EP3183869A1 - Procédé de migration d'un premier service à un deuxième service - Google Patents

Procédé de migration d'un premier service à un deuxième service

Info

Publication number
EP3183869A1
EP3183869A1 EP15833706.3A EP15833706A EP3183869A1 EP 3183869 A1 EP3183869 A1 EP 3183869A1 EP 15833706 A EP15833706 A EP 15833706A EP 3183869 A1 EP3183869 A1 EP 3183869A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
service
node
fttx
line
subscriber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15833706.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP3183869A4 (fr
Inventor
Ashley Lester HALFORD
John DEL PAPA
William Stanley DAVIES
William Alan WASHINGTON
Brian Andrew JOHNSON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Broadband Node Technologies Pty Ltd
Original Assignee
Broadband Node Technologies Pty Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2014903267A external-priority patent/AU2014903267A0/en
Application filed by Broadband Node Technologies Pty Ltd filed Critical Broadband Node Technologies Pty Ltd
Publication of EP3183869A1 publication Critical patent/EP3183869A1/fr
Publication of EP3183869A4 publication Critical patent/EP3183869A4/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/005—Interface circuits for subscriber lines
    • H04M3/007—Access interface units for simultaneous transmission of speech and data, e.g. digital subscriber line [DSL] access interface units
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M3/00—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges
    • H04M3/18—Automatic or semi-automatic exchanges with means for reducing interference or noise; with means for reducing effects due to line faults with means for protecting lines
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/0001—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems using optical switching
    • H04Q11/0062—Network aspects
    • H04Q11/0071—Provisions for the electrical-optical layer interface
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M11/00—Telephonic communication systems specially adapted for combination with other electrical systems
    • H04M11/06—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors
    • H04M11/062—Simultaneous speech and data transmission, e.g. telegraphic transmission over the same conductors using different frequency bands for speech and other data
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04M—TELEPHONIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04M2201/00—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems
    • H04M2201/80—Electronic components, circuits, software, systems or apparatus used in telephone systems line protection circuits such as current or overvoltage protection circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q11/00—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems
    • H04Q11/0001—Selecting arrangements for multiplex systems using optical switching
    • H04Q11/0062—Network aspects
    • H04Q2011/0064—Arbitration, scheduling or medium access control aspects

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally related to the provision of data communication networks and more particularly to methods and systems for migrating from a first service connecting a subscriber to an exchange to a second service connecting the subscriber to a fibre access node.
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • cable modem connections which provide insufficient speeds for deployment of advanced multimedia applications. Accordingly, the greater access speeds provided by locating the fibre access nodes closer to the subscriber premises are proving increasingly attractive.
  • Fibre access nodes may be located at various points between the exchange and the customer's premises including cross-connect facilities (CCF) such as pillars, cabinets, pits, and main distribution frames (MDF).
  • CCF cross-connect facilities
  • MDF main distribution frames
  • FTTN node
  • FTTCab fibre to the cabinet
  • FTTK fibre to the kerb
  • FTdp fibre to the distribution point
  • FTTB fibre to the building
  • FTTH optical network units
  • ONT optical network terminals
  • the term FTTx node will be used interchangeably with the term fibre access node herein but does not limit the application of the present invention to any specific FTTx architecture per se.
  • FIG. 1 A typical configuration of combined digital subscriber line (DSL) and plain old telephony service (POTS) delivery is shown in Figure 1 .
  • POTS 4 are delivered from a local exchange 1 via a low pass filter 5 and interconnected with DSL services delivered from a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 2 via a high pass filter 3.
  • DSL services delivered from a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 2 via a high pass filter 3.
  • DSL digital subscriber line access multiplexer
  • the line connection from the exchange 6 typically connects to subscriber premises 12 via a cross-connect facility (CCF) 10 which may be located in a street-side cabinet or "pillar".
  • CCF cross-connect facility
  • the line connection from the exchange 6 and the line connection from the subscriber premises 1 1 both terminate at the CCF 10 on termination blocks 7a & 7b respectively.
  • a jumper line 8 interconnects the termination blocks 7a & 7b to complete the connection between the exchange 1 and the subscriber premises 12.
  • the subscriber line 1 1 connects to a DSL modem 14 via a high pass filter 13 and telephony equipment or POTS 16 via a low pass filter 15.
