Port Tap Cable In-Line Furcation for Live Optical Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing port tap solutions for fiber optic networks require a large equipment footprint and are not easily integrated into various types of fiber optic networks, limiting their universal compatibility and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A port tap cable with an in-line furcation enclosing fiber optic splitters that optically connects live input and output fibers, allowing for monitoring of optical signals without interrupting network operations, and enabling integration into different network types by splitting signals for both live and tap connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional port tap modules are used, then fiber optic signal splitting and monitoring is achieved, but the equipment footprint is large and compatibility with different network types is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional port tap module into a modular cable assembly with separate components: a furcation section that splits the fiber, individual tap modules that can be attached at different locations, and flexible cable segments. This segmentation allows the system to adapt to different network configurations without requiring a large fixed footprint, as components can be distributed and configured as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly is designed with universal compatibility features including multiple connector types (LC, SC, FC, ST), adaptable furcation configurations, and modular tap modules that can interface with various network equipment. This multi-functionality enables the same basic cable structure to serve different network types and monitoring requirements without requiring custom-designed equipment for each application.
2Adaptability or versatility
If specialized port tap modules occupying rack space are used, then fiber optic signal monitoring is enabled, but integration into various fiber optic network types becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces flexible cable assemblies with standard connectors as intermediaries between the monitoring system and various network equipment. These cable assemblies act as universal adapters that can connect to different network types without requiring specialized rack-mounted modules for each network configuration, thereby simplifying integration while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic, reconfigurable connections through modular cable assemblies that can be adapted and reconfigured for different network setups. Rather than fixed specialized modules, the flexible cable design allows the monitoring system to dynamically integrate with various network types by adjusting connector types and furcation configurations as needed.
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
Enables real-time monitoring of optical signals within active fiber optic networks without disrupting operations, allowing for universal compatibility and reduced equipment footprint, thus enhancing visibility and management of network traffic while minimizing capital and operational expenses.
Implementation Method 1
A port tap cable with an in-line furcation enclosing fiber optic splitters that optically connects live input and output fibers, allowing for monitoring of optical signals without interrupting network operations
Data Source
AI summary
A port tap cable for supporting live optical connections in a fiber optic network includes one or more fiber optic splitters, which each receive an optical signal from a live input optical fiber of a live input fiber optic cable leg. Each fiber optic splitter splits each optical signal and transmits the signal to a live output optical fiber of a live output fiber optic cable leg and a tap output optical fiber of a tap output fiber optic cable leg. The one or more splitters are enclosed in a furcation, thereby forming a port tap cable that allows for monitoring of optical signals within an active fiber optic network without the need for interrupting network operations. This arrangement also allows for monitoring individual ports in an existing network installation.