US20040052471A1 - Connector systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the connector systems - Google Patents

Abstract

Connector systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the connector systems, are provided. A connector system for dynamically updating information related to the network, comprises: a connector; and an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector. A method for developing the connector system comprises: obtaining a connector; and integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the connector.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD
• The present invention is generally related to the field of optoelectrical networks and is more particularly related to connector systems for dynamically updating information related to a network and methods for developing the connector systems.[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• A network such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) comprises multiple communication lines between network elements such as, for example, connectors, adapters, and splices. The communication lines communicate information that is embodied in electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals. The network comprises various central offices (COs), customer premises (CPs), and nodes. Each CO comprises multiple complexes that further comprise multiple line-ups of bays. Each bay has multiple shelves and each shelf has multiple panels. Each panel comprises multiple adapters, each of which is coupled to a communication line via a connector. Each communication line can be coupled to two adapters, one adapter coupled to each end of the communication line. Both the adapters to which the communication line is coupled can be comprised in same or different panels, same or different shelves, or same or different bays.[0002]
• The coupling and uncoupling of communication lines to and from the adapters are often made manually by a technician. The technician identifies the end of a communication line and an adapter to which the communication line is to be coupled or uncoupled. The technician then plugs or unplugs a connector at the end of the communication line into the appropriate adapter and reports the coupling or uncoupling to a central record system. This manual coupling and uncoupling creates a significant possibility of human error when configuring interconnections between adapters of a network.[0003]
• U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,331 by Laor discloses a communication line identification apparatus and method which automates the identification of a communication line that is coupled to a particular adapter within a network. A communication transducer is mounted on a connector of the communication line. The communication transducer contains identification information of the communication line and of the adapter. Mounted near the adapter which engages the connector, is an adapter transducer which receives the identification information from the communications transducer. This identification information is transmitted to a system controller which provides the communication systems operator with the information about which communication line is connected to which adapter.[0004]
• Another U.S. Pat. No. 5,394,503 by Dietz, Jr. et al. discloses an optical patch panel control system, where identification information is received from a first circuit element located at a first cable end of an fiber optic cable. A pulse code is applied on a polling line leading to the first circuit element. The first circuit element responds with a pulse code having identification information regarding the first circuit element. The identification information is stored within a control system. Moreover, identification information regarding a first port that is connected to a first connector comprising the first circuit element, is provided by first sending a poll signal via a polling line and receiving a return signal having the identification regarding the first port. The identification information is also stored within the control system. Similarly, identification information of a second port and a second circuit element at the second end of the cable is obtained and stored in the control system. A connection map, therefore, is created that provides identification information of connections of all fiber optic cables in a network. Dietz, Jr., et al., also discloses providing identification numbers of central processing units (CPUs) and devices in an optical patch panel control system to determine which CPUs and devices are in the optical patch panel control system. Additionally, Dietz Jr. et al. discloses a wired connection between the circuit element and a port. The circuit element is coupled by a data wire and a ground wire to a connector that is further coupled to a port via pins. The identification information is transmitted via the wired connection.[0005]
• However, the Laor and the Dietz Jr. et al. patents are limited, in general, to providing identification information to a control system that generates a connection map showing interconnections between ports or between adapters. Specifically, Laor discloses providing a unique identification code of a communication line and an adapter to a system controller to determine whether a particular communication line is connected to an adapter. Dietz Jr. et al. discloses providing unique identification numbers of ports, and unique identification numbers of circuit elements located within connectors that are coupled to the ports, to determine whether two ports are coupled to each other by a communication line.[0006]
• Furthermore, no additional information can be added to a circuit element located within a connector once the connector and the port are coupled to each other and in use. For instance, suppose when the port is engaged with the connector, the identification information is transmitted from the circuit element to the control system. A control system operator that receives the information realizes that there is a flaw in the identification information that needs to be corrected, and also thinks it would be beneficial to add some more information to the circuit element. Nevertheless, the communications systems operator cannot correct the flaw or add more information. Additionally, the wired electrical connection between the circuit element and the port is subject to wear and tear, accidental bending or breakage. The wear and tear, accidental bending and accidental breakage probably results in a loss of connection between the circuit element and the port.[0007]
• Hence, a need exists in the industry to overcome the above-mentioned inadequacy of being unable to write additional information to the circuit element and the limitation of providing identification information to a control system to generate a connection map showing interconnections between ports or between adapters.[0008]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• The present disclosure relates to connector systems for dynamically updating information related to the network and methods for developing the connector systems. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of a connector system for dynamically updating information related to the network, among others, can be implemented as follows: a connector; and an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector.[0009]
• The disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods for developing the connector systems. In this regard, one embodiment of a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the following steps: obtaining a connector; and integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the connector.[0010]
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• Many aspects of the connector systems for dynamically updating information related to the network and methods for developing the connector systems, can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles behind the systems and methods. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.[0011]
• FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a front-view a complex that comprises the self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to the network.[0012]
• FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a side-view of a portion of the complex of FIG. 1 that comprises the systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to the network.[0013]
• FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the self-registration systems for dynamically updating information related to the network.[0014]
• FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of a connector system that comprises a connector with a surface having a cavity in which an integrated circuit can be integrated.[0015]
• FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 4A that comprises the connector with the surface having the cavity in which an integrated circuit is integrated.[0016]
• FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 4A in which the integrated circuit is integrated in an outside wall of the surface of the connector.[0017]
• FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 4A in which the integrated circuit is integrated in an inside wall of the surface of the connector.[0018]
• FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of a connector system that comprises a connector with a surface having a cavity in which an integrated circuit can be integrated.[0019]
• FIG. 5B shows another embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 5A that comprises the connector with the surface having the cavity in which an integrated circuit is integrated.[0020]
• FIG. 5C shows yet another embodiment of the connector system of FIG. 5A and an adapter that can be coupled to the connector of the connector system.[0021]
• FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the connector of the connector system of FIG. 5A.[0022]
• FIG. 6B shows a cross-section of the embodiment of the connector of the connector system of FIG. 5A.[0023]
• FIG. 6C shows another cross-section of the embodiment of the connector of the connector system of FIG. 5A.[0024]
• FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of another embodiment of the connector of the connector system of FIG. 5A.[0025]
• FIG. 7B shows a cross-section of the other embodiment of the connector of the connector system of FIG. 5A.[0026]
• FIG. 7C shows another cross-section of the other embodiment of the connector of the connector system of FIG. 5A.[0027]
• FIGS.[0028]8A-8E show an embodiment of a method for developing the connector system of FIGS. 4A, 4B,5A and5B.
• FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of an adapter system that comprises a portion of an adapter with a surface having a cavity in which an antenna can be integrated.[0029]
• FIG. 9B shows another embodiment of the adapter system of FIG. 9A that comprises the portion with the surface having the cavity in which the antenna is integrated.[0030]
• FIG. 9C shows yet another embodiment of the adapter system of FIG. 9A in which the antenna is integrated in an outside wall of the surface of the portion of the adapter.[0031]
• FIG. 9D shows another embodiment of the adapter system of FIG. 9A in which the antenna is integrated in an inside wall of the surface of the portion of the adapter.[0032]
• FIGS. 10A and 10B show an embodiment of an adapter system comprising an adapter to which an antenna that is embedded in a tape overlay, is affixed.[0033]
• FIGS.[0034]11A-11C show an embodiment of a method for developing the adapter system of FIGS. 10A and 10B.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
• The present disclosure relates to self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network. The systems and methods are not limited to reading identification information stored on the integrated circuit to generate a connection map showing interconnections between adapters but includes reading information about all network elements. The information about all network elements includes information about integrated circuits of the network. Examples of integrated circuits of the network include name of the integrated circuits, locations of the integrated circuits in the network and identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the integrated circuits. Moreover, the information about all network elements includes information about readers of the network. Instances of information about readers of the network include names of the readers, locations of the readers in the network, whether a reader is coupled to an integrated circuit via an adapter and identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the readers.[0035]