  • Some methods have been proposed for migrating subscribers to FTTx nodes (referred to as “pillar migration"), including the “flash-cut” procedure which involves disconnecting the line connecting the exchange with the subscriber premises, to enable connection of the subscriber premises to the FTTx node; and the “relay-based” procedure which involves connecting a relay matrix between a copper pair connected to the subscriber premises and a copper pair connected to the exchange, and disconnecting the jumper line connecting the exchange with the subscriber premises, enabling the connection to the subscriber premises to be switched between the exchange and the fibre node.
  • a method for migrating at least one of a plurality of subscribers from a first service connecting the subscriber to an exchange to a second service connecting the subscriber to a FTTx node, the subscriber being connected to the first service via a subscriber line including the following steps:
  • the first service typically includes at least a broadband service, e.g. a digital subscriber line (DSL) but may include a DSL in combination with a narrowband service, e.g. plain old telephony service (POTS) delivered from a local exchange or central office (CO).
  • the first service may also be a legacy service such as SHDSL, ISDN, E1/T1 .
  • the line connection from the exchange to the subscriber will typically occur via a CCF located in a street-side cabinet or "pillar" or similar interconnection point such as a pit, or main distribution frame (MDF).
  • MDF main distribution frame
  • the second service provides access to a FTTx node using optical fibre rather than the usual copper pair connection employed by the first service.
  • the line connection from the FTTx node to the subscriber occurs at the node connection point.
  • the FTTx node may include POTS, as herein described, it is to be understood that the inclusion of POTS is not essential to the working of the invention.
  • the method of the present invention can be equally applied where POTS is not available.
  • the method of the present invention applies to all node connection points as defined above in this document and as such includes but is not limited to cross-connect facilities (CCF) such as pillars, cabinets, pits, and main distribution frames (MDF) and could be applied to any copper pair interconnection method or location, which enables FTTx nodes to be connected to exchange and subscriber premises.
  • CCF cross-connect facilities
  • MDF main distribution frames
  • the exchange may be any form of exchange including but not limited to a local exchange, a main exchange, trunk exchange, central office (CO), remote exchange or digital loop carrier (DLC).
  • Network Management of services delivered over copper lines from any of these exchange types is typically undertaken by specific management systems such as POTS management systems, DSL management systems or legacy management systems for services such as SHDSL, ISDN or E1/T1 .
  • POTS management systems DSL management systems
  • legacy management systems for services such as SHDSL, ISDN or E1/T1 .
  • SHDSL SHDSL
  • E1/T1 E1/T1
  • connection between the FTTx node and the exchange may connect the FTTx node either to the same local exchange or to a main exchange without affecting the operation of the method of the present invention.
  • the step of establishing a connection between the FTTx node and the node connection point involves installing a single copper pair for each subscriber. This minimises the material and labour costs involved in deployment of the FTTx node in accordance with the present invention.
  • the method includes the step of remotely activating the first service and deactivating the second service, or remotely deactivating the first service and activating the second service. That is, when the first service, e.g. POTS and/or DSL is activated from the exchange, the second service, e.g. FTTx POTS and/or FTTx DSL is placed in a deactivated state and vice versa.
  • first service e.g. POTS and/or DSL
  • the second service e.g. FTTx POTS and/or FTTx DSL is placed in a deactivated state and vice versa.
  • the first service includes one or more of a narrowband service, a broadband service or a legacy service.
  • the second service includes one or both of a narrowband service and/or a broadband service.
  • the method further includes the step of minimising interference to a broadband or legacy service provided by the first service from a broadband service provided by the second service by increasing an impedance of a line connection between the FTTx node and the node connection point when the second service is deactivated and decreasing the impedance when the second service is activated.
  • the narrowband service comprises plain old telephony service (POTS) and the method further includes the step of preventing interference between a POTS service provided by the first service with a POTS service provided by the second service by isolating a POTS circuit from ring voltages generated by the first service when the second service is deactivated.
  • POTS plain old telephony service
  • the method further includes several steps to optimise utilisation of the FTTx node ports by confirming the FTTx connections are made to all existing subscriber connections carrying an active service by utilising an active line test. This step further minimises the material and labour costs involved in deployment of the FTTx node by ensuring all existing services are ready for migration to the FTTx node before field staff leave the node connection point location thereby avoiding the need for expensive revisits to the same location.
  • an optional subscriber line identification test may be performed to verify the identity of the subscriber line used by each subscriber and its connectivity to the FTTx node. This test may involve creating a first line connection condition at the exchange and detecting a second line condition at the FTTx node, or creating a first line connection condition at the FTTx node and detecting a second line connection condition at the exchange, wherein if the first and second line connection conditions are the same, correct line connectivity and identification is confirmed.
