HK1238723A1 - Fiber optic solutions for migration between duplex and parallel multi-fiber solutions - Google Patents

Abstract

Fiber optic equipment that supports 8-fiber MPO configurations that enable migration between duplex transmission and 8-fiber parallel transmission is disclosed. The fiber optic equipment comprises a fiber optic module having a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides, wherein the front end, the rear end, and the opposing sides defining an area there within. The fiber optic module comprises a linear array of single fiber optical connector adapters arranged in a width direction at the front end, each of the single fiber optical adapters having a front side and a rear side. The fiber optic module also comprises a rear multi-fiber adapter at the rear end of the module, the rear multi-fiber adapter having a front side and a rear side. The fiber optic module further comprises a release lever disposed along one of the opposing sides and configured to actuate a latch release for removing the fiber optic module from a fiber optic equipment tray, wherein at least a portion of the release lever laterally deflects inwardly toward a center of the area defined by the front end, the rear end, and the opposing sides.

Description

Fiber optic solution for migration between duplex multi-fiber solutions and parallel multi-fiber solutions

Priority application

The present application claims priority benefits from U.S. provisional application serial nos. 62/043,794, 62/043,797, and 62/043,802, all filed 2014 8-29 and 62/132,872, filed 2015 3-13, the contents of which are the basis of the present application and are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, in accordance with 35u.s.c. § 119.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to fiber optic connection assemblies, and more particularly to fiber optic connection assembly hardware and modules for a base 8 fiber optic solution.

Background

Currently, there are two dominant forms of transmission used in data centers for fiber optic cabling. Duplex (e.g., 2-fiber) solutions use dedicated transmit and receive optical channels that are paired together, while parallel multi-fiber solutions (e.g., 8-fiber solutions) use multiple optical channels to transmit signals and recombine multiple optical channels for transmission at a faster rate. For example, a parallel 100 gigabit link may transmit along ten parallel 10 gigabit lanes, with multiple 10 gigabit signals from the parallel lanes recombined. Many customers desire to move back and forth between these different forms of transmission at different locations in the network depending on network management requirements and link costs at different protocol speeds. Existing parallel solutions require MTP-type connectors designed to hold 12 fibers.

Likewise, current duplex solutions also deploy 12-fiber MPO trunk cable routing along with MPO/LC branch modules (MPO/LC breakout modules). In a duplex solution, multiple optical channels of an MPO connector are branched into a single optical channel using modules with LC connections. Thus, all optical channels are accessible at the front of the module as LC ports. However, these network solutions do not allow the flexibility of systems to easily migrate from a duplex transmission solution to a parallel transmission solution (and vice versa). Additionally, if a network such as the 8 fiber solution requires additional fiber counts, then a fiber utilization of 12 fiber network can be achieved, or 4 fibers must be kept dark or conversion modules must be used, either of which adds to the network system cost, complexity, and attenuation.

Existing solutions to migrate from duplex to parallel transmission cover the cumbersome replacement of current MPO-LC modules with MPO panels. However, when needed, there is also a need to easily migrate back to duplex transmission. Such migration may present challenges and cause extended downtime for migration. For example, a user cables a cabinet in a data center space without previously knowing whether duplex or parallel transmission (based on the servers placed in the cabinet) would be required in the cabling cabinet. In addition, new transceiver technologies are constantly evolving in the market place; thus, a particular data rate that may require parallel cabling today may be replaced in the future with a new duplex transceiver at the same data rate. Thus, there is a need for flexibility in cabling and network architecture to allow network operators to migrate in an easy manner between duplex and parallel transmission at various locations in an optical network and vice versa.

SUMMARY

The present application discloses an end-to-end solution for 8-fiber MPO connectors rather than the standard 12-fiber connections used in the industry today (MPO connectors, such as MTP connectors, may themselves be new 8-fiber molded ferrules, having only 8 holes or only 8 fibers loaded in the current 12-fiber connector ferrule configuration; and such MPO connectors are basic 8-fiber (BASE-8) configurations). Although the concepts are discussed with respect to chassis having a 1-U rack space footprint, all concepts may be extended, for example, to chassis having a 4-U rack space footprint of the same density, but supporting a quadruple number of optical connections. It is contemplated that other size housings (e.g., 5-U, 8-U, etc.) may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

The apparatus generally shown in fig. 1A-5 encompasses trunk cables using eight fibers per MPO connector. The trunk cable may utilize 8 fiber subunits to which the MPO connectors may be directly connectorized. This solution also covers new fiber optic equipment such as eight fiber optic modules to allow up to 48 fibers in an 1/3U tray that utilizes LC duplex connectivity. In other words, fiber optic equipment such as modules, panel assemblies, and hybrid modules may have a height of 1/3U space or less in order to achieve dense tray stacking in a chassis. Also disclosed are equipment trays for migration from parallel to duplex transmission using BASE-8 modules and other fiber optic equipment.

The disclosed components and optical network solutions provide several advantages over conventional optical network solutions having a BASE 12 fiber (BASE-12) configuration. For example, the disclosed apparatus provides 100% fiber utilization and maintains link attenuation performance when transitioning from a duplex solution to a parallel 8 fiber solution.

Fiber optic equipment provides a simple migration path between duplex links and 8-fiber parallel links by using a small MPO increment that directly matches the number of transceiver channels so that migration between duplex links and parallel links for transmission can occur while interrupting fewer duplex clients during migration.

