WO2012058376A1

WO2012058376A1 - Fiber optic module for limited space applications having a partially sealed module sub-assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2012058376A1
Application number: PCT/US2011/058001
Authority: WO
Inventors: Daniel S Mcgranahan; Jason C Payne; Kenneth C Simonson
Original assignee: Corning Cable Systems Llc
Priority date: 2010-10-27
Filing date: 2011-10-27
Publication date: 2012-05-03
Also published as: US20120106912A1; EP2633351A1; AU2011319826A1; AU2015238853B2; AU2015238853A1; EP2633351A4; CN103221858A; CN103221858B; US9279951B2

Abstract

A fiber optic module having a module housing and a module sub-assembly. The module housing defines at least an interior space, at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture. The module sub-assembly defines at least one fiber optic cable, for example, passing through the at least one input aperture, at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable, the multi-fiber connector being in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector, the multi-fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing.

Description

FIBER OPTIC MODULE FOR LIMITED SPACE APPLICATIONS HAVING A PARTIALLY SEALED MODULE SUB-ASSEMBLY

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 61/407,195, filed on October 27, 2010, and U.S. Provisional

Application Serial No. 61/426,212 filed on December 22, 2010 the contents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Field of the disclosure

[0003] The disclosure relates generally to fiber optic module assemblies and more particularly to fiber optic module assemblies having flexible cables extending outside of the module assembly which may be used in limited space applications.

[0004] Technical field

[0005] In the field of fiber optics, installation space and operator access are not unlimited. In some applications, for example, retro-fitting an existing fiber optic system or placing fiber optic systems into unusual locations, it is not always convenient for operators to install, test, troubleshoot or otherwise maintain optical systems. For example, in Fiber to the Antenna (FTTA) applications, fiber optic systems are typically placed into small cabinets, boxes or canisters that are not always properly sealed. Exposure to environmental stresses, e.g., temperature extremes, humidity and particulate intrusion, to name a few, can adversely affect optical performance or even damage components. Driven by high capacity demands, such systems rely upon multi- fiber cables and multi-fiber connectors that are sensitive to environmental stresses. Space constraints make replacing compromised components difficult. What is needed is a fiber optic module that has installation flexibility as well as integral sealing of sensitive components to mitigate any environmental and physical constraints.

[0006] No admission is made that any reference cited herein constitutes prior art. Applicant expressly reserves the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of any cited documents. SUMMARY

[0007] One aspect of the disclosure relates to a fiber optic module. The fiber optic module may include a module housing defining an interior space, at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture. A module sub-assembly may be received in the fiber optic module, the sub-assembly including at least one fiber optic cable passing through, for example, the at least one input aperture, at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable. The multi- fiber connector may be in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector, the multi- fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing.

[0008] An additional aspect of the disclosure relates to a module sub-assembly, including at least one fiber optic cable, at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable. The multi- fiber connector may be in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector. The sub-assembly may further include a demarcation and a furcation, the demarcation being located along the at least one fiber optic cable between the multi-fiber connector and the furcation, the furcation being located along the at least one fiber optic cable between the demarcation and the at least one single fiber connector. Furthermore, the subassembly may include a compression fitting, the compression fitting being about the at least one fiber optic cable between the demarcation and the multi-fiber connector.

[0009] An additional aspect of the disclosure relates to embodiments of a surface mountable module assembly, including brackets for holding the fiber optic module, for example, flush to a mounting surface, at an angle to a mounting surface, and orthogonal to a mounting surface.

[0010] Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and claims hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

[0011] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary, and are intended to provide an overview or framework to understand the nature and character of the claims.

[0012] According to common practice, the various features of the drawings discussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions of various features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reduced to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] FIG. 1 is a top view of a fiber optic module having a partially sealed module subassembly;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a top view of an exemplary module housing of the module of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is partially exploded view of an exemplary module sub-assembly of the module of FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a top view of another an alternate module having a hinged cover and the module sub-assembly of FIG. 3;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a top view of yet another alternate module having a hinged cover and two module sub-assemblies of FIG. 3;

[0018] FIGS. 6 - 8 are top views of the module of FIG. 1 having a cover installed showing the flexibility of the module sub-assembly;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a side insertion mounting bracket;

[0020] FIG. 10 is perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 9 having the module of

FIG. 1 installed;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an angular insertion mounting bracket;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 11 receiving the module of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a front insertion mounting bracket;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the mounting bracket of FIG. 13 having two of the modules of FIG. 1 installed;

[0025] FIGS. 15 and 16 are top views of two embodiments of a rack mountable module assembly having the module sub-assembly of FIG. 3;

[0026] FIGS. 17 and 18 are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the module of FIG. 1 installed on a rack mounted shelf;

[0027] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a representative base cabinet having the

embodiments of FIGS. 5, 7 and 9 installed; and

[0028] FIG. 20 is a schematic view of a wireless communication system including the base cabinet of FIG. 19. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Reference is now made in detail to exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, identical or similar reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to refer to identical or similar parts.

[0030] The disclosure herein is to a fiber optic module assembly having at least one module sub-assembly and a module housing for receiving the module sub-assembly. The module sub-assembly defines a fiber optic harness that may be disposed partially inside the module housing and partially outside the module housing, the external portion being flexible relative to the module housing. In exemplary embodiments, a hardened multi-fiber connector, suitable for extreme environmental exposure, may be on an end of the module sub-assembly that is partially outside of the module housing. The module sub-assembly may include a sealed portion and an unsealed portion, the sealed portion being partially disposed outside of the module housing. The flexibility of the external portion of the module sub-assembly enables ease of access, for example, when connecting another cable to the module assembly, by allowing freedom of movement of the external portion of the module sub-assembly.

Furthermore, the disclosure relates to apparatuses for mounting the module assembly, for example, to a mounting surface, a wall, a cabinet and a rack.

[0031] A fiber optic module 10 (FIG. 1) may include a module housing 20 and a partially sealed module sub-assembly 30. Sub-assembly 30 may be at least partially located within module housing 20. A portion of sub-assembly 30 may, in exemplary embodiments, be located partially outside of module housing 20 by a distance 12. Distance 12 may be defined as an exterior distance from module housing 20 to an end of sub-assembly 30. In exemplary embodiments, distance 12 may be adjustable, for example, from a first distance of 5 - 10 centimeters (cm) to a second distance of 15-20 cm.

[0032] Module housing 20 (FIGS. 1 and 2) may include a bottom 21 and at least two walls, e.g., a first wall 22 and a second wall 24. In exemplary embodiments, first wall 22 and second wall 24 may extend from bottom 21. Module housing 20, in exemplary embodiments, defines at least one connector adapter aperture 23, for example, positioned on first wall 22, and in further exemplary embodiments defines at least one input aperture 25, for example, positioned on second wall 24. Adapter aperture 23 and input aperture 25 may provide access to an interior space 28. In exemplary embodiments, the at least two walls may be substantially aligned to each other, for example, may be substantially parallel. In other exemplary embodiments the at least two walls may be substantially at angles relative to each other, for example, not substantially parallel, and in yet other exemplary embodiments the at least two walls may be about 60 degrees relative to each other.

[0033] Module housing 20 may further include at least one attachment feature, and in exemplary embodiments, a plurality of attachment features 26a, 26b located within interior space 28, for securing module sub-assembly 30 within module housing 20. For example, module sub-assembly 30 may be secured in part by attachment feature 26a and in part by attachment feature 26b. Attachment features 26a, 26b may be selected from attachment features being selected from the group consisting of a hook, a tab, an aperture, a push-out feature, and combinations of the same. In exemplary embodiments, attachment features 26a, 26b are sheet metal push-out features and may cooperate with, for example, a secondary securing means, for example, a strap or a tie, for securing module sub-assembly 30.

