WO2015066329A1

WO2015066329A1 - Enclosure with intergrated individual onu-to-dsl conversion modules

Info

Publication number: WO2015066329A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/063157
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Brown; David Mather; Robert Neil Shaddock; William Atley WEEKS; Joris Franckx; Jan Jozef Julia Maria ERREYGERS
Original assignee: Tyco Electronics Uk Ltd; Tyco Electronics Corporation; Tyco Electronics Raychem Bvba
Priority date: 2013-11-01
Filing date: 2014-10-30
Publication date: 2015-05-07

Abstract

A re-entrant enclosure for use in a passive fiber optic network comprises a plurality of single line converter modules; and a housing configured to enclose the plurality of single line converter modules. Each of the single line converter modules comprises a fiber optic connector configured to be optically coupled to a service terminal via a respective optical fiber for receiving downstream optical frames; a single electrical connector coupled over a respective metallic medium to a respective network terminal providing a service to respective customer premise equipment (CPE); and an optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter located in the housing and configured to convert the downstream optical frames to an electrical signal for transmission over the respective metallic medium to the respective network terminal. The housing of the re-entrant enclosure further comprises a seal around each of the plurality of optical fibers coupled to a respective one of the plurality of single line converter modules.

Description

ENCLOSURE WITH INTERGRATED INDIVIDUAL ONU-TO-DSL CONVERSION

MODULES

BACKGROUND

[0001] Fiber-to-the-X (FTTX) network architectures utilize optical fiber to provide all or part of the local loop to a customer's premise. For example, Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network architectures utilize optical fiber as the communication media all the way to the customer's premise. Figure 1 shows part of a conventional network architecture utilizing a Passive Optical Networks (PON), such as Gigabit PON (GPON), which includes a FTTH

implementation for customer premise 115-N. In particular, the optical fiber drop cable 111-N is coupled from a fiber distribution terminal 109 (also referred to herein as a service terminal) to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) 113 located at the customer's premise 115-N. By using optical fiber as the communication media all the way to each customer's home, FTTH networks can be used to provide such home customers with broadband bandwidth levels associated with fiber optic communication.

[0002] However, it may be undesirable to implement FTTH for each customer. For example, installation of optical fiber at a customer's premise or home typically requires physical access to the customer's home and surrounding area in order to dig up the customer's yard and/or surrounding area for burying the fiber drop cable. Physical access to the customer's home is also typically required to terminate the optical fiber at the customer's home. Such access may be undesirable or unavailable. Thus, other fiber implementations utilize copper wiring already present in the customer's premise for at least part of the local loop. For example, as shown in Figure 1 , in Fiber-to-the-distribution point (FTTdp) implementations, a fiber optic drop cable 111-1 is coupled from the passive service terminal 109 to an Optical Network Unit (ONU) 117 at a copper distribution point. A copper distribution point is a point where multiple copper pairs arrive. Additionally, as used herein, a 'passive' device is a device which does not include electrically powered components whereas an 'active' device includes electrically powered components. The ONU 117 is typically an active multi-line unit configured to perform optical to electrical (O/E) conversion and to distribute the converted electrical signal over a plurality of copper pairs 119. Each of the copper pairs 119 is coupled to a respective customer premise 115. Additionally, the ONU 117 typically includes a copper intercept. A copper intercept provides access to copper pairs 119. [0003] Thus, FTTdp enables distribution of broadband services to customer premises for which FTTH is not available. Additionally, FTTdp enables sharing the O/E conversion function among multiple copper pairs. However, conventional FTTdp network architectures are not easily upgraded, such as when an individual customer premise is upgraded for FTTH connectivity or different transmission technologies. For example, upgrading the service to one customer premise 115 coupled to the ONU 117 may adversely affect the service of other customer premises 115 coupled to the ONU 117 while being upgraded. Hence, there is a need in the art for a fiber network architecture which enables broadband service via existing copper pairs, but which also provides a relatively easy upgrade path.

