A hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system includes a cable connector, and an elongated cable base extending from the cable connector. A first hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire extends through the elongated cable base and is connected to the cable connector. The first hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire includes a first power transmission layer that is configured to transmit power through the elongated cable base, and a first optical data signal transmission layer that is configured to transmit optical data signals through the elongated cable base. An electrical/optical data signal conversation subsystem is coupled to the first hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire, and operates to receive electrical data signals, convert the electrical data signals to optical data signals, and provide the optical data signals for transmission via the first optical data signal transmission layer in the first hybrid electrical optical data/power wire and through the elongated cable base.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to information handling systems, and more particularly to a hybrid electrical/optical cabling system used to connect information handling systems and transmit data and power between those information handling systems via a single cable.

Information handling systems sometimes utilize data/power cabling systems in order to transmit power and data between devices using a single cable. For example, Power over Ethernet (PoE) cabling systems may operate to pass electrical power along with electrical data signals on a twisted pair Ethernet cable that is connected to a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) device (e.g., a switch device or other networking device known in the art) and Powered Device (PD) (e.g., a camera, an access point, an Internet of things (IoT) device, a card reader device, etc.) However, each generation of PDs has steadily increased their data transmission bandwidth requirements, and this trend is expected to continue into the future. For example, conventional Ethernet cabling (e.g., Cat5, Cat6, and Cat7) is capable of providing a maximum data transmission throughput of 1 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), which has been sufficient for PDs up to this point. However, as data transmission bandwidth requirements increase (e.g., in order to allow for high definition video streams from high definition camera, associated audio streams, etc.), conventional Ethernet cabling utilized with PoE systems will eventually become obsolete and unable to support those data transmission bandwidth requirements.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a data/power cabling system that addresses the issues discussed above.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, an Information Handling System (IHS) includes a processing system; a port that is coupled to the processing system; and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable that includes: a cable connector that is connected to the port; an elongated cable base that extends from the cable connector; a first hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire that extends through the cable base and that is connected to the cable connector, wherein the first hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire includes: a first power transmission layer that is configured to transmit power through the elongated cable base; and a first optical data signal transmission layer that is configured to transmit optical data signals through the elongated cable base; and an electrical/optical data signal conversation subsystem that is coupled to the first hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire, wherein the electrical/optical data signal conversation subsystem is configured to: receive electrical data signals from the processing system; convert the electrical data signals to optical data signals; and provide the optical data signals for transmission via the first optical data signal transmission layer in the first hybrid electrical optical data/power wire and through the elongated cable base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now toFIG. 2, an embodiment of computing devices that may be connected using the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the examples illustrated and discussed below, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure is used with a Power Sourcing Equipment (PSE) computing device200that includes a port200a. For example, the PSE computing device200may be provided by the IHS100discussed above with reference toFIG. 1, and/or may include some or all of the components of the IHS100, and in specific examples may be provided by a switch device and/or other networking device known in the art. However, while illustrated and discussed as a switch device, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize that the PSE computing device200may include any devices that may be configured to operate similarly as the PSE computing device200discussed below.

In the embodiment illustrated and discussed below, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system is also used with a Powered Device (PD) computing device202that includes a port202a. For example, the PD computing device202may be provided by the IHS100discussed above with reference toFIG. 1, and/or may include some or all of the components of the IHS100, and in specific examples may be provided by a camera device, an access point, an IoT device, a card reader device, and/or any other PD computing device that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. However, while illustrated and discussed as being provided by a few specific powered devices, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize that the PD computing device202may include any devices that may be configured to operate similarly as the PD computing device202discussed below. In the examples discussed below, the PSE computing device200may be configured to transmit data along with power to the PD computing device202using the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure, and the PD computing device202may be configured to transmit data back to the PSE computing device200using the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure. However, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that other uses of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