Another embodiment, shown generally in fig. 6 and 7, contemplates extending the MPO on the back of the MPO/LC module by pigtail-like design so that it is interconnected in the front plane. Such MPO pigtails or MPO jumpers of the module would be routed through the hardware (via through-channel designs in the panel assembly or hardware) into the front end for connection in the multi-fiber adapter. MPO-based trunks will terminate in panel assemblies in fiber optic equipment, and thus MPO will be available for 8-fiber links in the fiber optic equipment front end. When a 2-fiber link is required, the pigtail fiber module will be installed and the pins will be routed through the hardware to the front plane for interconnection to the MTP in the panel. When the 2-fiber link is no longer needed, the pigtail of the module will be unplugged, freeing up the 8f port (the pigtail module can remain in the enclosure as a future path for return 2f connectivity). Likewise, the interconnection from the modules to the panel assembly may be made using MPO jumper cables.

Another application of pigtailed fiber optic modules is for spine and leaf architecture (spine and leaf architecture), where 40G ports are often used to create a 10G grid in order to implement more servers in the network. This would allow for the generation of a patch field (patch field) and completion of the mesh using jumpers.

Another embodiment encompasses an eight-fiber pigtail fiber module that can help address two issues. The first problem is the need to operate parallel ports such as high density duplex ports. An example of an application of this problem is the ability to run 40G ports like (4) 10G ports. One of the main challenges in such applications is: structured routing of multi-fiber ports must be broken down into duplex connectors in the structured routing. Current applications include purchasing 8 fiber optic strands and plugging them into a panel. This solution can better solve the problem by providing an 8-fiber ribbon pigtail module that can be plugged directly into the parallel port and that exists as an LC connector at this piece of hardware. Each LC branch module would represent a single parallel 4-channel parallel port (rather than the current 12f branch panel, which must represent 1.5 parallel ports, and is therefore not a clean/logical branch of ports).

The disclosed components, fiber optic equipment, and assemblies may also support switching between parallel links and duplex links from the chassis, tray, or optical hardware front side. In addition, the pigtails will extend the current MPO from the backplane through the panel assembly for interconnection to the trunk on the front plane. This achieves the following objectives: there are both parallel ports and duplex ports at the front plane without moving trunk cable connectors (at the rear) when switching between duplex and parallel. In addition, no additional losses are generated in the link.

This solution offers several advantages:

the ability to switch between duplex and parallel links forms the fiber optic enclosure front. Backplane MPO cable routing can be held in place and network operators can easily migrate between duplex and parallel links from the front of the enclosure.

-a high fiber count parallel port, clearly and simply branched, which is operated to act as a higher density, lower speed port. Such an application is to operate a parallel 40G port as 4 duplex 10G ports. Such an 8-fiber ribbon pigtail module would allow for such applications where MPO pigtails would be plugged directly into the ports and LC duplex connectors would be present at the front end of the hardware, such as trays, chassis or fiber optic equipment, to allow the 10G ports to be run to the desired locations in the data center. Such flexibility contributes to the value of running parallel ports as slower speed, higher density duplex ports.

Another embodiment, shown generally in fig. 8-10C, contemplates a hybrid module having a single BASE-8MPO adapter so that a network operator may perform a migration from an MPO/LC module to an MPO adapter when converted into a parallel optical loop. Such hybrid modules allow network operators to reserve slots in devices/hardware such as pallets in the event and when they need to return duplex transmissions.

The concept underlying the present disclosure is to create a combined duplex and parallel hybrid module that will allow customers to transition between different transmissions by simply moving the connectors of the trunk cable between the various locations of the hybrid module. An alternative to this approach would be to move MPO connectors from the trunk from the MTP/LC module into the MTP panel.

The advantages of such a hybrid module are easy planning and ease of cable routing migration. In one chassis embodiment, each slot in the tray will have a single MPO connector dedicated to the location of the slot in the tray. The MPO will either be loaded to the rear of the module to branch into LC connectivity for duplex transmission (resulting in 4-6 duplex links), or placed in MPO adapters at the front plane to allow for a single parallel channel. When the device is placed in the cabinet and the data rate and transmission technology are determined, the user will move each MTP per slot into either the duplex or parallel position based on the application. Thus, the network operator does not have to replace the module with a faceplate on day 1 or day 2, as both options are available for each module slot on day 1.

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 that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described in the written description and embodiments hereof, as well as the appended drawings.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the embodiments.

The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles and operations of the various embodiments.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1A is a diagram of a BASE-8 fiber optic module, according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 1B and 1C depict MPO panels and LC modules, respectively, having a BASE-8 configuration;

fig. 2A and 2B are perspective and top views, respectively, of an equipment tray adapted to support six (6) fiber optic modules (or panels) shown in fig. 1A per unit tray width;

3A-3D are respective perspective, front, top and side views of the equipment tray of FIGS. 2A and 2B disposed in a 1-U space chassis;

fig. 4 shows a comparison of the BASE-8 fiber optic module and the equipment tray of fig. 2A-2B compared to a BASE-12 fiber optic module and equipment tray;

FIG. 5 illustrates a combination of BASE-8 equipment trays and BASE-12 equipment trays disposed in a 1-U space chassis;

FIG. 6 illustrates a fiber optic panel assembly having a pair of front multi-fiber adapters and a pass-through channel configured to receive at least one optical multi-fiber cable therethrough;

FIG. 7 illustrates an equipment tray supporting the fiber optic panel assembly of FIG. 6 along with the BASE-8 fiber optic modules of FIG. 1A;

FIG. 8 shows a hybrid fiber optic module having an 8 fiber optic module portion and a multi-fiber pass-through portion arranged in a BASE-12 form factor for mounting in a BASE-12 sized equipment tray;

fig. 9 shows an equipment tray supporting the hybrid fiber optic module of fig. 8;

10A-10C illustrate respective perspective, front, and top views of the equipment tray of FIG. 9 disposed in a 1-U space chassis;

10D and 10E illustrate respective front perspective views of different 4-U chassis embodiments consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

11A and 11B show rear perspective views of alternative embodiments of BASE-8 fiber optic modules and front perspective views of alternative embodiments of BASE-8 fiber optic faceplates, consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary mounting rail for use on a pallet, in accordance with certain disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tray equipped with the exemplary mounting rail of FIG. 12, in accordance with certain disclosed embodiments;

14A-14C illustrate front perspective, top, and close-up views, respectively, of an exemplary tray, according to certain disclosed embodiments;

FIG. 15 illustrates a top view of an exemplary chassis assembly having a lower tray in an extended ("slide out") position and an upper tray in a fully retracted ("stow") position consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

fig. 16A and 16B provide top views of alternative embodiments of metal support structures for respective apparatus tray embodiments, in accordance with certain disclosed embodiments;

fig. 17 illustrates a perspective front isometric view of an exemplary equipment tray having track guides and jumper wiring guides consistent with certain disclosed embodiments;

fig. 18 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary jumper wiring guide according to certain disclosed embodiments;

19A, 19B, and 19C show front perspective views (for BASE-12), schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-12), and schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-8), respectively, of exemplary LC-to-MTP modules with MTP port "tap" capability;

FIGS. 20A and 20B show respective front perspective and schematic wiring diagrams of exemplary BASE-12 and BASE-8 MTP-to-MTP modules with MTP port "drop" capability; and

fig. 21A, 21B, and 21C show front perspective views (for BASE-12), schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-12), and schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-8), respectively, of exemplary LC-to-LC port "tap" capabilities.

Detailed description of the invention

The present application discloses BASE-8 modules, fiber optic panel assemblies, and hybrid fiber optic modules for mounting on an equipment tray that may be movably mounted to a chassis. The disclosed components provide the ability to easily and quickly migrate optical networks between duplex transmission and 8-fiber parallel transmission. The BASE-8 configuration is in contrast to widely deployed installed BASE-12 optical networks. In addition, BASE-8 components and assemblies can improve fiber utilization when fast and easy migration paths between duplex and parallel transmissions are required in optical networks.

Conventional solutions include replacing current MPO/LC branch duplex modules with MPO panels/modules when converting to 8-fiber links for parallel transmission. However, there is a need for flexibility to switch back to 2-fiber links on demand as network requirements change (e.g., new lower bandwidth devices placed in cabinets, or new technologies that are evolving to only require 2-fiber duplex connectivity). Therefore, there is a need for the ability to easily switch between duplex transmission systems and 8-fiber parallel transmission systems, but this ability is currently not available for conventional networks. One embodiment relates to a tray for installing fiber optic equipment having a BASE-8 configuration. For example, fiber optic equipment having a BASE-8 configuration can be a module, a panel assembly, a hybrid module, or other suitable fiber optic equipment.

As used herein, BASE-8 means a component that supports the transmission of eight optical channels and connects with an 8 fiber optic connector instead of a 12 fiber optic connector. Thus, all optical channels can be used for migration between duplex and parallel transmission without having unused optical fibers. The concept is depicted with 8 fiber ports, such as MPO ports, and single fiber ports, such as LC ports supporting single fiber connectors. The disclosed fiber optic equipment and assemblies can be secured and supported in a tray, and the tray can be secured and supported in a chassis. Additionally, the fiber optic equipment may optionally move relative to the tray when attached thereto. Also, the tray may optionally move relative to the chassis when attached thereto.

The present disclosure relates to pretermination solutions based on using units with 8 fibers in connectors and adapters to match the channels required for 8 fiber parallel transceivers. This is in contrast to conventional 12-fiber and 24-fiber base solutions used in optical networks today. Included in this disclosure are trunk cables having 8-fiber units, MPO connectors, or other suitable connectors filled with only 8 fibers, and BASE-8 fiber optic equipment (e.g., MPO-to-LC fiber optic modules, fiber panel assemblies, and hybrid fiber optic modules).

Generally, the module will include a housing having an interior chamber, whereas the panel assembly will not have a housing. Fiber optic harnesses are typically mounted into an interior chamber of a module for protecting the fiber optic harness. The panel assembly may be used for optical connectors such as fiber optic panel assemblies that include a front panel disposed at a front end having a linear array of fiber optic adapters arranged in a BASE-8 configuration across a width in the front panel. In addition, BASE-8 fiber optic equipment, such as fiber optic panel assemblies or modules, can be compactly installed in the tray using 1/6 or less of the tray width. In another embodiment, a fiber optic panel assembly has first and second multi-fiber adapters disposed at a front end of the fiber optic panel assembly, and at least one pass-through channel at a rear side. Another piece of fiber optic equipment is a hybrid fiber optic module that supports connections for eight LC connections and an 8-fiber MPO connection at the front end and provides fast and easy migration nodes in the network.

Fig. 1A depicts a BASE-8 fiber optic module 10 (hereinafter module 10), and fig. 2A-2B show an equipment tray 100 (hereinafter tray) using the module 10. Fig. 1B and 1C illustrate BASE-84 port MTP panel assemblies 50 and BASE-8LC panel assemblies 60, respectively, which may also be used in the trays and chassis disclosed herein using the same ports in the tray, allowing for either 24-port MPO density in 1/3U trays or LC-LC connectivity in the trays.

Fig. 3A-3D depict a chassis 300 for receiving and supporting a tray. Although the use of trays and other equipment is shown with respect to a 1-U space chassis, the concepts may be used with larger chassis such as 2-U, 4-U, etc. Fig. 4 and 5 depict that the disclosed BASE-8 equipment is also backward compatible with existing installed BASEs of chassis (e.g., chassis 300'). Fig. 6 and 7 depict fiber optic panel assemblies along with their use in a tray 100'. Fig. 8-10 depict the use of a hybrid fiber optic module along with the hybrid fiber optic module in a tray and chassis for migrating from duplex transmission to parallel transmission by providing two different connection locations for trunk cable connectors.

Fig. 1A depicts a BASE-8 module 10 that supports eight optical connections. The module 10 has a front end 12 and a rear end 14, with a linear array of fiber optic adapters 18 disposed at the front end 12. The adapters are arranged in a BASE-8 configuration along the width direction at the front side. The adapter 18 may be an LC adapter and support optical connections between optical harnesses (not visible) within the module 10. This embodiment has four duplex LC adapters for a total of eight LCs; however, adapters may be grouped together in other variations (e.g., four LCs or eight LCs).

The module 10 has a housing (not numbered) with an interior cavity. The harness has a plurality of optical fibers optically connected between the linear array of fiber optic adapters 18 and the rear side of the fiber optic assembly. For example, an MPO adapter 16 is provided at the rear end 14, which is adapted to connect with 8-fiber connectors of a trunk cable. However, other variations of the module 10 are possible, such as pigtails extending from the rear end 14 for optical connection, as shown by module 10' in fig. 7.

The module 10 also has rails 22 for attaching the module to a pallet, as discussed below. The module also optionally has a lever 24 for selectively removing the module from the tray and securing the module to the tray. For example, the latches (not numbered) are disengaged by pushing the levers 24 inward to release the latches (not numbered) from the support rails of the tray. To facilitate pushing the levers 24 inwardly, finger catches (not numbered) are provided adjacent or proximate to the levers 24 so that the levers 24 can be easily squeezed, pulling the levers 24 toward the finger catches to laterally displace the latches relative to corresponding securing mechanisms associated with the support rails of the tray and allow the modules to be slidably disengaged from the tray.

Fig. 2A-2B illustrate a tray 100 for mounting fiber optic equipment. The tray 100 may be mounted on a chassis as disclosed or other suitable device. The term "mounted" as used herein refers to any component or group of components adapted to permanently, semi-permanently, temporarily, and/or removably couple the tray 100 to the chassis. According to one embodiment, "mounting" may be accomplished by securing the pallet 100 to the undercarriage using permanent or semi-permanent fasteners, such as, for example, rivets, bolts, screws, or any other suitable mechanism (or combination thereof) for fastening one structure to another structure. Alternatively or additionally, "mounting" may include or be an embodiment of a temporary or non-permanent solution for securing the tray 100 to the chassis. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the mounting may be accomplished using clips, tabs, removable rivets, press clips, pine-tree clips, push-nut fasteners, or any other type of fastener suitable for removably coupling the tray 100 to a chassis. "mounting" may also include or represent any component or combination of components suitable for slidably coupling the tray 100 to the chassis. For example, the tray 100 may be mounted to the chassis via rails coupled to the chassis that support and guide the tray 100 when coupled to corresponding rail members of the tray 100, thereby allowing forward-rearward translation of the tray 100 relative to the chassis.

The tray 100 includes a BASE 102 for supporting a plurality of BASE-8 fiber optic equipment. For example, the tray may include modules 10 and/or panel assemblies 400 (fig. 6). The tray includes one or more support rails 104 of a base 102 for movably mounting the tray 100 in a chassis. The tray also includes a plurality of equipment support rails 106 of the BASE for removably mounting a plurality of BASE-8 fiber optic equipment to the tray 100. The support rails and/or the equipment support rails may be modular components or may be integrally formed with the base of the tray as desired.

The BASE 102 is configured to support at least five (5) BASE-8 pieces of fiber optic equipment in the width W direction. The tray 100 has a height H of 1/3U space or less. The tray can utilize a BASE-8 configuration to support a connection density of greater than thirty-two (32), at least forty (40), and forty-eight (48) fiber optic connections per 1/3U space.

As depicted in fig. 2A and 2B, the tray is configured to support at least six BASE-8 pieces of fiber optic equipment in the width W direction. Thus, the module 10 is configured to be installed into the tray 100 using 1/6 or less of the tray width W. The disclosed tray may be designed to fit into an existing installed BASE of a chassis to form a hybrid chassis having a first tray supporting BASE-8 fiber optic equipment and a second tray supporting BASE-12 fiber optic equipment, as shown by fig. 5.

Fig. 3A-3D depict a fiber optic equipment chassis 300 (hereinafter chassis) for receiving and supporting a plurality of trays. As shown, the chassis 300 has a plurality of trays 100 mounted therein. A chassis with multiple trays mounted thereon can support a connection density of greater than ninety-six (96) fiber optic connections per U space, at least one hundred twenty fiber optic connections per U space, or at least one hundred forty-four (144) fiber optic connections per U space. The tray 100 is movably installed in the bottom chassis 300 such that the tray can be independently moved. Further, the modules are independently movable relative to the base of the tray. The chassis 300 includes supports for receiving the support rails 104 of the tray 100. U.S. patent No. 8,452,148 discloses independently translatable modules and trays, and U.S. patent No. 8,538,226 discloses a track with equipment guides and stop positions, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

According to one embodiment, the chassis 300 may have a standard height for 1-U space of an equipment rack, and have mounting structures for securing the chassis to the rack. According to other embodiments, the chassis may have a height suitable for mounting in different sizes, such as 2-U or 4-U spaces for equipment racks. The chassis 300 has 1/3U space for a single tray 100. As shown, in fig. 3A, the bottom tray 100 extends from the chassis 300 and the two top trays 100 are in the storage position. If the chassis is a 2-U space chassis, the chassis will support six (6) trays, and if the chassis is a 4-U space chassis, the chassis will support twelve (12) trays. Thus, the three trays 100 can each support up to six (6) BASE-8 pieces of fiber optic equipment, so as to support a total of eighteen (18) BASE-8 pieces of fiber optic equipment. Fig. 3B-3D depict other views of the chassis 300.

