Variable Ratio Coupler Split Ratio Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high upfront costs of installing fiber optic networks, particularly in rural areas with low population density, due to the need for expensive hardware to support potential subscribers before they actually connect.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a variable ratio coupler (VRC) in optical network units (ONUs) at subscriber locations, which allows for automatic adjustment of optical power split ratios, enabling efficient distribution of optical signals and reducing the need for upfront equipment installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If expensive hardware is installed upfront to support potential subscribers in rural areas, then network coverage capability is improved, but initial capital expenditure increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic split ratio adjustment in optical network units, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on actual subscriber connections. The split ratio can be changed from a fixed initial value to different values as subscribers are added, enabling the network to efficiently serve varying numbers of users without requiring predetermined hardware installation for all potential locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameter of the optical network unit from a fixed split ratio to a variable split ratio that can be remotely configured. This parameter change allows the same physical hardware to serve different network configurations, reducing the need for additional hardware installations as subscribers are added to rural areas.
2Device complexity
If fixed split ratio optical network units are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but network flexibility and adaptability to different subscriber configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for physical reconfiguration or multiple fixed-configuration units with a remote control system that adjusts the split ratio electronically. Instead of mechanically changing hardware configurations or installing different fixed units, the system uses remote signaling to dynamically adjust the optical split ratio, simplifying the physical device while increasing flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If equipment is installed at subscriber locations before subscribers connect, then network readiness is improved, but cost-effectiveness deteriorates due to unused infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary installation of optical network units at subscriber locations with default split ratio configurations that allow immediate operation. The units are pre-configured to work with typical network parameters, providing network readiness upon installation, while the ability to remotely adjust split ratios later allows optimization as actual usage patterns emerge, avoiding waste from overly aggressive pre-installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Fiber optic networks, optical network units, and methods of configuring a fiber optic network and an optical network unit using a variable ratio coupler are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fiber optic network includes a feeder optical cable. The first optical network unit and the second optical network unit each includes a variable ratio coupler operable to selectively set a split-ratio among a plurality of split-ratios, and a fiber optic transceiver module. The fiber optic network further includes a first drop cable optically coupling the first optical network unit to the feeder optical cable at a first position, and a second drop cable optically coupling the second optical network unit to the feeder optical cable at a second position. A first split-ratio of the first optical network unit is based on the first position and a second split-ratio of the second optical network unit is based on the second position.