• Furthermore, the information about all network elements includes information about writers of the network. Illustrations of information about writers of the network include names of the writers, locations of the writers in the network, whether a writer is coupled to an integrated circuit via an adapter and identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the writers. Additionally, the information about all network elements includes information about computing devices of the network. Examples of information about the computing devices include names of the computing devices and locations of the computing devices in the network.[0036]
• Moreover, the information about all network elements includes information about communication lines of the network. Instances of the information about communication lines of the network include types, rates and wavelengths of signals propagating through the communication lines, types of fibers in the communication lines, fiber counts of the communication lines, span measurements of the communication lines, lengths of the communication lines, names of the communication lines, types of the communication lines, number of times a communication line is coupled to an adapter via a connector, locations of the communication lines in the network, identification numbers of ends of the communication lines and optical performances, such as, return losses or path losses of the communication lines. An example of the types and rates of signals includes OC 48, which is an abbreviation for optical communications at 2.5 gigabits per second. Examples of types of signals include electrical, electromagnetic and optical signals. Some instances of the operating wavelengths of the signals include 1310 nanometers (nm) and 1550 nm of signals propagating through the communication lines of the network. Illustrations of types of fibers include singlemode (SM), multimode (MM), dispersion-shifted fiber (DSF), and True Wave™. Examples of span measurements of the communication lines include attenuations of the communication lines, optical return losses (RLs) of the communication lines, and polarization mode dispersions (PMDs) of the communication lines. Some instances of types of communication lines include optical fibers, ribbons of optical fibers, bundles of optical fibers, coax cable, twisted pairs and fiber optic cables.[0037]
• Furthermore information about all network elements includes information about connectors of the network. Illustrations of the information about connectors of the network include names of the connectors, types of the connectors, locations of the connectors in the network, identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the connectors of the network and optical performances, such as, insertion losses of the connectors. Various types of connectors include FC™ connectors, SC™ connectors, ST™ connectors, LC™ connectors, MU™ connectors and MT™ connectors. The FC™, SC™, and MU™ designations are provided by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp., a corporation in Japan, the ST™ designation is provided by AT&T™ Inc., and the LC™ designation is provided by Lucent Technologies™, Inc. Furthermore, information about all network elements includes information about adapters of the network. Examples of the information about adapters of the network include names of the adapters, types of the adapters, numbers of communication lines coupled to each adapter, locations of the adapters in the network, whether an adapter is coupled to a communication line via a connector, identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the adapters of the network and optical performances, such as, insertion losses of the adapters. Adapters can comprise two receptacles or ports. Some illustrations of various types of adapters include one-port receptacles, simplex adapters, multiport receptacles, duplex adapters, multiport adapters, hybrid adapters, adapters that can be coupled to FC™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to SC™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to ST™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to LC™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to MU™ connectors and adapters that can be coupled to MT™ connectors.[0038]
• Additionally, information about all network elements includes information about panels of adapters of the network. Examples of the information about the panels of the adapters include dimensions of the panels, number of adapters in each panel, and identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the panels. Moreover, information about all network elements includes information about shelves of panels of the network. Instances of the information about the shelves of the panels include number of panels in each shelf, dimensions of the shelf, and identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the shelves. Furthermore, information about all network elements includes information about bays of shelves of the network. Illustrations of the information about the bays include names of the bays, locations of the bays in the network and identification numbers, such as, ordering identification numbers, of the bays.[0039]
• Information about all network elements also includes information about splices of the network. Examples of the information about splices of the network include names of the splices and identification numbers, such as ordering identification numbers, of the splices of the network. Moreover, information about all network elements also includes information about fanout devices of the network. Examples of the information about fanout devices of the network include names of the fanout devices and identification numbers, such as ordering identification numbers, of the fanout devices of the network. Furthermore, information about all network elements includes information about multiplexers of the network. Examples of the information about multiplexers of the network include names of the multiplexers and identification numbers, such as ordering identification numbers, of the multiplexers of the network. Some illustrations of names of multiplexers include FT-2000 and OLS 400G. FT is an abbreviation for a fiber terminal, which is a type of multiplexer. OLS is an abbreviation for optical light-wave system, which is another type of multiplexer. Hence, the systems and methods are not limited to reading identification information to generate a connection map showing interconnections between adapters of the network.[0040]
• Moreover, the systems and methods allow to update information that is stored on an integrated circuit of each connector of the network by using a writer that writes information to the integrated circuit of each connector. The information that can be written includes information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit. Information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit include information about the integrated circuit, a reader that receives information from the integrated circuit, the writer, a computing device from which the writer receives information, a communication line coupled to an adapter via a connector, the connector, the adapter, a panel comprising the adapter, a shelf comprising the panel, and a bay comprising the shelf, a fanout device coupled to the connector and a splice coupled to the fanout device.[0041]
• FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a front-view a complex[0042]100 that comprises the self-registration systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network. A CO (not shown) comprises multiple complexes such as the complex100. The complex100 helps propagate data from one CO to another CO, a CP (not shown) to a CO, or a CO to a CP. Each complex comprises at least one bay. For example, the complex100 comprises a line-up of bays101-103.
• Each of the bays[0043]101-103 comprises at least one shelf and at least one intermediate device. For instance, thebay101 comprises shelves107-108 and anintermediate device104, thebay102 comprises shelves109-110 and anintermediate device105, and thebay103 comprises shelves111-112 and anintermediate device106.
• A shelf comprises at least one panel of adapters. As an example, the[0044]shelf107 comprises panels113-115, theshelf108 comprises panels122-124, theshelf109 comprises panels116-118, and theshelf111 comprises panels119-121. Each panel comprises at least one adapter. To illustrate, thepanel113 comprises adapters130-132, thepanel114 comprises anadapter189, thepanel115 comprises adapters133-135, thepanel116 comprises adapters136-138, thepanel119 comprises adapters139-141 and thepanel122 comprises adapters142-144.
• Each adapter of the complex[0045]100 may be coupled to a communication line via a connector coupled to an end of the communication line. For instance, theadapter130 ofpanel113 is coupled to acommunication line171 via aconnector150 that is coupled to an end of thecommunication line171. Theadapter132 of thesame panel113 is coupled to thecommunication line171 via aconnector152 that is coupled to the other end of thesame communication line171. As a second instance, theadapter131 of thepanel113 is coupled to acommunication line172 via aconnector151 that is coupled to an end of thecommunication line172. Theadapter135 ofpanel115 is coupled to thecommunication line172 via aconnector155 that is coupled to the other end of thesame communication line172. As a third instance, theadapter136 ofpanel116 is coupled to acommunication line173 via aconnector156 that is coupled to an end of thecommunication line173. Theadapter141 ofpanel119 is coupled to thecommunication line173 via aconnector161 that is coupled to the other end of thesame communication line173. As a fourth instance, theadapter134 ofpanel115 is coupled to acommunication line174 via aconnector163 that is coupled to an end of thecommunication line174. Theadapter142 ofpanel122 is coupled to thecommunication line174 via aconnector162 that is coupled to the other end of thesame communication line174.
• Each of the connectors[0046]150-152,155-156,161-164 of the complex100 can be, for example, an FC™ connector, an SC™ connector, an ST™ connector, an LC™ connector, an MU™ connector or an MT™ connector. Information is transmitted via a communication line in the form of electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals. Furthermore, any two adapters of the complex100 can be coupled via a communication line. The two adapters that are coupled via a communication line may be located on same or different panels, same or different shelves, or same or different bays in a complex. As an example, theadapter130 of thepanel113 is coupled via thecommunication line171 to theadapter132 of thesame panel113. As a second example, theadapter131 of thepanel113 of theshelf107 is coupled via thecommunication line172 to theadapter135 of anotherpanel115 of thesame shelf107. As a third example, theadapter134 of theshelf107 of thebay101 is coupled via thecommunication line174 to theadapter142 of anothershelf108 of thesame bay101. As a fourth example, theadapter136 of theshelf109 of thebay102 is coupled via thecommunication line173 to theadapter141 of theshelf111 of anotherbay103.
• An intermediate device of a bay receives signals from each adapter of the bay and also transmits signals to each adapter of the bay. The intermediate device receives signals from and transmits signals to an adapter that is coupled to a communication line. To illustrate, the[0047]intermediate device104 receives signals from and transmits signals to the adapters130-132,134-135,142 and189 of thebay101, theintermediate device105 of thebay102 receives signals from and transmits signals to theadapter136 of thebay102, theintermediate device106 receives signals from and transmits signals to theadapter141 of thebay103.
• FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of a side-view of a portion of the complex[0048]100 (FIG. 1) that comprises the systems and methods for dynamically updating information related to a network. The portion comprises thepanel113 on which theadapters130 and132, are mounted. The portion also comprises apanel203 on which areceptacle211 is mounted. The portion of the complex100 further comprises thecommunication line171 that couples theadapter130 to theadapter132, acommunication line221 that couples theadapter130 to thereceptacle211, acommunication line223 that couples theadapter132 to afanout device231, and acommunication line225 that couples thefanout device231 to asplice233. Thefanout device231 splits thecommunication line223 into multiple fibers that are located in thecommunication line225. Thesplice233 splices thecommunication line225 and acommunication line227. Thereceptacle211 couples thecommunication line221 via aconnector243 to a network element such as, for instance, a computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a telephone. Thesplice233 can be coupled via thecommunication line227 to an adapter located at another complex (not shown) of a network that comprises the complex100.
