TRACEABLE END POINT CABLE ASSEMBLY HAVING A TRACING WAVEGUIDE

Abstract

A traceable cable assembly includes a traceable cable, a first connector at a first end of the traceable cable, and a second connector at a second end of the traceable cable assembly. The traceable cable has at least one data transmission element, a jacket at least partially surrounding the data transmission element, and an optical fiber extending along at least a portion of the length of the traceable cable. The optical fiber includes a first end having a first bend and a second end having a second bend. The first and second bends may be equal to or less than ninety degrees so that the optical fiber facilitates identification of the second connector when a launch light is injected in the first end of the optical fiber, and the optical fiber facilitates identification of the first connector when the launch light is injected in the second end of the optical fiber.

Claims

1. A traceable cable assembly, comprising: a traceable cable, comprising: at least one data transmission element; a jacket at least partially surrounding the at least one data transmission element; an optical fiber extending along at least a portion of a length of the traceable cable, wherein the optical fiber comprises a first end and a second end, wherein the first end comprises a first bend and the second end comprises a second bend; and a first connector provided at a first end of the traceable cable and a second connector provided at a second end of the traceable cable; wherein the first bend is equal to or less than ninety degrees and the second bend is equal to or less than ninety degrees; wherein the optical fiber facilitates identification of the second connector when a launch light is injected in the first end of the optical fiber; and wherein the optical fiber facilitates identification of the first connector when the launch light is injected in the second end of the optical fiber.

2. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bend is located in the first connector and the second bend is located in the second connector.

3. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the optical fiber is located inside the first connector and the second end of the optical fiber is located inside the second connector.

4. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the optical fiber is located outside the first connector and the second end of the optical fiber is located outside the second connector.

5. The traceable cable assembly of claim 4, wherein the optical fiber passes through the first connector and the first end of the optical fiber protrudes from the first connector.

6. The traceable cable assembly of claim 5, wherein the optical fiber passes through the second connector and the second end of the optical fiber protrudes from the second connector.

7. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the optical fiber is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the first connector and the second end of the optical fiber is substantially flush with an exterior surface of the second connector.

8. The traceable cable assembly of claim 7, wherein the first end of the optical fiber is substantially flush with a side surface of the first connector and the second end of the optical fiber is substantially flush with a side surface of the second connector.

9. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the optical fiber comprises a core and a cladding, wherein the cladding is at least partially removed at the first end and at the second end of the optical fiber.

10. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the optical fiber comprises a first diffusing element and the second end of the optical fiber comprises a second diffusing element.

11. The traceable cable assembly of claim 10, wherein the first diffusing element is selected from the group comprising a layer of TiO2 impregnated material, a roughened surface, a conical-shaped end, a reflective surface, a refractive surface and a parabolic-shaped end.

12. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first end of the optical fiber is capable of illuminating at least a portion of the first connector when light is launched into the second end of the optical fiber, and wherein the second end of the optical fiber is capable of illuminating at least a portion of the second connector when light is launched into the first end of the optical fiber.

13. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, further comprising a light injection tool for injecting light into a side surface of the first connector or a side surface of the second connector.

14. The traceable cable assembly of claim 1, wherein the first bend of the optical fiber is configured to allow for injection of light when the first connector is engaged in a first connector receptacle.

15. The traceable cable assembly of claim 14, wherein the second bend of the optical fiber is configured to allow for injection of light when the second connector is engaged in the second connector receptacle.

16. A method of forming a traceable cable system, comprising: forming a traceable cable having a data transmission element, an optical fiber, and a jacket at least partially surrounding the data transmission element and the optical fiber so that the optical fiber extends along at least a portion of a length of the traceable cable; forming a first bend at a first end of the optical fiber; forming a second bend at a second end of the optical fiber, wherein the first bend is equal to or less than ninety degrees and the second bend is equal to or less than ninety degrees; securing a first connector to a first end of the traceable cable; and securing a second connector to a second end of the traceable cable.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning the first bend of the optical fiber in the first connector and positioning the second bend of the optical fiber in the second connector.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning the first end of the optical fiber in the first connector and positioning the second end of the optical fiber in the second connector.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising removing at least part of a cladding of the optical fiber from the first end of the optical fiber and removing at least part of the cladding of the optical fiber from the second end of the optical fiber.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising incorporating a first light diffusing element at the first end of the optical fiber and incorporating a second light diffusing element at the second end of the optical fiber.

