Apparatus and method for monitoring losses in a branched optical fibre network
US5412464A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 18, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 2, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 18, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M11/3172
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus is provided for detecting losses in a branched optical fibre network comprising a first optical fibre and a plurality of second optical fibres each of which is coupled to the first optical fibre. The first optical fibre constitutes a main line, and the second optical fibres constitute branch lines. The apparatus comprises launch means for launching a carrier wave into the main line, respective modulators in each of the branch lines for modulating the carrier wave in that branch line, returns for returning the modulated signals along the branch lines to the main line, and monitors for monitoring the main line for changes in the modulation of the returned signals. The modulators are such that each modulates the carrier wave differently.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.