Optical Cable Misplug Detection via Transceiver Signal Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In computing networks with optical cable connections, identifying and remedying optical cable misplug errors is challenging due to the complexity of cabling infrastructures and potential mismatches in optical cable polarity, which can affect data transfer performance and prevent communication.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that detects optical cable misplug errors by evaluating the operation of optical transceivers, identifying misplugged cables through signal analysis, and facilitating remediation by generating a potential misplug configuration list and initiating corrective actions, including forwarding the location of misplugged cables to administrators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual inspection methods are used to identify optical cable misplug errors, then the complexity of infrastructure planning is reduced, but the time and effort required for error identification increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver automatically detects misplug errors by monitoring its own receive lane signal conditions without requiring external inspection tools or manual testing, enabling the system to self-diagnose cabling errors
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors receive lane signal presence and provides real-time feedback about misplug errors, allowing immediate identification and correction of cabling issues without waiting for manual inspection
2Productivity
If automated detection systems are implemented to identify misplug errors quickly, then the time required for error identification is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical transceiver performs automated self-testing by evaluating its own receive lane signal conditions, eliminating the need for separate external detection equipment or manual inspection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection methods with automated electronic signal evaluation, using the transceiver's existing electronic components to detect misplug errors without requiring additional physical testing equipment
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive signal analysis is performed on all receive lanes to accurately identify misplug location, then the precision of error location identification is improved, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the analysis into individual receive lane evaluations, assessing each lane's signal presence independently to quickly identify which specific lane is affected by a misplug error
Solution Approach 2:
The transceiver performs signal presence detection on receive lanes as needed to identify misplug errors, applying analysis only to the extent necessary to locate the error without performing unnecessary comprehensive testing
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cable misplug error detection and remediation process is provided which includes detecting, by at least one processor, an optical cable misplug error in a connection path between optical transceivers of a computing network, where the connection path includes one or more optical cables. The detecting includes evaluating operation of an optical transceiver of the connection path. The evaluating includes determining whether a receive lane of the optical transceiver is receiving a signal during evaluating operation of the optical transceiver, and detecting the optical cable misplug error where the receive lane of the optical transceiver is not receiving the signal. The process further includes identifying, by the at least one processor based on detecting the optical cable misplug error, a location of a misplugged optical cable in the connection path between the optical transceiver of the computing network.