WO2010077856A1

WO2010077856A1 - Modular fiber distribution unit

Info

Publication number: WO2010077856A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/068025
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yvonnick Marsac; Herve Brunet; Michel T. Menguy
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2008-12-17
Filing date: 2009-12-15
Publication date: 2010-07-08
Also published as: EP2370844A1

Abstract

A modular fiber distribution system comprises two or more fiber distribution units (110, 130, 150), each fiber distribution unit comprising a fiber organizer that includes one or more splice trays. A first fiber distribution unit further comprises a patch panel, the patch panel comprising a plurality of couplings, with each coupling configured to receive first and second fiber connectors. The first fiber distribution unit receives a riser cable (105) having one or more communication lines disposed therein. The second fiber distribution unit (130) receives one or more telecommunications lines (135) from a first telecommunications service provider. A cable guide unit (170) includes a conduit portion that can include one or more cable channels to house one or more connectorized fiber pigtails from the second fiber distribution unit. The modular fiber distribution system can be utilized by multiple network service providers to provide service to different customers in the same building.

Description

MODULAR FIBER DISTRIBUTION UNIT

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to modular distribution system for managing telecommunication lines, especially optical fiber telecommunication lines, in a building or other structure.

Background

Several hundred million multiple dwelling units (MDUs) exist globally, which are inhabited by about one third of the world's population. Due to the large concentration of tenants in one MDU, Fiber-to-the-X ("FTTX") deployments to these structures are more cost effective to service providers than deployments to single-family homes. Connecting existing MDUs to the FTTX network can often be difficult. Challenges can include limited distribution space in riser closets and space for cable routing and management.

Conventionally, a service provider installs an enclosure at a main access point in a building (often called a fiber distribution hub (FDH)) which couples service fibers to a riser cable that delivers the fibers to a terminal (known as a fiber distribution terminal (FDT)) installed on each floor, or every few floors, of an MDU or multiple tenant unit (MTU). The FDT connects the building riser cable to the horizontal drop cables which run to each living unit on a floor. The FDH enclosure is usually owned and installed by the service provider.

SUMMARY

According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a modular fiber distribution system comprises two or more fiber distribution units, each fiber distribution unit comprising a fiber organizer that includes one or more splice trays, wherein a first fiber distribution unit further comprises a patch panel, the patch panel comprising a plurality of couplings, each coupling configured to receive first and second fiber connectors, wherein the first fiber distribution unit receives a riser cable having one or more communication lines disposed therein and wherein a second fiber distribution unit receives one or more telecommunications lines from a first telecommunications service provider. The modular fiber distribution system also comprises a cable guide unit including a conduit portion that can include one or more cable channels to house one or more connectorized fiber pigtails from the second fiber distribution unit.

In one aspect, the first fiber connector terminates a first telecommunication line from the riser cable and the second fiber connector terminates a first fiber pigtail from the first telecommunications service provider.

In another aspect, the modular fiber distribution system further includes an expansion module including a third fiber distribution unit and a first cable guide unit extension, wherein the third fiber distribution unit receives one or more telecommunications lines from a second telecommunications service provider, and wherein the first cable guide unit extension is attachable to the cable guide unit. In another aspect, at least one of the cable guide unit and the first cable guide unit extension includes one or more cable channels bounded at least in part by one or more partitions. In a further aspect, at least one of the one or more partitions comprises a plate that couples to a track formed on an inner surface of the at least one of the cable guide unit and the first cable guide unit extension.

In another aspect, the modular fiber distribution system further includes a second expansion module including a fourth fiber distribution unit, wherein the fourth fiber distribution unit receives one or more telecommunications lines from a third telecommunications service provider. In a further aspect, the second expansion module further includes a second cable guide unit extension, wherein the second cable guide unit extension is attachable to one of the cable guide unit and the first cable guide unit extension.

In another aspect, the modular fiber distribution system is mounted on a base plate. In another aspect, a splicing area of at least one splice tray of at least one of the fiber organizers receives at least one of a passive optical component and an active optical component. In one aspect, the at least one of a passive optical component and an active optical component comprises at least one splitter.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a modular fiber distribution system comprises two or more fiber distribution units, wherein each fiber distribution unit comprises a fiber storage area and a patch panel. The patch panel comprises a plurality of couplings, with each coupling configured to receive first and second fiber connectors. The first fiber distribution unit receives a riser cable having one or more preconnectorized communication lines disposed therein. The second fiber distribution unit receives one or more preconnectorized telecommunications lines from a first telecommunications service provider. A cable guide unit includes a conduit portion that can include one or more cable channels to house communication lines coupling the fiber distribution units to one another.

