting only the necessary information for detection rather than performing comprehensive manual checks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP2434666B1Method, device and system for detecting link failure
Publication Date: 2013.05.15 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP2434666B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2434666B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The present invention provides a method, an apparatus and a system for detecting a link failure. The method includes: receiving, by a PON terminal device, a broadcast message sent by an OLT, where the broadcast message carries connection information, including an identifier of a station where the OLT is located, an identifier of a frame position or a slot position where the OLT is located, and an identifier of a port which is connected to the PON terminal device and is on the OLT; and acquiring the connection information in the broadcast message, and judging whether the acquired connection information is consistent with pre-configured connection information; if the PON terminal device is not activated for the first time, determining that the link has a failure. The provided method is easy in operation, and is capable of detecting a failure in the link quickly.