Abstract: Self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network, are provided. A self-registration system for dynamically updating information related to a network, comprises: a connector comprising an integrated circuit that stores a first block of information; an adapter coupled to the connector; a reader that receives the first block of information from the integrated circuit via the adapter; and a communication line coupled to the adapter via the connector, where the first block of information comprises a first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit, and where the first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit comprises information other than information identifying the connector, the adapter, the communication line and the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Connector systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the connector systems, are provided. A connector system for dynamically updating information related to the network, comprises: a connector; and an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector. A method for developing the connector system comprises: obtaining a connector; and integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the connector.

Abstract: Adapter systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the adapter systems, are provided. An adapter system for dynamically updating information related to the network comprises: an adapter; and an antenna integrated in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter. A method for developing an adapter system comprises: obtaining an adapter; and integrating an antenna in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter.

Abstract: Adapter systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the adapter systems, are provided. An adapter system for dynamically updating information related to the network comprises: an adapter; and an antenna integrated in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter. A method for developing an adapter system comprises: obtaining an adapter; and integrating an antenna in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter.

Abstract: Self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network, are provided. A self-registration system for dynamically updating information related to a network, comprises: a connector comprising an integrated circuit that stores a first block of information; an adapter coupled to the connector; a reader that receives the first block of information from the integrated circuit via the adapter; and a communication line coupled to the adapter via the connector, where the first block of information comprises a first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit, and where the first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit comprises information other than information identifying the connector, the adapter, the communication line and the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Connector systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the connector systems, are provided. A connector system for dynamically updating information related to the network, comprises: a connector; and an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector. A method for developing the connector system comprises: obtaining a connector; and integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the connector.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible plastic membrane which supports embedded components such as light emitting diodes and plastic pressure switches, and conductors on a plastic ribbon which connects the embedded light emitting diode and plastic pressure switch to a connector. The flexible plastic membrane supports an adhesive which enables it to be stick to the surface of the module faceplate. The inventive structure is more economical to build and install than presently used mechanical spring loaded push switches and light emitting diodes as they must be physically mounted to the face plate and hardwired when the module is manufactured. In addition, the inventive structure can be replaced in the field when a fault develops without disturbing or disconnecting the optical fiber connected to the front or rear of a module.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible plastic membrane which supports embedded components such as light emitting diodes and plastic pressure switches, and conductors on a plastic ribbon which connects the embedded light emitting diode and plastic pressure switch to a connector. The flexible plastic membrane supports an adhesive which enables it to be stick to the surface of the module faceplate. The inventive structure is more economical to build and install than presently used mechanical spring loaded push switches and light emitting diodes as they must be physically mounted to the face plate and hardwired when the module is manufactured. In addition, the inventive structure can be replaced in the field when a fault develops without disturbing or disconnecting the optical fiber connected to the front or rear of a module.

Abstract: The location and type of equipment shelf installed in an optical fiber distribution frame is detected and transmitted to a software management system automatically. A plurality of photo transceivers, arrayed on the frame, detects encoded indicia on each shelf. The coded information is inventoried into a database and displayed in a virtual graphical representation of the frame.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible plastic membrane which supports embedded components such as light emitting diodes and plastic pressure switches, and conductors on a plastic ribbon which connects the embedded light emitting diode and plastic pressure switch to a connector. The flexible plastic membrane supports an adhesive which enables it to be stick to the surface of the module face plate. The inventive structure is more economical to build and install than presently used mechanical spring loaded push switches and light emitting diodes as they must be physically mounted to the face plate and hardwired when the module is manufactured. In addition, the inventive structure can be replaced in the field when a fault develops without disturbing or disconnecting the optical fiber connected to the front or rear of a module.

Abstract: An improved fiber administration system and method of operation for a fiber distribution system. The fiber administration system contains at least one frame, wherein each frame contains a plurality of fiber distribution shelves. The different fiber distribution shelves contain numerous optical connector ports. The various optical connector ports are interconnected throughout the fiber distribution system with optical fibers. The optical fiber pass through numerous routing pathways on the frame as they travel between points on the frame. A plurality of lights are disposed on the frame proximate the different routing pathways. A controller is provided to selectively light some of the lights that correspond in position to one selected routing pathway, among the numerous possible routing pathways. The light thereby provides a visual indication of a specific routing path.

Abstract: A fiber administration system and improved components for use in a fiber administration system. The fiber administration system includes at least one fiber distribution shelve that supports a plurality of optical connection ports. Each of the optical connection ports contains a sensor for detecting the presence of an optical coupling in that optical connection port. A systems controller is coupled to the sensor of each of the optical connection ports. Accordingly, the systems controller can automatically determine from the sensors whether or not an optical coupling is present in each of the optical connection ports.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for testing portion of an optical fiber network from various remote stations without having to have optical testing equipment at those remote stations. The system and method utilize a series of routers that are located at the central office and the remote stations of an optical fiber network. The routers are interconnected through a common optical pathway that is part of the optical fiber network. Testing equipment is located at the central office of the optical fiber network. Optical testing signals and command signals are forwarded to the router at the central office. The router at the central office multiplexes the signals and forwards the signals as an optical transmission passing between the central office and a remote station. The router at the remote station removes the multiplexed signal from the optical transmission.

Abstract: A method is provided for utilization of previously unusable space within an optical fiber distribution frame for electrical fuses, power, ground, and electrical communications and control for optical fiber management. These components as well as optical fiber installation tools, maintenance tools, and spare parts are housed within spaces defined by upper and lower raceways.

Abstract: A patch cord tracing system and method for tracing patch cords in a telecommunications patching system. The system includes a plurality of tracing interface modules that attach to the patch panels in a telecommunications closet. On the patch panels in a telecommunications closet are located a plurality of connector ports that receive the terminated ends of patch cords. The tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a sensor, an LED and a tracing button to each of the connector ports. The sensor detects whenever a patch cord is connected to, or removed from, a connector port. Accordingly, by connecting a computer controller to the various sensors, the computer controller can monitor and log all changes to the patch cord interconnections in an automated fashion.

Abstract: A fiber administration system and method of operation that enables an owner of the fiber administration system to pay for only the external optical fiber cables used by that fiber administration system. The fiber administration system has at least one fiber distribution shelf on which are located a plurality of optical connection ports. Each of the optical connection ports terminate the end of a different external optical fiber. Each of the optical connection ports contains a sensor for detecting when that optical connection port is engaged by an optical coupling within the fiber administration system. A monitoring module is provided that is coupled to the sensor of each of the optical connection ports. The monitor module determines from each sensor whether or not an optical coupling has engaged each optical connection port and records when each of the optical connection ports is first engaged. The data record recorded by the monitor module can be accessed from a remote location for billing purposes.

Abstract: Disclosed is a distribution unit which provides means for tracing patch connections. Each module is electrically connected to a shelf controller through a backplane. The shelf controllers are, in turn, coupled to a host computer. Pressing a button on one module lights an LED on that module and on the module which should be connected thereto based on the data base in the host computer.