Technical field

The invention pertains to the technical field of configuration of optical transceivers.

Background

US 8 566 643 B2 discloses a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) checking device. The SFP checking device connects to a SFP transceiver and via a USB cable to a PC. The SFP checking device uses the default web browser of the PC, without an internet connection, to display details of the SFP transceiver such as wavelength, description, range, manufacturer, among other information, in accordance with program code provided to the PC via the SFP checking device. The SFP checking device and the SFP transceiver both receive power via the USB cable connection of the PC. The SFP checking device appears to the PC as a memory stick.

The document discloses reading out an SFP transceiver, generating files readable via a web browser, and displaying the files via a web browser on a PC. The document in particular teaches away from utilizing an internet connection. The PC a priori does not need to be configured with dedicated software or files specifically related to the SFP checking device or an SFP transceiver, as such software or files are provided by the SFP checking device. The document does not provide for updating firmware data on an SFP transceiver.

US 9 959 110 B2 discloses a method for programming an optical transceiver. The optical transceiver has on-board memory storing firmware data and a transceiver ID. A hardware device comprises a socket for electric connection with the optical transceiver, further comprises a memory storing an identity of the hardware device, and is electrically connectable via USB to a computing device. The identity of the hardware device is read from its memory and supplied to a remote provider. Upon confirmation of the validity of the identity of the hardware device, the transceiver ID is sent to the remote provider to select new firmware data corresponding to the transceiver ID and to download the new firmware data from the remote provider into storage of the computing device. The new firmware data is outputted from the storage to the hardware device and written from the hardware device to the memory of the optical transceiver. Faulty firmware data may lead to irreversible damage of an optical transceiver. It may in particular lead to the use of erroneous utilization parameters, which may in turn lead to irreversible damage of the optical transceiver. Examples are scratches on optical components of the optical transceiver or hardware failure due to excessive power and/or temperatures exceeding safety bounds. It is of utmost importance to avoid faulty firmware data. In the abovementioned document, new firmware data is sent from the remote provider to the computing device, from the computing device to the hardware device, and from the hardware device to the memory of the optical transceiver. Interception of the new firmware data at the computing device may occur, tampering of the new firmware data by a user may occur, and the tampered firmware data may be written in the storage of the memory of the optical transceiver.

US 7 610 494 B2 discloses an optical transceiver that has at least one processor and a memory. The optical transceiver receives encrypted microcode from a source. The optical transceiver may then decrypt the received microcode to create decrypted microcode. The decrypted microcode is then written to the memory, where it may be executed by the at least one processor to control one or more functions of the optical transceiver. A decryption key may be utilized which comprises a unique transceiver identifier, such as a transceiver serial number.

The optical transceiver is configured for decrypting the microcode. On the optical transceiver, either less resources are available for other functionality and/or additional resources are required for enabling the decryption functionality, whereby resources may be memory, computing time on one or more processors, and the like. This surmounts to a linear change in resources with the amount of optical transceivers, as such configuration is performed per optical transceiver. There is furthermore a tendency in cryptography to use more complex algorithms and/or larger keys, due to algorithmic progress in solving the discrete logarithm problem, leading to more required resources overall.

The present invention aims to resolve at least some of the problems mentioned above.

Summary of the invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a configuration device for optical transceiver configuration, according to claim 1. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system for optical transceiver configuration, according to claim 18.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a kit for optical transceiver configuration, according to claim 23.

The present invention is advantageous, as it allows for updating and configuring optical transceiver firmware, in particular writing a firmware update on a non volatile memory of an optical transceiver, via display and user selection of a firmware updating option on a user computing device, in particular via a dedicated user interface. This may be performed without the need to install dedicated software or files related to optical transceivers on the user computing device, or may alternatively be performed via dedicated software or files, such as an application for a smartphone.

Description of figures

Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of data communication of an embodiment according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a configuration device according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a configuration device according to the present invention.

Figure 4A shows a perspective front view of another embodiment of a configuration device according to the present invention. Figure 4B shows a perspective back view of Figure 4A. Figure 4C shows a top view of Figure 4A. Figure 4D shows a back view of Figure 4A. Figure 4E shows a right side view of Figure 4A. Figure 4F shows a left side view of Figure 4A.

Detailed description of the invention

The present invention concerns a configuration device, a system and a kit for optical transceiver configuration. The invention has been summarized in the corresponding section above. In what follows, the invention is described in detail, preferred embodiments are discussed, and the invention is illustrated by means of examples.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, term definitions are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention.

As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings:

"A", "an", and "the" as used herein refers to both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. By way of example, "a compartment" refers to one or more than one compartment.

"Comprise", "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "include", "including", "includes" or "contain", "containing", "contains" and are inclusive or open-ended terms that specify the presence of what follows (e.g. a component) and do not exclude or preclude the presence of additional, non-recited components, features, elements, members and steps.