[0034] Module sub-assembly 30 (FIGS. 1 and 3), may include a sealed portion 30a and an unsealed portion 30b. Sealed portion 30a may include at least one fiber optic cable 32 having at least one optical fiber disposed inside, at least one multi- fiber connector 31 on one end of sub-assembly 30 in communication with the at least one optical fiber. More specifically, multi- fiber connector 31 may be a hardened multi- fiber connector disposed on an end of cable 32. Cable 32 may be, for example, a rugged drop cable such as SST Flat

Indoor/Outdoor Drop Cable available from Corning Cable Systems, Hickory NC. A demarcation 33 may be disposed, for example, on the other end of cable 32, providing a sealed portion 30a. Demarcation 33 may be, for example, a tube for receiving cable 32 at an end of the tube, with the at least one optical fiber passing through the tube. A curable sealant, for example, epoxy or RTV, may be disposed inside the tube, surrounding the end of cable 32 and the at least one optical fiber, locking cable 32 and the at least one optical fiber inside the tube. Sealed portion 30a may be sealed, for example, from environmental influences, including, but not limited to, dust and water intrusion. Multi- fiber connector 31, being a hardened connector, for example, an OptiTip® Connector available from Corning Cable Systems (though other hardened connectors are possible), is sealed in an unconnected state by a threaded dust cap, and in a connected state by connection to another hardened connector 19 (see FIG. 14), or a hardened adapter, sealing sealed portion 30a.

[0035] Unsealed portion 30b may include, in exemplary embodiments, a furcation 35 disposed on an end of an unsealed cable 34, for example, the at least one optical fiber exiting the other end of demarcation 33. In exemplary embodiments, unsealed cable 34 exits demarcation 33 and enters furcation 35. Unsealed cable 34, in some embodiments, may be at least one multi- fiber ribbon, for example, at least one 12 fiber ribbon, encased, for example, by a braided sleeve. In exemplary embodiments, furcation 35 may transition the at least one multi-fiber ribbon from a ribbon into at least one single optical fiber 36. Upon exiting furcation 35, a plurality of single optical fibers 36 may be grouped into at least one bundle 36a by the application of, for example, a wrap 37, for routing. Each of single optical fibers 36 may be terminated by a single fiber connector 38, for example, such as DC,SC, SC-APC, and LC connectors to name a few. In exemplary embodiments, the 12 fiber ribbon is furcated by furcation 35 into 12 single optical fibers 36, which are terminated by 12 SC-APC connectors. It should be understood that in exemplary embodiments each of single fiber connectors 38 is in optical communication with multi- fiber connector 31 by way of a single optical fiber that terminates at both multi-fiber connector 31 and single fiber connector 38.

[0036] In exemplary embodiments, a compression fitting 40 may be disposed on cable 32 between connector 31 and furcation 33, including a treaded nut 42, a grommet 44 and a threaded body 46, grommet 44 being between threaded nut 42 and threaded body 46.

Compression fitting 40 may engage, for example, input aperture 25 for securing module subassembly 30 to housing 20. Grommet 44 may include an opening having an inner profile that closely matches the outer profile of cable 32. Grommet 44 may be made from, for example, an elastomer that when compressed by tightening threaded nut 42 to threaded body 46 grips cable 32 with a compressive force and holds sub-assembly 30. Compression fitting 40 enables adjustments to distance 12 by loosening threaded nut 42, releasing the compressive force, allowing cable 32 to slide temporarily within grommet 44 for making distance 12 greater or smaller, then retightening threaded nut 42 to lock cable 32 at desired distance 12.

[0037] In exemplary embodiments, module sub-assembly 30 may be routed interior space 28 by coiling module sub-assembly 30. Cable 32, being secured to housing 20 at input aperture 25 by, for example, compression fitting 40, may be coiled at least once, placing demarcation 33 alongside attachment features 26b. In exemplary embodiments, cable 32 may be proximate to bottom 21, and may rest against alignment pins 27b to prevent any unwanted cable movement. A fastener 13, for example, a cable tie, zip-tie or tie -wrap, may engage each of attachment features 26b, wrapping around demarcation 33, thus holding demarcation 33 alongside alignment features 26b. Unsealed cable 34 may be further coiled at least once, for example, above cable 32, placing furcation 35 along or between attachment features 26a. Another fastener 13 may engage attachment features 26a, wrapping around furcation 35. In some exemplary embodiments, furcation 35 may be nestled substantially between other alignment pins 27a, for example, to prevent furcation 35 from twisting under torque generated by the shape memory of cable 32 and unsealed cable 34. Single optical fibers 36, and corresponding bundles 36a may be routed from furcation 35 to place single fiber connectors 38 proximal to adapter apertures 23. Single fiber connectors 38 each may be inserted into one of a plurality of adapters 39 disposed at adapter apertures 23. In exemplary embodiments, adapters 39 are duplex adapters configured to receive two each of connectors 38.