• Each end of the each of the[0049]communication lines171 and221 is coupled to an adapter via a connector. For example, anend251 of thecommunication line171 is coupled to theadapter130 via theconnector150, anend253 of thecommunication line171 is coupled to theadapter132 via theconnector152, anend257 of thecommunication line221 is coupled to theadapter130 via aconnector241 and anend259 of thecommunication line221 is coupled to thereceptacle211 via aconnector243.
• Each connector of the complex[0050]100 comprises an integrated circuit. To illustrate, theconnector150 comprises anintegrated circuit261, theconnector152 comprises anintegrated circuit265, and theconnector241 comprises anintegrated circuit263, theconnector243 comprises an integrated circuit271 and theconnector245 comprises anintegrated circuit269. An example of an integrated circuit that each connector of the complex100 comprises is an ME-Y1001 chip manufactured by Maxell, Inc. The dimensions of the integrated circuit ME-Y1001 chip are for example, 2.5 mm length×2.5 mm breadth and 0.57 mm thickness, which are small enough to allow the chip to be integrated into a connector. As discussed below in detail, each integrated circuit can be integrated into a connector.
• Each of the adapters of the panels of the complex[0051]100 comprise at least one antenna. For instance, theadapter130 of the panel113 (FIG. 1) comprisesantennas281 and283 and theadapter132 of thepanel113 comprisesantennas285 and287.
• Antennas of all adapters of a shelf of a bay of the complex[0052]100 can be coupled to an intermediate device of the bay. As an illustration, theantennas281 and283 of theadapter130 of the shelf107 (FIG. 1) of the bay101 (FIG. 1) are coupled via acommunication line291 to theintermediate device104. As another illustration, theantennas285 and287 of theadapter132 of theshelf107 of thebay101 are coupled via acommunication line293 to theintermediate device104. Similarly, antennas of the remaining adapters of theshelf107 can be coupled to theintermediate device104. Coupling of antennas of all the adapters of a shelf to only one intermediate device helps keep costs low since each intermediate device comprises a transceiver and a controller, which are expensive. Moreover, in an alternative embodiment, to further decrease costs, only one intermediate device can be coupled to antennas of all adapters of a bay. As an illustration, theintermediate device104 can be coupled to the antennas of the adapters of theshelves107 and108 of thebay101. However, in an alternative embodiment, antennas of each adapter can be coupled to a separate intermediate device. For example, theantennas281 and283 of theadapter130 can be coupled to theintermediate device104 and theantennas285 and287 of theadapter132 can be coupled to another intermediate device. In such an embodiment, each intermediate device, such as theintermediate device104, can be located in a printed circuit board (not shown) and each panel of adapters, such as, thepanel113, that are coupled to the intermediate device can be the printed circuit board. Moreover, in such an embodiment, each antenna in each adapter of the panel, has leads that couple to the printed circuit board.
• The length of a communication line that couples an intermediate device of a bay to an antenna of an adapter of the bay should factor loss of communication constraints. For example, the[0053]communication lines291 and293 should be of minimal length, for instance, less than three meters, to avoid a loss of communication of information between theintermediate device104 and the antennas281-287.
• The[0054]intermediate device104 is connected to acomputing device295 via aconnection297, which can be, for instance, an RS-232 or a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connection. Alternatively, theintermediate device104 can be coupled to thecomputing device295 via a network such as WAN or a LAN. Examples of computing devices include a computer, a PDA, a controller and any other device that stores and process information.
• The[0055]intermediate device104 periodically scans theintegrated circuits261,263,265 and269 by sending querying signals periodically to each of the integrated circuits. Theintermediate device104 transmits querying signals via thecommunication line291 to theintegrated circuits261 and263. The querying signals further propagate via theantenna281 to theintegrated circuit261 and via theantenna283 to theintegrated circuit263. Theintermediate device104 also transmits querying signals via thecommunication line293 to theintegrated circuits265 and269. The querying signals further propagate via theantenna285 to theintegrated circuit265 and via theantenna287 to theintegrated circuit269.
• Each of the[0056]integrated circuits261,263,265 and269 receives querying signals and provides information stored on the integrated circuits to theintermediate device104. Each of the integrated circuits provides information via an antenna and a communication line to theintermediate device104. To explain, theintegrated circuit261 provides information stored on theintegrated circuit261 via theantenna281 and thecommunication line291 to theintermediate device104. Theintegrated circuit263 provides information stored on the integrated circuit via theantenna283 and thecommunication line291 to theintermediate device104. Theintegrated circuit265 provides information stored on the integrated circuit via theantenna285 and thecommunication line293 to theintermediate device104. Theintegrated circuit269 provides information stored on the integrated circuit via theantenna287 and thecommunication line293 to theintermediate device104.
• The[0057]intermediate device104 obtains information stored on theintegrated circuits261,263,265 and269 and further transmits the information to thecomputing device295. Thecomputing device295 stores information that is received from theintegrated circuits261,263,265 and269. A user using thecomputing device295 can access the information on thecomputing device295 and can know about all the network elements.
• The information obtained by the[0058]computing device295 via theintermediate device104 is not limited to providing identification information to thecomputing device295 that generates a connection map showing interconnections between adapters, such as theadapters130 and132, and theadapter130 and thereceptacle211. The information that is obtained by thecomputing device295 includes information stored on theintegrated circuits261,263,265 and269. It is noted that thecomputing device295 can also obtain information stored on the integrated circuit271 of theconnector243 if thereceptacle211 comprises an antenna (not shown) that acts as a medium by which the information stored on the integrated circuit271, can be transmitted to theintermediate device104 via the communication line (not shown) coupling the antenna of thereceptacle211 and theintermediate device104, and then can be further transmitted to thecomputing device295.
• Information stored on the[0059]integrated circuit261 includes information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. Information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261 include information about theintegrated circuit261, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines171,291 and297, theconnector150, theadapter130, thepanel113 that comprises theadapter130, theshelf107 that comprises thepanel113 and thebay101 that comprises theshelf107. Examples of information about theintegrated circuit261 comprises name of theintegrated circuit261, location of theintegrated circuit261 in the network, and identification number, such as ordering identification number, of theintegrated circuit261. Instances of information about theintermediate device104 include name of theintermediate device104, location of theintermediate device104 in the network, whether the intermediate device is coupled to theintegrated circuit261 via theadapter130, and identification number, such as ordering identification number, of theintermediate device104. Illustrations of information about thecomputing device295 include name of thecomputing device295 and location of thecomputing device295 in the network.
• Examples of information about each[0060]communication line171,291 and297 include types, rates and wavelengths of signals propagating through thecommunication line171, types of fibers in thecommunication line171, fiber counts of thecommunication line171, span measurements of thecommunication line171, length of thecommunication line171, name of thecommunication line171, type of thecommunication line171, number of times thecommunication line171 is coupled to theadapter130 via theconnector150, location of thecommunication line171 in the network, identification numbers ofends251 and253 of thecommunication line171 and optical performances, such as, return losses or path losses of thecommunication line171.
• Examples of information about the[0061]connector150 include name of theconnector150, type of theconnector150, location of theconnector150 in the network, identification number, such as, ordering identification number of theconnector150 and optical performance, such as, insertion loss of theconnector150. Instances of information about theadapter130 include name of theadapter130, type of theadapter130, number of communication lines coupled to theadapter130, location of theadapter130 in the network, whether theadapter130 is coupled to thecommunication line171 via theconnector150, identification number, such as, ordering identification number of theadapter130 and optical performance, such as, insertion loss of theadapter130. An example of the location of theadapter130 in the network includes that theadapter130 is located on thepanel113 of theshelf107 of thebay101 of the network.
• Illustrations of information about the[0062]panel113 that comprises theadapter130, include dimensions of thepanel113, number of adapters in thepanel113 and identification number, such as, ordering identification number of thepanel113. Examples of information about theshelf107 that comprises thepanel113, include number of panels in theshelf107, dimensions of theshelf107, and identification number, such as, ordering identification numbers, of theshelf107. Illustrations of the information about thebay101 includes name of thebay101, location of thebay101 in the network and identification number, such as, ordering identification number of thebay101.
• Information stored on the[0063]integrated circuit263 includes information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit263. Information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit263 is similar to information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. For example, information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit263 includes information about theintegrated circuit263, such as, for instance, name of theintegrated circuit263, location of theintegrated circuit263 and identification number, such as ordering identification number of theintegrated circuit263. Other examples of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit263 include information about theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines221,291 and297, theconnector241, theadapter130, thepanel113 that comprises theadapter130, theshelf107 that comprises thepanel113 and thebay101 that comprises theshelf107.
• Information stored on the[0064]integrated circuit265 includes information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit265. Information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit265 is similar to information associated with theintegrated circuit261. For instance, information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit265 include information about theadapter132, such as, for instance, name of theadapter132, type of theadapter132, number of communication lines coupled to theadapter132, location of theadapter132 in the network, whether theadapter132 is coupled to thecommunication line171 via theconnector152, identification number of theadapter132 and optical performance of theadapter132. Other instances of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit265 include information about theintegrated circuit265, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines171,293 and297, theconnector152, theadapter132, thepanel113 that comprises theadapter132, theshelf107 that comprises thepanel113 and thebay101 that comprises theshelf107.
• Information stored on the[0065]integrated circuit269 includes information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit269. Information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit269 includes information about theintegrated circuit269, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines223,225,227,293 and297, theconnector245, thesplice233 and the fan outdevice231.
• Information stored on the integrated circuit[0066]271 includes information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit271. Information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit271 includes information about the integrated circuit271, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication line221, theconnector243 and thereceptacle211.
