OPTICAL NODE CONFIGURATION APPARATUS
A segmented optical node exploits a configuration module having arrayed all elements to go from a 1×4 to a 4×4 configuration, save optional redundant switches. A jumper board in the 1×, 2× path configures the node for 1×4 in one orientation and for 2×4 when flipped around 180 degrees. The 4×4 configuration is achieved by rotating the configuration module 90 degrees. In this orientation power to the module is also off, since the 4× configuration is passive.
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This application is a continuation-in-part of the application filed with the same name and inventor having Ser. No. 11/677,178, dated Nov. 12, 2012, itself claiming priority to the Provisional Application on file under Ser. No. 61/559,629 filed on Nov. 14, 2011.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONA configurable optical node, more specifically, a segmented bidirectional node is presented.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONCable Operators are continually seeking means to meet the demand placed upon them to provide consumers with more services such as video on demand, Internet access, and voice over internet services. Because the laying of fiber is one of the very high costs incumbent upon a provider, Operators strive to configure networks to satisfy the greatest number of customers through existing fiber by understanding that generally the customers have two distinct needs. First, there are needs for broadcast content such as network television contact where content sent in the forward direction is the same across a broad number of consumers. In the business, this is described as point-to-multipoint services. Generally broadcast services are both analog (extending from Channel 2 at (55 MHz) to Channel 79 (553 MHz)) and digital (extending up to, alternatively 650 MHz or 750 MHz depending upon system design parameters).
For consumers there remains a second type of service known as narrowcast services such as Internet Access, telephony, or video on demand. For these services, known in the industry as multipoint-to-multipoint and carried on spectrum above that of broadcast services generally up to 1 GHz, content is unique on each path and there is no means by which to split and amplify a single signal to reach a large number of consumers. Rather each narrowcast signal is generally a single signal that reaches each consumer distinctly and generally is not split. Return path signals are a special case of narrowcasting in that they are unique signals from the consumer back up to the network headend. Return path signals include video on demand control signals, return Internet data, return telephony data. Return path signals are carried to the headend in frequency bands from 5 MHz to 40 MHz.
Optical nodes facilitate the transmission of data in both directions by serving as the connecting device between the higher capacity fiber optic cable that extends from the headend down to the lower capacity coaxial cable that is generally used to connect individual consumers to the network and carries a signal in that part of the signal spectrum known as radio frequency or RF. In its simplest configuration a conventional optical node is said to be in 1×1 configuration when, it receives one set of downstream content from the headend and transmits just one set of upstream return path signals. (1×1 does not refer to the specific relation between numbers of RF ports used but only to the signal relationship between the node and the headend.) For example, in a broadcast forward mode, an optical signal might enter an optical node having four RF ports for output. In this example, the optical node is in 1×1 configuration meaning that the single downstream signal is split and amplified such that all four ports have the same downstream content and all upstream return signals are combined into a single upstream optical signal. If, in this example, the optical node services a community with 1000 consumer households, each RF port might, if the load was perfectly balanced, carry an RF signal sufficient to serve 250 homes.
Distinct from a 1×1 configuration, a 4×4 configuration can be advantageous. As the name indicates the 4×4 optical node receives for forward distinct optical inputs and returns four distinct optical outputs to the headend. In this example, where four RF ports are present, the optical node converts the optical signals to four distinct electrical radio frequency (RF) signals, which it outputs each to one of the four ports. In essence, the system acts as four distinct optical to RF converters and in the reverse direction as RF to optical converts such that the signals inbound have a one to one relationship with the signals outbound. Thus, using a 4×4 optical node to transmit downstream may be costly in terms of fibers needed to service the network.
Because broadcast service can be carried by fewer optical fibers to serve the same community than is required to service the same community with narrowcast service, operators have found that fully segmentable optical nodes (i.e. those that can be configured to either split or combine signals in traversing between optical and RF ports) have great utility in networks. Operators find it difficult and costly to obtain the rights to place a large number of optical nodes at ground level because, often, many other utility providers must compete for the same space. Thus segmented optical nodes are extremely attractive to operators.