  • creating the first line connection condition involves placing the line connection in a line test condition.
  • the line test condition may be for example an off-hook condition in the case of a POTS system, or a line looped condition in the case of a DSL system.
  • This line test condition initiated by the FTTx node may be detected as an off-hook condition in the case of a POTS system at the exchange or as an impaired line condition in case of a DSL or legacy system at the exchange.
  • the subscriber line identification test may include the following steps: (a) communicating with the CO management system to prepare it for the subscriber line identification test; (b) selecting a subscriber line connection between the FTTx node and the exchange for testing; (c) placing the selected line connection in a line test condition; (d) initiating detection of the line test condition by the CO management system.
  • the CO management system detects that the selected line is in the line test condition, it communicates the line identification information to the FTTx management system which returns the selected line connection to an idle condition. If the CO management system does not detect that the selected line connection is in the line test condition, this is communicated to the FTTx management system which adds the selected line connection to an exception report.
  • the idle condition is an on-hook condition in the case of a POTS system, or a normal state in the case of a DSL system.
  • this line identification is recorded in the FTTx management system. If there were pre-configured line identification records in the FTTx management system, but the line identification information does not match those records, then this line and the line identification information is added to a "Line ID Mismatch" exception report. Alternatively, if the CO management system does not detect that the selected line connection is in the line test condition, this result is communicated to the FTTx management system and the FTTx management system adds the selected line connection to a "Lines not Identified" exception report.
  • the step of initiating the subscriber line identification test involves switching a relay in the FTTx node.
  • the subscriber line identification test is repeated for each line connection between the FTTx node and the exchange before the field staff leave the node connection point location.
  • the subscriber line identification test results may further be utilised to amend the subscriber records associated with the line configuration information in the FTTx management system with newly obtained line identification information for each subscriber, thereby reconfiguring the FTTx subscriber line records. That is, the method may further include the step of reconfiguring the subscriber records of a line connection by testing one or more line connections between the exchange and the node connection point to detect a line connection in the test condition. If a line connection is detected in the line test condition, the identity of the line connection may be provided to the FTTx management system which may then reconfigure subscriber records associated with the line connection.
  • a system for migrating at least one of a plurality of subscribers from a first service to a second service including:
  • a network management centre for remotely activating the first service at the exchange and deactivating the second service at the FTTx node, or remotely deactivating the first service at the exchange and activating the second service at the FTTx node;
  • the second line connection may include a single copper pair for each subscriber between the FTTx node and the node connection point.
  • the network management system includes a CO management system for managing connection of the subscriber to the first service and a FTTx management system for managing connection of the subscriber to the second service.
  • the first service may include one or more of a POTS service or a DSL service or a legacy service and the second service may include one or both of a POTS service or a DSL service.
  • the FTTx node may further include a relay switch for initiating a subscriber line identification test to verify the connection between the subscriber and the FTTx node.
  • connecting a subscriber line includes detecting if a line at the FTTx node has an active service by performing a line test such as looping the line.
  • connecting a subscriber line includes detecting if a line at the FTTx node has an active service by detecting the presence of a DC voltage using an enhanced metallic line testing ("MELT”) function.
  • MELT enhanced metallic line testing
  • connecting a subscriber line includes the following steps: (a) connecting one or more FTTx node ports to one or more active subscriber lines if line cross connect records are reliable; or (b) connecting all subscriber lines to an FTTx node port, where the number of FTTx node ports exceeds the number of available subscriber lines; or (c) connecting FTTx node ports to subscriber lines having an existing jumper connection to the exchange; and (d) moving any FTTx node ports connected to non-active subscriber lines, to untested subscriber lines with a jumper; and
  • the method may further include the step of performing an active line test on all lines connected to FTTx node ports to determine whether each line connection has an existing service.
  • the selected line connection may be added to an exception report.
  • the step of performing the active line test involves switching a relay in the FTTx node.
  • a method for migrating at least one of a plurality of subscribers from a first service connecting the subscriber to an exchange to a second service connecting the subscriber to a FTTx node, the subscriber being connected to the first service via a subscriber line including the following steps:
  • the impedance of the connection between the FTTx node and the node connection point may be controlled by an FTTx node signal on the line to be migrated.
  • the impedance is controlled by a MELT function.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a typical configuration of combined digital subscriber line (DSL) and plain old telephony service (POTS) delivery.
