MXPA06009643A - Connector port for network interface device - Google Patents

Abstract

A connector port is adapted for a (NID) to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized drop cable from outside the NID. An exterior connector port includes a base positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a mount on the base and a connector receptacle secured to the mount adjacent the external wall. An interior connectorport includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a bracket mounted inside the NID and a connector receptacle secured to the bracket. A connector port also includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by a wall of the NID and a connector port secured to the insert. The connector port permits a field technician to readily connect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connections between the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable in the field.

Description

CONNECTION PORTAL FOR NETWORK INTERFACE DEVICE RELATED REQUESTS This application is, in part, a conation (CIP) of the patent application serial number 10 / 784,610, (filed on February 23, 2004) and also claims the benefit before the provisional patent application series number 60 / 607,696 (filed in September 7, 2004), which are incorporated into the present in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a connector portal for use in an optical fiber network, and more particularly, to a connector portal adapted for a network interface device (NID) to receive a connectorized optical fiber from the Inside the NID and a drop cable, or lead, pre-connectorized from the outside of the NID. 2. Description of Related Art The use of optical fiber has increased for a variety of broadband applications including voice, video and data transmissions. As a result of the ever increasing demand for broadband communications, fiber optic networks typically include a large number of medium extension access points in which one or more optical fibers branch off a distribution cable. These medium extension access sites provide network terminals of a distribution cable to an end user, commonly called as a subscriber, and thus can be used to extend a "fully optical" communications network closer to the subscriber. In this respect, fiber optic networks are being developed that provide "fiber for the sidewalk" (FTTC), "fiber for the business" (FTTB), "fiber for the home" (FTTH), or "fiber for the establishments" (FTTP), generally known as "FTTx." Based on the rapid proliferation of these fiber optic networks, it is desirable to provide communication hardware and operable equipment to quickly connect the subscriber to the fiber optic network.

With an FTTx optical network, subscribers can buy different voice, video and data communication services from a single service provider, such as a telephone company, and equip their homes, businesses or similar with communication equipment, such as a telephone, television , fax, computer, etc., to use those services. The subscriber is responsible for the proper operation of his communication and wiring equipment, while the service provider is responsible for the operation of the optical network equipment and wiring for the network interface, commonly known as the "point of demarcation "between the wiring of the service provider and the wiring of the subscriber. The demarcation point is accessible to both the subscriber and the service provider and is typically located at the subscriber's premises in the network interface device (NID) or a building input terminal (BET) which is mounted in the external wall of the house, office, apartment, commercial or residential building, or similar.

To connect the subscriber to the optical network, one or more drop cables or diverters are connected between a distribution cable and the demarcation point in the NID at the subscriber's premises. It takes considerable skill and experience to configure the optical connections between the shunt cable and the distribution cable, and between the shunt cable and the wiring of the subscriber in the field. In particular, it is often difficult to enter the NID and join the optical fibers of the shunt cable with the optical fibers of the subscriber's communications equipment using conventional splice techniques, such as fusion splicing. At other times, the optical fibers of a shunt wire are first spliced to a short length of optical fiber having an optical connector mounted on the other terminal, referred to in the art as a "pigtail" (flexible cable). The flexible cable is then routed to one side of a connection adapter sleeve located in the NID to interconnect the lead wire with the connectorized optical fiber of the subscriber's communication equipment. In each case, the process to enter the NID and splicing the optical fibers by fusion does not consume time only but must often be done by a highly qualified field technician at a significant cost and under working conditions in the field that are not ideal. In addition, once the connections have been made, it is often labor intensive, and therefore costly, to disconnect or reconfigure existing optical connections, or make additional optical connections. To reduce costs and allow technicians with less experience and skill to connect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connections in the field, communication service providers are increasing pre-engineered fiber optic networks and demanding interconnection solutions prepared by the factory, commonly known as "connect and use" systems Pre-designed networks, however, require that certain optical fibers within the network are pre-connected and that the optical connection terminals in the network are adapted to receive optical fibers Connectorized, for example, a pre-connectorized lead wire in the subscriber's NID. With respect to the systems connecting and using factory preparations for connecting a subscriber communication equipment with an optical network at a demarcation point, it is desirable to provide a connector port adapted for a NID to receive a connectorized optical fiber from within the NID and a lead wire, connectorized from the outside of the NID. It is also desirable in an FTTx optical network to provide a NID having a connecting port that is operated to rapidly interconnect a connectorized optical fiber from within the NID with a feeder cable, network cable or optical network distribution cable by means of of a pre-connectorized fiber optic cable. - It is also desirable to provide a connector port and an NID for use in an FTTx optical network that allows technicians with less experience and less skill in the field to quickly connect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connections in the field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the aforementioned and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the invention with the embodiments broadly described herein, the present invention provides various embodiments of a connector portal for use in a fiber optic communications network and adapted by a NID to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable from outside the NID. In various modalities, the pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable can be routed to the NID from an upstream component in the optical network, such as from a feeder cable, network cable or distribution cable, an access terminal closure network (NAP), a distribution terminal, a multi-portal optical connection terminal or another NID. In various embodiments, the connector portal allows technicians with less experience and less skill in the field to connect quickly, disconnect reconfigure optical connections between a pre-connectorized shunt cable and a connectorized optical fiber of the subscriber's communications equipment to extend a communications network "totally optical" in the subscriber's facilities.

