Fiber optic module with reflector devices

Abstract

Fiber optic module that includes: a main body having a front, a back, and opposite side walls, the main body further comprising an internal chamber at least partially defined by the front, the back, and the opposite side walls; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters arranged through the front of the main body; a plurality of first fiber optic connectors each received in one of the first fiber optic adapters; a plurality of reflector devices disposed within the internal chamber at a location behind the first fiber optic connectors, each reflector device associated with a respective first fiber optic connector; a plurality of input optical fibers each extending from the rear of the main body to a respective reflector device; and a plurality of output optical fibers each extending from a respective one of the reflector devices to the associated first optical fiber connector, each of the output optical fibers having a length measured from the respective reflector device to an end of the output optical fiber, and wherein the lengths of the output optical fibers are substantially similar; wherein each of the input optical fibers is configured to transmit optical signals in a first wavelength range and in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range to the respective reflector device; and wherein each of the reflector devices is configured to: (a) transmit the optical signals in the first wavelength range from the respective input optical fiber to the respective output optical fiber, and (b) reflect the optical signals in the second wavelength range back to the respective input optical fiber.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic connectivity and more particularly to a fiber optic module with reflector devices that enables unique network testing capabilities. background

[0002] In fast-moving financial markets, the speed at which data is transmitted can significantly impact decision-making and profitability. Financial institutions and stock exchanges rely on high-speed communications networks to conduct trades, process transactions, and manage data-intensive applications. Fiber optic has become the backbone of these networks due to its unparalleled advantages over traditional copper-based systems. Two key benefits are high bandwidth and low latency.

[0003] Although fiber optic cables and equipment are used extensively in communications networks, institutions and organizations engaged in high-frequency trading or other latency-sensitive operations are constantly seeking ways to improve and / or test their networks for latency. Various types of equipment and fiber optic products exist for this purpose. However, existing products do not meet the requirements of all applications and networks, which can vary in terms of topology and equipment used. Optical communications products that can be easily integrated into networks and enable more effective latency testing are desired by some industries, such as the financial industry. Summary

[0004] A fiber optic module comprises a main body having a front side, a back side, and opposite side walls. The main body further comprises an internal chamber defined at least partially by the front side, the back side, and the opposite side walls. The fiber optic module also includes: a plurality of first fiber optic connectors, each received within one of the first fiber optic adapters; a plurality of reflector devices located within the internal chamber at a position rearward of the first fiber optic connectors, each reflector device associated with a respective first fiber optic connector; a plurality of input fiber optics, each extending from the back side of the main body to a respective reflector device; and a plurality of output fiber optics, each extending from a respective one of the reflector devices to the associated first fiber optic connector.Each output optical fiber has a length measured from the respective reflector device to an end of the associated first optical fiber connector, and such lengths of the output optical fibers are substantially similar. Each input optical fiber is configured to guide optical signals in a first wavelength range and in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range to the respective reflector device. Additionally, each of the reflector devices is configured to: (a) transmit the optical signals in the first wavelength range from the respective input optical fiber to the respective output optical fiber, and (b) reflect the optical signals in the second wavelength range back to the respective input optical fiber.

[0005] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the following detailed description, some of which will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art of optical connectivity. The above general description, the following detailed description, and the accompanying drawings are merely exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. Brief description of the drawings

[0006] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a better understanding and are incorporated into this application. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, explain the principles and operation of various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any embodiment shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure. Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a known fiber optic module. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an example of a module according to the present disclosure, the module including a plurality of reflector devices. Fig. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the module of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a side view of a first fiber optic connector, reflector device and output fiber used as part of the module of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 can be used. Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the module of Fig. 2, which shows only one reflector device and one input fiber for this reflector device. Detailed description

[0007] The present disclosure provides a fiber optic module (sometimes referred to as a cassette) that can be used to efficiently test aspects of the fiber optic network in which the fiber optic module is used. The fiber optic module includes a particular arrangement of unique components within a module body that can advantageously be configured for use with the same equipment that supports other conventional fiber optic modules used in the fiber optic network. An example of a conventional fiber optic module is first described below for additional context before describing the novel fiber optic modules according to the present disclosure.