SUMMARY

[0004] In one embodiment, a re-entrant enclosure for use in a passive fiber optic network is provided. The re-entrant enclosure comprises a plurality of single line converter modules; and a housing configured to enclose the plurality of single line converter modules. Each of the single line converter modules comprises a fiber optic connector configured to be optically coupled to a service terminal via a respective optical fiber for receiving downstream optical frames; a single electrical connector coupled over a respective metallic medium to a respective network terminal providing a service to respective customer premise equipment (CPE); and an optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter located in the housing and configured to convert the downstream optical frames to an electrical signal for transmission over the respective metallic medium to the respective network terminal. The housing of the re-entrant enclosure further comprises a seal around each of the plurality of optical fibers coupled to a respective one of the plurality of single line converter modules.

DRAWINGS

[0005] Understanding that the drawings depict only exemplary embodiments and are not therefore to be considered limiting in scope, the exemplary embodiments will be described with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0006] Figure 1 is block diagram of a conventional optical fiber network.

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary optical fiber network utilizing single line converter modules. [0008] Figure 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary single line converter module.

[0009] Figure 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary re-entrant enclosure.

[0010] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an exemplary method of communicating data from an OLT to a customer premise.

[0011] In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the exemplary embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific illustrative embodiments. However, it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, mechanical, and electrical changes may be made. Furthermore, the method presented in the drawing figures and the specification is not to be construed as limiting the order in which the individual steps may be performed. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0013] Figure 2 is high level block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary FTTX network which replaces a conventional service terminal with a re-entrant enclosure 278. The example network 200 shown in FIG. 2 is described here as being implemented as a point-to- multipoint passive optical network (PON), such as a Gigabit PON (GPON). In the example shown in FIG. 2, the network 200 is configured to communicatively couple an optical line terminal (OLT) 204 located in the central office (or other point of presence) 206 of a telecommunication service provider to a respective network terminal 208 in each customer premise 210.

[0014] Each OLT 204 serves as an interface and multiplexer between the service provider's core network 212 and the network 200. The service provider's core network 212 can, for example, include or be communicatively coupled to the Internet (not shown), a public switched telephone network (PSTN) (not shown), and/or a video network (not shown). The service provider's core network 212 can include other networks.

[0015] Each network terminal 208 presents the service interfaces to the customer premise equipment (CPE) 214. That is, in this embodiment, each network terminal 208 is a part of the telecommunication service provider's network and defines the demarcation point between the telecommunication service provider's network and equipment and the customer premise equipment. The services provided via the service interfaces of each network terminal 208 can include telephony (for example, plain old telephone service (POTS) or voice over IP (VOIP)), data (for example, ETHERNET or V.35), wireless local area network (for example, one or more of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards, including IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) service, and/or video.

[0016] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the network 200 includes a feeder section 216, a distribution section 218 and a drop section 220. The feeder section 216 of the network 200 is closest to the central office 206 and couples the OLT 204 to a passive optical splitter 232 via feeder cables 222. The drop section 220 is closest to the customers' premises 210 and couples the re-entrant enclosure 278 to the respective network terminals 208 and optical network terminals 248. The distribution section 218 couples the feeder section 216 and the drop section 220 to one another. In particular, the passive optical splitter 232 is coupled to another passive optical splitter 235 via distribution optical fibers 224. The second passive optical splitter 235 is coupled to the re-entrant enclosure 278 via optical fibers 237. Although shown as separate from the re-entrant enclosure 278 in this example, it is to be understood that the second passive optical splitter 235 could also be housed within the re-entrant enclosure 278 in other embodiments.

[0017] In the example shown in FIG. 2, each optical signal transmitted from an OLT 204 to the renntrant enclosure 278 travels from the OLT 204 to a respective passive optical splitter 232 (for example, a l-to-8 passive optical splitter, a l-to-16 passive optical splitter, or a 1-to- 32 passive optical splitter). Each passive optical splitter 232 "splits" the incoming feeder fiber 222 into a number of distribution fibers 224. Thus, downstream optical frames carred on the incoming feeder fiber 222 are provided to each of the distribution fibers 224. The second optical splitter 235 splits the incoming distribution fiber 224 into a number of optical fibers 237 which are coupled to the re-entrant enclosure 278.