In an exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a connector portal that is adapted for an NID and used in an optical network to interconnect a subscriber's communications equipment with a pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable. The connector portal includes connector receptacle for optionally connecting a connectorized optical fiber from the inside of the NID to a pre-connectorized shunt wire from the outside of the NID, and an assembly for securing the connector receptacle to the opening of the shunt wire formed in the external wall of the NID.

In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is an external connector port adapted to be mounted to a NID on an external wall of the NID defining a cable opening. The external connector portal includes a base, a cover for covering the base so that the base and cover define a cavity, a connector socket secured to the base within the cavity, and at least one slot defined at least by the base and cover for receiving a pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable, and means for securing the base to the outer wall of the NID. The external connector port provides an optical connection between the pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable from the outside of the NID and an optical fiber connectorized from the inside of the NID. The external connector portal also functions as a demarcation terminal between a fiber optic communications network and the subscriber's premises that allows technicians with less experience and less skill in the field to quickly connect, disconnect or reconfigure the optical connection.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is an internal connector portal adapted for a NID having an aperture defined in an outer wall of the NID to receive a pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable. The internal connector portal includes a bracket mounted inside the NID and a connector socket secured to the bracket. The connector receptacle is provided to allow technicians with less experience and less skill in the field to quickly connect, disconnect and reconfigure an optical connection between the pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable and a connectorized fiber optic originating from a subscriber's communications equipment . The connector receptacle includes a first terminal configured to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a second terminal configured to receive the pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a connector port assembly adapted to be placed within an external wall of an NID at the subscriber's premises to quickly connect and disconnect a pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable from a network of optical communications. The connector port assembly includes an insert that is placed in a cable opening defined by the outer wall of the NID, a connector receptacle mounted to the insert and a central opening defined by the operable insert to receive and allow the pre-connectorized fiber optic diverter cable to pass therethrough. The connector port assembly is configured to allow a field technician to quickly connect, disconnect and reconfigure an optical connection between the pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable and the connectorized optical fiber originated from a subscriber's communications equipment.

In yet another example embodiment, the present invention is an NID that includes a connector portal for receiving a pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable to the subscriber's premises. The NID includes a housing defining the outer wall and an internal cavity, a cable opening formed through the outer wall, an insertion of the connector portal positioned within the cable opening to mount a connector receptacle adjacent to the portal insert connector The connector receptacle includes a first terminal configured to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a second terminal configured to "receive the pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood upon reading the following detailed description of the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an external connector port adapted for an NID comprising a connector receptacle secured to an external wall of the NID according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an internal connector portal adapted for an NID comprising a connector socket secured to a bracket mounted within an internal NID cavity according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Y Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an insert adapted for an NID comprising a connector receptacle and configured to be positioned within an opening of the lead wire provided in a wall of the NID according to another example embodiment of the present invention. invention.

Fig. 4 shows a NID in which an optical electronic interface device is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB).

Fig. 5 shows a NID in which an optical electronic interface device and a connector socket are mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB).

Fig. 6 shows a splint interconnecting with an optical electronic interface device.

Fig. 7 shows an optical electronic interface device having a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of connecting lugs.

Fig. 8 shows a splint extending out less distance than at least one ear.

Fig. 9 shows a distance Di between a splint and an optical electronic interface device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will now be fully described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention may have different modalities and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments mentioned herein. These provided exemplary embodiments are fully and completely described, and communicate the entire field of the invention to those skilled in the art. Similar reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout several of the drawings.

