Building optical network

• US 20040258105A1
• Filed: 06/19/2003
• Published: 12/23/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/2003
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Matthew T. Spathas, Stephen B. Williams
• Original Assignee: Matthew T. Spathas, Stephen B. Williams
• Inventors: Williams, Stephen B., Spathas, Matthew T.
• Application Number:
  US10/600,892
• Publication Number:
  US 20040258105A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 370/539
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2856 Access arrangements, e.g. Internet access asynchronous transfer mode networks H04L12/5601; broadband local area networks H04L12/2801; optical access or distribution networks H04Q11/0067; access to open networks H04L12/5691; digital subscriber line end-user equipment and bit-level processing of data on a PSTN-based network H04M11/00; home network gateways H04L12/2834; wireless access networks H04W
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2885 Arrangements interfacing with optical systems optical network equipment H04B10/00; optical multiplexers H04J14/05 and H04J14/07

Abstract

A high speed, fiber optics communications network provides network connectivity throughout a multi-tenant building or facility and is integrated with other building systems. Network management and maintenance are automated and centralized in a network manager. Network bandwidth needs of the building are aggregated and delivered to building tenants as needed. Wireless LAN access points are coupled to the network to provide wireless network access throughout the building.

Claims

1. A method for providing network access to a building comprising:

providing a high speed, integrated communications network that provides network connectivity throughout the building;

integrating the communications network with other building systems;

automating and centralizing network management and maintenance in a network manager; and

aggregating the network bandwidth needs of the building and delivering the network bandwidth to building tenants as needed.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communications network is a fiber optics network.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein the communications network comprises a plurality of wireless LAN access points.

4. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the network manager operates a central website from which building tenants can report network issues and request service.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the central website also provides access to other building services and amenities.

6. A method for delivering network bandwidth as a utility to a multi-occupant facility comprising:

coordinating the design and installation of a high speed fiber optics communications network that provides wired and wireless network connectivity throughout the facility;

obtaining network bandwidth in bulk to meet the bandwidth needs of all occupants of the facility;

delivering the network bandwidth to the occupants of the facility as needed; and

maintaining, managing and servicing the communications network.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6, wherein the network bandwidth is sold to the occupants of the facility with a built-in profit margin.

8. An integrated data communications network for an office building comprising:

fiber optics network infrastructure and equipment for providing network connectivity throughout the building;

a single point of access for provision of bandwidth by network service providers;

automated and centralized network management and maintenance; and

wireless LAN access points configured to provide wireless network access throughout the building.