Abstract: A novel method and apparatus are described that can be used to equalize the latency in fiber optic distribution links within data centers containing multiple pods (clusters of servers) and thereby improve the overall operation and utility of the data center for multiple customers. Specifically, the apparatus serves to add precisely measured latency (signal delays) to data transmission in certain fiber optic cable links so that there are negligible differences in signal transmission times from the central switch (core router) to each of the distributed pods within a data center. While that purposeful addition of latency may, at first, seem counterintuitive to optimizing the performance of a data center, the effect achieved is quite the opposite. That is because all pods will have equal access to received and transmitted data thereby reducing signal congestion and the unbalanced time favoritism of one pod operator over another to the access incoming data.

Abstract: A novel panel-mountable fiber optic cable feedthrough is described that has two main body parts that can be brought together around single or multiple fiber optic cables and secured in place to prevent slippage of the cable(s). Use of two such main body parts that split along a plane that passes through the axis of the fiber optic cable(s) allows joining the two main parts at any position along the cable(s) without the need to thread the cable(s) through one or more pre-formed cylindrical cavities in the body of the feedthrough. The main parts for this fiber optic feedthrough can be made by plastic injection molding suitably shaped to relieve bending strain in the glass optical fiber(s) within the cable(s). The foot-print for mounting such a feedthrough can be made compatible with that of a number of popular fiber optic connector mounts, including the SC-connector.

Abstract: A novel panel-mountable fiber optic cable feedthrough is described that has two main body parts that can be brought together around a fiber optic cable and secured in place to prevent slippage of the cable. Use of two such main body parts that split along a plane that passes through the axis of the fiber optic cable allows joining the two main parts at any position along the cable without the need to thread the cable through a pre-formed cylindrical cavity in the body of the feedthrough. The main parts for this fiber optic feedthrough can be made by plastic injection molding suitably shaped to relieve bending strain in the glass optical fiber(s) within the cable. The foot-print for mounting such a feedthrough can be made compatible with that of a number of popular fiber optic connector mounts, including the SC-connector.

Abstract: Rack mountable equipment enclosures have been developed that contain a multiplicity of fiber optical component such as optical taps, arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs), optical splitters, and optical switches at a greater component density than has been previously achieved. For example, 192 fiber optical taps can be contained in a standard 19 inch wide equipment enclosure that is only 1 Rack Unit (1.75 inches) high. This high component density is achieved by locating the optical components within a multiplicity of modular containers inside of the equipment enclosure. The components are connected to fiber optic pig-tails that extend beyond the modular containers. These pig-tails are terminated with multi-fiber connectors that are mounted on the front panel of the equipment enclosure. This strategy allows for efficient packing of the modular containers containing optical components in the full volume of the rack space that is available to the equipment enclosure.

Abstract: An apparatus for selective fiber optical channel monitoring and channel replication of wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) signals is constructed by combining a dispersive element, such as an arrayed waveguide grating (AWG), with a multiplicity of simple 1×1 optical switches and either an optical splitter/combiner or a second AWG. In operation, each optical channel in a WDM group may be sequentially monitored or replicated. When this apparatus is preceded by an N×1 optical switch, any optical channel on any one of N input optical fibers to the switch may be selected for monitoring or replication.