The present invention provides several example embodiments of a connector portal that is adapted for a network interface device (NID) to receive a monitored optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable from the outside of the NID. In all modes, the connector portal operates by allowing a field technician to quickly connect, disconnect and reconfigure a pre-connectorized fiber optic cable from a fiber optic communications network. The connector portal may include a connection adapter sleeve within a connector receptacle, or may be configured to receive a pair of coupled optical connectors in any suitable form currently known or to be invented in the future. However, the connector portal is configured to make an optical connection between a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable from the outside of the NID. In an exemplary embodiment described herein, an external connector port is secured adjacent to an opening of the shunt wire defined on an external wall of the NID. In another exemplary embodiment described herein, an external connector port is secured to a bracket that is mounted within an internal cavity defined by the NID.

In yet another exemplary embodiment described herein, a connector portal is secured to an insert positioned within an opening of the shunt wire defined by an outer wall of the NID, such as the bottom wall of the NID.

In each of the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein, a connectorized optical fiber is routed to the connector portal from the interior of the NID. Alternatively, an optical fiber from the inside of the NID may be spliced to an optical fiber having an optical connector mounted on the other terminal (i.e., a "flexible cable") and the flexible cable to be cast into the connector portal. Once the optical fiber is connectorized and routed to the connector portal, then a pre-connectorized lead wire is routed to the connector portal from outside the NID at any time after the initial installation of the NID. The size of the NID may vary based on the amount of loose optical fiber stored within the NID, the number of connector portals provided, and the thickness and size of any additional passive or active optic, electronic or opto-electronic equipment housed within the NID In certain embodiments, the connector portal is secured to an insert whose shape may vary somewhat based on the specific design of the NID, and in particular, the size and shape of the opening provided to receive the lead wire. An example of an NID design that can be used in conjunction with the connector portal of the present invention is an External / Internal Network / CATV / FTTH Interface Device available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina. Another possible NID design is the SABRÉ. Enclosure also available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina. These two NID designs comprise a base defining an opening for cable formed through the bottom wall of the NID. The cable opening comprises a slot for receiving a washer that can be removed and replaced with an insert of a connector portal according to the present invention.

As used herein, the term "connector port" is intended to refer generally to the structure and location at which an optical fiber connectorized from the interior of the NID is optically connected to a pre-optical fiber shunt cable. -connected from the outside of the NID. The connector portal may also include a generic or universal connector receptacle to receive the connectorized fiber optic connectors and the pre-connectorized shunt cable. Preferably, the connector receptacle is configured to receive a pair of single or multi-fiber coupled ferrules mounted on the end portions of the respective optical fibers. One of the splints is mounted on the end portion of the optical fibers of a cable, ribbon, or optical device housed within the NID and originated from the subscriber's communications equipment. The other splint is mounted on the end portion of the optical fibers of the pre-connectorized shunt cable originated from a component of the optical network located downstream of the NID, such as a feeder cable, a network cable or a distribution cable, a network access point closure (NAP), a distribution terminal, a multi-portal optical connection terminal or another NID. The splints are then aligned and optically engaged by means of a connector adapter sleeve positioned within a cavity defined by the connector receptacle. If installed, the connector adapter knob assists in the gross alignment of the splints, and ferrule guide pins or other alignment means can be provided to assist in the detailed alignment of the optical fibers on the end faces of the splints. . In other embodiments, the connector receptacle may consist of a thrust member that operably meshes the sleeve of the connector adapter to push the sleeve toward a terminal of the connector receptacle, and thereby floatingly align the engaged ferrules that engage within the receptacle. the sleeve.

The connector portal can be adapted to accommodate a variety of connector types, such as but not limited to the following splints, single or double SC, LC, DC, FC, ST, SC / DC, MT-RJ, MTP and MPO. The factory pre-connectorized shunt cable can relieve strain or torque through the connector for the associated connector port or structural components, thus eliminating the need for a field technician to stretch or relieve twisting of the shunt wire to the NID in field. By providing stretching and / or torsional relay in the connector portal, conventional brackets or other hardware are not needed to engage the outer sheath or reinforcing members of the shunt cable. In addition to providing stretch or torsion relay, the connector portal can provide a seal for the environment at the interface between the connectorized fiber optic and the pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable. In addition, any connector port that is not used can be covered and sealed with a removable lid or cap.

In one example, the terminal upstream of the optical fiber shunt cable is optically connected to one or more optical fibers of the feeder cable, network cable or distribution cable of the communication network within an access point closure of conventional network (NAP), a distribution terminal, a multi-portal optical connection terminal, a local convergence booth (LCC) or a pedestal of the type available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina, with the other terminal Optically connected to the NID to one or more connectorized optical fibers originated from the subscriber's communications equipment. To serve the foregoing function, the present invention facilitates the deployment of an "all optical" FTTx communications network.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a NID 20 having an external connector port 22 for receiving a pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable 24 at the subscriber's premises. The external connector port 22 allows an optical fiber of the pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable 24 to be rapidly interconnected with a pre-connectorized optical fiber (not shown) from inside the NID 20. As is well known and understood by those skilled in the art, the pre-connectorized shunt cable 24 comprises a flexible transport tube containing one or more optical fibers that are optically connected to a fiber optic communications network. The external connector port 22 provides a convenient termination point in an optical network to allow a less experienced field technician to initially install and subsequently disconnect or reconfigure the optical connections of the NID 20. Although only part of the NID is shown. 20 in Fig. 1, it is intended to include, but is not limited to, any closure, container or housing, such as in a NID, building entrance terminal (BET), optical network or pedestal unit (ONU) purchased by or for a subscriber to obtain communication services from a service provider. In addition, the NID 20 typically provides a demarcation point between the subscriber's communications equipment and the optical network in the residence, business, or the like. The NID 20 can be of any type or size comprising at least one shunt opening 26 defined by an outer wall of the NID 20. The opening of the shunt wire 26 is typically occupied by a washer that protects the interior of the NID from adverse elements of the environment, such as an infestation, garbage, dust, moisture and rain favored by the wind, and that can be removed or modified (ie, grooved) to allow a bypass cable to pass through it. The NID 20 is typically mounted on the outer wall of a house, office, apartment, retail or residential building, or the like. However, the NID 20 can be installed on an external wall or within a larger enclosure, such as a telecommunications booth or distribution terminal. The NID 20 further comprises optical hardware and equipment (not shown) mounted within an interior cavity defined by the NID to deliver communication service provided by a service provider. A connectorized optical fiber (not shown) connected in optical form to the subscriber's communications network is routed to the external connector port 22 from inside the NID 20 and connected in optical form to an optical fiber of the pre-connectorized bypass cable 24. in any known way.

The opening of the shunt wire 26 is located within an outer wall of the NID 20, and preferably within the bottom wall of the NID, and comprises one or more structural features for engaging a base 28 of the external connector port 22. In the As shown, the structural features comprise a pair of tabs 30 adapted to be placed within the corresponding slots 32 defined in the base 28. The base 28 can be secured within the opening of the shunt cable 26 when the cover (not shown) ) of the NID 20 is in the open position. The pre-settling lead wire 28 can then optionally be connected to a connectorized optical fiber (not shown) routed to the external connector port 22 from inside the NID 20. Once the optical connection has been made, an optical connection can be placed. cover 'on the base 28 to protect, seal and / or prevent unauthorized access to the external connector portal 22. In some NID designs, the NID comprises two or more covers that can be opened independently to expose and provide access to different areas, called "compartments" of the NID. For example, a first door (not shown) can be opened by either the subscriber and the service provider to expose a subscriber's compartment containing the optical terminals and test means of the wiring and operation of the subscriber's communications equipment. a known way. A second door (not shown) commonly called access door of the service provider, can only be opened by the service provider to provide access to the service provider's compartment containing equipment, optical terminals and / or service provider wiring to which only the service provider can access. The base 28 and the cover 38 can be inserted into the opening of the shunt cable 26 under the second door to restrict access to the external connector port 22 to the service provider. On the contrary, the cover 34 can be placed between the first door and the second door of the NID to allow access to the external connector port 22 both to the service provider and to the subscriber, preventing unauthorized access to the external connector port 22.

The NID 20, base 28 and cover 34 are preferably made of a lightweight but rigid material, such as aluminum, plastic or thermoplastic. If necessary, the base 28 and cover 34 can be provided with rigid flanges along and / or width 36 to reinforce and prevent distortion of the base '28 and cover 34, respectively. The base 28 and the cover 34 together define a small enclosure for housing the external connector port 22 and the terminal portions of the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized shunt cable 24. The base 28 and the cover 34 may have a variety of shapes suitable for housing the external connector port 22 and the terminal portions of the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized shunt wire 24 which is either completely defined, or is configured to accept a mounting 38 for securing the external connector port 22 adjacent to the discharge cable opening 26. The base 28 and cover 34 of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 are generally elongated in the longitudinal dimension relative to the lateral dimension. Preferably, the cover 34 is removably attached to the base 28 to provide unobstructed access to the external connector port 22. Optionally, the base 28 or the cover 34 is provided with conventional fasteners to secure the cover 34 and the cover. Base 28 joints in a closed configuration. A seal (not shown) can also be placed between the base 28 and the cover 34 to provide a seal against adverse elements of the environment, such as an infestation, garbage, dust, moisture and rain favored by the wind.