[0008] In general, pieces of equipment in a fiber optic network can serve as connection points between different fiber optic cables. At these connection points, it is often necessary to split optical signals from one cable into smaller groups of optical signals (or even individual optical signals), which can then be distributed further into the network by a larger number of other cables. A fiber optic module, such as the one in Fig. The module 10 shown in Figure 1, sometimes referred to as a cassette, is an example of a piece of fiber optic equipment used in this way to split optical signals. Fig. Figure 1 is an exploded view to better show the various components of module 10.

[0009] As in Fig. 1, the module 10 includes a main body 12 and a cover 14 configured for coupling to the main body 12. The main body 12 has a front side 16 configured to support adapters 18 in at least one front opening 28, a rear side 20 configured to support an adapter 22, opposing sidewalls 24, and an internal chamber 26 at least partially defined by the front side 16, the rear side 20, and the opposing sidewalls 24. The adapters 18, 22 are for connecting to fiber optic connectors (not shown) of cables leading to or from the module 10. In the embodiment shown, the adapters 18 are configured to interface with simplex or duplex LC connectors, while the adapter 22 is a multifiber adapter configured to interface with MPO (Multifiber Push-on / Pull-off) connectors.However, the present disclosure is not limited to such connector and adapter types, as one skilled in the art will recognize how other types may be used. Furthermore, the number of connectors and adapters on the front and / or rear panels may differ from the number shown.

[0010] Within the internal chamber 26, a fiber optic harness 30 provides connections between the adapters 18 at the front 16 and the adapter 22 at the rear 20. The fiber optic harness 30 includes first fiber optic connectors 32 ("first connectors 32"), each of which plugs into an inward-facing side of one of the adapters 18, a second fiber optic connector 34 ("second connector 34") that plugs into an inward-facing side of the adapter 22, and optical fibers 36 extending between the second connector 34 and the first connectors 32. Accordingly, each optical fiber 36 has one end terminating at the second connector 34 and another end terminating at one of the first connectors 32. The optical fibers 36 typically include one or more cover layers to protect the bare glass configured for optical signal transmission.Which optical fiber 36 leads to which first connector 32 can vary depending on the desired optical signal routing scheme. The optical fibers 36 are typically longer than the direct path between their associated connectors 32, 34, so the optical fibers 36 are typically looped one or more times within the internal chamber 26 to accommodate the excess length.

[0011] The module 10 is configured for inclusion in other fiber optic equipment (not shown), such as a chassis or cabinet mounted on an equipment stand. These aspects are well known to those skilled in the art of optical communications network design.

[0012] It will now be discussed with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows an example of a module 50 according to the present disclosure. The module 50 has the same main body 12 (and cover 14, which is not shown) and adapters 18, 22 as the module 10 ( Fig. 1), so similar reference numbers are used to designate components discussed above in connection with Module 10. Only the differences provided by Module 50 are described.

[0013] For this purpose, the module 50 includes a plurality of reflector devices 52 disposed within the internal chamber 26 at a location behind the first connectors 32. Generally, each reflector device 52 is configured to receive optical signals carried by a respective input optical fiber 54 to the reflector device 52. The optical signals may include optical signals in a first wavelength range and optical signals in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range. The reflector devices 52 are each configured to: (a) pass the optical signals in the first wavelength range from the respective input optical fiber 54 to a respective output optical fiber 56 for further transmission, and (b) reflect the optical signals in the second wavelength range back into the respective input optical fiber 54.The reflected light can then be transmitted back through the optical network to a network test device, which can evaluate network characteristics such as the latency of the optical connection between the test device and the reflector device 52.