An "optical transceiver" as used herein refers to an apparatus configured to convert an electric signal into an optical signal and to convert an optical signal into an electric signal. The optical transceiver comprises a non-volatile memory and a transceiver ID. Preferably, the optical transceiver comprises one, two or more ports for inserting an outer end of a fiber optic cable. Preferably, the optical transceiver is configured to be plugged into a socket of a network device. The optical transceiver may be a small form-factor pluggable (SFP) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be an enhanced SFP (SFP+), a SFP28, a SFP56, a compact SFP (cSFP) or a SFP double density (SFP-DD) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be a quad small form-factor pluggable (QSFP) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be an enhanced QSFP (QSFP+), a QSFP28, a QSFP56, QSFP28 double density (QSFP28-DD) or a QSFP56 double density (QSFP56-DD) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be a 10 Gigabit small form-factor pluggable (XFP) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be an octal small form-factor pluggable (OSFP) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be a C form-factor pluggable (CFP) optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may be a CFP1, a CFP2, a CFP4 or a CFP8 optical transceiver. The optical transceiver may also be another optical transceiver. Preferably, the non-volatile memory is an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM). Preferably, a memory map into the non-volatile memory is associated with the optical transceiver according to a multi source agreement (MSA), which is accessible over an inter-integrated circuit (I2C) interface. Preferably, the optical transceiver is configured for digital diagnostics monitoring (DDM). Preferably, digital diagnostics monitoring data comprises one or more of: a temperature, a supply voltage, a laser bias current, a transmitted average power and a received average power. The digital diagnostics monitoring data may in addition also comprise other diagnostics characteristics.

A "remote provider" comprises a server. A remote provider may comprise multiple servers. A remote provider may be a cloud-based storage and/or computing system comprising multiple servers. A server comprises one or more processors. A remote provider is configured for data communication via a network. Preferably, a remote provider is configured for data communication via the Internet. A network address may be associated with a remote provider. Non-limiting examples of network addresses are a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) and an Internet Protocol (IP) address. Preferably, the remote provider comprises a configuration management database (CMDB). Preferably, the CMDB is defined by the IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL).

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a configuration device for optical transceiver configuration. In a second aspect, the present invention provides a system for optical transceiver configuration, comprising a configuration device according to the first aspect. In a third aspect, the present invention provides a kit for optical transceiver configuration, comprising a first, a second and a third configuration device according to the first aspect. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the three aspects of the present invention are hence interrelated. Explicit reference to a particular aspect may therefore be left out. Each feature described above and/or below may pertain to each of the aspects of the present invention, even if it has been described in conjunction with a particular aspect of the present invention.

The configuration device comprises an optical transceiver socket and a data communication port. The configuration device is configured for receiving an optical transceiver in the socket. The configuration device is configured for reading the transceiver ID from the optical transceiver. The configuration device is preferably configured for reading binary files from the memory of the optical transceiver. The configuration device preferably comprises a tangible non-transitory computer- readable storage medium, such as flash memory. The configuration device is preferably configured for extracting and saving the binary content from the memory (preferably EEPROM) of the optical transceiver in a readable file on the storage medium of the configuration device. The configuration device is configured for providing via the port a file based at least in part on the transceiver ID to a user computing device. Preferably, the file is readable via a web browser. Preferably, the file is an html file, a txt file or a json file. The file is configured for displaying one or more user-selectable firmware update options via the user computing device. The configuration device is configured for receiving via the port selection data about a firmware update from the user computing device. The configuration device is configured for writing a firmware update based at least in part on the selection data on the memory of the optical transceiver.

The present invention is advantageous, as it allows for updating and configuring optical transceiver firmware, in particular writing a firmware update on a non volatile memory of an optical transceiver, via display and user selection of a firmware updating option on a user computing device, in particular via a dedicated user interface. This may be performed without the need to install dedicated software or files related to optical transceivers on the user computing device, or may alternatively be performed via dedicated software or files, such as an application for a smartphone.

The configuration device may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, fifteen, sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, twenty-one, twenty-two, twenty-three, twenty-four, or more sockets for optical transceivers. All sockets may be configured for the same form factor footprint. Different sockets may alternatively be configured for different form factor footprints. Preferably, the configuration device has one optical transceiver socket.