• The information received by the[0067]computing device295 implicitly includes whether theadapters130 and132 are coupled to each other via theconnectors150 and152, whether theadapter130 and thereceptacle211 are coupled to each other via theconnectors241 and243, whether theadapter132 is coupled to thefanout device231 via theconnector245, whether thefanout device231 is coupled to thesplice233, whether theintermediate device104 is coupled to theadapters130 and132, and whether thecomputing device295 is coupled to theintermediate device104. For instance, identification numbers of theend251 of thecommunication line171, theconnector150 coupled to theadapter130 and theadapter130 coupled to thecommunication line171, can be transmitted from theintegrated circuit261 to thecomputing device295. Moreover, identification numbers of theother end253 of thecommunication line171, theconnector152 that is coupled to theadapter132, and theadapter132 can be transmitted from theintegrated circuit265 to thecomputing device295. A user using thecomputing device295 can determine from the reception of the identification numbers by thecomputing device295 that theadapter130 is coupled to theadapter132 via theconnector150, thecommunication line171, and theconnector152.
• Furthermore, the information received by the[0068]computing device295 can help determine whether a connector of the network is coupled to an improper adapter of the network. For example, if theconnector150 with an identification number X2661 is coupled to theadapter132 with an identification number N8899 instead of being coupled to theadapter130 with an identification number N8999, thecomputing device295 receives the identification numbers of theconnector150, theadapter130 and theadapter132 so that a user of thecomputing device295 can compare the received identification numbers to a standard list that shows that theconnector150 should be coupled to theadapter130 instead of theadapter132. The user, therefore, can figure that theconnector150 is coupled to theadapter132 when it should be coupled to theadapter130.
• Additionally, information that is received by the[0069]computing device295 can help determine whether a connector of the network is inadvertently uncoupled from an adapter of the network. To illustrate, if theconnector150 is inadvertently uncoupled from theadapter130, thecomputing device295 stops receiving identification number of theconnector150 since theintermediate device104 that periodically scans theintegrated circuit261 stops receiving information stored on the integrated circuit. Therefore, a user of thecomputing device295 can know that there has been an uncoupling of theconnector150 from theadapter130. The user knows beforehand from the standard list, that theconnector150 should be coupled to theadapter130 and hence, concludes that the uncoupling was inadvertent.
• The information that is received by the[0070]computing device295 further includes the number of times thecommunication line171 is coupled to theadapters130 and132, the number of times thecommunication line221 is coupled to theadapter130 and to thereceptacle211 and the number of times thecommunication line223 is coupled to theadapter132. As an illustration, theintegrated circuit263 can comprise a counter (not shown) that counts the number of times thecommunication line221 is coupled to theadapter130 via theconnector241.
• The[0071]computing device295 can obtain the count and compare the count stored in thecomputing device295 to determine whether theadapter130 or thecommunication line221 should be replaced because of wear and tear. For example, if the count shows that the number of times thecommunication line221 is coupled to theadapter130 is above a certain threshold, theadapter130 or thecommunication line221 should be replaced since either theadapter130 or thecommunication line221 has presumably undergone a sufficient amount of wear and tear. If the count is below the threshold, no such replacements should be made since presumably neither theadapter130 nor thecommunication line221 has undergone a sufficient amount of wear and tear.
• If the[0072]computing device295 can obtain information that is stored on theintegrated circuits261,263,265,269 and271, thecomputing device295 can similarly obtain information that is stored on integrated circuits of all the connectors of the complex100. For example, thecomputing device295 can be connected to all the intermediate devices104-106 (FIG. 1) of the complex100 to obtain information stored on integrated circuits of connectors of the bays101-103 (FIG. 1). If thecomputing device295 can obtain information stored on integrated circuits of all the connectors of the complex100, thecomputing device295 similarly can obtain information stored on integrated circuits of all connectors of a CO that comprises multiple complexes such as the complex100. If thecomputing device295 can obtain information stored on integrated circuits of all the connectors of a CO, thecomputing device295 similarly can obtain information stored on integrated circuit of all connectors of a network that comprises multiple COs. Hence, thecomputing device295 can obtain information about all the network elements. Thus, the information obtained by thecomputing device295 via theintermediate device104 is not limited to providing identification information to thecomputing device295 that generates a connection map showing interconnections between adapters of the network, such as, for instance, theadapters130 and132, and between theadapter130 and thereceptacle211 of the complex100.
• Information can not only be read from an integrated circuit by transmitting the information from an integrated circuit to the[0073]computing device295 via an intermediate device but information can also be written to the integrated circuit by transmitting the information from thecomputing device295 to the integrated circuit via the intermediate device. As an example, the user of thecomputing device295 can transmit information to be written to theintegrated circuit269 from thecomputing device295 via thecommunication line297 to theintermediate device104. Theintermediate device104 further transmits the information via thecommunication line293 and theantenna287 to theintegrated circuit269. Theintegrated circuit269 stores the information. Information can similarly be written on theintegrated circuit265 by transmitting the information from thecomputing device295, theintermediate device104, thecommunication line293, and theantenna285 to theintegrated circuit265. Information can also be written on theintegrated circuits261 and263 in a similar manner by transmitting the information from thecomputing device295 to theintegrated circuits261 and263. Moreover, information can be written to the integrated circuit271 in a similar manner if the integrated circuit271 can receive information via an antenna (not shown) of thereceptacle211, a communication line (not shown) that couples the antenna to theintermediate device104, and thecommunication line297. Hence, information can be written to any of theintegrated circuits261,263,265,269 and271 by transmitting the information from thecomputing device295 to theintegrated circuits261,263,265,269 and271.
• The information that can be written to each[0074]integrated circuit261,263,265,269 and271 includes information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit. Instances of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261 include information about theintegrated circuit261, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines171,291 and297, theconnector150, theadapter130, thepanel113 comprising theadapter130, theshelf107 comprising thepanel113, and thebay101 comprising theshelf107. Examples of information about theintegrated circuit261, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines171,291 and297, theconnector150, theadapter130, thepanel113 comprising theadapter130, theshelf107 comprising thepanel113, and thebay101 comprising theshelf107, were provided above. Additional examples of information about theadapter130 include whether theadapter130 is coupled to theadapter132 viaconnectors150 and152, whether theadapter130 is coupled to thereceptacle211 viaconnectors241 and243 and whether theadapter130 is coupled to theintermediate device104. Moreover, some more examples of information about thecommunication line171 include a number of times thecommunication line171 is coupled to theadapter130 via theconnector150 and a number of times thecommunication line171 is coupled to theadapter132 via theconnector152.
• Moreover, examples of information about network elements associated with the[0075]integrated circuit263 are similar to instances of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. Examples of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit263 include information about theintegrated circuit263, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines221,291 and297, theconnector241, theadapter130, thepanel113 comprising theadapter130, theshelf107 comprising thepanel113 and thebay101 comprising theshelf107. Additional examples of information about thecommunication line221 includes a number of times thecommunication line221 is coupled to theadapter130 via theconnector241 and a number of times thecommunication line221 is coupled to thereceptacle211 via theconnector243.
• Furthermore, examples of information about network elements associated with the[0076]integrated circuit265 are similar to instances of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. Examples of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit265 include information about theintegrated circuit265, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines171,293 and297, theconnector152, theadapter132, thepanel113 comprising theadapter132, theshelf107 comprising thepanel113 and thebay101 comprising theshelf107. Some more examples of information about theadapter132 includes whether theadapter132 is coupled to theadapter130, whether theadapter132 is coupled to thefanout device231 and whether theadapter132 is coupled to theintermediate device104.
• Furthermore, examples of information about network elements associated with the[0077]integrated circuit269 are similar to instances of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. Examples of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit269 include information about theintegrated circuit269, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication lines223,225,227,293 and297, theconnector245, theadapter132, thepanel113 comprising theadapter132, theshelf107 comprising thepanel113, thebay101 comprising theshelf107, thefanout device231 coupled to theconnector245 and thesplice233 coupled to thefanout device231. Illustrations of information about thecommunication line223 include a number of times thecommunication line223 is coupled to theadapter132 via theconnector245. Moreover, examples of information about thesplice233 include whether thesplice233 is coupled to thefanout device231. Furthermore, instances of information about thefanout device231 include whether thefanout device231 is coupled to thesplice233. Additionally, illustrations of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit271 are similar to instances of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. Illustrations of information about network elements associated with the integrated circuit271 include information about the integrated circuit271, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication line221, theconnector243 and thereceptacle211. Examples of information about thereceptacle211 include whether thereceptacle211 is coupled to theadapter130 via thecommunication line221 and via theconnectors241 and243.
• Moreover, the information that can be written to one of the[0078]integrated circuits261,263,265,269 and271 includes whether another integrated circuit of the network can transmit information to and receive information from thecomputing device295 via theintermediate device104. As an example, a user can write to theintegrated circuit263 of theconnector241 that an integrated circuit271 of theconnector243 cannot transmit information to and receive information from thecomputing device295. The integrated circuit271 cannot transmit information to and receive information from thecomputing device295 since thereceptacle211 does not comprise a medium, such as an antenna, through which the integrated circuit271 can receive information from and transmit information to thecomputing device295. It is noted, however, that thereceptacle211 can comprise such a medium.
• Information regarding any network element can be written to any of the[0079]integrated circuits261,263,265,269 and271 that are coupled to thecomputing device295 via theintermediate device104. To illustrate, identification number of the integrated circuit271 located at oneend259 of thecommunication line221 can be written to theintegrated circuit263 at theother end257 of thecommunication line221. As another illustration, information that theend259 is to be coupled to thereceptacle211 can be written on theintegrated circuit263 at theend257 of the communication line.