[0038] In alternate embodiments, a first alternate fiber optic module 10' (FIG. 4) may include alternate module housing 50 having a cover 59 attached to housing 50 by a hinge 59a. Module sub-assembly 30 may be secured to housing 50 through a first alternate input aperture 55. A plurality of alternate adapter apertures 53 may receive adapters 39. Connectors 38 may be inserted into adapters 39.

[0039] In yet another alternate embodiment, a second alternate fiber optic module 10" (FIG. 5) may include alternate module housing 60 having a cover 69 attached to housing 60 by a hinge 69a. A pair of module sub-assemblies 30 may be secured to housing 60 through a pair of alternate input apertures 65. A plurality of alternate adapter apertures 63 may receive adapters 39. Connectors 38 may be inserted into adapters 39.

[0040] In exemplary embodiments, multi-fiber connector 31 may be capable of flexing on, for example, cable 32, relative to module housing 20 (FIGS. 6 - 8). Having distance 12 between connector 31 and housing 20 exposes a length of cable 32, enabling flexing. In representative embodiments, connector 31 may flex up to 180 degrees relative to housing 20, easing routing of, for example, trunk cables in situations where space and access are limited. Flexing may be limited only by physical constraints of the kind of cable used in sub-assembly 30; for example, if cable 32 is a bend preferential cable such as a flat drop cable, bending may be substantially free in X and Y axes. Z axis flexing may be realized by applying torsion to connector 31, the torsion being transmitted to cable 32, twisting cable 32 up to 90 degrees. If cable 32, for example, is a non-preferential bend cable, flexing may be substantially limited only by environmental constraints; for example, limited spatial freedom to flex. In exemplary embodiments, connector 31 may flex toward first wall 22 up to 120 degrees (FIG. 6), effectively pointing connector 31 toward front wall 22, enabling connection to, for example, another fiber optic connector on a trunk cable that may be routed from the front of module 10. In another exemplary embodiment, connector 31 may flex away from first wall 22 up to 60 degrees (FIG. 7), effectively pointing connector 31 away from front wall 22, enabling connection to, for example, yet another fiber optic connector on another trunk cable that may be routed from the rear of module 10. Of course, cables being routed from any intervening direction may be connected to connector 31. In yet another exemplary embodiment, subassembly 30 may twist (FIG. 8) by the application of a torque to connector 31, enabling flexibility in the Z axis to accommodate, for example, connection to yet another fiber optic connector on yet another trunk cable being routed, for example, from above or below module 10.

[0041] Flexibility of sub-assembly 30 relative to, for example, housing 20, may expand installation opportunities for module 10. Module 10 may be installed in any one of a plurality of wall mountable module assemblies. In an exemplary wall mountable module assembly, a side insertion mounting bracket 70 (FIG. 9), in an exemplary embodiment, may include at least one first leg 72 defining a module mounting area having at least one module mounting aperture 73 for engaging push- lock pins 11 (FIG. 10). Mounting bracket 70 may have at least one second leg 74 defining a surface, or wall, mounting area that may have at least one mounting surface aperture 75. First leg 72 and second leg 74, in exemplary embodiments, may be orthogonal to each other for mounting at least one module 10 to a mounting surface, for example, a wall, with at least one module 10 engaging mounting bracket 70 substantially in alignment with the mounting surface. Put another way, mounting bracket 70 enables at least one module 10 to be mounted substantially flush to a wall or other mounting surface (see FIG. 19). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of modules 10 may be mounted together in mounting bracket 70 in substantially the same alignment without occupying large amounts of, for example, wall area or cabinet volume. Side mounting bracket 70 may be made from a plastic or a metal, and in exemplary embodiments may be a stamped sheet metal bracket.

