BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of apparatuses for the installation of optical access networks. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an optical fiber connection box for housing an optical connection between a duct housing a bundle of fiber optic cables and at least one drop cable of an optical access network.

As demand for data and connectivity increases, network planners and installers are seeking more efficient and cost-effective deployment options for their fiber to the X (FTTX) rollouts. FTTX comprises the many variants of fiber optic access infrastructure. These include fiber to the home (FTTH), fiber to the premise (FTTP), fiber to the building (FTTB), fiber to the node (FTTN), and fiber to the curb or cabinet (FTTC). The optical FTTP or FTTH network is an optical access network that supplies broadband or ultra-broadband communication services to a number of end users (e.g., services that require data transmission speeds measuring several hundred Mbit/s or even higher).

An optical FTTP or FTTH network typically includes a distribution box, which is typically located in the basement or vault of a multi-dwelling unit building in which the end users reside. An optical-fiber distribution cable typically leads out of the distribution box and runs in the interior of the building from the basement or vault to each floor. Between two successive floors, the distribution cable is typically laid in a duct, which mechanically protects the cable. This duct can be fixed to the surface of a wall or can be housed within the wall itself (e.g., in concrete). At each floor of the building, the optical cables typically pass through connection boxes or cases so as to be connected to the equipment in the apartments or offices of the end users.

The distribution cable can be connected optically to one or more drop cables. As used herein, a “drop cable” is an optical fiber cable that typically runs towards an apartment or office of an end user within a special duct fixed to the surface of the wall or housed within the thickness thereof. To connect the distribution cable to the drop cables, a number of optical fibers are pulled out of the distribution cable/duct and are spliced to respective ends of the optical fibers of the drop cables. Each drop cable is then typically terminated in a termination box located in the proximity of or inside an apartment or office of an end user.

Conventional distribution boxes typically offer only one mechanism for splicing the optical fiber of the distribution cable with the optical fiber of the drop cable. Therefore, a need exists for an optical fiber connection box that provides multiple mechanisms for splicing the optical fiber of the distribution cable with the optical fiber of the drop cable. Additionally or alternatively, it may be desirable to provide an optical fiber connection box that provides separate storage sections for housing the distribution cable and the drop cable.

SUMMARY

According to various aspects of the present disclosure, an optical connection box for housing an optical connection between a distribution cable and at least one drop cable of an optical access network includes a base. The base includes a bottom configured to house an excess length of a first optical fiber of a distribution cable in a first section of the interior and configured to house an excess length of a second optical fiber of a drop cable in a second section of the interior, a first sidewall having a slot and recessed portion configured to receive a duct housing the distribution cable, and a plurality of splice-holder elements extending from the bottom of the base and configured to house at least one splice between the first optical fiber of the distribution cable and either (i) the second optical fiber of the drop cable, or (ii) an optical fiber pigtail that is coupled with the second optical fiber of the drop cable. The first section and the second section are disposed on opposite sides of the splice-holder elements.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