The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The figures and the detailed description that follows more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be further described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a modular fiber distribution system according to an aspect of the present invention.

Figs. 2A and 2B are isometric views of a modular fiber distribution system according to an aspect of the present invention.

Figs. 3 A and 3B are isometric views of an expansion module for use with a modular fiber distribution system according to an aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of a modular fiber distribution system according to another aspect of the present invention. Fig. 5 A is an isometric view of a modular fiber distribution system according to an alternative aspect of the present invention.

Fig. 5B is an isometric view of a modular fiber distribution system according to another alternative aspect of the present invention.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

In the following Detailed Description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. In this regard, directional terminology, such as "top," "bottom," "front," "back," "leading," "forward," "trailing," etc., may be used with reference to the orientation of the Figure(s) being described. Because components of embodiments of the present invention can be positioned in a number of different orientations, the directional terminology is used for purposes of illustration and is in no way limiting. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural or logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description, therefore, is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims.

The present invention is directed to a modular fiber distribution system for managing telecommunication lines, especially optical fiber telecommunication lines, in a building, e.g., an MDU or MTU, or other location. In particular, the modular fiber distribution system can be utilized by multiple network service providers to provide service to different customers in the same building.

Fig. 1 shows an exemplary modular fiber distribution system 100 that is mounted at a utilities access point in a building or other structure (typically these locations can be found at a building's basement or first floor). The modular fiber distribution system 100 includes two or more fiber distribution modules or units, such as units 110 and 130. In this particular example, the modular fiber distribution system includes first fiber distribution unit 110, a second fiber distribution unit 130, and a third fiber distribution unit 150. These individual units or modules distribute telecommunication lines, especially optical fiber telecommunication lines from one or more service providers, throughout the building.

In this exemplary aspect, fiber distribution unit 110 is configured as the building owner fiber distribution unit, whereas fiber distribution units 130 and 150 are configured as fiber distribution units for different service providers. In this manner, the owner fiber distribution unit 110 provides a common access point to one or more service providers. For example, a first service provider (e.g., telephone company X) provides telecommunication lines to fiber distribution unit 130 via first service cable 135. In addition, a second service provider (e.g., telephone company Y) provides telecommunication lines to fiber distribution unit 150 via second service cable 155. The telecommunication lines of the service provider fiber distribution units 130, 150 can be coupled to the owner fiber distribution unit 110 via a cable guide unit 170. Within the owner fiber distribution unit 110, as described in further detail below, the telecommunication lines from each service provider can be coupled to the telecommunication wiring of the building.

Because of the modular configuration, additional fiber distribution units may be added to the system 100 as needed, for example, when an additional service provider establishes access to the building or when additional individual customers take up residence in the building. As shown in Fig. 1, an additional fiber distribution unit can be installed at area 190, adjacent to fiber distribution unit 150. In addition, a cable guide unit extension can be installed at area 192 to further guide telecommunication lines to the owner fiber distribution unit 110. In a further alternative aspect, other modules can be added at adjacent or nearby locations on an as needed basis. For example, Fig. 1 also shows that additional fiber distribution units can be installed at areas 193, 194, and/or 195. Moreover, the cable guide unit 170 can be expanded to provide additional channels for the telecommunication lines of the additional fiber distribution units. The owner fiber distribution unit 110 is coupled to the building occupants via a conventional riser cable 105 (e.g., a conventional 12 fiber count cable). In the example of Fig. 2B, described in more detail below, a patch panel of 12 adapters or couplings is shown to accommodate the 12 fibers from the riser cable 105. The riser cable 105 is tapped at one or more floors of the building to further distribute the telecommunication lines to the occupants on those particular floors. In the example shown in Fig. 1, fiber distribution terminal (FDT) 107 and FDT 109 schematically represent the FDTs of different floors of the building, with horizontal distribution fibers 106 and 108, respectively, delivering the telecommunication lines to the occupants on those particular floors. Thus, with the exemplary modular fiber distribution system described herein, when an additional service provider gains access to a building, it may access existing occupants (i.e., new customers of that service) without having to install separate backbone (e.g., vertical and horizontal) cabling. The communications lines can comprise optical fibers, electrical wires, coaxial/micro-coaxial cable, or a combination of these, for data, video, and/or telephone signal transmission. In one aspect, the communications lines can comprise discrete (loose) or ribbonized fiber, such as 900 μm buffered fiber(s) or other standard size communications fiber. In addition, although the exemplary aspects described herein are often specific to accessing optical fiber lines, it would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art given the present description that the modular fiber distribution system can be configured to accommodate electrical wire applications and hybrid combination applications as well. In one aspect, the modular fiber distribution system 100 can be mounted on a wall or other generally flat surface. In an exemplary aspect, the modular fiber distribution system 100 can be mounted on a separate base plate, such as a board 101. In this manner, expansion of system 100 can be conveniently accomplished without further negatively impacting the walls of the host building. Figs. 2A and 2B show a closer view of the structure of exemplary fiber distribution units 110 and 130. In this exemplary aspect, the fiber distribution units 110 and 130 can be provided as a single unit mounted on a generally planar surface, such as board 101. Alternatively, the fiber distribution units 110 and 130 can be provided as separate parts. Each fiber distribution unit includes a removable cover, such as covers 116 and 136. One or more access ports, such as access port 119, can be provided on the chassis of the fiber distribution unit to provide a cabling entrance and/or exit. The cable guide unit 170 includes a removable cover 176 and removable side walls 171, 172 to provide for system expansion. The removable walls and covers can be fastened to the fiber distribution unit using conventional fasteners or snap fittings. For the exemplary system of Figs. 2A and 2B, the removable walls of the cable guide unit 170 can be fastened by screws, and the removable covers of units 110 and 130 can be fastened by clips.