[0042] In another exemplary wall mountable module assembly embodiment, an angular insertion mounting bracket 80 (FIG. 11) may mount, in exemplary embodiments, at least one module 10 at an angle to a mounting surface. Module 10 may engage mounting bracket 80 at an angle, for example, greater than zero degrees but less than 90 degrees, relative to the mounting surface, for example, a wall. In exemplary embodiments, module 10 may engage mounting bracket 80 at a 15 degree angle relative to the mounting surface. Angular mounting bracket 80 may include at least one first leg 82 defining another module mounting area having at least one module mounting aperture 83 for engaging push- lock pins 11 (FIG. 12). Mounting bracket 80 may have at least one second leg 84 defining another surface, or wall, mounting area that may have at least one mounting surface aperture 85. First leg 82 and second leg 84, in exemplary embodiments, may be non-orthogonal to each other for mounting at least one module 10 to a mounting surface, for example, a wall, with at least one module 10 engaging mounting bracket 80 substantially an angle less than 90 degrees, for example, 75 degrees, relative the mounting surface. Put another way, mounting bracket 80 enables at least one module 10 to be inserted at an angle less than 90 degrees to a wall or other mounting surface (see FIGS. 12 and 19). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of modules 10 may be mounted together in mounting bracket 80 in substantially the same alignment without occupying large amounts of, for example, wall area or cabinet volume. Angled mounting bracket 80 may be made from a plastic or a metal, and in exemplary embodiments may be a stamped sheet metal bracket.

[0043] At least one vertical support 86 may be in communication with at least one horizontal support 88. Horizontal support 88 may include at least one routing guide aperture 89 for receiving, for example, a routing guide 14 or clip for routing jumper cables (not shown) that may connect to adapters 39. Vertical support 86, in exemplary embodiments, may be at about a 15 degree angle to second leg 84 and orthogonal to first leg 82.

[0044] In yet another wall mountable module assembly embodiment, an orthogonal insertion mounting bracket 90 (FIG. 13) may mount, in exemplary embodiments, at least one module 10 orthogonal to a mounting surface, for example, a wall in a data closet or cabinet. Module 10 may engage mounting bracket 90 orthogonal to the mounting surface, for example, a wall. Angular mounting bracket 90 may include at least one first leg 92 defining yet another module mounting area having at least one module mounting aperture 93 for engaging push- lock pins 11 (FIG. 14). Mounting bracket 90 may have at least one second leg 94 defining yet another surface, or wall, mounting area that may have at least one mounting surface aperture 95. First leg 92 and second leg 94, in exemplary embodiments, may be substantially aligned to each other for mounting at least one module 10 to a mounting surface, for example, a wall, with at least one module 10 engaging mounting bracket 90 substantially an angle of about 90 degrees relative the mounting surface. Put another way, mounting bracket 90 enables at least one module 10 to be inserted straight in to a wall or other mounting surface (see FIGS. 14 and 19). In exemplary embodiments, a plurality of modules 10 may be mounted together in mounting bracket 80 in substantially the same alignment without occupying large amounts of, for example, wall area or cabinet volume. Orthogonal mounting bracket 90 may be made from a plastic or a metal, and in exemplary embodiments may be a stamped sheet metal bracket.

[0045] At least one vertical support 96 may cooperate with two front legs 92 to define an insertion aperture 97. Further, vertical support 96 may be in communication with at least one tab 98. Tab 98 may include at least one routing guide aperture 99 for receiving, for example, a routing guide 14 or similar clip for routing jumper cables (not shown) that may connect to adapters 39. Vertical support 96, in exemplary embodiments, may be orthogonal to second leg 94 and first leg 92.

[0046] By way of example, an exemplary trunk cable 18 having a trunk connector 19, for example, capable of mating with connector 31, may be routed from substantially above the wall mounted module assembly located in orthogonal insertion mounting bracket 90 (FIG. 14). Connector 31 may flex on cable 32 to accommodate the overhead routing, effectively laying alongside the mounting surface (not shown).

