Managed Fiber Connectors with Integrated Storage for Physical Layer Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network management systems lack information about the physical layer media used to implement logical communication links in communications networks, making it difficult to manage and track physical components and connections within these networks.
Innovation Solution
The development of optical adapters and connectors with integrated storage devices and media reading interfaces that store and provide physical layer information, enabling the identification and management of physical components, such as cables and connectors, within the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional network management systems are used, then network management is simple, but physical layer information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage device (containing physical layer information) and the media interface directly into the connector assembly. This merging ensures that physical layer information travels with the physical component through the network, preventing information loss while maintaining a integrated, manageable structure rather than separate complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves itself by including built-in storage and media reading capabilities. The storage device automatically provides physical layer information when the connector is inserted into the adapter, eliminating the need for external tracking systems or manual documentation, thus preventing information loss without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
2Loss of information
If storage devices are integrated into connectors, then physical layer information is preserved, but connector complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage device, media interface, and connector are merged into a single integrated assembly. This combination preserves physical layer information within the connector itself while presenting a unified component that manages complexity through integration rather than through separate interconnected systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly performs multiple functions: it provides optical connection capability, stores physical layer information, and enables automatic information retrieval through the media interface. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components, preserving information while managing complexity through versatility.
3Loss of information
If media reading interfaces are added to adapters, then network visibility is improved, but adapter complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The media reading interface provides feedback by automatically reading and providing physical layer information from the storage device when a connector is inserted. This feedback mechanism improves network visibility by making physical layer information immediately available to the network management system without requiring additional manual intervention or complex querying procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter's media reading interface automatically retrieves physical layer information from the connector's storage device without requiring external input. This self-service capability improves network visibility by autonomously capturing and transmitting physical layer data, reducing the need for complex manual tracking systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications connection system includes an SC fiber optic connector including a storage device having memory configured to store physical layer information. The storage device also includes electrical contacts or an RFID antenna coil connected to the memory for transmitting information to a management system. The communications connection system also includes a fiber optic adapter module having one or more media reading interfaces. Each media reading interface is configured to read physical layer information stored on one of the fiber optic connectors received at the adapter module. Example media reading interfaces include electrical contacts and RFID readers.