Single-End Optical Fiber Pairing via Length Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fiber pairing methods in optical fiber cable networks require operations at both ends, leading to low efficiency and high costs due to manual intervention and error-prone port connection matching.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine direction-A and direction-B optical fiber lengths and correspondences at a single end, allowing for accurate identification of port connection relationships between node devices in an optical fiber cable network, using modules to measure and adjust optical fiber lengths and insert fiber patch cords with chips to ensure unique lengths, enabling efficient fiber pairing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual fiber pairing methods are used with operations at both ends, then port connection relationships can be identified, but efficiency is low and costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service fiber pairing by having the optical cable itself carry identification information (such as optical time domain reflectometer traces or optical frequency domain reflectometer traces) that allows automatic identification of port connections. The optical cable serves its own identification function without requiring external manual tracking or labeling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated optical measurement systems. Instead of manual visual inspection and physical tracing of fibers, the system uses optical time domain reflectometry and optical frequency domain reflectometry to automatically measure and identify fiber connections, substituting human labor with automated optical testing equipment.
2Reliability
If manual port matching is performed, then connection relationships can be determined, but errors occur and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the optical cable provides identification information about its own connections through embedded traces. The measurement equipment receives optical signals from the cable and processes feedback information (time domain reflectometer traces or frequency domain reflectometer traces) to automatically determine connection relationships, creating a closed-loop identification system that reduces human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary identification traces embedded within the optical cable structure. These traces act as mediators between the physical fiber connections and the identification system, carrying encoded information about the cable's path and connections. This intermediary layer enables automatic recognition without requiring direct manual inspection of each connection point.
3Loss of time
If operations are performed at both ends for fiber pairing, then complete connection information can be obtained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the identification function from the traditional two-end operation model and embeds it directly within the optical cable structure itself. By taking out the need for external identification systems and manual tracking, the cable carries its own identification traces that can be read from a single end, eliminating the requirement for coordinated operations at both ends.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-embedding identification traces (optical time domain reflectometer traces or optical frequency domain reflectometer traces) into the optical cable during manufacturing. This preliminary encoding of connection information allows the cable to be automatically identified and paired without requiring real-time manual configuration or coordination at both ends during deployment.
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
This approach significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of fiber pairing by allowing operations to be performed at a single end, reducing costs and eliminating manual errors, and enables automated fiber pairing without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
using an optical time domain reflectometer ('OTDR' for short) fiber pairing method
Implementation Method 2
an audio fiber cable identifier ('AFCID' for short) fiber pairing method
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention discloses a method and an apparatus used for fiber pairing in an optical fiber cable network and an optical fiber cable network. The method includes: determining direction-A optical fiber lengths of direction-A ports of each node device of the at least two node devices, and direction-B optical fiber lengths of direction-B ports of each node device; determining direction-A correspondences between the direction-A optical fiber lengths of each node device and the direction-A ports of the node device, and direction-B correspondences between the direction-B optical fiber lengths of each node device and the direction-B ports of the node device; and determining connection relationships between ports of different node devices of the at least two node devices according to connection relationships between the node devices of the at least two node devices, the direction-A correspondences, and the direction-B correspondences. In the method and apparatus used for fiber pairing in an optical fiber cable network, and the optical fiber cable network according to embodiments of the present invention, an operation needs to be performed only at a single end, and a connection relationship between ports can be accurately identified, thereby improving efficiency in fiber pairing.