21. The method of claim 16, further comprising forming at least part of the first and second connectors of a translucent material.

22. The method of claim 16, further comprising aligning the first end of the optical fiber with an exterior surface of the first connector and aligning the second end of the optical fiber with an exterior surface of the second connector.

23. The method of claim 16, further comprising aligning the first end of the optical fiber with an exterior, side surface of the first connector and aligning the second end of the optical fiber with an exterior, side surface of the second connector.

24. A traceable cable assembly, comprising: a traceable cable, comprising: at least one data transmission element, a jacket at least partially surrounding the at least one data transmission element, and a tracing optical fiber extending along at least a portion of a length of the traceable cable, wherein the tracing optical fiber comprising a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the tracing optical fiber comprises a first bend that is equal to or less than ninety degrees and wherein the second end of the tracing optical fiber comprises a second bend that is equal or less than ninety degrees; a first connector provided at a first end of the traceable cable and a second connector provided at a second end of the traceable cable, wherein the first bend of the tracing optical fiber is located in the first connector and the second bend of the tracing optical fiber is located in the second connector, wherein the first end of the tracing optical fiber is substantially flush with an exterior, side surface of the first connector and the second end of the tracing optical fiber is flush with an exterior, side surface of the second connector; wherein the tracing optical fiber facilitates identification of the second connector when a launch light is injected in the first end of the tracing optical fiber; and wherein the tracing optical fiber facilitates identification of the first connector when the launch light is injected in the second end of the tracing optical fiber.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain principles and operation of the various embodiments. Features and attributes associated with any of the embodiments shown or described may be applied to other embodiments shown, described, or appreciated based on this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an equipment rack supporting patch cords.

[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an under-floor cable tray supporting patch cords.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cable according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a traceable cable assembly according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a connector in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6 is a horizontal cross-section view of an embodiment of a traceable cable assembly in accordance with this disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 7 is a horizontal cross-section view of another embodiment of a traceable cable assembly in accordance with this disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic illustration of a light injection tool in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a method of forming a traceable cable assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DESCRIPTION

[0021] Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below. In general, the description relates to cable assemblies that use tracing waveguides to facilitate the traceability of the ends of a cable assembly. This description also relates to methods of forming traceable cable assemblies.

[0022] A problem that occurs in data centers or similar network locations is congestion and clutter caused by large quantities of cables. Specifically, FIG. 1 shows an example of congestion in an equipment rack 2. FIG. 2 shows congestion in an under-floor cable tray 4. Network operators frequently need to change connections to accommodate moves, adds, and changes in the network. However, operators may find it difficult to trace a particular cable from the source to the receiver when the network location is congested, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] The various embodiments described herein may be incorporated into a tracing system that makes the process of performing a trace or otherwise identifying a cable in a congested environment relatively convenient and fast for a technician. As a result, the technician can reliably identify the cable in question (which may be a telecommunication patch cord) from amongst many other cables (which may also be telecommunication patch cords). The tracing system may also have the advantage of being an optically-activated tracing system using only passive, optical tracing elements associated with the cable (although active, electronic tracing elements may still be provided in addition to the passive tracing elements, if desired). An aspect of this disclosure is the provision of one or more tracing optical fibers within a traceable cable to provide for traceablility of the cable from one or both of the ends of the cable. Yet another aspect of this disclosure is the ability to trace a cable without disconnecting the cable from corresponding receptacles. Another aspect of this disclosure is the efficient manufacture of such traceable cable assemblies. Various embodiments will be further clarified by examples in the description below.

[0024] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross section of a cable 3 representing one possible embodiment. The cable 3 may include one or more data transmission elements 7. Two such data transmission elements 7 are shown in FIG. 3, but the cable 3 may include any number of data transmission elements 7.