Referring now toFIGS. 3A and 3B, an embodiment of a computing device300is illustrated that may provide either (or both) of the PSE computing device200and the PD computing device202discussed above with reference toFIG. 2in some embodiments of the present disclosure. As such, the computing device300may be provided by the IHS100discussed above with reference toFIG. 1and/or may include some or all of the components of the IHS100, and in specific examples may be a switch device or other networking device when provided as the PSE computing device200, while being a camera device, an access point, an IoT device, a card reader device, and/or any other PD computing device known in the art when provided as the PD computing device202. Furthermore, while illustrated and discussed as specific types of computing devices, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize that the functionality of the computing device300discussed below may be provided by other devices that are configured to operate similarly as the computing device300discussed below. In the illustrated embodiment, the computing device300includes a chassis302that houses the components of the computing device300, only some of which are illustrated below. For example, the chassis302may house a processing system (not illustrated, but which may include the processor102discussed above with reference toFIG. 1) and a memory system (not illustrated, but which may include the memory114discussed above with reference toFIG. 1) that is coupled to the processing system and that includes instructions that, when executed by the processing system, cause the processing system to perform the functionality (e.g., data generation functionality, data transmission functionality, etc.) of the computing devices discussed below.

The chassis302may also house a storage system (not illustrated, but which may include the storage108discussed above with reference toFIG. 1) that is coupled to the processing system and that is configured to store any of the information utilized by the processing system. The chassis302may also house a communication system that is coupled to the processing system and that may be provided by a Network Interface Controller (NIC), wireless communication systems (e.g., BLUETOOTH®, Near Field Communication (NFC) components, WiFi components, etc.), and/or any other communication components that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. For example, the communication system may include a port304(which may be either (or both) of the ports200aand202adiscussed above with reference toFIG. 2) that is included on the chassis302, and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306that is accessible via the port304.

With reference toFIG. 3B, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306is illustrated in more detail, and includes a plurality of alignment members306athat are configured to align a hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector on a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure with the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306. The hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306also includes a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element308, and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element310. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element308includes an insulating element308a, a power transmission element308b, an insulating element308c, and an optical signal transmission element308d. Similarly, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element310includes an insulating element310a, a power transmission element310b, an insulating element310c, and an optical signal transmission element310d.

In the examples below, the power transmission elements308band310bmay include a copper material and/or any other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of transmitting power as discussed below, and the optical signal transmission elements308band310bmay include a fiber optical material and/or any other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of transmitting optical signals as discussed below. Furthermore, the insulating elements308a,308c,310a, and310cmay be provided by any material that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as being capable of separating the power transmission elements308band310band their corresponding optical signal transmission elements308band310bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310.

Returning back toFIG. 3A, each of the power transmission elements308band310bon the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306may be coupled via a power coupling to a power subsystem (and/or other components) in the computing device300, andFIG. 3Aillustrates a power coupling311coupled to the power transmission element308b. Similarly, each of the optical signal transmission elements308band310bon the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306may be coupled via an optical signal coupling to a Serializer/Deserializer (SERDES) subsystem312in the computing device300that is further coupled via an electrical signal coupling to other components (e.g., a processing system) in the computing device300, andFIG. 3Aillustrates an optical signal coupling314acoupling the optical signal transmission element308bto the SERDES subsystem312, along with an electrical signal coupling314bthat may extend between the SERDES subsystem312and other components (e.g., a processing system) in the computing device300. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the SERDES subsystem312may be configured to convert between electrical signals and optical signals, and may include or be coupled to a laser subsystem (not illustrated) that is configured to emit a laser to transmit the optical data signals provided by the SERDES subsystem312via the optical signal transmission element308b. However, while a specific computing device is illustrated, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the computing device300illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3Bis only used in some embodiments of the present disclosure, and may include other components and/or configurations to provide the functionality discussed below while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure is illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400includes an elongated base402having a cable connector404located on a first end of the elongated base402, and a cable connector406located on a second end of the elongated base402. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the base402may be provided in a variety of lengths, from relatively short lengths of approximately 1 foot long, up to relatively long lengths that are limited by the power transmission capabilities of the power transmission elements in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400(e.g., approximately 100 meters in length for conventional gauge copper-based power transmission wires.)

Referring now toFIGS. 5A and 5B, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable500is illustrated that may provide an embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400discussed above with reference toFIG. 4, and that may be utilized outdoors and/or in other “rugged” environments, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable500illustrated inFIGS. 5A and 5Bprovides cross-sections of an embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400illustrated inFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable500includes a base502that may be the base402discussed above with reference toFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the base502includes a jacket material504that may be provided by a rubber materials, plastic materials, vinyl materials and/or other materials suited for outdoor, weather-proof, and/or otherwise “rugged” environments. As such, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the jacket material504may be provided by a variety of protective cabling material known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire506provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure is located within the jacket material504on the base502, and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire508provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure is located within the jacket material504on the base502in a spaced apart orientation from the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire506.

