External Pass-Through Filter for RFoG Micronode Bandwidth Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber optic networks face challenges in upgrading subscriber premises to support additional high-bandwidth services without replacing existing RFoG micronodes, as 10 G PON networks require incompatible customer premise equipment and are costly to replace.
Innovation Solution
The use of an external pass-through filter mounted to an existing RFoG micronode, allowing connection of a PON micronode and filtering downstream and upstream signals to combine bandwidth, enabling support for both RFoG and PON communications over the same fiber optic infrastructure without replacing existing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If 10 G PON networks are deployed to provide high-bandwidth services, then bandwidth capacity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring incompatible customer premise equipment replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The network infrastructure is segmented into two separate optical path segments: one segment carries RFoG signals through the existing micronode to legacy CPE, while the other segment carries PON signals through the filter to new PON CPE. This segmentation allows both network types to coexist without requiring replacement of existing equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is designed with multi-functionality to handle both RFoG and PON wavelength ranges simultaneously. It provides separate optical ports for RFoG micronode connection and PON micronode connection, enabling a single device to support multiple network types and avoiding the need for separate filtering equipment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing RFoG micronodes are replaced with PON micronodes to support 10 G PON services, then service capability is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical filter is pre-configured with mounted optical connectors and wavelength-specific filtering circuits before deployment. Installers simply mount the pre-configured filter to the existing RFoG micronode and connect appropriate cables, eliminating the need for complex on-site configuration and equipment replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter acts as an intermediary device between the existing RFoG micronode and the new PON micronode. It mediates the coexistence of both network types by separating their wavelength ranges, allowing service capability expansion without direct replacement of existing infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate filtering equipment is deployed for each micronode to enable multi-service support, then service versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple filtering functions for different wavelength ranges (RFoG downstream at 1550nm, RFoG upstream at 1610nm, PON downstream at 1490nm, PON upstream at 1310nm) are merged into a single optical filter device. This consolidation reduces the number of separate equipment units needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical filter is designed as a universal device that handles multiple service types (RFoG and PON) through integrated wavelength-selective circuits. It provides a single platform that can support various services without requiring separate specialized filtering equipment for each service type.
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 solution provides increased bandwidth to subscriber premises by allowing simultaneous use of RFoG and PON networks, simplifying installations and avoiding the need for costly equipment replacements, while maintaining compatibility with existing customer premise equipment.
Implementation Method 1
The filter includes a first low pass wave division multiplexer, a second low pass wave division multiplexer and a notch wave division multiplexer
Data Source
AI summary
Assemblies include a micronode having an optical connector, a coaxial connector port and a housing that includes a plurality of mounting bores. The assembly further includes a filter having a housing that underlies the micronode housing, the filter housing including a plurality of mounting bores, the mounting bores of the filter housing aligning with the mounting bores of the micronode housing. The filter further includes a first optical connector configured to receive an optical drop cable, a second optical connector configured to receive an optical cable and an optical pigtail cord that is connected to the optical connector of the micronode.