Preferably, a socket is configured for SFP, QSFP or XFP form factors. A socket configured for SFP form factors may also be configured for SFP+, SFP28, SFP56, cSFP and SFP-DD form factors. A socket configured for QSFP form factors may also be configured for QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP28-DD, QSFP56-DD and OSFP form factors. Preferably, the port is a male or female USB port. More preferably, the port is a female USB port. Preferably, the port is a micro-USB port. Preferably, the configuration device is configured for data communication with the user computing device via a cable, more preferably a USB cable. Preferably, the configuration device is configured for receiving power from the user computing device via the port. Preferably, the configuration device has one optical transceiver socket. A configuration device with one optical transceiver socket is advantageous as it is smaller and requires less power. Preferably, the user computing device comprises a battery. Preferably, the user computing device is a portable user computing device, more preferably a laptop, a tablet, a phablet or a smartphone, even more preferably a tablet, a phablet or a smartphone, and most preferably a smartphone. Preferably, the user computing device is configured for data communication with a remote provider. Preferably, the user computing device comprises a wireless communication module for data communication with the remote provider via the Internet. Preferably, the wireless communication module is a 3G, 4G, 5G or Wi-Fi module. Preferably, the configuration device is configured to use the user computing device as a tethering device. Preferably, the user computing device comprises a screen. Preferably, the user computing device comprises a user input device. Preferably, the user computing device comprises a touchscreen, which is a screen and a user input device. Preferably, the user computing device comprises a camera. Preferably, the user computing device comprises one or more processors. The system comprises the remote provider. The system may comprise the user computing device.

The kit comprises a first configuration device according to the first aspect, a second configuration device according to the first aspect, and a third configuration device according to the first aspect, wherein each of the first, second and third configuration devices has one optical transceiver socket. The socket of the first configuration device is configured for SFP form factors. The socket of the second configuration device is configured for QSFP form factors. The socket of the third configuration device is configured for XFP form factors. Preferably, the socket of the first configuration device is also configured for SFP+, SFP28, SFP56, cSFP and SFP- DD form factors. Preferably, the socket of the second configuration device is also configured for QSFP+, QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP28-DD, QSFP56-DD and OSFP form factors. The kit may comprise a fourth configuration device according to the first aspect, wherein the fourth configuration device has one optical transceiver socket. The optical transceiver socket of the fourth configuration device is configured for CFP form factors. Preferably, the socket of the fourth configuration device is also configured for CFP1, CFP2, CFP4 and CFP8 form factors. The system comprises a configuration device according to the first aspect and a remote provider. The remote provider comprises a plurality of firmware updates. The remote provider is configured for sending a firmware update via the user computing device to the configuration device.

In a preferred embodiment, the file is configured for retrieving remote firmware update information from the remote provider based at least in part on the transceiver ID. In this embodiment, the file is further configured for, upon receiving a selection of a firmware update option via the user computing device, downloading selection data comprising the corresponding firmware update from the remote provider via the user computing device onto the configuration device. Preferably, the configuration device comprises a device ID, wherein the configuration device is configured for generating an authentication key, for authentication with respect to the remote provider, based at least in part on the device ID, the transceiver ID, optionally a user ID, and optionally a time stamp.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device comprises a decryption key and a device ID. In this embodiment, the downloaded firmware update is an encrypted firmware update based at least in part on the device ID. The configuration device is then configured for decrypting the downloaded encrypted firmware update via the decryption key, thereby obtaining the firmware update for writing on the memory of the optical transceiver. Alternatively or additionally, the encryption may be based on one or more of: a company ID, a user ID and the optical transceiver ID.

This is advantageous as it allows for retrieving a firmware update from the remote provider, without the ability of a user to tamper with the firmware update on an intermediate user computing device. This embodiment provides an alternative to the disclosure of US 7 610 494 B2, with the technical benefit of shifting resource requirements/utilization from the optical transceiver to the configuration device. As one configuration device may be utilized to configure many optical transceivers, decryption functionality needs to be provided on one configuration device instead of on each of many optical transceivers. This allows for a simpler design of the optical transceiver. This also allows for utilization of cryptographic keys and/or algorithms of higher complexity. This also allows for simple adaption for continued safe and on site firmware data updates for a large pool of optical transceivers, should a cryptographic standard be unsafe. Replacement of decryption software instructions and/or keys on the configuration device, or replacement of the configuration device altogether, may be effected by a trusted vendor related to the remote provider. Replacement of an untrusted decryption key and/or protocol on an optical transceiver could also be effected by a trusted vendor, but would have to be performed for each optical transceiver separately and may optionally involve shipment of each optical transceiver.

In a preferred embodiment, the remote provider comprises an encryption key associated with the device ID. Preferably, the decryption and encryption keys are complementary keys of an asymmetric key pair. In this embodiment, the remote provider is configured for encrypting a firmware update via the encryption key associated with the device ID, thereby obtaining the encrypted firmware update, for sending to the configuration device via the user computing device. The authentication key may be the decryption key.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device comprises a tangible non- transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising one or more firmware updates. In this embodiment, the file may comprise local firmware update information. Preferably, the file is configured for, upon receiving a selection of a firmware update option, preferably a firmware update option corresponding to the local firmware update information, via the user computing device, transferring via the port selection data on the selection of the firmware update option to the configuration device.

