Terminal End Transceiver Switching Between Primary and Auxiliary Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fiber optic networks with near-surface cable routing are vulnerable to signal interruptions due to cable cuts, leading to increased service downtime and user dissatisfaction, particularly in nano-trenching methods which aim to improve efficiency and cost but may compromise reliability.
Innovation Solution
A terminal end transceiver with a switch device that automatically routes communication between a primary and an auxiliary communication path, creating a looped architecture with redundant paths to prevent interruptions and enhance reliability, utilizing optical and electronic switches to facilitate seamless signal transfer between paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nano-trenching is used for cable routing, then installation efficiency and cost are improved, but vulnerability to cable cuts and signal interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication path is segmented into multiple independent routes (primary and auxiliary paths). The cable system is divided into multiple distribution cables with separate physical routes, so that a cut in one segment does not affect the other segments, maintaining signal continuity through redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
Redundant auxiliary communication paths are prepared in advance before any cable cut occurs. The system pre-configures backup routes through nano-trenching, so when a cable interruption happens, the switch can immediately redirect traffic without service disruption, cushioning against the harmful effect of cable cuts
2Reliability
If redundant communication paths are implemented, then reliability and service continuity are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal end transceiver automatically performs monitoring and switching between primary and auxiliary paths without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The device self-manages the redundancy by detecting path failures and autonomously switching to backup routes, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining high reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring and switching functions are merged into the terminal end transceiver itself, eliminating the need for separate complex control devices. By combining these functions at the endpoint, the system achieves redundancy management with minimal additional complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are switch devices in terminal ends of a network and methods of using same. One embodiment relates to a terminal end of a network including a terminal end transceiver configured to communicate with one or more end user devices, and a switch device configured to automatically route communication at the terminal end transceiver between a primary communication path with a central office and an auxiliary communication path with the central office. Another embodiment relates to a method of switching between primary and auxiliary communication paths at a terminal end. Automatic switching is particularly applicable in a looped communication architecture with redundant communication paths for preventing interruption and increasing reliability for an improved user experience. Another embodiment relates to indexing with splices to reduce connections in a communication path and increase signal quality.