Patent ID: 8588606

Claim:
A network monitoring module for deployment in a branched optical network at a split location including a splitter where the network splits from a distribution cable into a plurality of branches, the network monitoring module comprising: an array of transmitters configured to be provided at the split location for generating optical test signals, wherein a separate transmitter is configured to be optically connected to each branch; a detector configured to be optically connected to the distribution cable at the split location for receiving an optical trigger signal which identifies a particular one of the transmitters, the optical trigger signal being generated by a trigger signal generator optically connected to the distribution cable and positioned remotely from the split location; a drop splitter for splitting the optical trigger signal from the distribution cable; a CMOS circuit for selectively triggering the transmitter identified in the optical trigger signal to transmit an optical test signal; and a plurality of couplers, each coupler configured to couple the optical test signal downstream into the branch connected to the triggered transmitter and configured to pass a reflected test signal upstream to the splitter and distribution cable; wherein the optical test signal is configured to produce a reflection to be monitored by a monitor optically connected to the distribution cable and positioned remotely from the split location.