Referring now toFIGS. 6A and 6B, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable600is illustrated that may provide an embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400discussed above with reference toFIG. 4, and that may be utilized indoors and/or in other “protected” environments, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable600illustrated inFIGS. 6A and 6Bprovides cross-sections of an embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400illustrated inFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable600includes a base602that may be the base402discussed above with reference toFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the base602includes a jacket material604that may be provided by a rubber materials, plastic materials, vinyl materials and/or other materials suited for indoor and/or relatively “protected” environments, and thus may be thinner and/or less durable than the materials used for the jacket material504in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable500discussed above with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5B. As such, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the jacket material604may be provided by a variety of protective cabling material known in the art. In the illustrated embodiment, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire606provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure is located within the jacket material604on the base602, and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire608provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure is located within the jacket material604on the base602in a spaced apart orientation from the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire606.

Referring now toFIGS. 7A and 7B, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire700is illustrated that may provide an embodiment of any or all of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires506/606and the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires508/608discussed above with reference toFIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire700illustrated inFIGS. 7A and 7Bprovides cross-sections of an embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires506/606and/or the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires508/608illustrated inFIGS. 5A, 5B, 6A, and 6B. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire700includes a base702. In the illustrated embodiment, the base702includes an insulating layer704that may be provided by a cladding material and/or other cable insulating materials that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure.

The base702also includes a power transmission layer706that engages the insulating layer704and that may be provided by a copper material (e.g., a copper tube or copper “sheath” in the illustrated embodiment), and/or other power transmission materials that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The base702also includes an insulating layer708that engages the power transmission layer706and that may be provided by a cladding material and/or other cable layer insulating materials that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The base702also includes an optical signal transmission layer710that engages the insulating layer708and that may be provided by a fiber optic material (e.g., a fiber optical wire in the illustrated embodiment), and/or other optical signal transmission materials that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. However, while a specific example has been illustrated and described one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that other components for transmitting power and optical signals may be utilized in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire700while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

With reference toFIG. 8, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector800is illustrated that provides an embodiment of either (or both) of the cable connectors404and406on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400discussed above with reference toFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector800includes a plurality of alignment members802athat are configured to align the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector800with a hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector on a computing device provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure, or a hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector on a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure. The hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector800also includes a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element804, and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element806. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element804includes an insulating element804a, a power transmission element804b, an insulating element804c, and an optical signal transmission element804d. Similarly, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element806includes an insulating element806a, a power transmission element806b, an insulating element806c, and an optical signal transmission element806d. In the examples below, the power transmission elements804band806bmay include a copper material and/or any other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of transmitting power as discussed below, and the optical signal transmission elements804band806bmay include a fiber optical material and/or any other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of transmitting optical signals as discussed below

Referring now toFIG. 9, a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900is illustrated that may provide an embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400discussed above with reference toFIG. 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900includes a base902that may be the base402on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400discussed above with reference toFIG. 4, and a cable connector904that may be either of the cable connectors404or406on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400discussed above with reference toFIG. 4. In an embodiment, the base902may include hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires that are each similar to the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire700discussed above with reference toFIGS. 7A and 7B, andFIG. 9illustrates one of those hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires906having a power transmission layer906asimilar to the power transmission layer706discussed above, and an optical signal transmission layer906bsimilar to the optical signal transmission layer710.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, the power transmission layers in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the base902may be coupled via a power coupling to a connector end914of the cable connector904, andFIG. 9illustrates a power coupling908that connects the power transmission layer906ato the connector end914of the cable connector904. Similarly, the optical signal transmission layers in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the base902may be coupled via an optical signal coupling to a Serializer/Deserializer (SERDES) subsystem910in the cable connector904that is further coupled via an electrical signal coupling to the connector end914of the cable connector904, andFIG. 9illustrates an optical signal coupling912acoupling the optical signal transmission element906bto the SERDES subsystem910, along with an electrical signal coupling912bthat extends between the SERDES subsystem910the connector end914of the cable connector904.

