Description

The Force Model 5615 provides an automatic fiber switching function for redundant protection of optical signals. Each fiber’s optical signal power level is monitored, as is an adjustable optical trip threshold for each channel. If the primary fiber’s optical signal power level falls below the desired optical trip threshold, the unit automatically switches to the secondary fiber, thus eliminating the need for intervention of a system operator. Returning to the primary fiber is automatic when the signal on fiber 1 is restored. The disabled path selection switch in auto mode prevents path 2 from being set at the primary fiber. Additional flexibility is added via forced manual channel selection. This feature expands the functionality of the redundant unit. For example, the user could not provide unique signals to each channel and switch between each as desired. The Model 5615 adds stability to many system applications, such as WDM networks, high-speed communications, and long-haul telecommunications.