Reduced fiber count networks, devices, and related methods

Abstract

Optical fiber networks, devices, and related methods are disclosed herein. In some aspects, an optical fiber network includes network devices having optical fibers for transmitting and receiving data. In the network, 100% of the optical fibers are utilized end-to-end across the plurality of network devices. Networks herein are also devoid of converters and include only a single direction connection between fibers at interconnect points between devices. Network devices may include ferrules, where at least some of the ferrules are devoid of an optical fiber. A method for providing an optical fiber network includes providing network devices having optical fibers for transmitting and receiving data and transmitting data using 100% of the optical fibers end-to-end across the network devices.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An optical fiber network comprising:
 a plurality of network devices comprising optical fibers for supporting data communication at a rate of at least around 40 gigabits per second (40G) or more; and   wherein interconnect points between connected devices of the plurality of network devices comprise only one direct connection.   
     
     
         2 . The network of  claim 10 , wherein the network is devoid of a converter or conversion module at the interconnect points. 
     
     
         3 . The network of  claim 10 , wherein the network has a 100% end-to-end fiber utilization across the plurality of network devices. 
     
     
         4 . The network of  claim 10 , wherein the plurality of network devices communicate at a rate of at least 100G or more. 
     
     
         5 . The network of  claim 10 , wherein the network devices have an 8-count (8 ct) fiber basis. 
     
     
         6 . The network of  claim 10 , wherein only 8-count (8 ct) fiber basis devices are utilized. 
     
     
         7 . The network of  claim 10 , comprising one or more  8  fiber parallel optics devices configured in four separate channels. 
     
     
         8 . The network of  claim 7 , wherein each channel is configured to transmit 10 gigabits per second (10 Gbps) or more. 
     
     
         9 . The network of  claim 7 , wherein each channel is configured to transmit 25 gigabits per second (10 Gbps) or more. 
     
     
         10 . A device for an optical fiber network, the device comprising:
 a plurality of ferrules;   wherein at least some of the ferrules are devoid of an optical fiber.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , comprising a cable. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , comprising a ribbon cable. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 11 , comprising a jumper cable. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10 , comprising a connector or a communication module.