The example embodiment shown in Fig. 1 comprises an external connector port 22 for connecting a single pre-connected optical fiber shunt cable 24 to one or more optical fibers connectorized from the interior of the NID 20. Although only shown an external connector port 22 in Fig. 1, it is contemplated and will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, that the base 28 and the cover 34 can be configured to accommodate more than an external connector port 22. Therefore, it is conceivable that the NID 20 can receive more than one pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable 24, each containing one or more optical fibers optically connected to the respective optical fibers of the optical fiber communication network.

Still referring to Fig. 1, the pre-connectorized shunt wire 24 is shown entering the base 28 and the cover 34 through a slot 40 defined by at least the base 28 and the cover 34. The pre-connectorized shunt wire 24 is typically installed through the bottom wall of the NID 20 so that a short length of the shunt wire 24 extends below the NID and form a loop attached to the insulator in known manner to move moisture away from the NID 20. Within the base 28, a connector receptacle 42 is secured to the upright 38. The connector receptacle 42 can be secured within the upright 38 using a threaded nut, press fittings or other similar safety means. The connector 46 on the pre-connectorized lead wire terminal 24 is routed from the outside of the NID 20 to the base 28 and inserted into the connector housing 42 of the external connector port 22. with the cover 34 removed (as shown) , the interior of the base 28 is quickly accessible to the field technician who installs the connector receptacle 42 in the assembly 38 and connects the connector 46 of the pre-connectorized bypass cable 28 to the coupled connector of the routed connectorized optical fiber. from inside the NID 20. Once the connector receptacle 42 is initially installed and the pre-connectorized fiber optic diverter cable 24 is connected to the connectorized fiber optic, a field technician can disconnect the lead 24 or reconfigure (ie connecting a different lead wire 24 without disturbing the equipment and optical and / or electrical connections housed within the interior cavity defined by the NID 20.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a cut portion of the NID 20 comprises an internal connector port 22 constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, shown with the cover of the NID removed, exposing the internal cavity of the NID 20. and its content. As mentioned in the above described embodiment, the NID 20 shown in Fig. 2 is intended to include, but is not limited to, any enclosure, container or housing, such as an NID, building entry terminal (BET), pedestal. or optical network unit (ONU) purchased by or for a subscriber to obtain communication services from a service provider. The NID 20 can have any shape or size defined by the opening of the shunt cable 26 on an external wall of the NID 20. As described above, the opening of the shunt cable 26 is typically occupied by a washer that protects the inside of the NID. of adverse elements of the environment, such as infestation, garbage, dust, humidity and rain favored by the wind, and can be removed or modified (ie grooved) to allow the derivative cable to pass through it. In this embodiment, however, the opening of the shunt cable 26 is occupied by an insert 50 positioned within the opening of the shunt cable 26 and having a circular or cylindrical passage 52 therethrough to receive and guide a pre-shunt cable. connectorized 24 (not shown) within the NID 20. In the embodiment shown, the insert 50 comprises two pieces that are secured around the pre-connectorized shunt wire 24 and positioned within the opening of the shunt wire 26.

As described above, the opening of the shunt wire 26 is located within an outer wall of the NID 20, and preferably within the bottom wall of the NID, and comprises one or more structural features for engaging the insert 50. In the As shown, the structural features comprise a pair of tabs 30 that are adapted to fit within the corresponding grooves 32 defined by the insert 50. The insert 50 can be positioned within the opening of the lead wire 26 extending the terminal part of the pre-connectorized shunt cable 24 towards the internal cavity of the NID 20 when the cover (not shown) of the NID 20 is in the open position. The internal connector portal 22 is secured to a bracket 54 that is mounted to an internal surface of the NID 20, for example the rear wall of the NID 20. The bracket 54 has a plurality of holes 56 formed therethrough to receive the insulators 58 or similar security means, to secure the monthly 54 within the internal cavity of the NID 20 The bracket 54 is configured to mount a connector receptacle 42, as described above, to optically connect the terminal portions of the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized fiber optic bypass cable 24. Preferably, the connector receptacle 42 and the passage 52 formed by the insert 50 are axially aligned. . The insert 50 and the bracket 54 are preferably made of light weight, but rigid material, such as aluminum, plastic or thermoplastic. In addition, the bracket 54 and the insert 50 can have any variety of suitable shapes for mounting the connector housing 42 and receiving the pre-connectorized lead wire 24.

