This inventor holds 4 USPTO granted patents. Top assignees: At+t Corp., Other. Active years: 2001-2009.
Location History:
- Somerset, NJ (US) (2001)
- Bridgewater, NJ (US) (2002 - 2009)
Company Filing History:
3 out of 4,208 
1 out of 834,350 Years Active: 2001-2009
Title: Thomas S Afferton: Innovator in Optical Networks
Introduction
Thomas S Afferton is a notable inventor based in Bridgewater, NJ (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of optical networks, holding a total of 4 patents. His work focuses on enhancing network efficiency and reliability through innovative technologies.
Latest Patents
Afferton's latest patents include a groundbreaking invention titled "Network with optical bandwidth on demand." This patent describes a network arrangement where traffic elements of network nodes are programmable. The design features an electrically controllable transceiver pool with multiple ports connected to an optical director, enabling all-optical information communication paths. The transceiver pool allows for customer connection points to couple signals to the optical director at specific wavelengths, controlled by applied signals.
Another significant patent is the "Family ring protection technique." This method structures SONET rings in a network and provides a way to redirect traffic among these rings when a fault is detected. The technique involves organizing SONET rings into families that share common offices, with each family containing an additional protection ring. When a service-affecting alarm is detected, the system checks for alarms on the protection ring and reroutes traffic accordingly, ensuring minimal disruption.
Career Highlights
Throughout his career, Afferton has worked with prominent companies, including AT&T Corp. His experience in the telecommunications industry has allowed him to develop innovative solutions that address critical challenges in network management.
Collaborations
Afferton has collaborated with notable professionals in his field, including Simon S Zelingher and John Lester Strand. These partnerships have contributed to the advancement of his inventions and the overall progress in optical networking technologies.
Conclusion
Thomas S Afferton is a distinguished inventor whose work in optical networks has led to significant advancements in the field. His patents reflect a commitment to innovation and a deep understanding of network dynamics. His contributions continue to influence the telecommunications industry and pave the way for future developments.