Method and system for providing a return path for signals generated by legacy terminals in an optical network

• US 7,184,664 B2
• Filed: 01/08/2002
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 07/05/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: ARRIS Solutions, Inc. (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Wave7 Optics, Inc. (Enablence Technologies Incorporated)
• Inventors: Quinn, Patrick W., Anthony, Deven J., Farmer, James O., Kenny, John J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bello; Agustin
• Application Number:
  US10/041,299
• Publication Number:
  US 20030011849A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,876 Days
• Field of Search: 398 66- 73, 398/78
• US Class Current: 398/72
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/25751 Optical arrangements for CATV or video distribution adaptations of television systems for optical transmission H04N7/22
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0226 Fixed carrier allocation, e.g. according to service
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0232 for downstream transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0238 Wavelength allocation for communications one-to-many, e.g. multicasting wavelengths
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0247 Sharing one wavelength for at least a group of ONUs
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0252 Sharing one wavelength for at least a group of ONUs, e.g. for transmissions from-ONU-to-OLT or from-ONU-to-ONU
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/028 WDM bus architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0282 WDM tree architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04J 14/0286 WDM hierarchical architectures
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6118 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 21/6168 involving cable transmission, e.g. using a cable modem
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/17309 Transmission or handling of upstream communications
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 7/22 Adaptations for optical transmission
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0067 Provisions for optical access or distribution networks, e.g. Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network (GE-PON), ATM-based Passive Optical Network (A-PON), PON-Ring
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 11/0071 Provisions for the electrical-optical layer interface

Abstract

A return path system includes inserting RF packets between regular upstream data packets, where the data packets are generated by communication devices such as a computer or internet telephone. The RF packets can be derived from analog RF signals that are produced by legacy video service terminals. In this way, the present invention can provide an RF return path for legacy terminals that shares a return path for regular data packets in an optical network architecture. The invention operates independently of a legacy upstream transmission timing scheme so that the legacy upstream transmission timing scheme can remain effective in preventing data collisions. In other embodiments, the present invention allows for less complex hardware for subscribers that are not taking data services. Further, an optical signal present line in combination with a driver may be employed in order to reduce the amount of hardware in a laser transceiver node.

Claims

1. A return path of an optical network system comprising:

a data service hub for processing upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and generating downstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals according to a first timing scheme, the data service hub comprising a data-to-radio-frequency converter for receiving upstream digital data signals comprising upstream radio-frequency video service control signals and a time stamp that preserves the first timing scheme and that initiates recovery of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals by the converter from the upstream disital data signals;

at least one subscriber optical interface for receiving the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals, for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals to first digital packets and combining the first packets with second packets in a time domain for upstream transmission towards the data service hub, for preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals, the subscriber optical interface further comprising an analog-to-digital converter for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals into digital data signals prior to first packet formation and for adding the time stamp to the digital data signals that preserves the first timing scheme of the video service control signals of the data service hub; and

one or more optical waveguides connected to the subscriber optical interface, for carrying the upstream optical signals and downstream optical signals that are propagated according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme.

2. The return path of claim 1, further comprising a laser transceiver node for communicating optical signals to the data service hub, and for apportioning bandwidth between subscribers of the optical network system.

3. The return path of claim 1, wherein the second packets comprise data other than the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals.

4. The return path of claim 1, wherein the subscriber optical interface further reduces a size of the first packets.

5. The return path of claim 1, wherein the subscriber optical interface comprises a data reducer for adjusting a size of the first packets.

6. The return path of claim 1, wherein the subscriber optical interface comprises a data conditioner for increasing a transmission speed of the first packets.

7. The return path of claim 6, wherein the data conditioner comprises a FIFO buffer.

8. The return path of claim 1, wherein the subscriber optical interface comprises a processor for administering a timing of when the first and second packets are combined.

9. The return path of claim 2, wherein the laser transceiver node coordinates timing among a plurality of subscriber optical interfaces.

10. The return path of claim 1, further comprising an optical tap coupled to the subscriber optical interface.

11. The return path of claim 1, further comprising a terminal for producing the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and coupled to the subscriber optical interface.

12. A return path of an optical network system comprising:

a data service hub for processing upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and generating downstream radio-frequency video service control signals according to a first timing scheme, the data service hub comprising a data-to-radio-frequency converter for receiving upstream digital data signals comprising a time stamp that preserves the first timing scheme and that initiates recovery of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals by the converter from the upstream digital data signals;

at least one subscriber optical interface for receiving the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals, for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals to first digital packets and combining the first packets with second packets in a time domain for upstream transmission towards the data service hub, for preserving the timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals, the subscriber optical interface further comprising an analog-to-digital converter for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals into digital data signals prior to first packet formation and for adding the time stamp to the digital data signals that preserves the first timing scheme of the video service control signals of the data service hub; and

a laser transceiver node for communicating optical signals to the data service hub, and for apportioning bandwidth between subscribers of the optical network system; and

one or more optical waveguides connected to the laser transceiver node, for carrying the upstream optical signals and downstream optical signals that are propagated according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme.