Without disturbing the basic fiber complement extending between a headend and the optical node, operators can install distinct configuration modules to distinctly task both optical interfaces and RF ports and can split signals as needed between them to create distinct configurations for both downstream and upstream signal transmission through the node.
Making an optical node capable to serve several distinct segmentation schemes incorporates very distinct power and hardware requirements. A first basic segmentation scheme is known as a 2×2 requires that a second receiver and a second transmitter be installed in the optical node and a pair of two-way splitters is introduced to replace the four-way splitter between the original single receiver/transmitter and the four RF ports.
In a second basic segmentation known as the 4×4 configuration discussed above, two receivers and two transmitters are added to the two existing receivers and two existing transmitters such that a set of four jumpers is introduced into the system to replace the previous splitter pairs. This 4×4 allows each of a receiver/transmitter pair within the optical node to be commissioned for dedicated service to each of the 4 RF output ports.
Further complications result from the fact that traditional optical nodes rely on passive splitting for the 1×4 and 2×2 configurations, usually combined into a device often known as a configuration module. As these often passive configuration modules have different split losses, the node is designed such that an amplifier is added to supply enough gain between the receiver and RF output section (called a launch amplifier) to overcome the split loss of the 1×4 split. When configure to facilitate the 2×2 split, the optical node now provides excess gain available because exchanging the two-way splitter for the four-way splitter results a lower loss which designers typically address by introduction of a corresponding amount of fixed attenuation. Similarly the loss of splitters in a 4×4 configuration also requires addition of still further attenuation. One consequence of this process is that, as the number of receivers and transmitters increase, the node consumes proportionately more power.
Unfortunately, as can readily be comprehended, each of these distinct modules with their distinct amplification and attenuation as employed in conventional optical node platforms must be separately designed and constructed. Further, the operator electing to reconfigure an optical node must also accommodate unique traffic management configurations, such as dedicating a receiver to 1 port or splitting 2 ports and dedicating a receiver each to the remaining 2 ports. So apart from requiring separate modules for splitting and amplification must also warehouse custom traffic modules. Individuals servicing the nodes are required to warehouse and keep a complete set of distinct modules on hand in order to configure each optical node as the need arises.
What is needed in the art is a readily configurable optical node that allows configuration with a single configurable module which does not require either unnecessary amplification or power loss.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONA segmented optical node exploits a configuration module having arrayed all elements to go from a 1×4 to a 4×4 configuration, save optional redundant switches. A jumper board in the 1×, 2× path configures the node for 1×4 in one orientation and for 2×4 when flipped around 180 degrees. The 4×4 configuration is achieved by rotating the configuration module 90 degrees. In this orientation power to the module is also off, since the 4× configuration is passive.
In its role managing amplification and splitting across the optical node, the configuration module is a “unity gain” device. That is, no matter what configuration, 1×4, 2×2, 4×4, or other, the gain of the module is zero dB. This means that the split loss is overcome in the module itself, and the path configurations are done by a means of an internal jumper board instead of by changing to a new module. In the 4×4 configuration, the module is simply rotated 90 degrees to completely remove power from the module while establishing the required 4 passive RF paths between each receiver and each launch amplifier port.
Because of the unity gain across the module, the module allows conservation of power compared to all other segmentation designs. Because the configuration module is unity gain, the receiver and launch amplifier gain combined can be sized to provide 8 dB less than in a conventional design (8 dB is the rule-of-thumb split loss of a 4-way splitter). The conservation of amplification allows power saving opportunities in the receiver and launch amplifiers by the reduction of gain requirements in those sections.
Further, the configuration module adds segmentation options that have been impractical to introduce into other node designs due to the need to offer such a large number of configuration board options. Those two additional options are 3+1 and 2+2. Additionally, trans-hinge coaxial cables enable a patch panel, allowing the individual servicing the optical node to configure the ports to manage traffic by simple cable arrangement.
Preferred and alternative examples of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the following drawings:
The fiber tray 12 includes a series of optical connectors 129 for selectively connecting optical fiber to the fiber tray 12 for input and output of optical signals. The arrangement of connectors 129 with the reverse multiplexers 121, 123 and the forward multiplexers 125, 127 allow user configurable selection of optical connectors 129 for suitable configuration in any of the onboard multiplexers to facilitate several alternate configurations allowing the injection of optical signals in distinct configurations depending upon the needs of the operator.