[0047] In further embodiments, at least one sub-assembly 30 may be located in one of shelf module assemblies 100, 200 (FIGS. 15 and 16). In exemplary embodiments, shelf module assemblies 100, 200 may include a shelf module housing 120, 220 and at least one partially sealed module sub-assembly 30. A portion of sub-assembly 30 may, in exemplary embodiments, be located partially outside of module housing 120, 220 by a distance 12. Distance 12 may be defined as an exterior distance from module housing 120, 220 to an end of sub-assembly 30. Shelf module assemblies 100, 200 may be configured, for example, having at least one flange 102, 202, for securing to a rack, for example, located in a data center. Module housing 120, 220 may have a bottom 121, 131 and at least two walls, e.g., a first shelf wall 122, 222 and a second shelf wall 124, 224. In exemplary embodiments, first shelf wall 122, 222 and second shelf wall 124, 224 may extend from bottom 121, 221.

Module housing 120, 220, in exemplary embodiments, defines at least one shelf adapter aperture 123, 223, for example, positioned on first shelf wall 122, 222 and in further exemplary embodiments defines a plurality of shelf adapter apertures 123, 223. Module housing 120 may define at least one shelf input aperture 125, for example, positioned on second shelf wall 124. Module housing 220 may define at least two shelf input apertures 225, for example, positioned on second shelf wall 224. Adapter aperture 123, 223 and input aperture 125, 225 may provide access to an interior space 128, 228. In exemplary embodiments, walls 122, 222 and 124, 224, respectively, may be substantially aligned to each other, for example, may be substantially parallel. In other exemplary embodiments, walls 122, 222 and 124, 224, respectively, may be substantially at angles relative to each other, for example, not parallel. As depicted, shelf module assemblies 100, 200 may be, for example, 1U rack mountable assemblies, but larger assemblies, for example, 2U, 3U or larger may be contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0048] In other embodiments, an alternate shelf module assembly 300 (FIGS. 17 and 18) may include at least one module 10, and in exemplary embodiments, may contain a pair of modules 10. Shelf module assembly 300 may include a rack mountable 1U shelf 320 for receiving at least one module 10. Rack mountable shelf 320 may be configured to attach to, for example a standard rack 302. In exemplary embodiments, modules 10 may be mounted, for example, horizontally, enabling operator access to each sub-assembly 30, for example, for routing feeder or trunk cables from rack 302 to each sub-assembly 30. It may be appreciated that more than one level of modules 10 may be arranged in yet other alternate shelf module assemblies (not shown) and such embodiments are within the scope of this disclosure.

[0049] In exemplary embodiments, one or more modules 10, contained in any one or more of brackets 50, 60 or 70, may be located in a cabinet, for example, a base cabinet assembly 400 (FIG. 19). A base cabinet 420 may be in communication with, for example, a Remote Radio Head 434 mounted, for example, on an antenna 430, or on a similarly tall structure, for example, a building.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Since modifications combinations, sub-combinations and variations of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A fiber optic module, comprising:

a module housing defining an interior space, the module housing further defining at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture; and

a module sub-assembly, the sub-assembly comprising at least one fiber optic cable passing through the at least one input aperture, at least one multi- fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable, and at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable, the multi- fiber connector being in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector, the at least one multi- fiber connector being disposed outside the interior space and the at least one single fiber connector being disposed within the interior space, the multi-fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing.

2. The module of claim 1, the module including a compression fitting associated with the at least one input aperture for securing the module assembly to the module housing, the fiber optic cable passing through the compression fitting and extending out of the interior space for a distance, the distance being adjustable from a first distance to a second distance.

3. The module of claim 1, the multi- fiber connector capable of flexing on the fiber optic cable relative to the module housing up to about 180 degrees.

4. The module of claim 1 , the multi- fiber connector capable of transmitting a torsion to the fiber optic cable, twisting at least a portion of the fiber optic cable up to 90 degrees relative to the module housing.

5. The module of claim 1 , the multi- fiber connector being a hardened multi- fiber connector.

6. The module of claim 5, the module sub-assembly having a sealed portion, the hardened multi- fiber connector being on one end of the sealed portion and a demarcation on an opposite end of the sealed portion, the demarcation including a sealant.

7. The module of claim 6, the sealed portion including a rugged fiber optic cable.

8. The module of claim 5, the module sub-assembly having an unsealed portion, the unsealed portion having the demarcation on one end of the unsealed portion and the single fiber connector on another end of the unsealed portion.

