Abstract: The system and method for decoupling algorithms from a Mission Data Tool suite, or the like, into a scalable, modular and multithreaded tool set callable from a variety of environments. The system generates data objects representing inputs, outputs and field validation capable of being accessed from a framework callable from Java or C#, for example. Data objects are defined in an abstract Independent Definition Language (IDL) and the objects are then generated into the target languages for use by a software component's application programming interface (API). The resulting generated code may also contain serialization/deserialization routines needed for object transfer between different systems in a seamless manner. In some cases, transfer of the objects, algorithmic generation of data into the objects, and the transfer of outputs back to the calling system is possible with minimal overhead and interaction on either end.

Abstract: Connector systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the connector systems, are provided. A connector system for dynamically updating information related to the network, comprises: a connector; and an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector. A method for developing the connector system comprises: obtaining a connector; and integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the connector.

Abstract: Self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network, are provided. A self-registration system for dynamically updating information related to a network, comprises: a connector comprising an integrated circuit that stores a first block of information; an adapter coupled to the connector; a reader that receives the first block of information from the integrated circuit via the adapter; and a communication line coupled to the adapter via the connector, where the first block of information comprises a first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit, and where the first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit comprises information other than information identifying the connector, the adapter, the communication line and the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a universal apparatus for incorporating intelligence into the distribution frame of an optical communication system. The communication system includes a distribution frame with one or more distribution shelves having one or more interconnection panels, and a universal operations, administration and maintenance (OA&M) apparatus attached to the distribution frame. The OA&M apparatus, which is operably connected to the interconnection panels and the distribution frame's system controller through an interface, monitors current interconnection panel connections including cross-connections and can indicate future possible cross-connections between interconnection panels. The OA&M apparatus also is useful for jumper routing, circuit administration, and other features associated with the distribution frame and its fiber connections.

Abstract: Adapter systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the adapter systems, are provided. An adapter system for dynamically updating information related to the network comprises: an adapter; and an antenna integrated in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter. A method for developing an adapter system comprises: obtaining an adapter; and integrating an antenna in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter.

Abstract: Connector systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the connector systems, are provided. A connector system for dynamically updating information related to the network, comprises: a connector; and an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector. A method for developing the connector system comprises: obtaining a connector; and integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the connector.

Abstract: Self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network, are provided. A self-registration system for dynamically updating information related to a network, comprises: a connector comprising an integrated circuit that stores a first block of information; an adapter coupled to the connector; a reader that receives the first block of information from the integrated circuit via the adapter; and a communication line coupled to the adapter via the connector, where the first block of information comprises a first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit, and where the first block of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit comprises information other than information identifying the connector, the adapter, the communication line and the integrated circuit.

Abstract: Adapter systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the adapter systems, are provided. An adapter system for dynamically updating information related to the network comprises: an adapter; and an antenna integrated in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter. A method for developing an adapter system comprises: obtaining an adapter; and integrating an antenna in one of a surface of the adapter and in a tape overlay that can be affixed to the surface of the adapter.

Abstract: The location and type of equipment shelf installed in an optical fiber distribution frame is detected and transmitted to a software management system automatically. A plurality of photo transceivers, arrayed on the frame, detects encoded indicia on each shelf. The coded information is inventoried into a database and displayed in a virtual graphical representation of the frame.

Abstract: An improved fiber administration system and method of operation for a fiber distribution system. The fiber administration system contains at least one frame, wherein each frame contains a plurality of fiber distribution shelves. The different fiber distribution shelves contain numerous optical connector ports. The various optical connector ports are interconnected throughout the fiber distribution system with optical fibers. The optical fiber pass through numerous routing pathways on the frame as they travel between points on the frame. A plurality of lights are disposed on the frame proximate the different routing pathways. A controller is provided to selectively light some of the lights that correspond in position to one selected routing pathway, among the numerous possible routing pathways. The light thereby provides a visual indication of a specific routing path.

Abstract: A fiber administration system and improved components for use in a fiber administration system. The fiber administration system includes at least one fiber distribution shelve that supports a plurality of optical connection ports. Each of the optical connection ports contains a sensor for detecting the presence of an optical coupling in that optical connection port. A systems controller is coupled to the sensor of each of the optical connection ports. Accordingly, the systems controller can automatically determine from the sensors whether or not an optical coupling is present in each of the optical connection ports.

Abstract: A apparatus and method for testing portion of an optical fiber network from various remote stations without having to have optical testing equipment at those remote stations. The system and method utilize a series of routers that are located at the central office and the remote stations of an optical fiber network. The routers are interconnected through a common optical pathway that is part of the optical fiber network. Testing equipment is located at the central office of the optical fiber network. Optical testing signals and command signals are forwarded to the router at the central office. The router at the central office multiplexes the signals and forwards the signals as an optical transmission passing between the central office and a remote station. The router at the remote station removes the multiplexed signal from the optical transmission.

Abstract: A method is provided for utilization of previously unusable space within an optical fiber distribution frame for electrical fuses, power, ground, and electrical communications and control for optical fiber management. These components as well as optical fiber installation tools, maintenance tools, and spare parts are housed within spaces defined by upper and lower raceways.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for monitoring and characterizing optical links of a communication system by transmitting and receiving optical test signals of a certain wavelength through the optical links where such test signals do not interfere in a significant manner with other optical signals being conveyed through the optical links.

Abstract: A device, system and method for locating a specific optical connection port contained within a fiber administration system having line tracing capabilities. A translucent casing is provided at each of the optical connection ports in the fiber administration system. The translucent casing can be a translucent shroud that fits over a standard optical connection port or the translucent casing can be manufactured as part of the optical connector port. Regardless of the type of translucent casing used, the translucent casing of any of the optical connection ports can be individually and selectively illuminated. According, the actual casing of an optical connection port can be illuminated within a fiber distribution shelf, thereby greatly increasing the ability of a technician to accurately locate the targeted optical connection port within the fiber administration system.

Abstract: A fiber administration system and method of operation that enables an owner of the fiber administration system to pay for only the external optical fiber cables used by that fiber administration system. The fiber administration system has at least one fiber distribution shelf on which are located a plurality of optical connection ports. Each of the optical connection ports terminate the end of a different external optical fiber. Each of the optical connection ports contains a sensor for detecting when that optical connection port is engaged by an optical coupling within the fiber administration system. A monitoring module is provided that is coupled to the sensor of each of the optical connection ports. The monitor module determines from each sensor whether or not an optical coupling has engaged each optical connection port and records when each of the optical connection ports is first engaged. The data record recorded by the monitor module can be accessed from a remote location for billing purposes.

Abstract: The present invention provides viewing and monitoring equipment that can remotely operate and control test equipment to monitor optical links of a communication system and to determine whether the optical links are operating properly.

Abstract: The invention is embodied in a distributed intelligence optical fiber communications system capable of fully automated and continuous monitoring and testing of the optical fibers and their connections within the optical fiber distribution frames therein. In particular, it is an optical communications system having an optical distribution frame including interconnection modules having actively intelligent microcontrollers thereon. Also, the distribution frame includes inventive electrical and optical interconnection fabrics between the distributed intelligence located on the interconnection modules and a host located outside of the distribution frame. The distributed intelligence interconnection modules allow monitoring, testing and/or related activities of the overall optical communications system to be performed locally at the interconnection modules.