Abstract: Separating Passive Optical Network (PON) functions in different mechanical devices, such as optical to electrical conversion of the PON protocol, allows installation of an optical termination device at an exterior of an installation premises and installation of a user interface device performing PON functions inside the installation premises. Various embodiments allow service providers first to install an optical device outside the premises and, later, to install an electrical device, optionally by a customer. This eliminates a service provider from entering the installation premises and enables the customer to complete installation in the interior of the installation premises. Further, more robust, hardened components may be used in the more-permanently installed exterior device, while less-expensive, lower-quality components may be used in the easily-replaceable indoor device, thus reducing cost.

Abstract: A multi-access network terminal includes first and second communication interfaces. The first interface is configured to communicate with a first service provider providing services to a user through the first interface with a first type of signal and/or a first type of communications protocol. The second interface is configured to communicate with the first service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using a second type of signal and/or a second type of communications protocol. Alternatively, the second interface is configured to communicate with a second service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using the first or second type of signal and/or the first or second different type of communications protocol.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for a bonded Optical Network Terminals (ONT) enhances throughput, redundancy and user-port flexibility by Passive Optical Network (PON) services, such as Gigabit-capable (GPON), Broadband PON (BPON), Ethernet PON (EPON) and future PON services, by mechanically or logically externally managing a plurality of individual ONTs as a single bonded ONT while maintaining individual internal management. Further, multiple OLTs may communicate with the same ONT, thereby increasing throughput and providing redundancy. For manufacturers, user-port flexibility reduces time-to-market for unique products to meet specific user needs. That is, different applications may require multiple ONTs to be managed as a single device, yet provide the port counts from various ONTs. For service providers, mechanical or logical combination(s) of ONTs allows management from a user perspective, providing an opportunity for servicing a single device, improving accounting, billing, inventory, etc.

Abstract: Common techniques for processing cellular service uses a signal cellular tower, but these techniques are limited to the capacity of the single cellular tower. In contrast, a system employing an example embodiment of the invention increases ability to process cellular service by using an access point access network using resident wireless devices, referred to as a femtocell. A system supports communications of a resident and roaming device while employing the access point access network, based on database information, to support soft handoff between adjacent femtocells or from femtocell to cell tower and vice-versa. As a result, the system enables the resident and roaming devices to have seamless transitions between the cellular access network and the access point access network. Thus, the access point access network supplements cellular access networks and can provide cellular service regardless of the capacity of the cellular tower.

Abstract: Common techniques for processing software updates have Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and Broadband Home Router (BHR) managers to manage the ONTs and BHRs respectively from separate remote locations in a network. In contrast, a system employing ‘an example’ embodiment of the invention may receive network traffic for an ONT and BHR (“components”) via a single management channel. The system parses signals (e.g., software updates) and processes the management signals with a processor in a first component (e.g., ONT). The system converts a remaining software update to a format compatible with a management channel between the components to forward to the second component (e.g., BHR) for processing. In this way, the system may update multiple components using a single management channel. Thus, software updates or other management procedures can be performed using a single management channel with improved efficiency.

Abstract: Example embodiments of the present invention provide management and reporting tools for service providers to manage batteries within battery backup units (BBUs) deployed their networks. Service providers may generate battery reports periodically, on-demand, or on an event driven basis, and, in turn, may notify customers of a status of battery replacement. Specifically, example embodiments of the present invention allow an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to log BBU history via a craft port, Optical Line Terminal (OLT), direct internal communications with the battery, or some other technician interface. The ONT may store this information in memory when it detects a battery replacement or when a technician issues commands about battery log information. The OLT or an Element Management System (EMS) may query battery log information from all ONTs and generate management reports therefrom. The information may be sold, on a subscription fee basis, for example, to battery manufacturers or service providers.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus having at least one power source compartment, a slack storage unit attached thereto, and at least one mechanism configured to attachably receive at least one network terminal. A method of installing the apparatus comprises attaching a power source and the network terminal to the mounting apparatus and installing the mounting apparatus. In this manner, both time and costs of installing an ONT can be reduced.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products are provided for verifying a service provided to at least one subscriber terminal in a communication network. The method includes connecting a communication device to the network, logging into a test unit communicatively coupled to the network using the communication device, entering into the communication device an access code corresponding to a test for verifying a service, and conducting the test for verifying the service, corresponding to the access code.

Abstract: There is demand in the marketplace for smaller optical network devices, such as Optical Network Terminals (ONTs). As a result of decreasing the ONT's size, the size of the backup power source, such as the batteries that power the ONT during periods of back-up power usage, may also have to be reduced. To extend energy usage of the backup power source, methods and corresponding apparatus for providing backup power for a network device are provided. An example method includes entering a first state of backup power in an event of a loss of primary power to an ONT, monitoring a state of a backup power activation signal enabled to be activated in the event of the loss of primary power to the ONT, and causing the ONT to enter a second state of backup power in response to the backup power activation signal being in an active state.