BASE-8 modules allow the same LC duplex density to be achieved as BASE-12 trays and chassis, but advantageously allow the use of 8 fiber MPO to achieve 100% fiber utilization for migration from duplex transmission to 8 fiber parallel transmission when using panel and MPO jumpers.

Industry solutions on the market today require conversion modules to reduce widely deployed BASE-12 and BASE-24 fiber solutions to eight fiber increments, or require the use of MPO pass-through panels that do not allow all of the fibers to be utilized. Embodiments and concepts disclosed herein address the mismatch of existing fabric routing solutions with the fiber count of the BASE-12 configuration and provide a matching fiber count for mating with a transceiver. Thus, the embodiments and concepts disclosed herein allow for a high density, easy transition along with a low attenuation solution.

Fig. 4 shows a comparison of the module 10 and tray 100 with a conventional BASE-12 fiber optic module 1 and a BASE-12 equipment tray 3. As shown, a BASE-12 fiber optic module requires 12 fibers to be connected and has adapters that support twelve (12) LC ports. Tray 3 supports only four (4) BASE-12 fiber optic modules 1 as shown. In one embodiment, the tray 100 is similar to the tray 3, so the tray 100 can be mounted into a common chassis that supports a hybrid configuration of BASE-8 and BASE-12 trays.

Fig. 5 depicts a hybrid chassis 300' supporting the combination of BASE-8 trays 100 and BASE-12 equipment trays 3 disposed in a 1-U space chassis. The hybrid chassis 300' provides flexibility for network operators in optical networks to move, add, and change transport protocols as needed while maintaining concise and orderly cable deployment and routing for data centers.

The disclosed concepts include other BASE-8 fiber optic equipment that can be used in trays to provide greater flexibility to network operators and the ability to modify optical networks and perform transport protocol migration. Fig. 6 and 7 show other BASE-8 fiber optic equipment adapted for pallets to provide flexibility to network operators. Fig. 6 depicts a fiber optic panel assembly 400 (hereinafter referred to as a panel assembly) that includes at least one front multi-fiber adapter 418 and a front end 402 of the panel assembly 400. Each multi-fiber adapter has a front side and a rear side. Each side of the adapter receives a BASE-8 connector. The panel assembly 400 includes at least one pass-through channel 410 configured to receive at least one optical multi-fiber cable therethrough. The panel assembly 400 may be used in a BASE-8 tray and may be installed into the tray using 1/6 or less of the tray width; however, the panel assembly may also be sized to fit within the BASE-12 tray 3 if desired. Additionally, the panel assembly may be part of a chassis and occupy 1/12 or less of one U space, for example the panel assembly may be part of a chassis and occupy 1/18 or less of one U space.

The panel assembly 400 may have other features in the panel, such as finger access cutouts 420, to allow access under the panel assembly 400 to mount BASE-8 connectors to the adapters 420. The through channel 410 may have a cut-out 411 so that cables may be placed in the panel assembly 400 from the top side. In addition, the through channel 410 may extend to the front end 402 of the panel assembly and may comprise a second cut-out 411 for placing cables in the panel assembly 400 from the top side. The panel assembly 400 may further include ribs for structural support, panel rails 422 for mounting in a tray, levers 424, or other suitable structures or features. The panel assembly may be configured as a simple panel, or it may have a housing 401 that extends between the front panel 412 and the rear end 404 of the panel assembly 400, as shown. The housing 401 may include a casing, if desired, to form a module.

The panel assembly 400 has at least one front panel 412 with at least one front multi-fiber adapter 418 disposed therein. In the embodiment shown in fig. 6, the panel assembly has two front panels 412 for two (2) respective multi-fiber adapters 418. In other embodiments, the panel assembly 400 may include at least three (3) fiber optic adapters 418.

Fig. 7 shows an equipment tray 100 'that supports a panel assembly 400 along with modules 10 and modules 10' with pigtails. The tray 100' is similar to the tray 100, but is loaded with different BASE-8 equipment to provide configuration flexibility to network operators. The tray 100 ' combines the use of the modules 10 and 10 ' with the use of the panel assembly 400 in a single tray for providing MPO connectivity present at the front side of the tray 100 ' as well as at the chassis. Thus, tray 100' is a hybrid tray having a pass-through module/panel assembly adapted for 1/3U space combined with a hybrid tray that is backward compatible for use with existing EDGE housings available from corning Optical Communications LLC of Hickory, NC.

MPO from the trunk cables 101 are connected to the rear side of the panel assembly 400 at the respective adapters 418, as shown. This ensures that the MTP is present at the front plane of the enclosure so that it can be used for 8-fiber links. However, when connector branching to LC connectivity is required, the pigtails of module 10' are passed through the center of the MTP panel and plugged into the front side of the panel, allowing migration from parallel transmission to duplex transmission in an optical network. The same connectivity can be achieved using modules 10 having MPO jumper cables attached to the front sides of the respective fiber optic adapters and the rear ends of the modules 10.

In use, the at least one front multi-fiber adapter rear side is configured to optically connect to a first multi-fiber optical cable extending from the rear end 404 toward the front end 402 of the panel assembly 400; and the at least one front multi-fiber adapter front side is configured to optically connect to a second multi-fiber optical cable extending from the rear end 404 of the panel assembly 400 toward the front end 402 and through the at least one pass-through channel 410, as shown on the right side of the tray 100' using the module 10.