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • POTS plain old telephony service
  • FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram showing a configuration of combined digital subscriber line (DSL) and plain old telephony service (POTS) delivery via a FTTx node in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • POTS plain old telephony service
  • FIG 3 is a more detailed schematic diagram showing the configuration of combined digital subscriber line (DSL) and plain old telephony service (POTS) delivery via a FTTx node shown in Figure 2.
  • DSL digital subscriber line
  • POTS plain old telephony service
  • Figure 4 is a flow chart showing an overview of the method of migrating a subscriber from a first service provided via the exchange to a second service provided via the FTTx node according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 5A is a flow chart showing the subscriber line connection process.
  • Figure 5B is a schematic diagram showing the typical services and connections at the node connection point for exchange and subscriber lines
  • Figure 6A is a flow chart showing the method of conducting an optional subscriber line identification test and reconfiguration of subscriber line records in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 6B is a system diagram showing subscriber line identification test options for typical network configurations
  • Figure 7A is a schematic diagram providing a functional overview of the xDSL line driver.
  • Figure 7B is a schematic diagram showing a typical implementation of the xDSL line driver.
  • Figure 7C is a schematic diagram showing a functional overview of a high impedance circuit implementation external to the DSLAM
  • Figure 8A is a schematic diagram providing a functional overview of the POTS line driver.
  • Figure 8B is a schematic diagram showing a typical implementation of the POTS line driver.
  • Figure 9A is a schematic diagram providing a functional overview of the subscriber line identification test for FTTx POTS.
  • Figure 9B is a schematic diagram showing a typical implementation of the subscriber line identification test.
  • Figure 9C is a schematic diagram providing a functional overview of the subscriber line identification test for FTTx DSL.
  • NCP node connection point
  • CCF cross-connect facilities
  • MDF main distribution frame
  • the node connection point may be at locations where there is no existing CCF, hence requiring new connect points to be established by making new line junctions between the FTTx node equipment and the exchange to subscriber line whether made by "triple termination” formed by bridging the FTTx node copper line to the existing line or by "break and make” of the copper line during node installation.
  • FIG. 2 there is shown an example configuration of combined digital subscriber line (DSL) and plain old telephony service (POTS) delivery via a FTTx node.
  • POTS 4 are delivered from a local exchange 1 via a low pass filter 5 and interconnected with DSL services delivered from a digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) 2 via a high pass filter 3.
  • DSL digital subscriber line access multiplexer
  • DSL digital subscriber line access multiplexer
  • CCF 10 which is typically located in a street-side cabinet or "pillar".
  • the line connection from the local exchange 6 and the line connection from the subscriber premises 1 1 both terminate at the CCF 10 on termination blocks 7a & 7b respectively.
  • a jumper line 8 interconnects the termination blocks 7a & 7b to complete the connection between the exchange 1 and the subscriber premises 12.
  • the subscriber line 1 1 connects to a DSL modem 14 via a high pass filter 13 and telephony equipment or POTS 16 via a low pass filter 15.
  • the configuration includes simultaneous connection of the FTTx node 18 and the exchange 1 to the subscriber premises 12. This is achieved by interconnecting the FTTx node 18 to the subscriber line 1 1 .
  • this interconnection is made at a terminal block 7b thereby establishing the node connection point 9a via a copper pair 17a.
  • Case B where there is no co-located CCF with the FTTx node installation, a new node connection point 9b is created on the subscriber line 1 1 by making a new connection between copper pair 17b and subscriber line 1 1 .
  • the copper pair 17a or 17b connects at the FTTx node 18 to a DSL port 19 in the DSLAM via a high pass filter 20 and optionally POTS port 21 via a low pass filter 22.
  • the FTTx node 18 is connected to the local exchange 1 or alternatively a main exchange (not shown) via optical fibre connection 23. Note that the FTTx node 18 may not include POTS 21 and the associated LPF 22 if the exchange POTS service is to be transferred to a VoIP or similar service using the broadband link from the FTTx node.
  • POTS can be activated or deactivated either from the exchange using the CO management system 28 or the FTTx node using the FTTx management system 29.
  • the Network Management Centre 27 controls the operation of all services from both the exchange and the FTTx node.
  • the Network Management Centre utilises both the CO management system 28 connected to the exchange via path 31 and the FTTx management system 29 connected to the FTTx node via path 26.
  • the FTTx POTS 21 is placed in a deactivated state.