The connectorized optical fiber (not shown) is routed from inside the NID 20 and inserted into the first terminal of the connector housing 42. The pre-connectorized shunt wire 24 (not shown) extends within the NID 20 it is then inserted to a second terminal of the connector receptacle 42 so that the terminal portions of the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized fiber optic shunt cable 24 are connected in optical form within the NID 20. The pre-connectorized shunt cable 24 is routes to the connector portal 22 when the cover (not shown) of the NID 20 is open, exposing the internal cavity of the NID 20. With the cover open, the connector receptacle 42 is quickly accessible for the field technician to connect in optical form an optical fiber connectorized to the pre-connectorized fiber optic bypass cable 24. Once the connector receptacle 42 is initially installed and the pre-connected optical fiber bypass cable curly 24 is connected to the connectorized optical fiber, a field technician can disconnect the diverter wire 24 or reconfigure (ie, connect a different one) the diverter wire 24 by simply opening the cover of the NID 20 in the known manner.

The example embodiment shown in Fig. 2 comprises an internal connector port 22 for connecting an individual pre-connectorized fiber optic cable shunt 24 to one or more optical fibers connectorized from the interior of the NID 20. Although only one portal Internal connector shown in Fig. 2, it is contemplated and will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, that the insert 50 and the bracket 54 can be configured to accommodate more than one internal connector portal 22. Therefore , it is conceivable that the NID 20 may receive more than one pre-connectorized fiber optic diverter cable 24, each containing one or more optical fibers optically connected to the respective optical fibers of the fiber optic communications network.

The pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable 24 enters the NID 20 through the passageway 52 formed by the insert 50 mounted within the opening of the shunt cable 26 defined by an external wall of the NID 20. The pre-connectorized shunt cable 24 is typically installed through the bottom wall of the NID 20 so that a short length of the shunt wire 24 extends below the NID 20 and forms a loop attached to the insulator in the known manner to remove moisture from the NID 20. The terminal portion of the pre-connectorized shunt wire 24 extends into the internal cavity of the NID 20 and is routed to the second terminal of the connector housing 42. In the internal cavity of the NID 20, the connector housing 42 is secured to the the bracket 54. As shown, a portion of the connector housing 42 is inserted through the bracket 54. The connector housing 42 can be secured within the bracket 54 using a threaded nut, snap fittings or similar security means.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an insert 50 adapted for a NID 20 and configured to be placed within the opening of a shunt cable 26 provided in the wall of the NID 20 according to another example embodiment of the present invention. . The insert 50 defines a circular or cylindrical passage 52 for receiving a pre-connectorized fiber optic bypass wire 24. A connector receptacle 42, as previously described, is secured to the insert 50, and the insert 50 is placed within an opening of the shunt cable 26, or a similar opening or slot, defined by an internal or external wall of the NID 20. As shown, the passageway 52 is formed with two pieces that come together to form the insert 50, each of which defines a semi-circular portion of the passage 52. The insert 50, which includes the connector receptacle 42, is preferably made of a lightweight but rigid material, such as aluminum, plastic or thermoplastic. The connector receptacle 42 is secured to the insert 50 in any suitable manner so that the center of the connector housing 42 approximately coincides with the axis along the passage 52. Preferably, the insert 50 is placed within an external wall of the NID 20 with the connector receptacle 42 located within the internal cavity of the NID 20. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3, a portion of the connector receptacle 42 is inserted through the insert 50 so that one of the terminals of the connector receptacle 42 splice passage 52. Connector receptacle 42 can be secured to insert 50 using a threaded nut, snap fittings or other similar security means. A connectorized optical fiber (not shown) is routed to the first terminal of the connector receptacle 42 from inside the NID 20 and the terminal portion of the pre-connectorized fiber optic bypass cable 24 (not shown) is routed from the outside from the NID 20 to the second terminal of the connector receptacle 42 to allow the optical fiber of the pre-connectorized shunt cable 24 to be rapidly interconnected with the connectorized optical fiber in the manner described above. Thus, the insert 50 is operable to receive a pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable 24 at the subscriber's premises.

