Optical communication module with enhanced security

Abstract

An optical communication module with enhanced security is disclosed. An optical communication module, related methods, and a computer program product for performing network communication security are provided. An exemplary optical module includes a substrate, a first optoelectronic component supported by the substrate and configured to operate with an optical signal having a first wavelength, and a second optoelectronic component supported by the substrate and configured to operate with an optical signal having a second wavelength. The module further includes an optical communication medium that defines a first end and a second end for optical communication with the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component. The module also includes a security circuit operably connected to the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component. The security circuit determines the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium at the second end based on the operation of the second optoelectronic component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to communication systems, and more particularly to network communication modules with enhanced security. Background Art

[0002] Data centers and other network environments (e.g., data communication, telecommunications, and / or other similar data / communication switching networks) can include connections between switch systems, servers, racks, and other devices to provide signal transmission between one or more of these elements. To protect the data transmitted through these connections, various security protocols can be employed. The applicant has identified numerous deficiencies and problems associated with traditional network devices and related network communication security. Through the efforts, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have been solved by developing solutions included in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and many examples thereof are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Apparatuses, systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for enhancing optical communication module and network communication security. An exemplary optical communication module can include a substrate, a first optoelectronic component supported by the substrate and configured to operate with an optical signal having a first wavelength, and a second optoelectronic component supported by the substrate and configured to operate with an optical signal having a second wavelength. The optical communication module can further include an optical communication medium that defines a first end and a second end for optical communication with the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component. The optical communication module can also include a security circuit operably connected to the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component. The security circuit can be configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium at the second end based on the operation of the second optoelectronic component.

[0004] In some embodiments, the first optoelectronic component can include a first optical transmitter configured to generate an optical signal having a first wavelength.

[0005] In other embodiments, the first optoelectronic component can include a first optical receiver configured to receive an optical signal having a first wavelength.

[0006] In some embodiments, the second optoelectronic component can include a second optical transmitter configured to generate an optical signal having a second wavelength. In such embodiments, the security circuit can further be configured to periodically cause the second optical transmitter to emit an optical signal having a second wavelength. In the event that the security circuit fails to receive response communication to the optical signal emitted by the second optical transmitter, the security circuit can be configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium at the second end.

[0007] In other embodiments, the second optoelectronic component may include a second optical receiver configured to receive an optical signal having a second wavelength. In such an embodiment, the security circuit may also be configured to periodically detect the reception of the optical signal having the second wavelength by the second optical receiver. In the event that the security circuit fails to detect the reception of the optical signal by the second optical receiver, the security circuit may be configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium at the second end.

[0008] In some embodiments, the optical communication module may further include a lens assembly coupled to the first and second optoelectronic components. The lens assembly may include a filter configured to direct an optical signal having a first wavelength between the first optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium. The filter may also transmit an optical signal having a second wavelength between the second optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium.

[0009] In some further embodiments, the lens assembly may include a first reflective surface proximate to the first optoelectronic component, the first reflective surface being configured to reflect an optical signal having a first wavelength between the first optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium. In such an embodiment, the lens assembly may also include a second reflective surface proximate to the second optoelectronic component, the second reflective surface being configured to reflect an optical signal having a second wavelength between the second optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium.

[0010] There is also provided an example method for network communication security and a related computer program product for causing a device to execute the method. Referring to the example method, the method may include: operating a first optoelectronic component at a first wavelength and a second optoelectronic component at a second wavelength, wherein the first and second optoelectronic components communicate optically with a first end of an optical communication medium. The method may also include monitoring the operation of the second optoelectronic component; and determining the presence of an incompatible component coupled to a second end of the optical communication medium based on the operation of the second optoelectronic component.

[0011] In some embodiments, the second optoelectronic component may include a second optical transmitter configured to periodically generate an optical signal having a second wavelength, and the method may further include determining the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the second end of the optical communication medium in the absence of receiving a response communication to the periodically transmitted optical signal emitted by the second optical transmitter.

[0012] In other embodiments, the second optoelectronic component may include a second optical receiver configured to receive an optical signal having a second wavelength, and the method may further include determining the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the second end of the optical communication medium in the event that the second optical receiver fails to receive the optical signal.

[0013] The above summary is provided merely to summarize some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that the above embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the present disclosure in any way. It should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure includes many potential embodiments other than those outlined herein, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Certain example embodiments of the present disclosure have been generally described above, and reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings. The components shown in the figures may or may not be present in certain embodiments described herein. Some embodiments may include fewer (or more) components than those shown in the figures.

[0015] Figure 1 An example optical communication module according to some embodiments described herein is shown;

[0016] Figure 2 is shown in association with Figure 1 an example lens assembly for use with the optical communication module;

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the Figure 1 optical communication module with associated circuit components;

[0018] Figure 4 An example optical communication module according to some embodiments described herein is shown;

[0019] Figure 5 is shown in association with Figure 4 an example lens assembly for use with the optical communication module;

[0020] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the Figure 4 optical communication module with associated circuit components;

[0021] Figure 7 A schematic block diagram of an example security circuit that can perform various operations according to some example embodiments described herein is shown; and

[0022] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for network communication security according to an example embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Overview

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments are shown. In fact, the present disclosure may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers always refer to like elements. As used herein, terms such as "front", "rear", "top", etc. are used for illustrative purposes in the examples provided hereinafter to describe the relative positions of certain components or portions of components. Additionally, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure that the terms "substantially" and "about" indicate that the referenced element or associated description is accurate within the applicable engineering tolerances.

