Patent ID: 11159365

Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for discovery, synchronization and operation of network components. In one embodiment, the network comprises a passive optical network (PON), and the components being synchronized include an enhanced OLT (eOLT) and one or more enhanced ONUs (eONUs). The eOLT is configured in one variant to utilize control protocol messaging (such as those used in the MPCP or Multi Point Control Protocol) to communicate particular synchronization parameters and durations to the eONU(s), whether individually or via multicast/broadcast. The synchronization parameter and durations are selected to optimize discovery and synchronization of the eONU(s) with the eOLT, and also optimize (subsequent) normal operation, in one implementation through selection of synchronization patterns which enable most efficient AGC determination, clock recovery (CDR), SBD, and EBD identification.