METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENABLING AN OPTICAL NETWORK TERMINAL

摘要

A method and corresponding apparatus for automatically enabling and disabling an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to communicate upstream with a network device, such as an Optical Line Terminal (OLT), is provided. The ONT comprises a monitoring unit configured to monitor a communications connection between the ONT and the network device. The ONT includes at least one timing mechanism to time a duration of the ONT' s being in an enabled or disabled state of upstream communications. After a timing mechanism times a desired duration, the ONT automatically changes between states of upstream communications (e.g., from enabled state to disabled state). The ONT may alternate between the enabled and disabled states of upstream communications until communications are established with the OLT. This method and corresponding apparatus prevent prolonged installation time because a technician can install the ONT without consideration of the ONT' s state of upstream communications.