Patent ID: 9046669
Filing Date: 2015-06-02
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A protective distribution system for fiber optic cables, comprising: a fiber optic cable including at least one optical fiber; said fiber optic cable being connected to components for use in transmission of secure data along the cable; a secure box having a door which can be opened to allow access to an interior of the secure box; at least one of the components for use in transmission of the secure data being located within the secure box and being accessible only when the door of the secure box is opened; the fiber optic cable entering the secure box at a position separate from the door and being connected to the component within the secure box; the fiber optic cable having at least one of said at least one optical fiber which acts as at least one monitoring fiber; said at least one monitoring fiber having parts extending along at least parts of the cable external to said secure box and having a portion inside said secure box; a monitoring system arranged to transmit signals into said at least one monitoring fiber and to detect changes in the signals indicative of movement of said at least one monitoring fiber both in said parts external to said secure box and said portion inside said secure box; wherein said portion of said at least one monitoring fiber within the secure box includes a loop extending up to and back from and connected to the door of the secure box at a position on the door so that opening of the door of the box causes the loop of the monitoring fiber to be moved and causes the monitoring system to detect changes in the signal in the monitoring fiber indicative of opening of the door.