[0014] Various types of "inline" reflector devices operating in the manner described above are known, such as reflector devices based on thin-film filter technology and reflector devices based on fiber Bragg grating technology. The present disclosure does not address the details of such reflector devices themselves, but rather the unique way they are used as part of module 50 to provide a novel network testing solution.

[0015] Further with reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 and as already mentioned, each reflector device 52 is associated with an input optical fiber 54 and an output optical fiber 56. The input optical fibers 54 extend from the rear side 20 of the main body 12 to the reflector devices 52. Although the input optical fibers 54 in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 are shown as only short lengths extending in a straight line, this is merely to simplify the drawings. In reality, the input optical fibers 54 may have a greater length extending from the reflector devices 52 and looped one or more times within the internal chamber 26 (as the optical fibers 36 in Fig. 1) before extending to the back 20. For example, Fig. 4 schematically shows the module 50 with a representative reflector device 52 and a representative input optical fiber 54 looped within the internal chamber 26, while the input optical fiber 54 is located between the second connector 34 (schematically shown in Fig. 4) and the reflector device 52. This routing of the input optical fibers 54 can be done over other components that may be present (e.g., reflector devices 52) that are nevertheless located within the internal chamber 26. The connector 34 is in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, as well as the full length of the input optical fibers 54, to simplify the drawings.

[0016] The output optical fibers 56 each extend from one of the reflector devices 52 to the associated first connector 32. Only a very short length of each output optical fiber 56 is in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 visible. Fig. Figure 5 shows a representative first connector 32, an output optical fiber 56, and a reflector device 52 in isolation to better illustrate the relationship between these elements.

[0017] As in Fig. 5, the first connector 32 includes a ferrule 62 and a connector body 64. The ferrule 62 is the element of the first connector 32 that terminates the output optical fiber 56, thereby presenting one end of the output optical fiber 56 for optical coupling to another component (e.g., another fiber optic connector). The connector body 64 is the primary structure configured for mechanical coupling to another component (e.g., one of the adapters 18) and has a rear end. Thus, the output optical fiber 56 extends from the reflector assembly 52 into the rear end of the connector body 64 and terminates at the front of the ferrule 62.

[0018] The output optical fiber 56 has a very short length in the embodiment shown. The reflector device 52 is therefore positioned very close to the first connector 32, e.g., immediately behind the connector body 64. Additional connector components that are normally attached to the rear of the connector body 64, such as a crimp band for securing reinforcement elements of a cable and a sleeve (strain relief) to cover the transition to a cable, are not provided in the embodiment shown so that the reflector device 52 can be positioned closer to the connector body 64. However, alternative embodiments are possible in which such components are nevertheless provided.

[0019] In some embodiments, including the embodiment shown, a very short section of the output optical fiber 56 may be exposed between the reflector assembly 52 and the rear end of the connector body 64. The optical fiber may have a coating in this exposed section, but the coating may be kept relatively small. For example, the output optical fiber 56 may have an acrylic coating covering the glass material of the output optical fiber 56, but the acrylic coating may have a diameter of only about 250 or 200 micrometers, or perhaps even less. The output optical fiber 56 therefore remains more fragile compared to optical fibers with larger protective coatings or optical fibers covered by larger protective tubes (e.g., 900 micrometer diameter coatings or tubes).

[0020] The positional relationships just described can be determined using the Fig. 5 illustrated terms. In particular, Fig. 5 the first connector 32 with a length L measured from the front end of the ferrule 62 (where the end of the output optical fiber 56 is also located) to the rear end of the connector body 64. The reflector device 52 is identified as being positioned a distance D from the front end of the ferrule 62. The distance D also corresponds to the length of the output optical fiber 56 from the reflector device 52 to the end of the output optical fiber 56, since this end is located at the front end of the ferrule 62. Both the length L and the distance D are measured in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first connector 32. The distance D can be less than 25% greater than the length L, i.e., the distance D can be between about 1 to 1.25 times the length L. As a specific example, the length L may be about 2.3 centimeters, the distance D may be about 2.8 centimeters, and the exposed portion of the output fiber may be about 0.5 centimeters.

