The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for transmission of data over a network, and from point to point. More particularly, it relates to an apparatus and method for configuring a multi-purpose optical transmitter or transceiver for communication of video, audio, and data signals, each with differing protocols, on a fiber optic network capable of utilizing a single optical fiber to communicate any of the differing types of signals and protocols associated with it. Further, a software program is provided to allow users to configure or customize the system using menu-driven graphical interface screens and common configurable components.
With the ever-widening reach of public and private data networks used by the public, and especially by business and government, there continues to be an increase in the flow of electronic data over such networks. Such communications may be from remotely-located differing branches of government offices, or different divisions of a company. Further, such electronic communications may include video, audio or other types of data signals, each with its own communications protocols that must be followed in the transmission and reception of intelligible communications signals.
Additionally, with this rise in electronic traffic between remote locations worldwide, there is an ever-increasing demand for a transmission system that can both transport and accommodate increasing levels of bandwidth consisting of multiple channels of video, audio and/or data over long distances. The optimum solutions for this demand are systems which involve the least number of transmission mediums as possible and that are unaffected by environmental hazards from static and electrical disturbances.
Satellite communications, such as those involving the frequency band of 390 MHz to 2150 MHz (often called the L-band) provide significant bandwidth. Once the L-band signal is received, it is increasingly desirable to use a fiber optic communication network (which provides sufficient bandwidth to accommodate data through-put of the order produced by satellite communications) to transmit that data terrestrially.
In general, fiber optics serve as the best solution to the problem of environmental interference. Transmission of electronic signals for data of all types over fiber optic networks will eliminate EMI radiation, EMI susceptibility and other factors which would otherwise affect copper or other cable. Consequently, this makes fiber the choice for high quality video transmission as well as conventional data transmission.
However, as noted, there are a variety of video, audio and data signals, using protocols specific to the type of signal carried, that a multipurpose fiber optic transmission system may accommodate. Conventionally, for each of these signal types and their respective protocols, a generally unique transmission component is employed to generate the corresponding signal.
Because each user at each transmission and reception site may be employing any or all of the different electronic signals and protocols, it is a complex task to design and manufacture site-specific data transmission systems that will communicate with remote sites and which may be required to accommodate the same or other types of electronic data signals and associated protocols. Such differing types of data stream transmission and reception requirements (even between two remote locations of the same company or government department) can create logistical difficulties. Furthermore, designing a data transmission and reception system which will suit each customer's individualized needs can be complex and time consuming. In the case of satellite-derived transmissions, it may be desirable to transmit the signal across a fiberoptic communications network without changing the corresponding transmission protocol or otherwise changing the signal, together with video, audio or other data.
Currently, such designs may entail computers with multiple types of data transmission cards or components engaged to local and wide area networks. Generally, each type of data will require a corresponding card or component. Of course, each of the differing cards or components may also require software or drivers to allow it to communicate with the controller or computer with which it must send and receive signals according to the proper communications protocol. Further complications arise when signals originate over an Ethernet or satellite network, and must be converted to transmission over a fiber optic network for communication to the remote destination.
Therefore, it can be seen that there is a pressing need for an apparatus, and a corresponding method, that provides a single system to communicate the various data types that might originate in any highly-customized client venue location, and that allows for transmission of those signals to one or more remote locations using a fiber optic network. Such a system should allow for any type of conventionally-employed data protocol to be used by the originator and receiver of the signals, yet still allow the signals to be transmitted over a fiber optic network.
Still further, in a particularly preferred mode of the invention, a configuration of the manufactured system allows for customization by the buyer according to the existing communications streams and protocols being currently used by the buyer. The buyer is able to design a customized component, the component thereby being able to accommodate current communications data streams and protocols and to communicate them to remote locations using a single apparatus providing fiber optic transmission. Such customization, heretofore being hard to achieve if at all, allows users to maintain their current network communications types and protocols, while still being able to take advantage of the benefit of fiber optic network transmission. This eliminates any requirements for the users to upgrade and change all their systems and protocols before taking advantage of the benefit of fiber optic network communications, thereby eliminating the costs and inevitable problems that such an upgrade would entail.
As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception upon which this disclosure is based may readily be utilized as a basis for designing other methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important therefore that the claims be regarded as including equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.