[0025] The data transmission elements 7 may be of the same type or different types as compared to one another. Generally, a data transmission element 7 is a structure capable of carrying a data signal from one end of the cable 3 to the other. The data transmission element 7 may be configured to transmit an electrical signal, for example, using a copper wire or other electrically conductive material. Alternatively, or in addition, the data transmission element 7 may be configured to transmit an optical signal by conducting electromagnetic waves such as ultraviolet, infrared, or visible light to carry data from one location to another. The data transmission elements 7 shown in FIG. 3 are of the latter type (i.e., an optical transmission element) having a core 5 and a cladding 6. There may also be strength members (e.g., aramid yarns, not shown) or other elements located within the cable 3 between the data transmission elements 7 and the jacket 10.

[0026] In yet other embodiments, the cable 3 may be more appropriately referred to as a conduit, without having any data transmission elements 7. For example, the cable 3 may transmit fluids such as air or liquid and may be appropriate for use in a medical setting such as IV lines or oxygen tubing.

[0027] The cable 3 includes a jacket 10. The jacket 10 may be a hollow tube forming a conduit 8 that substantially surrounds the data transmission elements 7 and defines an outer surface 16 of the cable 3. Alternatively, the data transmission elements 7 may be partially or fully embedded within the jacket 10.

[0028] The cables 3 of the present disclosure also include one or more tracer elements, such as tracing optical fiber 20. The tracer element is provided to enable an operator to identify the cable 3 at one end by injecting light into the opposite end of the cable 3. In some embodiments, the operator can visually identify the tracer elements with or without special equipment, such as an IR camera. The tracer element of FIG. 3 is shown in the form of a tracing optical fiber 20 configured to transmit and emit tracer light for visualization purposes.

[0029] The tracing optical fiber 20 may be incorporated as part of the cable 3 in one of several configurations. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 the tracing optical fibers 20 is adjacent to the data transmission elements 7 inside the conduit 8 defined by the jacket 10. In yet other embodiments, the tracing optical fiber 20 may be mounted to an outer surface 16 of the jacket 10 or otherwise attached to the jacket 10. In other embodiments, the tracing optical fiber 20 may be incorporated partially or fully within the jacket 10.

[0030] The tracer element may be any type of optical waveguide. For example, in some embodiments the tracer element is a plastic optical fiber (POF), such as the tracing optical fiber 20 illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4, 6 and 7. In other embodiments, the tracer element may be a glass optical fiber or any other type of optical waveguide. The tracing optical fiber 20 may be referred to interchangeably as an optical waveguide herein. The tracing optical fiber 20 may conduct nonvisible light or visible light, such as green light at approximately 520 nm. Red light, blue light, or a combination thereof could also be used to assist with tracing the cable 3. Green light may be used due to the relative high degree of sensitivity of the human eye to green light and because 520 nm is the lowest loss part of the transmission spectrum for conventional, PMMA-based, plastic optical fiber (POF), which may be used as the tracing optical fiber 20.

[0031] In some embodiments, the optical fiber 20 includes a core 5 and a cladding 6. The core 5 may be made from glass, particularly silica-based glass, having a first index of refraction. Alternatively, the core 5 may be formed from a polymer. The size of the core 5 is not particularly limited, but in some embodiments diameters may be between about 100 microns and about 250 microns. The core 5 may have a diameter of, for example, 125 microns. Cores 5 that are significantly smaller may be subject to damage from handling and may be more be challenging to couple into, and cores 5 that are significantly larger may be subject to damage when bending.

[0032] The cladding 6 can also be made from glass or a polymer, such as fluoro-acrylate. The material for the cladding 6 may be selected to have an index of refraction that differs from the index of refraction of the core 5. The index of refraction of the cladding 6 is lower than that of the core 5. The indices of refraction may produce a step-index tracing optical fiber 20. In other embodiments, the optical fiber 20 may be a trapezium or triangular index fiber. The cladding 6 closely surrounds the core 5 to help maintain light within the tracing optical fiber 20. The tracing optical fiber 20 may be a single mode fiber or multi-mode fiber.