• It is noted that an integrated circuit may be comprised in a panel of a complex instead of being comprised in the connectors that couple communication lines to adapters of the panel. As an example, an integrated circuit may be comprised in the[0080]panel113 of the complex100 instead of being comprised in each connector of thepanel113. Information related to the network elements, such as, for instance, the adapters of thepanel113, connectors coupled to the adapters of thepanel113, and communication lines to which the adapters of thepanel113 are coupled, can be written to and read from the integrated circuit of thepanel113. Costs decrease with the number of integrated circuits used in a network since although each integrated circuit is inexpensive, a large number of integrated circuits can result in high costs.
• FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the self-registration systems for dynamically updating information related to the network. The embodiment comprises one of the connectors of the complex[0081]100 of FIG. 1, for instance, theconnector150; one of the adapters of the complex100 that is coupled to the connector, for example, theadapter130; the intermediate device coupled to the connector via the adapter, for instance, theintermediate device104; and a computing device coupled to theintermediate device104, for example, thecomputing device295. Theconnector150 comprises theintegrated circuit261, which can be integrated in a variety of ways described below, into theconnector150.
• The integrated[0082]circuit261 comprises anantenna311 coupled to acontrol circuit315, apower generator317, and amemory313 via alocal interface319. Thepower generator317 provides power to thecontrol circuit315 and thememory313. Thelocal interface319 can be, for example but not limited to, one or more buses or other wired or wireless connections. Thelocal interface319 may have additional elements, which are omitted for simplicity, such as, for example controllers, buffers, drivers, repeaters, and receivers, to enable communications. Further, thelocal interface319 may include address, control or data connections, to enable appropriate communications among the aforementioned components. It is noted that theintegrated circuit261 may not comprise thepower generator317, in which case, the power to thememory313 and thecontrol circuit315 can be provided by querying signals that are transmitted periodically, such as, for instance, every few milliseconds, from atransceiver303 of theintermediate device104, via theantenna281 of theadapter130, to theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150. When the querying signals provide power, thecontrol circuit315 modulates the querying signals with information stored in thememory313 so that the information can be transmitted to thetransceiver303. It is noted that thetransceiver303 can be comprised in theadapter130 instead of being comprised in theintermediate device104.
• The[0083]adapter130 comprises theantenna281 that acts as a medium by which thetransceiver303 receives information from and transmits information to theintegrated circuit261. Theantenna281 of theadapter130 and theantenna311 of theconnector150 provide a wireless electrical connection between thetransceiver303 of theintermediate device104 and theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150 so that thetransceiver303 can receive information from and transmit information to theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150. The information that is transmitted to and received from theintegrated circuit261, via theantennas281 and311, by thetransceiver303, can be embodied in, for instance, electrical, electromagnetic, or optical signals. A wireless electrical connection between thetransceiver303 and theintegrated circuit261 is beneficial compared to a wired electrical connection between thetransceiver303 and theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150 since the wired electrical connection is subject to wear and tear or accidental breakage. Each of the wear and tear and accidental breakage generally results in a loss of connection between thetransceiver303 and theintegrated circuit261. However, a wired electrical connection can be used between thetransceiver303 and theintegrated circuit261.
• The[0084]antenna281 of theadapter130 and theantenna311 ofintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150 should be in close proximity with each other to enable communication of information with theantenna311 of theintegrated circuit261. As an example, if no booster antenna (not shown) is used in conjunction with theantenna281 of theadapter130 and theantenna311 of theintegrated circuit261, the distance between the two antennas should not be more than 3 mm to enable communication of information between theantennas281 and311. However, if the booster antenna is used, the distance between theantenna311 of theintegrated circuit261 and theantenna281 of theadapter130 can be at most 20 mm to enable the communication.
• The[0085]intermediate device104 comprises acontroller305 and thetransceiver303. Thecontroller305 comprises a processor (not shown) that controls the operations of theintermediate device104, such as, for instance, rate of transfer of information between thecomputing device295 and thetransceiver303, or commanding thetransceiver303 to periodically send querying signals to theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150. Thecontroller305 also comprises a memory (not shown) coupled to the processor of thecontroller305. Thetransceiver303 is coupled to theantenna281 of theadapter130.
• A reader/[0086]writer301 comprises theantenna281 of theadapter130, thetransceiver303 and thecontroller305. Thecomputing device295 that is connected to thecontroller305 can be, for instance, a computer, a PDA, a controller or any other device that stores and process information. Thecomputing device295 can be connected to thecontroller305 via, for example, a USB connection that propagates infrared signals or an RS-232 connection that is a wired electrical connection. Alternatively, thecomputing device295 can be connected to thecontroller305 via a network such as a LAN or a WAN.
• The reader/[0087]writer301 reads information from thememory313 of the integrated circuit as follows. Thecontroller305 commands thetransceiver303 to periodically send querying signals via theantenna281 of theadapter130 to theantenna311 of theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150. Querying signals are usually sent at intervals of milliseconds, such as, for example, every forty milliseconds. Thecontrol circuit315 receives and recognizes the querying signals via theantenna311 of theconnector150 and commands thememory313 to release information stored in thememory313. Thetransceiver303 then receives the information via theantenna311 of theconnector150 and theantenna281 of theadapter130. Thereafter, thetransceiver303 transmits the information to thecontroller305 that can store the information temporarily, in the memory of thecontroller305 to control the rate of transfer of information to thecomputing device295. Hence, the reader/writer301 reads information from thememory313 of the integrated circuit. Thetransceiver303 transmits the information via thecontroller305 to thecomputing device295 that stores the information so that a user who uses thecomputing device295 can access the information.
• The information stored in the[0088]computing device295 is not limited to identification information, such as, for instance, identification information of theintegrated circuit261, theconnector150, theadapter130, the integrated circuit265 (FIG. 2), the connector152 (FIG. 2) and the adapter132 (FIG. 2) to determine whether there is an interconnection between theadapter130 and theadapter132 of the network. The information that is obtained by thecomputing device295 from theintegrated circuit261 includes information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. Examples of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261 include information about theintegrated circuit261, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication line171, theconnector150 and theadapter130. Some additional examples of information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261 include information about the reader/writer301, thecontroller305, thetransceiver303, theantenna281, theantenna311, thememory313, thelocal interface319, thecontrol circuit315 and thepower generator317. Illustrations of information about theintegrated circuit261, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication line171, theconnector150 and theadapter130, were provided above. Instances of information about the reader/writer301 include name of the reader/writer301, location of the reader/writer301 in the network, whether the reader/writer301 is coupled to theintegrated circuit261 via theadapter130 and identification number of the reader/writer301.
• If the[0089]computing device295 can obtain information stored on theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150, thecomputing device295 can also obtain information stored on the integrated circuits of all connectors of the complex100 of the network in a similar fashion and a user can access information that is obtained by thecomputing device295 to know about all elements of the complex100. If the user can be informed about all elements in one complex, the user can also be informed, in a similar fashion, about network elements in multiple complexes that are comprised in a CO. If the user can be informed about network elements in one CO, it follows that the user can know about network elements in multiple COs and so know about all elements in a network comprising the multiple COs. Hence, the user can obtain information about all network elements. Thus, information stored in thecomputing device295 is not limited to identification information of theintegrated circuit261, theconnector150, theadapter130, other integrated circuits, other connectors, and other adapters of a network to determine interconnections between the adapters of the network.
• Furthermore, information can be written to the[0090]memory313 of theintegrated circuit261 by first transmitting the information from thecomputing device295 to thecontroller305 of the reader/writer301. The reader/writer301 writes to thememory313 of theintegrated circuit261 as follows. Thecontroller305 may temporarily store information that is received from thecomputing device295, in the memory of thecontroller305, to control the rate of transfer of information between thecomputing device295 and thetransceiver303. Thetransceiver303 receives the information from thecontroller305 and transmits the information via theantenna281 of theadapter130 and theantenna311 of theconnector150 to thecontrol circuit315 of theintegrated circuit261 of theconnector150. Thecontrol circuit315 receives the information and stores the information in thememory313 of theintegrated circuit261. Hence, the reader/writer301 writes information to thememory313 of theintegrated circuit261.
• The information that is written to the[0091]memory313 of theintegrated circuit261 includes information about network elements associated with theintegrated circuit261. Illustrations of information about network associated with theintegrated circuit261 include information about theintegrated circuit261, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication line171, theconnector150, theadapter130, the reader/writer301, thecontroller305, thetransceiver303, theantenna281, theantenna311, thememory313, thelocal interface319, thecontrol circuit315 and thepower generator317. Examples of information about theintegrated circuit261, theintermediate device104, thecomputing device295, thecommunication line171, theconnector150, theadapter130 and the reader/writer301, were provided above.
• It is noted that any of the functions of the[0092]controller305 can be alternatively performed by thecomputing device295. As an illustration, instead of thecontroller305, thecomputing device295 may command thetransceiver303 to send querying signals periodically to theantenna311 of theconnector150 via theantenna281 of theadapter130. Moreover, thecomputing device295 also performs functions that cannot be performed by thecontroller305. For instance, a user can use thecomputing device295 to command thetransceiver303 to send a querying signal to theantenna311 of the connector via theantenna281 of theadapter130. In such a case, querying signals cannot act as a source of power for thememory313 andcontrol circuit315 of theintegrated circuit261 since querying signals are not sent periodically by thetransceiver303. Thus, in such a case, thepower generator317 provides power to thememory313 and thecontrol circuit315 of theintegrated circuit261.
