REFLECTIVE TERMINATORS FOR OPTICAL NETWORKS

• Main Authors: NORRIS, Martin Eugene, JENSEN, Joseph Clinton, RIPUMAREE, Radawan
• Format: Patent
• Language: English; French; German
• Published: 03.03.2021
• Subjects: MEASURING; OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS, OR APPARATUS; OPTICS; PHYSICS; TESTING; TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES ORSTRUCTURES; TESTING STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR

Optical terminators comprising a ferrule assembly with an optical filter for providing a reflective event in an optical network are disclosed. The optical filter assembly reflecting one or more preselected wavelengths so that the service provide can test optical links in an unmated connection node of the optical network. In one embodiment, the optical terminator has a hardened connector interface for outside plant applications. A ferrule assembly comprises the optical filter, and at least a portion of the ferrule assembly is disposed within the connector housing of the optical terminator. In another embodiment the connector housing comprises a locking feature integrally formed into the body of the connector housing for securing the reflective terminator. Other embodiments comprise a sealing element for sealing a rear end of the reflective terminator, a plug end of an outer housing having first and second fingers, and a coupling nut disposed about a portion of the outer housing. The optical terminator advantageously allows the network operator to test and determine the operation of a branch of the optical network without having to send a technician to physically visit and test the operation of the desired link in the optical network.