Simulated Signal Light Generation for PON Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

In passive optical networks (PON), verifying and evaluating communication systems is labor-intensive and limited to locations where optical fibers can be connected, requiring multiple devices and service contracts to simulate desired service usage states for uplink signal monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A simulated signal light generation apparatus that generates and transmits uplink signal frames according to desired service usage states without an optical network unit (ONU) or optical line terminal (OLT), using a usage state control unit, signal generation unit, and electrical/optical conversion unit to produce and repeatedly transmit optical signals along the optical fiber core.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If actual ONU and OLT devices are used to simulate service usage states, then accurate communication verification can be performed, but the system complexity increases and verification locations are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidnumber of devices required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy of the ONU's uplink signal generation function using a signal generation unit that produces predetermined uplink signal frames without requiring actual ONU and OLT devices. This copying approach maintains verification accuracy while eliminating the need for complex device setups

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The simulated signal light generation apparatus integrates multiple functions into a single device: it generates uplink signal frames, converts them to optical signals, and transmits them through optical fibers. This multi-functional design replaces multiple specialized devices (ONU, OLT, signal generators) with one universal apparatus

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If actual ONU and OLT devices are connected to simulate service usage states, then accurate communication verification can be performed, but the verification process becomes labor intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveverification accuracyVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus pre-configures uplink signal frames with predetermined data patterns and service usage state information before transmission. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site device configuration and service contract setup, significantly reducing verification setup time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The signal generation unit automatically creates and transmits uplink signals with embedded service usage state information without requiring external control from actual ONU or OLT devices. The system serves itself by generating all necessary verification signals internally

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If actual ONU and OLT devices are used for verification, then service usage state simulation is possible, but verification is limited to locations with optical fiber connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice usage state simulationVSAvoidverification accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus uses an optical fiber connection as an intermediary medium to transmit simulated uplink signals from the signal generation unit to the optical line termination device. This intermediary approach allows verification at any location with optical fiber access without requiring actual ONU devices, improving accessibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the simulation of uplink signal lights matching desired service usage states without the need for actual ONUs and OLTs, allowing for inspection, verification, and operator training at any location, reducing the complexity and geographical limitations of the verification process.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical/optical conversion unit configured to convert an electrical signal from the signal generation unit into an optical signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical/optical conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS11575981B2Simulation signal light generation device and simulation signal light generation method

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 NIPPON TELEGRAPH & TELEPHONE CORP

AI summary

The present disclosure intends to provide an optical signal from an ONU according to a desired service usage state without using the ONU and an OLT. A simulated signal light generation apparatus 10 according to the present disclosure is a simulated signal light generation apparatus 10 for simulating an uplink signal light generated in an optical network unit (ONU) in a passive optical network (PON), and the apparatus includes a usage state control unit 11 that sets a service usage state of the ONU, a signal generation unit 12 that generates an uplink signal frame according to the usage state set by the usage state control unit 11, and an electrical/optical conversion unit 13 that converts an electrical signal from the signal generation unit 12 into an optical signal, and the optical signal from the electrical/optical conversion unit 13 is repeatedly transmitted to an optical fiber core 22.