Other fiber optic equipment suitable for BASE-8 configurations are also disclosed. Fig. 8-10C depict a hybrid fiber optic module 500 (hereinafter hybrid module) along with its use in a tray assembly 600 that can be mounted and supported in a chassis 700. As shown, the hybrid module 500 fits in an existing BASE-12 tray for fiber optic equipment having four (4) slots, and is similar to the tray shown on the top portion of fig. 4, except that the tray includes the hybrid module 500.

The hybrid module 500 has MPO/LC branch sections for duplex transmission, as representatively shown on the left and other sides of the hybrid module with BASE-8MPO adapters 418. The mixing module 500 has a front end 502 and a back end 504. Linear array of single fiber connector adapters 418 along width W_HThe directions are arranged at the front end 502 and each of the single fiber adapters has a front side and a rear side. A front multi-fiber adapter 518 is disposed at the front end 502, and the front multi-fiber adapter has a front side 518F and a rear side 518R. Rear multi-fiber adapter 516 is at rear end 504 of the module, adapter 516 having a front side (not visible) and a rear side 516R. The front side of the adapter 516 is disposed within the interior cavity of the housing of the hybrid module 500. A plurality of optical fibers are optically connected between a rear side of each of the array of single fiber adapters and a front side of the rear multi-fiber adapter. Multi-fiber connector for trunk cable 101Can be connected to the rear side 518R of the front multi-fiber adapter 518 to optically connect with a multi-fiber connector connected to the front side 518F of the front multi-fiber connector, or to the rear side 516R of the rear multi-fiber adapter 516 to allow optical connection with a plurality of single-fiber optical connectors connected to a linear array of single-fiber optical connector adapters. As depicted, the hybrid module 500 includes an enclosure (not numbered) that encloses and protects a plurality of optical fibers within an internal cavity. As shown, the front multi-fiber connector 518 is disposed outside the housing. Thus, the hybrid module supports duplex and parallel transmission with easily accessible jumper connections at the front side of the tray or chassis, and if migration is necessary, the multi-fiber connectors of the trunk cable are only moved to other adapter locations of the hybrid module.

The hybrid module 500 supports a linear array of single fiber adapters 18 configured as eight (8) single fiber connectors. As shown, the adapter 18 is configured as an LC port, but configurations with other connector ports may also use the concepts. The hybrid module 500 includes a housing 501 that extends partially between a front end 502 and a rear end 504 and includes a mounting structure. For example, the mixing module 500 may optionally include a track 522 similar to the module 10. Likewise, the mixing module may optionally include a lever 524 similar to the lever 24 discussed herein.

The mixing module 500 also includes at least one pass-through channel 510 extending from a rear side 518R of the front multi-fiber adapter 518 to the rear end 504 of the mixing module. The hybrid module 500 may also optionally include at least one cable management feature proximate to the at least one pass-through channel 510 configured to retain the fiber optic cable in the channel. Mixing module 500 can also include finger access cutouts 520 for rear side 518R of the front multi-fiber adapter. Hybrid module 500 is configured to use tray width W as depicted₁₂1/4 or less to fit into the tray 600.

Fig. 10A-10C depict a tray assembly with the hybrid module 500 mounted and supported in a chassis 700. As shown, the chassis 700 has a height H as large as the 1-U space, thereby accommodating three trays using 1/3U tray slots similar to the chassis 300. Fig. 10B is a front view of the chassis 700 loaded with the tray 600. As with the chassis 300, the trays 600 of the chassis 700 are independently translatable. However, each tray 600 only supports four (4) mixing modules 500. Thus, a chassis with 1-U space will accommodate only twelve (12) hybrid modules 500, but provide easy migration paths between duplex and parallel transmission with 100% fiber utilization, and without increasing the insertion loss budget.

Fig. 10D and 10E illustrate respective front perspective views of different 4-U chassis embodiments consistent with certain disclosed embodiments. For example, fig. 10D shows a 4-U chassis embodiment with 12 1/3 (or smaller) U-height trays, where each tray is configured to hold 6 independently translatable modules. Fig. 10E illustrates a 4-U chassis embodiment that includes one or more partition members positioned vertically from the top of the chassis to the bottom of the chassis. As shown in fig. 10E, the partition member may be configured to slidingly engage with the individual modules, thereby eliminating the need for a tray. Each of the partition members may comprise or present a plurality of guide rails for supporting the rails on the sides of the modules.

Fig. 11A and 11B show rear perspective views of an alternative embodiment of a BASE-8 fiber optic module 10 and a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a BASE-8 fiber optic faceplate 400 consistent with certain disclosed embodiments. As shown in fig. 11A and similar to fig. 1A, module 10 may include a front end and a rear end with a linear array of fiber optic adapters 18 disposed at front end 12. The adapters are arranged in a BASE-8 configuration along the width direction at the front side. The adapter 18 may be an LC adapter and support optical connections between optical harnesses (not visible) within the module 10. The embodiment shown in fig. 11A has four duplex LC adapters for a total of eight LCs; however, adapters may be grouped together in other variations (e.g., four LCs or eight LCs).

The module 10 may also include a housing (not numbered) having an interior cavity. The harness has a plurality of optical fibers optically connected between the linear array of fiber optic adapters 18 and the rear side of the fiber optic assembly. For example, an MPO adapter 16 is provided at the rear end 14, which is adapted to connect with 8-fiber connectors of a trunk cable. However, other variations of the module 10 are possible, such as pigtails extending from the rear end 14 for optical connections.

