Abstract: A two-fiber Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable electro-optical transceiver (QSFP) currently connects to two optical fibers, one for transmission and one for reception. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a three-port optical circulator may be employed in order to achieve bidirectional transmission (BiDi) on a single fiber. The disclosure provides in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure a miniature optical circulator that clips onto the two-fiber QSFP without protruding from the QSFP extraction lever, and is configured to mate with the two QSFP fiber connectors on one side and a single optical fiber on the other. Another embodiment provides an integrated bidirectional QSFP that is configured to mate with a single bidirectional fiber.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a super cage for receiving and providing a small form factor pluggable (SFP) communication module with a functionality, the super cage comprising: a sleeve dimensioned to receive an SFP communication module and be plugged into a conventional SFP cage having a socket for receiving an SFP connector of an SFP module; functionality circuitry housed in the sleeve; a cage connector electrically connected to the functionality circuitry and configured to be inserted into the conventional cage socket; and a coupling socket housed in the sleeve that receives an SFP connector of an SFP module and electrically connects the SFP connector to the functionality circuitry.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a super cage for receiving and providing a small form factor pluggable (SFP) communication module with a functionality, the super cage comprising: a sleeve dimensioned to receive an SFP communication module and be plugged into a conventional SFP cage having a socket for receiving an SFP connector of an SFP module; functionality circuitry housed in the sleeve; a cage connector electrically connected to the functionality circuitry and configured to be inserted into the conventional cage socket; and a coupling socket housed in the sleeve that receives an SFP connector of an SFP module and electrically connects the SFP connector to the functionality circuitry.

Abstract: A method for maintaining high availability of an optical wireless data communications link including a first optical terminal and a second optical terminal undergoing free-space communications. A first signal modulated on a first optical carrier is transmitted from the second optical terminal to the first optical terminal. A second signal modulated on a second optical carrier is transmitted from the first optical terminal to the second optical terminal. A first received signal strength of the first signal is monitored and a second received signal strength of the second signal is monitored. Upon detecting the first received signal strength to be less than a previously determined value, the first received signal strength is provided upon request to the second optical terminal by switching off the second signal and encoding the first received signal strength as a second realignment signal onto the second optical carrier. The second optical terminal is realigned based on the second realignment signal.