Abstract: An optical device for the simultaneous transmission and reception of optical data on the same optical waveguide. A transmission and receiving means at each end of the fiber optic cable permits simultaneous transmission. Each transmit/receive means comprises a pedestal supporting an emitter and photodetector. The emitter is mounted centrally of the inner surface of the pedestal at the focal point of a circular ellipsoidal reflector. The photodetector is also mounted centrally of the inner surface of the pedestal and placed forward of the emitter. In this manner the emitters and photodetectors at each end of the fiber optic cable can transmit and receive simultaneously or in sequence on the same optical waveguide.

Abstract: In order to more efficiently transmit optical data on an optical data bus to a number of members of an optical data transmission community, an electronic active star element which receives signals from each of a plurality of remote terminals, converts the optical signals to electrical signals, amplifies them, and transmits them to the remaining remote terminals is provided.