In an embodiment, the connector end914of the cable connector904may include a card connector edge connector similar to those found on Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable (QSFP) transceiver devices, and/or any other connector end that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize as capable of transmitting optical data signals and power in the manner described below. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the SERDES subsystem910may be configured to convert between electrical signals and optical signals, and may include or be coupled to a laser subsystem (not illustrated) that is configured to emit a laser to transmit the optical signals provided by the SERDES subsystem910via the optical signal transmission element906b. While the electrical/optical data signal conversion components (e.g., the SERDES subsystem910, the unillustrated laser subsystem, etc.) are illustrated and/or described as being located in the cable connector904, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that some or all of those components may be located in the base902while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well. However, while a specific hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900is illustrated, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900illustrated inFIG. 9is only used in some embodiments of the present disclosure, and may include other components and/or configurations to provide the functionality discussed below while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

Referring now toFIGS. 10A, 10B, and 100, an embodiment of a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000is illustrated. The hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000includes a chassis1002that houses the components of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000, only some of which are illustrated inFIG. 10B. For example, the chassis1002includes a port1004, and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006may be accessible via the port1004. In an embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006includes a plurality of alignment members1006athat are configured to align a hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector on a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable provided according to the teachings of the present disclosure with the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006. The hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006also includes a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element1008, and a hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element1010. In the illustrated embodiment, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element1008includes an insulating element1008a, a power transmission element1008b, an insulating element1008c, and an optical signal transmission element1008d. Similarly, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector element1010includes an insulating element1010a, a power transmission element1010b, an insulating element1010c, and an optical signal transmission element1010d.

In the examples below, the power transmission elements1008band1010bmay include a copper material and/or any other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of transmitting power as discussed below, and the optical signal transmission elements1008band1010bmay include a fiber optical material and/or any other materials that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as capable of transmitting optical signals as discussed below. Furthermore, the insulating elements1008a,1008c,1010a, and1010cmay be provided by any material that one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure would recognize as being capable of separating the power transmission elements108band1010band their corresponding optical signal transmission elements1008band1010bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010.

Each of the power transmission elements1008band1010bon the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006may be coupled via a power coupling to a connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000, andFIG. 10Billustrates a power coupling1013coupled to the power transmission element1008band the connector1012. Similarly, each of the optical signal transmission elements1008band1010bon the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006may be coupled via an optical signal coupling to a Serializer/Deserializer (SERDES) subsystem1014in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000that is further coupled via an electrical signal coupling to the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000, andFIG. 10Billustrates an optical signal coupling1016acoupling the optical signal transmission element1008dto the SERDES subsystem1014, along with an electrical signal coupling1016bthat may extend between the SERDES subsystem1014and the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the SERDES subsystem1014may be configured to convert between electrical signals and optical signals, and may include or be coupled to a laser subsystem (not illustrated) that is configured to emit a laser to transmit the optical signals provided by the SERDES subsystem1014via the optical signal transmission element1008d. However, while a specific hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device is illustrated, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000illustrated inFIGS. 10A-10Cis only used in some embodiments of the present disclosure, and may include other components and/or configurations to provide the functionality discussed below while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

Referring now toFIG. 11, an embodiment of a method1100for transmitting data and power is illustrated. As discussed below, the systems and methods of the present disclosure provide for the transmission of power and optical data between computing devices via a single, hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable. For example, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable may include one or more hybrid electrical/optical data/power wires that each have a power transmission element that is configured to transmit power, and an optical signal transmission element that is configured to transmit optical data signals. As such, a PSE computing device may provide electrical data signals and power for transmission to a PD computing device, the electrical data signals may be converted to optical data signals, the optical data signals may be transmitted along with the power via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable to the PD computing device (e.g., with the power transmitted via the power transmission element(s) in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire(s) and the optical data signals transmitted via the optical signal transmission element(s) in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wires.) Following their transmission via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable, the optical data signals may be converted to electrical data signals, and the electrical data signals may be provided along with the power to the PD computing device. The PD computing device may then utilize the electrical data signals, and provide the power to at least one component. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the PD computing device may also provide electrical data signals for transmission to the PSE computing device, those electrical data signals may be converted to optical data signals, and those the optical data signals may be transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable to the PSE computing device (e.g., with the optical data signals transmitted via the optical signal transmission element(s) in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wires). As such, a data/power transmission cable is provided that has increased data transmission bandwidth relative to conventional data/power transmission cables.