[0025] As described above and hereinafter, network systems such as in a data center can establish inter-rack connections between racks and intra-rack connections between network boxes, printed circuit boards (PCBs), etc. located within the same rack. These connections typically rely on transceivers, processors, chip sets, PCBs, connectors, network cables, optical cable assemblies, copper cable assemblies, and associated communication system components to establish these connections. For example, quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) connectors and cables (e.g., QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP112, etc.), as well as other forms of connectors such as small form-factor pluggable (SFP) connectors (e.g., SFP+, SFP28, SFP56, SFP112, etc.) and C form-factor pluggable (CFP) connectors, have long been industry standards for providing high-speed information operation interface interconnections. More recently, octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) and quad small form-factor pluggable double density (QSFP-DD) transceivers have emerged to provide higher bitrate capabilities. Regardless of the type of optical cable connector, module, or transceiver, the data transmitted by these devices may be subject to various security protocols in order to appropriately protect such data.

[0026] Traditional attempts to protect data transmitted through a network communication system have relied solely on software-related applications. For example, data transmitted through an optical communication system using one or more transceivers, optical fibers, etc. has traditionally been protected by one or more encryption protocols. Thus, any attempt by an unauthorized party to access the encrypted data would further require decrypting the data. However, emerging computing resources have reduced the computational burden associated with the decryption process, thus posing a threat to security protocols previously considered secure. Additionally, the reliance on software-based security measures increases the complexity and latency associated with optical communication transmissions. In other words, the reliance on software-based security reduces the data transmission speed due to the requirement that each data entry be subject to an encryption protocol.

[0027] To address these and other issues, embodiments of the present disclosure provide an optical communication module that includes two optoelectronic components (e.g., a first optical transmitter and a second optical transmitter), each operating at a different wavelength. As described below, the first optoelectronic component (e.g., a first optical transceiver, a first optical transmitter, or a first optical receiver) can be configured to transmit and / or receive data generated by network system components and can operate at a first wavelength. The second optoelectronic component (e.g., a second optical transceiver, a second optical transmitter, or a second optical receiver) can be configured to transmit or receive an optical signal at a second wavelength that is different from the first wavelength. The second optoelectronic component can be directly connected to a security circuit (e.g., a microcontroller, a computing device, etc.) such that the optical signal transmitted or received by the second optoelectronic component can be used to determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication module. In other words, the optical signal transmitted or received by the second optoelectronic component at the second wavelength does not contain system-usable data entries but is only used to confirm the presence of valid physical system components in the optical link, such that (e.g.) failure to receive an optical signal having the second wavelength indicates the presence of an incompatible component.

[0028] Thus, embodiments of the present application can improve network communication security by providing a physical component solution for detecting incompatible network components. In particular, the optical communication module and associated methods of the present disclosure can reliably detect attempts to substitute or replace network components without the need for complex software-based security protocols. In doing so, the embodiments described herein can maintain or improve the operating capabilities (e.g., bandwidth, transmission rate, etc.) of network components while enhancing the security associated with the data transmitted by these components. Additionally, in some embodiments, the second wavelength of the second optoelectronic component can be within the visible spectrum. Thus, embodiments of the present disclosure can provide a visible indication of system component compatibility (e.g., a user can see the color of the optical signal transmitted or received by the second optoelectronic component).

[0029] Optical communication module with optical emitter for enhancing security

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , an optical communication module 100 is shown. As shown, the optical communication module 100 can include a substrate 102 that supports a first optoelectronic component 105 and a second optoelectronic component 108. As described herein, the first optoelectronic component 105 can include one or more first optical transmitters 104 and / or a first optical receiver (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 6 the photodiode (PD) 107 in Figure 3As described, the first optoelectronic component 105 can be configured to generate and / or receive an optical signal 106 of a first wavelength, which corresponds to or is otherwise associated with an available network data entry. For example, the first optical transmitter 104 of the first optoelectronic component 105 can be configured to receive data from a network component (e.g., via the Figure 3 and Figure 6 module connection 115 in), convert the data into the optical signal 106, and transmit the optical signals 106 via the optical communication medium 112 to another optical communication module (not shown) that optically communicates with the optical communication medium 112. Additionally, the first optical receiver 107 of the first optoelectronic component 105 can be configured to receive the first optical signal 106 from another optical communication module (not shown) that optically communicates with the optical communication medium 112, convert the optical signals 106 into corresponding data entries, and transmit the data entries to other network components coupled to the optical communication module 100 (e.g., via the module connection 115).

[0031] To avoid overcomplicating the present disclosure, the first optoelectronic component 105 is hereinafter described as including at least the first optical transmitter 104, which is configured to generate an optical signal 106 having a first wavelength. As Figure 1 shown, the first optical transmitter 104 can include a plurality of first optical transmitters 104, each of which is configured to generate an optical signal 106 having a first wavelength. However, the present disclosure contemplates that in addition to the first optical transmitter 104, the first optoelectronic component 105 can also include the first optical receiver 107, such that the first optoelectronic component 105 is an optical transceiver as described above. Alternatively, the first optoelectronic component 105 can include only a plurality of first optical receivers (e.g., Figure 3 one or more PDs 107 in) that are configured to receive an optical signal 106 having a first wavelength. In other words, the present disclosure contemplates that the first optoelectronic component 105 can include any number of devices that are configured to generate and / or receive an optical signal 106 having a first wavelength based on the intended application of the optical communication module 100.

[0032] Continuing to refer to Figure 1, the optical communication module 100 may include a substrate 102, which may include a printed circuit board (PCB) configured to provide electrical communication to various components supported thereon (e.g., a first optoelectronic component 105 and a second optoelectronic component 108). In some embodiments, the substrate 102 (e.g., PCB) may include a dielectric material, a glass material, a polymer material, an amorphous material, etc. In other words, the present disclosure contemplates that the substrate 102 (e.g., PCB) may include any material configured to be used with optoelectronic components and / or configured to define or support electrical connection elements or features (e.g., wires, traces, etc.) to provide electrical connections between optoelectronic components. Additionally, the substrate 102 may also support one or more circuit components as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 6 operatively coupled to the first optoelectronic component 105 and the second optoelectronic component 108.

