WO2001092921A2 - Systeme et procede de deploiement de reseaux a fibres optiques par des systemes de distribution d'eau - Google Patents

Systeme et procede de deploiement de reseaux a fibres optiques par des systemes de distribution d'eau Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001092921A2
WO2001092921A2 PCT/US2001/017515 US0117515W WO0192921A2 WO 2001092921 A2 WO2001092921 A2 WO 2001092921A2 US 0117515 W US0117515 W US 0117515W WO 0192921 A2 WO0192921 A2 WO 0192921A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
network
location
pipeline
active
network link
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/017515
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001092921A3 (fr
Inventor
Brig B. Elliott
Original Assignee
Bbnt Solutions Llc
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
Application filed by Bbnt Solutions Llc filed Critical Bbnt Solutions Llc
Priority to AU2001275044A priority Critical patent/AU2001275044A1/en
Publication of WO2001092921A2 publication Critical patent/WO2001092921A2/fr
Publication of WO2001092921A3 publication Critical patent/WO2001092921A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
    • G02B6/46—Processes or apparatus adapted for installing or repairing optical fibres or optical cables
    • G02B6/50—Underground or underwater installation; Installation through tubing, conduits or ducts
    • G02B6/502—Installation methods in fluid conducts, e.g. pipelines

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to networks and, more particularly, to a system and method for quickly deploying a fiber optic network through water distribution systems.
  • Another major impediment with the conventional approach to installing fiber optic networks in a metropolitan area may be finding and building appropriate shelters along the network to house and power optical repeater equipment and/or routers. These shelters add additional cost to the implementation of the fiber optic network and typically require the routing of electrical power in the fiber cables themselves in order to power the optical devices housed therein. Routing of electrical power through the fiber cables makes for a more complex network design. There exists a need for a system and method that facilitate the deployment of a fiber optic network in a metropolitan area.
  • a method includes transporting at least one network link from a first location to a second location in an active pipeline l o system of a locality and capturing the at least one network link at the second location.
  • a network in another implementation consistent with the present invention, includes at least one network link located in an active pipeline system of a locality, a first network device connected to the at least one 15 network link and located at a first area of the pipeline system, and a second network device connected to the at least one network link and located at a second, different area of the pipeline system.
  • a method for installing a network in an active water distribution system 20 includes inserting at least one network link into a pipeline of the water distribution system, transporting a first end of the at least one network link from a first location to a second location in the pipeline, connecting the first end to a first network device, and attaching a second end of the at least one network link to a second network device.
  • a method for deploying a network in an active water distribution system includes routing a plurality of network links through the water distribution system, and connecting the plurality of links to network devices located outside the water distribution system.
  • FIG. l illustrates a locality in which a system and method, consistent with the present invention, for deploying a fiber optic network may be implemented
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary water distribution system consistent o with the present invention
  • FIG. 3 illustrates routing of fiber cables, consistent with the present invention, in a water distribution system containing an obstruction
  • FIG. 4 illustrates routing of fiber cables, consistent with the present invention, in an exemplary water distribution system in which a segment5 of the water pipeline contains a branch;
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system, consistent with the present invention, for deploying a fiber optic network through a water distribution system
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process, consistent with the present o invention, for deploying a fiber optic network in a water distribution system.
  • Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide a process by which a fiber optic network can be quickly and inexpensively deployed.
  • the process involves routing the fiber optic cables of the network through a locality's (e.g., a city's) water distribution system. As such, the number of rights of way that must be obtained and the amount of digging involved are minimized.
  • FIG. l illustrates an exemplary locality 100 in which a system and method, consistent with the present invention, for deploying fiber optic cabling may be implemented.
  • the exemplary locality loo includes a group of houses 110-118, a store 120, a factory 130, a financial institution 140, and an office building 150 that are interconnected via fiber optic cabling 170 through the locality's water distribution system 160.
  • the locality 100 may include a city, town, and the like, where water distribution systems are employed.
  • Each house 110-118 may include one or more devices (not shown), such as cable televisions, telephones, or computers, that transmit and receive signals via the fiber optic cabling 170 in a well-known manner.
  • the store 120, factory 130, financial institution 140, and office building 150 may include devices, such as telephones or computers, that transmit and receive signals via the fiber optic cabling 170.
  • the fiber optic cabling 170 includes conventional fiber optic strands that transmit signals for cable television, computers, telephone networks, etc.
  • the fiber optic cabling 170 interconnects the houses 110-118, store 120, factory 130, financial institution 140, and office building 150 to allow signals to be transferred there between.
  • the fiber optic cabling 160 maybe connected to one or more other networks, such as the Internet.
  • the fiber optic cabling 170 is routed through the water distribution system 160 of the locality 100 in which the houses 110-118, store 120, etc. are located.
  • the water distribution system 160 may include any conventional underground water distribution system that routes water in the locality 100, such as a municipal, water supply. As will be described in more detail below, routing of fiber cables through a locality's water distribution system 160 simplifies network deployment.
  • FIGS. 2-4 illustrate exemplary water distribution systems consistent with the present invention.
  • the water distribution systems depicted may include more or less elements than are actually illustrated. For example, while only one fiber cable connects the components of the water distribution systems, it will be appreciated that multiple fiber cables may be used.
  • the water distribution system 200 includes a water pipeline 210, a group of optical switches/repeaters (OS/R) 220-1 to 220-N, and fiber cables 230.
  • the water pipeline 210 may include any conventional water pipeline used in water distribution systems.
  • the optical switches/repeaters 220-1 to 220-N may include one or more conventional optical switches/repeaters that route optical signals to appropriate destinations. Each optical switch/repeater 220-1 to 220-N may be implemented via hardware or a combination of hardware and software.
  • the optical switches/repeaters 220-1 to 220-N are positioned along the water pipeline 210 at predetermined locations. These devices 220-1 to 220-N may be positioned, as needed, in order to properly repeat the optical signal, and/or to interconnect with other (dry) optical segments in the overall network.