13. The return path of claim 12, wherein the second packets comprise data other than the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals.

14. The return path of claim 12, wherein the laser transceiver node further reduces a size of the first packets.

15. The return path of claim 12, wherein the laser transceiver node comprises a data reducer for adjusting a size of the first packets.

16. The return path of claim 12, wherein the laser transceiver node comprises a data conditioner for increasing a transmission speed of the first packets.

17. The return path of claim 12, wherein the data conditioner comprises a FIFO buffer.

18. The return path of claim 12, further comprising an optical tap coupled to the subscriber optical interface.

19. The return path of claim 12, further comprising a terminal for producing the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and coupled to the subscriber optical interface.

20. A return path of an optical network system comprising;

a data service hub for processing upstream video service control signals and generating downstream video radio-frequency analog service control signals according to a first timing scheme, the data service hub comprising a data-to-radio-frequency converter for receiving upstream digital data signals comprising a time stamp that preserves the first timing scheme and that initiates recovery of radio-frequency analog video service control signals by the converter from the upstream digital data signals;

at least one subscriber optical interface for receiving upstream electrical radio-frequency analog video service control signals, the subscriber optical interface converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals to digital electrical data first packets and for converting the digital electrical first data packets to optical data packets, for combining the first packets with second packets in a time domain and in a electrical domain for upstream transmission towards the data service hub, for preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals, the subscriber optical interface further comprising an analog-to-digital converter for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals into digital data signals prior to first packet formation and for adding the time stamp to the digital data signals that preserves the first timing scheme of the video service control signals of the data service hub;

a laser transceiver node for communicating optical signals to the data service hub, for apportioning bandwidth between subscribers of the optical network system; and

one or more optical waveguides connected to the laser transceiver node, for carrying the upstream optical signals and downstream optical signals that propagated according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme.

21. The return path of claim 20, wherein the laser transceiver node amplifies the optical data packets by converting them to electrical data packets and then reconverting the electrical data packets back to optical data packets.

22. The return path of claim 20, wherein the laser transceiver node amplifies the optical data packets with a solid state optical amplifier.

23. A method for providing a return path for signals in an optical network system comprising the steps of;

generating downstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and receiving upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals according to a first timing scheme;

converting the upstream radio-frequency analog signals to a plurality of first digital information packets;

receiving a plurality of second digital information packets;

preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals by transmitting both sets of information packets by inserting the first digital information packets between the second digital information packets in a time domain;

propagating the packets towards a data service hub according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme;

receiving the first and second digital information packets at the data service tub;

detecting a time stamp in the first digital information packets with a data-to-radio-frequency converter of the data service hub; and

initiating recovery of the upstream radio-frequency signals from the first digital information packets with the data-to-radio-frequency converter in response to detecting the time stamp, the time stamp preserving the first timing scheme.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of converting the first digital information packets back to upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of receiving the plurality of second digital information packets, further comprises receiving the plurality of second digital information packets from one of a computer and an internet telephone.

26. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of receiving a plurality of second digital information packets, further comprises receiving a plurality of second digital information packets having irregular sizes.

27. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals further comprises converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals to a plurality of first digital information packets having a uniform length of time slot for their transmission.

28. The method of claim 23, further comprising the steps of:

controlling a first time scheme with a first controller for the reception of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals; and

controlling a second timing scheme with a second controller for transmission of the first and second digital information packets, the second controller operating independently of the first controller.

29. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of preserving the first timing scheme with the second timing scheme by sizing transmission intervals of the second timing scheme such that the transmission intervals are smaller than reception intervals of the first timing scheme.

30. The method of claim 23, wherein the step of transmitting further comprises inserting the first digital information packets between the second digital information packets during uniformly spaced intervals.

31. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of increasing a propagation speed of the fist digital information packets prior to the step of transmitting both sets of information.

32. The method of claim 23, further comprising the step of further comprising the step of decreasing a propagation speed of the first digital information packets prior to the step of receiving the first digital information packets at a data service hub.

33. An optical network system comprising:

a data service hub for processing upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and generating downstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals according to a first timing scheme, the data service hub comprising a data-to-radio-frequency converter for receiving upstream digital data signals comprising a time stamp that preserves the timing scheme and path initiates recovery of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals by the converter from the upstream digital data signals;

at least one subscriber optical interface, for receiving the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals, for converting the radio-frequency analog video service control signals to first digital packets and combining the first packets with second packets in a time domain for upstream transmission towards the data service hub, for preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals, the subscriber optical interface further comprising an analog-to-digital converter for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals into digital data signals prior to first packet formation and for adding the time stamp to the digital data signals that preserves the first timing scheme of the video service control signals of the data service hub;

a laser transceiver node for communicating optical signals between the data service hub and the subscriber optical interface and for apportioning bandwidth between subscribers of the optical network system, the laser transceiver node further comprising two or more optical receivers that share a tap multiplexer; and

one or more optical waveguides connected to the laser transceiver node, for carrying the upstream optical signals and downstream optical signals that are propagated according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme.