[0033] As described above, the first optoelectronic component 105 may include a plurality of first optical transmitters 104 configured to generate optical signals 106 having a first wavelength. For example, the first optical transmitters 104 may include a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) configured to generate optical signals 106 having a first wavelength. The optical signals 106 having the first wavelength may be output by the first optical transmitters 104 and received at one or more corresponding lenses 101 configured to focus or otherwise direct the optical signals 106 to a corresponding optical communication medium 112 (e.g., an optical fiber or an optical cable). The corresponding optical communication medium 112 communicates with the first optoelectronic component 105 via a first end of the optical communication medium 112. The optical signals 106 may be transmitted via the optical communication medium 112 to other optical communication modules (not shown) that optically communicate with a second end of the optical communication medium 112. The optical signals 106 received by an optical communication module (not shown) optically coupled to the optical communication medium 112 may be converted into corresponding data entries (e.g., electrical signals) for use by network components. In other words, the optical signals 106 generated by the first optical transmitters 104 may be available because these signals 106 correspond to underlying data entries. The present disclosure further contemplates that the first wavelength of the optical signals 106 may be selected based on the intended application of the optical communication module 100.

[0034] To provide increased network communication security through a physical solution, the optical communication module 100 may further include a second optoelectronic component 108, which may include a second optical transmitter configured to generate an optical signal 110 having a second wavelength. As described in the embodiments with reference to Figures 4 - 6 , the present disclosure contemplates that the second optoelectronic component 108 may also include a second optical receiver (e.g., the second optoelectronic component 114). The second optoelectronic component 108 may be as described with reference toFigures 1 - 3 As described, an optical signal 110 having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength is generated.

[0035] For example, the second optoelectronic component 108 may include a VCSEL configured to generate an optical signal 110 having the second wavelength. The optical signal 110 having the second wavelength may be output by the second optoelectronic component 108 (e.g., the second optical transmitter) and received at the lens assembly 300, which is configured to also focus or otherwise direct the optical signal 110 to the corresponding optical communication medium 112 (e.g., an optical fiber or an optical cable). As Figure 1 shown, the optical signal 110 of the second optoelectronic component 108 may be configured to be transmitted through a common optical communication medium. In other words, the optical signal 110 having the second wavelength may be transmitted by an optical fiber of the optical communication medium 112 that also transmits the optical signal 106 having the first wavelength. In other words, the optical communication medium 112 may optically communicate with the second optoelectronic component 108 through a first end. The present disclosure contemplates that the second wavelength of the optical signal 110 may be selected based on the intended application of the optical communication module 100. However, the selection of the second wavelength may take into account the selected first wavelength of the optical signal 106 to ensure that the optical signal 110 does not interfere with the transmission of the optical signal 106.

[0036] As described below with reference to Figure 3 and Figures 7 - 8 the circuits and methods of, the optical communication module may include a security circuit 200 operably connected to the first optoelectronic component 105 and the second optoelectronic component 108. The security circuit 200 may be configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component (not shown) coupled to the optical communication medium 112 at a second end based on the operation of the second optoelectronic component 108. Different from the optical signal 106 received by an optical communication module (not shown) optically coupled to the second end of the optical communication medium 112, where the optical signal 106 may be converted into a corresponding data entry (e.g., an electrical signal) for use by a network component, the optical signal 110 having the second wavelength is not available (e.g., not associated with an electrical signal or a data entry). In other words, the optical signals 110 generated by the second optoelectronic component 108 are not available because these signals 110 do not include underlying data entries. As described below, in the case where the security circuit 200 fails to receive a response communication to the optical signals 110 emitted by the second optoelectronic component 108 (e.g., by the second optical transmitter), the security circuit 200 may be configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium 112 at the second end.

[0037] Referring to Figure 2 shows a method for use with Figure 1An example lens assembly 300 for use with an optical communication module 100. To allow optical signals with different wavelengths to be transmitted through a common optical communication medium, the optical communication module can employ a lens assembly 300 that can be coupled (e.g., supported by a substrate 102 or otherwise) to a first optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., at least one first optical transmitter 104 or receiver 107) and a second optoelectronic component 108. As Figure 2 shown, the lens assembly 300 can include a first reflecting surface 306, a second reflecting surface 308, and a filter 304. The first reflecting surface 306 can be positioned close to the second optoelectronic component 108 (e.g., the second optical transmitter) and optically communicate with the second optoelectronic component 108 (e.g., the second optical transmitter) to direct an optical signal 110 generated by the second optoelectronic component 108 to the optical communication medium 112. The second reflecting surface 308 can be positioned close to the first optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., the first optical transmitter 104) and optically communicate with the first optoelectronic component 105 to direct an optical signal 106 generated by the first optoelectronic component 105 to the optical communication medium 112. In Figure 2 the instance where the first optoelectronic component 105 shown includes a first optical receiver 107, the second reflecting surface 308 can be configured to direct the optical signal 106 from the optical communication medium 112 to the first optoelectronic component 105.

[0038] As Figure 2 shown, the lens assembly 300 can use the filter 304 to transfer an optical signal with a second wavelength received from the second optoelectronic component 108 into the optical communication medium 112. For example, the second optoelectronic component 108 can generate an optical signal 110 with a second wavelength, the first reflecting surface 306 can reflect these optical signals 110 towards the optical communication medium 112 (e.g., into the optical path of the optical communication medium 112), and the filter 304 can allow the optical signals 110 to pass through the filter 304 and enter the optical communication medium 112.

[0039] Additionally, in some embodiments, the filter 304 can be supported by the second reflecting surface 308 to direct an optical signal 106 with a first wavelength generated by the first optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., the first optical transmitter 104) to the optical communication medium 112. For example, the first optical transmitter 104 can generate an optical signal 106 with a first wavelength, and the filter 304 supported by the second reflecting surface 308 can reflect these optical signals 106 from the first optical transmitter 104 towards the optical communication medium 112 (e.g., into the optical path of the optical communication medium 112). In other words, the filter 304 can include a material configured to allow optical signals with a second wavelength to pass through and prevent optical signals with a first wavelength from passing through. In one instance, Figure 2The first optoelectronic component 105 shown in FIG. includes a first optical receiver 107, and the second reflecting surface 308 and the filter 304 can be configured to direct the optical signal 106 from the optical communication medium 112 to the first optoelectronic component 105, as described above.

