Patent · US Expired

Optical data distribution network with listen-while-talk capabilities

US4573215A · kind A · utility

232Cited by
1References
5Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 21, 1984
Grant dateFeb 25, 1986
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 21, 2004

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH04B10/2725
  • WIPO fieldTelecommunications
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

An optical data distribution network including a plurality of drops and apparatus for distributing optical data signals to the plurality of drops wherein each drop has listen-while-talk capability is disclosed. Each drop comprises a single length of optical fiber for propagating transmit and receive optical signals between a directional coupler and the distributing apparatus. The directional coupler is operative to direct the transmit optical signals from an optical transmitter to the single length of optical fiber and to direct the receive optical signals from the single length of optical fiber to a first optical receiver. Each drop further includes a second optical receiver coupled to the directional coupler for receiving optical signals transmitted by the optical transmitter as directed to the second optical receiver by the directional coupler.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.