Optical Splitter Assembly With Tuned Pigtails for Remote Fiber Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing fiber optic communications networks are labor-intensive and costly, particularly when it comes to verifying the performance of deployed fiber optic lines and circuits, especially in passive optical networks where not all fibers are initially connected.
Innovation Solution
The use of loop-back devices and custom test splitters allows for remote testing of fiber optic networks, eliminating the need for physical traversal of the network and enabling efficient verification of fiber optic lines from a central location, along with the implementation of pre-connectorized tethers and drop terminals for streamlined testing processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used to verify fiber optic lines, then accurate performance verification is achieved, but labor intensity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical copies (test signals) to traverse the fiber optic network instead of physical inspection. A test signal is sent through the fiber optic line and reflected back by an optical return loss meter, creating an optical copy of the signal path that can be measured remotely. This eliminates the need for technicians to physically traverse each fiber line while maintaining measurement accuracy through optical signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical return loss meter as an intermediary device that measures the reflected test signal. This intermediary instrument enables remote measurement of fiber optic line performance by detecting the optical signal characteristics without requiring direct physical access to the far end of each fiber line, thus reducing labor while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If technicians physically traverse the network to test each fiber line, then comprehensive testing is achieved, but time and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test signal creates an optical copy that travels through the entire fiber optic network, allowing comprehensive testing of all connected lines simultaneously from a single location. The optical return loss meter captures reflections from each line, providing complete testing coverage without requiring technicians to physically visit each endpoint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical traversal with an optical system. Instead of technicians walking through the network to test each fiber, an optical test signal is transmitted through the fibers and measured by an optical return loss meter, substituting mechanical human movement with light-based measurement that can test multiple lines simultaneously.
3Measurement precision
If extensive on-site technician intervention is used, then accurate functionality verification is achieved, but labor costs and equipment costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical return loss meter creates an optical copy of the test signal that traverses the fiber optic line and reflects back, enabling functionality verification through optical signal analysis rather than complex electronic testing equipment. This optical copying method maintains measurement precision while using relatively simple optical measurement devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical return loss meter serves as an intermediary measurement device that simplifies the testing process. Instead of requiring complex multi-functional testing equipment and extensive technician intervention, this single intermediary instrument can remotely verify the functionality of fiber optic lines by measuring the reflected optical test signal.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for testing a fiber optic network including a fiber distribution hub. The method includes providing a test splitter within the fiber distribution hub to provide optical connectivity between an F1 fiber and at least a portion of an F2 fiber network. The method also includes testing sending a test signal from the F1 fiber through the test splitter to the F2 fiber network, and replacing the test splitter after testing has been completed.