Apparatus and method for ensuring continuity of fiber optic
US8155516B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 5, 2009 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 3, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0083
- WIPO fieldTelecommunications
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
In a fiber-optic communications system, a backup or redundant optical link is provided at the central office in parallel with the primary one in use. Parameters associated with the backup link, including its signal delay, its attenuation, etc. are stored at the time of installation. Upon failure of the primary link, switchover can be automatic, and the stored parameters are used to make adjustments necessary for the differences between the primary link and the backup link. In addition, having information on the differences between the two links, the central office is able to send control information downstream which is used at the remote site to control changes that must be made for upstream signals. For example, customer equipment can be signaled to adjust its timing for the next time slot or interface amplifiers can be adjusted to account for the change in attenuation. The central office could be provided with a corrected interface to accommodate the new link and a substantial buffer to account for the change in timing, and switchover to the new timing could be done gracefully.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.