Optical communication cable with selective communication state

Abstract

The invention discloses an optical communication cable with selective communication states. Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for optical communications with selective communication states. An example optical communication cable formed from one or more optical fibers includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end includes a first connector optically coupled with the first module and a second connector optically coupled with the second module. The optical communication cable also includes a signal direction component optically coupled with the first end and the second end. The signal direction assembly is configured to switch between a first connection state in which an optical connection is established between the first end and the first connector and a second connection state in which an optical connection is established between the first end and the second connector.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Greek Patent Application No. 20230101041, filed on December 14, 2023, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] Example embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to network communication systems, and more particularly, to selective optical communication devices and related methods used in such communication systems. Background Art

[0004] Communication networks, systems, channels, etc. are used in various applications to transfer data from one location to another. These networks can utilize a large number of interconnected network ports, nodes, servers, racks, switches, cables, etc. to establish such communication. The applicant has identified many deficiencies and problems associated with network systems and related communications. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of the identified problems have been solved by developing the solutions embodied in the embodiments of the present disclosure, and many examples of the embodiments are described in detail herein. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Systems, apparatuses, and methods for optical communication with a selective communication state are disclosed herein. An example optical communication cable formed of one or more optical fibers may include a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The second end may include a first connector configured to be optically coupled to a first module and a second connector configured to be optically coupled to a second module. The optical communication cable may further include a signal direction component optically coupled to the first end and the second end. The signal direction component may be configured to switch between a first connection state establishing an optical connection between the first end and the first connector and a second connection state establishing an optical connection between the first end and the second connector.

[0006] In some embodiments, the signal direction component may include one or more optical selectors or optical switches.

[0007] In some embodiments, the signal direction component may further include an electrical connector configured to be electrically connected to a network interface card (NIC) and / or a server.

[0008] In some further embodiments, the signal direction component may further be configured to switch to the first connection state when there is a power supply voltage between the signal direction component and the NIC through the electrical connector.

[0009] In other further embodiments, the signal direction component may be configured to switch to a second connection state in the absence of a power supply voltage between the signal direction component and the NIC via an electrical connector.

[0010] In some additional other embodiments, the signal direction component may be configured to switch between a first connection state and a second connection state in response to an instruction from the NIC and / or a change in optical power.

[0011] In some embodiments, in the first connection state, the signal direction component may be configured to direct an optical signal from a first end to a first connector and a first module.

[0012] In some embodiments, in the first connection state, the signal direction component is configured to direct an optical signal from the first module to the first end.

[0013] In some embodiments, in the second connection state, the signal direction component may be configured to direct an optical signal from the first end to a second connector and a second optical module.

[0014] In some embodiments, in the second connection state, the signal direction component may be configured to direct an optical signal from the second optical module to the first end.

[0015] In some embodiments, the first end may further include a third connector configured to be optically coupled to a third module.

[0016] In some further embodiments, such as in a 2x2 network implementation scenario, the signal direction component may further include a first optical selector and a second optical selector.

[0017] In some additional further embodiments, the first optical selector may be configured to be optically coupled to an optical transmitter of the third module, an optical receiver of the first module, and an optical receiver of the second module.

[0018] In some additional further embodiments, the second optical selector may be configured to be optically coupled to an optical receiver of the third module, an optical transmitter of the first module, and an optical transmitter of the second module.

[0019] The above summary of the invention is only used to summarize some exemplary embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the present disclosure. Therefore, 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 covers many potential embodiments in addition to the embodiments summarized here, some of which will be further described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Certain example embodiments of the present disclosure have been generally described above and will now be described with reference 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 shown in the figures.

