US 7,390,203 B2 · Secure fiber optic network keyed connector assembly

Abstract

Systems and methods for securing a keyed fiber optic network assembly are provided. A typical network system includes an assembly having a security feature and adapted to facilitate fiber optic communication between two mating fiber optic connectors. The security feature is uniquely keyed to disengaged when mated with a corresponding uniquely keyed connector. The security feature includes at least an inner door and a spring and is adapted to prevent optical communication and mating with a receiving connector during illegitimate connector insertion. A typical network includes a plurality of assemblies each having a uniquely keyed security feature. Each of the plurality of assemblies is color coded to match with a legitimate color coded connector to provide guidance to a network user. The connector and the security feature are uniquely keyed through unique positioning of protruding bosses.

Claims22

Dependent claims

A secure connector system comprising:

an assembly including:
(i) a front opening cavity;
(ii) a rear opening cavity;
and (iii) a security feature;
wherein, at least the front opening cavity is adapted to accept a first keyed mating connector having a protruding mating keying boss;
wherein, the security feature is positioned on a bottom surface of the front opening cavity and prevents communication between two illegitimate keyed mating connectors and allows communication between two legitimate keyed mating connectors by the mechanism of an inner door standing vertical when engaged and rotating downward when disengaged, the inner door further defining a mating keying sloped aperture adapted to accept the protruding mating keying boss of the first keyed mating connector when the first keyed mating connector is a legitimate keyed mating connector;
and
wherein, the protruding mating keying boss of the first keyed mating connector disengages the security feature when the first keyed mating connector is a legitimate keyed mating connector.

5 more elements

A secure communications network system, comprising:

a plurality of assemblies wherein each assembly includes (i) a front opening cavity;
(ii) a rear opening cavity;
and (iii) a security feature;
wherein, at least the front opening cavity is adapted to accept a first keyed mating connector having a protruding mating keying boss;
wherein, the security feature is positioned on a bottom surface of the front opening cavity and prevents communication between two illegitimate keyed mating connectors and allows communication between two legitimate keyed mating connectors by the mechanism of an inner door standing vertical when engaged and rotating downward when disengaged, the inner door further defining a mating keying sloped aperture adapted to accept the mating keying boss of the first keyed mating connector when the first keyed mating connector is a legitimate keyed mating connector;
and
wherein, the protruding mating keying boss associated with the first keyed mating connector disengages the security feature when the first keyed mating connector is a legitimate connector.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Secure fiber optic network keyed connector assembly

Life of this patent

Secure fiber optic network keyed connector assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims22