Abstract: A system and method for securing DWDM networks that includes adding background (e.g., white) noise to a level up to the larger of the cross-talk signal or the background channel noise (e.g., amplified spontaneous emission level). The system comprises a white noise generator appropriately placed so that any leaked signals are masked by the white noise generated. Accordingly, only signals intended to be dropped are recoverable because all other signals would not be recoverable from the background white noise.

Abstract: The present invention, referred to herein as Personal Billing Selection, enables a telecommunications service subscriber to designate billing options for outgoing and incoming calls on a per-call basis, even if the subscriber's account includes several numbers and/or addresses. The present invention also preferably allows users to designate default billing accounts on a per-number basis. The subscriber may have a plurality of service accounts established in a database such as service profile. Calls for personal use and calls for other uses (e.g., business calls, separate client accounts, etc.) may be distinguished on a per-call basis by the call originator for outgoing calls or by the call recipient for incoming calls if the recipient is billed for incoming calls. For both outgoing and incoming calls, network usage is automatically allocated to the appropriate service account.

Abstract: A cellular-fixed call transfer service is effected by introducing a Fixed-Cellular Mobility Agent (FCMA) into the cellular network, the FCMA having the functionality of a PSTN central office/CN mobile switching center for interconnecting incoming calls to the MSC as outgoing calls to the CN or the PSTN and which, in addition, monitors each call connection to carry out call transfers between the CN and the PSTN.

Abstract: A methodology and concomitant circuitry wherein an optical attenuator, having a range of settings including a minimum attenuation, is set to a pre-selected value less than the minimum attenuation whenever a loss of incoming signal power is detected in an optical path coupled to the attenuator.

Abstract: A cellular-fixed call forwarding service is effected by introducing a Fixed-Cellular Mobility Agent (FCMA) into the cellular network, the FCMA having the functionality of a PSTN central office/CN mobile switching center for interconnecting incoming calls to the MSC as outgoing calls to the CN or the PSTN and which, in addition, monitors each call connection to carry out call forwarding between the CN and the PSTN. The PSTN and the CN are both provided locally by the same service provider.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for measuring both the contact force and ferrule length of a fiber optic connector and for measuring the length of an adapter versus the requirements of the TIA/EIA's specifications so that connector intermateability may be determined. The contact force and ferrule length measurement apparatus includes an adapter for holding the connector being tested in place, a gauge pin for detecting the spring force of the connector, a gauge force meter for measuring the force exerting on the gauge pin, and a micropositioner for aligning the gauge pin with the ferrule of the connector. Once the gauge pin and connector are aligned, the spring force is measured based on displacement of the position of the ferrule. The adapter length measurement apparatus includes two sets of test reference connector plugs, each electrically connected at one end to an ohmmeter, so as to form an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method and system for unambiguously detecting fiber cuts in an optical network regardless of the number of EDFAs that are located between the fiber cut and the monitor point. In accordance with our invention, the power of a marker wavelength is compared to the power of a nearby spectral region. Where the comparison indicates that the power ratio is approximately equal to unity a flag is raised indicating that there is fiber cut. Where the comparison indicates that the power ratio is much greater than unity the flag is not raised. The monitoring point includes circuitry for detecting the ratio between the marker wavelength and the nearby spectral band and for indicating when there is a fiber cut.

Abstract: A combination and method for centralized distribution of laser carrier beams to collocated wavelength division multiplexing systems divide and couple the optical carrier beam from high power laser sources to each of more than one collocated system. The carrier beam is then modulated by modulators in transponders residing in each wavelength division multiplexing system. Each modulated signal is then combined by a wavelength division multiplexer for transmittal onto an output fiber.