[0021] Figure 1 An example network environment for implementing one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0022] Figure 2 An example network node connection scheme according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0023] Figure 3 Another example network node connection scheme according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0024] Figure 4 An example optical communication cable according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0025] Figures 5A to 5B The connection state of an example signal direction component according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown;

[0026] Figure 6 An example 2x2 network node connection scheme of an example optical communication cable according to an implementation example of the present disclosure is shown;

[0027] Figure 7A Shows the first and second optical selectors of an example signal direction component of a 2x2 network node connection scheme in the presence of a voltage supply Figure 6 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 7B Shows the first and second optical selectors of an example signal direction component of a 2x2 network node connection scheme in the absence of a voltage supply Figures 6 to 7A according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0029] Figure 8 An example method of selective optical communication according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Overview

[0031] As described above, communication networks and systems are used in various applications to transfer data from one location to another. These networks (e.g., Figure 1An example data center network 100) can utilize a large number of interconnected network nodes (e.g., ports, switches, host terminals, modules, etc.) to provide communication between them. As a non-limiting example, the data center network 100 can include various racks 102, which include, support, or are otherwise formed by various network boxes 104. In some network communication implementations, various components, devices, switches, ports, nodes, modules, etc. can utilize optical communication-based technologies for data transmission, where optical signals (e.g., light encoding underlying data entries) are transmitted. Thus, the various network boxes 104 can, for example, support optoelectronic components (e.g., optical transmitters, optical receivers, optical transceivers, etc.) configured to operate using optical signals. Although the following is described with reference to an optical communication system, the present disclosure contemplates that the selective communication techniques and mechanisms described herein can be applicable to any type of communication system or network. Additionally, although the following is described with reference to the example data center network 100, the present disclosure contemplates that communication networks of any type, configuration, etc. can utilize the devices and systems of the present disclosure.

[0032] Reference Figures 2 to 3 , shows an example network node connection scheme that may exist, for example, in the example data center network 100. As Figure 2 shown, for example, a first network node 108 can be optically coupled to a protected network node 112 via an optical cable 106 such that signals can be transmitted between the first network node 108 and the protected network node 112. The protected network node 112 can be similarly optically coupled to a second network node 108 via another optical cable such that signals can be transmitted between the second network node 110 and the protected network node 112. However, as Figure 3 shown, in some cases, a direct optical connection between the first network node 108 and the second network node 110 may be required, for example, in the case where the protected network node 112 is unavailable (e.g., scheduled maintenance, operational failure, etc.). Although referred to in Figures 2 to 3 as network nodes 108, 110, and 112, the present disclosure contemplates that the optical communication cables and methods described herein can be applicable to any module, port, switch, etc. that can be used in a communication system. In other words, the present disclosure can interchangeably refer to network nodes, ports, and modules connected via the optical communication cables described below.

[0033] To address changes in connection or network communication (e.g., from Figures 2 to 3) Conventionally, it has been necessary to rewire the communication system, for example, by manually disconnecting and reconnecting the optical cables 106. Traditional attempts to avoid rewiring operations rely on server bypass adapters, which are typically bulky and / or require additional cabling. For example, traditional solutions often require large form factor adapters (e.g., rack-mounted or blade adapters), which further require modifications to the rack 102. Thus, these traditional solutions are often prohibitively expensive (e.g., increased number of cables and components) and require modifications to the underlying network infrastructure.

[0034] To address these and other problems, embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to optical communication cables that provide signal redirection functionality, e.g., between network nodes, ports, modules, etc. The optical communication cable embodiments described herein provide an integrated solution where the cable defines a first end and a second end, where the second end includes a pair of connectors (e.g., a first connector and a second connector) for respective optical modules (e.g., network nodes), and further includes a signal direction component (e.g., an optical selector, etc.) that can switch between a first connection state and a second connection state, in which a first connection state, an optical connection is established between the first end and the first connector, and in the second connection state, an optical connection is established between the first end and the second connector. In some cases, the cable may further include an electrical connector to a network interface controller (NIC) or a server such that the connection state is determined in response to the presence or absence of power to the NIC and / or the associated server. Thus, the optical communication cables of the present disclosure can provide an integrated cabling solution that provides selective optical communication (e.g., signal redirection) while avoiding modifications to the underlying network components (e.g., racks, ports, nodes, modules, etc.).

