US5521734A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
One-dimensional optical data arrays implemented within optical networks
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1994-12-30
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Granted: 1996-05-28
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Expires: 2014-12-30
Abstract
Abstract An optical network is provided at a lowered cost and improved data throughput due to adoption herein of laser and receiver arrays in lieu of discrete transmitters and receivers. The arrays are referred to as one-dimensional optical data arrays. Preferably, the network includes optical network units that return a portion of the signals they receive in a looped-back mode. The returned portion, which may or may not be remodulated at the optical network unit, acts as a substantially continuous test to verify the optical integrity of the system.
Inventors
- 👤 Nicholas J. Frigo
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 18:15
CPC Classifications
H; H04; H04B; H04B10/00; H04B10/03; H04B10/032; H04J; H04J14/00; H04J14/02; H04J14/03; H04J14/0305
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 19
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
An optical network, comprising: A) a remote terminal including an optical router for routing a plurality of upstream/downstream optical signals arriving at said terminal, said router comprising: i) first optical receiver means for concurrently receiving said upstream/downstream optical signals and generating electronic data signals, said first optical receiver means having an N-element array of optical receiver elements forming N independently driven optical links; ii) first processing means for processing said electronic data signals; and iii) first optical transmitter means for concurrently transmitting upstream/downstream optical signals generated according to said processing, said first optical transmitter means having an M-element array of optical transmitter elements forming M independent optical links; and B) an optical transceiver optically linked to said remote terminal, said transceiver comprising: i) second optical receiver means for receiving said downstream optical signals; ii) second processing means responsive to said second optical receiver means for processing said downstream optical signals; and iii) second optical transmitter means responsive to said second processing means for converting upstream data into said upstream optical signals.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
An optical network, comprising: A) a remote terminal including an optical router for routing a plurality of upstream/downstream optical signals arriving at said terminal, said router comprising: i) first optical receiver means for concurrently receiving said upstream/downstream optical signals and generating electronic data signals, said first optical receiver means having an N-element array of optical receiver elements forming N independently driven optical links; ii) first processing means for processing said electronic data signals; and iii) first optical transmitter means for concurrently transmitting upstream/downstream optical signals generated according to said processing, said first optical transmitter means having an M-element array of optical transmitter elements forming M independent optical links; and B) an optical transceiver optically linked to said remote terminal, said transceiver comprising: i) second optical receiver means for receiving said downstream optical signals; ii) second processing means responsive to said second optical receiver means for processing said downstream optical signals; and iii) second optical transmitter means responsive to said second processing means for converting upstream data into said upstream optical signals.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
The optical network defined by claim 1, further including a central office for transmitting/receiving said downstream/upstream optical signals, said central office being optically linked to said remote terminal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical network defined by claim 2, wherein said central office includes an N-element array of optical receiver elements enabling N independent optical links.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical network defined by claim 2, wherein said central office includes an M-element array of optical transmitter elements enabling M independent optical links.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
The optical network defined by claim 2, wherein said first optical transmitter means includes an K-element array of optical transmitter elements enabling K independent optical links.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The optical network defined by claim 2, wherein said first optical receiver means includes an L-element array of optical receiver elements enabling L independent optical links.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical network defined by claim 2, wherein said transceiver relays a portion of said downstream signal to provide said upstream signal.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical network defined by claim 7, wherein said remote terminal includes an I-element receiver array of optical receive elements enabling I independent links.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical network defined by claim 7, wherein said remote terminal includes a J-element transmitter array of optical transmitter elements enabling J independent links.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The optical network defined by claim 7, wherein said central office includes means for performing an operations system task of network monitoring.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
The optical network defined by claim 10, wherein said means for performing said network monitoring performs a continuity check of said upstream and downstream optical paths.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
35 words
The optical network defined by claim 7, wherein said router includes a wavelength division multiplexer which overlays said router and said first processing means, providing an optical link between said central office and said transceiver.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical network defined by claim 7, wherein said upstream signal is overmodulated with upstream data before it is relayed.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical network defined by claim 7, wherein said optical transceivers include an independent light source.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
The optical network defined by claim 2, wherein said remote terminal is linked to a passive optical network.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
24 words
The optical network defined by claim 1, wherein said optical transceiver provides said upstream signal by relaying a portion of said received downstream signal.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
20 words
The optical network defined by claim 16, wherein said upstream signal is overmodulated with upstream data before it is relayed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
The optical network defined by claim 16, wherein said optical transceivers include an independent light source.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1999-05-28 | 1999-11-27 | 2000-05-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-05-28 | 2003-11-27 | 2004-05-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-05-28 | 2007-11-27 | 2008-05-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |