Remote Node Powered by Copper Ringer Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Copper access networks, used for DSL services, face limitations in providing consistent high-speed data services due to their design, and powering remote nodes in hybrid fibre-copper networks poses safety and cost risks, especially when not all customers are providing power.
Innovation Solution
A remote node is powered using the conventional ringing signal from the copper access network, leveraging existing infrastructure and safety familiarity of linesmen, without incurring additional costs or safety risks, by rectifying and smoothing the 75V AC ringer current to supply power to the node's components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If main electricity connection is provided to power remote nodes, then power supply reliability is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The remote node powers itself by harvesting energy from the ringing signal already present in the copper access network. The node includes a power harvesting circuit that converts the ringing signal energy into usable power, eliminating the need for external power connections or dedicated power infrastructure at the remote node location.
2Reliability
If power cables are provided in ducts from exchange buildings, then power supply stability is improved, but safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The remote node harvests power from the existing ringing signal in the copper network rather than requiring separate power cables. This eliminates the safety hazards associated with high-voltage power cables in communication ducts while maintaining continuous power supply through the already-present electrical signal.
3Use of energy by moving object
If customer premises power the remote node, then power supply is achieved, but maintenance capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ringing signal serves dual functions: it provides power to the remote node through energy harvesting and simultaneously enables testing and maintenance. Since the ringing signal is already present in the network for normal operation, technicians can use standard testing equipment to verify node functionality without requiring separate power testing procedures.
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 method allows for cost-effective and safe powering of remote nodes, enabling consistent service delivery without additional infrastructure costs and ensuring continuous power supply without interfering with customer calls, as the ringing signal can be continuously applied using a network management system.
Implementation Method 1
by rectifying and smoothing the 75V AC ringer current to supply power to the node's components
Implementation Method 2
the remote node is powered by the ringing signal
Data Source
AI summary
The present exemplary embodiment relates to a remote powered node for a hybrid fiber-copper network. The node may be powered using the dormant copper pair(s) linking the node to the telephone exchange to carry a ringer current. The ringer current can be controlled to power all the electrical load of the node. Alternatively, the ringer current may power all of the components common to all customers served by the node, with the customers feeding power to their customer specific components via a UTP cable.