  • the exchange POTS 4 is placed in a deactivated state.
  • the deactivated state on the FTTx POTS 21 is configured to mimic the characteristics of a short copper pair stub, thereby having minimal impact on POTS performance.
  • the over-voltage protection on the FTTx POTS 21 is configured to accept typical ring voltages from the exchange 1 when in the deactivated state.
  • the ring generator on the FTTx POTS 21 is further configured to allow the peak ring voltage to be set below the over-voltage protection on the exchange POTS 4. Further detail regarding the POTS line driver circuit is provided in Figures 8A & 8B.
  • DSL services can be activated from either the exchange 1 or
  • FTTx node 18 using either CO management system 28 or FTTx management system 29 respectively.
  • the FTTx DSL service 19 is placed in a deactivated state.
  • the exchange DSL service 2 is placed in a deactivated state.
  • the activated and deactivated states are controlled by the CO and FTTx management systems 28 & 29 respectively.
  • the deactivated state on the FTTx DSL service 19 is configured to mimic the characteristics of a short copper pair stub, thereby having minimal impact on DSL service performance.
  • legacy services e.g. SHDSL, ISDN or E1/T1
  • legacy services can be activated or deactivated from the exchange 1 , and replaced with DSL services from the FTTx node 18 using the CO management system 28 and FTTx management system 29.
  • the FTTx node is connected at the node connection point to all required subscriber premises at 32.
  • the FTTx node may contain DSL and POTS or DSL only technology.
  • it may be decided at 33 to perform an optional automated subscriber line identification test at 34 between the exchange and the FTTx node.
  • the subscriber line identification test is typically useful where some lines now connected to the FTTx node were previously not uniquely identified at the time of connection.
  • the subscriber line identification test described in detail with reference to Figure 6A establishes correct connectivity and identification of the line 17a or 17b for Case A and Case B respectively at the FTTx node 18.
  • the POTS ports 21 & DSL ports 19 are also uniquely mapped to each subscriber line for the significant numbers of subscribers that are typically connected to individual copper pairs 1 1 at the node connection point 9a or 9b.
  • the subscriber line identification test involves utilisation of the relay switch 24a and line test function 25 in the FTTx node 18.
  • the line identification test involves utilisation of the relay switch 24b and line test function 25 in the FTTx node 18.
  • the subscriber line identification test requires interconnection 30 of the CO management systems 28 with the FTTx management system 29 to enable message state information to be communicated between the two systems.
  • the line connection process undergoes several steps to optimise utilisation of FTTx node ports when connecting them to subscriber lines.
  • all active subscriber lines should be connected to an FTTx node port to enable the future remote migration of services from the exchange to the FTTx node.
  • non-active subscriber lines should also be connected to an FTTx node port to support remote service activation, thereby lowering costs by eliminating the future need for individual manual connection of services to the subscriber line.
  • One embodiment of the active line test may include detection of a service by use of the subscriber line test options detailed in Figure 6B.
  • Another embodiment may use an enhancement of a MELT function to detect the presence of a DC voltage on the subscriber line thereby confirming the presence of an active POTS or other service on that line.
  • a FTTx node port found to not have active services after connection to a subscriber line can be moved to the next subscriber line with a jumper at the node connection point and which has not yet been connected to an FTTx node port and the active line test repeated. If the line is found to not to have an active service 51 , the line is added to an exception report "Non-Active Lines" 50. If the line is found to have active services at 50, the system then checks if all lines currently connected to FTTx ports have been tested at 52, and if not it repeats the test for the next connected line at 53. Once all lines currently connected to the FTTx node have been tested, a check 54 is made if there are other lines with jumpers which have not yet undergone the active line test.
  • any FTTx ports connected to lines previously identified as "Non-Active Lines" will not be utilised. Therefore, these ports may be re-allocated to other subscriber lines with jumpers which have not yet been tested 55.
  • the active line test process may continue until all lines have been tested to identify all active and non-active subscriber lines as well as lines which cannot be identified "Lines not Identified” 47 and which must then undergo a subsequent manual test procedure 49 if identification is required.
  • the optional subscriber line identification test 56 described in Figure 6A, may be undertaken. This completes at 57 the subscriber line connection process.
  • this schematic provides an outline of the typical exchange and subscriber line connections and services which may be found at the node connection point.
  • the exchange lines 60 connect to the subscriber lines 62 via jumpers 61 at the CCF 58. Connections to the FTTx node 63 are made to the CCF 58 at the node connection point 59.
