Connector Signal Sensor for Network Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional physical layer management (PLM) systems lack visibility into signal propagation through communication media, leading to difficulties in determining the operational status of communication links, as they cannot easily detect defective cables even when connected to network entities.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a signal sensor within the connectors of communication media to sense signal power and provide network-wide visibility, using programmable processors to read and communicate identifier and attribute information, and employing an aggregation point to collect and manage physical layer information across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional PLM systems are used to track connections between communication media and network entities, then connection tracking is achieved, but visibility into signal propagation and detection of defective cables is lost
Solution Approach 1:
An optical tap is introduced as an intermediary component that couples to the optical fiber to extract a portion of the optical signal for monitoring purposes. This tap directs a fraction of the optical power to a photodetector while allowing the main signal to continue through the fiber, enabling signal propagation detection without disrupting the primary communication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing optical signal itself as the monitoring source by detecting the presence and characteristics of light already traveling through the fiber. The photodetector converts this optical signal into an electrical signal that indicates whether the fiber is transmitting properly, allowing the system to self-monitor without requiring separate test equipment or external intervention.
2Reliability
If optical sensors are installed in connectors to sense signal power, then network-wide visibility is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical tap serves as a passive intermediary that splits the optical signal without requiring active components in the connector. By placing the tap in the fiber path rather than integrating sensors directly into connectors, the solution achieves reliable signal detection while minimizing connector complexity and maintaining compatibility with standard connector designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical sensor integration approaches with an optical field-based monitoring solution. Instead of mechanically embedding sensors within connectors, the invention uses optical coupling and photodetection to achieve the same monitoring function with simpler, more reliable components that do not require mechanical modification of standard connectors.
3Ease of operation
If visual indications are provided at each connector, then individual cable status is visible, but network-wide visibility and centralized monitoring are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The photodetector provides feedback about the optical signal status by converting optical power levels into electrical signals that can be processed and displayed. This feedback mechanism enables both local visual indication at the connector and centralized network-wide monitoring by transmitting status information to network management systems, thereby resolving the contradiction between local and global visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from purely visual local indication to multi-dimensional monitoring by adding electrical signal detection and digital communication capabilities. This allows the system to provide information in multiple dimensions: local visual feedback for operators, electrical signals for automated systems, and network-wide visibility through centralized management interfaces.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables network-wide visibility of signal propagation, allowing for the detection of defective communication links and improving the management of physical communication media, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of network operations.
Implementation Method 1
a signal sensor configured to sense a power level of a signal propagating through a communication medium
Data Source
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AI summary
Communication media for providing indication of signal power to a network entity include communication paths extending from a first end to a second end; and a connector assembly terminating the first end of the communication paths, the connector assembly including a physical layer management (PLM) interface that is isolated from signals on the communication paths. The connector assembly includes a signal sensor that senses signal power propagating through the connector assembly to/from the communication paths; a programmable processor coupled to the signal sensor and the PLM interface; and data storage devices that include first instructions that cause the programmable processor to receive a signal from the signal sensor corresponding to the signal power detected by the signal sensor, and to send an indication of the signal power propagating through the connector assembly, the programmable processor sending the indication over the PLM interface to a network entity.