Optical data throughput protection switch
US6798934B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 6, 2001 |
| Grant date | Sep 28, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0083
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical data throughput protection switch is provided which provides access to a data-carrying first optical path in a manner which protects the data from interference from equipment utilizing said access, and eliminates optical connectors along the first optical path. The protection switch includes a controlling means and a controllable switch which is optically coupled to the first optical path the termination of a second optical path. The controllable switch is controlled by the controlling means and functions to enable and disable optical coupling between the termination, of the second optical path and the first optical path. This may be effected in a manner that allows access to the first optical path when there is no data traffic thereon, and denies access thereto when data is present, resulting in data throughput on the first optical path being protected from signals of the second optical path.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.