The module 10 also has rails 22 for attaching the module to a pallet, as discussed below. The module 10 may also include a lever 24 for selectively removing the module 10 from a tray and securing the module 10 to a tray. For example, the latches (not numbered) are disengaged by pushing the levers 24 inward to release the latches (not numbered) from the support rails of the tray. To facilitate actuation of the lever 24, a finger tab 1112 may be provided on the rear of the module 10 and may be positioned at a predetermined lateral distance away from the lever 24. According to the exemplary embodiment shown in fig. 11A, the finger tab 1112 may be positioned on the opposite side of the module 10 from the lever 24 and outside of the fiber optic adapter 16 to provide increased shielding and protection for the adapter 16. According to one embodiment and as shown in fig. 11A, adapter 16 (shown as an MTP adapter) may be positioned toward the edge of module 10 to allow for convenient routing of the internal fiber optic harness. In other embodiments, adapters 16 may be strategically located along the rear of the module 10, depending on the wiring configuration desired for a particular module.

During actuation of the lever 24, the lever 24 and the finger tab 1112 may be relatively depressed together, pulling the lever 24 toward the finger tab 1112 to laterally displace the latch relative to a corresponding securing mechanism associated with the support track of the tray and allow the module to be slidably disengaged from the tray. According to some embodiments, the module 10 may also include a stop tab 1110 positioned adjacent or proximate to the lever 24 to provide a mechanism for limiting lateral displacement of the lever 24, thereby limiting or reducing the excessive force applied to the lever 24. In some embodiments, one or more of the lever 24, finger tab 1112, or stop tab 1110 may be "serrated" on one or more surfaces to achieve better grip during actuation.

Fig. 11B illustrates an exemplary fiber optic faceplate 440. As can be seen from fig. 11B, the panel assembly 400 includes at least one pass-through channel configured to receive at least one optical multi-fiber cable therethrough. The panel assembly 400 may be used in a BASE-8 tray and may be installed into the tray using 1/6 or less of the tray width; however, the panel assembly may also be sized to fit within the BASE-12 tray 3 if desired. Additionally, the panel assembly may be part of a chassis and occupy 1/12 or less of one U space, for example the panel assembly may be part of a chassis and occupy 1/18 or less of one U space.

The panel assembly 400 may have other features in the panel, such as finger access cutouts (not explicitly shown in fig. 11B) to allow access under the panel assembly 400 to mount BASE-8 connectors to the adapters 418. The through-going passage may have a cut-out so that the cable may be placed in the panel assembly 400 from the top side. In addition, the through-passage may extend to the front end of the panel assembly and may comprise a second cut-out for placing cables in the panel assembly 400 from the top side. The panel assembly 400 may further include ribs for structural support, panel rails 422 for mounting in a tray, levers 424, stop tabs 1110 and/or finger tabs 1112 or other suitable structures or features. The function of the lever 424, stop tab 1110, and finger tab 1112 is similar to that described above with respect to fig. 11A. The panel assembly may be configured as a simple panel, or it may have a housing that extends between the front panel and the rear end of the panel assembly 400, as shown. The housing may include a casing, if desired, to form a module.

The panel assembly 400 may include at least one front panel with at least one front multi-fiber adapter 418 disposed therein. In the embodiment shown in fig. 11B, the panel assembly has four (4) front panels for four (4) respective multi-fiber adapters 418. In other embodiments, the panel assembly 400 may include fewer or more than four panels.

Fig. 12 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary mounting rail 106 for use on the tray 100, in accordance with certain disclosed embodiments. Fig. 13 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary tray 100 equipped with the exemplary mounting rail 106 of fig. 12 consistent with certain disclosed embodiments. As shown in the embodiment of fig. 12, the mounting rail 106 may include a groove 1220 and a chamfer 1230 disposed on the underside of the vertical beam of the mounting rail 106, on both the left and right edges of the front of the mounting rail 106. According to one embodiment, the groove 1220 is presented as a single groove traversing the entire width of the mounting rail 106. Alternatively or additionally, the mounting rail 106 may include a plurality of grooves 1220 (e.g., two), one of which extends laterally from an outer right edge of the vertical beam toward a center of the vertical beam for a predetermined length (e.g., 1/2 less than the overall width of the vertical beam), and one of which extends laterally from an outer left edge of the vertical beam toward the center of the vertical beam for a predetermined length (e.g., 1/2 less than the overall width of the vertical beam). The chamfer 1230 may allow modules and panels to be more easily introduced and loaded from the front of the tray 100. Allowing one-handed loading operation of the module or panel.

FIG. 13 illustrates an enlarged front perspective view of the pallet 100 having a plurality of the mounting rails 106 of FIG. 12 for receiving thereon a plurality of: one or more of the modules 10, panels 400, and combinations thereof. As shown in fig. 13, the tray 100 may include one or more access holes 1320. According to one embodiment, the access holes 1320 may include or present a rectangular opening in the bottom of the tray. In some embodiments, the access holes 1320 may be made wide enough to allow fingers to access the module 10 from below the tray and to allow the shutters on the panel 400 to rotate open more than 90 degrees. Access holes 1320 are sized to correspond to the footprint of BASE-8 modules 10 and panel 400, but may also be sized to support the width of a hybrid panel or a BASE-12 panel and BASE-8 (or any combination thereof) simultaneously. As shown in fig. 13, the tray 100 may also include a plurality of cable routing guides 1310, each of which is mounted on top of a respective routing guide support finger (not separately numbered) of the tray 100.