[0018] In this example, payload data for the various services provided to the customer are combined together and used to generate frames of data suitable for communication over the fiber part of the network 200. These frames are also referred to here as "optical frames". Suitable optical protocols and technology can be used for formatting the optical frames and communicating the frames over the network 200 (such as Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON) protocols and technology as described ITU-T G.984 series Recommendations, Ten-Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (XGPON) protocols and technology as described in ITU-T G.987 series Recommendations, and/or GIGABIT

ETHERNET protocols and technology).

[0019] Moreover, in the example shown in FIG. 2, multiple optical wavelengths are multiplexed together for communication in both the downstream and upstream directions using wavelength division multiplexing. Other types of multiplexing can also be used (instead of or in addition to wavelength division multiplexing). As used here, the

"downstream" direction refers to the direction from the OLTs 204 to the customers' premises 210, and the "upstream" direction refers to the direction from the customers' premises 210 to the OLTs 204.

[0020] In the example shown in FIG. 2, in the downstream direction, each passive optical splitter 232 outputs each of the multiple downstream optical signals received on the corresponding feeder fiber 222 onto one of the distribution fibers 224. In this example, in the upstream direction, each passive optical splitter 232 outputs each of the optical signals received on the various distribution fibers 224 onto the corresponding feeder fiber 222. The passive optical splitters 232 can be deployed in various ways. For example, the passive optical splitters 232 can be deployed in fiber distribution hubs (FDH) that are configured for convenient patching or splicing of the fibers 222 and 224 to the passive optical splitters 232. The passive optical splitters 232 can also be deployed in other ways.

[0021] The feeder fibers 222 can be deployed using main or trunk cables that bundle together multiple feeder fibers 222 and branch cables that branch one or more individual feeder fibers 222 off from the main or trunk cables at various break out locations in the feeder section 216 of the network 200 (for example, to couple individual feeder fibers 222 to passive optical splitters 232). Likewise, the distribution fibers 224 can be deployed using main or trunk cables that bundle together multiple distribution fibers 224 and branch cables that branch one or more individual distribution fibers 224 off from the main or trunk cables at various break out locations in the distribution section 218 of the network 200 (for example, to couple individual distribution fibers to passive optical splitters 232 or to the re-entrant enclosure 278). The feeder fibers 222 and distribution fibers 224 can also be deployed in other ways.

[0022] The re-entrant enclosure 278 is a hardened enclosure for use in outdoor environments. The re-entrant enclosure 278 replaces conventional service terminals, such as service terminal 109 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, as described in more detail below, the re-entrant enclosure 278 includes a plurality of individual Optical Network Unit (ONU) to Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) conversion units 236 (also referred to herein as single line converter modules). An exemplary single line converter module is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 3. Additionally, an exemplary re-entrant enclosure is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 4.

[0023] Each single line converter module 236 terminates an optical signal received over a respective optical fiber 237 from the splitter 235 and converts the optical signal to an electrical signal for transmission over a metallic medium 238 to a respective network terminal 208 at a respective customer premise 210. Each single line converter module 236 is configured for transmitting the electrical signal according to a transmission technology, such as, but not limited to, the Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) technology defined in standard ITU-T G.993.2 and G.Fast technology described in Recommendation ITU-T G.9700. In some embodiments, one or more of the converter modules 236 is configured to support both VDSL2 and G.Fast technology.

[0024] In addition, in this example, the re-entrant enclosure includes one or more optical fiber couplers 239 for FTTH implementations. In particular, an optical drop fiber 234 is coupled between optical coupler 239 in re-entrant enclosure 278 and an optical network terminal (ONT) 248 at the respective customer's premise 210.

[0025] Thus, in contrast to conventional fiber optic networks, network 200 does not utilize a multi-line unit, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, for optical to electrical (O/E) conversion in implementations which include copper drop cables to customer premises. Additionally, network 200 does not include a service terminal, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 1. Instead, network 200 includes a plurality of single line converter modules 236 in a re-entrant enclosure 278. As discussed above, each single line converter module 236 is coupled to a respective network terminal 208 via a respective copper drop cable 238.

