Abstract: An integrated overlay card, an optical line terminal with an integrated overlay card, and a method for operating an optical network. The integrated overlay card may fit at least partially within the optical line terminal. The integrated overlay card includes a wavelength dimension multiplexer/demultiplexer that overlays first signals at a first wavelength onto second signals at a second wavelength, so as to combine signals. The combined signals may be routed to an optical network. In example embodiments, the invention may be used to provide an IP television service.

Abstract: An optical access network system can be used to upgrade legacy passive optical networks by subdividing currently used optical bands (e.g., C-, S-, or O-bands) into subbands to support more wavelengths. The subbands can be used to provide various current or emerging services to end users. Optical transmitters may selectively transmit modulated/unmodulated optical signals in multiple subbands downstream. Demultiplexers demultiplex the optical signals into respective bands and subbands for delivery to multiple respective destinations. Optical transceivers may receive and modulate downstream, unmodulated, optical signals (e.g., in the optical O-band) and transmit the modulated optical signals upstream. Upgrades to legacy systems or future systems can be implemented in a cost effective manner with negligible, if any, disruptions in service noticed by the end user.

Abstract: An optical network system can be used to update legacy passive optical networks by adding an optical transmitter, blocking filter, and/or pluggable or unpluggable optics. In one embodiment, an optical network system, including several optical transmitters and receivers, multiplexers, demultiplexers, erbium-doped fiber amplifier, and blocking filter, may be employed. The additional transmitter increases available bandwidth, while the blocking filter allows existing customers' service(s) to not be impacted. Another embodiment uses pluggable or unpluggable optics, instead of the aforementioned blocking filter, to receive and modulate optical signals to transmit services to end users. In one embodiment, an optical network system can be employed that allows for simultaneous upgrading of the system and providing of legacy services, while allowing for the of removal existing optical network components over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining attenuation of an optical path between two optical networks may include using a communications traffic signal without interrupting service or requiring additional external test equipment. A transmit optical network node is configured to measure the transmit power of a transmitted optical signal. A receive optical network node is configured to measure the transmit power of the same transmitted optical signal. A calculation unit calculates the power differential of a transmit and receive optical power. A determination unit is configured to determine optical path attenuation as a function of the optical path distance between the transmit and receive optical network nodes. A reporting unit reports data indicative of the optical path attenuation. The optical path attenuation may be monitored periodically, on demand, on an event basis and may report an alert if the attenuation measurement exceeds a preconfigured threshold.

Abstract: A downstream baseline optical signal generated by a baseline optical link is combined with a second optical signal generated by an additional optical link to generate a broadband optical signal. A fiber optic network splits the broadband optical signal to a plurality of fiber drops. An optical network termination unit receives the broadband optical signal from the fiber drop and isolates the downstream baseline optical signal and the second downstream optical signal from the broadband optical signal. An upstream baseline optical signal may also be transmitted through the fiber drop by the optical termination unit. The optical termination unit does not effect baseline optical service to any other optical termination unit in the fiber optic network.

Abstract: A method of transmitting bidirectional telephony communication signals on a single optical fiber. The bidirectional signals are transmitted in one direction as NRZ coded signals at a first clocking pulse rate, and in the other direction as Manchester coded signals at a second clocking pulse rate which is a multiple (preferably three times (3×)) of the first clocking pulse rate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low cost upgrading on demand of an optical fiber communication system without installing additional optical fiber and minimal installation of optical circuitry at destination and distribution terminals. The upgraded systems comprise an optical data loop of a plurality of destination terminals and a single intermediate terminal.

