METHODS AND APPARATUS TO UPGRADE COMMUNICATION SERVICES IN SUBSCRIBER DISTRIBUTION AREAS

摘要

Example methods and apparatus to upgrade communication services in subscriber distribution areas are disclosed. A disclosed example method involves installing an optical network unit communicatively coupled to an optical line terminal serving a subscriber distribution area communicatively coupled to the optical line terminal. The optical network unit includes a first subscriber downlink interface to serve a first subscriber premises and a second subscriber downlink interface to serve a second subscriber premises. A first communication service is provided to the first subscriber premises via a first electrically conductive medium communicatively coupled to the first subscriber downlink interface via a first removably attachable subscriber downlink module. A second communication service is provided to the second subscriber premises via a second electrically conductive medium communicatively coupled to the second subscriber downlink interface via a second removably attachable subscriber downlink module. In response to receiving a request to upgrade the first communication service, the first removably attachable subscriber downlink module is replaced with a third removably attachable subscriber downlink module, an optical transmission medium is connected between the third removably attachable subscriber downlink module and the first subscriber premises while retaining the second electrically conductive medium communicatively coupled to the second subscriber downlink interface to provide the second communication service to the second subscriber premises.