In a first embodiment, all necessary firmware updates are stored on the storage medium of the configuration device, and the file may be configured for displaying one or more user-selectable firmware update options corresponding to the local firmware update information only. In this embodiment, the configuration device does not need to receive a firmware update from the remote provider, although certain update events may or may not be logged at the remote provider, see further embodiments regarding the history log below.

In a second embodiment, the configuration device does not comprise firmware updates, and the file may be configured for displaying one or more user-selectable firmware update options corresponding to remote firmware update information only.

In a third embodiment, the configuration device comprises the storage medium comprising one or more firmware updates, and the file may be configured for displaying one or more user-selectable firmware update options corresponding to the local firmware update information and one or more user-selectable firmware update options corresponding to the remote firmware update information.

In the third embodiment, the most often used firmware updates may be stored on the storage medium of the configuration device, and selected firmware updates which are not present on the storage medium may be downloaded from the remote provider.

In the third embodiment, a number of last used firmware updates may be stored on the storage medium, and selected firmware updates which are not present on the storage medium may be downloaded from the remote provider, whereby, upon downloading a firmware update, depending on the storage capacity available on the storage medium zero, one or more of previously used firmware updates may be removed from the storage medium in order to store the downloaded firmware update on the storage medium.

In the third embodiment, firmware updates corresponding to a set of types of firmware updates may be stored on the storage medium. Each firmware update on the storage medium comprises a version. The local firmware update information comprises the versions of the firmware updates corresponding to the set. The remote firmware update information comprises versions of firmware updates on the remote provider corresponding to the set. The file is configured for displaying one or more user-selectable firmware update options, wherein the file is configured for selecting an option associated with a type of firmware update based at least in part on a comparison of the corresponding versions according to the remote and local firmware update information.

In a preferred embodiment, the file is configured for displaying an indication of firmware present on the memory of the optical transceiver. Preferably, the configuration device is configured for reading a firmware version from the optical transceiver and generating the file based at least in part on the read firmware version.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device is configured for obtaining digital diagnostics monitoring data from the optical transceiver and sending the digital diagnostics monitoring data from the configuration device to the remote provider via the user computing device. In a preferred embodiment, the file is configured for retrieving previous firmware installation data from the remote provider and displaying the previous firmware installation data via the user computing device. Preferably, the file may be configured for displaying the previous firmware installation data. Preferably, the file is configured for displaying one or more user-selectable firmware restoration options via the user computing device, wherein a restoration option is associated with a previously installed firmware. Preferably, the file is configured for displaying a timeline or roadmap, wherein the timeline or roadmap comprises a chronological overview of previous firmware installation data.

In a preferred embodiment, the remote provider comprises a history log. The remote provider may be configured for adding an update event to the history log comprising the transceiver ID, an indication of the firmware update and time information. Preferably, the remote provider is configured for adding said update event to the history log upon sending the selection data comprising the firmware update to the configuration device via the user computing device or upon receiving the selection data on the selection of the firmware update option. Preferably, the previous firmware installation data is based at least in part on one or more update events of the history log comprising the transceiver ID.

In a preferred embodiment, the file is configured for retrieving previous digital diagnostics monitoring data from the remote provider and displaying the previous digital diagnostics monitoring data via the user computing device. Preferably, the file is configured for displaying a timeline or roadmap, wherein the timel ine or roadmap comprises a chronological overview of previous digital diagnostics monitoring data.

In a preferred embodiment, the history log comprises a diagnostics event comprising the transceiver ID, digital diagnostics monitoring data and time information. Preferably, the remote provider is configured for adding a diagnostics event to the history log comprising the transceiver ID, the received digital diagnostics monitoring data and time information. Preferably, the previous digital diagnostics monitoring data is based at least in part on one or more diagnostics events of the history log comprising the transceiver ID.

Displaying via the user computing device of previous firmware installation data and previous digital diagnostics monitoring data is particularly advantageous, as it allows to correlate decay of performance characteristics of the optical transceiver with firmware updates.

In a preferred embodiment, the one or more user-selectable firmware update options may comprise a void option comprising an indication of firmware present on the memory of the optical transceiver. Preferably, the void option is associated with leaving the currently present firmware on the memory of the optical transceiver unchanged. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that based at least in part on the transceiver ID, the remote provider may retrieve from the history log the currently present firmware data on the memory of the transceiver.

