Optical fiber location tracking system

An optical fiber cord management system and method is provided to monitor and manage optical fiber cords locations in telecommunication equipment. The system may comprise an antenna to receive a radio signal propagated from an optical fiber cord, and a processor, in communication with the antenna, to receive radio signal data. The processor may determine if the radio signal data matches a modulated radio signal. If the processor determines that the radio signal data associated with the radio signal matches the modulated radio signal, the processor causes a luminescent member to illuminate.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This application relates to systems and methods of managing optical fiber cord in a telecommunications network infrastructure.

BACKGROUND

Tracking systems for optical fiber cords exist that include a light source arranged at each end of the optical fiber cord. For example, each end of an optical fiber cord (e.g., fiber jumper cable) may include a light source that allows a technician to visually locate both illuminated ends of the optical fiber cord. However, this technology does not provide for tracing a path of the optical fiber cord contained in a trough member. Moreover, if the illuminated ends of the optical fiber cord are concealed, the illuminated ends are not able to be seen by a technician.

Tracking systems for optical fiber cords exist that include a light source arranged along a length of the optical fiber cord. For example, electroluminescent wire (EL wire) may extend along the length of the optical fiber cord that illuminates along the length thereof for allowing a technician to visually locate the optical fiber cord. However, this technology does not provide for tracing a path of the optical fiber cord contained in a trough member arranged overhead of a technician. Moreover, if the illuminated optical fiber cord is concealed, the illuminated optical fiber cord is not able to be seen by a technician.

As such, existing tracking systems for optical fiber cords do not provide for quickly and accurately identifying a path of an optical fiber cord. For example, a technician may desire to remove an optical fiber cord from telecommunication equipment located at the telecommunication site, but the optical fiber cord may be concealed in a trough member such that the technician is not able to see the illuminated portion of the optical fiber cord.

Furthermore, a telecommunication company's ability to add a new cord (e.g., new optical fiber cord, jumper cord, power cord etc.) to the telecommunication equipment located at the telecommunication site is also desired by telecommunication companies. For example, today's telecommunication companies may be capable of arranging an optical fiber cord in a trough member with bend radius protection, but the trough member is void of intelligence and is incapable of recommending a route for the optical fiber cord to be arranged in the telecommunication equipment located at the telecommunication site. Having the ability to recommend a route for a cord to be arranged in telecommunication equipment, would provide a telecommunication organization the ability to maximize the use of telecommunication equipment at a site (e.g., central office). More specifically, today's fiber trough systems do not provide data indicating location information of the optical fiber cords disposed with the fiber trough members, or data indicating loading information of the optical fiber cords disposed with the fiber trough members. In addition, a telecommunication organization may desire to monitor and manage optical fiber cords arranged in sites across an entire telecommunication network infrastructure.

Accordingly, there remains a need in the art for intelligent fiber trough systems including optical fiber cord location tracking systems and optical fiber cord weight tracking systems. Similarly, there remains a need in the art for a central server that is in communication with each intelligent fiber trough system arranged at each site across the entire telecommunication network infrastructure.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts for an optical fiber cord management system and method, which is further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for use in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

An optical fiber cord management system and method is provided to monitor and manage optical fiber cords locations in telecommunication equipment (e.g., fiber trough members) arranged in sites (e.g., central office sites) across an entire telecommunication network infrastructure. In one example, a system may comprise an antenna to receive a radio signal propagated from an optical fiber cord configured to be arranged with a piece of telecommunication equipment. The system may further include a processor, in communication with the antenna, to receive radio signal data. The processor may determine if the radio signal data matches a modulated radio signal. If the processor determines that the radio signal data associated with the radio signal matches the modulated radio signal, the processor causes a luminescent member to illuminate. The illuminated luminescent member indicates that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord is disposed with the piece of the telecommunication equipment.

In some examples, the piece of telecommunication equipment is a trough member. Here, in this example, where the piece of telecommunication equipment is a trough member, the portion of the optical fiber cord may be arranged in the trough member, the antenna may be disposed adjacent to a surface of the trough member to receive the radio signal propagated from the portion of the optical fiber cord arranged in the trough member, and the luminescent member may be disposed adjacent to the surface of the trough member to indicate that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord is disposed in the trough member.

In some examples, the piece of telecommunication equipment is a fiber panel. Here, in this example, where the piece of telecommunication equipment is a fiber panel, the portion of the optical fiber cord may be received by the fiber panel, the antenna may be disposed adjacent to a surface of the fiber panel to receive the radio signal propagated from the portion of the optical fiber cord received by the fiber panel, and the luminescent member may be disposed adjacent to the surface of the fiber panel to indicate that the optical fiber cord is received by the fiber panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Overview

This disclosure is directed to an optical fiber location tracking system and method, an optical fiber weight tracking system and method, and an optical fiber management system and method. In some of the location tracking system implementations, an antenna may be configured to receive a radio signal propagated from an optical fiber cord disposed with a piece of equipment with which the antenna is identified. In some of the optical fiber weight tracking system implementations, a piezoelectric sensor may be arranged at a location between a first trough member and a second trough member for converting a force applied to the first trough member by one or more optical fiber cords arranged in at least the first trough member. In one of the optical fiber management system implementations, a server may receive reported radio signal data identified with telecommunication equipment located at a telecommunication site, and provide a graphical user interface (GUI) to allow a user to audit a map of paths of optical fiber cords relative to an arrangement of pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at the telecommunication site. In another one of the optical fiber management system implementations, a server may receive reported force signal data identified with a trough member located at a telecommunication site, and provide a GUI to allow a user to audit a map of a digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords located at the telecommunication site.

Traditional optical fiber cord tracking systems and methods have tracked optical fiber cords via light sources arranged on the optical fiber cords that allows for visually identifying an optical fiber cord. For example, a technician may simply illuminate an end of an optical fiber cord and visually locate the illuminated end. In other instances, meanwhile, a technician may illuminate a length of an optical fiber cord and visually locate the illuminated length. Because traditional tracking systems and methods simply illuminate an end or a length of an optical fiber cord, they are not capable of being visually located if the illuminated end or illuminated length of the optical fiber cord is concealed and, therefore, a path of the optical fiber cord may not be quickly and accurately traced with respect to a piece of equipment of a telecommunication site.