[0035] Now, embodiments of the present disclosure will 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. Additionally, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the present disclosure, the terms "substantially" and "about" indicate that the recited element or associated description is accurate within the applicable engineering tolerances.

[0036] As used herein, "operationally coupled" or "communicatively coupled" can mean that components are electronically coupled and / or in electrical communication with each other, or optically coupled and / or in optical communication with each other. Additionally, "operationally coupled" can mean that components can be formed integrally with each other, or can be formed separately and coupled together. Further, "operationally coupled" can mean that components can be directly connected to each other, or can be connected to each other through one or more components (e.g., connectors) located between the components that are operationally coupled together. Additionally, "operationally coupled" can mean that components are detachable from each other, or that they are permanently coupled together. In view of the optical communication technology described herein, the optical communication cables of the present disclosure can be described as being "optically coupled" to one or more modules, nodes, ports, etc.

[0037] As described herein, network ports, nodes, modules, etc. can be referred to with respect to the transmission and / or reception of optical signals, e.g., via optical transmitters and optical receivers associated with these network ports, nodes, modules, etc., respectively. Accordingly, the present disclosure thus contemplates that the network ports, nodes, modules, etc. described herein can be used to transmit data, signals, and information to any device communicatively coupled thereto, and to receive data, signals, and information from any device communicatively coupled thereto. In other words, the description of the optical communication established by the optical communication cables of the present disclosure between one or more of the devices described herein contemplates that optical signals can be transmitted and / or received by any number of communication channels based on the characteristics of the associated communication network. Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates that the physical implementation (e.g., optical communication cable) of the embodiments described herein can be configured to support multiple signal direction components (e.g., optical selectors, optical switches, etc., described below) to provide an integrated communication solution that can serve optical transceivers having multiple communication channels.

[0038] Example optical communication cable

[0039] Referring to Figure 4 , an example optical communication cable 200 (e.g., cable 200) having a selective communication state is shown. In accordance with the present disclosure, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that cable 200 can be formed of one or more optical fibers to provide optical communication. Although described herein with reference to one or more optical fibers, the present disclosure contemplates that cable 200 can include any optical communication medium formed of any material through which light can propagate (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.). Additionally, the present disclosure contemplates that the number of optical fibers and their associated dimensions (e.g., size and shape) can vary depending on the characteristics (e.g., communication channels, etc.) associated with the network in which cable 200 is implemented.

[0040] Continuing to refer to Figure 4, the optical communication cable 200 may include a first end 202 and a second end 204 opposite the first end 202. The second end 204 may include a first connector 206 configured to be optically coupled to a first module (e.g., a network node, a port, etc.). The second end 204 may further include a second connector 208 configured to be optically coupled to a second module (e.g., a network node, a port, etc.). The sizes (e.g., dimensions and shapes) of the first connector 206 and the second connector 208 may be designed to be physically received by the respective modules associated with the connectors. The first end 202 may similarly include a third connector 210 configured to be optically coupled to a third module (e.g., a network node, a port, etc.). The size (e.g., dimensions and shape) of such a third connector 210 may be designed to be physically received by the third module associated with the connector. The present disclosure contemplates that the first connector 206, the second connector 208, and the third connector 210 may be of any type (e.g., Multi-fiber Push On (MPO), Lucent Connector (LC), Very Small Form Factor (VSFF) connector, etc.) based on the configuration of the associated modules. In some embodiments, the first connector 206, the second connector 208, and the third connector 210 may be of the same type. In other embodiments, one or more of the first connector 206, the second connector 208, and the third connector 210 may be of different types.