• Moreover, it is noted that in an alternative embodiment, the[0093]integrated circuit261 can be comprised in theadapter130 instead of theconnector150. In such an embodiment, theantenna281 is comprised in a panel, such as thepanel113, on which theadapter130 is located.
• The present disclosure also relates to connector systems for dynamically updating information related to the network and methods for developing the connector systems. FIG. 4A shows an embodiment of a[0094]connector system400 that comprises aplug body410 of the connector150 (FIGS.1-3) and acavity401 formed on asurface416 of theconnector150, in which the integrated circuit261 (FIG. 3) can be integrated. Theconnector150 is preferably a push-pull connector. Examples of push-pull connectors include, but are not limited to, LC™, MU™, SC™, and MT™ connectors. Theintegrated circuit261 is integrated into theplug body410 by placing the integrated circuit into thecavity401 and then placing atape412 in acavity414 formed on thesurface416 of theplug body410 of theconnector150. It is noted that the depth of thecavity414 is less than the sum of the depths of thecavities414 and401. Moreover, it is noted that preferably, the shape of thecavity401 conforms to the shape of theintegrated circuit261 and theintegrated circuit261 can be of any shape, such as, for instance, circular, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or square. It is also noted that preferably, the shape of thecavity414 conforms to the shape of thetape412 and thetape412 can be of any one of the shapes mentioned above.
• The[0095]tape412 holds theintegrated circuit261 in thecavity401 because thetape412 strongly adheres to thecavity414. An adhesive, such as, for instance, a pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive, on asurface418 of thetape412 helps to form a strong bond between thecavity414 and thesurface418 of thetape412 so that thetape412 can strongly adhere to thecavity414.
• The[0096]tape412 is made of sturdy material, such as, for example, polyimide or polyester, to protect theintegrated circuit261 from damage. An example of a polyimide is Kapton® and an example of a polyester is Mylar®. Both Kapton® and Mylar® are trademarks of E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company. Damage to theintegrated circuit261 can be caused by various sources, such as, for instance, contact with hands of the user or by adverse environmental conditions. Illustrations of adverse environmental conditions include water and dirt. Thetape412 can be transparent or colored. Colored tapes can help identify a coupling of two connectors. As an illustration, a blue colored tape on theplug body410 of theconnector150 and a blue colored tape on a plug body of the connector152 (FIGS.1-2) helps identify that theconnectors150 and152 are coupled to each other. Moreover, the tape can be a label that displays information, such as, for instance, identification number of theintegrated circuit261 or name of manufacturer of theintegrated circuit261.
• In an alternative embodiment, the[0097]integrated circuit261 can be integrated into theplug body410 of theconnector150 without being held by thetape412. For example, the integrated circuit can be integrated into theplug body410, by using a fastener, such as, for example, glue or screws. Nevertheless, without placing thetape412 in thecavity414 to hold theintegrated circuit261 in thecavity401, the integrated circuit is exposed to damage from the various sources. It is noted that it is not necessary to form thecavity414 if a user does not intend to use thetape412 to integrate theintegrated circuit261 into theplug body410. In another alternative embodiment, theintegrated circuit261 can be integrated into theplug body410 of theconnector150 by using thetape412 in addition to the fastener to provide a stronger hold to theintegrated circuit261 than that provided solely by thetape412.
• FIG. 4B shows another embodiment of the[0098]connector system400 that comprises theplug body410 of the connector150 (FIGS.1-3) in which the integrated circuit261 (FIG. 4A) is integrated with the help of thetape412. The cavities401 (FIG. 4A) and414 (FIG. 4A) should be of such dimensions that thetape412 does not protrude outwards from the surface416 (FIG. 4A) of theplug body410. To illustrate, the dimensions of thecavity401 should be 2.6 mm×2.6 mm×0.57 mm and thecavity414 should be 4.6 mm×2.3 mm×0.13 mm to integrate the ME-Y1001 chip manufactured by Maxell, Inc. into theplug body410 of theconnector150, using thetape412 of dimensions, such as, 4.6 mm×3.4 mm×0.10 mm so that thetape412 does not protrude outwards from thesurface416 of theplug body410. If there is such a protrusion, a user may not be able to uncouple theconnector150 from theadapter130.
• FIG. 4C shows a cross-sectional side view of yet another embodiment of the[0099]connector system400 that comprises theplug body410 of the connector150 (FIG. 3) in which theintegrated circuit261 is integrated. Theintegrated circuit261 is integrated in anoutside wall431 of thesurface416 of theplug body410. FIG. 4D shows a cross-sectional side view of another embodiment of aconnector system400 in which theintegrated circuit261 is integrated in aninside wall433 of thesurface416 of theplug body410.
• FIG. 5A shows an embodiment of a[0100]connector system500 for dynamically updating information related to the network. Theconnector system500 includes theconnector150 with alatch510 and thecavity401 in which theintegrated circuit261 can be integrated using thetape412. Thelatch510 is on asurface520 which is located opposite to thesurface416 in which thecavities401 and414 are formed to integrate theintegrated circuit261.
• FIG. 5B shows a second embodiment of the[0101]connector system500. Theconnector system500 includes theconnector150 with thelatch510 and the cavity401 (FIG. 5A) in which the integrated circuit261 (FIG. 5A) is integrated. FIG. 5C shows a third embodiment of theconnector system500 and theportion902 of the adapter130 (FIGS.12, and3) to which theconnector150 of theconnector system500, can be coupled. In the third embodiment, the cavities401 (FIG. 5A) and414 (FIG. 5A) can be formed on aside surface530 of theplug body410 of theconnector150 to integrate the integrated circuit261 (FIG. 5A) into theside surface530 using the tape412 (FIG. 5A). Moreover, in the third embodiment, the antenna281 (FIG. 2) of theadapter130 should be comprised in aside surface572 of theportion902 of theadapter130 so that the antenna311 (FIG. 3) of theintegrated circuit261 and theantenna281 of theadapter130 are in close proximity to each other to enable transmission and reception of information between the two antennas.
• In a fourth embodiment, the[0102]cavities401 and414 can be formed on anotherside surface540 of theplug body410 of theconnector150 to integrate theintegrated circuit261 into theside surface540 using thetape412. In the fourth embodiment, theantenna281 of theadapter130 should be comprised in aside surface574 of theportion902 of theadapter130 so that theantenna311 of theintegrated circuit261 and theantenna281 of theadapter130 are in close proximity to each other to enable transmission and reception of information between the two antennas.
• In a fifth embodiment, the[0103]integrated circuit261 of theconnector150 can be integrated into thelatch510 or alternatively, in the top surface520 (FIG. 5A) of theconnector150. In both cases of the fifth embodiment, theantenna281 of theadapter130 should be comprised in atop surface576 of theportion902 of theadapter130 so that theintegrated circuit261 and theantenna281 are in close proximity to each other to enable transmission and reception of information between the two antennas.
• When the[0104]integrated circuit261 is integrated in thesurface416 of theconnector150, theantenna281 of theadapter130 should be comprised in abottom surface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130 so that theintegrated circuit261 and theantenna281 are in close proximity to each other to enable transmission and reception of information between the two antennas. In an alternative embodiment of theconnector system500, theintegrated circuit261 can be integrated in a surface of astrain relief521 coupled to theconnector150, using the methods, which are described in detail below.
• FIG. 6A shows a bottom view of an embodiment of the[0105]plug body410 of the connector150 (FIGS.1-3,5A-5B) with thecavities401 and414. FIG. 6B shows a cross-section A-A (FIG. 6A) of theplug body410 of the connector150 (FIGS.1-3,5A-5B). Theplug body410 comprises aferrule cavity601, abarrel cavity603, aspring cavity605 in which a spring (not shown) is located, and thecavities401 and414.
• FIG. 6C shows a cross-section B-B (FIG. 6A) of the[0106]plug body410 of the connector150 (FIGS.1-3,5A-5B). During a molding operation, where a machine is used to mold thespring cavity605 and thecavity401, there is a possibility that a steel core that forms thecavity401 may come in contact with a steel core that forms thespring cavity605. Such contact between the two steel cores is not desirable and should be avoided since the contact may damage the steel cores. To avoid such contact, the dimensions of the steel core, that are used to form thespring cavity605 of theplug body410 should be modified such that there is no contact between the steel cores during the mold operation.
• FIG. 7A shows a bottom view of another embodiment of the[0107]plug body410 of the connector150 (FIGS.1-3,5A-5B) with thecavities401 and414. FIG. 7B shows a cross-section D-D (FIG. 7A) of theplug body410 of FIG. 7A. Theplug body410 comprises theferrule cavity601, abarrel cavity703, aspring cavity705, and thecavities401 and414. FIG. 7C shows a cross-section E-E (FIG. 7A) of theplug body410 of the connector150 (FIGS.1-3,5A-5B). The steel core that forms the spring cavity605 (FIG. 6B-6C) should be modified to form a steel core that forms thespring cavity705. Thespring cavity705 has such dimensions that during the mold operation, there is no contact between the steel core that forms thecavity401 and a steel core that forms thespring cavity705. For instance, to integrate an MEY-1001 2.5 mm×2.5 mm chip into thecavity414 and to avoid contact between the steel core that forms thecavity414 with the steel core that forms thespring cavity705, the diameter of the spring cavity should be 3.00 mm and depth of thecavity414 should be 0.13 mm. It is noted that dimensions, such as diameter, of thebarrel cavity703 should be reduced if the dimensions of thespring cavity705 are reduced to avoid the contact since thebarrel cavity703 cannot have bigger dimensions than the dimensions of thespring cavity705. For example, if the diameter of the spring cavity is reduced to 3 mm, the diameter of thebarrel cavity703 should be at most 3 mm. However, the dimensions of thebarrel cavity703 cannot be reduced so that a barrel (not shown) does not move freely inside thebarrel cavity703. Moreover, a spring (not shown), such as a spring with a maximum diameter of 0.116 mm, should be able to move freely in thespring cavity705.
• FIGS.[0108]8A-8E show an embodiment of a method for developing theconnector system400 of FIGS. 4A and 4B, and theconnector system500 of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In FIG. 8A, theintegrated circuits261,263, and265 are placed on anadhesive surface821 of anadhesive tape801. Thesurface821 has a strong adhesive, such as a pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive, to form a strong bond between thetape801 and eachintegrated circuit261,263 and265. After placing the integrated circuits on theadhesive tape801, bottom surfaces841,843 and845 of the integrated circuits adhere to thesurface821 of thetape801. Thetape801 hasperforations805,807 and842, that surroundintegrated circuits261,263 and265, respectively, and utility of the perforations is described below. Thetape801 can be transparent or colored. Advantages of a colored tape were described above. Thetape801 is made of a sturdy material, such as, for example polyimide or polyester. Examples of polyimide and polyester materials were provided above. Advantages of such a sturdy material were also described above.
• In FIG. 8B, another[0109]adhesive tape803 with an adhesive on asurface823, is placed on atop surface847 of theintegrated circuit261, atop surface851 of theintegrated circuit263, and atop surface853 of theintegrated circuit265. The adhesive on thesurface823 forms a weak bond with thesurface847 of theintegrated circuit261 and is such that thetape803 can be removed as explained below in FIG. 8D. Thetape801 is placed to cover theintegrated circuits261,263 and265, and portions825-831 of thetape801, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D. Providing a cover to theintegrated circuits261,263 and265, and the portions825-831, protects the integrated circuits as well as the portions from the various sources such as environmental conditions and contact with the hands of the user. When an integrated circuit, such as, for example, theintegrated circuit261 is to be integrated into the plug body410 (FIGS. 4A, 4B,5A,5B) of the connector150 (FIGS. 5A, 5B), thetape803 is removed as shown in FIG. 8D. Thetape801 is torn at theperforations805 to separate thetape412 that is adhered to theintegrated circuit261, from thetape801. After separating thetape412, as shown in FIG. 8E, thetape412 is adhered to thecavity414 of theplug body410 to integrate the integrated circuit into theplug body410 of theconnector150.