The method1100begins at block1102where a first computing device is coupled to a second computing device using a hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable. In different embodiments, at block1102, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable of the present disclosure may be used to couple together a pair of computing devices. For example, with reference toFIG. 12, an embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure is illustrated with the PSE computing device200coupled to the PD computing device202using the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400, with the cable connector404connected to the port200aon the PSE computing device200, and the cable connector406connected to the port202aon the PD computing device202.

With reference toFIG. 13, an embodiment of the connection of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable of the present disclosure to a computing device is illustrated. As illustrated, the cable connector404or406on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may be connected to the computing device300(which may be either of the PSE computing device200or the PD computing device202). For example, the cable connector404/406/800may be positioned adjacent the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306on the computing device300such that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the cable connector404/406/800face the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310, respectively, on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306. The cable connector404/406/800may then be moved towards the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306such that the alignment elements802aon the cable connector404/406/800engage the alignment elements306aon the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306in order to align the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the cable connector404/406/800with the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310, respectively, on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306. Continued movement of the cable connector404/406/800will secure the cable connector404/406/800with the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306such that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the cable connector404/406/800engage the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310, respectively, on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306, as illustrated inFIG. 13.

With reference toFIG. 14, another embodiment of the connection of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable of the present disclosure to a computing device is illustrated. As illustrated, the cable connector904on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900may be connected to the PSE computing device200or the PD computing device202. For example, the cable connector904may be positioned adjacent the port200a/202aon the computing device200/202such that the connector end914of the cable connector904faces the connector elements included in the port200a/202a(e.g., QSFP-transceive-like male and female connectors). The cable connector904may then be moved towards the port200a/202asuch that the connector end914of the cable connector904engages on the port200a/202a, as illustrated inFIG. 14.

With reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B, yet another embodiment of the connection of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable of the present disclosure to a computing device is illustrated. As illustrated, the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000may be connected to the PSE computing device200or the PD computing device202. For example, the connector1012may be positioned adjacent the port200a/202aon the computing device200/202such that the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000faces connector elements on the port200a/202a. The hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000may then be moved towards the port200a/202asuch that the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000engages on the port200a/202a, as illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B.

As illustrated inFIG. 15B, the cable connector404or406on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may then be connected to the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000. For example, the cable connector404/406/800may be positioned adjacent the port1004on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000such that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the cable connector404/406/800face the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010, respectively, on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006. The cable connector404/406/800may then be moved towards the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006such that the alignment elements802aon the cable connector404/406/800engage the alignment elements1006aon the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006in order to align the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the cable connector404/406/800with the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010, respectively, on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006. Continued movement of the cable connector404/406/800will secure the cable connector404/406/800with the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006such that the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the cable connector404/406/800engage the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010, respectively, on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006, as illustrated inFIG. 15B.

As illustrated inFIG. 15C, one embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure may provide the PSE computing device200coupled to the PD computing device202via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400, with the cable connector404on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400connected to the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000that is further connected to the port200aon the PSE computing device200(e.g., as described above with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B), and the cable connector404on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400connected to the port202aon the PD computing device202(e.g., as described above with reference toFIG. 14).

As illustrated inFIG. 15D, another embodiment of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cabling system of the present disclosure may provide the PSE computing device200coupled to the PD computing device202via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400, with the cable connector404on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400connected to a first hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000that is further connected to the port200aon the PSE computing device200(e.g., as described above with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B), and the cable connector404on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400connected to a second hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000that is further connected to the port202aon the PD computing device202(e.g., as described above with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B). However, while several different examples of the coupling of the PSE computing device200and the PD computing device202have been illustrated and described above, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize that the teachings of the present disclosure may be combined in manners other that those explicitly illustrated and discussed herein while remaining within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, following block1102, blocks1104,1106, and1108may be performed to transmit data between the computing devices at the substantially the same time as the performance of blocks1110and1112in order to transmit power between the computing device. Thus, while blocks1104,1106, and1108of the method1100are described below before blocks1110and1112of the method1100, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize that they may (and often will) be performed at the same time.

