Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides communications services to Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) in a Passive Optical Network (PON) with at least two Optical Line Terminals (OLTs). The role of these OLTs is autonomously governed based on characteristics of upstream signals from the ONTs. When an OLT in a standby mode determines that upstream signal power is below a power threshold, the OLT in standby mode changes its mode and operates in the active mode. An OLT in active mode monitors the upstream signals and determines the number of upstream signals that are misaligned to a respective downstream command sent from the active OLT. When the number of misaligned signals is greater than a counts threshold, the active OLT switches its operation and operates in standby mode. Through autonomous operation, the OLTs provide redundancy for the PON without added control channel complexity.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical distribution networks and corresponding methods for providing physical-layer redundancy. Example embodiments include a head-end passive optical splitter-combiner (OSC) to split optical signals from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) onto primary and secondary optical paths for redundant distribution to optical network terminal(s) (ONTs), a passive access OSC for tapping the redundant signals, and an optical switch for selecting between the redundant signals and providing an ONT access to the selected signal. Example optical distribution networks and corresponding methods provide multiple drop points, a fully cyclical path, and autonomous protection switching, all at low cost. A further advantage of these networks and methods is that where faults may occur, maintenance may not be required for a certain time.

Abstract: Typical passive optical networks (PONs) employ several optical network terminals (ONTs) connected to an optical line terminal (OLT) via an optical splitter/combiner (OSC). Due to the passive nature of the OSC, determining a port assignment of an ONT may be difficult or impossible. Methods described herein provide for identifying a port in a passive optical network, optionally as corresponding to an ONT. A first subset of the ONTs is caused to transmit a first signal, such as a status signal, with a respective attribute having a first value, and a second subset of the ONTs is caused to transmit a second signal with the respective attribute having a second value. At the OSC, the signals are detected as a function of the attribute and the first and second values. Results of this detection are reported, from which an identification of a port and associated ONT can be determined.

Abstract: A network interface terminal (“NIT”) able to provide network service includes an intrusion shrapnel, elastic element, intrusion plate, and bolt is disclosed. The intrusion shrapnel, in one embodiment, has a cylindrical body with an opening through center of the cylindrical body. First and second discs are attached to each end of the cylindrical body. The elastic element, such as a spring, is situated between the first disc and a frame applying a force pulling the intrusion shrapnel in a disengaging direction. The intrusion plate which is electrically coupled to a PCB is situated adjacent to the second disc. The bolt having a helical ridge thread passes through the open of the cylindrical body and makes the second disc to electrically contact with the intrusion plate.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides communications services to Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) in a Passive Optical Network (PON) with at least two Optical Line Terminals (OLTs). The role of these OLTs is autonomously governed based on characteristics of upstream signals from the ONTs. When an OLT in a standby mode determines that upstream signal power is below a power threshold, the OLT in standby mode changes its mode and operates in the active mode. An OLT in active mode monitors the upstream signals and determines the number of upstream signals that are misaligned to a respective downstream command sent from the active OLT. When the number of misaligned signals is greater than a counts threshold, the active OLT switches its operation and operates in standby mode. Through autonomous operation, the OLTs provide redundancy for the PON without added control channel complexity.

Abstract: Typical passive optical networks (PONs) employ several optical network terminals (ONTs) connected to an optical line terminal (OLT) via an optical splitter/combiner (OSC). Due to the passive nature of the OSC, determining a port assignment of an ONT may be difficult or impossible. Methods described herein provide for identifying a port in a passive optical network, optionally as corresponding to an ONT. A first subset of the ONTs is caused to transmit a first signal, such as a status signal, with a respective attribute having a first value, and a second subset of the ONTs is caused to transmit a second signal with the respective attribute having a second value. At the OSC, the signals are detected as a function of the attribute and the first and second values. Results of this detection are reported, from which an identification of a port and associated ONT can be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are optical distribution networks and corresponding methods for providing physical-layer redundancy. Example embodiments include a head-end passive optical splitter-combiner (OSC) to split optical signals from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) onto primary and secondary optical paths for redundant distribution to optical network terminal(s) (ONTs), a passive access OSC for tapping the redundant signals, and an optical switch for selecting between the redundant signals and providing an ONT access to the selected signal. Example optical distribution networks and corresponding methods provide multiple drop points, a fully cyclical path, and autonomous protection switching, all at low cost. A further advantage of these networks and methods is that where faults may occur, maintenance may not be required for a certain time.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A media access control (MAC) layer address translation system is included in a fiber to the home (FTTH) system having a central office that interfaces a packet data network with a passive optical network (PON). The (MAC) layer address translation system includes a home network unit (HNU), a host system, and a MAC address table. The HNU is coupled to the PON and has an associated base MAC layer address and an associated secondary MAC layer address that identify the HNU within the PON. The host system is coupled in a network to the HNU and has an associated host MAC layer address that identifies the host system within the network. The MAC address table is stored in a memory device, and associates the host MAC layer address with the secondary MAC layer address.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and corresponding method for a cross connect panel that includes a circuit board, a trace, and a cross connect field of user-configurable assignment terminals. The circuit board is equipped with input and output connectors and a trace that is connected to a first subset of equipment terminals on the input and output connectors. The cross connect field allows a user to cross connect selectively a second subset of the equipment terminals on the input and output connectors. The input and output connectors may include wire wrap pins (e.g., pre-manufactured and connectorized by a machine). The input/output connectors may be connected to alarm generating and alarm monitoring/status transport devices. Employing an embodiment of the present invention increases reliability, reduces chances of miswiring, and decreases time/labor during system integration and diagnosis.