For example, traditional optical fiber cord tracking systems are not able to illuminate a path of an optical fiber cord to be quickly and accurately traced with respect to a trough member that is concealing the optical fiber cord. Further, traditional optical fiber cord tracking systems are not able to illuminate a path of an optical fiber cord to be quickly and accurately traced with respect to a portion of the optical fiber cord that is received by a fiber panel that is concealing the received portion optical fiber cord. Having the ability to trace optical fiber cord that is concealed may reduce costly unexpected removal of the wrong optical fiber cord. In addition, having the ability to trace optical fiber cord that is concealed will allow for reducing costly unintentional down-time of a telecommunication site's utilization.

Traditionally, a telecommunication company may add optical fiber cords to telecommunication equipment that provides bend radius protection for the optical fiber cords. Traditional telecommunication equipment does not have a processor in communication with a weight sensing member and, therefore, traditional telecommunication equipment is unable to recommend a route for the optical fiber cord to be arranged in the telecommunication equipment located at the telecommunication site.

For example, traditional trough members arranged in the telecommunication sites are not able to communicate force signal data to a central server that creates a map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members without overloading the trough members. Having the ability to recommend paths for optical fiber cords to be arranged in the trough members without overloading the trough members may increase a telecommunication site's space utilization. In addition, implementing a trough member system that has the ability to recommend paths for optical fiber cords to be arranged in the trough members may also reduce operating expenses for the telecommunication site.

Traditionally, telecommunication organizations do not employ a central server capable of managing optical fiber cord installation and/or removal at respective telecommunication sites across a telecommunications infrastructure network. Traditional telecommunication organizations also do not employ a central server connected with trough members arranged in telecommunication sites to provide a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to allow a user to easily view and audit a map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an optical fiber cord to be arranged in trough members without overloading the trough members. Having the ability to provide a GUI configured to allow a user to audit maps representing digital representations of recommended paths for optical fiber cords to be arranged in trough members without overloading the trough members may increase a telecommunication site's space utilization. In addition, the ability to provide a GUI configured to allow a user to audit maps representing digital representations of recommended paths for optical fiber cords to be arranged in trough members without overloading the trough members may also reduce operating expenses for the telecommunication site.

Accordingly, this disclosure describes systems and methods for monitoring and managing optical fiber cords arranged in telecommunication sites across a telecommunications infrastructure network, which may result in a reduction of operating expenses for today's higher density optical fiber cord digital telecommunications network. To achieve these systems, in one example this application describes a telecommunication central office site having an optical fiber cable location tracking system configured to trace a path of an optical fiber cable disposed with a portion of telecommunication equipment arranged in the telecommunication central office site. In another example this application describes a telecommunication central office site having an optical fiber weight tracking system configured to determine a force applied to a trough member by the optical fiber cord arranged in the trough member arranged in the telecommunication central office site. In another example this application describes a management system having a central server communicatively coupled with the optical fiber cable location tracking system arranged at the telecommunication central office sites and/or communicatively coupled with the optical fiber weight tracking system arranged at the telecommunication central office sites.

The optical fiber cable location tracking system arranged in the telecommunication central office site has an antenna to receive a radio signal propagated from an optical fiber cord configured to be arranged with a piece of telecommunication equipment. The antenna may be disposed on a surface of the piece of telecommunication equipment. The antenna may further be communicatively coupled with a processor. The processor, which determines radio signal data associated with the radio signal propagated from the optical fiber cord, matches a modulated radio signal. The processor may be communicatively coupled with a luminescent member, and configured to illuminate the luminescent member, to indicate that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord is disposed with the portion of telecommunications equipment, based at least in part on a determination that the data associated with the radio signal matches the modulated radio signal. Thus, the antenna, processor, and luminescent member, quickly and accurately identify a path of an optical fiber cord disposed with each portion of telecommunication equipment arranged in the central office site, thereby reducing costly unexpected removal of the wrong optical fiber cord at the central office site and reducing costly unintentional down-time of the central office site's utilization. In some implementations, the telecommunication equipment is a trough member (e.g., fiber trough member). In another implementation, the telecommunication equipment is a fiber panel or fiber block.

Because these optical fiber cable location tracking systems arranged in telecommunication central office sites track locations of optical fiber cable disposed with portions of telecommunication equipment arranged in the central office site, more finely detailed data may be provided. This allows for mapping and identifying functionality. For example, because locations of optical fiber cable are traced with respect to pieces of telecommunication equipment, a central database (e.g., a central server) may create maps representing a digital representation of paths of the optical fiber cords relative to the pieces of telecommunication equipment. Specifically, a server may determine a path of an optical fiber cord relative to an arrangement of the pieces of telecommunication equipment located at the central office site and provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI) configured to allow a user to audit the map of the path of the optical fiber cord relative to the arrangement of the pieces of telecommunication equipment located at the central office site.

The optical fiber weight tracking system arranged in the telecommunication central office site has a weight sensing member arranged with a trough member. The weight sensing member is for converting a force applied to the trough member by one or more optical fiber cords arranged in the trough member. The weight sensing member may be arranged at a location between a first trough member and a second trough member. The weight sensing member may be communicatively coupled with a processor. The processor may receive force signal data from the weight sensing member. The processor may further be arranged with a jack providing a wired connection or an antenna providing a wireless connection. The wired connection or the wireless connection is for communicating the force signal data to a central server. The central server associates the received force signal data with a representative location in a digital representation of an arrangement of the trough members, corresponding to the location of the weight sensing member, to create a map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members without overloading the trough members. Thus, the weight sensing member, processor, and server, quickly and accurately identify recommended paths for optical fiber cords to be arranged in trough members arranged in the central office site, thereby increasing space utilization at the central office site. In some implementations the weight sensing member is a piezoelectric sensor.

Because these optical fiber weight tracking systems arranged in telecommunication central office sites track weights of optical fiber cables arranged in trough members arranged in the central office site, more finely detailed data is provided. This allows for mapping and identifying functionality. For example, because weights of optical fiber cables are tracked with respect to the trough members, a central database (e.g., a central server) may create maps representing a digital representation of paths of the optical fiber cords relative to the trough members. Specifically, a server may determine a recommended path for additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members without overloading the trough members and provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI) configured to allow a user to audit the map of the recommended path of the optical fiber cord relative to the arrangement of the trough members located at the central office site.