As shown in Fig. 2B, the exemplary fiber distribution units 110 and 130 (with covers removed) each include a fiber organizer 125, 145, respectively. Each fiber organizer includes one or more splice trays 126, 146. For fiber distribution unit 130, the splice tray(s) 146 couple the telecommunication fiber from the first service provider (e.g., via service cable entering/exiting port 139) to one or more connectorized fiber pigtails (see Fig. 4, described below). In one aspect, fiber distribution unit 130 further includes axial strain relief structures 142 formed in a portion of one of the walls of the chassis. The axial strain relief structures can help prevent damage from unintended axial pulls on the fiber pigtails.

In one aspect, the axial strain relief structures 142 can be formed as a plurality of slots that can receive one or more cable retention devices (not shown) that protect the individual fiber pigtails from axial strain. These cable retention devices are described in further detail in Publication No. WO 2008/048935A2, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For example, for a FDU that houses 12 subscriber cables, 6 slots can be provided that each hold 2 cable retention devices. This aspect allows the technician to prepare the drop cable attachments outside of the FDU, and then simply place the retention devices in the appropriate slots. In another aspect, the axial strain relief structures 142 are formed as a plurality of slots, with each slot having a transverse tongue extending from the slot to provide support for a cable tie to secure the entering/exiting cable. A material such as foam or another compliant material may then be used to fill the slots over top the secured cables.

For fiber distribution unit 110, the splice tray(s) 126 couple the riser cable fibers of the building to one or more connectorized fiber pigtails. In this manner, the fiber pigtails from the occupants/customers can be coupled to the fiber pigtails of the service provider via a patch panel 122. In a preferred aspect, the patch panel 122 is disposed in the owner fiber distribution unit 110 and comprises a plurality of adapters or couplings 123a-123x. For example, the patch panel 122 can comprise 12 SC-type adapters, each of which can receive a pair of SC-type connectors.

In an alternative aspect, the axial strain relief structures 142 can be replaced by a coupling field and fiber jumper cables can be used to connect the service provider lines to the patch panel 122.

As also shown in Fig. 2B, the cable guide unit 170 includes a conduit portion 173 that can include one or more cable channels that are separated from each other via one or more partitions 174a, 174b. The partitions 174a, 174b may be removable or may be permanent parts of the cable guide unit. In one exemplary aspect, the partitions 174a, 174b are removable partitions that can be formed as plates that snap fit into tracks (not shown) formed on an inner surface of the conduit portion 173. In this manner, a first cable channel 175a can provide a passage for connectorized pigtails corresponding to telecommunication lines from the first service provider, and second cable channel 175b can provide a passage for connectorized pigtails corresponding to telecommunication lines from the second service provider.

For service provider pigtails that are not yet in service (i.e., a customer has not yet established service), the pigtails can be disconnected from the patch panel and remain in the cable guide unit 170 (e.g., disposed on or simply resting on a partition in the particular cable channel). When a customer signs on to the service, the service may be established by connecting the appropriate service provider connectorized pigtail to the appropriate coupling in the patch panel 122, which in turn is connected to the appropriate customer. In one aspect, one or more of the partitions may be fitted with a simple retention device having a plurality of grooves to at least partially secure and store each pigtail which is not in use.

