Loss detection in a branched optical fiber
First Claim
1. A method of detecting loss in a branched optical fibre network comprising a first optical fibre and a plurality of second optical fibres each of which is coupled to the first optical fibre, the first optical fibre constituting a main line and the second optical fibres constituting branch lines, a respective reflector being associated with each of the branch lines, the method comprising the steps of launching a pulse into the main line and monitoring the main line for attenuation of reflected signals returning from the reflectors, a monitored attenuation of a given reflected signal being indicative of loss in the branch line associated with the reflector giving rise to that reflected signal.
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Abstract
A method is described of detecting loss in a branched optical fibre network comprising a first optical fibre (1) and a plurality of second optical fibres (3) each of which is coupled to the first optical fibre. The first optical fibre (1) constitutes a main line. The method comprises the steps of launching a pulse into the main line (1) and monitoring the main line for changes in attenuation of reflected signals returning from the reflectors (5).
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Citations
15 Claims
- 1. A method of detecting loss in a branched optical fibre network comprising a first optical fibre and a plurality of second optical fibres each of which is coupled to the first optical fibre, the first optical fibre constituting a main line and the second optical fibres constituting branch lines, a respective reflector being associated with each of the branch lines, the method comprising the steps of launching a pulse into the main line and monitoring the main line for attenuation of reflected signals returning from the reflectors, a monitored attenuation of a given reflected signal being indicative of loss in the branch line associated with the reflector giving rise to that reflected signal.
- 5. Apparatus for detecting losses in a branched optical fibre network comprising a first optical fibre and a plurality of second optical fibres each of which is coupled to the first optical fibre, the first optical fibre constituting a main line and the second optical fibres constituting branch lines, the apparatus comprising means for launching a pulse into the main line, a respective reflector located in the path of the pulse in each of the branch lines, and means for monitoring the main line for attenuation of reflected signals returning from the reflectors, a monitored attenuation of a given reflected signal being indicative of loss in the branch line associated with the reflector giving rise to that reflected signal.
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