  • connections to the FTTx node 66 are made directly to the subscriber lines 65 at the node connection point 64.
  • Figure 5B illustrates exchange lines which may be active and carrying a range of services including POTS, DSL or legacy services. Additional exchange lines are also shown which are non-active lines as they are vacant or carry disconnected services.
  • the number of subscriber lines may be > number of exchange lines
  • the number of FTTx ports must be ⁇ the number of active lines.
  • the FTTx management system selects a line connection to test 68 and communicates these details to the CO management system 69.
  • the FTTx management system initiates the subscriber line test function for the line to be tested using the relevant approach described in Figure 6B.
  • the selected line connection on the FTTx node is placed into the line test condition at 72.
  • FIG. 6B outlines subscriber line identification test options for two typical network configurations. Alternate configurations may also be deployed which similarly utilise the techniques described herein.
  • Case 1 both POTS and DSL 96 are to be deployed at the FTTx node 94, and in Case 2, only DSL 97 is to be deployed at the FTTx node 94.
  • Existing services from the exchange 93 to be migrated to the FTTx node may include POTS/DSL (a) or DSL only (b) or legacy (c).
  • the subscriber line identification test functionality is part of the equipment at the FTTx node 94.
  • the subscriber line identification test may incorporate any or all of the functionality provided by Metallic Line Testing ("MELT”), or Single-Ended Line Testing (“SELT”), or Dual-Ended Line Testing (“DELT”), or other proprietary functionality which tests the status and performance of the copper pair from the test initiation point 96 & 97 to the customer premises 95.
  • MELT Metallic Line Testing
  • SELT Single-Ended Line Testing
  • DELT Dual-Ended Line Testing
  • a simple subscriber line test implementation may incorporate only a line looping function or it may incorporate a line looping function in addition to any or all of MELT, SELT or DELT.
  • a variety of test methods are hence typically available using this subscriber line identification test functionality from the FTTx node.
  • a FTTx node based subscriber line identification test is initiated by looping a specific line under control of the FTTx Management System.
  • the correct line connection at the FTTx node is typically confirmed by one of the following methods: (1 ) POTS at exchange (a) detects an off-hook condition for that specific line; or (2) if only DSL (b) or legacy system (c) at exchange, the CO management system detects a line impaired condition (e.g. reduced SNR margin) for that specific line.
  • a line impaired condition e.g. reduced SNR margin
  • the POTS equipment at the exchange can detect the off- hook condition for that specific line.
  • the DSL or legacy equipment at the exchange will detect a degraded or impaired condition for that specific line. Initiating a test by creating a line loop is one embodiment of this invention to undertake subscriber line identification testing.
  • the type of impairment on the specific subscriber line under test may be detected by a reduction in SNR margin or line error detection or monitoring of line re- synchronisation or by other alternative line status monitoring techniques.
  • the FTTx management system avoids testing line connections already in a line test condition at 70 and records these lines in a "Delay Test List" at 71 .
  • the FTTx Management system may retest a line connection which had previously been added to the "Delay Test List" at 71 , before signalling the CO management system to test another line at 68.
  • the MELT functionality in the FTTx node may be used to measure the DC voltage across the line. If the measured DC voltage is the nominal open circuit POTS feeding voltage (typically 48VDC), the line is not in use (i.e. POTS is on-hook).
  • the FTTx management system After a line connection is successfully placed into the line test condition at 72, the FTTx management system sends an acknowledgement to the CO management system at 73 indicating that the line connection is in the line test condition (e.g. off-hook condition). This acknowledgement initiates line detection by the CO management system.
  • the relevant management system records the line identification (ID) at 77 and reports this tested line ID information to the FTTx management system at 78. In the significant majority of cases, this test will result in a single unique subscriber line being identified. It should be noted, however, that if other subscriber lines are looped by their subscribers at the same time as the line identification test is activated at 72, then two or more lines may be identified by the CO management system. In this scenario, the subscriber line under test should be added to the "Lines not Identified" exception report at 76.
  • the FTTx management system checks this tested line ID information against its existing recorded information at 79. If the FTTx management system was not pre-configured with line ID information at 80 then it stores this tested line ID information as the new subscriber record for the line under test at 81 . Alternatively if the tested line ID information did not match the pre-configured FTTx line ID records at 82, then this line is added to a "Line ID Mismatch" exception report at 83. If the Subscriber Line Test Option was not successful at 75, then this line is added to the "Lines not Identified" exception report at 76.
  • the FTTx management system then returns the line connection to the idle condition at 84.
  • the line identification test procedure then cycles to the next line connection to be tested at 85. After all lines have been cycled through, any lines previously deferred and registered on the "Delay Test List" are then tested at 86.
  • each line in the "Line ID Mismatch" exception report can be analysed at 87. If subscriber line records are to be reconfigured at 88, the tested Line ID information obtained during the testing procedure can be recorded in the FTTx management system thereby reconfiguring the subscriber line records at 91 or alternatively added to the "Lines Not Identified" exception report at 89. All lines on the "Lines not Identified” exception report at 89 may undergo a manual procedure to identify the line at 90 before ending the overall subscriber line identification test at 92.
  • the subscriber line record reconfiguration procedure potentially further reduces node installation costs by rapidly resolving failed connections or line identification which would otherwise require manual re- work on-site.
  • the FTTx node is connected at the node connection point 100 to the subscriber line from the exchange 98 and the subscriber line to the customer 99 which is carrying the existing POTS and DSL services.
  • the line impedance of the xDSL line driver circuit 102 is engineered to minimise any degradation to existing DSL service performance when the FTTx node DSL is in the deactivated state, i.e. prior to service cut- over.
  • the xDSL line driver circuit is activated via the control device 103, the xDSL line driver circuit is returned to its nominal configuration.
  • the resistor 104 is shorted out by the control device 103, which in this embodiment example comprises an opto-coupled MOS relay 107.
  • the MOS relay is activated by activation of the FTTx DSL service.
  • a controllable high impedance circuit external to the DSLAM is used to minimise loading of the line connection.
  • loading of the line connection 101 is minimised by using a controllable high impedance circuit 102a in which relay contacts 102c disconnect the subscriber line 100 from the DSLAM line driver circuit 103b.
  • This configuration enables the high impedance circuit to be at a different physical location to the DSLAM and typically closer to the node connection point.
  • a control signal 103a is sent to the MELT circuit 103c which generates an AC or DC voltage or suitable trigger to activate relay 102b.
  • relay 102b connects the subscriber line 100 to the DSLAM line driver 103b via the line connection 101 .
  • relay 102b may be a latching relay so that once activated it remains in that state, therefore permanently connecting the DSLAM to the subscriber line. This enables the existing DSL service to continue operating to the subscriber with little or no degradation of the service due to the new FTTx connection.
  • utilising the DSLAM MELT function also has the advantage of implementing this migration method without requiring changes to an existing DSLAM product.
  • solid state devices may be used to provide this high impedance circuit as an alternative to the latching relay described herein.
  • the FTTx POTS circuit incorporates a line disconnect feature 108 on all line connections to isolate the POTS protection circuit 109 from exchange generated ring voltages until such time that migration occurs.
  • the POTS protection circuit 109 is therefore not subjected to ring voltages from the exchange whilst FTTx POTS is in the deactivated state.
  • the ring generator 110 on FTTx POTS is designed to enable its peak ring voltage to be set below the over-voltage protection levels installed on the exchange POTS.
  • a line disconnect relay 1 1 1 which is a standard part of the POTS circuit 1 15 (see Figure 9A) is used to isolate the POTS protection circuit 1 12 and prevent FTTx POTS from interfering with POTS originating from exchange. After migration occurs the POTS protection circuit 1 12 will assume the role of the equivalent circuit at the exchange.
  • a line loop facility may be used to test line connectivity and identification.
  • a line loop connected across the common test bus 1 18 can be switched to each subscriber line in turn by a line test relay 1 14 under the direction of the FTTx management system. This allows each line via the test relay 1 14 to be switched to the line loop 1 13 in turn.
  • Figure 9B provides more detail of this implementation with the line test relay 1 16 used to switch the line to a suitable resistor 1 17 which loops the line. Detection of an off-hook condition on the correct line at the exchange indicates correct connection of the copper pairs at the node connection point and that a good connection exists.
  • the method of the present invention should be deployed within engineered minimum and maximum line lengths between the FTTx node, the exchange and the subscriber premises. For example, in order to minimise performance impairment these engineering limits will restrict use of the method of the present invention in close proximity to the exchange.
  • One of the main advantages of the existing relay-based node installation approach is that it can switch out undesirable shunt impedances which would otherwise impair the transmission path of the DSL service selected by the subscriber (whether exchange DSL or FTTx DSL). This ensures that line connection losses are minimized and that optimum transmission capacities are attained.