As mentioned above, when an additional service provider gains access to a building, it may access existing building occupants (i.e., new customers of that service) without having to install separate backbone (e.g., vertical and horizontal) cabling. As such, the exemplary modular fiber distribution system described herein can include an expansion module 160 such as shown in Figs. 3 A and 3B. The expansion module 160 includes a fiber distribution unit 150 and a cable guide unit extension 170'. The expansion module 160 is configured to be installed adjacent to an existing fiber distribution unit or units, such as shown in Figs. 2A and 2B.

In this aspect, the fiber distribution unit 150 is configured in a manner similar to that described above with respect to fiber distribution unit 130, where fiber distribution unit 150 provides a distribution point for a second service provider. The fiber distribution unit 150 can include a removable cover 156 and can house a fiber organizer 165. The fiber organizer 165 can include one or more splice trays 166. For fiber distribution unit 150, the splice tray(s) 166 couple the telecommunication fiber from a second service provider (e.g., via service cable entering/exiting port 159) to one or more connectorized fiber pigtails (see Fig. 4, described below). In one aspect, fiber distribution unit 150 further includes axial strain relief structures 162 formed in a portion of one of the walls of the chassis, such as those described above. The axial strain relief structures can help prevent damage from unintended axial pulls on the fiber pigtails. The expansion module 160 also includes a cable guide unit extension 170' that includes a removable cover 176'. An extended conduit portion 177 disposed therein can include a cable channel and at least one partition 174c. The partition(s) can be removable and can be formed as a plate that snap fits into track(s) (not shown) formed on an inner surface of the conduit portion 177. In this manner, the cable channel can provide a passage for connectorized pigtails corresponding to telecommunication lines from the second service provider. In addition, the cable guide unit extension 170' can optionally include removable side walls. As is shown in Fig. 3A, a sidewall can be removed to create an opening 178. During installation, the sidewall of the existing fiber distribution unit (e.g., wall 171 of fiber distribution unit 130) can be removed to allow passage of the connectorized fiber pigtails from the second service provider into the cable guide unit of the existing fiber distribution unit(s). In this manner, the connectorized fiber pigtails can be routed to the patch panel 122 of the owner fiber distribution unit 110. As is apparent from the present description, additional expansion modules can be added to the distribution system as additional service providers and/or customers sign on.

The fiber organizers 125, 145, 165 may be configured as follows. In one aspect, each fiber organizer may include one or more exemplary splice trays 126, 146, 166. For smaller size buildings, as is shown in the example of Figs. 2A and 2B, the number of splice trays housed in each fiber distribution unit may be on the order of 1 to 4 splice trays. For larger buildings, the fiber distribution units can be expanded in size so that the number of splice trays housed in each fiber distribution unit may be on the order of 8 splice trays. Alternatively, for even larger buildings, the number of splice trays housed in each fiber distribution unit may be increased. The splice trays may each comprise a transparent, protective cover (not shown) as well. In a preferred aspect, the splice trays 126, 146, 166 are rotatable to provide access to trays underneath. The splice trays can be formed as generally rectangular or oblong structures. Although the term "splice tray" is used throughout, in alternative aspects, at least one of the splice trays 146, 166 disposed in the service provider FDUs may also hold passive and/or active optical components, as well as splices. In one example, the splicing area of the splice tray can house a splitter. Other example non- splice optical components are listed below. In a preferred aspect, splice trays 126, 146, 166 each include at least one latching mechanism that allows for rotation of the splice tray while secured to a support structure. In one aspect, the splice trays 126, 146, 166 can include a latching mechanism formed on an outer portion of the body of splice tray that can include a coupling portion and one or more fiber entrance/exit channels. The coupling portion can be formed as a rod and can be coupled (e.g., by snap-fit) to a hook portion of the splice tray support structure to rotatably couple the splice tray 126, 146, 166.

In a preferred aspect, fiber entrance/exit channels are formed as extensions that extend away from the main splice tray body area. In addition, fiber entrance/exit channels can extend from the latching area in a slightly curved configuration to prevent potential kinks or unintended bends being placed on the entering/exiting fibers that are received by the splice tray. In addition, the fiber entrance/exit channels provide continual support to the entering/exiting fibers as the splice tray is being rotated forward and backward. In a preferred aspect, the fiber entrance/exit channels are formed having a (relatively) deep "U" shape in cross-section, which supports fiber disposed therein even when the splice tray is fully tilted.