As such, following block1102, the method1100then proceeds to block1104where the first computing device provides electrical data signals for transmission to the second computing device. In an embodiment, at block1104, the PSE computing device200may provide electrical data signals for transmission to the PD computing device202. For example, at block1104, a processing system in the PSE computing device200may operate to generate electrical data signals for transmission to the PD computing device202, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate the wide variety of scenarios in which the processing system in a computing device may generate electrical data signals for transmission to another computing device, and any of those scenarios will fall within the scope of the present disclosure. In another example, at block1104, the PSE computing device200provided by a switch device or other networking device may receive data signals from another computing device, and provide those data signals for transmission to the PD computing device202. However, while a few specific examples have been provided, one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize that a PSE computing device may provide electrical data signals for transmission to a PD computing device in a variety of scenarios that will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

The method1100then proceeds to block1106where the electrical data signals are converted to optical data signals, and the optical data signals are transmitted to the second computing device using the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable. With reference toFIG. 12, in an embodiment of block1106, the electrical data signals provided by the PSE computing device200for transmission to the PD computing device202may be converted to optical data signals, and those optical data signals may be transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device202.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, in an embodiment of block1106, the PSE computing device200/300may provide the electrical data signals via the electrical signal coupling314bto the SERDES subsystem312, and the SERDES subsystem312may convert those electrical data signals to optical data signals using electrical-to-optical data signal conversion techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The SERDES subsystem312may then provide those optical data signals to a laser subsystem (not illustrated), and the laser subsystem may operate to emit (e.g., “pulse”) a laser to transmit those optical data signals via the optical signal coupling314ato one of the optical signal transmission elements308dor310din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may be used by the PSE computing device200to transmit data, while the other of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may be used by the PSE computing device200to receive data, and thus the optical data signals may be transmitted at block1106based on that convention.

The one of the optical signal transmission elements308dor310din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306that receives the optical data signals will transmit those optical data signals to a respective one of the optical signal transmission elements804dor806din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800. Furthermore, the one of the optical signal transmission elements804dor806din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800that receives those optical data signals will transmit those optical data signals to the optical signal transmission layer710in one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400that is being used to transmit data.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, in an embodiment of block1106, the PSE computing device200may provide the electrical data signals via the electrical signal coupling912bto the SERDES subsystem910, and the SERDES subsystem910may convert those electrical data signals to optical data signals using electrical-to-optical data signal conversion techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The SERDES subsystem910may then provide those optical data signals to a laser subsystem (not illustrated), and the laser subsystem may operate to emit (e.g., “pulse”) a laser to transmit those optical data signals via the optical signal coupling912ato the optical signal transmission layer710in one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900that is being used to transmit data. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900may be used by the PSE computing device200to transmit data, while the other of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900may be used by the PSE computing device200to receive data, and thus the optical data signals may be transmitted at block1106based on that convention.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, in an embodiment of block1106, the PSE computing device200may provide the electrical data signals via the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000such that those electrical data signals are transmitted via the electrical signal coupling1016bto the SERDES subsystem1014, and the SERDES subsystem1014may convert those electrical data signals to optical data signals using electrical-to-optical data signal conversion techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The SERDES subsystem1014may then provide those optical data signals to a laser subsystem (not illustrated), and the laser subsystem may operate to emit (e.g., “pulse”) a laser to transmit those optical data signals via the optical signal coupling1016ato one of the optical signal transmission elements1008dor1010din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may be used by the PSE computing device200to transmit data, while the other of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may be used by the PSE computing device200to receive data, and thus the optical data signals may be transmitted at block1106based on that convention.

The one of the optical signal transmission elements1008dor1010din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006that receive the optical data signals will transmit those optical data signals to a respective one of the optical signal transmission elements804dor806din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800. Furthermore, the one of the optical signal transmission elements804dor806din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800that receives those optical data signals will transmit the optical data signals to the optical signal transmission layer710in one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400that is being used to transmit data.

Once the optical data signals are received by the optical signal transmission layer710in one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400that is being used to transmit data at block1106, those optical data signals may be transmitted via that optical signal transmission layer710along the length of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400. As such, with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5Band at block1106, the optical data signals may be transmitted by the optical signal transmission layer710in one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires506or508and along the length of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable500. Similarly, with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6Band at block1106, the optical data signals may be transmitted by the optical signal transmission layer710in one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires606or608and along the length of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable600.