The insert 50 is preferably positioned within an aperture of the shunt cable 26 having any suitable size or shape defined by an external wall of 1 NID 20. The opening of the shunt cable 26 provided in conventional NIDs, such as the Network Interface Device Internal / External FTTH / CATV and the SABRÉ. Enclosure available from Corning Cables Systems LLC of Hickory, North Carolina, is typically occupied by a washer that can be removed or modified to accommodate insertion 50. The NID 20 is preferably mounted on the external wall of the house or building with the insert 50 positioned within an opening of the shunt wire 26 defined by the bottom wall of the NID 20 so that a short length of the shunt wire 24 extends below the NID 20 and forms a loop attached to the insulator in the known manner to move the NID humidity 20. As mentioned above, an optical fiber connectorized from inside the NID 20 is routed to the first terminal of the connector housing 42 and the terminal portion of the pre-connectorized shunt cable 24 is inserted from the outside of the NID 20 through the passageway 52 formed by the insert 50 towards the second terminal of the connector receptacle 42.

As described above, the opening of the shunt wire 26 comprises one or more structural features for engaging the insert 50. For example, the structural features may comprise a pair of tabs which are adapted to fit within the corresponding slots 32 defined by the insert 50. The insert 50 can be placed within the opening of the shunt cable 26 when the cover (not shown) of the NID 20 is in the open position. Once the optical connections are made as described above, the cover of the NID 20 is closed to secure the insert 50 in place within the opening of the shunt cable 26. The insert 50 can be placed inside the cable opening diverter 26, below a service provider access to restrict access to connector housing 42 and connectorized fiber optic. Although this embodiment has already been described, the connector receptacle 42 is located within the internal cavity of the NID 20, is readily contemplated and will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, it can be placed within the opening of the shunt cable 26 so that the passage 52 is located within the internal cavity of the NID 20 and the connector receptacle 42 is located outside the NID 20. In the event that the connector receptacle 42 is located outside of the NID 20, the first terminal and the second terminal of the connector housing 42 can be reversed to allow the pre-connectorized shunt wire 24 to be more easily inserted into the connector housing 42 from the outside of the NID 20.

The example modalities of a connector portal that is adapted for a NID and operates to rapidly interconnect a pre-connectorized fiber optic cable from the outside of the NID with an optical fiber connectorized from the inside of the NID that is shown and described in the present, it provides a significant number of advantages. For purposes of example only, and not by limitation, a connector portal constructed in accordance with the invention provides a field technician with the ability to rapidly connect, disconnect and reconfigure a connectorized fiber optic shunt cable to a connecting connector port and use adjacent to an external wall of the NID, within the internal cavity of the NID, or through an external wall of the NID. In addition, optical fibers connectorized from the inside of the NID can be routed to the connector portal during initial installation, thus eliminating the need for a field technician to enter the NID to connect a pre-connectorized shunt wire at any time after the initial installation. In this way, the NID and the connector portal constructed in accordance with the present invention eliminates the need to splicing or mechanically splicing an optical fiber shunt cable to an optical fiber in the field to connect a subscriber to an optical communication network .

Fig. 4 shows at the NID 20 where an optical electronic interface device 104 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 108. A connector receptacle 110 is placed on the NID 20 for a splint 102 (Fig. 6). ) is positioned in such a way that at least one fiber within a splint 102 is in direct optical communication with the optical electronic interface device 104. The phrase "direct optical communication" refers to the direct transfer of light between two elements. either by the elements that are in physical contact or by the light that travels through the air gap between the elements. For example, two elements connected by an optical fiber will not be in direct optical communication. An access door of the service provider 106 is provided so that the connector receptacle 110 is accessible to the field technician only when the door 106 is open, as shown in Fig. 4. When the door 106 is closed, the connecting receptacle 110 is not accessible. In an exemplary embodiment, the connector receptacle 110 is attached to the rear wall 120 of the NID 20. In one embodiment, the splint 102 is positioned in such a manner that at least one fiber within the splint 102 is in direct optical communication with the optical electronic interface device 104 but the optical electronic interface device 104 is not mounted to the PCB 108.

In use, and using flow downstream only as an example (some NID 20 modes allow both upstream and downstream communication), the light enters the NID 20 through the pre-connectorized lead wire 24 and enters the connector receptacle 110 before leaving the splint 102 and then entering the optical electronic interface device 104. The optical electronic interface device 104 then converts the optical data into the received light in an electronic signal in a conventional manner. In an exemplary embodiment, the optical electronic interface device 104 is an optical transceiver and an electronic transceiver in the optical electronic interface device that transmits and receives an optical signal and an electronic signal. However, it is contemplated that the benefits of the invention will be incorporated into interfaces with less functionality, such as, for example, a transceiver that only receives optical signals and only transmits electrical signals.