[0040] The present disclosure contemplates that the first wavelength, the second wavelength, the filter 304, and the relative positioning between the second optoelectronic component 108 and the first optoelectronic component 105 can be configured (e.g., selected, sized, shaped, and / or oriented) based on the intended application of the optical communication module 100. For example, selecting the first optical transmitter 104 may result in interference. The first optical transmitter 104 is configured to generate an optical signal having a first wavelength that is similar (e.g., within applicable tolerances, ranges, thresholds, etc.) to the second wavelength generated by the second optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., the second optical transmitter). In other words, in this case, the filter 304, which is configured to prevent the optical signal 106 having the first wavelength from passing through, may allow at least a portion of the signal to pass through when the first wavelength is approximately the same as the second wavelength (e.g., within applicable tolerances, ranges, thresholds, etc.). On the other hand, selecting the first optical transmitter 104 may require an increase in the relative positioning between the first optical transmitter 104 and the second optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., the second optical transmitter) such that the size of the optical communication module 100 does not meet applicable industry standards, regulations, etc. The first optical transmitter 104 is configured to generate an optical signal having a first wavelength that is significantly different from the second wavelength generated by the second optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., the second optical transmitter). Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates that the selection of the first wavelength and the second wavelength can be such that interference is prevented or reduced while still being able to meet applicable industry form factor requirements.

[0041] As a non-limiting example, the first optical transmitter 104 of the first optoelectronic component 105 can generate an optical signal 106 having a wavelength of approximately 850 nm, and the second optoelectronic component 108 can include a second optical transmitter that is configured to generate an optical signal 110 having a wavelength between approximately 780 nm and approximately 940 nm. In other words, in some embodiments, the wavelengths of the optical signal 106 and the optical signal 110 can be configured to operate in parallel (e.g., simultaneously transmitted by the optical communication medium 112). In some embodiments, e.g., for short-distance applications, the second optoelectronic component 108 can include a second optical transmitter that is configured to generate an optical signal 110 having a wavelength between approximately 450 nm and approximately 740 nm in order to provide a visible indication of system component compatibility (e.g., a user can see the color of the optical signal 110 emitted by the second optoelectronic component 108).

[0042] In other embodiments, the first optical transmitter 104 of the first optoelectronic component 105 may generate an optical signal 106 having a wavelength of approximately 910 nm, and the second optoelectronic component 108 may include a second optical transmitter configured to generate an optical signal 110 having a wavelength of approximately 850 nm. In some alternative embodiments, such as lower power implementations, the first optical transmitter 104 of the first optoelectronic component 105 may generate an optical signal 106 having a wavelength of approximately 850 nm, and the second optoelectronic component 108 may include a second optical transmitter configured to generate an optical signal 110 having a wavelength between approximately 780 nm and approximately 860 nm. Although described herein with reference to specific wavelengths, the present application contemplates that the wavelengths of the optical signals 106, 110 may be selected based on the intended application of the module 100 (e.g., 910 nm - 1060 nm, 1310 nm, etc.). In some embodiments, the wavelengths of the optical signals 106, 110 may be further selected to allow for parallel communication.

[0043] In some embodiments, the first optical transmitter 104 of the first optoelectronic component 105 may generate an optical signal 106 having the same wavelength as the optical signal 110 generated by the second optoelectronic component 108, such as a wavelength of approximately 850 nm. As described below with reference to Figure 8 what is described, in some embodiments, the security determination described herein may occur as part of an initial operational procedure (e.g., non - parallel communication example). For example, an initial hardware verification protocol may cause the second optoelectronic component 108 to generate and transmit an optical signal 110 having a wavelength of approximately 850 nm for reception by a photoreceiver (not shown) for optical communication with the second optoelectronic component 108 via the optical communication medium 112. The reception of the signal 110 may be used to verify that the optical module 100 is genuine or otherwise safely usable in the example system. Once verified, the first optical transmitter 104 may generate an optical signal 106 having, for example, a wavelength of 850 nm.

[0044] Furthermore, the present disclosure contemplates that the positions of the first optical transmitter 108 and the first optical receiver 110 may be reversed. For example, in some embodiments, the first optical transmitter 108 may be positioned near the second reflective surface 308 that supports the filter 304, and the first optical transmitter 104 may be positioned near the first reflective surface 306. In such embodiments, the filter 304 may be configured to allow optical signals having a first wavelength to pass through and may be configured to prevent optical signals having a second wavelength from passing through. In other words, the present disclosure contemplates that the filter 304 may be configured to prevent optical signals having a determined wavelength (or wavelength range) from passing through, or may be configured to allow optical signals having a determined wavelength (or wavelength range) to pass through.

[0045] Reference Figure 3, shows a schematic diagram of the optical communication module 100 and associated circuit components. As shown, the optical communication module 100 includes a first optoelectronic component 105, a second optoelectronic component 108, and the security circuit 200 as described above. In particular, the first optoelectronic component 108 is illustrated as having a first optical transmitter 104 (e.g., VCSEL) and a first optical receiver 107 (e.g., PD). The optical module 100 can be connected to one or more network components through the module connection 115. For example, the optical communication module 100 can be electrically connected to a data center rack through the module connection 115, such that electrical signals (e.g., data entries, etc.) can be transmitted between the optical communication module 100 and the data center rack via the module connection 115. The optical module 100 can also include a clock and data recovery (CDR) chip 113, which can, for example, receive electrical signals and / or data and operate to synchronize the serial data (e.g., without a clock signal). The present disclosure contemplates that the CDR chip 113 can include any computing device or circuit component configured to facilitate the extraction of timing information associated with a serial data stream to assist in encoding or decoding the transmitted serial data. The optical communication module 100 can also include an optical transimpedance amplifier (TIA) 111 and / or a voltage drop (VD) 109, which are configured to facilitate the transmission of an optical signal 106 having a first wavelength. As Figure 3 shown, the second optoelectronic component 108 (e.g., a second optical transmitter or VCSEL) can be directly connected to the security circuit 200, as described below with reference to Figure 8 described.

