Wall-Mountable ONT Integrating Fiber and Copper
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches to delivering GPON technology in office/warehouse spaces face limitations such as the need for adapters with battery backup, vulnerability of desk-mounted ONTs, and aesthetic and cost barriers, as well as the unprotected copper loops in Active Ethernet solutions.
Innovation Solution
A wall-mountable optical network terminal (ONT) system that integrates optical-electrical data modules, PON controllers, and transceivers within a hybrid cable routed through the wall, eliminating the need for separate power adapters and battery backups, and providing protection for the copper loop to the user's cubicle/wall plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If GPON technology is delivered using conventional wall boxes with adapters and battery backup, then network power can be delivered, but the device complexity and cost increase due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ONT, optical-electrical data module, and power delivery components into a single integrated wall-mountable unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate adapters and battery backups, reducing device complexity while maintaining network power delivery capability through unified design
2Ease of operation
If desk-mounted ONTs are used, then installation is simple, but the ONTs are vulnerable to being powered off by end users and placed in locations that violate thermal operating range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network terminal into two parts: a protected wall-mounted ONT unit that remains fixed and secure, and a removable faceplate that users can access. This segmentation protects the main ONT from user misuse while allowing controlled access through the detachable faceplate component
Solution Approach 2:
The wall box enclosure acts as an intermediary protective structure between the ONT and the user environment. It provides thermal management, physical protection, and controlled access, mediating between the need for user accessibility and the need to protect the ONT from misuse and environmental violations
3Productivity
If Active Ethernet copper wire-based solution is used, then data and PoE can be delivered, but the copper loops are unprotected and aesthetic barriers exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the copper Ethernet connectivity within the protected wall-mountable ONT enclosure. The copper loops are contained and protected inside the wall box structure, eliminating exposure to environmental factors while maintaining data and PoE delivery capabilities through the integrated design
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional wall boxes are used for GPON, then network terminals can be housed, but aesthetic barriers and cost barriers increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal wall-mountable ONT unit that can be adapted to different wall box configurations and aesthetic requirements. The standardized enclosure and faceplate design allow for multi-functional deployment across different environments, reducing customization costs while maintaining aesthetic compatibility with various interior designs
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 simplified installation, cost savings, and enhanced protection and reliability of network power delivery, matching the look and feel of Active Ethernet while integrating fiber and copper into a single cable, supporting multiple services and easy upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
An optical network terminal (ONT) is provided in the enclosure. The ONT comprises an optical-electrical (O-E) data module, and the O-E data module comprises an O-E converter.
Data Source
AI summary
A wall-mountable outlet comprising an enclosure and a faceplate mechanically coupled to the enclosure. An optical network terminal (ONT) is provided in the enclosure. In one example embodiment, the ONT comprises an optical-electrical (O-E) data module, and the O-E data module comprises an O-E converter. The O-E data module can further comprise a switch arranged to selectively couple at least one signal with the O-E converter. The O-E data module further can comprise a Passive Optical Network (PON) controller interposed between the O-E converter and the switch.