Fiber from the service provider cable/customer cable is received in fiber entrance/exit channels and then routed to a splicing area. The splicing area is configured to support mechanical and/or fusion splices made to the fiber ends. The mechanical or fusion splices can be of a single fiber or of a mass or ribbon fiber. For example, one or more fibers are guided to splicing area that is configured to securely hold one or more mechanical/fusion splices (e.g., via snug or snap fit). In one aspect, splicing area can comprise a number of resilient clips or other holders designed to hold one or more 4X4 FIBRLOK™ splices (commercially available from 3M Company, St. Paul MN). The splicing area can be formed as an integral portion of tray. Alternatively, the splice tray can be formed with a cutout at the splicing area so that different splicing inserts can be mounted to the splice tray, depending on the application (e.g., an insert configured to support one or more fusion splices, or an insert to support one or more mechanical splices. In an alternative embodiment, the splicing area can be configured to support a plurality of mechanical and/or fusion splices made in a stacked arrangement. Fibers are routed to the splicing area via one or more fiber routing structures that allow for changing the direction of the fiber in a straightforward manner (and without bending the fiber beyond its minimum bend radius). The fiber routing structures can also provide some slack storage of the incoming/exiting fiber(s). Further fiber guiding structures and tabs can be formed in the splice tray to retain, route and support the fiber(s) being spliced.

As mentioned above, the splicing area of the at least one of the splice trays 146, 166 can be configured to hold or secure any number of different passive and/or active optical components. For example, the splicing area can be configured to hold or secure one or more of 1 x N fiber optic splitters, 2 x N fiber optic splitters, WDM components, CWDM components, switches, multiplexers, triplexers, duplexers, detectors, mirrors, lasers, amplifiers, or combinations thereof. In addition, the fiber organizers can include a slack storage area (not shown) formed underneath the splice trays to collect and house excess fiber.

Fig. 4 shows another exemplary modular fiber distribution system 200 that is mounted at a utilities access point in a building or other structure (typically these locations can be found at a building's basement or first floor). The modular fiber distribution system 200 includes fiber distribution units 210, 230, and 250, with a cable guide unit 270. The covers of these modules have been removed for simplicity. The components of system 200 are configured in a similar manner to the corresponding components of system 100 described above, except where specifically noted.

In this exemplary aspect, the owner fiber distribution unit 210 provides a common access point to one or more service providers. A first service provider provides telecommunication lines 236 to fiber distribution unit 230 via first service cable 235. In addition, a second service provider provides telecommunication lines 256 to fiber distribution unit 250 via second service cable 255. The telecommunication lines 236, 256 of the service provider fiber distribution units 230, 250 are spliced to connectorized fiber pigtails 237, 257 (respectively) via fiber organizers 245, 265. The connectorized pigtails 237, 257 are guided to the owner fiber distribution unit 210 via a cable guide unit 270. In this exemplary aspect, connectorized fiber pigtail 237 is guided to the owner fiber distribution unit 210 via cable channel 275a (which is in part defined by removable partition 274a). Similarly, connectorized fiber pigtail 257 is guided to the owner fiber distribution unit 210 via cable channel 275b (which is in part bounded by removable partitions 274a and 274b). The owner fiber distribution unit 210 is coupled to the building occupants via a conventional riser cable 205 that includes fibers 206. The riser cable 205 is tapped at one or more floors of the building via FDTs (not shown) to further distribute the telecommunication lines to the occupants on those particular floors. The customer fibers 206 are coupled to connectorized pigtail fibers 207 via the splice trays contained in fiber organizer 225. In this manner, the connectorized fiber pigtail corresponding to the appropriate customer can be coupled to the appropriate service provider pigtail 237, 257 via patch panel 222, which comprises a plurality of couplings 223a-223x. In this example, a first customer pigtail is mounted in coupling 223 a, which is connected to connectorized pigtail 257 (from service provider #2). In addition, a second customer pigtail is mounted in coupling 223b, which is connected to connectorized pigtail 237 (from service provider #1). Also, in this exemplary aspect, strain relief structures 242, 262 are engaged with cable retention devices to help prevent damage from unintended axial pulls on the fiber pigtails 237, 257. In one aspect, the strain relief structures 242, 262 are configured in a manner similar to that shown in Figs. 2B and 3B. Alternatively, the strain relief structures 242, 262 can be constructed to be directly molded onto unit, so to allow a plastic cable tie to be used to retain the cable/pigtail.

