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  Power supply housing for network interface deviceUSPTO Application #: 20060188090Title: Power supply housing for network interface device Abstract: The disclosure is directed to an active network interface device (NID) having a battery module enclosure that is mountable between a NID enclosure and a wall or surface at a subscriber premises. The battery module enclosure defines a compartment for receiving a battery module and a NID enclosure that serves to protect NID circuitry, network terminals, and subscriber terminals from environmental conditions and security threats. In some embodiments, the NID may be an ONT in a PON. The battery module may be installed within the compartment of the battery module enclosure to provide battery power to circuitry within the NID enclosure. The battery module enclosure may reside between the NID enclosure and an exterior wall of a subscriber premises so that the battery module enclosure is generally hidden from view by the NID enclosure. (end of abstract) Agent: Shumaker & Sieffert, P. A. - St. Paul, MN, US Inventors: Mark Thomas Paulsen, Mark Richard Biegert USPTO Applicaton #: 20060188090 - Class: 379413040 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Telephonic Communications, Subscriber Line Or Transmission Line Interface, Network Interface Device (nld), Connection Block Or Module The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060188090. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 60/639,860, filed Dec. 28, 2004, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] The invention relates to networking and, more particularly, to a power supply for a network interface device (NID), such as an optical network terminal (ONT) in a passive optical network (PON). BACKGROUND [0003] A passive optical network (PON) can deliver voice, video and other data among multiple network nodes, using a common optical fiber link. Passive optical splitters and combiners enable multiple optical network terminals (ONTs) to share the optical fiber link. Each ONT terminates the optical fiber link for a residential or business subscriber, and is sometimes referred to as a subscriber premises node that delivers Fiber to the Premises (FTTP)-based services. An optical line terminal (OLT) transmits information downstream to the ONTs, and receives information transmitted upstream from the ONTs. Each ONT terminates the optical fiber link for a residential or business subscriber, and is sometimes referred to as a subscriber premises node. [0004] An ONT in a PON functions as an active network interface device (NID). An active NID converts information received on a network signal carrier into services suitable for use by various subscriber devices, such as telephone, video and data services. For example, an active NID in a PON converts optical signals received from the network on an optical fiber to electrical signals for transmission to a subscriber device. In addition, the active NID converts information received from the subscriber devices into integrated data for transmission over a network signal carrier, such as an optical fiber. [0005] Network equipment in a cable or hybrid network may be connected to power provided by a central office, which commonly utilizes battery and generator back-up power to maintain a continuous power supply. In contrast, an ONT in an all-fiber optical network is ordinarily powered locally at the subscriber premises. For this reason, an ONT often includes a battery to provide back up power during a power outage to maintain critical services. In particular, many FTTP service providers provide uninterruptible power source (UPS) units that perform AC-to-DC voltage conversion from line power within the subscriber premises, and include a battery for backup power. [0006] A UPS unit may be located within or outside the subscriber's premises. Because battery performance and reliability are adversely affected by temperature extremes, a UPS unit may be located within the subscriber premises. However, when a UPS unit is mounted within the premises, the service provider must gain access to the premises in order to service the battery, which is generally inconvenient and time consuming. Physical access to the battery is important to avoid battery failure during an extended power outage. If battery power is not available, the ONT will lose power and be unable to provide critical voice service during a power failure. [0007] A UPS unit may also be mounted outside the subscriber's premises so that UPS unit may be easily accessed. In this case, a UPS unit is typically mounted to an exterior wall and may be mounted near or far from the ONT. An ONT has an enclosure that serves to protect electronic circuitry and network terminals from environmental and security threats. If a service provider elects to mount a battery or UPS unit outside the subscriber premises, a separate enclosure is often used for battery installation to enhance battery ventilation and to minimize the size of the ONT. However, placement of either multiple enclosures or a very large ONT enclosure on the exterior of a house or office is aesthetically displeasing. SUMMARY [0008] In general, the invention is directed to an active network interface device (NID) having a battery module enclosure that is mountable between a NID enclosure and a wall or surface at a subscriber premises. The battery module enclosure defines a compartment for receiving a battery module and an NID enclosure that serves to protect NID circuitry, network terminals, and subscriber terminals from environmental conditions and security threats. In some embodiments, the NID may be an ONT in a PON. The battery module