British Telecommunications Public Limited Company

Malcolm D Campbell

Neil Parkin

Christopher Fisk

Christopher Nigel Munnings

John A Warren

Ian Hunter

An optical fiber including a plurality of embedded optical reflectors distributed periodically along the length of the fiber and a method of quantifying loss associated with an optical connector that is connected to optical fiber comprising a plurality of embedded optical reflectors distributed periodically along the length of the fiber. The method includes inserting an optical signal into the fiber through the optical connector; measuring a component of the optical signal reflected by at least one of the plurality of embedded optical reflectors, in which the component is received through the optical connector; calculating the difference in power level between the inserted and reflected signals; and quantifying, based on the calculated power level difference and the reflectivity of the embedded optical reflector, the loss associated with the optical connector.

Optical fiber

A plurality of telecommunications connections are installed in a distribution network by connecting a series of distribution points using a multicore cable comprising a plurality of cores having a common enclosure, some of the cores carrying fiber tubes into which optical fiber may later be introduced, and other cores carrying an electrical power supply. One or more cores may be diverted from a longer cable run to serve a local distribution point by rupturing a web connecting the core to the rest of the cable, thus allowing the remaining cores to be uninterrupted at the point of divergence. An alternative embodiment intended for underground use provides for apertures to be opened in a protective sheath to expose the individual cores required to be diverted to a local distribution point.

Cable connections

Apparatus for connecting telecommunications equipment of premises to a telecommunications network, the apparatus comprising a first module associated with the telecommunications equipment, a second module associated with the telecommunications network, the first module connectable to the second module by a telecommunications link, and access means permitting access to only one of either the first module or the second module.

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Ipswich, United Kingdom

Malcolm D Campbell