Fiber Optic Connector Assemblies for Physical Layer Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Network management systems (NMS) are unaware of the specific physical layer media used to implement logical communication links, lacking the ability to display or provide information about how these links are implemented at the physical layer level.

Innovation Solution

Implementing communications connector assemblies with physical layer management (PLM) capabilities, including a media reading interface that can identify and manage physical layer information such as media type, device information, and location, and communicate this information through a network using existing data networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If network management systems use traditional logical link management without physical layer integration, then system complexity is reduced, but physical layer information visibility and management capability are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical layer information visibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges physical layer management functions with network management systems by integrating media reading interfaces into connector assemblies. This combination allows NMS to access physical layer information (media type, device ID, location) directly through the connector assembly's embedded reading capabilities, eliminating the information gap without requiring a completely separate physical layer management infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connector assembly acts as an intermediary device between physical layer components and network management systems. It includes media reading interfaces that read information from physical media and communicate this data to NMS, serving as a bridge that translates physical layer characteristics into manageable information without complicating the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If connector assemblies include integrated media reading interfaces and management capabilities, then physical layer management capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvephysical layer management capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connector assembly is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a physical connection device and as a management interface. The same connector assembly that provides mechanical and optical connection also includes media reading interfaces for identifying media type, reading device information, and tracking location, eliminating the need for separate management hardware and simplifying manufacturing to a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The media reading interface is nested within the connector assembly structure. The reading interface components (sensors, processors) are embedded inside the connector housing, allowing the management functionality to be contained within the existing connector form factor without requiring additional external devices or complex assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Productivity

If physical layer information is tracked and managed through integrated systems, then network management efficiency is improved, but information processing requirements and system resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork management efficiencyVSAvoidinformation processing resources

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The media reading interface reads and caches physical layer information (media type, device ID, location) at the time of connector assembly or initial connection, before management operations are needed. This preliminary capture of information eliminates the need for continuous scanning or real-time processing during network operations, reducing ongoing computational resources while maintaining high management efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250237819A1Managed connectivity in fiber optic systems and methods thereof

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 COMMSCOPE TECHNOLOGIES LLC

AI summary

A fiber optic connector arrangement includes a printed circuit board coupled to a connector housing. The printed circuit board includes a memory storage device that is configured to store physical layer information pertaining to the fiber optic connector arrangement. The printed circuit board also defines contacts that are electrically coupled to the memory storage device to enable the physical layer information to be read from the memory storage device by a media reading interface. A connector assembly includes at least one adapter assembly; a printed circuit board; and a media reading interface. The connector assembly also may include a tactile pressure sensor. The adapter assembly defines at least a first port and a second port that are configured to connect optical fibers of two connector arrangements. One or more connector assemblies can be mounted to a fiber panel system.