may be installed within the compartment of the battery module enclosure to provide battery power to circuitry within the NID enclosure. The battery module enclosure may reside between the NID enclosure and an exterior wall of a subscriber premises so that the battery module enclosure is generally hidden from view by the NID enclosure. [0009] In one embodiment, the invention provides an active network interface device (NID) comprising a NID enclosure that encloses NID circuitry, and a battery module enclosure that defines a compartment that receives a battery module that provides backup power to the NID circuitry, wherein the NID is mountable to a surface of a subscriber premises such that the battery module enclosure is positioned between the NID enclosure and the surface. [0010] In another embodiment, the invention provides a method comprising mounting a battery module enclosure to a surface of a subscriber premises, the battery module enclosure defining a compartment that receives a battery module, and mounting an active network interface device (NID) enclosure over the battery module enclosure, such that the battery module enclosure is positioned between the surface of the subscriber premises and the NID enclosure, wherein the NID enclosure contains NID circuitry. [0011] The invention may offer one or more advantages. As an example, the active NID provides a NID enclosure and a separate battery module enclosure that may be generally hidden from view by the NID enclosure. Specifically, the battery module enclosure is not mounted within the NID enclosure, but rather behind the access enclosure, i.e. between the NID enclosure and an exterior wall of a subscriber premises. Consequently, placement of either multiple enclosures or a very large active NID enclosure on the exterior wall of a house or office is not needed and the active NID enclosure is less visible. Moreover, by mounting the battery module enclosure behind the NID enclosure, the overall size of the active NID enclosure may be reduced thereby further reducing the visibility of the NID enclosure on the mounting surface of the subscriber premises. [0012] Mounting the battery module enclosure behind the NID enclosure may also provide thermal dissipation advantages, either by increased ventilation or increased heat sinking of heat generated by the NID circuitry. Thermal heating advantages may be achieved by heating the battery module with heat dissipated by the NID circuitry. The heat generated by the NID circuitry may be helpful in maintaining the battery within a desired temperature range for better performance. Thus, the invention may increase the reliability of the battery while allowing service personnel to readily gain access to the battery module via the battery module enclosure when the battery needs to be replaced or serviced. [0013] Additionally, the battery module enclosure may be fabricated separately or integrally with the NID enclosure, thereby allowing an installer to install the appropriate configuration on a selective basis. For example, when the battery module enclosure is fabricated separately from the NID enclosure and a battery is not desired, the NID enclosure can be mounted directly to an exterior wall of a subscriber premises. Alternatively, if a battery is desired, the battery module enclosure may be mounted to the subscriber premises followed by mounting the NID enclosure to the battery module enclosure. In embodiments in which the battery module enclosure and the NID enclosure are fabricated integrally, however, the battery module enclosure may be mounted to the subscriber premises because the NID enclosure is attached- to the battery module enclosure. However, the service provider still has the option to install a battery in the battery module enclosure. Consequently, the invention may provide improved flexibility and efficiency for mounting active NID enclosures of varying configurations and size. [0014] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0015] FIG. 1A is a conceptual side view of an active network interface device (NID), having a NID enclosure and a battery module enclosure, mounted to a surface of a subscriber premises. [0016] FIG. 1B is a conceptual side view of the active NID of FIG. 1A with the battery module housed within the battery module enclosure. [0017] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating components of the NID enclosure and battery module enclosure of FIGS. 1A and 1B. [0018] FIGS. 3A and 3B are top views of an active NID illustrating lateral placement of a battery module within a battery module enclosure. [0019] FIGS. 4A and 4B are side perspective views illustrating insertion of a battery module in a battery module enclosure that defines a compartment to receive the battery module. [0020] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view illustrating an active NID having a battery module enclosure mounted on a surface of a subscriber premises behind a NID enclosure. Continue reading... Full patent description for Power supply housing for network interface device Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Power supply housing for network interface device patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Power supply housing for network interface device or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Reduction in acoustic coupling in communication systems and appliances using multiple microphones Next Patent Application: Portable electronic device with a keyboard mechanism Industry Class: Telephonic communications ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Power supply housing for network interface device patent info. 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