• The[0110]tape801 may not have theperforations805,807 and842. However, theperforations805,807 and842, are for convenience of ease of separation of portions of thetape801. As an illustration, thetape412 can be easily separated at theperforations805, from thetape801 to integrate theintegrated circuit261 into theplug body410 of theconnector150.
• An alternative embodiment of the method for developing a connector system uses insert molding to integrate the[0111]integrated circuit261 in a surface, such as thesurface416, of theconnector150. Theintegrated circuit261 is insert-molded in the surface of theconnector150 so that theintegrated circuit261 lies in a cavity, such as thecavity401, in the surface of theconnector150.
• In yet another alternative embodiment of the method, the[0112]integrated circuit261 can be integrated in the surface of theconnector150 by insert-molding theintegrated circuit261 in a plastic carrier (not shown) and then snapping theintegrated circuit261 in the cavity. The plastic carrier protects theintegrated circuit261 from damage that can be caused by the various sources that are mentioned above. In still another embodiment, theintegrated circuit261 can be integrated in the surface of theconnector150 by insert-molding theintegrated circuit261 in the plastic carrier and then ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the cavity. In an alternative embodiment of the method, a material, such as a potting compound or glue, can be used to integrate theintegrated circuit261 in the cavity of theconnector150.
• The method allows the[0113]integrated circuit261 to be integrated in a surface of theconnector150 after assembling theconnector150 with a fiber optic product. Examples of fiber optic products include optical fiber jumpers, fiber optic ribbons, fiber optic fanouts and multi-fiber cables. Integrating theintegrated circuit261 in the surface of theconnector150 before finishing assembly of theconnector150 with the fiber optic product may result in a waste of the fiber optic product, theconnector150 and theintegrated circuit261. Reason for the waste is that the fiber optic product may be found to be inoperative after integrating theintegrated circuit261 and so a combination of the fiber optic product, theconnector150 and theintegrated circuit261, may be discarded. The method avoids such waste by allowing theintegrated circuit261 to be integrated in the surface of theconnector150 after assembling theconnector150 with the fiber optic product.
• The present disclosure also relates to adapter systems and methods for developing the adapter systems. FIG. 9A shows an embodiment of an[0114]adapter system900. Theadapter system900 comprises aportion902, for instance, a receptacle, of the adapter130 (FIGS. 1, 2 and3) and acavity901 formed on asurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130, in which theantenna281 can be integrated. Examples of adapters include, but are not limited to one-port receptacles, simplex adapters, multi-port receptacles, duplex adapters, multi-port adapters, hybrid adapters, adapters that can be coupled to FC™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to SC™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to ST™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to LC™ connectors, adapters that can be coupled to MU™ connectors and adapters that can be coupled to MT™ connectors. Theantenna281 is integrated into thesurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130 by placing the integrated circuit into thecavity901 and then placing atape912 in acavity914 formed on thesurface579. Alternatively, theantenna281 can be bonded to thesurface579 of theadapter130 by using an adhesive. Moreover, it is noted that preferably, the shape of thecavity901 conforms to the shape of theantenna281 and theantenna281 can be of any shape, such as, for instance, circular, triangular, rectangular, hexagonal or square. It is also noted that preferably, the shape of thecavity914 conforms to the shape of thetape912 and thetape912 can be of any one of the shapes mentioned above.
• The[0115]tape912 holds theantenna281 in thecavity901 because thetape912 strongly adheres to thecavity914. An adhesive, such as, for instance, a pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive, on asurface918 of thetape912 helps to form a strong bond between thecavity914 and thesurface918 of thetape912 so that thetape912 can strongly adhere to thecavity914.
• The[0116]tape912 is made of sturdy material, such as, for example, polyimide or polyester, to protect theantenna281 from damage from the various sources mentioned above. Examples of polyimide and polyester materials were provided above. Thetape912 can be transparent or colored. Colored tapes can help identify a coupling of two adapters. As an illustration, a blue colored tape on thesurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130 and a blue colored tape on a surface of a portion of the adapter132 (FIGS.1-2) helps identify that theadapters130 and132 are coupled to each other. Moreover, the tape can be a label that displays information, such as, for instance, identification number of theantenna281 or name of manufacturer of theantenna281.
• In an alternative embodiment, the[0117]antenna281 can be integrated into theportion902 of theadapter130 without being held by thetape912. For example, theantenna281 can be integrated into thesurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130, by using a fastener, such as, for example, glue or screws. Nevertheless, without placing thetape912 in thecavity914 to hold theantenna281 in thecavity901, theantenna281 is exposed to damage from the various sources. It is noted that it is not necessary to form thecavity914 if a user does not intend to use thetape912 to integrate theantenna281 into thesurface579. In another alternative embodiment, theantenna281 can be integrated into thesurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130 by using thetape912 in addition to the fastener to provide a stronger hold to theantenna281 than that provided solely by thetape912. In yet another alternative embodiment, theantenna281 can be placed on thesurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130 and then thetape912 can be placed over theantenna281. In such an embodiment, there is no need to form thecavities901 and914 since theantenna281 is held on thesurface579 with the help of thetape912. In such an embodiment, theantenna281 can be coupled to the intermediate device104 (FIGS. 1, 2 and3) via discrete leads, such as wires. The discrete leads can be coupled to theintermediate device104 through a panel or a shelf, on which an adapter that comprises theantenna281, is located and that serves as a printed wiring board (not shown).
• FIG. 9B shows another embodiment of the[0118]adapter system900. Theadapter system900 comprises theportion902 of the adapter130 (FIGS. 1, 2 and3) in which the antenna281 (FIG. 9A) is integrated with the help of thetape912.
• FIG. 9C shows yet another embodiment of an[0119]adapter system900 that comprises theportion902 of the adapter130 (FIGS. 1, 2 and3) in which theantenna281 is integrated. Theantenna281 is integrated in anoutside wall931 of thesurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130. FIG. 9D shows another embodiment of anadapter system900 in which theantenna281 is integrated in aninside wall933 of thesurface579 of theportion902 of theadapter130.
• FIGS. 10A and 10B show an embodiment of an adapter system. The adapter system comprises a[0120]tape overlay1010 having antennas, such as theantenna281, that are embedded in thetape overlay1010. As described below, the adapter system also comprises adapters. Each antenna, such as theantenna281, in thetape overlay1010, has leads, for instance, leads1022 and1024, that couple the antenna to aportion1021 of an intermediate device, such as the intermediate device104 (FIG. 2). The antennas communicate with the intermediate device via their respective leads. As shown in FIG. 10B, each antenna, such as theantenna281, is affixed to an adapter, such as, theadapter130. Each antenna is affixed to an adapter by using an adhesive, which is on portions of the tape overlay1010 (FIG. 10A) that comprise an antenna. When a connector, for instance, the connector150 (FIG. 2), couples to theadapter130, there is communication between an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector and the antenna of the adapter.
• FIGS.[0121]11A-11C show an embodiment of a method for developing the adapter system of FIGS. 10A and 10B. In FIG. 11A, theantennas281,283, and285 are placed on anadhesive surface1121 of anadhesive tape1101. Each of theantennas281,283 and285 has leads, such as theleads1022 and1024 (FIG. 10A) that couple to a portion, such as the portion1021 (FIG. 10A), of an intermediate device, for example theintermediate device104. The leads and the portion of the intermediate device are also placed on theadhesive surface1121 of theadhesive tape1101. Thesurface1121 has a strong adhesive, such as a pressure-sensitive permanent adhesive, to form a strong bond between thetape1101 and eachantenna281,283 and285. After placing the antennas, the leads and the portion, on theadhesive tape1101, bottom surfaces1141,1143 and1145 of the antennas, the leads and the portion, adhere to thesurface1121 of thetape1101. Thetape1101 can be transparent or colored. Advantages of a colored tape were described above. Thetape1101 is made of a sturdy material, such as, for example, polyimide or polyester. Examples of polyimide and polyester materials were provide above. Advantages of such a sturdy material were also described above.
• In FIG. 11B, another[0122]adhesive tape1103 with an adhesive on asurface1123, is placed on atop surface1147 of theantenna281, atop surface1151 of theantenna283, and atop surface1153 of theantenna285, the leads and the portion to form anassembly1122, which is shown in FIG. 11C. The adhesive on thesurface1123 is such that thetape1103 serves to laminate theantennas281,283 and285, the leads, and the portion ofintermediate device104. Thetape1101 is placed to cover theantennas281,283 and285, the leads, the portion and portions1125-1131 of thetape1101, as shown in FIG. 11C. Providing a cover to theantennas281,283 and285, the leads, the portion of theintermediate device104 and the portions1125-1131, protects the antennas, the leads, the portion of theintermediate device104 and the portions1125-1131, from the various sources, such as environmental conditions and contact with the hands of the user. When an integrated circuit, such as, for example, theantenna281 is to be integrated into the surface579 (FIG. 9A) of theadapter130, theassembly1122 is diecut to a particular shape, such as, the shape of the tape overlay1010 (FIG. 10A), and is bonded with an additional adhesive strip (not shown) to adapters, such as the adapter130 (FIG. 10B) of a panel. For example, a portion of theassembly1122, that comprises theantenna281 is bonded to theadapter130, as shown in FIG. 10B.
• An alternative embodiment of the method for developing an adapter system uses insert molding to integrate the[0123]antenna281 in a surface, such as thesurface579, of theadapter130. Theantenna281 is insert-molded in the surface of theadapter130 so that theantenna281 lies in a cavity, such as thecavity901, in the surface of theportion902 of theadapter130. In yet another alternative embodiment of the method, theantenna281 can be integrated in the surface of theportion902 of theadapter130 by insert-molding theantenna281 in a plastic carrier (not shown) and then snapping theantenna281 in thecavity901. The plastic carrier protects theantenna281 from damage that can be caused by the various sources that are mentioned above. In still another embodiment, theantenna281 can be integrated in the surface of theportion902 of theadapter130 by insert-molding theantenna281 in the plastic carrier and then ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the cavity. In an alternative embodiment of the method for developing an adapter system, a material, such as a potting compound or glue, can be used to integrate theantenna281 in the cavity of theadapter130.
• It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the connector systems for dynamically updating information related to the network and methods for developing the connector systems, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles behind the systems and methods. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the systems and methods without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.[0124]