[0046] Optical communication module with optical receiver for enhancing security

[0047] Reference Figure 4 , shows the optical communication module 100. As shown, the optical communication module 100 can include a substrate 102 that supports the first optoelectronic component 105 and the second optoelectronic component 114. As described above, the first optoelectronic component 105 can include one or more first optical transmitters 104 or first optical receivers (e.g., Figure 6 the photodiode (PD) 107 in Figure 1 ), such that the first optoelectronic component 105 includes an optical transceiver. The first optoelectronic component 105 can be configured to generate and / or receive an optical signal 106 having a first wavelength, which corresponds to or is otherwise associated with available network data entries. As described above in connection with Figures 4 - 6 , the components of the optical communication module 100 can similarly be supported by the substrate 102 (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)), which is configured to provide electrical communication to the various components.

[0048] As described above, in some embodiments, the second optoelectronic component 114 may be a second optical receiver that receives an optical signal 116 having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength. For example, the second optoelectronic component 114 may include a photodiode (PD) configured to receive the optical signal 116 having the second wavelength. The optical signal 116 may similarly be transmitted by a corresponding optical communication medium 112 (e.g., an optical fiber or an optical cable), received by the lens assembly 300, and directed to the second optoelectronic component 114. Similar to Figure 1 the embodiments of, the optical signal 116 of the second optoelectronic component 114 may also be configured to be transmitted through a common optical communication medium. In other words, the optical signal 116 having the second wavelength may be transmitted by an optical fiber of the optical communication medium 112 that also transmits the optical signal 106 having the first wavelength. In other words, the optical communication medium 112 may also optically communicate with the second optoelectronic component 114 through a first end. The present disclosure contemplates that the second wavelength of the optical signal 116 may be selected based on the intended application of the optical communication module 100. As described above, to ensure that the optical signal 116 does not interfere with the transmission of the optical signal 106, the selection of the second wavelength may consider the first wavelength selected for the optical signal 106.

[0049] As described below with reference to Figure 6 and Figures 7 - 8 the circuits and methods of, the optical communication module 100 may include a security circuit 200 operatively connected to the first optoelectronic component 105 and the second optoelectronic component 114. The security circuit 200 may be configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component (not shown) coupled to the optical communication medium 112 at a second end based on the operation of the second optoelectronic component 114. Different from the optical signal 106 received by an optical communication module (not shown) optically coupled to the second end of the optical communication medium 112, which may be converted into corresponding data entries (e.g., electrical signals) for use by network components, the optical signals 116 having the second wavelength are not available (e.g., they cannot be converted into electrical signals or data entries). In other words, the optical signals 116 received by the second optoelectronic component 114 are not available because these signals 116 do not include underlying data entries. As described below, the security circuit 200 may be configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium 112 at the second end in the case where the security circuit 200 fails to detect the reception of an optical signal by the second optical receiver (e.g., through the second optoelectronic component 114).

[0050] Referring to Figure 5 shows a method for Figure 4An example lens assembly 300 for use with an optical communication module. To allow optical signals of different wavelengths to be transmitted through a common optical communication medium, the optical communication module 100 may employ a lens assembly 300 that can be coupled (e.g., supported by substrate 102 or otherwise) to a first optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., at least one first optical transmitter 104 or receiver 107) and a second optoelectronic component 114. Similar to Figure 2 the operation, the lens assembly 300 may include a first reflective surface 306, a second reflective surface 308, and a filter 304. The first reflective surface 306 may be positioned near the second optoelectronic component 114 (e.g., the second optical receiver) and may optically communicate with the second optoelectronic component 114 (e.g., the second optical receiver) to direct an optical signal 116 having a second wavelength from the optical communication medium 112 to the second optoelectronic component 114. The second reflective surface 308 may be positioned near the first optoelectronic component 105 (e.g., the first optical transmitter 104) and may optically communicate with the first optoelectronic component 105 to direct an optical signal 106 generated by the first optoelectronic component 105 to the optical communication medium 112.

[0051] As Figure 5 shown, the lens assembly 300 may use the filter 304 to transfer an optical signal having a second wavelength received from the optical communication medium 112 to the second optoelectronic component 114. For example, an optical module (not shown) optically communicating with the optical communication medium 112 may generate an optical signal having a second wavelength similar to that of Figure 1 the second optoelectronic component 108. The second reflective surface 308 and the filter 304 may allow the optical signal 116 from the optical communication medium 112 to pass through the filter to the first reflective surface 306. The first reflective surface 306 may reflect the optical signal 116 having the second wavelength to the second optoelectronic component 114 (e.g., the second optical receiver). As described above with reference to Figure 2 the present disclosure contemplates that the first wavelength, the second wavelength, the filter 304, and the relative positioning between the second optoelectronic component 114 and the first optoelectronic component 105 may be configured based on the intended application of the optical communication module 100. In other words, the second optoelectronic component 114 may be configured to be used with, for example, the wavelengths provided above with reference to Figures 1 - 3 the present disclosure.

[0052] Referring to Figure 6 , a schematic diagram of the optical communication module 100 is shown together with associated circuit components. The optical communication module may include the same circuit components as Figure 3 shown; however, the second optoelectronic component 114 is illustrated as being configured to transmit data to a security circuit 200. In Figure 3In the embodiment, the second optoelectronic device 108 operates as a light emitter such that the security circuit 200 described below can periodically cause the second light emitter (e.g., the second optoelectronic component 108) to emit a light signal 110 having a second wavelength. However, in Figure 6 In the embodiment, the security circuit 200 can be configured to periodically detect the reception of a light signal 116 having a second wavelength by the second light receiver (e.g., the second optoelectronic component 114). As described below, the security circuit 200 can periodically transmit an interrogation signal or otherwise interrogate the second optoelectronic component 114 to determine whether a light signal 116 having a second wavelength has been received.

