Single Line Converter Module for FTTdp Network Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FTTdp network architectures are not easily upgradable, and upgrading one customer premise for FTTH connectivity can adversely affect other premises, while also requiring physical access for fiber installation, which is often undesirable.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of single line converter modules that perform optical-to-electrical conversion for individual copper pairs, allowing for easy upgrade and operation without affecting other customer premises, using environmentally hardened connectors and active circuitry for O/E conversion, and enabling flexible deployment and upgrade of transmission technologies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional FTTdp network architecture is used, then existing copper pairs can be utilized for broadband service, but the system is not easily upgradable and upgrading one customer premise adversely affects other premises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional multi-line ONU into separate single-line converter modules, each handling one copper pair independently. This segmentation allows individual modules to be upgraded or replaced without affecting other customer premises connected to the same ONU, thereby improving upgradability while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic configurability where converter modules can be selectively activated or deactivated based on upgrade status. The system can dynamically switch between copper-based and fiber-based connections, allowing flexible adaptation to different customer needs and upgrade scenarios without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire network
2Productivity
If FTTH is implemented for each customer, then broadband bandwidth is maximized, but physical access to customer's home is required for fiber installation and termination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces single-line converter modules as intermediary devices that bridge the fiber network and existing copper infrastructure. These modules can be installed at convenient locations such as street cabinets or utility poles rather than requiring direct access to customer premises, thereby maintaining high broadband capability while eliminating the need for physical access to install fiber termination at each customer's home
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the service delivery into separate converter modules that can be independently deployed, the system allows fiber infrastructure to be extended to distribution points without requiring direct fiber termination at each customer premises. This enables broadband service delivery through existing copper pairs while avoiding difficult physical access requirements
3Ease of manufacture
If FTTdp is used to share O/E conversion function among multiple copper pairs, then installation complexity is reduced, but upgrading individual customer premises becomes difficult and affects other services
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared O/E conversion function into separate converter modules, each dedicated to a specific copper pair. This maintains installation simplicity by using standardized modular units while enabling independent upgrades of individual customer premises without disrupting other services, as each module operates independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic management capabilities where converter modules can be individually configured, activated, or deactivated based on upgrade status. This allows the system to maintain simple installation procedures while providing easy upgrades through dynamic reconfiguration of individual modules without affecting other copper pairs or services
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 easy upgrade paths for individual customer premises to FTTH or different copper pair technologies, reducing the need for physical access and allowing parallel deployment of FTTdp and FTTH, with each single line converter module being removable and replaceable without affecting other services.
Implementation Method 1
an optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter located in the housing and configured to convert the downstream optical frames to an electrical signal for transmission over the metallic medium to the network terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A converter module comprises a housing; a fiber optic connector integrated with the housing, wherein the fiber optic connector is configured to mount directly to a fiber optic connector in a service terminal; a single electrical connector configured to couple to a metallic medium; and an optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter located in the housing and coupled to the fiber optic connector and the single electrical connector, the O/E converter configured to convert between optical frames communicated via the fiber optic connector and electrical signals communicated via the metallic medium.