34. The optical network system of claim 33, wherein each optical receiver further comprises an optical signal detector for detecting optical signals.

35. A method for providing a return path for signals in an optical network system comprising the steps of:

generating downstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and receiving upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals according to a first timing scheme;

converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals to a plurality of first digital information packets;

receiving a plurality of second digital information packets;

preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals by positioning the first digital information packets between the second digital information packets to form a continuous information stream in a time domain;

propagating the information stream along an optical waveguide towards a data service hub according to a second time scheme;

detecting a time stamp in the first digital information packets with a data-to-radio-frequency converter of the data service hub, the time stamp preserving the first timing scheme; and

initiating recovery of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals from the first digital information packets with the data-to-radio-frequency converter in response to detecting the time stamp.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of converting the first digital information packets back to upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein the step of receiving the plurality of second digital information packets, further comprises receiving the plurality of second digital information packets from one of a computer and an internet telephone.

38. The method of claim 35, further comprising the step of forming the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals in response to commands inputted into a video services terminal.

39. A return path of an optical network system comprising:

a data service hub for processing upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and generating downstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals according to a first timing scheme, the data service hub comprising a data-to-radio-frequency converter for receiving upstream digital data signals comprising a time stamp that preserves the first timing scheme and that initiates recovery of upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals by the converter from the upstream digital data signals;

at least one subscriber optical interface for receiving the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals, for converting the the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals to first digital packets for upstream transmission as optical signals towards the data service hub, and combining the first packets with second packets in a time domain prior to upstream transmission, for preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals, the subscriber optical interface further comprising an analog-to-digital converter for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals into digital data signals prior to first packet formation and for adding the time stamp to the digital data signals that preserves the first timing scheme of the video service control signals of the data service hub; and

one or more optical waveguides connected to the subscriber optical interface, for carrying the upstream optical signals that are propagated according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme.

40. The return path of claim 39, wherein the subscriber optical interface further reduces a size of the packets.

41. The return path of claim 39, wherein the subscriber optical interface comprises a data reducer for adjusting a size of the packets.

42. The return path of claim 39, wherein the subscriber optical interface comprises a data conditioner for increasing a transmission speed of the digital packets.

43. The return path of claim 42, wherein the data conditioner comprises a FIFO buffer.

44. The return path of claim 39, wherein the subscriber optical interface detects a presence of an RF signal destined for the data service hub.

45. A return path of an optical network system comprising:

a data service hub for processing upstream radio-frequency analog and generating downstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals according to a first timing scheme, the data service hub comprising a data-to-radio-frequency converter for receiving upstream digital data signals comprising a time stamp that preserves the first timing scheme and that initiates recovery of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals by the converter from the upstream digital data signals;

a subscriber optical interface for receiving electrical upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals, for converting the electrical upstream radio-frequency analog signals to first digital packets and combining the first packets with second packets in a time domain for upstream transmission towards the data service hub, for preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals, the subscriber optical interface comprising an optical transmitter for converting the first and second packets into the optical domain, the subscriber optical interface further comprising an analog-to-digital converter for converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals into digital data signals prior to first packet formation and for adding the time stamp to the digital data signals that preserves the first timing scheme of the video service control signals of the data service hub; and

one or more optical waveguides connected to the subscriber optical interface for carrying the upstream optical signals and downstream optical signals that are propagated according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme.

46. The return path of claim 45, wherein the data service hub comprises an RF return device for controlling a timing of RF return signals generated by a plurality of subscribers.

47. The return path of claim 45, wherein the optical transmitter comprises an analog laser.

48. The return path of claim 45, wherein the optical transmitter comprises a Fabry-Perot laser.

49. The return path of claim 45, wherein the optical transmitter comprises an RF presence detector for controlling the optical transmitter.

53. The method of claim 48, further comprising detecting a presence of upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals at the subscriber optical interface.

50. A method for returning signals from subscribers to a data service hub in an optical network system comprising:

generating downstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals and receiving upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals according to a first timing scheme;

receiving electrical upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals at a subscriber optical interface;

converting the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals to a plurality of first digital information packets;

receiving a plurality of second digital information packets;

preserving the first timing scheme between the upstream and downstream video service control signals by transmitting both sets of information packets by inserting the first digital information packets between the second digital information packets in a time domain;

converting the first and second digital information packets into optical signals;

transmitting the optical signals to the data service hub according to a second timing scheme independent of the first timing scheme;

detecting a time stamp in the first digital information packets with a data-to-radio-frequency converter of the data service hub; and

initiating recovery of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals from the first digital information packets with the data-to-radio-frequency converter in response to detecting the time stamp.

51. The method of claim 50, further comprising controlling the timing scheme of the upstream radio-frequency analog video service control signals with the data service hub.

52. The method of claim 50, wherein converting the first and second digital information packets into optical signals further comprises modulating an optical transmitter with the first and second digital information packets.