The management system integrates radio signal data and/or force signal data from across multiple telecommunication sites (e.g., central office sites). The management system has a central server that receives radio signal data and/or force signal data from processors located at telecommunication sites. The radio signal data includes reported radio signal data indicating that at least a portion of an optical fiber cord is disposed with a piece of telecommunication equipment. The force signal data may include reported force signal data indicating a force applied, by at least an optical fiber cord of the optical fiber cords, to a trough member. The central server may create and serve to a user device a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to allow a user to audit a map of paths of optical fiber cords relative to an arrangement of pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at a telecommunication site and audit a map of a digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords located at a telecommunication site. Thus, the server may have a database that stores aggregated data from across the multiple telecommunication sites useable with a GUI to perform audits. In some implementations, the server stores respective digital representations of an arrangement of trough members located at respective telecommunication sites. Each of the digital representations of an arrangement of trough members may be tailored to respective telecommunication sites.

Because these management systems integrate radio signal data and/or force signal data from each telecommunication site across a telecommunication infrastructure network and provides a GUI to audit the integrated data, a map of a path of optical fiber cord of each telecommunication site, as well as a map of a digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords of each telecommunication site may be audited. Thus, reducing costly unintentional down-time of a telecommunication site for a telecommunication organization.

Example Environment

FIG. 1illustrates an example implementation of an environment100operable to provide a telecommunications network in which the apparatuses and procedures of the present disclosure may be employed. The environment100includes at least a portion of a telecommunication network infrastructure102(hereinafter “infrastructure”). Infrastructure102provides telecommunications processes, structures, equipment, and devices between end-user devices such as modems, phones, facsimile devices, and so on used by end-users outside of the infrastructure102to communicate via a telecommunications network. Within infrastructure102, a variety of equipment, apparatuses, and devices are utilized in routing, processing, distributing signals, and distributing power. Telecommunications signals and data may be processed, switched, routed, tested, patched, managed, or distributed by various pieces of equipment in the infrastructure102. Infrastructure102may include fiber, copper, and or other types of communication cabling and transmission media utilized in routing, processing, and distributing telecommunications signals.

A variety of sites104(1)-104(n) within infrastructure102may maintain various equipment used in the infrastructure102. Sites104may be locations within infrastructure102which hold a variety of structures and equipment to facilitate processing and distributing of telecommunications signals. The equipment may be centralized in one site (e.g., site104(1)) or dispersed throughout different sites104in infrastructure102. In other words, interconnections may be made between various sites104in infrastructure102, as shown, for example, by the connection denoted inFIG. 1by a dashed line between site104(1),104(2), and104(3). Naturally, numerous interconnections between a plurality of sites104may be made. The numerous interconnections between the plurality of sites may include a power distribution interconnection to each of the sites. As depicted inFIG. 1, infrastructure102may have numerous sites104which may be different physical locations within infrastructure102such as a central office site104(4), a wireless site104(5), a remote site104(6), an outside plant site104(7), a co-locate site104(8), and any other site utilized by infrastructure102.

Each site104may have one or more housings106having a one or more of components108. A housing106may be configured in a variety of ways to maintain or hold a plurality of components108in infrastructure102. For example, a housing106may be configured as a housing for a primary power distribution panel (e.g., a BDFB), a secondary power distribution panel (e.g., a fuse panel) a cabinet, a terminal block, a panel, a chassis, a digital cross-connect, a switch, a hub, a rack, a frame, a bay, a module, an enclosure, an aisle, or other structure for receiving and holding a plurality of components108. Hereinafter, the terms housing and cabinet will be used for convenience to refer to the variety of structures in infrastructure102that may hold components108.

Housing106may be situated in a variety of locations, such as inside a building or placed outside. Housings106, for example, may be configured to protect components108from environmental influences when inside or outside. InFIG. 1, for instance, depicts site104(1) as having two housings (e.g., cabinets)106, each having a plurality of components108. Other housings106may be included throughout infrastructure102at sites104as shown, for example, by housings106depicted within site104(2).

Components108are pieces of telecommunications equipment in infrastructure102that may be kept or maintained in a housing106(e.g. cabinet) within the infrastructure102. Components, for example, may be cross-connect panels, modules, splitters, combiners, terminal blocks, chassis, backplanes, switches, digital radios, repeaters, and so forth. Components108may be those devices utilized for processing and distributing signals in infrastructure102and which may be maintained in a housing106. Components108may be those devices for distributing, controlling, and monitoring power. For example, components may be primary power distribution panels, secondary power distribution panels, central monitor boards, central control boards, local switches, rectifiers, generators, main buses, LVD controllers, thermal controllers, battery systems, and so forth.

Network elements110are pieces of telecommunications equipment that may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, network elements110may be configured as fiber optic equipment, switches, digital cross connect (DSX) systems, telecommunication panels, terminal blocks, digital radios, network office terminating equipment, and any other telecommunication equipment or devices employed in a telecommunications infrastructure102. Network elements110may be found within a cabinet106as a component108of the cabinet.

The environment100depicts a plurality of end users112(1)-112(M) which may be communicatively coupled, one to another, via a telecommunication network including infrastructure102. End users112may refer to a variety of users, such as consumers, business users, internal users in a private network, and other types of users that use telecommunications signals or transmit and receive telecommunications signals via client devices. Additionally, for purposes of the following discussion clients112(1)-112(M) may also refer to the client devices and software which are operable to transmit and receive telecommunications signals. Thus, clients112(1)-112(M) may be implemented as users, software, and/or devices.

The interconnection of pieces of equipment (e.g. cabinets106, components108and network elements110, and so forth) provides signal pathways between equipment for signals input to and output from infrastructure102. For example, end-users112(1)-112(M) may send signals into the infrastructure102and receive signals output from the infrastructure using a variety of end user devices114(1)-(N) (e.g., a telephone, mobile phone, or the like). End user112(1), for instance, may communicate with end user112(M) via end-user devices114(1) and114(N). Thus, signals sent to and from infrastructure by end-users112via an end user device114may be routed, directed, processed, and distributed in a variety of ways via the equipment and interconnections within infrastructure102.

Example Optical Fiber Location Tracking System

FIG. 2illustrates an example implementation of a central office site104(4) having an optical fiber location tracking system for use in the telecommunication network infrastructure102. The optical fiber location tracking system arranged in the central office site104(4) may track paths of optical fiber cord in the central office site104(4).

