Reverse Power Feeding Access Node for Broadband Service Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for upgrading subscribers from legacy communication services to new broadband communication services over copper plants face challenges such as the lack of power at the Distribution Point Unit (DPU) during the initial switch and conflicts with Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) when inserting DC power, requiring human intervention and prolonged times to accumulate sufficient energy to switch the bypass relay.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) that transmits a sequence of command signals over the copper pair to accumulate electrical charge and detect a valid signal, allowing the DPU to switch to a new state for reverse power feeding, ensuring seamless transition without human interaction, even in the presence of POTS, by using AC carriers in unused frequency bands to avoid disrupting legacy services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If DC power is inserted on the copper pair by PSE to power the DPU, then the DPU can be powered for switching the bypass relay, but this conflicts with the DC power source from LEX when POTS service is present
Solution Approach 1:
The PSE transmits command signals in a periodic sequence (first command signal, second command signal, third command signal) to accumulate electrical charge at the DPU. This periodic action allows the DPU to gradually build up sufficient power to switch the bypass relay without requiring continuous high-power DC insertion that would conflict with POTS service.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary charging mechanism where the DPU accumulates electrical charge from multiple command signals before switching the bypass relay. This intermediary charging process allows power to be gathered without directly conflicting with the LEX DC power source, as the charging occurs through controlled signal transmission rather than direct DC power injection.
2Extent of automation
If the DPU waits to accumulate sufficient energy to switch the bypass relay, then the relay can be switched without human intervention, but this prolongs the time required for service upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The PSE transmits command signals in advance to accumulate electrical charge at the DPU before the bypass relay needs to be switched. This preliminary action of charging the DPU enables subsequent automated relay switching without human intervention, while the sequential signal transmission optimizes the charging speed to minimize time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous transmission of command signals (first, second, and third command signals in sequence) to continuously accumulate electrical charge at the DPU. This continuous useful action ensures that the charging process occurs without interruption, minimizing the time required to achieve sufficient energy for automated relay switching.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If AC carriers are used in unused frequency bands for command signals, then legacy services are not disrupted, but the system complexity increases for frequency band management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using specific unused frequency bands (such as 1300Hz and 2100Hz carriers) for command signal transmission while leaving other frequency bands available for legacy services. This localized frequency allocation ensures that command signals do not interfere with legacy services operating in different frequency ranges, while the system manages only the specific unused bands rather than the entire spectrum.
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
Enables zero-touch installation of new broadband communication services, ensuring minimal disruption to existing services and efficient power feeding to the DPU, allowing for the operation of new broadband services over copper plants with or without POTS, thereby facilitating smooth upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
operators are requesting methods to feed the DPU via Reverse Power Feeding (RPF). A Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) installed at the subscriber premises provides a DC current to power the DPU via the same copper pair as used for broadband communication.
Implementation Method 2
The PSE is powered by the AC mains of the household. A Power Supply Unit (PSU) inside the DPU converts the DC voltage supplied by the PSE, typically 57V minus the DC voltage drop caused by the DC resistance along the copper pair, to a number of lower DC voltages used inside the DPU
Implementation Method 3
by using AC carriers in unused frequency bands to avoid disrupting legacy services
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for provisioning a new broadband communication service (G.fast). In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the method comprises inserting an access node (100) along a subscriber loop (62), the access node including a bypass switch (150) for initially connecting a terminal segment (64) of the subscriber loop to a network segment (63) of the subscriber loop; operating a legacy communication service (POTS; VDSL2) over the subscriber loop; and connecting a PSE (200) for reverse power feeding of the access node and a new subscriber device (70) for operating the new broadband communication service to the terminal segment. The method further comprises, by the PSE, transmitting a sequence of successive command signals (AC_cmd_signals) over the terminal segment prior to the insertion of the power feeding signal; by the access node, accumulating an electrical charge from the command signals; by the access node and by means of the so accumulated electrical charge, detecting a valid command signal in the sequence of successive command signals, and thereupon configuring the bypass switch for connecting the terminal segment to a transceiver (120) adapted to operate the new broadband communication service and to a PSU (140) adapted to supply power to the access node from the power feeding signal; by the PSE, injecting the power feeding signal over the terminal segment for reverse power feeding of the access node; and operating the new broadband communication service over the terminal segment. The present invention also relates to an access node, to a PSE, and to a data communication system.