17896588. Mapping Fiber Networks simplified abstract (Google LLC)

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Mapping Fiber Networks

Organization Name

Google LLC

Inventor(s)

Jorge Alberto Castillo Castellanos of Pasadena CA (US)

Valey Kamalov of Gainesville FL (US)

Ignatius Sonny Franslay of Campbell CA (US)

Shirshendu Bhattacharya of Singapore (SG)

Mapping Fiber Networks - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17896588 titled 'Mapping Fiber Networks

Simplified Explanation

The technology described in the patent application is a method of mapping fiber networks, specifically fiber optic cables, by detecting perturbations that cause the cables to vibrate and analyzing the associated strains at different segments of the cable to determine their locations.

  • Each fiber optic cable is divided into segments with known first and second end segment locations.
  • When a perturbation occurs, each segment of the cable experiences a strain at a different time.
  • By combining the known location of the perturbation sources, the end segments, and the relative time of perturbation detection at each segment, the location of each segment and the entire cable can be determined.

Potential Applications

The technology can be applied in various industries such as telecommunications, internet service providers, and infrastructure development for accurate mapping and monitoring of fiber optic networks.

Problems Solved

1. Accurate mapping of fiber optic networks. 2. Efficient monitoring of cable locations and potential damages.

Benefits

1. Improved maintenance and repair processes. 2. Enhanced network security and reliability. 3. Cost-effective management of fiber optic infrastructure.

Potential Commercial Applications

Optical network providers can utilize this technology for efficient network planning, maintenance, and troubleshooting, leading to improved service delivery and customer satisfaction.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art could be the use of distributed fiber optic sensing systems for monitoring cable vibrations and strains in real-time to detect faults or intrusions along the network.

Unanswered Questions

How does the technology handle complex network configurations?

The patent application does not specifically address how the method adapts to intricate fiber network layouts with multiple cables and interconnected segments.

What are the limitations of the technology in terms of detecting small perturbations?

The patent application does not provide information on the sensitivity of the method to minor disturbances or the potential for false alarms in detecting perturbations.


Original Abstract Submitted

The technology is generally directed to a method of mapping fiber networks. The fiber networks may include a plurality of cables, such as fiber optic cables. The cable may be divided into segments. Each cable has a first end segment and a second end segment, each with a known location. When there is a perturbation that causes the cable to vibrate, each segment of the cable may experience an associated strain at a different time. Based on the known location of the perturbation sources, the known location of the end segments, and the relative time that the perturbation is detected at each cable segment, the location of each segment and, therefore, the entire cable may be determined.