In an alternative aspect of the invention, a single fiber distribution unit can be utilized to service a building. For example, Fig. 5 A shows FDU 310, which accommodates a service cable 335 from a first service provider and the riser cable 305 coupled to the occupants/customers of the building, with both cables entering/exiting the FDU at port 319. In this alternative aspect, the riser cable 305 includes a set of preconnectorized lines 307. The riser cable's preconnectorized lines 307 pass through the unit 310 to exit into the cable guide unit 370. The preconnectorized lines 307 are coupled to the service provider lines via a patch panel 322, similar to that described above. The service provider lines can be spliced via fiber organizer 325, where service provider line pigtails 337 are coupled to the customer lines at patch panel 322.

When an additional service provider gains access to the building, as shown in Fig. 5B, the fiber distribution system 300 can be expanded with a second FDU 350, which accommodates a service cable 355 from a second service provider, which enters FDU 350 through port 339. The lines from the second service provider are spliced to pigtails 357 via the fiber organizer 345. The riser cable 305 includes preconnectorized lines 307 that pass through the unit 310 to exit into the cable guide unit 370. An expansion cable guide unit 370' can be added to house the preconnectorized lines 307 that are to be coupled to the second service provider. In this example, a preconnectorized cable 307a is coupled to the second service provider pigtail line 357 via a patch panel 323, disposed in FDU 350. In a further alternative, the riser cable lines and the service provider lines can be preterminated or preconnectorized. Thus, the FDUs can omit the splice tray and simply provide a fiber storage area and a patch panel. Fiber jumper cables can be used to connect the FDUs.

Thus, the modular fiber distribution systems described herein can be utilized by multiple network service providers to provide service to different customers in the same building.

The present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present specification. The claims are intended to cover such modifications and devices.

Claims

What is Claimed is:

1. A modular fiber distribution system, comprising: two or more fiber distribution units, each fiber distribution unit comprising a fiber organizer that includes one or more splice trays, wherein a first fiber distribution unit further comprises a patch panel, the patch panel comprising a plurality of couplings, each coupling configured to receive first and second fiber connectors, wherein the first fiber distribution unit receives a riser cable having one or more communication lines disposed therein and wherein a second fiber distribution unit receives one or more telecommunications lines from a first telecommunications service provider; and a cable guide unit including a conduit portion that can include one or more cable channels to house one or more connectorized fiber pigtails from the second fiber distribution unit.

2. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 1 , wherein the first fiber connector terminates a first telecommunication line from the riser cable and the second fiber connector terminates a first fiber pigtail from the first telecommunications service provider.

3. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 1, further comprising: an expansion module including a third fiber distribution unit and a first cable guide unit extension, wherein the third fiber distribution unit receives one or more telecommunications lines from a second telecommunications service provider, and wherein the first cable guide unit extension is attachable to the cable guide unit.

4. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 3, wherein at least one of the cable guide unit and the first cable guide unit extension includes one or more cable channels bounded at least in part by one or more partitions.

5. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 4, wherein at least one of the one or more partitions comprises a plate that couples to a track formed on an inner surface of the at least one of the cable guide unit and the first cable guide unit extension.

6. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 3, further comprising: a second expansion module including a fourth fiber distribution unit, wherein the fourth fiber distribution unit receives one or more telecommunications lines from a third telecommunications service provider.

7. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 6, wherein the second expansion module further includes a second cable guide unit extension, wherein the second cable guide unit extension is attachable to one of the cable guide unit and the first cable guide unit extension.

8. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 1 mounted on a base plate.

9. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 3, wherein a splicing area of at least one splice tray of at least one of the fiber organizers receives at least one of a passive optical component and an active optical component.

10. The modular fiber distribution system of claim 9, wherein the at least one of a passive optical component and an active optical component comprises at least one splitter.

11. A modular fiber distribution system, comprising: two or more fiber distribution units, wherein each fiber distribution unit comprises a fiber storage area and a patch panel, the patch panel comprising a plurality of couplings, each coupling configured to receive first and second fiber connectors, wherein the first fiber distribution unit receives a riser cable having one or more preconnectorized communication lines disposed therein and wherein a second fiber distribution unit receives one or more preconnectorized telecommunications lines from a first telecommunications service provider; and a cable guide unit including a conduit portion that can include one or more cable channels to house communication lines coupling the fiber distribution units to one another.