A first multimode optical fiber carries a mode division multiplexed (MDM) optical signal. The MDM optical signal is transmitted into a second multimode fiber from the first multimode optical fiber. The first and second multimode fibers are coupled via a fiber connector. The lateral offset between the two fibers at the connector is less than 2 μm.

A multi-fiber push on (MPO) optical connector includes a housing supporting a ferrule body. The ferrule body forms an optical connection with a second MPO optical connector. The ferrule body includes a connection end having a distal end face arranged to face the second MPO optical connector when the ferrule body forms the optical connection with the second MPO optical connector. The connection end of the ferrule body defines a recess extending proximally into the ferrule body from the distal end face. A plurality of optical fibers are received in the ferrule body. Distal ends of the optical fibers are adjacent to a proximal end of the recess such that the distal ends of the optical fibers are spaced apart from the second MPO optical connector when the ferrule body forms an optical connection with the second MPO optical connector. The distal ends of the optical fibers are coated with an anti-reflective material.

Technologies for switching network traffic include a network switch. The network switch includes one or more processors and communication circuitry coupled to the one or more processors. The communication circuitry is capable of switching network traffic of multiple link layer protocols. Additionally, the network switch includes one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed, cause the network switch to receive, with the communication circuitry through an optical connection, network traffic to be forwarded, and determine a link layer protocol of the received network traffic. The instructions additionally cause the network switch to forward the network traffic as a function of the determined link layer protocol. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

The present invention discloses a guide pin, which comprises a base support layer (1) and a protective layer (2). The base support layer (1) is a rod-shaped structure. The protective layer (2) tightly wraps the surface of the base support layer (1). A manufacturing method for the guide pin made of various materials is also disclosed. The guide pin manufactured by the method of the present invention is not prone to bending or deformation and has good corrosion resistance and acid/alkaline resistance properties; it is wear resistant and has of extended service life; it is easy to be processed and is low in cost.

In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector. Such a feature may actuated by being moved from a first position to a second position relative to the communication connector.

A multi-fiber, fiber optic connector is interchangeable between a male connector and a female connector by including a pin retainer having a releasable retention device configured to lock the pins in place within the retainer. The retention device may be opened, for example, with a release tool, to free the retention pins for removal of the pins. A method for switching a connector between a male connector configuration and a female connector configuration may be possible as a result of the releasable retention configuration.

Technologies for switching network traffic include a network switch. The network switch includes one or more processors and communication circuitry coupled to the one or more processors. The communication circuity is capable of switching network traffic of multiple link layer protocols. Additionally, the network switch includes one or more memory devices storing instructions that, when executed, cause the network switch to receive, with the communication circuitry through an optical connection, network traffic to be forwarded, and determine a link layer protocol of the received network traffic. The instructions additionally cause the network switch to forward the network traffic as a function of the determined link layer protocol. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

The present disclosure relates to the field of communication technology, and provides a connector for photoelectric hybrid in free space of magnetic absorption comprising matching a male connector and a female connector and provided with a conductive pin and an electrical contact used for conduction, an optical communication module for optical communication and comprising optical fiber connector and lens capable of expanding the light beam output to each other, a spacing formed between the two lenses, and the male connector and the female connector aligned and remained in a plug-in state through a magnetic field. Furthermore, a guiding structure is provided to embody precise alignment of the lens of the male connector and the lens of the female connector. The connector can transmit both optical signals and electrical signals, and has the characteristics of high processing yield, high reliability, and convenient use.

Example optical connector ferrules and example optical connectors are provided. An example optical connector ferrule is a first ferrule of an optical connector, where the first ferrule includes n optical channels, and the first ferrule is configured to be compatible with a second ferrule. The second ferrule includes m optical channels, where both m and n are positive integers, and n is greater than m. The n optical channels of the first ferrule include first-type optical channels and second-type optical channels, where an arrangement manner of the first-type optical channels is the same as that of the m optical channels of the second ferrule, and at least one of the second-type optical channels is located in at least one of rows in which the first-type optical channels are located.

In accordance with the following description, an optical communication connector includes a ferrule having retractable alignment pins that are actuable between an extended position and a retracted position. For example, the connector may include an inner housing assembly having optical fibers and an outer housing positioned over the inner housing assembly. The outer housing is shaped to be removable from the inner housing assembly, which has a movable pin clamp mechanically coupled to alignment pins for aligning the connector with another connector. The pin clamp may be slid from a first position (corresponding to a male gender) to a second position (corresponding to a female gender). Separately or in combination with changing gender, the polarity of a communication connector may be changed due to its inclusion of an asymmetric polarity-changing feature that is actuable by an installer to change a polarity of the communication connector. Such a feature may actuated by being moved from a first position to a second position relative to the communication connector.