Although, copper drop cables are discussed in the embodiments described herein, it is to be understood that other metallic mediums can be used for the drop cable between each single line converter module 236 and the respective network terminal 208. For example, coaxial cable can be used in other embodiments.

[0026] In some embodiments, each single line converter module 236 includes a respective hardened outdoor housing with hardened optical and electrical connectors. However, in other embodiments, standard non-hardened housing and connectors can be used for each single line converter module 236. In particular, the re-entrant enclosure 278 is hardened for outdoor use which enables the use of non-hardened connectors for the single line converter modules 236. Suitable optical connectors include TE Connectivity's DLX™ Fiber Optic Connector or Corning Cable Systems OptiTap connector.

[0027] Each single line converter module 236 performs optical-to-electrical (O/E) conversion for a single line. Hence, each single line converter module 236 includes active circuitry for performing the O/E conversion function. The active circuitry can be powered through 'reverse power feeding', 'forward power feeding', or a combination thereof. Reverse power feeding refers to receiving power from the respective customer premise 210 via the copper drop cable 238. Forward power feeding refers to receiving power from the network side of the single line converter module 236. For example, in some such forward power feeding embodiments, a separate electrical cable is supplied over the network 200 to each single line converter module 236 for powering the active circuitry.

[0028] Additionally, each single line converter module 236 is removable/replaceable. That is, each single line converter module 236 can be individually removed by disconnecting the corresponding optical fiber 237 and corresponding copper drop cable 238. Since, each converter module 236 provides O/E conversion for a single line, each converter module 236 can be removed without affecting operation of other single line converter modules and corresponding service to other customer premises. Access to the individual single line converter modules 236 is provided by opening the housing of the re-entrant enclosure 228.

[0029] Thus, the single line converter modules 236 provide an easy upgrade path on an individual port basis. For example, if a customer is prepared to migrate to FTTH service, the corresponding single line converter module 236 can be disconnected and a corresponding fiber optic drop cable 234 can be run from the single line converter module 236 in the reentrant enclosure 278 to the corresponding customer premise 210. Since each of the single line converter modules 236 performs the O/E conversion function for a single line, the number of converter modules 236 in the re-entrant enclosure 278 is the same as the number of network terminals 208 coupled to the re-entrant enclosure. Thus, the network 200 is prepared to implement FTTH for each customer premise 210 by removing the corresponding single line converter modules without additional required upgrades to a service terminal or other network infrastructure as in a conventional fiber optic network. In addition, in some embodiments, the re-entrant enclosure 278 can be configured with reserved space for adding additional single line converter modules 236 or optical fiber couplers 239, should additional network terminals be coupled to the re-entrant enclosure 278.

[0030] Similarly, if the copper pair transmission technology is upgraded or changed, the single line converter modules 236 provide an easy port-by-port upgrade path. For example, the VDSL2 technology defined in standard ITU-T G.993.2 is a common access or transmission technology which takes advantage of existing copper wires. Additionally, G.Fast makes use of existing copper wires and claims increased speeds compared to the VDSL2 standard. Thus, if a customer upgrades equipment for G.Fast technology, a single line converter module 236 configured for VDSL2 can be replaced with a single line converter module configured for use with G.Fast technology. Alternatively, since VDSL2 and G.Fast operate in different frequency bands, one or more of the single line converter modules 236 can be configured for both access technologies and automatically detect the appropriate technology to use.

[0031] Hence, system 200 enables flexibility in deploying FTTdp and FTTH in parallel. Furthermore, the system 200 provides an easy upgrade option to upgrade transmission technology, e.g. VDSL2 to G.Fast, or to FTTH on a port-by-port basis. In addition, through the use of the single line converter modules, the accompanying infrastructure is ready for implementing FTTH for each customer premise coupled to the re-entrant enclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram depicting one embodiment of an exemplary single line converter module 300 for use in a FTTX network such as network 200 described above. Module 300 includes a housing 340. In some embodiments, the housing 340 is hardened to protect internal components from outdoor environmental conditions, such as rain, wind, snow, dust, and extreme temperatures. In other embodiments, the housing 340 is not hardened and protection from the outdoor environmental conditions is provided by the hardened housing of a re-entrant enclosure in which the single line converter module is housed.