In a preferred embodiment, the optical transceiver comprises a barcode comprising information on the transceiver ID. The previous firmware installation data and/or the previous digital diagnostics monitoring data of an optical transceiver may be obtained without involvement of a configuration device. It may alternatively also be obtained with involvement of a configuration device. An image of the barcode may be captured via the camera of a second user computing device, being said previously mentioned user computing device or another user computing device. The transceiver ID may be obtained based at least in part on the captured image and sent to the remote provider. Thereto the barcode may comprise remote provider information in addition to the information on the transceiver ID. The previous firmware installation data and/or the previous digital diagnostics monitoring data based at least in part on the transceiver ID and the history log of the remote provider may be received from the remote provider on the second user input device. A timeline overview based at least in part on the received previous firmware installation data and/or the previous digital diagnostics monitoring data may then be displayed on a screen of the second user input device.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device comprises a longitudinal direction, wherein the configuration device is elongate in the longitudinal direction. The socket and the port are positioned along the longitudinal direction at opposite outer ends of the configuration device. Preferably, the socket and the port are configured for insertion along the longitudinal direction.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device comprises a middle portion in between the outer ends. The middle portion comprises a middle perimeter perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each of the outer ends comprises a perimeter perpendicular to the longitudinal direction which is larger than the middle perimeter. This is advantageous for gripping and retaining the configuration device, for example manual or via an elastic band, without obstructing the socket and the port of the configuration device.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device comprises a total length along the longitudinal direction of at most 12 cm, preferably at most 10 cm, more preferably at most 8 cm, even more preferably at most 7 cm, and most preferably at most 6.5 cm. Preferably, the configuration device comprises a total width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of at most 4 cm, more preferably at most 3.6 cm, and even more preferably at most 3.2 cm. Preferably, the configuration device comprises a thickness along a depth direction perpendicular to the longitudinal and width directions of at most 4 cm, more preferably at most 3.6 cm, even more preferably at most 3.2 cm, yet even more preferably at most 2.8 cm, and most preferably at most 2.4 cm.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device comprises a printed circuit board (PCB). The socket and the port are attached to the PCB. The configuration device may comprise an outer housing configured for holding the PCB in a fixed relative position (with respect to the outer housing) without screws. The PCB may comprise edges, recesses and/or holes, whereby the outer housing is configured for clamping the edges, recesses and/or holes of the PCB, thereby holding the PCB in a fixed relative position.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device (100) comprising a first housing (110), a second housing (120) and a linking means (130) between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120).

In a preferred embodiment, the first housing (110) comprises a body (111), wherein the body (111) may or may not be suitable for hand-hold with an ergonomics design in mind. Said ergonomics design may or may not comprise rounding the edges, making a narrowed section on the body (111), and adding additional layer on the body (111) such as an anti-slip layer. The first housing (110) further comprises an optical transceiver socket (114) and an end portion (131) of the linking means (130). Said socket (114) may or may not be configured suitable to receive an optical transceiver comprising SFP form factor, QSFP form factor, XFP form factor and/or other form factors. Said socket (114) may or may not be configured to receive other type of transceivers. Said socket (114) may or may not be configured to receive other devices. The first housing (110) may or may not further comprise an indicator means (115), configured to indicate the state of the configuration device (100) during a configuration process. Said indicator means (115) may or may not comprise a light, an LED light, a screen, and/or other indicating means. Said indicator means (115) may or may not follow an indicating scheme to indicate the state of a configuration process.

In a preferred embodiment, the second housing (120) comprises a body (121), wherein the body (121) may or may not be suitable for hand-hold with an ergonomics design in mind. Said ergonomics design may or may not comprise rounding the edges, making a narrowed section on the body (121), and adding additional layer on the body (121) such as an anti-slip layer. The second housing (120) further comprises a data communication port (124) and an end portion (132) of the linking means (130). Said port (124) is configured for communicating with a user computing device. Said port (124) may or may not be a commonly used communicating means comprising USB connector, mini USB connector, micro USB connector, USB type-c connector, Apple 30pin connector, Apple lightning connector, and/or other connectors. Said port (124) may or may not be a male or female end of a connector. Correspondingly, the desired user computing device may or may not be a female or male end of the same type of connector. Said port (124) may or may not communicate with a user computing device via a wireless communicating means. Said port (124) may or may not communicated with a user computing device in any suitable means.

In a preferred embodiment, the linking means (130) comprises a body (133) between the first end portion (131) and the second end portion (132). The body (133) may or may not be adjustable in length based on the market request or the user request. The body (133) may or may not be flexible. The body (133) may or may not be enfolded by one or more layers comprising a protection layer, an anti slip layer, a rigid layer and/or other layers. The two end portions (131, 132) may or may not be enfolded by one or more layers comprising a protection layer, an anti slip layer, a rigid layer and/or other layers. Said linking means (130) allows a communication between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). Said communication comprising data communication, electricity communication or communication in other means.

In a preferred embodiment, the configuration device (200) comprises a housing (201). Said housing (201) may or may not be a cuboid housing, a cylinder housing, a cubic housing, and/or any regular shaped housing, and/or any irregular shaped housing. Said housing (201) may or may not contain an ergonomics design for a better experience of use.

