Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention exploit the existing capabilities of the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) MAC layer, designed for fiber optics communications, to provide a low cost MAC layer with upper layer connectivity over a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. In particular, embodiments allow for the EPON MAC to be used end-to-end (i.e., from an optical line terminal (OLT) to a coaxial network unit (CNU)) in a HFC network, thereby fully leveraging the packet processing capabilities, QoS functions, and management features of the EPON MAC. Furthermore, embodiments enable unified provisioning and management for both fiber and coaxial network units in a HFC network.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system that performs protection switching in an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON), which includes an optical line terminal (OLT) and at least one optical network unit (ONU). The system is configured with at least one redundant component for the OLT and/or ONUs, wherein the redundant component can be optical or electrical, and can be a port, line card or link. The system provides protection by detecting a failure, and switching automatically to the redundant components to reduce service disruption time. The protection switching comprises: preserving the existing configuration over the loss of at least one of a multiple-point control protocol (MPCP) message; an operations, administration and maintenance (OAM) message; and a signal on the physical layer. The system recovers from the failure without performing ONU discovery.

Abstract: Embodiments include, but are not limited to, systems and methods for enabling Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) in the upstream in an Ethernet Passive Optical Network over Coax (EPoC) network. Embodiments include systems and methods for translating Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) upstream time grants to OFDMA resources represented by individual subcarriers of an upstream OFDMA frame. In an embodiment, the translation of EPON upstream time grants to OFDMA resources ensures that Coaxial Network Units (CNUs) sharing an OFDMA frame do not use overlapping subcarriers within the frame. Embodiments further include systems and methods for timing upstream transmissions by the CNUs in order for the transmissions to be received within the same upstream OFDMA frame at a Fiber Coax Unit (ECU). Embodiments further include systems and methods for regenerating a data burst from OFDMA resources for transmission from the ECU to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT).

Abstract: Embodiments include, but are not limited to, systems and methods for enabling Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) in the upstream in an Ethernet Passive Optical Network over Coax (EPoC) network. Embodiments include systems and methods for translating Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) upstream time grants to OFDMA resources represented by individual subcarriers of an upstream OFDMA frame. In an embodiment, the translation of EPON upstream time grants to OFDMA resources ensures that Coaxial Network Units (CNUs) sharing an OFDMA frame do not use overlapping subcarriers within the frame. Embodiments further include systems and methods for timing upstream transmissions by the CNUs in order for the transmissions to be received within the same upstream OFDMA frame at a Fiber Coax Unit (FCU). Embodiments further include systems and methods for re-generating a data burst from OFDMA resources for transmission from the FCU to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention exploit the existing capabilities of the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) MAC layer, designed for fiber optics communications, to provide a low cost MAC layer with upper layer connectivity over a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. In particular, embodiments allow for the EPON MAC to be used end-to-end (i.e., from an optical line terminal (OLT) to a coaxial network unit (CNU)) in a HFC network, thereby fully leveraging the packet processing capabilities, QoS functions, and management features of the EPON MAC. Furthermore, embodiments enable unified provisioning and management for both fiber and coaxial network units in a HFC network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for Ethernet Passive Optical Network Over Coaxial (EPOC) power saving modes are provided. The EPOC power savings modes allow an EPOC coaxial network unit (CNU) to enter a sleep mode based on user traffic characteristics. The sleep mode may include powering down one or more module of the EPOC CNU, including radio frequency (RF) transmit/receive circuitry and associated circuitry. In embodiments, the EPOC CNU may enter sleep mode based on instructions from an optical line terminal (OLT) or based on its own determination. Embodiments further include systems and methods that allow the EPOC CNU to maintain synchronization with a servicing coaxial media converter (CMC) when it enters a sleep mode.

Abstract: Embodiments allow for EPON MAC traffic to be sub-rated according to available bandwidth and/or transmission capacity of the physical medium. EPON MAC traffic sub-rating is performed in the PHY layer. The PHY layer performing the sub-rating may be located anywhere in the communication path supporting the end-to-end EPON MAC link. Because the sub-rating is performed in the PHY layer, the EPON MAC layer at either end of the EPON MAC link is unaware of the sub-rating being performed, and thus continues to operate as it would normally according to the IEEE standard that it implements.

Abstract: A system and method for reducing power consumption in a Passive Optic Network (PON). The system comprises an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical network unit (ONU), a traffic-detection module configured to detect status of traffic to and from the ONU, and a power-management module configured to place the ONU in sleep mode based on the detected traffic status. The ONU includes transmitting and receiving components that are selectively powered down during the sleep mode based on a type of traffic in the ONU.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system that tests optical performance in an Ethernet passive optical network (EPON), which includes an optical line terminal (OLT) and at least one optical network unit (ONU). The system configures an ONU with a circular queue that contains test frames for testing optical performance. The OLT then notifies the ONU to transmit test frames at a specified data rate for a specified duration. After receiving test frames at the OLT, the system measures frame loss and/or bit error rate based on the received test frames.

Abstract: Embodiments provide systems and methods for supporting the use of multiple downstream modulation profiles in an Ethernet Passive Optical Network over Coax (EPoC) network. This includes, at the Fiber Coax Unit (FCU), processing downstream traffic to determine its intended destination Coaxial Network Unit (CNU) and using a customized downstream modulation profile for the traffic based on its intended destination CNU. In addition, with the downstream modulation profile used for the downstream traffic varying in time, a downstream map indicating upcoming downstream modulation profiles in the downstream traffic is sent along with the downstream traffic from the FCU. A CNU can read the downstream map to determine upcoming downstream modulation profiles in the downstream traffic and can decide to decode a given transmitted modulation profile in the downstream traffic when the transmitted modulation profiles matches one or more downstream modulation profiles associated with the CNU.

