RFID Overlay Network for Fiber Optic Cable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of fiber optic communication networks is labor-intensive and prone to human error, with existing RFID systems requiring significant manual intervention to determine and relate network topology maps to physical interconnection databases, leading to inefficiencies and downtime due to cabling issues.
Innovation Solution
A radio frequency identification overlay system using miniaturized RFID tags and multiplexed reader antennas integrated with fiber optic cables, enabling automated discovery and configuration management of physical connections through resonant LC circuits and RF transmission lines, eliminating the need for direct physical connections and manual interrogation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If RFID tags are integrated with fiber optic connectors and a single reader interrogates an extended volume, then inventory management is improved, but crosstalk occurs when interrogating a panel with multiple closely spaced RFID tags
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the identification space by assigning unique spatial codes to different physical locations on the patch panel. Each RFID tag is associated with a specific location code, allowing the reader to segment the interrogation response by spatial position rather than attempting to read all tags simultaneously in an extended volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements location-specific identification where each RFID tag's response is filtered and processed according to its physical location on the panel. The reader uses spatial coding to distinguish between tags at different positions, giving each tag a unique local identification context that prevents crosstalk.
2Device complexity
If manual record keeping and testing are used for fiber optic network management, then device complexity is reduced, but labor intensity increases and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic self-identification of fiber optic connections. RFID tags attached to connectors and network elements automatically transmit their identification codes when interrogated, allowing the system to self-document the physical topology without requiring manual record keeping or testing by operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical processes (physical inspection, manual record keeping, manual testing) with automated RFID electromagnetic interrogation. The RFID reader automatically detects and records connection information, substituting the mechanical manual management process with an automated electronic system.
3Length of stationary object
If portable RFID readers are used to read tags at distant locations, then reading range is limited, but manual intervention is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fiber optic cables as intermediary transmission media to carry RFID signals over long distances. Instead of relying on the portable reader's limited electromagnetic field range, the RFID signal is coupled onto the fiber optic cable and transmitted to a distant location where a fiber-connected RFID reader can interrogate tags remotely through the fiber medium.
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 system provides automated, high spatial discrimination for determining connectivity between densely arranged interconnects, reducing human error and enabling real-time configuration management of fiber optic networks, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing network downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The transmission line associated with this fiber optic interface is comprised of two widely separated, miniaturized resonant LC circuits at the opposite fiber optic connectors of the interface, in communication with one another through a conductor pair integral with a fiber optic cable
Implementation Method 2
a fiber optic interface bearing an integral, radio frequency transmission line which is resonant at one or more particular frequency ranges
Data Source
AI summary
In this invention, a radio frequency identification overlay network that automates the discovery and configuration management of all physical fiber optic connections within a distributed communications network is disclosed. Miniaturized, low crosstalk RFID tags at a first fiber optic receptacle location and miniature, distributed, multiplexed reader antenna at a distant, second fiber optic receptacle location are joined by a fiber optic link which transmits both optical data and RF electronic signals. This electronic-fiber optic interface is comprised of two separated, miniaturized resonant antenna in communication with another through a resonant RF transmission line integral to the fiber optic cable. This RFID overlay network is comprised of multiplexed RFID readers, RF resonant fiber optic cables, and miniaturized RFID tags attached to the connector receptacles of network elements. The RFID overlay network interrogates tags automatically and remotely through the RF transmissive and optically transmissive fiber optic patch cords.