[0033] One exemplary suitable enclosure for the housing 340 is TE Connectivity's Optical Terminal Enclosure (OTE). In addition, the housing 340 is configured, in some

embodiments, to aid heat dissipation. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 3, housing 340 includes optional fins 346 which help dissipate heat generated during the O/E

conversion. In other embodiments, other features are used in addition to or in lieu of optional fins 346 for heat management. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the housing 340 is not configured to aid with heat management. In addition, by including a single O/E converter 368, the single line converter module 300 generates less heat than a conventional multi-line unit which alleviates heat dissipation requirements.

[0034] The single line converter module 300 also includes a fiber optic (Fo) connector 342 and an electrical connector 344, such as a copper (Cu) connector. Exemplary suitable electrical connectors include TE Connectivity's LSA-Plus® HD180 Connector or HDS connector system. In some embodiments, the connectors 342 and 344 are hardened. A hardened connector is a connector which is manufactured for use in outdoor conditions. In other words, a hardened connector is resilient to outdoor environmental conditions and continues operating in such conditions. In other embodiments, the connectors 342 and 344 are standard connectors which are not hardened.

[0035] When the single line converter module 300 is to be replaced, a fiber optic cable is removed from the fiber optic connector 342 and a twisted copper pair is disconnected from the electrical connector 344. A different converter module can then be inserted in place of the converter module 300 or a fiber optic cable can be run from a service terminal to the customer premises as discussed above. Thus, the process of upgrading can be performed on an individual line or port basis for a specific customer without affecting the service provided to other customer premises.

[0036] Figure 4 is a block diagram of one embodiment of an exemplary re-entrant enclosure 400 for use in a FTTX network such as network 200 above. Re-entrant enclosure 400 includes a plurality of single line converter modules 436, such as the single line converter module 300 discussed above. Each single line converter module 436 is coupled to a single respective network terminal in a corresponding customer premise. The single line converter modules 436 are utilized for FTTdp implementations. If FTTH is implemented for some customer premises in parallel with the FTTdp implementation, then the re-entrant enclosure 400 also includes one or more optical fiber couplers 439, one optical fiber coupler per Optical Network Terminal in a respective customer premise.

[0037] In contrast to a conventional service terminal which has connector ports on the outside of its housing, the re-entrant enclosure 400 includes seals 402 which seal on optical fiber cables 437/434 and metallic medium cables 438, such as twisted copper pairs or coaxial cable. Thus, metallic medium cables 438 from network terminals, optical fiber cables 434 from optical network terminals and optical fiber cables 437 from an upstream passive optical splitter enter the re-entrant enclosure 400 via the seals 402, but are not directly coupled to a connector on the housing of the re-entrant enclosure 400. Each of the optical fiber cables 437/434 and metallic medium cables 438 are coupled to corresponding connectors of one of the single line converter modules 436 or optical fiber couplers 439. Since the housing 454 of the re-entrant enclosure 400 includes hardened seals 402, the connectors on each of the single line converter modules 436 and optical fiber couplers 439 can be standard non-hardened connectors.

[0038] In addition, in some embodiments, the re-entrant enclosure 400 also houses a passive optical splitter, such as splitter 235 discussed above. In such embodiments, a single distribution fiber, such as distribution fiber 224, enters the seal 402 on the network side of the re-entrant enclosure 400. The single distribution fiber 224 is then split into a plurality of optical fibers, as described above with respect to splitter 235.

[0039] In the example of FIG. 4, the number of single line converter modules 436 within reentrant enclosure 400 matches the number of customer premises coupled to the re-entrant enclosure 400 over a metallic medium. Hence, the corresponding network infrastructure is ready for full FTTH implementation to each customer premise coupled to the re-entrant enclosure 400. Additionally, in the example of FIG. 4, the re-entrant enclosure 400 houses a copper intercept 460 for providing access to the copper cables 438. Thus, the re-entrant enclosure 400 reduces the footprint of a FTTdp network infrastructure, as compared to a conventional FTTdp network. In particular, there-entrant enclosure 400 replaces both the conventional service terminal and separate multi-line ONU/copper intercept with a single enclosure housing the copper intercept and a plurality of single line converter modules.