The optical fiber location tracking system may comprise optical fiber cords202(a) and202(b) disposed with portions204(a),204(b),204(c), and204(d) of telecommunications equipment206. The optical fiber cords202(a) and202(b) may include an optical fiber and at least one metal wire which allows electricity to complete a circuit with light sources at the ends of the optical fiber cords202(a) and202(b) or at least one electroluminescent wire arranged along a length of the optical fiber cords202(a) and202(b). (Discussed in more detail below with regard toFIG. 3).FIG. 2illustrates the portions204(a) and204(b) of telecommunications equipment206are trough members (e.g., straight channels, junctions, transitions, couplers, elbows, ramps, reducers, flexible members, etc.) of a trough system, and portions204(c) and204(d) of telecommunications equipment206are fiber panels (e.g., patch panel, patch tray, splice panel, splice tray, etc.). In some examples, the portions204(c) and204(d) of telecommunications equipment206may be fiber blocks and/or patch blocks.

The optical fiber location tracking system may comprise optical fiber location tracking units208(a),208(b),208(c), and208(d) arranged with the portions204(a),204(b),204(c), and204(d) of the telecommunications equipment206. For example, each of the tracking units208(a) through208(d) may include an antenna, a processor in communication with the antenna, and a luminescent member communicatively coupled with the processor. The antenna is for receiving a radio signal propagated from the optical fiber cord. For example, the antenna is for receiving a radio signal propagated from the metal wire or the electroluminescent wire arranged in the optical fiber cord. The processor is to receive radio signal data and determine whether the radio signal data matches a modulated radio signal.

FIG. 2illustrates a hand held device210for applying the modulated radio signal to the optical fiber cords202(a) or202(b). For example, the hand held device210may apply a pulsed frequency and a voltage to the optical fiber cord202(a) to produce the modulated radio signal in the optical fiber cord202(a). For example, the hand held device210may apply the pulsed frequency and voltage to the metal wire or the electroluminescent wire arranged in the optical fiber cord202(a). For example, the hand held device210may apply a frequency of at least about 2 kHz to at most about 5 kHz, and a voltage of at least about 3 v to at most about 120 v. In another example, a hand held device (not shown), different from the hand held device210, may include an antenna and a processor to allow a technician to sense the optical fiber cord from a closer distance. The hand held device may have at least two sensitivity settings, a first setting that provides sensing at a moderate distance of a few feet from the optical fiber cord which would allow the technician to determine what fiber panel or block the optical fiber cord is entering, and a second setting that provides sensing at a very close distance of a few inches from the optical fiber cord which would allow the technician to determine which optical fiber cord is generating the modulated radio signal.

In this example, where the hand held device210applies the modulated radio signal to the optical fiber cord202(a), the processors associated with tracking units208(a) and208(b) receive radio signal data and determine if the radio signal data matches the modulated radio signal. If the received radio signal data matches the modulated radio signal, the processors associated with tracking units208(a) and208(b) cause the luminescent members associated with tracking units208(a) and208(b) to illuminate. The illuminated luminescent members indicate that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord202(a) is disposed with the portions204(a) and204(b) of the telecommunications equipment206. For example, the illuminated luminescent members may indicate that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord202(a) is arranged in a first trough member (e.g., a first junction trough member) and is also arranged in a second trough member (e.g., a second junction trough member). Because the illuminated luminescent members of each of the tracking units208(a) and208(b) are arranged with the portions204(a) and204(b) of the telecommunications equipment206, a technician may quickly and accurately identify the path of an optical fiber cord202(a). For example, the technician may quickly and accurately identify that the path of the optical fiber cord202(a) traverses from the portion204(a) of the telecommunications equipment206to the other portion204(b) of the telecommunication equipment206. Subsequent to identifying the path of the optical fiber cord202(a), the user216(e.g., technician) may now remove the optical fiber cord202(a) from service, as the user216knows the route and where to “mine” the optical fiber cord202(a) out.

In some instances, and as shown inFIG. 2, the optical fiber location tracking system may comprise a jack212providing a wired connection for communicating the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server. For example, a jack212may be arranged with a processor of the tracking units208(a) through208(d) to communicate the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server. WhileFIG. 2illustrates the tracking system comprising a jack212that provides a wired connection for communicating radio signal data, the tracking system may comprise an antenna for providing a wireless connection for communicating the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server. For example, an antenna may be arranged with a processor of the tracking units208(a) through208(d) to wirelessly communicate the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server. Further, the tracking units208(a) through208(d) may comprise an open wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth™) for communicating the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server.

The computing device or central server, connected with tracking units208(a),208(b),208(c), and208(d), may provide a graphical user interface (GUI)214configured to allow a user216, via a device218, to easily view and audit a map representing a digital representation of the path of the optical fiber cord202(a) arranged with the telecommunications equipment206. For example, a central server may provide the GUI214to the user device218to allow the user216to easily view and audit the path of the optical fiber cord202(a) traversing from the portion204(a) of the telecommunications equipment206to the other portion204(b) of the telecommunication equipment206. Subsequent to auditing the path of the optical fiber cord202(a), the user216(e.g., technician) may now remove the optical fiber cord202(a) from service, as the user216knows the route and where to “mine” the optical fiber cord202(a) out. Moreover, in addition to using the GUI214to audit the path, the user216may also utilize the illuminated luminescent members of each of the tracking units208(a) and208(b) arranged with the portions204(a) and204(b) of the telecommunications equipment206to quickly and easily “mine” the optical fiber cord202(a) out of the portions204(a) and204(b) of the telecommunications equipment206.

In an example where portions204(c) and204(d) of telecommunications equipment206are fiber panels (e.g., patch panel, patch tray, splice panel, splice tray, etc.) or blocks (e.g., fiber blocks and/or patch blocks), the tracking units208(c) and208(d) may be built into the fiber panels or blocks. In this example, where the portions204(c) and204(d) of telecommunications equipment206are fiber panels or blocks, the hand held device210applies the modulated radio signal to the optical fiber cord202(a), and the processors associated with tracking unit208(c) receive radio signal data and determine if the radio signal data matches the modulated radio signal. If the received radio signal data matches the modulated radio signal, the processor associated with tracking unit208(c) causes the luminescent member associated with tracking unit208(c) to illuminate. The illuminated luminescent member indicates that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord202(a) is received by the portion204(c) of the telecommunications equipment206. For example, an antenna and processor of the tracking unit208(c) could be built into a fiber panel which would sense when the optical fiber cord202(a) is plugged into the fiber panel and has the presence or absence of the particular modulated radio signal. Because the illuminated luminescent member of the tracking unit208(c) is arranged with the portion204(c) of the telecommunications equipment206, a technician may quickly and accurately identify the path of an optical fiber cord202(a). Moreover, in addition to using the illuminated luminescent member of the tracking unit208(c) that is arranged with the portion204(c) of the telecommunications equipment206to quickly and accurately identify the path of the optical fiber cord202(a), the user216may also utilize the GUI214to audit the path of the optical fiber cord202(a).

