Systems and methods for automated broadband distribution point unit powering

An upstream service disconnect trigger unit, the upstream service disconnect trigger unit comprising:

• a processor;
• a voltage detector configured to connect to an electrical conductor span;
• and
• wherein the processor is configured to detect the existence of an upstream service voltage signal on the electrical conductor span based on an input from the voltage detector and upon detection of the upstream service voltage signal, generate a trigger signal on the electrical conductor span.

A broadband access network, the network comprising:

• an access network distribution point unit coupled to an optical fiber network;
• an upstream service disconnect unit coupled to the access network distribution point unit, a upstream service delivery unit, and a first end of an electrical conductor span, wherein the disconnect unit comprises a switching relay that alternately switches either the access network distribution point unit or the upstream service delivery unit to the electrical conductor span;
• a power sourcing equipment device coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor span;
• and
• a upstream service disconnect trigger unit coupled to the coupled to a second end of the electrical conductor span;
• wherein the upstream service disconnect trigger unit is configured with a voltage detector to detect the existence of a voltage signal on the electrical conductor span from the upstream service delivery unit and upon detection of the voltage signal, generate a trigger signal on the electrical conductor span;
• wherein the upstream service disconnect unit is configured to energize a processor and operate the switching relay to couple the electrical conductor span with the access network distribution point unit by tapping power of the trigger signal drawn from the electrical conductor span;
• and
• wherein the upstream service disconnect trigger unit is configured to operate the power sourcing equipment device to provide power to the access network distribution point unit in response to the switching relay coupling the electrical conductor span with the access network distribution point unit.

A method for automated Broadband Network Distribution Point Unit Powering, the method comprising:

• monitoring for an existence of a upstream service delivery unit voltage signal on an electrical conductor span;
• when the upstream service delivery unit voltage signal is detected, generating a trigger signal on the electrical conductor span;
• energizing a processor and operating a switching relay to couple the electrical conductor span with an access network distribution point unit by tapping power of the trigger signal drawn from the electrical conductor span;
• and
• operating a power sourcing equipment device to provide power to the access network distribution point unit via the electrical conductor span in response to the switching relay coupling the electrical conductor span with the access network distribution point unit.