PON Splitter Port Identification Using Wavelength-Tunable Reflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in passive optical networks (PON) is the inefficiency and difficulty in accurately identifying the port of a splitter connected to an optical network terminal (ONT) due to the large number of ONTs and splitters, which prolongs fault-locating processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize wavelength-tunable devices to transmit test light, reflect it off reflection components on splitter ports, and analyze the resulting reflection peaks to determine the corresponding ports based on their unique wavelengths, locations, and transmission information, eliminating the need for manual recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual recording of splitter ports connected to ONTs is used, then port identification can be performed, but the process takes a long period of time due to the large quantity of ONTs and splitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording operations with an automated optical detection system. A test light transmission device emits light through the optical network, and a detection device automatically measures reflection characteristics to identify splitter ports connected to ONTs, eliminating manual intervention and significantly reducing identification time while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables automatic self-identification of splitter ports through optical reflection characteristics. The detection device automatically analyzes the reflection peaks and wavelengths to determine which splitter ports are connected to ONTs without requiring manual recording or human intervention, allowing the system to self-determine the connections.
2Loss of information
If manual recording methods are used to identify splitter ports, then port information can be obtained, but the complexity of the process increases due to the need to distinguish among large quantities of ONTs and splitters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual identification processes with an automated optical detection system that uses light transmission and reflection characteristics to automatically determine splitter port connections, simplifying the overall process while ensuring complete port information is obtained.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes wavelength variations of test light as a natural identifier. Different splitter ports exhibit different reflection characteristics at different wavelengths, allowing the detection device to distinguish between ports based on their optical signatures, thereby simplifying the identification process without losing any port information.
3Productivity
If automated optical detection is implemented, then port identification efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for wavelength-tunable devices and reflection analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The detection device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can detect reflection peaks, analyze wavelength characteristics, determine splitter port connections, and identify ONT connections all through a single integrated system. This multi-functionality improves identification efficiency while managing device complexity by consolidating capabilities into one apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces test light as an intermediary medium to facilitate port identification. The wavelength-tunable test light acts as a mediator that interacts with the optical network components, allowing the detection device to indirectly measure and identify splitter port connections without requiring direct physical access or complex contact-based measurement systems.
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
This approach significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of port identification in PONs by automating the process, reducing the time required to identify splitter ports connected to ONTs.
Implementation Method 1
Reflection components are disposed on ports of the at least one level of splitter. Wavelengths of test light reflected by reflection components of different ports of a same splitter are different.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a port identification method. The method includes: obtaining reflection information of reflection peaks formed by each ONT by separately reflecting test light when the test light provided by a wavelength-tunable device is transmitted in the PON; determining, based on the reflection information of the reflection peaks, a port of a splitter corresponding to each reflection peak group, where each reflection peak group includes reflection peaks formed by a same ONT by reflecting the test light; and determining, based on first transmission information of at least one reflection peak in each reflection peak group, the port of the splitter corresponding to each reflection peak group, and second transmission information between each ONT and an OLT, a port corresponding to each ONT in the splitter. According to this application, port identification efficiency can be improved.