WhileFIG. 2illustrates four tracking units208(a),208(b),208(c) and208(d), arranged with the four portions204(a),204(b),204(c), and204(d) of the telecommunications equipment206, any number of tracking units may be arranged with any number of portions of the telecommunications equipment. Further, whileFIG. 2illustrates two optical fiber cords202(a) and202(b) disposed with the telecommunication equipment206, any number of optical fiber cords may be disposed with the telecommunication equipment206. For example, up to about 2,000 optical fiber cords may be disposed with the telecommunication equipment.

FIG. 3illustrates a section view300of an example optical fiber location tracking unit302arranged with a portion304of telecommunications equipment. The example tracking unit302may be similar to any one of tracking units208(a),208(b),208(c), and208(d) discussed above with regard toFIG. 2. Moreover, the portion304of telecommunication equipment may be similar to any one of the portions204(a),204(b),204(c), and204(d) of the telecommunications equipment206discussed above with regard toFIG. 2.

FIG. 3illustrates optical fiber cords306disposed with the portion304of telecommunications equipment and an antenna308disposed on a surface310of the portion304of telecommunications equipment.FIG. 3illustrates that the antenna308may have a size that is about the same size as a size of the portion304of the telecommunications equipment. For example, the antenna308may have a size that is about the same size as a bottom width of a trough member. The antenna308is disposed on the portion304of the telecommunications equipment to receive a radio signal propagated from the optical fiber cord. For example, and as shown in detail view312, the optical fiber cords306may include an optical fiber314and at least one signal carrying member316, which may carry a modulated signal. In an example, the signal carrying member316may be at least one metal wire that is arranged to carry electricity to complete a circuit with light sources at the ends of the optical fiber cord. In another example, the signal carrying member316may be at least one electroluminescent wire that is arranged to be illuminated along a length of the optical fiber cord by a low frequency excitation at moderate to high voltage. In some examples, the hand held device210, illustrated inFIG. 2, may apply the modulated signal to the signal carrying member316of the optical fiber cord306.

FIG. 3illustrates a processor318in communication with the antenna308. The processor318receives radio signal data from the antenna308and determines if the radio signal data matches the modulated radio signal. The processor318may be a microprocessor or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) arranged to evaluate feedback from the antenna308and to determine if a modulated signal is present or is not present.

FIG. 3illustrates a luminescent member320, communicatively coupled with the processor318. The luminescent member320may be disposed on the surface310of the portion304of telecommunications equipment, and the processor318illuminates the luminescent member320, to indicate that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord306is disposed with the portion304of telecommunications equipment, based at least in part on determining that the radio signal data associated with the radio signal matches the modulated radio signal. In some examples, the luminescent member320is disposed on a bottom surface of an overhead trough member. In some examples, the luminescent member320is disposed on a front portion of a fiber panel or a fiber block. In some examples, the luminescent member320is a light emitting diode (LED).

In some instances, and as shown inFIG. 3, a jack322may be arranged with the processor318to communicate the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server. WhileFIG. 3illustrates the jack322arranged with the processor318that provides a wired connection for communicating radio signal data, an antenna may be arranged with the processor318for providing a wireless connection for communicating the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server. Further, an open wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth™) may be included with the processor318for communicating the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server.

FIG. 3illustrates that at least the antenna308and the processor318may be housed together in a housing324, and the housing324is disposed on the surface310of the portion304of telecommunications equipment. WhileFIG. 3illustrates at least the antenna308and the processor318may be housed together in a housing324disposed on the surface310of the portion of telecommunication equipment, the antenna308and/or processor318may be housed separately. For example, the antenna308and/or processor318may be built into the portion304of telecommunications equipment. For example, the antenna308and/or processor318may be built into a trough member (e.g., junction, elbow, ramp, flexible member, etc.) of a trough system. WhileFIG. 3illustrates the antenna308and the processor318may be powered by one or more batteries326, the antenna308and the processor318may be hardwired to utility power.

Example Optical Fiber Weight Tracking System

FIG. 4illustrates an example implementation of a central office site104(4) having an optical fiber weight tracking system for use in the telecommunication network infrastructure102. The optical fiber weight tracking system arranged in the central office site104(4) may track weights of optical fiber cord in the central office site104(4).

The optical fiber weight tracking system may comprise an arrangement of trough members400forming a trough system402. The trough system402may be at least a portion of the telecommunication equipment206ofFIG. 2. The arrangement of the trough members400forming the trough system402may comprise conduit with bend radius protection which allows telecommunication companies to ensure that damage does not happen to optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) arranged in the trough members400. The optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) may be the same as the optical fiber cords202(a) and202(b) illustrated inFIG. 2.

The arrangement of trough members400may comprise first trough members406(a) and406(b) being supported by at least second trough members408(a) and408(b). For example, the first trough members406(a) and406(b) may be straight channel members, junction members, transition members, coupler members, elbow members, ramp members, reducer members, flexible members, etc. supported by the second trough members408(a) and408(b). The second trough members408(a) and408(b) may be bracket members that support the first trough members406(a) and406(b).FIG. 4illustrates that the optical fiber cord404(a) may be arranged in at least the first trough member406(a) and the optical fiber cord404(b) may be arranged in at least the first trough member406(b).

FIG. 4illustrates that the optical fiber weight tracking system may comprise optical fiber cord weight tracking units410(a) and410(b) disposed with the first trough members406(a) and406(b) and second trough members408(a) and408(b). For example, each of the weight tracking units410(a) and410(b) may include a weight sensing member and a processor in communication with the weight sensing member. The weight sensing member is for converting a force applied to a trough member by an optical fiber cord. For example, the weight sensing member is for converting a force applied to the first trough member406(a) by the optical fiber cord404(a). The processor receives force signal data from the weight sensing member.