[0040] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting one embodiment of an exemplary method 500 of communicating using a passive fiber optic network such as network 200 described above. At block 502, downstream optical frames are transmitted from an optical line terminal (OLT) in the passive fiber optic network. At block 504, the downstream optical frames are provided to a plurality of optical fibers, e.g. via a passive optical splitter such as splitter 235 discussed above. At block 506, each of a plurality of single line converter modules housed in a reentrant enclosure, such as re-entrant enclosure 400, receives the downstream optical frames over a respective one of the plurality of optical fibers via a fiber optic connector of the respective single line converter module. In some embodiments the fiber optic connector is a non-hardened connector, as described above. [0041] At block 508, each of the one or more single line converter modules converts the downstream optical frames into an electrical signal. At block 510, power is provided to each of the one or more single line converter modules for providing the Optical/Electrical conversion. In some embodiments the power is provided over the metallic medium coupling each respective single line converter module to a respective network terminal at a

corresponding customer premise. In other embodiments, the power is provided via a separate metallic medium over the network 200.

[0042] At block 512, each of the respective single line converter modules transmits the electrical signal over the metallic medium to the respective network terminal. In some embodiments, VDSL2 technology is used to transmit the electrical signals. In other embodiments, other technologies such as G.Fast are used to transmit the electrical signals. In addition, some single line converter modules can use one transmission technology while other single line converter modules implement different transmission technologies.

Additionally, the metallic medium is a twisted copper pair in some embodiments. In other embodiments, other metallic media, such as coaxial cable are used.

[0043] At block 514, at least one service implemented by the network terminal is provided to customer premise equipment using the received electrical signal. Such services include, but are not limited to, voice and data services. At block 516, one of the single line converter modules is removed on an individual port basis without affecting other single line converter modules housed in the re-entrant enclosure, as discussed above.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Example 1 includes a re-entrant enclosure for use in a passive fiber optic network, the re-entrant enclosure comprising: a plurality of single line converter modules; and a housing configured to enclose the plurality of single line converter modules; wherein each of the single line converter modules comprises: a fiber optic connector configured to be optically coupled to a service terminal via a respective optical fiber for receiving downstream optical frames; a single electrical connector coupled over a respective metallic medium to a respective network terminal providing a service to respective customer premise equipment (CPE); and an optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter located in the housing and configured to convert the downstream optical frames to an electrical signal for transmission over the respective metallic medium to the respective network terminal; wherein the housing of the re- entrant enclosure further comprises a seal around each of the plurality of optical fibers coupled to a respective one of the plurality of single line converter modules.

[0045] Example 2 includes the re-entrant enclosure of Example 1 , wherein the fiber optic connector and the single electrical connector in each single line converter module are non- hardened connectors.

[0046] Example 3 includes the re-entrant enclosure of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the housing of the re-entrant enclosure is environmentally hardened.

[0047] Example 4 includes the re-entrant enclosure of any of Examples 1-3, further comprising one or more passive optical fiber couplers.

[0048] Example 5 includes the re-entrant enclosure of any of Examples 1-4, wherein the single electrical connector of each single line converter module is a copper connector and the respective metallic medium is a twisted copper pair.

[0049] Example 6 includes the re-entrant enclosure of any of Examples 1-5, wherein each of the single line converter modules is configured to transmit electrical signals according to one of Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) technology or G.Fast technology.

[0050] Example 7 includes a passive fiber optic network comprising: an optical line terminal (OLT) to couple the passive fiber optic network to a core network; a plurality of single line converter modules, each single line converter module optically coupled to the OLT via a respective one of a plurality of optical fibers; an enclosure configured to house each of the plurality of single line converter modules, wherein the enclosure includes a seal around each of the plurality of optical fibers coupled to a respective one of the plurality of single line converter modules; and a plurality of network terminals, each network terminal configured to provide a service to respective customer premises equipment (CPE); and wherein each single line converter module has an optical connector coupled to the respective one of the plurality of optical fibers and an electrical connector coupled to a respective one of the plurality of network terminals via a metallic medium, wherein each single line converter module is configured to convert optical signals received over the respective optical fiber to an electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal over the metallic medium to the respective network terminal.

