Abstract: The present invention relates to the reliable storage of data within a distributed storage system. A method and system for storing a data unit within a distributed storage system is disclosed, wherein the distributed storage system comprises a plurality of storage elements of unspecified system reliability, a public network interconnecting the plurality of storage elements and a reliability index control unit measuring a plurality of storage element reliability indexes associated with the plurality of storage elements. The data unit is stored following the steps of receiving a request to store the data unit according to a data unit reliability index and storing replicated copies of the data unit in at least one storage element, such that the data unit reliability index is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the reliable storage of data within a distributed storage system. A method and system for storing a data unit within a distributed storage system is disclosed, wherein the distributed storage system comprises a plurality of storage elements of unspecified system reliability, a public network interconnecting the plurality of storage elements and a reliability index control unit measuring a plurality of storage element reliability indexes associated with the plurality of storage elements. The data unit is stored following the steps of receiving a request to store the data unit according to a data unit reliability index and storing replicated copies of the data unit in at least one storage element, such that the data unit reliability index is achieved.

Abstract: A splitter for use in an optical network, the splitter being connectable to at least one optical line terminal and at least two optical network units. The splitter is arranged to communicate with the optical network units via a first communication channel and to communicate with the optical network units via a separate second communication channel for each optical network unit. The splitter passes through all communication signals received from the optical line terminal to all the optical network units. The splitter also passes through all communication signals received from the optical network units to the optical line terminal and reflects those signals to all optical network units.

Abstract: A burst receiver is provided that receives an optical burst-mode signal including signals with different power levels and originating from different senders (e.g., transmitters). The burst receiver includes a converter arranged for receiving an input signal and providing an inverted and a non-inverted optical signal. The inverted and non-inverted optical signals are applied to a balanced receiver that provides an electrical output signal corresponding to the difference between the inverted and non-inverted optical signal.