Network node
A network node for use in a hybrid fiber-copper access network, wherein the node includes DSL and reverse-power feed functionality. The node has a substantially cylindrical shape such that it receives an input metallic cable at a first end, an output metallic cable at a second end and an optical fiber cable which is received at a point along the body of the node.
1. A network node for deployment in an access network, the network node having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising:
a first end configured to receive an input metallic cable;
a second end configured to receive an output metallic cable;
a port configured to receive an optical fiber cable, the port being located intermediate the first end and the second end of the network node;
a power circuit configured, in use, to receive an electrical power supply from the output metallic cable;
a digital subscriber line transceiver configured, in use, to receive optical data signals from the optical fiber cable and to transmit electrical data signals on the output metallic cable; and
a heat sink comprising a heat pipe which extends along a length of the network node.
2. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the network node further comprises a fiber management apparatus, the fiber management apparatus being arranged around a periphery of the network node.
3. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the heat sink further comprises one or two end caps, the one or two end caps being located at a respective end of the network node and being configured, in use, to be thermally coupled to the heat pipe.
4. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the digital subscriber line transceiver is further configured, in use, to receive electrical data signals from the output metallic cable and to transmit optical data signals from the optical fiber cable.
5. The network node according to claim 1 , wherein the network node is configured to receive at least one of: one or more input metallic cables, or one or more output metallic cables.
6. A communications network comprising:
one or more network nodes for deployment in an access network, the one or more network nodes having a substantially cylindrical shape and comprising:
a first end configured to receive an input metallic cable;
a second end configured to receive an output metallic cable;
a port configured to receive an optical fiber cable, the port being located intermediate the first end and the second end of the network node;
a power circuit configured, in use, to receive an electrical power supply from the output metallic cable;
a digital subscriber line transceiver configured, in use, to receive optical data signals from the optical fiber cable and to transmit electrical data signals on the output metallic cable; and
a heat sink comprising a heat pipe which extends along a length of the network node.