Abstract: Embodiments include, but are not limited to, systems and methods for enabling Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) in the upstream in an Ethernet Passive Optical Network over Coax (EPoC) network. Embodiments include systems and methods for translating Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) upstream time grants to OFDMA resources represented by individual subcarriers of an upstream OFDMA frame. In an embodiment, the translation of EPON upstream time grants to OFDMA resources ensures that Coaxial Network Units (CNUs) sharing an OFDMA frame do not use overlapping subcarriers within the frame. Embodiments further include systems and methods for timing upstream transmissions by the CNUs in order for the transmissions to be received within the same upstream OFDMA frame at a Fiber Coax Unit (FCU). Embodiments further include systems and methods for re-generating a data burst from OFDMA resources for transmission from the FCU to an Optical Line Terminal (OLT).

Abstract: A system and method for reducing power consumption in a Passive Optic Network (PON). The system comprises an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical network unit (ONU), a traffic-detection module configured to detect status of traffic to and from the ONU, and a power-management module configured to place the ONU in sleep mode based on the detected traffic status. The ONU includes transmitting and receiving components that are selectively powered down during the sleep mode based on a type of traffic in the ONU.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention exploit the existing capabilities of the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) MAC layer, designed for fiber optics communications, to provide a low cost MAC layer with upper layer connectivity over a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. In particular, embodiments allow for the EPON MAC to be used end-to-end (i.e., from an optical line terminal (OLT) to a coaxial network unit (CNU)) in a HFC network, thereby fully leveraging the packet processing capabilities, QoS functions, and management features of the EPON MAC. Furthermore, embodiments enable unified provisioning and management for both fiber and coaxial network units in a HFC network.

Abstract: Example registration procedures for Ethernet Passive Optical Network Over Coax (EPOC) are provided. The procedures are compliant with the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) standard. The procedures cover initial coaxial media converter (CMC) registration; physical layer discovery and link up over a coaxial link of an EPOC network; and medium access control (MAC)-level discovery and link up over an EPOC network. As such, the procedures can he used to fully bring air EPOC network to user traffic readiness. In addition, the procedures, or a variation thereof, can be used to enable periodic maintenance of the coaxial link of the EPOC network, thereby maintaining adequate communication conditions over the coaxial link.

Abstract: Systems and methods for Ethernet Passive Optical Network Over Coaxial (EPOC) power saving modes are provided. The EPOC power savings modes allow an EPOC coaxial network unit (CNU) to enter a sleep mode based on user traffic characteristics. The sleep mode may include powering down one or more module of the EPOC CNU, including radio frequency (RF) transmit/receive circuitry and associated circuitry. In embodiments, the EPOC CNU may enter sleep mode based on instructions from an optical line terminal (OLT) or based on its own determination. Embodiments further include systems and methods that allow the EPOC CNU to maintain synchronization with a servicing coaxial media converter (CMC) when it enters a sleep mode.

Abstract: Protection switching methods, systems, and architectures are provided for hybrid Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON)-Ethernet Passive Optical Network Over Coaxial (EPOC) networks. Protection switching embodiments enable protection of the EPON portion and/or the EPOC portion of the hybrid network. In embodiments, protection switching may be initiated by an Optical Line Terminal (OLT), a coaxial media converter (CMC), or an optical network unit (ONU)/coaxial network unit (CNU) in the hybrid network.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a system for power saving in an Ethernet Passive Optic Network (EPON). The system includes an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical network unit (ONU), a traffic-detection module configured to detect status of traffic to and from the ONU, and a power-management module configured to place the ONU in sleep mode based on the detected traffic status. The ONU includes an optical transceiver that includes an optical transmitter configured to transmit optical signals to the OLT and an optical receiver configured to receive optical signals from the OLT.

Abstract: This is a specially designed shoe fitted with a GPS chip to track the movement and location of the persons wearing it. The chip is hidden in a separate compartment in the sole of the shoe. The chip is powered by a long-life battery and could be recharged from time to time. The chip emits signals to the wireless tower and subsequently picked up by the satellite, which in turn sends the exact location information of the chip via cyberspace in the home computer. A map is displayed in the computer showing the approximate location of the chip with a coded number within 20-30 yards of the pointer. The shoe is primarily invented to track the missing children and elderly people with Alzheimer. According to U.S. Department of Justice, 797,500 children get missing every year in the United States. The purpose of this invention is to track these missing children by a sophisticated device that never existed before.

Abstract: Embodiments allow for EPON MAC traffic to be sub-rated according to available bandwidth and/or transmission capacity of the physical medium. EPON MAC traffic sub-rating is performed in the PHY layer. The PHY layer performing the sub-rating may be located anywhere in the communication path supporting the end-to-end EPON MAC link. Because the sub-rating is performed in the PHY layer, the EPON MAC layer at either end of the EPON MAC link is unaware of the sub-rating being performed, and thus continues to operate as it would normally according to the IEEE standard that it implements.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention exploit the existing capabilities of the Ethernet Passive Optical Network (EPON) MAC layer, designed for fiber optics communications, to provide a low cost MAC layer with upper layer connectivity over a hybrid fiber coaxial (HFC) network. In particular, embodiments allow for the EPON MAC to be used end-to-end (i.e., from an optical line terminal (OLT) to a coaxial network unit (CNU)) in a HFC network, thereby fully leveraging the packet processing capabilities, QoS functions, and management features of the EPON MAC. Furthermore, embodiments enable unified provisioning and management for both fiber and coaxial network units in a HFC network.