[0021] Fig. Although Fig. 5 shows only one representative first connector 32 and reflector device 52, the other first connectors 32 and reflector devices 52 can be constructed with the same positional relationships in mind. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, each reflector device 52 can be positioned within the internal chamber 26 of the main body 12 at a substantially similar distance from the associated first connector 32. The distance D is therefore substantially the same for each output optical fiber 56 (e.g., within 10% of each other). Another way to express the relationship is that the output optical fibers 56 each have a length that is very close to the target value. For example, in some embodiments, the output optical fibers 56 may all be within 0.2 centimeters of a target value, in some embodiments within 0.1 centimeters of a target value, etc. In some embodiments, the output optical fibers 56 have lengths that are all within 0.2 centimeters of each other.

[0022] As in Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig.5, the module 50 may also include a support structure 70 that supports each reflector device 52 behind its associated first connector 32. The support structure 70 may be a separate member coupled to the main body 12 and arranged to extend across the width of the internal chamber 26. In the embodiment shown, the support structure 70 includes spaced grooves or channels 72 shaped to receive the reflector devices 52. The support structure 70 helps align each reflector device 52 with its associated first connector 32 substantially along the longitudinal axis of the associated first connector 32.

[0023] In terms of use, a network owner / operator can install module 50 in a network in the same manner as module 10 (or other conventional modules). Module 50 can even be used like module 10 to route optical signals between various cables and / or equipment in a desired manner. An upstream network cable (not shown) can be terminated with a multi-fiber connector that plugs into the second adapter 22 and optically couples to the second connector 34. Likewise, downstream network cables (not shown) can be terminated with simplex or duplex connectors that plug into the front of the adapters 18 and optically couple to the respective first connectors 32. The coupling process may cause the ferrules 62 of the first connectors 32 to be pushed back a small amount.This may also result in the output optical fibers 56 being pushed slightly backward, as they each have one end attached to one of the ferrules 62. Advantageously, the support structure 70 may be configured to allow movement of each reflector device 52 in a direction substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the associated first connector 32. Such a feature may help reduce the risk of the output optical fibers 56 breaking or otherwise failing when connections are made.

[0024] Note that the type of use described above requires that optical signals be in a wavelength range such that the reflector devices 52 can transmit them to the output optical fibers 56. This is referred to in this description as the "first wavelength range." In addition to the use described above, the module 50 has the advantage of also allowing the network owner / operator to perform certain tests on the network in a different wavelength range, i.e., a second wavelength range.

[0025] For example, the network owner may have equipment in the network that sends optical signals in the second wavelength range to the input fibers 54. The input fibers 54 receive the optical signals from upstream sections of the optical links to which the input fibers 54 belong, and the input fibers 54 then transmit these optical signals to the reflector devices 52. Because the optical signals are in the second wavelength range, the reflector devices 52 redirect these optical signals back into the input fibers 54 for further transmission back to the upstream section. Network test equipment can receive the optical signals and determine how much time the optical signals take to travel through the optical links to the reflector devices 52.The unique arrangement of the reflector devices 52 and their integration as part of the module 50 provides additional functionality or effectiveness for this type of latency testing.

[0026] In particular, by positioning the reflector devices 52 as close as possible to the first connectors 32, the latency (or "time of flight") of the optical connections to the first connectors 32 becomes more accurate. Additionally, latency measurements between the optical connections can be compared because each reflector device 52 is positioned within the internal chamber 26 at a substantially similar distance from the associated first connector 32. Some network owners, such as those that use their networks to operate exchanges, must take great care to ensure that optical connections are uniformly configured so that none of their customers receives a network advantage over other customers. Therefore, the module 50 provides a convenient way for these network operators to test whether an optical connection associated with the module 50 has a latency advantage compared to other optical connections.These tests can be performed not only during network commissioning, but also during network operation. Hundreds or thousands of modules, such as the 50 Module, can be used in the network, and the 50 Modules have the advantage of being used for in-situ testing. No separate installation or connection is required for testing after the network is commissioned.