[0051] Example 8 includes the passive fiber optic network of Example 7, wherein the at least one single line converter module receives power over the metallic medium coupling the at least one single line converter module to the respective network terminal. [0052] Example 9 includes the passive fiber optic network of any of Examples 7-8, wherein the metallic medium is copper.

[0053] Example 10 includes the passive fiber optic network of Example 9, further comprising a copper interconnect housed in the enclosure.

[0054] Example 11 includes the passive fiber optic network of any of Examples 7-10, wherein at least one of the plurality of single line converter modules is configured to transmit electrical signals according to Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) technology.

[0055] Example 12 includes the passive fiber optic network of any of Examples 7-11, wherein at least one of the plurality of single line converter module is configured to transmit electrical signals according to G.Fast technology.

[0056] Example 13 includes the passive fiber optic network of any of Examples 7-12, wherein the passive fiber optic network comprises at least one of a Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON), a Ten-Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (XGPON), and an ETHERNET Passive Optical Network (EPON).

[0057] Example 14 includes the passive fiber optic network of any of Examples 7-13, further comprising an optical fiber coupler configured to couple a respective one of the plurality of optical fibers to an optical fiber drop cable coupled to an optical network terminal in a respective customer premise.

[0058] Example 15 includes a method of communicating using a passive fiber optic network, the method comprising: transmitting downstream optical frames from an optical line terminal (OLT) in the passive fiber optic network to a service terminal having a plurality of fiber optic drop cable ports; providing the downstream optical frames to a plurality of optical fibers; receiving the downstream optical frames at each of a plurality of single line converter modules housed in a common environmentally hardened enclosure, each of the plurality of single line converter modules coupled to a respective one of the plurality of optical fibers; converting the downstream optical frames into an electrical signal at each of the plurality of single line converter modules; transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules over a metallic medium to a respective network terminal; and providing at least one service implemented by the network terminal using the received electrical signal. [0059] Example 16 includes the method of Example 15, further comprising: providing power to the plurality of single line converter modules over the metallic medium coupling each respective single line converter module to the respective network terminal.

[0060] Example 17 includes the method of any of Examples 15-16, wherein transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules over the metallic medium comprises transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules over a respective twisted copper pair.

[0061] Example 18 includes the method of any of Examples 15-17, wherein transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules comprises transmitting the respective electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules according to Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) technology.

[0062] Example 19 includes the method of any of Examples 15-18, wherein transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules comprises transmitting the respective electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules according to G.Fast technology.

[0063] Example 20 includes the method of any of Examples 15-19, further comprising: removing one of the plurality of single line converter modules on an individual port basis without affecting operation of the other single line converter modules housed in the common environmentally hardened enclosure.

[0064] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown.

Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

PARTS LIST

111 Optical fiber drop cable

113 Optical network terminal

115 Customer premise

117 Optical Network Unit

119 Copper pair

200 Network

204 Optical Line Terminal 206 Central Office

208 Network Terminal

210 Customer Premise

212 Core Network

214 Customer Premise Equipment

216 Feeder Section

218 Distribution Section

220 Drop Section

222 Feeder Fiber

224 Distribution Optical Fibers

232 Passive Optical Splitter

234 Optical Drop Fiber

235 Passive Optical Splitter

236 Single Line Converter Module

237 Optical Fiber

238 Copper Drop Cable

239 Optical Fiber Coupler

248 Optical Network Terminal

278 Re-entrant enclosure

300 Single Line Converter Module

340 Housing

342 Fiber Optic Connector

344 Electrical Connector

346 Fins

368 O/E Converter

400 Re-entrant Enclosure

402 Seal

434 Optical Fiber Cable

436 Single Line Converter Module

437 Optical Fiber Cable

438 Metallic Medium Cable

454 Housing

460 Copper Intercept

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A re-entrant enclosure for use in a passive fiber optic network, the re-entrant enclosure comprising: a plurality of single line converter modules; and a housing configured to enclose the plurality of single line converter modules; wherein each of the single line converter modules comprises: a fiber optic connector configured to be optically coupled to a service terminal via a respective optical fiber for receiving downstream optical frames; a single electrical connector coupled over a respective metallic medium to a respective network terminal providing a service to respective customer premise equipment (CPE); and an optical-to-electrical (O/E) converter located in the housing and configured to convert the downstream optical frames to an electrical signal for transmission over the respective metallic medium to the respective network terminal; wherein the housing of the re-entrant enclosure further comprises a seal around each of the plurality of optical fibers coupled to a respective one of the plurality of single line converter modules.

