Abstract: An optical fiber tap which is especially useful as a node in a ring topology data processing system. The tap, which does not interrupt the physical continuity of the fiber, has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a signal passing down the optical fiber passes through the tap without alteration. In the closed position, a signal passing down the optical fiber is extracted through a first bend which is put into the fiber by the tap; the extracted signal, or an electrical counterpart thereof, is processed and a counterpart of the extracted signal, or a new signal obtained by operating on the extracted signal, e.g. in a data processor, is injected into the fiber through a second bend which is put into the fiber by the tap.

Abstract: An optical fiber tap which is especially useful as a node in a ring topology data processing system. The tap, which does not interrupt the physical continuity of the fiber, has an open position and a closed position. In the open position, a signal passing down the optical fiber passes through the tap without alteration. In the closed position, a signal passing down the optical fiber is extracted through a first bend which is put into the fiber by the tap; the extracted signal, or an electrical counterpart thereof, is processed and a counterpart of the extracted signal, or a new signal obtained by operating on the extracted signal, e.g. in a data processor, is injected into the fiber through a second bend which is put into the fiber by the tap.