[0027] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art of optical connectivity that various modifications and variations may be made based on the present disclosure. For example, although the module 50 is illustrated as being provided with a second adapter 22, in alternative embodiments, the input optical fibers 54 may extend directly from a cable extending through the back 20 of the main body 12. The present disclosure, in its broader aspects, is therefore not limited to the specific details of the exemplary embodiments shown or described. Other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the following claims.

Claims

[1] Fiber optic module comprising: a main body having a front, a back, and opposite side walls, the main body further comprising an internal chamber at least partially defined by the front, the back, and the opposite side walls; a plurality of first fiber optic adapters arranged through the front of the main body; a plurality of first fiber optic connectors each received in one of the first fiber optic adapters; a plurality of reflector devices disposed within the internal chamber at a location behind the first fiber optic connectors, each reflector device associated with a respective first fiber optic connector; a plurality of input optical fibers each extending from the rear of the main body to a respective reflector device; and a plurality of output optical fibers each extending from a respective one of the reflector devices to the associated first optical fiber connector, each of the output optical fibers having a length measured from the respective reflector device to an end of the output optical fiber, and wherein the lengths of the output optical fibers are substantially similar; wherein each of the input optical fibers is configured to transmit optical signals in a first wavelength range and in a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range to the respective reflector device; and wherein each of the reflector devices is configured to: (a) transmit the optical signals in the first wavelength range from the respective input optical fiber to the respective output optical fiber, and (b) reflect the optical signals in the second wavelength range back to the respective input optical fiber. [2] The fiber optic module of claim 1, wherein each reflector device is positioned within the internal chamber at a substantially similar distance from the associated first fiber optic connector. [3] The fiber optic module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fiber optic module further comprises: a support structure coupled to the main body, the support structure supporting each reflector device behind the associated first fiber optic connector such that each reflector device is aligned with the associated first fiber optic connector in a longitudinal direction. [4] The fiber optic module of claim 3, wherein the support structure is configured to allow longitudinal movement of each reflector device. [5] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein each output fiber optic cable has an exposed portion between the respective reflector device and the associated first fiber optic connector, and wherein the exposed portion has a diameter of 250 micrometers or less. [6] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein the lengths of the output fiber optics are within 0.2 centimeters (cm) of each other. [7] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein the lengths of the output fiber optics are within 0.2 centimeters (cm) of a target value. [8] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein the lengths of the output fiber optics are within 0.1 centimeters (cm) of a target value. [9] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein: each of the first optical fiber connectors has a length L between a front end and a rear end of the first optical fiber connector; each of the reflector devices is positioned at a distance D from the front end of the associated first fiber optic connector; and D is between 1 and 1.25 times L. [10] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the first fiber optic connectors comprises an LC connector. [11] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein the fiber optic module further comprises: at least one second fiber optic adapter disposed through the rear of the main body; and at least one second fiber optic connector, wherein each second fiber optic connector is received in a respective second fiber optic adapter of the at least one second fiber optic adapter, and wherein each second fiber optic connector terminates at least a plurality of the output fiber optics. [12] The fiber optic module of claim 11, wherein each second fiber optic connector of the at least one second fiber optic connector comprises an MPO (Multifiber Push-on) connector. [13] A fiber optic module according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the at least one second fiber optic adapter comprises only a second fiber optic adapter and the at least one second fiber optic connector comprises only a second fiber optic connector, and wherein each of the output fiber optics is terminated by the second fiber optic connector. [14] A fiber optic module according to any preceding claim, wherein the reflector device comprises a thin film filter device. [15] A fiber optic module according to any one of claims 1-13, wherein the reflector device comprises a fiber Bragg grating device.

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