[0041] To provide selective optical communication (e.g., optical signal direction and redirection), the optical communication cable 200 may further include a signal direction component 300. As Figure 4 shown, the signal direction component 300 may be optically coupled to the first end 202 and the second end 204. As described above, the cable 200 of the present disclosure provides an integrated solution in which the selective optical communication function is provided by the cable 200. In other words, as Figure 4 shown, the optical communication cable 200 may define the signal direction component 300 because the signal direction component 300 is integrally formed in the optical path extending between the first end 202 and the second end 204 of the cable 200. In this way, the cable 200 may provide an integrated solution not available in traditional server adapters as described above. As described below with reference to Figure 5A FIGs. 7, the signal direction component 300 may be configured to switch between a connected state or a communication state so as to direct optical signals to specific modules, ports, nodes, etc. within a communication network.

[0042] In some embodiments, the signal direction component 300 may include an electrical connector 212 configured to be electrically connected to a network interface card (NIC) or an associated server (e.g., another computing device of a communication network). As described below, in some embodiments, the signal direction component 300 may operate to change the connection state in the absence of power to a particular module, port, or node. For example, a protected node or module of a communication network may lose power (e.g., for regular maintenance, component upgrades, etc.) or otherwise lose power (e.g., a fault or failure event), and the absence of a power voltage may cause the signal direction component 300 to change the connection state. In other embodiments, the signal direction component 300 may switch between connection states in response to instructions from a NIC and / or server connected to the cable 200. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the electrical connector 212 may be configured to communicatively couple the signal direction component 300 to a NIC or server (not shown).

[0043] Reference Figures 5A to 5B , the signal direction component 300 is shown as an optical selector and / or optical switch in a 1x2 network communication scheme. As shown, the signal direction component 300 may include one or more optical switches or selectors 302 configured to switch between Figure 5A the first connection state shown Figure 5B and the second connection state shown. As will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art, an optical selector or optical switch 302 may refer to a component configured to modify the direction of an optical signal (e.g., light). For example, the optical selector or optical switch 302 may include various mirrors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) controllers, collimators, etc., which are collectively configured to receive an optical signal (e.g., light) and direct the optical signal to a particular location (e.g., an optical fiber connected to that location). As an additional example, the optical selector or optical switch 302 may be, for example, a solid-state based implementation. Such a solid-state implementation may, for example, include a photonic integrated circuit (PIC) in which an optical signal (e.g., light) propagates in a waveguide, and the PIC may be optically coupled to the optical fiber of the cable 200. An example PIC may change between the first and second connection states by various principles or techniques, such as by MEMS actuation and / or electrorefraction to change the propagation direction of light.

[0044] As Figure 5AAs shown, the optical switch or optical selector 302 can be configured to switch to a first connection state, in which an optical connection is established between the first end 202 and the first connector 206. In this first connection state, the signal direction component 300 (e.g., via the optical selector or optical switch 302) can be configured to direct an optical signal from the first end 202 to the first connector 206 and a first module (not shown). As described above with reference to the bidirectionality of optical communication herein, in the first connection state, the signal direction component 300 can also be configured to direct an optical signal from the first module (e.g., optically coupled to the first connector 206) to the first end 202. In an embodiment where the first end 202 includes a third connector 210 optically coupled to a third module, Figure 5A the first connection state can refer to the ability to transmit optical signals between the third module and the first module.

[0045] As Figure 5B shown, the optical switch or optical selector 302 can be configured to switch to a second connection state, in which an optical connection is established between the first end 202 and the second connector 208. In this second connection state, the signal direction component 300 (e.g., via the optical selector or optical switch 302) can be configured to direct an optical signal from the first end 202 to the second connector 208 and a second optical module (not shown). As described above with reference to the bidirectionality of optical communication herein, in the second connection state, the signal direction component 300 can also be configured to direct an optical signal from the second optical module (e.g., optically coupled to the second connector 208) to the first end 202. In an embodiment where the first end 202 includes a third connector 210 optically coupled to a third module, Figure 5B the first connection state may refer to the ability to transmit optical signals between the third module and the second module.