The method1100then proceeds to block1108where the optical data signals are converted to electrical data signals, and the electrical data signals are provided to the second computing device. With reference toFIG. 12, in an embodiment of block1108, the optical data signals transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may be converted to electrical data signals, and those electrical data signals may be provided to the PD computing device202. One of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will recognize how, upon receiving the optical data signals, the PD computing device202(e.g., a processing system in the PD computing device) may utilize those optical data signals in any of a variety of manners that will fall within the scope of the present disclosure as well.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, in an embodiment of block1108, the optical data signals transmitted via one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400may be provided via a respective one of the optical signal transmission elements804dor806din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800and to a respective one of the optical signal transmission elements308dor310din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306. Those optical data signals may then be provided from the one of the optical signal transmission elements308dor310din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306and via the optical signal coupling314ato the SERDES subsystem312. The SERDES subsystem312may then convert those optical data signals to electrical data signals using optical-to-electrical data signal conversion techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The SERDES subsystem312may then provide those electrical data signals via the electrical signal coupling314bto the PD computing device202/300(e.g., a processing system in the PD computing device202).

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, in an embodiment of block1108, the optical data signals transmitted via one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable900may be provided via the optical signal coupling912ato the SERDES subsystem910. The SERDES subsystem910may then convert those optical data signals to electrical data signals using optical-to-electrical data signal conversion techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The SERDES subsystem910may then provide those electrical data signals via the electrical signal coupling912band the connector end914of the cable connector904to the PD computing device202(e.g., a processing system in the PD computing device202).

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, in an embodiment of block1108, the optical data signals transmitted via one of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400may be provided via a respective one of the optical signal transmission elements804dor806din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800and to a respective one of the optical signal transmission elements1008dor1010din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000. Those optical data signals may then be provided from the one of the optical signal transmission elements1008dor1010din the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and via the optical signal coupling1016ato the SERDES subsystem1014. The SERDES subsystem1014may then convert those optical data signals to electrical data signals using optical-to-electrical data signal conversion techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure. The SERDES subsystem1014may then provide those electrical data signals via the electrical signal coupling1016band the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000to the PD computing device202/300(e.g., a processing system in the PD computing device202).

As discussed above, blocks1110and1112of the method1100may be performed in order to transit power between the computing devices at substantially the same time as the performance of blocks1104,1106, and1108of the method1100to transmit data between the computing devices as discussed above. As such, following block1102, the method1100then proceeds to block1110where the first computing device transmits power to the second computing device using the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable. With reference toFIG. 12, in an embodiment of block1110, the PSE computing device200may transmit power via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device202. In an embodiment, a power subsystem (not illustrated) in the PSE computing device200may provide the power that is transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device202, and that power may be provided from any of a variety of power sources that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, in an embodiment of block1110, the PSE computing device200/300may provide the power via the power coupling311to the power transmission elements308band310bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the power transmission elements308band310bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306that receive the power will transmit that power to respective power transmission elements804band806bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800. Furthermore, the power transmission element804band806bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804or806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800that receive that power will transmit the power to the power transmission layer706in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, in an embodiment of block1110, the PSE computing device200may provide the power via the connector end914of the connector904and through the power coupling908to the power transmission layer706in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable900.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, in an embodiment of block1110, the PSE computing device200may provide the power via the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000such that the power is transmitted via the power coupling1013to the power transmission elements1008band1010bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the power transmission elements1008band1010bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006that receive the power will transmit that power to respective power transmission elements804band806bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800. Furthermore, the power transmission elements804band806bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800that receive the power will transmit the power to the power transmission layer706in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400.

Once the power is received by the power transmission layer706in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400at block1108, that power may be transmitted via the power transmission layers706along the length of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400. As such, with reference toFIGS. 5A and 5Band at block1106, the power may be transmitted by the power transmission layer706in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires506and508and along the length of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable500. Similarly, with reference toFIGS. 6A and 6Band at block1106, the power may be transmitted by the power transmission layer706in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires606and608and along the length of the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable600.

The method1100then proceeds to block1112where the second computing device receives the power and provides the power to at least one component. With reference toFIG. 12, in an embodiment of block1112, the PD computing device202may receive power from the PSE computing device200via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400, and one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure will appreciate how the power received via the via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400may be used by the PD computing device202to power a component (e.g., an internal component, an external component, and/or any other devices or components that would be apparent to one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure).