[0053] Security circuit

[0054] The security circuit 200 can include circuitry, network processors, etc. configured to perform some or all of the device (e.g., security circuit)-based processes described herein, and can be any suitable controller, microcontroller, computing device, network server, and / or other type of processing device. In this regard, the security circuit 200 can be implemented by any one of a variety of devices. For example, the security circuit 200 can be configured to receive / send data and can include any one of a variety of fixed terminals, such as a server, microcontroller, desktop computer, or kiosk, or it can include any one of a variety of mobile terminals, such as a portable digital assistant (PDA), mobile phone, smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, or, in some embodiments, a peripheral device connected to one or more fixed or mobile terminals. The exemplary embodiments contemplated herein can have various form factors and designs, but will still include at least Figure 7 the components shown and described in connection therewith. In some embodiments, as Figures 1 - 6 shown, the security circuit 200 can be embodied as a microcontroller supported by the substrate 102 such that Figure 8 the execution of the operations occurs locally on the optical communication module 100. In other embodiments, the security circuit 200 can be located remotely from the optical communication module 100. In such an embodiment, the security circuit 200 can be located, for example, as part of a network security server or other remote computing device operably coupled to the optical communication module 100 and / or a plurality of other optical communication modules distributed within a network system. Although many arrangements are contemplated herein, for purposes of explanation and to avoid unnecessarily complicating the present disclosure, the security circuit 200 is shown and described herein as a single computing device.

[0055] As Figure 7 shown, the security circuit 200 can include a processor 202, a memory 204, a communication circuit 208, and an input / output circuit 206. The security circuit 200 can be configured to perform the operations described below in connection withFigure 8 The described operations. Although the components 202 - 208 are described in functional language in some cases, it should be understood that a particular implementation must include the use of specific hardware. It should also be understood that some of these components 202 - 208 may include similar or common hardware. For example, both sets of circuitry can utilize the same processor 202, memory 204, communication circuitry 208, etc. to perform their associated functions, such that each set of circuitry does not require duplicate hardware. The use of the term "circuitry" as used herein includes specific hardware configured to perform the functions associated with the corresponding circuitry described herein. As described in the above example, in some embodiments, various elements or components of the circuitry of the security circuit 200 may be housed within the optical communication module 100. In this regard, it will be understood that some of the components described in connection with the security circuit 200 may be housed within one of these devices, while other components may be housed within another of these devices, or by yet another device not explicitly shown in Figures 1 - 6 the figures.

[0056] Of course, while the term "circuitry" should be understood broadly to include hardware, in some embodiments, the term "circuitry" may also include software for configuring the hardware. For example, while "circuitry" can include processing circuitry, storage media, network interfaces, input / output devices, etc., other elements of the security circuit 200 may provide or supplement the functions of a particular circuit.

[0057] In some embodiments, the processor 202 (and / or a coprocessor or any other auxiliary processor or processing circuitry otherwise associated with the processor) may communicate with the memory 204 via a bus for transferring information between the components of the security circuit 200. The memory 204 may be non - transitory and may include, for example, one or more volatile and / or non - volatile memories. For example, the memory may be an electronic storage device (e.g., a non - transitory computer - readable storage medium). The memory 204 may be configured to store information, data, content, applications, instructions, etc. such that the security circuit 200 can perform various functions in accordance with the example embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0058] The processor 202 may be implemented in a variety of different ways and may include, for example, one or more processing devices configured to execute independently. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may include one or more processors configured in series via a bus to enable independent execution of instructions, pipelining, and / or multithreading. The use of the term "processing circuitry" may be understood to include a single - core processor, a multi - core processor, multiple processors within the security circuit, and / or remote or "cloud" processors.

[0059] In an example embodiment, the processor 202 may be configured to execute instructions stored in the memory 204 or otherwise accessible to the processor 202. Optionally or additionally, the processor 202 may be configured to execute hard-coded functions. Thus, whether configured by hardware or by a combination of hardware and software, the processor 202 may represent an entity (e.g., physically embodied in circuitry) capable of performing operations in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure while in the corresponding configuration. Alternatively, as another example, when the processor 202 is embodied as an executor of software instructions, the instructions may specifically configure the processor 202 to perform the algorithms and / or operations described herein when the instructions are executed.

[0060] The security circuit 200 may further include an input / output circuit 206, which may in turn communicate with the processor 202 to provide output to the user and receive input from the user, a user device, or other sources. In this regard, the input / output circuit 206 may include a display that may be manipulated by an application. In some embodiments, the input / output circuit 206 may further include additional features such as a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick, a touch screen, a touch area, soft keys, a microphone, a speaker, or other input / output mechanisms. The security circuit 200 including the processor 202 may be configured to control one or more functions of the display by computer program instructions (e.g., software and / or firmware) stored on a memory accessible to the processor (e.g., memory 204 and / or a similar memory).

[0061] The communication circuit 208 may be any device, such as a device or circuit embodied in hardware or a combination of hardware and software, that is configured to receive and / or transmit data from / to a network and / or any other device, circuit, or module that communicates with the security circuit 200. In this regard, the communication circuit 208 may include, for example, a network interface for enabling communication with a wired or wireless communication network. For example, the communication circuit 208 may include one or more network interface cards, antennas, buses, switches, routers, modems, and supporting hardware and / or software, or any other device suitable for communicating over a network. Additionally or optionally, the communication interface may include circuitry for interacting with one or more antennas to cause signal transmission via the one or more antennas or for processing signals received via the one or more antennas. These signals may be transmitted by the security circuit 200 using any of a variety of wireless personal area network (PAN) technologies, such as versions 1.0 to 3.0, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), infrared wireless (e.g., IrDA), ultra-wideband (UWB), inductive wireless transmission, etc. Additionally, it should be understood that these signals may be transmitted using Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX), or other proximity-based communication protocols.