Said configuration device (200) is suitable to be tightly attached to a mobile phone, thus the size of said configuration device (200) shall comply with such use. Said housing (201) is preferably 66 mm long, 25 mm wide and 15.2 mm thick.

In a preferred embodiment, said configuration device (200) may or may not comprise an indicator means (211), configured to indicate the state of the configuration device (100) during a configuration process. Said indicator means (211) may or may not comprise a light, an LED light, a screen, and/or other indicating means. Said indicator means (211) may or may not follow an indicating scheme to indicate the state of a configuration process.

In a preferred embodiment, said configuration device (200) comprises an optical transceiver socket (241). Said socket (241) may or may not be configured suitable to receive an optical transceiver comprising SFP form factor, QSFP form factor, XFP form factor and/or other form factors. Said socket (241) may or may not be configured to receive other type of transceivers. Said socket (241) may or may not be configured to receive other devices.

In a preferred embodiment, said configuration device (200) comprises a first communication port. Said port (231) is configured for communicating with a user computing device. Said port (231) may or may not be a commonly used communicating means comprising USB connector, mini USB connector, micro USB connector, USB type-c connector, Apple 30pin connector, Apple lightning connector, and/or other connectors. Said port (231) may or may not be a male or female end of a connector. Correspondingly, the desired user computing device may or may not be a female or male end of the same type of connector. Said port (231) may or may not communicate with a user computing device via a wireless communicating means. Said port (231) may or may not communicated with a user computing device in any suitable means.

In a preferred embodiment, said configuration device (200) comprises a second communication port. Said port (251) is configured for communicating with a user computing device. Said port (251) may or may not be a commonly used communicating means comprising USB connector, mini USB connector, micro USB connector, USB type-c connector, Apple 30pin connector, Apple lightning connector, and/or other connectors. Said port (251) may or may not be a male or female end of a connector. Correspondingly, the desired user computing device may or may not be a female or male end of the same type of connector. Said port (251) may or may not communicate with a user computing device via a wireless communicating means. Said port (251) may or may not communicated with a user computing device in any suitable means.

In a preferred embodiment, said first communication port (231) and second communication port (251) may or may not be the same type of communicating means, preferably different types of communicating means. Said first communication port (231) and second communication port (251) may or may not be both male or female connectors, preferably one male connector and one female connector.

In a preferred embodiment, said configuration device (200) may or may not comprise a third or more communication port. Said port is configured for communicating with a user computing device. Said port may or may not be a commonly used communicating means comprising USB connector, mini USB connector, micro USB connector, USB type-c connector, Apple 30pin connector, Apple lightning connector, and/or other connectors. Said port may or may not be a male or female end of a connector. Correspondingly, the desired user computing device may or may not be a female or male end of the same type of connector. Said port may or may not communicate with a user computing device via a wireless communicating means. Said port may or may not communicated with a user computing device in any suitable means.

In a preferred embodiment, said third or more communication port may or may not be the same type of communication means as the first and/or the second communication port. Said third or more communication port may or may not be a male or female connector.

In a preferred embodiment, said communication port (231, 251) and said socket (241) may or may not be close to each other, such that when an external device

(transceiver, user computing device) is connected with a port (231, 251) or a socket (241), it will not interfere the use of another port (251, 231) or a socket (241). In a preferred embodiment, a male connector (251) shall not be positioned close to the socket (241), such that the male connector (251) and the socket (241) cannot be used at the same time. In a preferred embodiment, the communication port (231, 251) and the socket (241) are in different surfaces of the housing (201). In a more preferred embodiment, the socket (241) is in a position orthogonal to the position of a communication port (251), preferably a male connector (251).

In a preferred embodiment, the data communication port is releasably connected to the second housing. In a further preferred embodiment, the releasable data communication port is also interchangeable. Such interchangeable connector allows connection of the second housing with different communication ports known in the art. Preferably said communication port is one of: a male USB-A connector, a male USB-B connector, a male USB-C connector, a male mini-USB connector, a male micro-USB connector, a male USB 3 connector, a male LIGHTNING® connector a male THUNDERBOLT® connector, etc. Such communication ports are widespread used and available. Preferably, one or more of above-mentioned communication ports are provided in the kit according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment, the data communication port is magnetically releasably connected to the second housing. In a further preferred embodiment, the releasable data communication port comprises a magnetic connecting surface for releasably connecting with a complementary magnetic receiving surface provided on the second housing. The magnetic connecting surface and the magnetic receiving surface may be configured to exert a coupling force between said data communication port and said second housing in either of two rotational orientations. Such configuration provides a quick connecting interface on the configuration device for the data communication port. Such magnetic communication ports may also be coupled with rotationally symmetry such that a 180-degree rotation of a port part, either clockwise or counter clockwise, results in an identical connection, eliminating the need for checking alignment when making a connection.