[0033] An example cable assembly 30 is schematically illustrated in FIG. 4. In general, the cable assembly includes a first connector 12, a second connector 14 and a cable 3 extending between the first and second connectors 12, 14. The cable 3 has at least one data transmission element 7 and at least one tracing optical fiber 20 to allow for accurate identification of an end of the cable assembly 30. In use, the traceable cable 3 may extend between receptacles 36, 38 at two locations, such as two equipment racks in a data center, telecommunications room, or the like. The first and second connectors 12, 14 are present on opposite ends of the cable 3 to allow the cable assembly 30 to act as a patch cord between components of a network. The connectors 12, 14 may vary widely depending on the nature of the cable 3 and the components being connected. The specific type of connectors 12, 14 selected should match the configuration of the receptacles 36, 38 of the network component and will vary based upon the quantity and type of signals being transmitted by the cable 3.

[0034] Example connectors for use in a cable assembly 30 of the present disclosure are illustrated in FIGS. 5-7. FIG. 5 illustrates a perspective view of a first example connector 12. The connector 12 may be any suitable type of connector, such as, for example, a duplex LC fiber optic connector. In some embodiments, the connector 12 is configured to accept tracer light from a launch tool at location identified by numeral 32. The connector 12 may also emit light when tracing light is injected into the connector at the opposite end of the cable assembly 30. Thus, in some embodiments, at least part of the connectors 12, 14 is made of a translucent or transparent material.

[0035] FIG. 6 illustrates a horizontal cross-section of the first and second connectors 12, 14 and the cable 3 of an example cable assembly 30. FIG. 6 shows a tracing optical fiber 20 that extends along the length of the cable 3 between the first and second connectors 12, 14. The tracing optical fiber 20 includes a first end 32 in or near the first connector 12 and a second end 34 in or near the second connector 14.

[0036] The tracing optical fiber 20 includes a first bend 24 near the first end 32 and a second bend 26 near the second end 34. The first and second bends 24, 26 may be equal to or less than ninety degrees to allow for convenient injection of light into the tracing optical fiber 20 and visibility of light emitted from the tracing optical fiber 20. For example, if a user needs to identify the location of the second connector, the first bend 24 of the tracing optical fiber 20 allows for injection of light into the tracing optical fiber 20 while the first connector 12 is engaged in a first connector receptacle (see, e.g., connector receptacle 36 in FIG. 4). At the same time, the second bend 26 allows for emission of light from the second connector 14 while the second connector 14 is engaged in a second connector receptacle (see, e.g., connector receptacle 38 in FIG. 4). The tracing optical fiber 20 also functions in the opposite direction. For example, if a user needs to identify the location of the first connector, the second bend 26 facilitates injection of light into the second connector 14 while the second connector 14 is engaged in the second connector receptacle (see, e.g., connector receptacle 38 in FIG. 4). At the same time, the first bend 24 allows for emission of light from the first connector 14 while the first connector 14 is engaged in a first connector receptacle (see, e.g., connector receptacle 36 in FIG. 4). Thus, the cable assembly 30 is traceable in both directions without disconnecting the connectors 12, 14 from the corresponding receptacles 36, 38. This provides a benefit to a user because the cable has bi-directional traceability.

[0037] The bends 24, 26 of the tracing optical fiber 20 may be located in the first and second connectors 12, 14, respectively, to protect the bends 24, 26 from damage and to maintain an appropriate bend radius. An appropriate bend radius may be a radius that reduces the risk of attenuation or damage to the tracing optical fiber 20. In some embodiments, the bends 24, 26 of the tracing optical fiber 20 are held in place by mating surfaces of the connectors 12, 14. In yet other embodiments, the bends 24, 26 of the tracing optical fiber 20 are held in place by integrating the fibers into a bent cavity 50 within the connectors 12, 14, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In yet other embodiments, the ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 are held in place at openings 40 in the side of the connectors 12, 14 by an epoxy and/or mechanical fastener.

[0038] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the bends 24, 26 of the first and second tracing optical fibers 20, 22 are approximately ninety degrees. In other embodiments, the bends 24, 26 of the first and second tracing optical fibers 20, 22 may be other angles. For example, in some embodiments the bends 24, 26 are between about zero and about ninety degrees. In some embodiments, a bend of about ninety degrees may allow for injection of light into the first and second tracing optical fibers 20, 22 from a side portion 44 of the connectors 12, 14, as illustrated in FIG. 6. In other embodiments, the bends 24, 26 are less than ninety degrees to allow for injection of light into the tracing optical fibers 20 from other positions on the connectors 12, 14.