[0062] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" refers to non-transitory storage hardware, non-transitory storage devices, or non-transitory computer system memory that can be accessed by a controller, microcontroller, computing system, or a module of a computing system for encoding computer-executable instructions or software programs thereon. A computing system or a module of a computing system can access the non-transitory "computer-readable medium" to retrieve and / or execute computer-executable instructions or software programs encoded on the medium. Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable media can include, but are not limited to, one or more types of hardware memory, non-transitory tangible media (e.g., one or more magnetic storage disks, one or more optical disks, one or more USB flash drives), computer system memory, or random access memory (e.g., DRAM, SRAM, EDO RAM), etc.

[0063] Example method for network communication security

[0064] Next, turning to Figure 8 , a flowchart of network communication security 800 is shown. Figure 8 The operations shown in, for example, as described above, can be performed by a device (e.g., security circuit 200), performed with the assistance of a device (e.g., security circuit 200), and / or performed under the control of a device (e.g., security circuit 200). In this regard, the execution of the operations can invoke one or more of processor 202, memory 204, input / output circuit 206, communication circuit 208, and / or input analysis circuit 210.

[0065] As shown in operation 802, the device (e.g., security circuit 200) includes means for operating a first optoelectronic component 105 at a first wavelength, such as processor 202, etc. As described above, the first optoelectronic component 105 can include a plurality of first optical transmitters 104, which are configured to generate optical signals 106 having a first wavelength. For example, the first optical transmitters 104 can include a plurality of VCSELs, which are configured to generate optical signals 106 having a first wavelength. The optical signals 106 having a first wavelength can be output by the first optical transmitters 104 and transmitted via an optical communication medium 112 to other optical communication modules (not shown) that optically communicate with the second end of the optical communication medium 112. The optical signals 106 received by an optical communication module (not shown) optically coupled to the optical communication medium 112 can be converted into corresponding data entries (e.g., electrical signals) for use by network components.

[0066] As shown in operation 804, the device (e.g., security circuit 200) includes means for operating second optoelectronic components 108, 114 at a second wavelength, such as processor 202, input / output circuit 206, etc. As described above with reference to Figures 1 - 3As described, the second optoelectronic component 108 may include a VCSEL configured to generate an optical signal 110 having a second wavelength. The optical signal 110 having the second wavelength may be output by the optoelectronic component 110 (e.g., the second optical transmitter) and received by a corresponding optical communication medium 112 (e.g., an optical fiber or an optical cable). In such an embodiment, the security circuit 200 may be configured to periodically cause the optical signal 110 having the second wavelength to be emitted by the second optical transmitter (e.g., the second optoelectronic component 108). For example, the security circuit 200 may be configured to periodically send an instruction to the second optoelectronic component 108 to generate and send an optical signal 110 having the second wavelength based on an initial setup procedure, in accordance with applicable industry rules, etc. In some embodiments, the security circuit 200 may cause the emission of the optical signal 110 in response to a user input received through the input / output circuit 216. For example, an operator associated with the network communication system may periodically perform a security check or protocol to determine whether any incompatible components exist in the network communication system. As part of such a security check or protocol, the operator may input an instruction to the security circuit 200 to cause the emission of the optical signal 110.

[0067] Continuing to refer to operation 804 and as described above with reference to Figures 4 - 6 As described, the second optoelectronic component 114 may include a PD configured to receive an optical signal 116 having a second wavelength. The optical signal 116 having the second wavelength may be output by a second optical transmitter of an optical communication module (not shown) that is optically communicative with the second end of the optical communication medium 112. In such an embodiment, the security circuit 200 may be configured to periodically detect the reception of the optical signal 116 having the second wavelength by the second optical receiver (e.g., the second optoelectronic component 114). For example, the security circuit 200 may be configured to periodically query the second optoelectronic component 114 based on an initial setup procedure, in accordance with applicable industry rules, etc., to determine whether an optical signal having the second wavelength (e.g., the optical signal 116) has been received. In some embodiments, the second optoelectronic component 114 (e.g., the second optical receiver) may periodically transmit a signal associated with reception or non-reception to the security circuit and / or may transmit an indication-reception signal in response to the reception of the optical signal 116.

[0068] Thereafter, as shown in operations 806 and 808, the apparatus (e.g., the security circuit 200) includes means, such as the processor 202, the communication circuit 208, etc., for monitoring the operation of the second optoelectronic component and determining the presence of an incompatible component based on the operation of the second optoelectronic component. As described above, embodiments of the present disclosure provide enhanced network security by providing a physical component solution for detecting incompatible network components. For example, an unauthorized user may attempt to replace or substitute a valid optoelectronic module of a network communication system with another optical module in order to access data passing through such an optical module. To detect the presence of such an incompatible component, the security circuit 200 may rely on the operation of the second optoelectronic components 108, 114. The optical communication module 100 described herein may transmit optical signals 110, 116 having a second wavelength that are not available (e.g., not associated with or indicative of a valid electrical signal or data), such that an incompatible component (e.g., an unauthorized optical module) cannot transmit or detect these optical signals 110, 116.

[0069] In the case where the second optoelectronic component 108 is a second optical transmitter, the security circuit 200 may cause a periodic emission of an optical signal 110 having a second wavelength and wait for a response communication to the optical signal 110. By way of example, the security circuit 200 may be operatively connected to a plurality of optical modules (not shown) that optically communicate with the optical communication medium 112. Thus, in response to the emission of the optical signal 110, the security circuit 200 may interrogate one or more optical communication modules (not shown) to determine whether there is a corresponding second optoelectronic component (e.g., a second optical receiver) to receive the optical signal 110 having the second wavelength. In the case where the security circuit 200 fails to receive a response communication to the optical signal 116 emitted by the second optical transmitter (e.g., the second optoelectronic component 108), the security circuit 200 may determine the presence of an incompatible component optically communicating with the second end of the optical communication medium 112.

[0070] In the case where the second optoelectronic component 114 is a second optical receiver, the security circuit 200 may periodically detect the reception of an optical signal 116 having a second wavelength. By way of example, the network communication system may, as part of a security protocol or otherwise, require that an optical signal having a second wavelength 116 be transmitted by an optical module (not shown) connected within the system. Thus, the reception of such an optical signal 116 should occur as specified by the security protocol. Thus, in the case where the security circuit 200 fails to detect the reception of the optical signal 116 by the second optical receiver (e.g., the second optoelectronic component 108), the security circuit 200 may determine the presence of an incompatible component optically communicating with the second end of the optical communication medium 112.