According to a preferred embodiment, the magnetic connecting surface is round or elliptical. The magnetic connecting surface may or may not be one of: rectangle shaped, triangle-shaped or trapezoid-shaped. The magnetic connecting surface may or may not be provided round the releasable data communication port. According to an embodiment, the releasable communication port comprises a magnetic ring configured to seat around the port. Ideally, the complementary magnetic receiving surface provided on the second housing has a shape complementary to the magnetic connecting surface.

The invention is further described by the following non-limiting examples which further illustrate the invention, and are not intended to, nor should they be interpreted to, limit the scope of the invention.

Examples

Example 1 : First embodiment

Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of data communication of an embodiment according to the present invention.

A remote provider (1), a smartphone (2), a configuration device (3) and an optical transceiver (4) are shown. The optical transceiver comprises EEPROM, a transceiver serial number, and a barcode. The barcode comprises information on the transceiver serial number. The configuration device (3) comprises a device ID, a socket for the optical transceiver, a female micro-USB port and an authentication key. The smartphone comprises one or more processors, a battery, a touchscreen, a female USB port, a wireless communication module for data communication with the remote provider via the Internet, and a camera. The remote provider comprises a history log comprising update events and diagnostics events. The optical transceiver (4) is plugged into the socket of the configuration device (3). The configuration device (3) is connected via a USB cable to the smartphone (2).

The transceiver serial number is read (43) by the configuration device. A file, such as a html file, based at least in part on the transceiver serial number is generated by the configuration device and transferred (32) from the configuration device to the smartphone. The file is translated and displayed, preferably via a web browser, on the smartphone. Upon reading the file, remote firmware update information based at least in part on the transceiver serial number is requested (21) and received (12) from the remote provider. The remote firmware update information comprises a user-selectable void option comprising information on firmware present on the memory of the optical transceiver, based on the history log of the remote provider and the transceiver ID, for leaving the firmware on the memory of the optical transceiver unchanged. The remote firmware update information furthermore comprises one or more user-selectable update options. A page is displayed, preferably via the web browser, on the smartphone, wherein the page comprises the user-selectable void option and the user-selectable one or more update options. Upon receiving a user selection of an update option via the user computing device, selection data comprising the firmware update corresponding to the selected update option is requested (21) and received (12) from the remote provider and downloaded (23) onto the configuration device. An update event comprising the transceiver ID, an indication of the firmware update and time information is added to the history log of the remote provider. The firmware update of the selection data is written (34) on the memory of the optical transceiver by the configuration device.

Via the camera of the smartphone an image of the barcode is captured. The transceiver serial number is obtained based at least in part on the captured image and sent to the remote provider. From the remote provider historical data based at least in part on the transceiver serial number and the history log is received. A timeline overview based at least in part on the historical data and comprising firmware update information and digital diagnostics monitoring information is displayed on the touchscreen of the smartphone. Example 2: Second embodiment

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a configuration device (3) according to the present invention. The second embodiment may or may not relate to the first embodiment.

The configuration device comprises an optical transceiver socket (6) and a female micro-USB port (7). The configuration device comprises a longitudinal direction. The configuration device is elongate in the longitudinal direction. The socket and the port are positioned along the longitudinal direction at opposite outer ends of the configuration device. The socket and the port are configured for insertion along the longitudinal direction. The configuration device comprises a total length along the longitudinal direction of about 64 mm, a total width along a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of about 30 mm, and a total thickness along a depth direction perpendicular to the width and longitudinal directions of about 20 mm. The configuration device comprises a middle portion (11) in between the outer ends (10). The configuration device comprises a housing (8), and disposed on the housing at the middle portion a gripping aid (9), such as rubber. The middle portion comprises a (cross section comprising a) middle perimeter perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Each of the outer ends comprises a (cross section comprising a) perimeter perpendicular to the longitudinal direction which is larger than the middle perimeter.

Example 3: third embodiment

Figure 3 shows a preferred embodiment of the configuration device according to the present invention. The configuration device (100) comprising a first housing (110), a second housing (120) and a linking means (130) between the first housing and the second housing.