[0046] As described above, in some embodiments, the signal direction component 300 can further include an electrical connector (e.g., Figure 4 the electrical connector 212 in Figure 5A ), which is configured to be electrically connected to a network interface card (NIC) or a server. In such an embodiment, the signal direction component 300 (e.g., via the optical selector or optical switch 302) can be configured to switch to Figure 5B the first connection state when there is a power supply voltage between the signal direction component 300 and the NIC or the server through the electrical connector 212. In such an embodiment, the signal direction component can be further configured to switch to Figure 5B the second connection state when there is no power supply voltage between the signal direction component 300 and the NIC or the server through the electrical connector 212. In doing so, the electrical connector 212 can operate to provide a passive mechanism (e.g., without an explicit instruction from the computing device) to switch to the first connection state (e.g.,Figure 5A ) and a second connection state (e.g., Figure 5B ) between switches. Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to a power supply voltage (e.g., power is present), the present disclosure contemplates that any network characteristic, property, parameter, etc. may be used to cause the signal direction component 300 to switch between the first connection state and the second connection state. By way of non-limiting example, the signal direction component 300 may switch between the first connection state and the second connection state in response to an optical power determination associated with one or more of a network node, port, module, etc. of the associated network.

[0047] By way of non-limiting example, the optical communication cable 200 described herein may be used to optically connect a first network node (e.g., a third module), a protected network node (e.g., a first module), and a second network node (e.g., a second module), as Figures 2 to 3 shown. The cable 200 may be connected to the first network node, for example, via a third connector 210 at the first end 202, may be connected to the protected network node via a first connector 206 at the second end 204, and may be connected to the second network node via a second connector 208 at the second end 204. In the first connection state (e.g., a power supply voltage is present at the NIC coupled to the protected network node), the signal direction component 300 may be used to direct optical signals (e.g., transmit or receive) between the first network node (e.g., a third module) and the protected network node (e.g., a first module). In the second connection state (e.g., a power supply voltage is not present at the NIC coupled to the protected network node), the signal direction component 300 may be used to direct optical signals (e.g., transmit or receive) between the first network node (e.g., a third module) and the second network node (e.g., a second module). As described above, in some embodiments, the signal direction component 300 may actively receive instructions from one or more computing devices (e.g., NIC, server, protected network node, etc.) communicatively coupled thereto and switch between the first connection state and the second connection state in response to these instructions. Although described above with reference to a 1x2 network implementation, the present disclosure contemplates that the signal direction component 300 may include any number of optical selectors or switches 302 based on the expected network implementation.

[0048] For example, with reference to Figures 6 to 7B, which shows an example 2x2 network node connection scheme 600 (e.g., network 600) with which the optical communication cable 200 of the present disclosure can operate. As shown, network 600 can include a first network node 108 having a first optical transmitter Tx1 and a first optical receiver Rx1. Network 600 can also include a second network node 110 having a second optical transmitter Tx2 and a second optical receiver Rx2. Network 600 can also include a protected network node 112 having a third optical transmitter Tx3, a third optical receiver Rx3, a fourth optical transmitter Tx4, and a fourth optical receiver Rx4. The above-mentioned optical communication cable 200 can be used for optically coupling the first network node 108, the second network node 110, and the protected network node 112. To provide such an optical connection, the optical communication cable 200 can include a signal direction component 400, which includes a pair of optical selectors or optical switches 402, 404.

[0049] Continuing with the example, the signal direction component 400 can include a first optical selector or optical switch 402 and a second optical selector or optical switch 404. The first optical selector 402 can be configured to optically couple with the first optical transmitter Tx1 (e.g., the optical transmitter of the third module), the third optical receiver Rx3 (e.g., the optical receiver of the first module), the second optical receiver RX2 (e.g., the optical receiver of the second module), and the fourth optical transmitter Tx4 (e.g., another optical transmitter of the first module). The second optical selector or optical switch 404 can be configured to optically couple with the first optical receiver RX1 (e.g., the optical receiver of the third module), the third optical transmitter TX3 (e.g., the optical transmitter of the first module), the second optical transmitter TX2 (e.g., the optical transmitter of the second module), and the fourth optical receiver RX4 (another optical receiver of the first module). The present disclosure contemplates that the first and second optical selectors or switches 402, 404 can be optically connected to any corresponding optical transmitter or receiver based on the intended application of network 600.

