1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for storing and maintaining fiber optic cable and providing a link for future deployment within a data center or other optical network environment, and more specifically, to a fiber optic network interconnection apparatus that allows a technician to coil and uncoil a desired length of pre-connectorized fiber optic cable for future or re-installation from the rear side of an installed apparatus.
2. Technical Background of the Invention
Fiber optic networks are being developed to deliver voice, video, and data transmissions to subscribers over both private and public networks. These fiber optic networks often include separated connection points at which it is necessary to link optical fibers in order to provide “live fiber” from one connection point to another connection point. Often times, these separated connection points are found within different distribution frames within a data center or central office. Distribution frames are typically used to mount connector housings, terminal blocks and/or main frame connectors, and fiber optic adapter access and cable management is often complex and difficult due to the number of connectors populating a distribution frame.
In order to facilitate module linking and interconnections, what is needed is a network apparatus capable of being installed within conventional and hereafter devised connection terminals, such as connector housings, examples of which are found in the Pretium™ Connector Housing family available from Corning Cable Systems of Hickory, N.C. The apparatus should be capable of linking separated connection points and provide protection and maintenance of the fiber optic cable within when not deployed and when installed. It would be desirable for the fiber optic cable within the apparatus to be accessed from the rear side without having to uninstall the apparatus. What is further desired is a complete pre-connectorized package including a mountable housing, at least one adapter, securing features that do not require the use of tools, cable management features, and a fiber optic cable including at least one, and preferably a plurality of, single fiber connectors on one end of the cable routed to the at least one adapter and a multi-fiber connector on the other end of the cable for routing to a predetermined location within the network. The packaged data center would provide easy open access to connectors for moves, additions and changes and for connector cleaning.