Telecommunication cables are used for distributing data across vast networks. As telecommunication cables are routed across networks, it is necessary to periodically open the cable and splice or tap into the cable so that data may be distributed to “branches” of the network. The branches may be further distributed until the network reaches individual homes, businesses, offices, and so on. The distributed lines are often referred to as drop lines. At each point where the cable is opened, it is necessary to provide some type of enclosure to protect the cable (and potentially unjacketed fiber) and allow easy and repeated access to the cable.
Recently, service providers are extending their fiber networks to the home in the United States, which requires more technicians to install fiber optic connectors in the field. Field mountable optical fiber connectors can be used to connect optical fibers within an enclosure, however the installation of these connectors can require the craftsman to have one or more kits that contain the tools needed to install a given optical fiber connector. Many telecommunication carriers and service personnel prefer installation that require as few tools as possible. However, fiber polishing is a necessary installation step when installing many different styles of optical fiber connectors in order to provide optimal levels of signal transmission. Eliminating the cost of a separate optical fiber connector polishing apparatus and space needed in craftsman's tool kit could enable more technicians to terminate optical fibers in the field with field mount optical fiber connectors, which will enable fiber to the home high-bandwidth, high-speed or gigabit service more quickly. Thus, there is a need to provide necessary tooling at job sites while minimizing the number of different tools that need to be carried.