In some instances, and as shown inFIG. 4, the optical fiber weight tracking system may comprise a jack412providing a wired connection for communicating the force signal data to a computing device or a central server. For example, a jack412may be arranged with a processor of the weight tracking units410(a) and410(b) to communicate the force signal data to a computing device or a central server. WhileFIG. 4illustrates the optical fiber weight tracking system comprising a jack412that provides a wired connection for communicating force signal data, the optical fiber weight tracking system may comprise an antenna for providing a wireless connection for communicating the force signal data to a computing device or a central server. For example, an antenna may be arranged with a processor of the weight tracking units410(a) and410(b) to wirelessly communicate the force signal data to a computing device or a central server. Further, the weight tracking units410(a) and410(b) may comprise an open wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth™) for communicating the force signal data to a computing device or a central server.

The computing device or central server, connected with the weight tracking units410(a) and410(b), may provide a graphical user interface (GUI)414configured to allow the user216, via the device218, to easily view and audit a map of a digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b). For example, a central server may provide the GUI414to the user device218to allow the user216to easily view and audit a map of a digital representation of relative weights of the optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) arranged in first trough members406(a) and406(b). Subsequent to auditing the digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b), the user216(e.g., technician) may now add an additional optical fiber cord into the first trough members406(a) and406(b), as the user216knows where to route the additional optical fiber cord without overloading the first trough members406(a) and406(b).

Moreover, the computing device or central server may create, using the relative weights, a second map representing a digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b). For example, the computing device or central server may create, using the relative weights of the optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b), a second map representing a digital representation of volume percentages of the optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b). The computing device or central server may provide the GUI414configured to allow the user216, via the device218, to easily view and audit the second map representing the digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members. For example, a central server may provide the GUI414to the user device218to allow the user216to easily view and audit a second map representing a digital representation of volume percentages of the optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b). Subsequent to auditing the digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b), the user216(e.g., technician) may now add an additional optical fiber cord into the first trough members406(a) and406(b), as the user216knows where to route the additional optical fiber cord without overloading the first trough members406(a) and406(b).

Moreover, the computing device or central server may create, using the relative weights, a second map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for another additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members without overloading the trough members. For example, the computing device or central server may create, using the relative weights of the optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b), a second map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the first trough member406(a) or the other first trough member406(b) without overloading the first trough members406(a) and406(b). The computing device or central server may provide the GUI414configured to allow the user216, via the device218, to easily view and audit the second map representing the digital representation of the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members without overloading the trough members. For example, a central server may provide the GUI414to the user device218to allow the user216to easily view and audit a second map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b) without overloading the first trough members406(a) and406(b). Subsequent to auditing the digital representation of the recommended path for the other additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members, the user216(e.g., technician) may now add, using the recommended path, an additional optical fiber cord into first trough member406(a) or the second trough member406(b) without overloading the first trough members406(a) and406(b). Moreover, the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord may be based on a run length of the additional optical fiber cord. For example, the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord may be based at least in part on a shortest distance between a first piece of telecommunication equipment (e.g., a first rack) and a second piece of telecommunication equipment (e.g., a second rack) and the relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the first trough members406(a) and406(b) arranged between the first and second pieces of telecommunication equipment.

WhileFIG. 4illustrates two weight tracking units410(a) and410(b), disposed with the first trough members406(a) and406(b) and the second trough members408(a) and408(b), any number of weight tracking units may be arranged with any number of the first and second trough members. Further, whileFIG. 4illustrates two optical fiber cords404(a) and404(b) disposed in the first trough members406(a) and406(b), any number of optical fiber cords may be disposed in the first trough members406(a) and406(b).

FIG. 5illustrates a section view500of an example optical fiber weight tracking unit502disposed with a first trough member504and second trough member506.FIG. 5illustrates the first trough member504being supported by the second trough member506. The second trough member506may be fixed to a rack (e.g., overhead ladder rack). The example weight tracking unit502may be similar to the weight tracking units410(a) and410(b) discussed above with regard toFIG. 4. Moreover, the first trough member504and the second trough member506may be similar to the first trough members406(a) and406(b) and the second trough members408(a) and408(b) discussed above with regard toFIG. 4.

FIG. 5illustrates optical fiber cords508arranged in the first trough member504and a weight sensing member510arranged at a location between the first trough member504and the second trough member506. The weight sensing member510for converting a force applied to the first trough member504by the optical fiber cords508. For example, the weight sensing member510may comprise a piezoelectric sensor arranged at the location between the first trough member504and the second trough member506for converting a force applied to the first trough member504by the optical fiber cords508arranged in the first trough member504.

FIG. 5further illustrates a processor512, in communication with the weight sensing member510that receives force signal data from the weight sensing member510. The processor512may be a microprocessor or field-programmable gate array (FPGA) arranged to receive force signal data from the weight sensing member510.

In some instances, and as shown inFIG. 5, a jack514may be arranged with the processor512to communicate the force signal data to a computing device or a central server. WhileFIG. 5illustrates the jack514arranged with the processor512that provides a wired connection for communicating force signal data, an antenna may be arranged with the processor512for providing a wireless connection for communicating the force signal data to a computing device or a central server. Further, an open wireless technology (e.g., Bluetooth™) may be arranged with the processor512for communicating the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server.

FIG. 5illustrates that at least the weight sensing member510and the processor512may be housed together in a housing516, and the housing516is arranged at a location between the first trough member504and the second trough member506. WhileFIG. 5illustrates that at least the weight sensing member510and the processor512may be housed together in a housing516arranged at a location between the first trough member504and the second trough member506, the weight sensing member510and/or the processor512may be housed separately. For example, the weight sensing member510and/or the processor512may be built into the second trough member506. In another example, the weight sensing member510and/or the processor512may be built into a bracket that supports a portion of a trough member. In yet another example, the weight sensing member510may be built into the first trough member, or built into both of the first and second trough members. WhileFIG. 5illustrates the weight sensing member510and the processor512may be powered by one or more batteries518, the weight sensing member510and the processor512may be hardwired to utility power.

Example Process of Tracking Optical Fiber Locations

FIG. 6is a flow diagram that illustrates an example process600of tracking optical fiber locations at a central office site, such the central office site104(4) illustrated inFIG. 2. While this figure illustrates an example order, it is to be appreciated that the described operations in this and all other processes described herein may be performed in other orders and/or in parallel in some instances. In the illustrated example, this process begins at operation602, where an antenna (e.g., antenna308) disposed on a surface (e.g., surface310) of a portion (e.g., portion304) of telecommunications equipment (e.g., telecommunications equipment206) receives a radio signal propagated from optical fiber cord (e.g., optical fiber cord202(a),202(b), or306).

