Abstract

The capacity of loop transmission systems, such as local area networks (LAN), can be increased by using closed loops of high-bandwidth optical fibers. Since fiber loop lengths are relatively short, it is not crucial to use low-loss fibers. However, the ability to couple information into and out of the fiber loop at arbitrary points along the loop poses a major problem. Current procedures use fiber-optic directional couplers which have to be spliced into the loop,^1,2 requiring breaking the loop at prearranged locations and increasing the downtime of the LAN.

© 1986 Optical Society of America