Novel Optical-Fiber Network Management System in Central Office Using RFID and LED Navigation Technologies

Abstract

Optical IP services such as FTTH have been growing rapidly, leading to an urgent need to manage the optical fiber network from the central office. We have developed an optical-fiber distribution facility called an IDM. However, the changing FTTH environment means we need further efficiency and cost-effectiveness for network construction and operation work. This paper proposes a novel optical-fiber network management system for the IDM that realizes reducing working time, less skilled work and eliminating human error. This system consists of two technologies with control software, namely optical distribution identification technology using RFID, and automatic navigation technology using an LED and DB. In this paper, we describe optimized work flows for installation and removal work. Moreover, we achieved a reduction of up to 48 % in working time with less skilled workers and accurate DB management by using our proposed system.