Process600may include operation604, which represents a processor (e.g., processor318), in communication with the antenna, receiving radio signal data associated with the radio signal received by the antenna. Operation604may include the processor determining if the radio signal data matches a modulated radio signal. For example, the processor may determine if the radio signal data matches a modulated radio signal applied to an optical fiber cord by a hand held device (e.g., hand held device210).

Process600may include operation606, which represents the processor causing a luminescent member (e.g., luminescent member320) to illuminate based at least in part on a determination that the radio signal data associated with the radio signal matches the modulated radio signal. The illuminated luminescent member indicates that at least a portion of the optical fiber cord is disposed with the portion of telecommunications equipment.

Process600may further include operation608in some instances, which represents communicating the radio signal data to a computing device or a central server. For example, the radio signal data may be communicated, via a wired connection or a wireless connection, to a central server. The computing device or the central server may integrate the communicated radio signal data from the central office site with a digital representation of an arrangement of the telecommunication equipment located at the central office site.

Example Process of Tracking Optical Fiber Weights

FIG. 7is a flow diagram that illustrates an example process700of tracking optical fiber weights at a central office site, such as the central office site104(4) illustrated inFIG. 4. While this figure illustrates an example order, it is to be appreciated that the described operations in this and all other processes described herein may be performed in other orders and/or in parallel in some instances. In the illustrated example, this process begins at operation702, where a weight sensing member (e.g., weight sensing member510) arranged at a location between a first trough member (e.g., first trough member504) and a second trough member (e.g., second trough member506) converts a force applied to the first trough member by optical fiber cords (e.g., optical fiber cord404(a),404(b), or508) arranged in the first trough member.

Process700may include operation704, which represents a processor (e.g., processor512), in communication with the weight sensing member, receiving force signal data from the weight sensing member.

Process700may include operation706, which represents communicating the force signal data to a computing device or a central server. For example, the force signal data may be communicated, via a wired connection or a wireless connection, to a central server. The computing device or the central server may integrate the communicated force signal data from the central office site with a digital representation of an arrangement of trough members located at the central office site.

Process700may include operation708, which represents the computing device or central server providing a graphical user interface (GUI) (e.g., graphical user interface (GUI)414) configured to allow the user (e.g., user216), via the device (e.g., device218), to easily view and audit a map of a digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site.

Process700may include operation710, which represents the computing device or central server creating, using the relative weights, a map representing a digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members. Operation710may further include the computing device or central server providing a GUI configured to allow the user, via the device, to easily view and audit the second map representing the digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site.

Process700may further include operation712in some instances, which represents the computing device or central server creating, using the relative weights, a map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for another additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members located at the central office site without overloading the trough members located at the central office site. Operation712may further include the computing device or central server providing a GUI configured to allow the user, via the device, to easily view and audit the second map representing the digital representation of the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members without overloading the trough members.

Example Optical Fiber Management System

FIG. 8illustrates an example implementation of a telecommunication network infrastructure102having a telecommunication optical fiber management server802. The telecommunication optical fiber management server802may be for managing optical fiber locations and/or optical fiber weights at central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n) across the entire telecommunication network infrastructure102.FIG. 8illustrates that the server802may be communicatively connected with a plurality of processors806(1),806(2), and806(n). The processors806(1),806(2), and806(n) may be located at respective central office sites804(1),804(2), and804(n). WhileFIG. 8illustrates the server802being communicatively connected with three processors, each located at a respective central office site, the server802may be communicatively connected with any number of processors located at respective central office sites.FIG. 8illustrates further that the server802may comprise memory808, a graphical user interface (GUI) module810, and a processor(s)812. The memory808may be configured to store instructions executable on the processor(s)812, and may comprise a digital model list814and monitoring data816.

The digital model list814may include a list of digital representations of arrangements of pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at the telecommunication sites. For example, the digital representations of arrangements of pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at the telecommunication sites may be digital models of the arrangements of the pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at each central office site804(1),804(2) and804(n). For example, each digital model of each central office site804(1),804(2) and804(n) may include a map of an as-built configuration of telecommunication equipment disposed at each central office site804(1),804(2) and804(n). Each digital model of each central office site804(1),804(2) and804(n) may include a map of an as-built configuration of trough members, fiber panels, fiber blocks, etc. located at a central office site.

The monitoring data816may include reported radio signal data and/or reported force signal data. In an example, the server802may receive reported radio signal data and/or reported force signal data from the processors806(1),806(2), and806(n) located at respective central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). In another example, the server802may receive reported radio signal data and/or reported force signal data from a central monitoring board disposed at each central office site804(1),804(2) and804(n). Each central monitoring board may be configured to receive and send reported radio signal data and/or reported force signal data from each of the processors806(1),806(2), and806(n) located at respective central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). The central monitoring board may be coupled to a piece of telecommunication equipment arranged in the central office site. The central monitoring board may include a LAN port, a WAN port, and an onboard data storage. In addition, the server802may receive the radio signal data and/or force signal data from an onboard removable storage of each of the central boards. For example, each central board may comprise onboard removable storage storing the radio signal data and/or force signal data, each reported radio signal data and/or force signal data being identified with a respective one of the processors806(1),806(2), and806(n) located at the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). The onboard removable storage may be removed from each central board and subsequently uploaded to the server802. This could be done according to a schedule or during a servicing of equipment.

The server802may store the received reported radio signal data and/or reported force signal data in memory808as the monitoring data816. The reported radio signal data may be identified with a fiber trough member located at one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). The reported radio signal data indicates that a portion of an optical fiber cord is disposed with the fiber trough member. The reported force signal data may be identified with a fiber trough member located at one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). The reported force signal data indicates a force applied, by an optical fiber cord, to the fiber trough member located at one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n).

The server802may integrate the reported radio signal data and/or the reported force signal data. For example, the server802may integrate the reported radio signal data and/or the reported force signal data from a respective one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n) with a digital representation of an arrangement of the telecommunication equipment located at the respective one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). For example, the server may integrate the reported radio signal data and/or the reported force signal data from central office site804(1) with a digital representation of an arrangement of fiber trough members located at the central office site804(1).

In one example, the server802may generate a map of a path of an optical fiber cord relative to an arrangement of the fiber trough members located at a respective one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). In another example, the server802may generate a map of a digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located a respective one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n).