[0039] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, the first and second ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 are substantially flush with an outer surface 46 of the side portion 44 of the connectors 12, 14. In other embodiments, however, the ends 32, 34 may be located at other positions inside or outside of the connectors 12, 14. For example, the first and second ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 may be located inside the connectors 12, 14, as illustrated in FIG. 7. In other embodiments, the tracing optical fiber 20 may pass completely through the first and second connectors 12, 14 so that the first and second ends 32, 34 protrude from the first and second connectors 12, 14 and are located outside of the first and second connectors 12, 14. In some embodiments, for example, the ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 protrude outside the connectors 12, 14 by less than about 2 mm, less than about 1 mm or less than about 0.5 mm. Positioning the ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 so that they protrude from or are substantially flush with an outer surface 46 of the connectors 12, 14 may provide for enhanced visibility of light emitted by the tracing optical fiber 20.

[0040] In yet other embodiments, the ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 may be recessed within a protective cavity (not shown) in the connectors 12, 14 or may be positioned inside the connectors 12, 14 and a portion of the connectors 12, 14 is translucent to enhance visibility of the light emitted by the tracing optical fiber 20. Thus, in some embodiments the first end 32 of the tracing optical fiber 20 is capable of illuminating at least a portion of the first connector 12 when light is launched into the second end 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20, and the second end 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 is capable of illuminating at least a portion of the second connector 14 when light is launched into the first end 32 of the tracing optical fiber 20.

[0041] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a cable assembly 30. In this embodiment, the ends 32, 34 of the tracing fiber 20 are contained within the respective connectors 12, 14 and include bends 24, 26 that are between about 0 and about ninety degrees. The connectors 12, 14 also include conduits 50 to orient the tracing optical fiber 20 and to allow for insertion of a portion of a light injection tool 100 (see, e.g., FIGS. 8-10). For example, in some embodiments the launch light injection tool 100 includes a flexible fiber 54 that is insertable into the conduit 50 to inject light into the first or second end 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20. The flexible fiber 54 from the light injection tool 100 bends to inject light into the ends 32 or 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20. In some embodiments, the connectors 12, 14 may also include one or more fiber optic connector sub-assemblies, such as ferrules, configured to mate with the flexible fiber 54 of the light injection tool 52.

[0042] Turning now to FIG. 8, an example embodiment of a light injection tool 100 is diagrammatically shown. The launch light tool 100 is configured to emit light into the tracing optical fiber 20. The launch light tool 100 may have a number of elements stored in a housing 102, including the light source 104 (e.g., a red or green laser), an electrical power source 106 (e.g., batteries), and control circuitry 108 respectively connected to other components of the launch tool 100, such as to control the light source 104 and power usage. A receiver 110 or other wireless communication components may be also be included in or on the housing 102 to receive commands from an external controller. Furthermore, the launch tool 100 may include an on-off switch 112 and one or more user interface features, such as a speaker 114 to allow for the generation of audible signals. The housing 102 may be approximately the size of a standard flashlight or much smaller or larger depending on the application. The housing 102 may be sufficiently durable to protect the launch tool 100, even in the event of a drop onto a hard surface. It should be noted that the components of the launch tool 100 may be located inside or outside the housing 102. For example, in some embodiments the light source 104 is located at the attachment 116 rather than in the housing 102.

[0043] In one embodiment, the light source 104 may emit a wavelength that is chosen to enhance visibility, such as a wavelength as near to 555 nm as possible. In some embodiments, the light source 104 is a 510-540 nm green laser diode, LED or super-luminescent diode (SLD). Alternatively, other colors/wavelengths may be emitted, such as red light from approximately 620-660 nm. In other embodiments, non-laser light sources may be used, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). Several factors may be considered when selecting an appropriate light source 104, and the factors may include, but are not limited to, visibility, cost, eye safety, peak power, power consumption, size, and commercial availability. In some embodiments, the power of the light source 104 is as high as can be used safely according to industry safety standards, such as a green laser of 100 mW or more coupled to a multimode delivery waveguide fiber with core diameter of about 50 microns or more and a numerical aperture about 0.2 or more.

