Subscriber-Powered Fiber Drop Site Using Combined Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of efficiently powering fiber optic network elements, such as ONUs and ONTs, within a short distance of subscriber premises is exacerbated by the need for separate power networks, increased voltage requirements, susceptibility to electrical surges, high installation and maintenance costs, and limitations of solar power, particularly in areas with reduced sunlight.
Innovation Solution
A system that combines electrical power and data communications over the same communication medium, using twisted wire pairs or coaxial cables, to power network elements like ONUs and ONTs, eliminating the need for separate power networks and reducing installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If fiber optic cable is brought within a short distance of subscriber location, then bandwidth capability is improved, but the burden of maintaining multiple optical to copper drop sites increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power delivery function with the existing communication medium (twisted wire pair or coaxial cable), merging two separate functions (power delivery and data communication) into a single infrastructure. This eliminates the need for separate power networks and reduces the complexity of maintaining multiple drop sites while preserving high bandwidth capability through fiber optic proximity.
2Reliability
If separate power networks are deployed to power drop sites, then power supply reliability is improved, but installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication medium (twisted wire pair or coaxial cable) serve multiple functions: both data communication and power delivery. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power infrastructure, reducing installation and maintenance costs while maintaining reliable power supply through the existing robust communication infrastructure.
3Speed
If optical fiber is used for communication, then bandwidth is improved, but the ability to carry electrical power deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses twisted wire pair or coaxial cable as an intermediary medium that bridges the fiber optic network and the subscriber premises. This intermediary carries both optical signals (for high bandwidth) and electrical power simultaneously, allowing the system to achieve both high bandwidth through fiber and power delivery through the electrical cable infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If solar photovoltaic energy is used to power drop sites, then independence from power grid is improved, but reliability in areas with reduced sunlight deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables subscriber terminals to power network elements using power drawn from the subscriber's own premises electrical infrastructure. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on external power grids or weather-dependent solar power, providing reliable operation regardless of sunlight conditions while maintaining independence through direct subscriber-powered operation.
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 approach enables cost-effective and maintainable power supply to fiber optic network elements, avoiding additional meter installations, reducing labor costs, and allowing subscriber self-installation, while ensuring continuous operation during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
A pair of twisted wires that is in electrical communication between the subscriber terminal and the network element serves as a medium for DC power transfer to the network element and for modem communications
Data Source
AI summary
A system for powering a network element of a fiber optic wide area network is disclosed. When communication data is transferred between a central office (CO) and a subscriber terminal using a network element to convert optical to electrical (O-E) and electrical to optical (E-O) signals between a fiber from the central office and twisted wire pair, coaxial cable or Ethernet cable transmission lines from the subscriber terminal, techniques related to local powering of a network element or drop site by the subscriber terminal or subscriber premise remote powering device are provided. Certain advantages and/or benefits are achieved using the present invention, such as freedom from any requirement for additional meter installations or meter connection charges and does not require a separate power network.