Abstract: Systems and methods for actively monitoring and managing the integrity of an optical fiber communications link. The optical fiber link integrity is monitored to guard against intrusions and other security breaches. In one embodiment, a local and a remote active monitoring system are coupled by four fiber paths that provide primary and back-up transmit and receive paths between communication equipment. In one embodiment, a security light signal is transmitted using a secondary wavelength that differs from the wavelength used to transmit a user data light signal and travels in an opposite direction relative to the user data light signal. An active monitoring system monitors both administrative information contained within the security light signal and the intensity of the security light signal to manage the integrity of the fiber optic link. Methods are provided to characterize events impacting the fiber optic link integrity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actively monitoring and managing the integrity of an optical fiber communications link. The optical fiber link integrity is monitored to guard against intrusions and other security breaches. In one embodiment, a local and a remote active monitoring system are coupled by four fiber paths that provide primary and back-up transmit and receive paths between communication equipment. In one embodiment, a security light signal is transmitted using a secondary wavelength that differs from the wavelength used to transmit a user data light signal and travels in an opposite direction relative to the user data light signal. An active monitoring system monitors both administrative information contained within the security light signal and the intensity of the security light signal to manage the integrity of the fiber optic link. Methods are provided to characterize events impacting the fiber optic link integrity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actively monitoring and managing the integrity of an optical fiber communications link. The optical fiber link integrity is monitored to guard against intrusions and other security breaches. In one embodiment, a local and a remote active monitoring system are coupled by four fiber paths that provide primary and back-up transmit and receive paths between communication equipment. In one embodiment, a security light signal is transmitted using a secondary wavelength that differs from the wavelength used to transmit a user data light signal and travels in an opposite direction relative to the user data light signal. An active monitoring system monitors both administrative information contained within the security light signal and the intensity of the security light signal to manage the integrity of the fiber optic link. Methods are provided to characterize events impacting the fiber optic link integrity.

Abstract: A hub for a communications network, a base hub (10), multiple communications ports (64) on the base hub (10), a motherboard (13) on which is mounted circuitry (62) for operation in a communications network, an expansion port opening (101) in the base hub (10), an interconnection board (42) in the base hub (10) carrying circuitry for operation in a communications network, the interconnection board (42) pointing toward the expansion port opening (101) for electrical connection to an expansion module (20) containing additional communication ports (64), and containing a mating interconnection board (121) for connection to the interconnection board (42) in the base hub (10).