[0044] The launch tool 100 of FIG. 8 includes a delivery waveguide 118, which is sometimes referred to as an umbilical. The delivery waveguide 118 provides a path for transmitting light and/or electrical power to an emission end 120 of the delivery waveguide 118. The delivery waveguide 118 may be several meters in length, for example, so that the housing 102 of the launch tool 100 can be placed on the ground while the attachment 116 is at least indirectly coupled with the cable assembly 30 several meters away.

[0045] Traceable cable assemblies 30 according to this disclosure may be manufactured according to a method 200 schematically illustrated in FIG. 9. The method 200 may include forming a cable 30 having a data transmission element 7, a tracing optical fiber 20, and a jacket 10 at least partially surrounding the data transmission element 7 and the tracing optical fiber 20 so that the tracing optical fiber 20 extends along at least a portion of a length of the cable 30, as illustrated at block 202. The method 200 also includes placing a first bend 24 near a first end 32 of the tracing optical fiber 20, as illustrated at block 204, and placing a second bend 26 near the second end 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20, as illustrated at block 206. In some embodiments, the first bend 24 is equal to or less than ninety degrees and the second bend 26 is equal to or less than ninety degrees. The method 200 also includes securing a first connector 12 to a first end of the cable 3, as illustrated at block 208, and securing a second connector 14 to a second end of the cable 3, as illustrated at block 210.

[0046] In some embodiments, the method 200 also includes locating the first bend 24 of the tracing optical fiber 20 in the first connector 12 and locating the second bend 26 of the tracing optical fiber 22 in the second connector 14. As discussed above, the ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 may be located inside or outside of the first and second connectors 12, 14, or flush with an outer surface 46 of the connectors 12, 14. For example, in some embodiments the method 200 includes aligning the first end 32 of the tracing optical fiber 20 with an outer surface 46 of the first connector 12 and aligning the second end 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 with an outer surface 46 of the second connector 14.

[0047] The method 200 may also include removing at least part of a cladding 6 of the tracing optical fiber 20 from the first end 32 of the tracing optical fiber 20 and removing at least part of the cladding 6 of the tracing optical fiber 20 from the second end 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20. In some embodiments, the method 200 also includes incorporating a first light diffusing element at the first end 32 of the tracing optical fiber 20 and incorporating a second light diffusing element at the second end 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20. The method 200 may also include forming at least part of the first and second connectors 12, 14 of a translucent material.

[0048] Persons skilled in optical connectivity will appreciate additional variations and modifications of the devices and methods already described. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6 the first and second ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 each include a bend 24, 26. However, in other embodiments the tracing optical fiber 20 may include a single bend at only one of the ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 while the other end 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 is substantially straight. In these embodiments, the tracing optical fiber 20 may allow for uni-directional identification of only connector 12, 14 rather than bi-directional identification as described above. Such one-direction cable assemblies 30 may be limited in functionality but may provide a more cost-efficient solution for certain applications.

[0049] The ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 may include light diffusing elements or features to enhance visibility. The light diffusing elements can be any element or feature that enhances diffusion of light from the tracing optical fiber 20. For example, the diffusing element may be a layer of TiO2-impregnated material, a roughened surface, a conical-shaped end, a scattering ink layer, a parabolic-shaped end, a non-planar-shaped end on the end of the tracing optical fiber 20. The diffusing element may also include a reflective element, a refractive element, or any combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 need not be polished or otherwise finely tuned which may save time and cost associated with manufacturing the cable assembly 30. In other embodiments, the tracing optical fiber 20 includes a core 5 and a cladding 6, and the cladding 6 is at least partially removed at the first and second ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20 to increase light diffusion from the first and second ends 32, 34 of the tracing optical fiber 20.

[0050] Where a system claim below does not explicitly recite a component mentioned in the description above, it should not be assumed that the component is required by the claim. Additionally, where a method claim below does not explicitly recite a step mentioned in the description above, it should not be assumed that the step is required by the claim. Furthermore, where a method claim below does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or an order is otherwise not required based on the claim language, it is not intended that any particular order be inferred.

[0051] The above examples are in no way intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that while the present disclosure has been discussed above with reference to examples of embodiments, various additions, modifications and changes can be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims.