Method and device for monitoring a detachable fiber-optic connection, especially in a fiber-optic transmission device or system

A device for monitoring a detachable fiber-optic connection, the device comprising:

• (a) an optical splitter provided within the optical path of an optical transmission signal such that at least a portion of the optical transmission signal is directed in a transmission direction from the optical splitter though an optical waveguide leading to a respective fiber-optic connection in the optical waveguide, the portion of the optical transmission signal directed through the optical waveguide carrying information data to be received at a receiving device connectable to the optical waveguide through the fiber-optic connection therein, the optical splitter being adapted to couple from the optical path into an optical monitoring path at least a predetermined portion of the optical power of a reflection signal resulting from a reflection of a portion of the power of the optical transmission signal at the fiber-optic connection, the reflected portion of the power of the optical transmission signal depending on the status and properties of the fiber-optic connection, and
• (b) detection and evaluation means receiving as a detection signal the predetermined portion of the optical power of the reflection signal coupled into the optical monitoring path, the detection and evaluation means being adapted to
• (i) monitor and evaluate the detection signal as a function of time, and to
• (ii) create a “DETECT” signal if, irrespective of the power of the optical transmission signal, the detection signal or a signal derived from the detection signal reveals a characteristic change in course over time, the characteristic change in course over time being indicative of connecting or disconnecting the fiber optic connection.