  • the method of the present invention causes the idle FTTx DSL transceiver input impedance to stay high for all possible line connection lengths between FTTx node and subscriber premises, the detrimental shunting effect is greatly reduced.
  • Laboratory measurements and system modelling has shown that the method of the present invention enables ADSL or ADSL2+ transmission capacities to remain typically within approximately 95% of those that would be obtained with a relay-based approach.
  • the worst case scenario i.e. the longest ADSL/ADSL2+ line lengths
  • the capacities remain within 90% of the corresponding relay-based values. This very large capacity improvement over the worst case scenario that otherwise apply without a relay matrix is a significant advantage of the migration method of the present invention.
  • the transceiver input impedance at the FTTx node is returned to its nominal configuration.
  • the unused section of line connecting the FTTx node back to the exchange remains connected, it mimics a typical long stub and shunts the DSL signal path. Consequently this long stub somewhat impairs the transmission capacity of the FTTx DSL system.
  • the VDSL2 systems incorporate upstream power back-off (UPBO) and the stub has different impacts on each direction of transmission.
  • UPBO upstream power back-off
  • the upstream capacities typically remain within approximately 70-90% of capacities that would be obtained with the relay matrix approach.
  • the downstream capacities remain within approximately 90-95% of capacities that would be obtained with the relay matrix approach.
  • the subscriber line between the node connection point and the exchange may be disconnected at the node connection point, thereby resulting in the subscriber line being connected directly and solely to the FTTx node. This removes the shunting stub described above and the consequential performance impacts, thereby removing any degradation resulting in 100% VDSL2 performance.
  • the method of the present invention enables the FTTx node to be located and connected at any point on the subscriber line by appropriate selection of the node connection point location. This provides the significant benefit of enabling flexibility when determining the location of the FTTx node.
  • the bandwidth achievable to the subscriber increases as the distance between the FTTx node and the subscriber decreases. Therefore the location of a FTTx node should be located as close as possible to the subscriber.
  • the ability to flexibly determine the location of the FTTx node using the method of the present invention enables the potential bandwidth for subscribers to be optimal and maximised.
  • the method of the invention advantageously provides a means for connecting a FTTx node to existing subscriber lines with no or minimal interruption to existing exchange services, and ready for the subsequent migration of at least one of a plurality of subscribers from a first service to a second service.
  • the existing exchange broadband service can be migrated to the FTTx node independently and therefore at a different point in time to the migration of the existing exchange narrowband service to the node

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Monitoring And Testing Of Exchanges (AREA)
  • Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de migration d'au moins un abonné d'une pluralité d'abonnés d'un premier service connectant l'abonné à un central téléphonique à un deuxième service connectant l'abonné à un nœud FTTx, l'abonné étant connecté au premier service par l'intermédiaire d'une ligne d'abonné. Le procédé consiste à établir une connexion entre le nœud FTTx et la ligne d'abonné au niveau d'un point de connexion de nœud ; établir une connexion entre le nœud FTTx et le central téléphonique au niveau du point de connexion de nœud ; et activer à distance le premier service au niveau du central téléphonique et désactiver le deuxième service au niveau du nœud FTTx, ou désactiver à distance le premier service au niveau du central téléphonique et activer le deuxième service au niveau du nœud FTTx. Tout au long du processus, l'abonné reste connecté physiquement et simultanément à la fois au nœud FTTx et au central téléphonique à tout moment.
EP15833706.3A 2014-08-20 2015-07-28 Procédé de migration d'un premier service à un deuxième service Withdrawn EP3183869A4 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2014903267A AU2014903267A0 (en) 2014-08-20 A method for migrating from a first service to a second service
PCT/AU2015/000445 WO2016025976A1 (fr) 2014-08-20 2015-07-28 Procédé de migration d'un premier service à un deuxième service

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EP3183869A1 true EP3183869A1 (fr) 2017-06-28
EP3183869A4 EP3183869A4 (fr) 2018-05-30

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AU2018377057A1 (en) * 2017-11-28 2019-10-24 NetComm Wireless Pty Ltd A system for disabling pots reversion

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US5357556A (en) * 1992-08-10 1994-10-18 Pacific Bell System and method for telephone network testing
EP2328355A1 (fr) * 2009-11-27 2011-06-01 Koninklijke KPN N.V. Migration de service automatisée

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AU2015306062A1 (en) 2017-03-16
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