[0071] Those skilled in the art, benefiting from the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the related drawings, will envision many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein. Although the drawings only show certain components of the methods and systems described herein, it should be understood that various other components may also be part of any optical component or optoelectronic element. In addition, the above methods may, in some cases, include fewer steps, while in other cases, may include additional steps. In some cases, the modifications to the steps of the above methods may be performed in any order and in any combination.

[0072] As described above, in some embodiments, the operations of method 800 may occur as part of an initial operational process. For example, an initial hardware verification protocol may cause operations 804 - 808 to occur before operation 802. In other words, the security circuit may cause the second optoelectronic component to emit or receive an optical signal having a second wavelength as described with reference to operation 804 to verify the authenticity and security of the associated optical module. Monitoring of the operation of the second optoelectronic component as described with reference to operation 804 may occur to determine the presence of an incompatible component based on the operation of the second optoelectronic component as described with reference to operation 808. In the case where a compatible component is determined, operation 802 may then be initiated. In other words, the generation or reception of a signal by or to the second optoelectronic component may be used to verify that the optical module is authentic or otherwise safely usable in the example system (e.g., initial hardware verification protocol) before the first optoelectronic component emits a signal.

[0073] Accordingly, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An optical communication module, comprising: a substrate; a first optoelectronic component supported by the substrate, the first optoelectronic component being configured to generate and receive an optical signal having a first wavelength; a second optoelectronic component supported by the substrate, the second optoelectronic component being configured to generate or receive an optical signal having a second wavelength; an optical communication medium that defines a second end and a first end that optically communicates with the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component; and a safety circuit operably connected to the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component, wherein the safety circuit is configured to determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium at the second end in the case where the safety circuit fails to receive a response communication to the optical signal transmitted by the second optoelectronic component or fails to detect the reception of the optical signal transmitted by the optical communication medium by the second optoelectronic component.

2. The optical communication module according to claim 1, wherein the first optoelectronic component comprises a first optical transceiver configured to generate an optical signal having the first wavelength and receive an optical signal having the first wavelength.

3. The optical communication module according to claim 1, wherein the second optoelectronic component comprises a second optical transceiver configured to generate an optical signal having the second wavelength and receive an optical signal having the second wavelength.

4. The optical communication module according to claim 3, wherein the safety circuit is further configured to periodically cause the second optical transceiver to transmit an optical signal having the second wavelength.

5. The optical communication module according to claim 4, wherein the safety circuit is configured to determine the presence of the incompatible component coupled to the optical communication medium at the second end in the case where the safety circuit fails to receive a response optical signal to the optical signal having the second wavelength transmitted by the second optical transceiver.

6. The optical communication module according to claim 1, wherein the safety circuit is further configured to periodically detect the reception of an optical signal having the second wavelength by the second optoelectronic component.

7. The optical communication module according to claim 1, further comprising a lens assembly coupled to the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component, wherein the lens assembly comprises a filter configured to: guide an optical signal having the first wavelength between the first optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium; and transmit an optical signal having the second wavelength between the second optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium.

8. The optical communication module according to claim 7, wherein the lens assembly further comprises: a first reflecting surface configured to reflect an optical signal having the first wavelength between the first optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium; and a second reflecting surface configured to reflect an optical signal having the second wavelength between the second optoelectronic component and the optical communication medium.

9. A method for network communication security, the method comprising: Operate a first optoelectronic component at a first wavelength, wherein the first optoelectronic component is configured to generate and receive optical signals having the first wavelength; Operate a second optoelectronic component at a second wavelength, wherein the second optoelectronic component is configured to generate or receive optical signals having the second wavelength, and wherein the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component are in optical communication with a first end of an optical communication medium; Monitor the operation of the second optoelectronic component; And Determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to a second end of the optical communication medium in the event that a security circuit fails to receive a response communication to an optical signal transmitted by the second optoelectronic component or fails to detect reception of the optical signal transmitted by the optical communication medium by the second optoelectronic component.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the first optoelectronic component includes a first optical transceiver configured to generate optical signals having the first wavelength and to receive optical signals having the first wavelength.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the second optoelectronic component includes a second optical transceiver configured to periodically generate an optical signal having the second wavelength, and wherein the method further comprises: Determine the presence of the incompatible component coupled to the second end of the optical communication medium in the event that a response optical signal to a periodic optical signal having the second wavelength transmitted by the second optical transceiver is not received.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for use with an apparatus for network communication security, the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: Operate a first optoelectronic component at a first wavelength, wherein the first optoelectronic component is configured to generate and receive optical signals having the first wavelength; Operate a second optoelectronic component at a second wavelength, wherein the second optoelectronic component is configured to generate or receive optical signals having the second wavelength, and wherein the first optoelectronic component and the second optoelectronic component are in optical communication with a first end of an optical communication medium; Monitor the operation of the second optoelectronic component; And Determine the presence of an incompatible component coupled to a second end of the optical communication medium in the event that a security circuit fails to receive a response communication to an optical signal transmitted by the second optoelectronic component or fails to detect reception of the optical signal transmitted by the optical communication medium by the second optoelectronic component.

13. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to periodically cause the second optoelectronic component to transmit optical signals having the second wavelength.

14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further includes instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to determine the presence of the incompatible component coupled to the second end of the optical communication medium in the event that the apparatus fails to receive a response optical signal to the optical signal having the second wavelength transmitted by the second optoelectronic component.

15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 12, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium further comprises instructions that, when executed, cause the apparatus to: Periodically detect reception of an optical signal having the second wavelength by the second optoelectronic component; and Determine the presence of the incompatible component coupled to the second end of the optical communication medium in the event that the apparatus fails to detect reception of the optical signal by the optoelectronic component.

Images