Claims (62)

Therefore, having thus described the invention, at least the following is claimed:

1. A connector system for dynamically updating information related to a network comprising:

a connector; and

an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the connector.

2. The connector system ofclaim 1, wherein the connector is a push-pull connector.

3. The connector system ofclaim 2, wherein the push-pull connector is one of an SC™, LC™, MU™ and MT™ connector.

4. The connector system ofclaim 1, wherein the integrated circuit is integrated in a first cavity of the surface of the connector.

5. The connector system ofclaim 4, further comprising:

a tape placed in a second cavity of the surface, wherein the tape holds the integrated circuit in the first cavity.

6. The connector system ofclaim 5, wherein the tape is made of one of polyimide and polyester material.

7. The connector system ofclaim 5, wherein the tape is a label.

8. The connector system ofclaim 5, wherein the tape is one of a colored tape and a transparent tape.

9. The connector system ofclaim 5, further comprising a fastener that holds the integrated circuit in the first cavity.

10. The connector system ofclaim 9, wherein the fastener is screws.

11. The connector system ofclaim 1, wherein the integrated circuit is integrated in the surface by using one of insert-molding and potting.

12. The connector system ofclaim 1, wherein the integrated circuit is integrated in the surface by insert-molding the integrated circuit in a plastic carrier and ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the surface of the connector.

13. A connector system comprising:

a strain relief; and

an integrated circuit integrated in a surface of the strain relief.

14. The connector system ofclaim 13, wherein the strain relief is coupled to a connector, and wherein the connector is a push-pull connector.

15. The connector system ofclaim 14, wherein the push-pull connector is one of an SC™, LC™, MU™ and MT™ connectors.

16. The connector system ofclaim 13, wherein the integrated circuit is integrated in a first cavity of the surface of the strain relief.

17. The connector system ofclaim 16, further comprising:

a tape placed in a second cavity of the surface, wherein the tape holds the integrated circuit in the first cavity.

18. The connector system ofclaim 17, wherein the tape is made of one of polyimide and polyester material.

19. The connector system ofclaim 17, wherein the tape is a label.

20. The connector system ofclaim 17, wherein the tape is one of a colored tape and a transparent tape.

21. The connector system ofclaim 17, further comprising a fastener that holds the integrated circuit in the first cavity.

22. The connector system ofclaim 21, wherein the fastener is screws.

23. The connector system ofclaim 13, wherein the integrated circuit is integrated in the surface by using one of insert-molding and potting.

24. The connector system ofclaim 13, wherein the integrated circuit is integrated in the surface by insert-molding the integrated circuit in a plastic carrier and ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the surface of the strain relief.

25. A method for developing a connector system, comprising:

obtaining a connector; and

integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the connector.

26. The method ofclaim 25, wherein integrating the integrated circuit in the surface of the connector comprises:

placing a bottom surface of the integrated circuit on an adhesive surface of a first adhesive tape;

adhering an adhesive surface of a second adhesive tape to a top surface of the integrated circuit;

removing the second adhesive tape from the top surface of the integrated circuit; and

placing the integrated circuit in a first cavity on the surface of the connector by adhering the adhesive surface of the first adhesive tape to a second cavity on the surface of the connector.

27. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising:

forming a spring cavity in the connector; and

forming the first cavity on the surface of the connector, wherein there is no contact between the spring cavity and the first cavity.

28. The method ofclaim 26, further comprising:

forming the second cavity on the surface of the connector, wherein the second cavity lies over the first cavity and wherein depth of the second cavity is less than sum of depths of the first and second cavities.

29. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the integrating comprises insert-molding the integrated circuit in the surface of the connector.

30. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the integrating comprises potting the integrated circuit in the surface of the connector.

31. The method ofclaim 25, wherein the integrating comprises:

insert-molding the integrated circuit in a plastic carrier; and

ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the surface of the connector.

32. A method for developing a connector system, comprising:

obtaining a strain relief; and

integrating an integrated circuit in a surface of the strain relief.

33. The method ofclaim 32, wherein integrating the integrated circuit in the surface of the strain relief comprises:

placing a bottom surface of the integrated circuit on an adhesive surface of a first adhesive tape;

adhering an adhesive surface of a second adhesive tape to a top surface of the integrated circuit;

removing the second adhesive tape from the top surface of the integrated circuit; and

placing the integrated circuit in a first cavity on the surface of the strain relief by adhering the adhesive surface of the first adhesive tape to a second cavity on the surface of the strain relief.

34. The method ofclaim 33, further comprising:

forming the first cavity on the surface of the strain relief.

35. The method ofclaim 34, further comprising:

forming the second cavity on the surface of the strain relief, wherein the second cavity lies over the first cavity and wherein depth of the second cavity is less than sum of depths of the first and second cavities.

36. The method ofclaim 32, wherein the integrating comprises insert-molding the integrated circuit in the surface of the strain relief.

37. The method ofclaim 32, wherein the integrating comprises potting the integrated circuit in the surface of the strain relief.

38. The method ofclaim 32, wherein the integrating comprises:

insert-molding the integrated circuit in a plastic carrier; and

ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the surface of the strain relief.

39. A connector system comprising:

means for connecting; and

means for storing integrated in a surface of the means for connecting.

40. The connector system ofclaim 39, wherein the means for connecting is a push-pull connector.

41. The connector system ofclaim 40, wherein the push-pull connector is one of an SC™, LC™, MU™ and MT™ connector.

42. The connector system ofclaim 39, wherein the means for storing is integrated in a first cavity of the surface of the means for connecting.

43. The connector system ofclaim 42, further comprising:

means for holding placed in a second cavity of the surface, wherein the means for holding holds the means for storing in the first cavity.

44. The connector system ofclaim 43, wherein the means for holding is a tape made of one of polyimide and polyester material.

45. The connector system ofclaim 43, wherein the means for holding is a label that comprises information regarding the means for storing.

46. The connector system ofclaim 43, wherein the means for holding is one of a colored tape and a transparent tape.

47. The connector system ofclaim 43, further comprising a means for fastening that holds the means for storing in the first cavity.

48. The connector system ofclaim 47, wherein the means for fastening is screws.

49. The connector system ofclaim 39, wherein the means for storing is integrated in the surface by using one of insert-molding and potting.

50. The connector system ofclaim 39, wherein the means for storing is integrated in the surface by insert-molding the means for storing in a plastic carrier and ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the surface of the means for connecting.

51. A connector system comprising:

means for relieving; and

means for storing integrated in a surface of the means for relieving.

52. The connector system ofclaim 51, wherein the means for relieving is coupled to a means for connecting, and wherein the means for connecting is a push-pull connector.

53. The connector system ofclaim 52, wherein the push-pull connector is one of an SC™, LC™, MU™ and MT™ connector.

54. The connector system ofclaim 53, wherein the means for storing is integrated in a first cavity of the surface of the means for relieving.

55. The connector system ofclaim 54, further comprising:

means for holding placed in a second cavity of the surface, wherein the means for holding holds the means for storing in the first cavity.

56. The connector system ofclaim 55, wherein the means for holding is a tape made of one of polyimide and polyester material.

57. The connector system ofclaim 55, wherein the means for holding is a label that comprises information regarding the means for storing.

58. The connector system ofclaim 55, wherein the means for holding is one of a colored tape and a transparent tape.

59. The connector system ofclaim 55, further comprising a means for fastening that holds the means for storing in the first cavity.

60. The connector system ofclaim 59, wherein the means for fastening is one of glue and screws.

61. The connector system ofclaim 51, wherein the means for storing is integrated in the surface by using one of insert-molding and potting.

62. The connector system ofclaim 51, wherein the means for storing is integrated in the surface by insert-molding the means for storing in a plastic carrier and ultrasonically welding the plastic carrier to the surface of the means for relieving.

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