  • the optical switches/repeaters 220-1 to 220-N may be housed in buildings that are already in place along the water pipeline (e.g., in the store 120 in FIG. 1) that house pumps, filters, and the like, in connection with the water distribution system 200. Since these buildings already have power supplies, the optical switches/repeaters 220-1 to 220-N ma be simply powered by this existing power system.
  • the fiber cables 230 may include conventional fiber cables used in underwater environments.
  • the fiber cables 230 may be similar to those used in a coastal festoon system, i.e., they may contain only fiber filaments with protection, but need not contain any medium for distributing electrical power.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates routing of fiber cables 230, consistent with the present invention, in a water distribution system 300 containing an obstruction 340.
  • the exemplary water distribution system 300 includes a water pipeline 310 containing an obstruction 340, a group of optical switches/repeaters 320-1 to 320-3, and fiber cables 230.
  • the water pipeline 310, optical switches/repeaters 320-1 to 320-3, and fiber cables 230 are similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 2.
  • the obstruction 340 may be any type of obstruction that would prevent the continuous routing of fiber cables 230 in the water pipeline 310.
  • an optical switch/repeater 320-2 is positioned in close proximity to the location of the obstruction 340. As such, the fiber cables 230 may be easily routed around the obstruction 340. It will be appreciated that, in some instances, more than one optical switch/repeater 320-2 may be necessary to bypass one or more closely located obstructions.
  • FIG. 4 illustrates routing of fiber cables 430, consistent with the present invention, in an exemplary water distribution system 400 in which a segment of the water pipeline 410 branches in different directions.
  • the exemplary water distribution system 400 includes a water pipeline 410 having a segment that branches in different directions, a group of optical switches/repeaters 420-1 to 420-N, and fiber cables 430.
  • the optical switches/repeaters 420-1 to 420-N and fiber cables 430 are similar to those described above with respect to FIG. 2.
  • an optical switch/repeater 420-1 is positioned in close proximity to the location of the branch.
  • Additional fiber cables 430 may be connected to the optical switch/repeater 420-1 for each branch in the water pipeline 410. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the optical switch/repeater 420-1 may transmit signals received via fiber cable 430C through fiber cables 430A and/or 430B, and vice versa. More than one optical switch/repeater 420-1 may be implemented at a particular water pipeline branch, if needed.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary system 500, consistent with the present invention, for deploying a fiber optic network through a water distribution system.
  • the exemplary system 500 includes a water pipeline 510 having an entry point 502 and an exit point 504, a cable spool 520, a fiber cable 530, a flotation device 540, and a capture device 550.
  • the water pipeline 510 and fiber cable 530 are similar to those describe above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the entry point 502 includes an access area through which the fiber cable 530 may be inserted into the water pipeline 510.
  • the exit point 504 includes an access point through which the fiber cable 530 may exit the water pipeline 510.
  • the cable spool 520 includes a conventional spool, or other similar device, that holds the fiber cable 530 and facilitates the feeding of the cable 530 into the water pipeline 510 through the entry point 502.
  • the flotation device 540 includes any type of conventional device to which the fiber cable 530 may be attached and capable of transporting the fiber cable 530 from the entry point 502 to the exit point 504.
  • the capture device 550 may include a device, such as a small net, gripper, or any other type of device, that allows for capture of the flotation device 540 in the water pipeline 510.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary process, consistent with the present invention, for deploying a fiber optic network in a water distribution system.
  • the process begins with access points (i.e., an entry point 502 and an exit point 504) being created in the water pipeline 510 [step 610]. These access points 502 and 504 may be created via any conventional technique, such as drilling holes in the top surface of the water pipeline 510.
  • the exit point 504 is positioned at a location downstream of the entry point 502 (i.e., the exit point 504 is positioned at a remote location in the water pipeline 510 in the direction of the flow of water in the pipeline 510).
  • the process may utilize existing access points used by water distribution system personnel.
  • a cable spool 520 is then positioned in close proximity to the water pipeline entry point 502 [step 620]. As described above, the cable spool 520 holds the fiber cable 530 and facilitates the feeding of the cable 530 through the entry point 502 into the water pipeline 510.
  • a capture device 550 is inserted into the exit point 504 in the water pipeline 510 [step 630].
  • a flotation device 540 is then attached to the front end of the fiber cable 530 to be deployed [step 640]. This attachment may be made via any conventional technique that would allow for the fiber cable 530 to remain attached to the flotation device 540 once the flotation device 540 is inserted into the water pipeline 510.
  • the flotation device 540 is then inserted into the water pipeline 510 through the entry point 502 [step 650]. Once inserted, the water current in the water pipeline 510 acts to unspool the cable 530 and carry the flotation device 540 and fiber cable 530 toward the exit point 504.
  • the capture device 550 captures the flotation device 540 or the cable 530 itself [step 660].
  • the flotation device 540 along with the attached fiber cable 530, is pulled through the exit point 504 of the water pipeline 510 [step 670].
  • optical switches/repeaters (220-1 to 220-N) may be attached to the fiber cable 530 at the entry 502 and exit 504 points [step 680].
  • the above-described process can be quickly and inexpensively implemented. Contrary to conventional approaches, a process consistent with the present invention requires no extensive digging, no disruption to traffic, no disruption to businesses in the area of the network installation, etc.
  • the fiber optic cabling is easily durable enough to withstand the pipeline environment of a water distribution system. Moreover, since the fiber cabling is non-toxic and quite small, implementation of a fiber network in the manner described above will not interfere with the locality's water distribution.
  • Systems and methods consistent with the present invention provide a quick and inexpensive manner in which to deploy a fiber optic network.
  • the process involves routing the fiber cables of the network through a locality's preexisting water distribution system.
  • a fiber optic network may easily be provided to residential and commercial areas in the locality.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Laying Of Electric Cables Or Lines Outside (AREA)
  • Light Guides In General And Applications Therefor (AREA)
  • Optical Communication System (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un procédé de déploiement d'une liaison (530) de réseau dans le système (510) de conduites actives d'une localité. Le procédé comporte les étapes consistant à transporter la liaison (530) de réseau, d'un premier emplacement (502) à un deuxième emplacement (504) du système (510) de conduites, et à capturer la liaison (530) de réseau au deuxième emplacement (504).
PCT/US2001/017515 2000-06-01 2001-05-31 Systeme et procede de deploiement de reseaux a fibres optiques par des systemes de distribution d'eau WO2001092921A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2001275044A AU2001275044A1 (en) 2000-06-01 2001-05-31 A system and method for deploying fiber optic networks through water distribution systems