The lid 14 includes, as indicated above, four transmitters 143 and four receivers 141 which together serve as the interface between the optical fiber that ties the connectors 129 to the multiplexers 121-127 and on into the lid 14. The reverse traffic manager module 145 presents the upstream signal to such of its four RF to optical transmitters 143 as it is configured to use to present to the reverse multiplexers 121, 123 for introduction into such fiber optic fibers as are connected to the connectors 129. In a similar manner, downstream signals are received from the forward multiplexers 125, 127 at the receivers 147. The forward multiplexers 125, 127 receive downstream signals through the connectors 129 to convey through such of the four optical to RF receivers 141 as the forward configuration module 147 tasks. Below the discussion moves to treat the operation of the forward 147 and the reverse 145 configuration modules in greater detail than in this overview of the system.
A series of patch cords 15 are configurable to selectively connect the forward 147 and the reverse 145 configuration modules to the several launch amplifiers 161a-d, through trans-hinge coaxial cables. The trans-hinge coaxial cables allow the user to intuitively connect output of the forward 147 and the reverse 145 configuration modules to such of four launch amplifiers 161a-d located in the base 16 according to the desired configuration. Simple columnar tables can be included within the base to facilitate the connections necessary.
In the base 16, four bidirectional launch amplifiers 161a-d are each arranged to condition the signals for the inbound and outbound signals through dedicated RF ports 163a-d coupled to each of the launch amplifiers 161a-d. Because these are the principle power consumption devices within the optical node 10, the arrangement of the launch amplifiers 161a-d, within the base (in the presently preferred embodiment an aluminum casting having heat sink convection fins to dissipate heat generated in signal amplification).
Referring to
In contrast, when oriented as depicted in
The further innovation that is a key to the versatility of the configuration module is depicted in
By way of overview, each of the several configurations enabled by exploiting a discipline imparted by designing conductivity paths with a unity gain is reviewed in turn. It is an important feature of the configuration block 147 that each configuration, in turn, is achieved by switching the jumper switch and selective connection of components in accord with the switch position. Thus, without other physical change to the configuration block 147, the block yields each of the following configurations:
As is stated above, the user readily configures the module 147 by simply moving the switch from position to position thereby changing the conductive path through the module 147 and its eight elemental components. In this description, only the receiver and forward direction are described. The selection of the forward direction is not meant to limit the configuration block to a single direction. Indeed, the strength of the invention, lies, in part, to its “commutative” nature in that every configuration performed using amplifiers and splitters for forward reception can and is duplicated in the reverse direction for transmission. That the explanation is limited to a single direction is simply that such an explanation is deemed to be adequate to a person having ordinary skill in the art. In a configuration block conforming to the invention it is desirable that both paths are likewise modified by a single movement of the jumper switch or a single change in orientation and in the presently preferred embodiment, both paths are present in a single configuration block though even that is not necessary to practice the invention.
In
In each of the configurations of the configuration block 147, the conductors are switched to form a path extending from the first and the second amplifiers 14732a, b which are each configured to amplify the input two-fold to yield an intermediate gain of four times that of the output of receiver 141a. By switching the two amplifiers to perform in series, unity gain at the output is maintains as the four-fold amplifications to counters the diminution of the signal by the workings of a four-way split of the signal downstream within the block. A first two-for-one splitting occurs at the splitter 14731c. The output of that splitter is, in turn, split two-for-one at each of a second and a third splitter 14731a and 14733b thereby quartering the amplitude conveying the output signal at unity gain relative to the inputs to each of four RF ports.