FIG. 8further illustrates the server802communicatively connected with a user device818displaying a GUI820to a user(s)822. WhileFIG. 8illustrates the user device818located at central office site804(1), the user device818may be located at any one of the central office sites804(1),804(2) and804(n). The memory808may store instructions that are executable on the processor(s)812to provide the GUI820. In one example, where the user device818is located at central office site804(1), the GUI820may be configured to allow a user to audit a map of a path of an optical fiber cord relative to an arrangement of fiber trough members located at the central office site804(1). For example, server802may provide the GUI820to the user device818to allow the user822to easily view and audit a path of an optical fiber cord traversing from one trough member to another trough member located at the central office site804(1). Subsequent to auditing the path of the optical fiber cord, the user may now remove the optical fiber cord from service, as the user knows the route and where to “mine” the optical fiber cord out.

In another example, where the user device818is located at the central office site804(1), the GUI820may be configured to allow a user to audit a map of a digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the fiber trough members located at the central office site804(1). Subsequent to auditing the digital representation of relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members, the user may now add an additional optical fiber cord into a trough member located at the central office site804(1), as the user knows where to route the additional optical fiber cord without overloading the trough members located at the central office site804(1).

In another example, where the user device818is located at the central office site804(1), the GUI820may be configured to allow a user to audit a map representing a digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site804(1). For example, server802may create, using the relative weights, a map representing a digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site804(1). The GUI820is configured to allow the user, via the device, to easily view and audit the map representing the digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site804(1). Subsequent to auditing the digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site804(1), the user may now add an additional optical fiber cord into a trough member located at the central office site804(1), as the user knows where to route the additional optical fiber cord without overloading the trough members located at the central office site804(1).

In another example, where the user device818is located at the central office site804(1), the GUI820may be configured to allow a user to audit a map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members located at the central office site804(1). For example, server802may create, using the relative weights, a map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members located at the central office site804(1) without overloading the trough members at the central office site804(1). Subsequent to auditing the digital representation of the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members at the central office site804(1), the user may now add, using the recommended path, the additional optical fiber cord into the trough members at the central office site804(1) without overloading the first trough members at the central office site804(1). Moreover, the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord may be based on a run length of the additional optical fiber cord. For example, the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord may be based at least in part on a shortest distance between a first piece of telecommunication equipment (e.g., a first rack) and a second piece of telecommunication equipment (e.g., a second rack) and the relative weights of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members arranged between the first and second pieces of telecommunication equipment.

Example Processes of Managing Optical Fiber in a Telecommunication Network Infrastructure

FIG. 9is a flow diagram that illustrates an example process900of managing optical fiber locations in a telecommunication network infrastructure102using the telecommunication optical fiber management server802ofFIG. 8. In some instances, this process begins at operation902, where a server (e.g., server802) may receive reported radio signal data from processor(s) (e.g., processor(s)806(1),806(2), or806(n)). For example, the server may receive reported radio signal data from processor(s)806(1) located at a central office site804(1), processor(s)806(2) located at a central office site804(2), processor(s)806(n) located at a central office site804(n), or any other processor(s) located at any other telecommunication site. The reported radio signal data is identified with a piece of telecommunication equipment located at a central office site. The reported radio signal data indicates that at least a portion of an optical fiber cord is disposed with the piece of telecommunication equipment.

Process900may include, operation904, which represents the server integrating the reported radio signal data from the central office site with a digital representation of an arrangement of pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at the central office site.

Process900may include operation906, which represents the server generating a map of a path of the optical fiber cord relative to the arrangement of pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at the central office site.

Process900may further include operation908in some instances, which represents providing a GUI (e.g., GUI214or820) configured to allow a user to audit the map of the path of the optical fiber cord relative to the arrangement of pieces of the telecommunication equipment located at the central office site. For example, the GUI may allow a user to audit the map of the path of the optical fiber cord relative to an arrangement of fiber trough members, fiber panels, fiber blocks, etc. located at the central office site.

FIG. 10is a flow diagram that illustrates an example process1000of managing optical fiber weights in a telecommunication network infrastructure102using the telecommunication optical fiber management server802ofFIG. 8. In some instances, this process begins at operation1002, where a server (e.g., server802) may receive reported force signal data from processor(s) (e.g., processor(s)806(1),806(2), or806(n)). For example, the server may receive reported force signal data from processor(s)806(1) located at a central office site804(1), processor(s)806(2) located at a central office site804(2), processor(s)806(n) located at a central office site804(n), or any other processor(s) located at any other telecommunication site. The reported force signal data is identified with a trough member located at a central office site. The reported force signal data indicates a force applied, by at least an optical fiber cord of optical fiber cords arranged in the central office site, to the trough member located at the central office site.

Process1000may include, operation1004, which represents the server integrating the reported force signal data from the central office site with a digital representation of an arrangement of trough members located at the central office site.

Process1000may include operation1006, which represents the server generating a map of a digital representation of relative weights of the optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site.

Process1000may include operation1008, which represents the server providing a GUI (e.g., GUI414or820) configured to allow a user to audit the map of the digital representation of relative weights of the optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site.

Process1000may include operation1010, which represents the server generating a map representing a digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site.

Process1000may include operation1012, which represents the server providing a GUI (e.g., GUI414or820) configured to allow a user to audit the map of the digital representation of volume percentages of optical fiber cords arranged in the trough members located at the central office site.

Process1000may include operation1014, which represents the server generating a map representing a digital representation of a recommended path for an additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members located at the central office site without overloading the trough members at the central office site.

Process1000may further include operation1016in some instances, which represents the server providing a GUI (e.g., GUI414or820) configured to allow a user to audit the map of the digital representation of the recommended path for the additional optical fiber cord to be arranged in the trough members located at the central office site without overloading the trough members at the central office site.

Conclusion

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather, the specific features and acts are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims. Moreover, while the illustrated embodiments show optical fiber location tracking systems being separated from optical fiber weight tracking systems, the optical fiber location tracking systems and optical fiber weight tracking systems may be combined. For example, an optical fiber location and weight tracking system may comprise antenna for receiving a radio signal propagated from an optical fiber cord, a weight sensing member for converting a force applied by the optical fiber cord, and one or more processors in communication with the antenna and the weight sensing member, to receive radio signal data from the antenna and force signal data from the weight sensing member.