Abstract: Common techniques for restoring service to an optical network after a service interruption, while quick, do not to assist a service provider or a vendor in determining a true root-cause of the interruption. Oftentimes, the true root-cause remains undetermined, resulting in costly and unnecessary fixes. In contrast, an example embodiment of the invention facilitates troubleshooting and determining the true root-cause of the service interruption by: i) collecting and storing state information about a PON element prior to analyzing a fault attributed to the PON element, and ii) diagnosing a cause of the fault from the state information.

Abstract: An apparatus or corresponding method of managing Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) lines in a Passive Optical Network (PON) to prevent an alarm system from generating an alarm during a software upgrade or maintenance of an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), Optical Line Terminal (OLT), or PON while maintaining the effectiveness of the alarm system. The ONT may store data related to a POTS line in nonvolatile memory. The ONT may activate the POTS line based on the data from the nonvolatile memory in an event of interruption in communications with an OLT prior to reestablishing communications with the OLT. The interruption in communications may be caused by an ONT reboot to complete an installation of a software upgrade. The ONT may energize the POTS line with a voltage in response to activating the POTS line to prevent the alarm system from generating the alarm.

Abstract: A power adapter, in a presently preferred embodiment, includes a power converter and multiple data ports, and is configured for ease of coupling the power converter into pre-existing premises power connectors. Thus, premises power can be supplied from the power converter and a first data port, via data cabling, to a network terminating device for an external network. Multi-protocol adapters, such as an HPNA (Home Phoneline Network Alliance protocol compliant)/Ethernet adapter, may also be included to provide extension of a protocol (such as Ethernet) over pre-existing premises wiring. A back-up battery is optionally provided, as well as appropriate switches and indicators. Specialized male-female connectors may also be used.

Abstract: A craft menu system, in a presently preferred embodiment, includes a network terminal like an ONT, having a processor and memory and multiple data ports, configurably coupled to a DTMF telephony (e.g., BUTT) test set for installation and testing. The installation, registration and testing information needed by a technician is provided by the ONT to the BUTT set display using convenient Caller ID signaling, and technician data entry is accomplished via the DTMF-enabled keys on the BUTT set. This system allows a single technician, equipped with current standard tools like a BUTT set and without the need for additional tools like a PC or PDA, to install and test a craft menu enabled ONT in a timely and efficient manner.

Abstract: A craft menu system, in a presently preferred embodiment, includes a network terminal like an ONT, having a processor and memory and multiple data ports, configurably coupled to a DTMF telephony (e.g., BUTT) test set for installation and testing. The installation, registration and testing information needed by a technician is provided by the ONT to the BUTT set display using convenient Caller ID signaling, and technician data entry is accomplished via the DTMF-enabled keys on the BUTT set. This system allows a single technician, equipped with current standard tools like a BUTT set and without the need for additional tools like a PC or PDA, to install and test a craft menu enabled ONT in a timely and efficient manner.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a method and apparatus are disclosed for providing a universal mounting plate and a snap on B-NID (Broadband NID) that allows an installer to use the same mount location as the previous NID. The B-NID mounting plate is preferably symmetrical in orientation, with plural through holes for feeding cables from the network termination into the home through the mounting plate, and plural holes for attaching the mounting plate to a wall or similar structure. Convenient wire storage structures, and quick attachments for the cover are also provided. The B-NID cover includes two doors, one for carrier access to network termination unit, and the second for customer access. It also has complementary attachment points for receiving and firmly securing the mounting plate quick attachments.

Abstract: A craft menu system, in a presently preferred embodiment, includes a network terminal like an ONT, having a processor and memory and multiple data ports, configurably coupled to a DTMF telephony (e.g., BUTT) test set for installation and testing. The installation, registration and testing information needed by a technician is provided by the ONT to the BUTT set display using convenient Caller ID signaling, and technician data entry is accomplished via the DTMF-enabled keys on the BUTT set. This system allows a single technician, equipped with current standard tools like a BUTT set and without the need for additional tools like a PC or PDA, to install and test a craft menu enabled ONT in a timely and efficient manner.

Abstract: A power adapter, in a presently preferred embodiment, includes a power converter and multiple data ports, and is configured for ease of coupling the power converter into pre-existing premises power connectors. Thus, premises power can be supplied from the power converter and a first data port, via data cabling, to a network terminating device for an external network. Multi-protocol adapters, such as an HPNA (Home Phoneline Network Alliance protocol compliant)/Ethernet adapter, may also be included to provide extension of a protocol (such as Ethernet) over pre-existing premises wiring. A back-up battery is optionally provided, as well as appropriate switches and indicators. Specialized male-female connectors may also be used.