The first housing (110) comprises an elongated body (111), wherein the elongated body (111) is rounded at the edges, suitable for hand-hold. Said elongated body (111) has a narrowed section in the middle portion, and the elongated body (111) is enfolded by an anti-slip layer, which is suitable for hand-hold with an ergonomics design in mind. The first housing (110) further comprises two flat ends (112, 113), wherein the first flat end (112) comprises an optical transceiver socket (114) and the second flat end (113) comprises an end portion (131) of the linking means (130). Said socket (114) is configured suitable to receive an optical transceiver comprising SFP form factor, QSFP form factor, and XFP form factor. The first flat end (112) further comprises an indicator LED light (115), configured to indicate the state of the configuration device (100) during a configuration process. The scheme of the light (115) signals and their corresponding information are showing in the following table:

The second housing (120) comprises an elongated body (121), wherein the elongated body (121) is rounded at the edges, suitable for hand-hold. The second housing (120) further comprises two flat ends (122, 123), wherein the first flat end (122) comprises a data communication port (124) and the second flat end (113) comprises an end portion (132) of the linking means (130). Said port (124) is a USB male connector, configured for communicating with a user computing device having a female USB connector.

The linking means (130) comprises an elongated body (133) between the first end portion (131) and the second end portion (132). The elongated body (133) is adjustable in length based on the market request or the user request. The elongated body (133) is flexible. The elongated body (133) is fully enfolded by a protection layer. The two end portions (131, 132) are fully enfolded by a protection layer and a rigid layer. Said linking means (130) allows a communication between the first housing (110) and the second housing (120). Said communication comprising data communication, electricity communication or communication in other means. Said linking means (130) is a cable. This embodiment allows configuration in a situation where the configuration device (100) and the user computing device are not positioned tightly close to each other. This embodiment also allows more freedom to operate the optical transceiver and the configuration device (100), especially in small space where operation is restricted by the dimensions. This embodiment comprises a male USB connector, which is suitable for immediately connecting to most user computing device such as laptops and PCs.

Example 4: fourth embodiment

Figure 4A-4F show a preferred embodiment of the configuration device according to the present invention. The configuration device (200) comprises a cuboid housing (201), said cuboid housing (201) comprising a top surface (210), a bottom surface (220), a left surface (230), a right surface (240), a front surface (250) and a back surface (260). The cuboid housing (201) is rounded at all edges and all the surfaces (210, 220, 230, 240, 250, 260) are flat. The length of the cuboid housing (201), i.e. from the left surface (230) to the right surface (240), is 66 mm. The width of the cuboid housing (201), i.e. from the front surface (250) to the back surface (260), is 25 mm. The thickness of the cuboid housing (201), i.e. from the top surface (210) to the bottom surface (220), is 15.2 mm.

The top surface (210) comprises an indicator LED light (211), configured to indicate the state of the configuration device (200) during a configuration process. The scheme of the light (211) signals and their corresponding information are showing in the following table:

The left surface (230) comprises an opening for a female USB connector (231). The opening for said female USB connector is 19 mm long and 9 mm wide. The right surface (240) comprises an opening for an optical transceiver socket (241), said socket (241) configured suitable to receive an optical transceiver comprising SFP form factor, QSFP form factor, and XFP form factor. The opening for said socket (241) is 14 mm long and 9 mm wide. The opening on the left surface (230) and the opening on the right surface (240) are aligned with each other in width, i.e. in the dimension from the top surface (210) to the bottom surface (220). Both openings are closer to the bottom surface (220).

The front surface (250) comprises a male USB type-c connector (251), wherein said connector (251) is strictly in the middle between the left surface (230) and the right surface (240), but said connector (251) is closer to the top surface (210). Said connector (251) is also releasable from the cuboid housing (201). A magnetic connecting surface is provided on the backside of the male USB type-C connector (251). A complementary magnetic receiving surface is provided on the cuboid housing (201). Such releasable configuration allows for an interchangeable data communication port. For example, the male USB type-C connector (251) may be replaced with a male LIGHTNING® connector, thus allowing connection with different types and brands of devices. When configuring an optical transceiver, only one communication port (231, 251) is linked to a user computing device. The USB type-c connector (251), the USB connector (231) and the socket (241) are on different surfaces facing different directions, thus when a user computing device and an optical transceiver is linked to the configuration device (200), they won't interfere with each other.

This embodiment allows the configuration device (200) to be connected to a user computing device via the male USB type-c connector (251), such as an android phone. This embodiment also allows the configuration device (200) to be connected to a user computing device via the female USB connector (231), such as a laptop, a PC. For a combined use, it allows the user to switch between user computing devices with different type of connectors without changing the configuration device (200) with suitable connectors. I.e. when a user first configures an optical transceiver by an android phone with a female USB type-c connector, the configuration device (200) could be linked to the android phone via USB type-c connector (251). Later on while the user configures the same or a different optical transceiver via a laptop equipped with a male USB connector, the configuration device (200) could be linked to the laptop via USB connector (231). This embodiment covers most types of devices in the market.

Some obvious alternatives to this embodiment would be a dual combination of a group of connectors comprising USB connector, mini USB connector, micro USB connector, USB type-c connector, Apple 30pin connector, Apple lightning connector, and each type of connector comprising a male and a female end.