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US58486000A 2000-06-01 2000-06-01
US09/584,860 2000-06-01

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001092921A2 true WO2001092921A2 (fr) 2001-12-06
WO2001092921A3 WO2001092921A3 (fr) 2002-06-20

Family

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AU (1) AU2001275044A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2001092921A2 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010029365A2 (fr) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-18 I3 Group Limited Pose de câbles de réseau dans des canalisations d’adduction d’eau

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5121644A (en) * 1990-02-14 1992-06-16 Stc Plc Deploying cables in pipelines
US5156376A (en) * 1982-05-06 1992-10-20 Standard Telephones And Cables Public Limited Company Laying cables
US5234198A (en) * 1991-06-25 1993-08-10 At&T Bell Laboratories Apparatus for installing optical fiber in conduit
US5293678A (en) * 1992-02-28 1994-03-15 Comm/Scope Method for upgrading and converting a coaxial cable with a fiber optic cable
US5762321A (en) * 1992-10-20 1998-06-09 Meab Mobile Equipment Ab Method of inserting cables into tubing
US5884384A (en) * 1995-12-21 1999-03-23 Koninklijke Kpn N.V. Method for installing a tube or a bundle of tubes in an existing tubular duct

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5156376A (en) * 1982-05-06 1992-10-20 Standard Telephones And Cables Public Limited Company Laying cables
US5121644A (en) * 1990-02-14 1992-06-16 Stc Plc Deploying cables in pipelines
US5234198A (en) * 1991-06-25 1993-08-10 At&T Bell Laboratories Apparatus for installing optical fiber in conduit
US5293678A (en) * 1992-02-28 1994-03-15 Comm/Scope Method for upgrading and converting a coaxial cable with a fiber optic cable
US5762321A (en) * 1992-10-20 1998-06-09 Meab Mobile Equipment Ab Method of inserting cables into tubing
US5884384A (en) * 1995-12-21 1999-03-23 Koninklijke Kpn N.V. Method for installing a tube or a bundle of tubes in an existing tubular duct

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010029365A2 (fr) * 2008-09-11 2010-03-18 I3 Group Limited Pose de câbles de réseau dans des canalisations d’adduction d’eau
WO2010029365A3 (fr) * 2008-09-11 2010-05-06 I3 Group Limited Pose de câbles de réseau dans des canalisations d’adduction d’eau
AU2009290647B2 (en) * 2008-09-11 2015-05-21 Craley Group Limited Laying network cables in water supply pipes

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001092921A3 (fr) 2002-06-20
AU2001275044A1 (en) 2001-12-11

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