Abstract: A single fiber passive optical network (PON) wavelength division multiplex (WDM) overlay includes a central office, a fiber optic network, and a plurality of optical network termination (ONT) units. The central office has a baseline optical link that receives a baseline communication signal and converts the baseline communication signal into a downstream baseline optical signal within a first optical bandwidth, and has an additional optical link that receives a second type of communication signal and converts the second type of communication signal into a second downstream optical signal within a second optical bandwidth. The downstream baseline optical signal generated by the baseline optical link is combined with the second optical signal generated by the additional optical link to generate a broadband optical signal. The fiber optic network is coupled to the central office and receives the broadband optical signal on at least one optic fiber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting optical reflections in an optical network to locate and assess a problem in the optical network without dispatching multiple technicians with different skill sets and equipment. Optical transport components are configured to transmit optical signals. Supervisory components are configured to supervise the optical transport components. An optical reflection detector is configured: (i) to sense reflections of the transmitted optical signals via the optical transport components and (ii) to provide information about the reflections to the supervisory components. The supervisory components may use the information about the reflections to determine the locations and power values of the reflections. The information about the reflections may be stored in a database and tracked over a length of time. The supervisory components may issue an alarm when a metric associated with reflections exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low cost upgrading on demand of an optical fiber communication system without installing additional optical fiber and minimal installation of optical circuitry at destination and distribution terminals. The upgraded systems comprise an optical data loop of a plurality of destination terminals and a single intermediate terminal.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and rapidly recovering a burst of data without first having to establish a timing or phase lock. The signals are transmitted as modified Manchester coded signals having pulse transitions at a clocking pulse rate which is a multiple of the clocking pulse rate at which the signals are originally generated, and wherein the MOOSE coded signal is modified by ON-OFF keying.

Abstract: A method of transmitting and rapidly recovering a burst of data without first having to establish a timing or phase lock. The signals are transmitted as modified Manchester coded signals having pulse transitions at a clocking pulse rate which is a multiple of the clocking pulse rate at which the signals are originally generated, and wherein the MOOSE coded signal is modified by ON-OFF keying.

Abstract: An opto-electronic module has a platform and an optical sub-unit. The platform has a trough structure defined on a surface of the platform and the trough structure is configured to transmit an optical beam through the trough structure. The electrical sub-unit is coupled to the trough structure. The sub-unit is configured to mate with the trough structure to provide a chosen alignment to emit, operate on or receive the optical beam.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low cost upgrading on demand of an optical fiber communication system without installing additional optical fiber and minimal installation of optical circuitry at destination and distribution terminals. The upgraded systems comprise an optical data loop of a plurality of destination terminals and a single intermediate terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low cost upgrading on demand of an optical fiber communication system without installing additional optical fiber and minimal installation of optical circuitry at destination and distribution terminals. The upgraded systems comprise an optical data loop of a plurality of destination terminals and a single intermediate terminal.

Abstract: A method of transmitting bidirectional telephony communication signals on a single optical fiber. The bidirectional signals are transmitted in one direction as NRZ coded signals at a first clocking pulse rate, and in the other direction as modified a hybrid form of ON-OFF keying coded signals having pulse transitions at a second clocking pulse rate which is a multiple (preferably eight times (8×)) of the first clocking pulse rate, wherein the modified Manchester coded signal is modified by ON-OFF keying.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining balanced communication channels evenly even with heavy increases in service demands are disclosed. The apparatus uses an arrangement of jumpers and unique connection panes which allow rapid changes in the distribution of similar circuits to achieve balanced loads.

Abstract: A single fiber passive optical network (PON) wavelength division multiplex (WDM) overlay includes a central office, a fiber optic network, and a plurality of optical network termination (ONT) units. The central office has a baseline optical link that receives a baseline communication signal and converts the baseline communication signal into a downstream baseline optical signal within a first optical bandwidth, and has an additional optical link that receives a second type of communication signal and converts the second type of communication signal into a second downstream optical signal within a second optical bandwidth. The downstream baseline optical signal generated by the baseline optical link is combined with the second optical signal generated by the additional optical link to generate a broadband optical signal. The fiber optic network is coupled to the central office and receives the broadband optical signal on at least one optic fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a plurality of densely arranged electrically shielded communication panels includes a rack that supports at least two panels. The panels are supported adjacent to each other by the rack, and each panel includes at least two sides with a printed circuit on one side and a conductive sheet on the other side. In addition, the conductive sheet on each of the panels is coupled to an electrical connection point on the rack when the panel is placed in the rack. The two panels are placed in the rack such that the printed circuit of one of the panels is electrically shielded by the conductive sheet on another, closely aligned other one of the panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for low cost upgrading on demand of an optical fiber communication system without installing additional optical fiber and minimal installation of optical circuitry at destination and distribution terminals. The upgraded systems comprise an optical data loop of a plurality of destination terminals and a single intermediate terminal.