2. The re-entrant enclosure of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic connector and the single electrical connector in each single line converter module are non-hardened connectors.

3. The re-entrant enclosure of claim 1, wherein the housing of the re-entrant enclosure is environmentally hardened.

4. The re-entrant enclosure of claim 1, further comprising one or more passive optical fiber couplers.

5. The re-entrant enclosure of claim 1, wherein the single electrical connector of each single line converter module is a copper connector and the respective metallic medium is a twisted copper pair.

6. The re-entrant enclosure of claim 1, wherein each of the single line converter modules is configured to transmit electrical signals according to one of Very-high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) technology or G.Fast technology.

7. A passive fiber optic network comprising: an optical line terminal (OLT) to couple the passive fiber optic network to a core network;

a plurality of single line converter modules, each single line converter module optically coupled to the OLT via a respective one of a plurality of optical fibers;

an enclosure configured to house each of the plurality of single line converter modules, wherein the enclosure includes a seal around each of the plurality of optical fibers coupled to a respective one of the plurality of single line converter modules; and a plurality of network terminals, each network terminal configured to provide a service to respective customer premises equipment (CPE); and wherein each single line converter module has an optical connector coupled to the respective one of the plurality of optical fibers and an electrical connector coupled to a respective one of the plurality of network terminals via a metallic medium, wherein each single line converter module is configured to convert optical signals received over the respective optical fiber to an electrical signal and to transmit the electrical signal over the metallic medium to the respective network terminal.

8. The passive fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein the at least one single line converter module receives power over the metallic medium coupling the at least one single line converter module to the respective network terminal.

9. The passive fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein the metallic medium is copper.

The passive fiber optic network of claim 9, further comprising a copper interconnect

11. The passive fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of single line converter modules is configured to transmit electrical signals according to Very- high-bit-rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) technology.

12. The passive fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of single line converter module is configured to transmit electrical signals according to G.Fast technology.

13. The passive fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein the passive fiber optic

network comprises at least one of a Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (GPON), a Ten-Gigabit-capable Passive Optical Network (XGPON), and an ETHERNET Passive Optical Network (EPON).

14. The passive fiber optic network of claim 7, further comprising an optical fiber coupler configured to couple a respective one of the plurality of optical fibers to an optical fiber drop cable coupled to an optical network terminal in a respective customer premise.

15. A method of communicating using a passive fiber optic network, the

method comprising:

transmitting downstream optical frames from an optical line terminal (OLT) in the passive fiber optic network to a service terminal having a plurality of fiber optic drop cable ports;

providing the downstream optical frames to a plurality of optical fibers;

receiving the downstream optical frames at each of a plurality of single line converter modules housed in a common environmentally hardened enclosure, each of the plurality of single line converter modules coupled to a respective one of the plurality of optical fibers; converting the downstream optical frames into an electrical signal at each of the plurality of single line converter modules;

transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules over a metallic medium to a respective network terminal; and

providing at least one service implemented by the network terminal using the received electrical signal.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

providing power to the plurality of single line converter modules over the metallic medium coupling each respective single line converter module to the respective network terminal.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules over the metallic medium comprises transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules over a respective twisted copper pair.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules comprises transmitting the respective electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules according to Very-high-bit- rate digital subscriber line 2 (VDSL2) technology.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein transmitting the electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules comprises transmitting the respective electrical signal from each of the plurality of single line converter modules according to G.Fast technology.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising:

removing one of the plurality of single line converter modules on an individual port basis without affecting operation of the other single line converter modules housed in the common environmentally hardened enclosure.