A method and apparatus for providing a tracer function for networked cable systems used for data or power transmission. A self contained and self powered indicator circuit is described that enables tracing the location of both ends of a networked cable.

A fiber optic cable assembly suitable for providing mesh connectivity includes a fiber shuffle region arranged between first and second cable assembly sections that each include multiple tubes each containing a group of optical fibers, with a jacket provided over one or both cable assembly sections. The fiber shuffle region may be compact in width and length, and integrated into a trunk cable. Optical fibers remain in sequential order in groups at ends of the cable assembly sections, where the fibers may be ribbonized and/or connectorized. A fabrication method for such a fiber optic cable assembly is also disclosed.

An apparatus including a first ferrule, a second ferrule and a tracing fiber. The first ferrule may comprise a cap. The second ferrule may comprise the cap. The tracing fiber may be configured to propagate light from the first ferrule to the second ferrule. The first ferrule may enable the light to be directed into the tracing fiber when the cap is removed. The cap of the second ferrule may be configured to scatter the light to provide an omnidirectional emission of the light from the second ferrule. The tracing fiber may be bundled with one or more data carrying lines in a cable. Each of the data carrying lines may be configured to enable a communication of data. The tracing fiber may be configured to propagate the light without interrupting the communication of data.

A device may provide, to a user device, a first message instructing a technician to move fiber cables and may receive a first signal based on the technician moving the fiber cables and a rest signal based on the technician stopping movement of the fiber cables. The device may calculate a distance, an average peak signal, and a baseline signal based on the first signal and the rest signal and may calculate a data collection window based on the distance, the average peak signal, and the baseline signal. The device may provide, to the user device, a second message instructing the technician to move one fiber cable at a time and may receive second signals based on the technician moving one fiber cable at a time. The device may provide, for display to the user device, the data collection window and indications of the second signals.

A cable may include an optical fiber and a tight buffer layer formed around the optical fiber. Additionally, a conductive toner wire may be coupled to the tight buffer layer in order to reduce shrinkage of the tight buffer layer due to low temperatures. A maximum distance between the optical fiber and the toner wire may be 1.0 mm.

The specification relates to a fiber optic cable assembly. The fiber optic cable assembly includes: an outer sheath; fiberglass reinforced panels; a pull material; an inner jacket; a strength material; non-interlocking armor; and a tight buffer of optical fibers.

A port tracer including a housing, a light guiding tunnel, and a light guide cover. The housing has a first side and a second side opposite to each other and a third side connected to the first side and the second side. A first opening and a second opening are located on the first side and the second side respectively. The light guiding tunnel is disposed inside the housing. The light guiding tunnel has a first light entrance-exit and a second entrance-exit that face the first side and the second side respectively. The light guide cover is detachably connected to the first opening. The light guide cover covers the first light entrance-exit. The third side has a third opening. A part of the light guide cover is located inside the housing and opposite to the third opening.

A device may provide, to a user device, a first message instructing a technician to move fiber cables and may receive a first signal based on the technician moving the fiber cables and a rest signal based on the technician stopping movement of the fiber cables. The device may calculate a distance, an average peak signal, and a baseline signal based on the first signal and the rest signal and may calculate a data collection window based on the distance, the average peak signal, and the baseline signal. The device may provide, to the user device, a second message instructing the technician to move one fiber cable at a time and may receive second signals based on the technician moving one fiber cable at a time. The device may provide, for display to the user device, the data collection window and indications of the second signals.

An optically traceable patch cord includes a cable extending from a first connector at a first end to a second connector at a second end. A trace assembly in the cable is located between the first end of the cable and the second end of the cable. An optical tracing fiber extends from the trace assembly to one of the first connector and the second connector.

A cable includes a transmissive core; a jacket surrounding the transmissive core, which has at least an outermost polymeric layer; and an external semi-conductive layer around and in direct contact with the outermost polymeric layer of the jacket. The external semi-conductive layer is made of a composition comprising a base polymer material and an electrically conductive filler. The electrically conductive filler includes carbon nanotubes.