[0050] Reference Figures 7A to 7B , which shows the operation of the first and second optical selectors or switches 402, 404. In Figure 7AIn [the figure], a first connection state is shown, in which the first optical selector or optical switch 402 is configured to direct the optical signal generated by the first optical transmitter Tx1 of the first network node 108 to the third optical receiver Rx3 of the protected network node 112, and to direct the optical signal generated by the fourth optical transmitter Tx4 of the protected network node 112 to the second optical receiver Rx2 of the second network node 110. In the first connection state, the second optical selector or optical switch 404 is configured to direct the optical signal generated by the third optical transmitter Tx3 of the protected network node 112 to the first optical receiver Rx1 of the first network node 108, and to direct the optical signal generated by the second optical transmitter Tx2 of the second network node 110 to the fourth optical receiver Rx4 of the protected network node 112. As described above, in some embodiments, the first connection state may refer to a situation where there is a power supply voltage (e.g., bar state).

[0051] In Figure 7B [the figure], a second connection state is shown. In the second connection state, the first optical selector or optical switch 402 is configured to direct the optical signal generated by the first optical transmitter Tx1 of the first network node 108 to the second optical receiver Rx2 of the second network node 110. In the second connection state, the second optical selector or optical switch 404 is configured to direct the optical signal generated by the second optical transmitter Tx2 of the second network node 110 to the first optical receiver Rx1 of the first network node 108. In other words, Figures 6 to 7B the second connection state of the exemplary embodiment of [the figure] may refer to a situation where the optical communication cable 200 directly connects the first network node 108 and the second network node 110 by bypassing the protected network node 112. As described above, in some embodiments, the second connection state may refer to a situation where there is no power supply voltage (e.g., cross state).

[0052] Example method for selective optical communication

[0053] Referring to Figure 8, which shows an example method for selective optical communication (e.g., method 800). As shown in block 802, the method may include receiving an optical signal through a first end of an optical communication cable formed by one or more optical fibers. As described above, the optical communication cable may be formed by one or more optical fibers to provide optical communication and may include any optical communication medium formed of any material through which light can propagate (e.g., glass, plastic, etc.). As described above, the first end of the optical communication cable may include a third connector configured to optically couple the first end to an associated network node, port, module, etc. Accordingly, the optical signal received at block 802 may refer to one or more optical signals generated by an optoelectronic component of a network node, port, module, etc. optically coupled to the first end through the third connector. The present disclosure contemplates that the number of optical signals, communication channels, and / or other characteristics may vary based on the operating characteristics of the associated network node, port, or module.

[0054] Thereafter, as shown in block 804, method 800 may include: guiding the optical signal to a second end through a signal direction component optically coupled to the first end and the second end of the optical communication cable. As described above, the second end may include a first connector configured to optically couple to the first end and a second connector 208 configured to optically couple to a second module. To provide selective optical communication (e.g., optical signal direction and redirection), the optical communication cable may further include a signal direction component. As referred to above Figures 5A to 7B As described, the signal direction component may be configured to switch between connection or communication states so as to direct the optical signal to a specific module, port, node, etc. within the communication network. Continuing with the example, the signal direction component may be configured to switch between a first connection state and a second connection state through an optical selector or optical switch. In the first connection state, an optical connection is established between the first end and a first connector defined by the second end configured to optically couple to a first module. In the second connection state, an optical connection is established between the first end and a second connector configured to optically couple to a second module. As described above, the selective optical communication method described herein may be applicable to any type of network node configuration or connection scheme (e.g., 1x2, 2x2, etc.).

