Apparatus for protecting an optical link
US10205553B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 27, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 27, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0081
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
According to the present invention, there is provided apparatus for providing protection of an optical link. The apparatus comprises a first port for coupling to the optical link and a second port for coupling to a further optical link. The apparatus further comprises a third port configured to receive an upstream optical signal to be transmitted over the optical link, and to output a downstream optical signal received over the optical link. The apparatus further comprises protection switching apparatus operable to selectively couple the third port to the first port or to the second port. The apparatus further comprises modifying apparatus configured to modify the upstream optical signal, received at the third port, before it is output from the first port, such that the switching upstream optical signal has a distinctive physical characteristic. The apparatus further comprises detecting apparatus, coupled between the first port and the third port, configured to receive a portion of an incoming optical signal, received at the first port, and to selectively detect the presence of the upstream optical signal or the downstream optical signal in the portion of the incoming signal based …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.