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 13, in an embodiment of block1112, the power transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400may be provided via the respective power transmission elements804band806bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800to respective power transmission elements308band310bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306. That power may then be provided from the power transmission elements308bor310bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements308and310on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector306and via the power coupling311to the PD computing device202/300.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 14, the power transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable900may be provided via the power coupling908and the connector end914of the cable connector904to the PD computing device202.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 15A and 15B, the power transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wires in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission cable400may be provided via the respective power transmission elements804band806bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements804and806on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector404/406/800to respective power transmission elements1008band1010bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006. That power may then be provided from the power transmission elements1008bor1010bin the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transmission wire connector elements1008and1010on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power connector1006and via the power coupling1013and the connector1012on the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000to the PD computing device202/300.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15C, the method1100may include the PSE computing device200providing the electrical data signals for transmission to the PD computing device202to the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000at block1104, the electrical data signals being converted to optical data signals in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and the optical data signals being transmitted from the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and through the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device202to block1106, and the PSE computing device200transmitting power via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and through the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device at block1108, in substantially the same manner described above with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B.

Furthermore, with continued reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15C, the method1100may include the optical data signals being converted to electrical data signals in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400and the electrical data signals being provided from the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device202at block1110, and the PD computing device receiving the power via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400and providing the power to at least one component at block1112, in substantially the same manner described above with reference toFIG. 13. Further still, with continued reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15C, the method1100may include the optical data signals being converted to electrical data signals in the PD computing device and the electrical data signals being provided to the PD computing device202at block1110, and the PD computing device receiving the power via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400and providing the power to at least one component at block1112, in substantially the same manner described above with reference toFIG. 14.

With reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15D, the method1100may include the PSE computing device200providing the electrical data signals for transmission to the PD computing device202to the first hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000at block1104, the electrical data signals being converted to optical data signals in the first hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and the optical data signals being transmitted from the first hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and through the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device202to block1106, and the PSE computing device200transmitting power via the first hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and through the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable400to the PD computing device at block1108, in substantially the same manner described above with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15B.

Furthermore, with continued reference to the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 15D, the method1100may include the optical data signals being converted to electrical data signals in the second hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and the electrical data signals being provided from the second hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000to the PD computing device202at block1110, and the PD computing device receiving the power via the second hybrid electrical/optical data/power transceiver device1000and providing the power to at least one component at block1112, in substantially the same manner described above with reference toFIGS. 15A and 15Bas well.

Following either of block1108or block1112, the method1100may then proceed to block1114where the second computing device provides electrical data signals for transmission to the first computing device, and then to block1116where the electrical data signals are converted to optical data signals and the optical data signals are transmitted to the first computing device using the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable. In an embodiment, at blocks1114and1116, the PD computing device202may operate to generate and/or transmit electrical data signals in substantially the same manner described above for the PSE computing device200with regard to block1104, and those electrical data signals may be converted to optical data signals that are then transmitted to the PSE computing device200in substantially the same manner described above with regard to block1106. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the transmission of those optical data signals may be followed by their conversion to electrical data signals and the provisioning of those electrical data signals to the PSE computing device200in substantially the same manner described above with regard to block1110. As such, the PD computing device202may utilize the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable of the present disclosure to transmit data back to the PSE computing device200.

Thus, systems and methods have been described that provide for the transmission of power and optical data between computing devices via a single, hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable. For example, the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable may include one or more hybrid electrical/optical data/power wires that each have a power transmission element that is configured to transmit power, and an optical signal transmission element that is configured to transmit optical signals. As such, a PSE computing device may provide electrical data signals and power for transmission to a PD computing device, the electrical data signals may be converted to optical data signals, the optical data signals may be transmitted along with the power via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable to the PD computing device (e.g., with the power transmitted via the power transmission element(s) in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wire(s) and the optical data signals transmitted via the optical signal transmission element(s) in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wires.) Following their transmission via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable, the optical data signals may be converted to electrical data signals, and the electrical data signals may be provided along with the power to the PD computing device. The PD computing device may then utilize the electrical data signals, and provide the power to at least one component. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art in possession of the present disclosure, the PD computing device may also provide electrical data signals for transmission to the PSE computing device, those electrical data signals may be converted to optical data signals, and those the optical data signals may be transmitted via the hybrid electrical/optical data/power cable to the PSE computing device (e.g., with the optical data signals transmitted via the optical signal transmission element(s) in the hybrid electrical/optical data/power wires). As such, a data/power transmission cable is provided that has increased data transmission bandwidth relative to conventional data/power transmission cables.