Fig. 5 shows the NID 20 wherein the optical electronic interface device 104 and the connecting receptacle 110 are mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 108. The connector receptacle 110 is placed in the NID 20 in such a way that the ferrule 102 (Fig. 6) is positioned so that at least one fiber within the ferrule 102 is in direct optical communication with the interface device. optical electronic 104. Although shown with the connector receptacle 110 positioned toward one edge of the PCB 108, other embodiments have connector receptacle 110 placed more centered on the PCB 108.

Fig. 6 shows, in one embodiment, a front ferrule 102 with the optical electronic interface device 104. FIG. 7 shows an embodiment wherein the optical electronic interface device 104 has a plurality of openings 112 for receiving a plurality of connector lugs 114. Typically, the connector lugs 114 are used to align the connector 46 with a receptacle as the connector receptacle. 110. As shown in Fig. 7, the ears 114 can also provide alignment with the optical electronic interface device 104.

Fig. 8 shows an embodiment wherein the ferrule 102 extends outwardly less than ears 114. Fig. 9 shows a distance Di between the ferrule 102 and the optical electronic interface device 104. In an exemplary embodiment, the splint 102 is in physical contact with the optical electronic interface device 104, and Di is zero. In another modality, Di is not zero and may vary until the losses are acceptable. As described above, in one modality, relief of effort and sealing against the environment is provided. Although shown with a five-fiber multiple fiber splint 102, the splint can have any number of fibers, including a single fiber splint. Additionally, as stated above, any type of connector is contemplated. Additionally, although illustrated with a male plug in the shunt wire and a female receptacle in the NID, the plug receptacle 110 can be of any genre or hermaphrodite. In other words, the connector receptacle 110 receives splints 102 and is therefore a "receptacle" but a connector receptacle 110 is not limited to a mounted female accessory. It is contemplated that the connector receptacle 110 may be a connector capable of housing a splint. Additionally, in one embodiment, a shield is placed around the splint 102 and the optical electrical interface device 104 so that the splint 102 and the optical electrical interface device 104 are protected from electromagnetic interference (EMI).

The foregoing is a description of various embodiments of the invention that are provided herein as an example only. Although a connector portal for use in an optical network and adapted for an NID has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments and examples thereof, other embodiments and examples may perform similar functions and / or achieve similar results. All these modalities and equivalent examples are within the scope and spirit of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims. Although specific terms are used herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only, and not for the purpose of limiting it.

Claims (20)

1. An optical connection system consisting of: a connector receptacle configured to receive at least one connectorized optical fiber in a splint; and an optical electronic interface device placed in direct optical communication with the optical fiber.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical electronic interface device is in physical contact with the optical fiber.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein both the connector receptacle and the optical interface are attached to a circuit card (PCB).

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the PCB is placed in a network interface device (NID).

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical interface is attached to a printed circuit board (PCB).

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the (PCB) is placed in a network interface device (NID).

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the NID comprises a rear wall, the connector receptacle is attached to that wall near the PCB.

8. The system of claim 5, wherein the connector receptacle is accessible to the field technician only when the access door that the service provider provides in the network interface device is open.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical fiber comprises a pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable.

10. A network interface device (NID) consisting of: a back wall; a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted on the rear wall; an optical electronic interface device placed on the PCB; and an optical connector consisting of at least one optical fiber positioned within a ferrule, wherein the optical fiber is in direct optical communication with the optical electronic interface.

11. The NID according to claim 10, wherein the connector is placed in a receptacle mounted directly on the PCB.

12. The NID according to claim 10, wherein the connector is placed in a receptacle mounted directly on the rear wall.

13. The NID according to claim 10, wherein the connector is a connector of a pre-connectorized optical fiber shunt cable.

14. The NID according to claim 13, wherein the connector is accessible to the field technician only when the access door that the service provider provides in the network interface device is open.

15. The NID according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the fibers and ferrules is in physical contact with the optical electronic interface.

16. A method that consists of: providing an optical fiber placed in a splint; and Place the optical fiber in direct optical communication with an optical electronic interface.

17. The method according to claim 16 further comprises placing the optical fiber in a connector receptacle.

18. The method according to claim 16 further comprises placing the optical fiber in a connector receptacle mounted on a printed circuit board.

19. The method according to claim 16 further comprises placing the optical fiber in a connector receptacle mounted in a network interface device.

20. The method according to claim 16 further comprises placing the optical fiber in a connector receptacle mounted to a wall of a network interface device.