Abstract: A smart spool is configured to be optically coupled between a pumping light source and optical point-loss sources in an optical fiber transmission line. The smart spool comprises a probe signal transmitter that transmits an optical probe signal into the transmission line. An optical detector receives probe signals scattered in the transmission line. A loss-measuring device is coupled to the optical detector and operable to measure aggregate losses in the transmission line and report the aggregate losses to a network manager. The spool comprises a fiber of sufficient length to offset the aggregated losses to enable a distributed Raman amplifier to pump the transmission line. The smart spool prevents the distributed Raman amplifier from shutting down and allows the distributed Raman amplifier to achieve entitled gain by pumping the fiber in the spool.

Abstract: An asset management system comprises a memory storing software instructions enabling control of a set of network devices having a corresponding allocated rack space, the set being sparsely distributed over multiple cabinets, wherein an aggregate rack space occupied by the set of network devices does not exceed the allocated rack space. A processor coupled with the memory and that executes, based on the software instructions stored in the memory, operations comprising generating a virtual representation representing the set of network devices residing in at least one virtual cabinet corresponding to the allocated rack space. The virtual representation is used to enable configuration of a functionality of at least one network device in the set of network devices residing in the virtual cabinet based on asset data of the at least one network device.

Abstract: An asset management system comprises a control function module configured to manage a set of rack-mounted devices having a corresponding allocated rack space when the devices are sparsely distributed over multiple cabinets, possibly in different data centers. The aggregate rack space occupied by the set of devices does not exceed the allocated rack space. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the control function module and configured to generate a virtual representation visible to a user of the set residing in a virtual cabinet corresponding to the allocated rack space. The user interface includes a user control to enable the user to interact with the set of devices. The asset location system can comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to locate and track the devices, and select a subset of the devices to display and control based on filter parameters.

Abstract: An asset management system comprises a control function module configured to manage a set of rack-mounted devices having a corresponding allocated rack space when the devices are sparsely distributed over multiple cabinets, possibly in different data centers. The aggregate rack space occupied by the set of devices does not exceed the allocated rack space. A user interface is communicatively coupled to the control function module and configured to generate a virtual representation visible to a user of the set residing in a virtual cabinet corresponding to the allocated rack space. The user interface includes a user control to enable the user to interact with the set of devices. The asset location system can comprise a radio frequency identification (RFID) system to locate and track the devices, and select a subset of the devices to display and control based on filter parameters.

Abstract: A distributed Raman amplifier comprises a loss-measuring device that measures losses in an optical fiber transmission line; a signal processing circuit that compares the measured losses to a threshold, below which a pumping light source is permitted to pump the transmission line; a control circuit responsive to a control signal from the signal processing circuit for controlling operation of the pumping light source; and a spool of fiber configurable to be optically coupled between the pumping light source and optical point-loss sources in the transmission line when the losses are above the threshold. The spool of fiber has a fiber of sufficient length to offset aggregated losses, which prevents the distributed Raman amplifier from shutting down while also allowing the distributed Raman amplifier to achieve entitled gain by pumping the fiber in the spool.

Abstract: A smart spool is configured to be optically coupled between a pumping light source and optical point-loss sources in an optical fiber transmission line. The smart spool comprises a probe signal transmitter that transmits an optical probe signal into the transmission line. An optical detector receives probe signals scattered in the transmission line. A loss-measuring device is coupled to the optical detector and operable to measure aggregate losses in the transmission line and report the aggregate losses to a network manager. The spool comprises a fiber of sufficient length to offset the aggregated losses to enable a distributed Raman amplifier to pump the transmission line. The smart spool prevents the distributed Raman amplifier from shutting down and allows the distributed Raman amplifier to achieve entitled gain by pumping the fiber in the spool.

Abstract: A distributed Raman amplifier comprises a loss-measuring device that measures losses in an optical fiber transmission line; a signal processing circuit that compares the measured losses to a threshold, below which a pumping light source is permitted to pump the transmission line; a control circuit responsive to a control signal from the signal processing circuit for controlling operation of the pumping light source; and a spool of fiber configurable to be optically coupled between the pumping light source and optical point-loss sources in the transmission line when the losses are above the threshold. The spool of fiber has a fiber of sufficient length to offset aggregated losses, which prevents the distributed Raman amplifier from shutting down while also allowing the distributed Raman amplifier to achieve entitled gain by pumping the fiber in the spool.

Abstract: A distributed Raman amplifier system is disclosed. Distributed Raman amplifier systems can include a spool of fiber disposed between a distributed Raman amplifier and local or proximate optical point-loss sources, a carrier hotel for example. The spool of fiber has a fiber of sufficient length to offset aggregated losses, which prevents the distributed Raman amplifier from shutting down while also allowing the distributed Raman amplifier to achieve entitled gain by pumping the fiber in the spool.

Abstract: A distributed Raman amplifier system is disclosed. Distributed Raman amplifier systems can include a spool of fiber disposed between a distributed Raman amplifier and local or proximate optical point-loss sources, a carrier hotel for example. The spool of fiber has a fiber of sufficient length to offset aggregated losses, which prevents the distributed Raman amplifier from shutting down while also allowing the distributed Raman amplifier to achieve entitled gain by pumping the fiber in the spool.