Touchless Fiber Network Apical Conduit Service Switching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for switching between different fiber services in passive optical networks (PON) communications systems are costly and inefficient, requiring excavation and laying of new fiber lines, which is time-consuming and impractical for customer premises changes or service provider transitions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a PON communications system using an apical conduit system, where optical fiber lines are routed through channels in roadways and connected via fiber distribution hubs and network access points, allowing for decoupling and recoupling of fiber lines without physical excavation, using devices like the 'red box device' for seamless service changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If excavation and laying of new fiber lines is performed for service switching, then service provider transitions are enabled, but installation time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-installing access slots and fiber distribution infrastructure during initial deployment. This allows service providers to switch between fiber lines without excavation, as the infrastructure is already in place to support multiple service providers. The access slots are prepared in advance to receive different fiber lines, enabling quick service transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the fiber distribution system into separate access slots within distribution hubs, allowing each service provider to have dedicated fiber lines routed through specific slots. This segmentation enables independent service provider transitions without affecting other providers' infrastructure, reducing overall installation time when switching providers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If excavation and laying of new fiber lines is performed for service switching, then service provider transitions are enabled, but installation cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces installation cost by performing preliminary actions during initial infrastructure deployment. Access slots, distribution hubs, and routing structures are installed once during initial construction, eliminating the need for repeated excavation when switching service providers. This preliminary investment creates long-term cost savings for future service transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal infrastructure that serves multiple service providers simultaneously through shared access slots and distribution hubs. The same physical infrastructure supports multiple providers, eliminating the need for separate excavation for each provider transition. This multi-functionality reduces per-provider installation costs while maintaining full adaptability.
3Reliability
If traditional fiber line installation methods are used, then reliable fiber connections are established, but the process is impractical for customer premises changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fiber connection system into modular access slots and distribution points, allowing individual connections to be changed without affecting the overall system integrity. Each access slot provides a reliable, dedicated connection point that can be independently reconfigured for customer premises changes while maintaining system-wide reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces distribution hubs and access slots as intermediary components between the fiber network and customer premises. These intermediaries provide stable, reliable connection points that facilitate easy reconfiguration for premises changes without requiring direct excavation to customer locations. The intermediaries maintain connection reliability while enabling operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing point-to-point fiber insertion within a passive optical network (“PON”) communications system. The PON communications system, associated with a first service provider or a first service, might include an F1 line(s) routed from a central office or DSLAM to a fiber distribution hub (“FDH”) located within a block or neighborhood of customer premises, via at least an apical conduit source slot, an F2 line(s) routed via various apical conduit components to a network access point (“NAP”) servicing customer premises, and an F3 line(s) distributed, at the NAP and from the F2 Line(s), to a network interface device or optical network terminal at each customer premises via various apical conduit components (e.g., in roadway surfaces). Point-to-point fiber insertion of another F1 line(s), associated with a second service provider or a second service, at either the NAP or the FDH (or outside these devices).