[0055] Those skilled in the art of these embodiments, having benefited from the above description and the teachings presented in the related drawings, will think of many modifications and other embodiments of the present disclosure. Although the figures only show certain components of the methods and systems described herein, it should be understood that various other components may also be part of the present disclosure. Additionally, in some cases, the above methods may include fewer steps, while in other cases may include additional steps. In some cases, the steps of the above methods may be modified in any order and any combination.

[0056] Accordingly, it is to be understood that the embodiments are 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 employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. An optical communication cable, the optical communication cable being formed by one or more optical fibers, the optical communication cable comprising: First end; a second end, which is opposite to the first end, wherein the second end comprises: a first connector configured to optically couple with the first module; a second connector configured to optically couple with the second module; and a signal direction component optically coupled to the first end and the second end, wherein the signal direction component is configured to switch between the following states: a first connection state, in which an optical connection is established between the first end and the first connector; and A second connection state, in which an optical connection is established between the first end and the second connector.

2. The optical communication cable of claim 1, wherein the signal direction component comprises one or more optical selectors.

3. The optical communication cable according to claim 1, wherein the signal direction component further comprises an electrical connector, wherein the electrical connector is configured to be electrically connected to a network interface card NIC or a server.

4. The optical communication cable of claim 3, wherein the signal direction component is configured to switch to the first connection state in the presence of a power supply voltage between the signal direction component and the NIC through the electrical connector.

5. The optical communication cable of claim 3, wherein the signal direction component is configured to switch to the second connection state in the absence of a power supply voltage between the signal direction component and the NIC through the electrical connector.

6. The optical communication cable of claim 3, wherein the signal direction component is configured to switch between the first connection state and the second connection state in response to an instruction from the NIC or the server.

7. The optical communication cable of claim 1, wherein in the first connection state, the signal direction component is configured to direct optical signals from the first end to the first connector and the first module.

8. The optical communication cable of claim 1, wherein in the first connection state, the signal direction component is configured to direct an optical signal from the first module to the first end.

9. The optical communication cable of claim 1, wherein in the second connection state, the signal direction component is configured to direct optical signals from the first end to the second connector and the second optical module.

10. The optical communication cable of claim 1, wherein in the second connection state, the signal direction component is configured to direct the optical signal from the second optical module to the first end.

11. The optical communication cable of claim 1, wherein the first end further comprises a third connector configured to optically couple with a third module.

12. The optical communication cable of claim 11, wherein the signal direction component further comprises: a first optical selector; as well as Second optical selector.

13. The optical communication cable according to claim 12, wherein: The first optical selector is configured to optically couple with the optical transmitter of the third module, the optical receiver of the first module, and the optical receiver of the second module.

14. The optical communication cable according to claim 12, wherein: The second optical selector is configured to optically couple with the optical receiver of the third module, the optical transmitter of the first module, and the optical transmitter of the second module.

15. A selective optical communication method, the method comprising: receiving an optical signal through a first end of an optical communications cable formed from one or more optical fibers; as well as directing the optical signal to the second end of the optical communication cable via a signal direction component optically coupled to the first and second ends of the optical communication cable, The signal direction component is configured to switch between the following states: a first connection state in which an optical connection is established between the first end and a first connector defined by the second end, the first connector being configured to be optically coupled to the first module; as well as A second connection state, in which an optical connection is established between the first end and a second connector, and the second connector is configured to be optically coupled to a second module.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the signal direction component comprises one or more optical selectors. 17 . The method according to claim 15 , wherein the signal direction component further comprises an electrical connector configured to be electrically connected to a network interface card (NIC) or a server.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the signal direction component is configured to switch to the first connection state in the presence of a power supply voltage between the signal direction component and the NIC through the electrical connector.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the signal direction component is configured to switch to the second connection state in the absence of a power supply voltage between the signal direction component and the NIC through the electrical connector.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the signal direction component is configured to switch between the first connection state and the second connection state in response to an instruction from the NIC or the server.

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