Abstract: An optical network system can be used to update legacy passive optical networks by adding an optical transmitter, blocking filter, and/or pluggable or unpluggable optics. In one embodiment, an optical network system, including several optical transmitters and receivers, multiplexers, demultiplexers, erbium-doped fiber amplifier, and blocking filter, may be employed. The additional transmitter increases available bandwidth, while the blocking filter allows existing customers' service(s) to not be impacted. Another embodiment uses pluggable or unpluggable optics, instead of the aforementioned blocking filter, to receive and modulate optical signals to transmit services to end users. In one embodiment, an optical network system can be employed that allows for simultaneous upgrading of the system and providing of legacy services, while allowing for the of removal existing optical network components over time.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated configuration system and method for electronics enclosures. The system receives user requirements generates a configuration including placement schedule, power usage schedules and heat flow schedules. Included as output of the system is a bill of materials, an equipment layout drawing and pricing based on predetermined material and labor pricing. Methods for generating a configuration are described that include iteratively repeating combinations of the steps of generating design rules, deriving a placement schedule, mapping the distribution of power usage within the enclosure and producing a heat flow analysis. Processes used to generate the configuration can be controlled by design rules derived from user requirements.

Abstract: A heat sink according to an embodiment of the present invention can be attached to any device without printed circuit board (PCB) modification. The heat sink may clamp on device edges, which does not stress solder balls between the device and heat sink. The heat sink may be configured to be installed to or removed from the device without special tools. The heat sink may be extruded, machined, or die cast aluminum or other material to reduce part and tooling cost, and may be black anodized to be electrically non-conductive. A single-piece embodiment eliminates a need for a separate clip, thereby increasing heat transfer by as much as twenty-five percent or more over heat sinks employing clips. Further, wavy fins or other heat dissipation configurations may increase heat transfer by at least eleven percent, for a total heat transfer improvement of at least thirty-six percent over a two-part heat sink.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for delivering communication services such as video, data and telephony services to individual residential units. According to one embodiment, an optical network terminal (ONT) for providing communication services to a single residential unit comprises a passive optical network interface (PI) circuit, a residential service interface (RSI) circuit, and a power unit. The PI circuit receives optical signals from an optical fiber and transmits optical signals onto the optical fiber. The PI circuit is adapted to convert received optical signals containing voice information to electrical voice ATM cells, received optical signals containing data information to electrical data ATM cells, and received optical signals containing video signals to electrical video signals. The PI circuit is also adapted to convert electrical voice ATM cells and electrical data ATM cells to optical signals for transmission over the optical fiber.

Abstract: A power supply detection circuit monitors an input voltage and generates a magnitude signal representative of a supply voltage magnitude. Timing signals are generated relative to a transient condition associated with connection to an input voltage. A data store receives timing signals and stores the magnitude signal at a timing interval so that the stored magnitude signal is representative of a predetermined power supply magnitude. The stored magnitude signal is used to automatically configure power protection circuitry and monitoring circuitry.

Abstract: A mechanical set of plates is able to simultaneously and quickly removably secure and remove one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) in an enclosure in one single motion, and act as a heat sink to conduct heat away from the PCBs. The PCBs are removably secured through a clamping mechanism that may be a screw type or cam lever action by clamping down on the exposed card edges, thus allowing thermal transfer to begin on all cards. The apparatus may be used with any enclosure requiring thermal transfer from PCBs to the enclosure, including cages and enclosures that may or may not use forced airflow (fans or blowers) for heat dissipation.

Abstract: A backplane in a power distribution shelf has power outputs connected to corresponding primary card slots and adjacent card slots. Power distribution cards are seated in the card slots. A maintenance card can be configured to selectively provide redundant power to the power outputs of a failed power distribution circuit card via an adjacent power distribution circuit card and a maintenance connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for delivering communication services such as video, data and telephony services to individual residential units. According to one embodiment, an optical network terminal (ONT) for providing communication services to a single residential unit comprises a passive optical network interface (PI) circuit, a residential service interface (RSI) circuit, and a power unit. The PI circuit receives optical signals from an optical fiber and transmits optical signals onto the optical fiber. The PI circuit is adapted to convert received optical signals containing voice information to electrical voice ATM cells, received optical signals containing data information to electrical data ATM cells, and received optical signals containing video signals to electrical video signals. The PI circuit is also adapted to convert electrical voice ATM cells and electrical data ATM cells to optical signals for transmission over the optical fiber.

Abstract: A downstream baseline optical signal generated by a baseline optical link is combined with a second optical signal generated by an additional optical link to generate a broadband optical signal. A fiber optic network splits the broadband optical signal to a plurality of fiber drops. An optical network termination unit receives the broadband optical signal from the fiber drop and isolates the downstream baseline optical signal and the second downstream optical signal from the broadband optical signal. An upstream baseline optical signal may also be transmitted through the fiber drop by the optical termination unit. The optical termination unit does not effect baseline optical service to any other optical termination unit in the fiber optic network.