Abstract: The disclosure describes communication of information between a network interface device and subscriber devices over a power line. A UPS unit receives operating power from subscriber premises via a first power line and delivers operating power to the network interface device via a second power line. The network interface device transmits and receives information, such as voice, video and data, to and from the UPS unit via the second power line. The UPS unit receives the information transmitted by the network interface device via the second power line, and transmits the received information to subscriber devices within the premises via the first power line. The UPS unit receives information transmitted by subscriber devices via the first power line, and transmits the received information to the network interface device via the second power line. The first and second power lines each serve as both a power line and a communication medium.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical network terminal (ONT) for use in a passive optical network (PON) that provides reliable battery status reporting and, optionally, remote monitoring and configuration of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit. In particular, the UPS unit provides power to the ONT via a power line and transmits data to the ONT via the power line. Generally, the described invention supports one-way or two-way communication of status, alarm, and configuration signals using a single power line. Specifically, such signals may be transmitted over the power line by inserting a carrier frequency, such as a carrier frequency of approximately 1 MHz, onto the power line. In this manner, the invention may provide a simple battery status monitoring system while also reducing the cost of installation.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an optical network terminal (ONT) for use in a passive optical network (PON) that includes power conversion circuitry to accommodate a variety of power source options. In particular, the power conversion circuitry converts a wide range of input direct current (DC) voltages to a DC supply voltage that powers ONT circuitry that supports communication of information via the PON.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an active network interface device (NID) having a battery module enclosure that is mountable between a NID enclosure and a wall or surface at a subscriber premises. The battery module enclosure defines a compartment for receiving a battery module and a NID enclosure that serves to protect NID circuitry, network terminals, and subscriber terminals from environmental conditions and security threats. In some embodiments, the NID may be an ONT in a PON. The battery module may be installed within the compartment of the battery module enclosure to provide battery power to circuitry within the NID enclosure. The battery module enclosure may reside between the NID enclosure and an exterior wall of a subscriber premises so that the battery module enclosure is generally hidden from view by the NID enclosure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for reducing power consumption by an optical network transmitter (ONT) in a passive optical network (PON). The techniques may be particularly useful in extending the period of battery powered telephone service during a power outage. In particular, the invention provides a hibernation mode in which power is supplied only to a watchdog circuit while the ONT powers down the optical transmitter, the optical receiver, processing circuitry, data circuitry, video circuitry, and telephone circuitry to conserve power. The watchdog circuit wakes up a subset of the deactivated circuitry at service-critical events in order to service such events, but video and data processing circuitry remain deactivated.