As stated above, the configuration depicted in
With the block 147 in 1×4 configuration, the one of the receivers 141a, b converts the optical input signals to RF signals and then routes them through the forward configuration module. Each signal is amplified by one of the two respective amplifiers 14732a, b, acting in series to amplify the signal one and again by a factor of two. In either of the configurations depicted in
In
As is the case in the 2×2 configuration the switch in
Referring now to
Unlike the previously discussed configurations of the configuration block, to achieve unity gain, attenuation gain within the block 147 occasioned by the presence and operation of unpaired splitters, is accomplished by the introduction of two components not operational in the previously discussed configurations. In the 3+1 configuration of the block 147, the output of the first amplifier 14732a is fed to the first splitter 14731c. While one side of the output of the first splitter 14731c is fed to the second splitter 14731a, just as in the previously discussed configurations, the second side is fed to a pass-through 151 that attenuates the signal by half, thereby providing the RF port 2, 163b with a signal having unity gain. An attenuator is an electronic device that reduces the power of a signal without appreciably distorting its waveform. An attenuator is effectively the opposite of an amplifier, though the two work by different methods. While an amplifier provides gain, an attenuator provides loss, or gain less than 1.
The pass through functions as an attenuator. Attenuators are usually passive devices made from simple voltage divider networks. Switching between different resistances forms adjustable stepped attenuators and continuously adjustable ones using potentiometers. For higher frequencies precisely matched low voltage standing wave ratio or VSWR resistance networks are used. Fixed attenuators in circuits are used to lower voltage, dissipate power, and to improve impedance matching. In measuring signals, attenuator pads or adaptors are used to lower the amplitude of the signal a known amount to enable measurements, or to protect the measuring device from signal levels that might damage it. Attenuators are also used to ‘match’ impedances by lowering apparent standing wave ratio or SWR.
In an extreme embodiment of an attenuator, a signal or RF trap, dissipates radio frequency energy to eliminate stray currents within the configuration block. All RF energy fed to the signal trap must be dissipated at least within operating frequencies, or it will degrade performance within the configuration block 147. The signal trap 153 performs this attenuation and dissipation of RF energy for the configuration block 147.
With reference to the output of receivers 2 and 4, 141b and d respectively, the path is identical to that portrayed in either of
Similarly, the output of the second splitter 14731b is passed, on the first leg to the fourth port 163d which receives one half of the RF energy that had been received at the splitter 14731b input. The other half of the RF energy now is fed into a signal trap 153 that completely attenuates the energy as discussed above and, thus, the signal at RF port 4 163d arrives with the same unity gain as at its three sisters, ports 1-3 163a-c.
In the penultimate description, in
It is worth noting, at this juncture, there are no physical switches except the configuration switch. In the presently preferred embodiment, positions of the configuration switch selectively activate transistors to provide the actual switching function that the connections portrayed in these drawings. While a physical switch could be used, the present invention can be enabled by either electronic switching or physical switching, but in this depiction the physical switch is used as a valid analogy to portray movement of the signal through the module 147.
In each of the several depictions, a series of four coaxial jumper cables is shown acting as “patch cords.” A patch cable or patch cord connects (“patches-in”) one electronic device to another for signal routing. Generally, as here, patch cords are used to connect devices of different types (e.g., a switch connected to a computer, or a switch to a router). While the patch cords are numbered 151, 152, 153, and 154, this convention is not meant to suggest that the patch cords, as numbered, are the same cords from figure to figure. Rather, they are numbered simply to locate them for the reader in each of the distinct drawings. The use of all other reference numbers herein are according to the standard convention of identifying the component uniquely and consistently from one figure to the next.
In
Thus far, we have discussed balanced shifting of traffic such that pairs of ports are experiencing increased or diminished demand. In
Again,
While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, as noted above, many changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, patch cords may be configured to meet other needs according to the earlier explanation. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is not limited by the disclosure of the preferred embodiment. Instead, the invention should be determined entirely by reference to the claims that follow.
Claims
1. A segmented optical node comprising:
- a configuration module including: a switching array for selectively connecting first set of passive traces, splitting, and amplifying elements in segmented traces across arrayed across a base; the first set of passive traces, splitting, and amplifying elements, the passive traces, splitting and amplifying elements being selectively combined to produce configurations in 1×4, 2×4, and 3+1 configurations, the elements including: three splitting or combining elements; two operational amplifiers; and one first passive trace; a second set of four passive traces that when the configuration module is in a second orientation at right angles to a first orientation presents a 4×4 configuration within the configuration module.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 15, 2013
Publication Date: Aug 8, 2013
Applicant: ACI COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (Kent, WA)
Inventor: ACI Communications, Inc. (Kent, WA)
Application Number: 13/834,994