9. The module of claim 8, the unsealed portion further including a furcation for transitioning from the at least one multi- fiber ribbon to the at least one single fiber.

10. The module of claim 1, the module housing having a bottom and at least two walls extending from the bottom, the at least one connector adapter aperture and the at least one input aperture each being on different walls, the at least two walls being at an angle from zero to 90 degrees relative to each other.

11. The module of any of claims 1 - 10, the module defining a surface mountable module assembly, the module assembly including a side insertion mounting bracket for mounting at least one module to a mounting surface, the module engaging the side insertion mounting bracket substantially in alignment with the mounting surface, the mounting bracket including module mounting apertures on a first leg and mounting surface apertures on a second leg, the first leg and the second leg being orthogonal.

12. The module of any of claims 1 - 10, the module defining a surface mountable module assembly, the module assembly including an angular insertion mounting bracket for mounting at least one module to a mounting surface, the module engaging the angular insertion mounting bracket substantially at an angle to the mounting surface, the angle being less than 90 degrees, the angular mounting bracket including:

a wall mounting area, the wall mounting area including at least one wall mounting aperture;

a module mounting area, the module mounting area being at an angle to the wall mounting area and including module mounting apertures; and

at least one routing guide, the at least one cable routing guide being located in at least one routing guide aperture.

13. The module of any of claims 1 - 10, the module defining a surface mountable module assembly, the module assembly including an orthogonal insertion mounting bracket for mounting at least one module to a mounting surface, the module engaging the orthogonal insertion mounting bracket substantially perpendicular to the mounting surface, the orthogonal mounting bracket including:

a module mounting area, the module mounting area being substantially perpendicular to the wall mounting area and including module mounting apertures; and

14. The module of any of claims 1 - 10, the module defining a rack mountable module assembly, the module assembly including a shelf for mounting at least one module to a rack having at least two vertical support columns, the module engaging the shelf such that the at least one multi- fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable is pointed generally toward at least one of the vertical support columns.

15. The module of claim 1, the module being positioned in a base cabinet, the base cabinet being in communication with a remote radio head for a wireless communication system.

16. A module sub-assembly, comprising:

at least one fiber optic cable;

at least one multi-fiber connector on an end of the fiber optic cable;

at least one single fiber connector on an opposite end of the fiber optic cable, the multi- fiber connector being in optical communication with the at least one single fiber connector;

a demarcation;

a furcation, the demarcation being located along the at least one fiber optic cable between the multi- fiber connector and the furcation, the furcation being located along the at least one fiber optic cable between the demarcation and the at least one single fiber connector; and a compression fitting, the compression fitting being about the at least one fiber optic cable between the demarcation and the multi-fiber connector.

17. The sub-assembly of claim 16, the multi- fiber connector being a hardened multi- fiber connector.

18. The sub-assembly of claim 17, the at least one fiber optic cable being a rugged fiber optic cable.

19. The sub-assembly of claim 18, the sub-assembly including a sealed portion, the sealed portion defined by the hardened multi- fiber connector, the demarcation and the rugged fiber optic cable, the demarcation including a sealant.

20. The sub-assembly of any of claims 16 - 19, the sub-assembly including an unsealed portion, the unsealed portion having the demarcation on one end of the unsealed portion and the single fiber connector on another end of the unsealed portion.

21. The sub-assembly of any of claims 16 - 19, the sub-assembly being positioned in a housing, the housing being a module housing, the module housing defining an interior space, the module housing further defining at least one adapter aperture and at least one input aperture, the at least one fiber optic cable passing through the at least one input aperture, the compression fitting being associated with the at least one input aperture, the at least one single fiber connector being associated with the at least one adapter aperture, and the multi- fiber connector capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the module housing.

22. The sub-assembly of any of claims 16 - 19, the sub-assembly being positioned in a housing, the housing being a rack mountable shelf, the rack mountable shelf including a first wall and a second wall with a floor therebetween, the compression fitting being associated with the first wall, the demarcation and the furcation being associated with the floor, and the at least one single fiber connector being associated with the second wall, the at least one multi- fiber connector being disposed away from the rack mountable shelf opposite the at least one single fiber connector and capable of flexing on the at least one fiber optic cable relative to the rack mountable shelf.