Abstract: Systems and methods for upgrading selected wavelengths in a WDM link to higher data rates at minimal expense are provided. Error correction coding techniques are employed such that the data encoded onto the upgraded wavelengths experiences higher coding gain than that experienced by data encoded on the non-upgraded wavelengths. This increases receiver sensitivity without the use of expensive opto-electronic components. In one embodiment, Reed-Solomon coding is employed on the upgraded wavelengths and no error correction coding is employed on the remaining wavelengths. These techniques may also be applied to new WDM links carrying channels with disparate bit rates.

Abstract: This design is placed and or positioned in the periphery of weight creating a semi-protective and semi-recessed area for insertion of a hand or hand like device. The size and shape of the area reduces the potential for unattended and damaging interaction between the hand and its digits or the hand-like devices and the sides of the mass. The curvature of the area along with the width being of sufficient size to facilitate grasping during human interaction of the opening are purposefully designed to ergonomically fit the hand and or hand like device for a plurality of uses. The functionality of the device is to generally distribute the stress and forces applied to the point of interaction between the human user and the contact area of the heavy and or cumbersome object. Substantially increasing the controllability during mass manipulation by purposeful human interaction.

Abstract: Optical signals may be carried to and from a ring without the use of chromatic dispersion compensation. In one embodiment, a WDM ring incorporates chromatic dispersion compensation and carries wavelength-multiplexed optical signals with disparate data rates. At least one optical signal is transmitted away from the ring along a link that does not incorporate chromatic dispersion compensation. For example, the ring may carry both OC-192 (10 Gbps) and OC-48 (2.5 Gbps) optical signals with one or more OC-48 signals being transmitted away from the ring without the use of chromatic dispersion compensation. The OC-48 signal reach is not dispersion-limited due to the chromatic dispersion compensation applied within the ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting an optical receiver from high power optical signals is disclosed. The apparatus generally includes an optical receiver and a semiconductor optical device configured to receive optical signals and transmit the signals to the optical receiver and operable to decrease amplitude of an input signal received at the device above a predetermined power level range. The apparatus further includes a controller operable to increase attenuation of the semiconductor optical device such that the signal transmitted to the optical receiver from the semiconductor optical device is at an optimum power level for the optical receiver.

Abstract: This design is placed and or positioned in the periphery of weight creating a semi-protective and semi-recessed area for insertion of a hand or hand like device. The size and shape of the area reduces the potential for unattended and damaging interaction between the hand and its digits or the hand-like devices and the sides of the mass. The curvature of the area along with the width being of sufficient size to facilitate grasping during human interaction of the opening are purposefully designed to ergonomically fit the hand and or hand like device for a plurality of uses. The functionality of the device is to generally distribute the stress and forces applied to the point of interaction between the human user and the contact area of the heavy and or cumbersome object. Substantially increasing the controllability during mass manipulation by purposeful human interaction.

Abstract: An assembly, method, and device for high-speed optical format data transmission includes a printed circuit board containing mounting locations for electrical components, optical components, and a heatsink device. A tray may also be mounted on the printed circuit board to route optical fiber to various components. The heatsink is positioned at a predetermined height above the printed circuit board so that it physically contacts the electrical and optical components that require cooling. The printed circuit board may include one or more openings in which one or more of the electrical or optical components that are significantly taller than the other components are embedded. The heatsink may also include one or more openings in which one or more of the taller electrical or optical components are positioned.