PON Transceiver DSP Link Quality Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network analyzers for passive optical networks (PONs) are costly and have limited analyzing capabilities, failing to effectively monitor and address transceiver malfunctions and performance degradations in Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) and Optical Network Units (ONUs).

Innovation Solution

A network analyzer that retrieves histogram values from PON transceivers using Digital Signal Processing (DSP) units, calculates link quality parameters, stores and compares them with predefined thresholds, and takes corrective actions to detect and mitigate degradations, utilizing cloud technology and AI for self-learning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If existing network analyzers are used to monitor PON transceivers, then temperature, drive voltages and output power can be monitored, but the analyzing capabilities are limited and the cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalyzing capabilitiesVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the analysis capability from expensive external network analyzers and implements it within the PON transceiver itself using DSP units. The transceiver retrieves histogram values from its own DSP units and performs link quality parameter calculations internally, eliminating the need for costly external analysis equipment while maintaining comprehensive monitoring capabilities including temperature, drive voltages, output power, and newly added link quality parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If existing network analyzers monitor only few features like temperature, drive voltages and output power, then the device complexity is low, but the analyzing capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidanalyzing capabilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the PON transceiver multi-functional by enabling it to perform both transmission functions and comprehensive link quality analysis functions. The transceiver uses its DSP units to retrieve histogram values and calculate multiple link quality parameters (Q-factor, OMA, ER, TDEC) in addition to monitoring traditional parameters like temperature and drive voltages. This universal approach allows a single device to perform multiple monitoring and analysis functions without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If comprehensive link quality parameter analysis is implemented in PON transceivers, then detection speed and accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the PON transceiver to autonomously perform comprehensive link quality analysis using its own DSP units. The transceiver retrieves histogram values from its internal DSP, calculates link quality parameters (Q-factor, OMA, ER, TDEC) without external assistance, compares them against thresholds, and triggers alarms or corrective actions independently. This self-service capability provides accurate detection while avoiding the need for complex external analysis equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4531304A1Method and apparatus for DSP-based parameter analysis in passive optical networks
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY
  • EP4531304A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4531304A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4531304A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Exemplary embodiments relate to a network analyzer (100). The network analyzer (100) comprises means for retrieving histogram values from DSP units (101) of PON transceivers (102) during an operational state of the one or more PON transceivers (102). The network analyzer (100) further comprises means for calculating one or more link quality parameters, means for storing the one or more calculated link quality parameters, means for comparing the one or more calculated link quality parameters with respective one or more previously determined link quality parameters and means for detecting a degradation of one or more of the one or more link quality parameters. Exemplary embodiments relate to an associated method and to an associated computer-readable storage medium.