Fig. 14A-14C illustrate front perspective, top, and close-up views, respectively, of an exemplary tray 100 for mounting fiber optic equipment. The tray 100 may be mounted on a chassis as disclosed or other suitable device. The term "mounted" as used herein refers to any component or group of components adapted to permanently, semi-permanently, temporarily, and/or removably couple the tray 100 to the chassis. According to one embodiment, "mounting" may be accomplished by securing the pallet 100 to the undercarriage using permanent or semi-permanent fasteners, such as, for example, rivets, bolts, screws, or any other suitable mechanism (or combination thereof) for fastening one structure to another structure. Alternatively or additionally, "mounting" may include embodiments of a temporary or non-permanent solution for securing the tray 100 to the chassis. For example, in certain exemplary embodiments, the mounting may be accomplished using clips, tabs, removable rivets, press clips, pine-tree clips, push-nut fasteners, or any other type of fastener suitable for removably coupling the tray 100 to a chassis. "mounting" may also include or be embodied as any component or combination of components suitable for slidably coupling the tray 100 to a chassis. For example, the tray 100 may be mounted to the chassis via rails coupled to the chassis that support and guide the tray 100 when coupled to corresponding rail members of the tray 100, thereby allowing forward-rearward translation of the tray 100 relative to the chassis.

The tray 100 includes a BASE for supporting a plurality of BASE-8 fiber optic equipment. For example, the tray may include modules 10 and/or panel assemblies 400 (fig. 11B). The tray may include one or more support rails 104 of the base 102 for movably mounting the tray 100 in the chassis. The tray also includes a plurality of equipment support rails 106 of the BASE for removably mounting a plurality of BASE-8 fiber optic equipment to the tray 100. The support rails and/or the equipment support rails may be modular components or may be integrally formed with the tray base as desired.

The BASE 102 is configured to support at least five (5) BASE-8 pieces of fiber optic equipment in the width W direction. The tray 100 has a height H of 1/3U space or less. The tray may utilize a BASE-8 configuration to support a connection density of greater than thirty-two (32), at least forty (40), and forty-eight (48) fiber optic connections per 1/3U space.

As depicted in fig. 14A-14C, the tray 100 is configured to support at least six BASE-8 fiber optic equipment devices in the width direction. Thus, the module 10 is configured to be installed into the tray 100 using 1/6 or less of the tray width. The disclosed tray may be designed to fit into an existing installed BASE of a chassis to form a hybrid chassis having a first tray supporting BASE-8 fiber optic equipment and a second tray supporting BASE-12 fiber optic equipment, as shown in fig. 5.

Fig. 15 illustrates a top view of an exemplary chassis assembly having a lower tray in an extended ("slide out") position and an upper tray in a fully retracted ("stow") position, consistent with certain disclosed embodiments. As shown in fig. 15, the tray 100 may include a plurality of opposing tray tabs (not numbered), each of which protrudes from a respective front lateral corner of the tray 100. The clearance has been configured to allow finger access to the module release lever on the track of the underlying tray while allowing finger access to the pull tab deeper. According to one embodiment, the target finger/thumb tip clearance is about 13 mm.

Fig. 16A and 16B provide top views of alternative embodiments of metal support structures for use in respective embodiments of an equipment tray, according to certain disclosed embodiments. As shown in fig. 16A and 16B, the tray 100 may include a plurality of routing guide support fingers (not separately numbered) that extend outwardly toward the front of the tray 100 for supporting the cable routing guides 1310. The tray 100 is sized to correspond to the thickness and length of the metal support structure of the wiring guide support fingers to enable optimal access by the hands and fingers to the module 10, the panel 400, or other devices associated with the chassis. Similarly, the thickness and length of tray rail mounting supports (not separately numbered) of tray 100 extending from opposite lateral edges of tray 100 toward the rear of tray 100 are also sized to allow access to the thumb release left rear position and the finger tab right rear position.

Fig. 17 illustrates a perspective front isometric view of an exemplary equipment tray having track guides and jumper wiring guides consistent with certain disclosed embodiments. Fig. 18 illustrates a side perspective view of an exemplary jumper wiring guide according to certain disclosed embodiments.

Fig. 19A, 19B, and 19C show front perspective views (for BASE-12), schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-12), and schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-8), respectively, of an exemplary LC to MTP module with MTP port "tap" capability. Fig. 20A and 20B show respective front perspective and schematic wiring diagrams of exemplary BASE-12 and BASE-8 MTP-to-MTP modules with MTP port "tap" capability, respectively, and of exemplary BASE-8 MTP-to-MTP modules with MTP port "tap" capability. Fig. 21A, 21B, and 21C show front perspective views (for BASE-12), schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-12), and schematic wiring diagrams (for BASE-8), respectively, of exemplary LC-to-LC port "tap" capabilities.

It should be noted that although certain embodiments are shown and illustrated as each tray 100 occupying the entire width of the chassis, it is contemplated that embodiments described herein encompass embodiments in which multiple trays are used to fill the width of the chassis. For example, rather than having three trays each designed to occupy 1/3 (or less) the width (or less) and height (or less) of a 1-U chassis, the chassis may be designed to support a configuration having 6 trays, each designed to occupy 1/2 (or less) the width and 1/3 (or less) the height of the 1-U chassis. In these embodiments, the chassis may include one or more partition members positioned vertically from the top of the chassis to the bottom of the chassis and disposed at a substantially horizontal midpoint of the chassis, wherein the partition members have a plurality of rails to support the tracks on the sides of the trays. Such a design would provide flexibility to support different sizes of BASE modules in the same row. For example, half of the row may be configured to support 3 BASE-8 modules and the other half of the row may be configured to accommodate 2 BASE-12 modules, allowing for a greater degree of customization.

The disclosed concepts and fiber optic equipment provide flexibility for network operators to modify optical network architectures as needed to migrate between duplex and parallel transmission when needed. In addition, the tray and assembly may be backward compatible to fit in a mounted chassis base that may have been used by a network operator.

Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that the steps of the method be performed in a specific order. Thus, where a method embodiment does not actually recite an order to be followed by method steps or embodiments or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the description that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is no way intended that an inference be made as to any particular order.

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

Claims (15)

1. A fiber optic module having a front end, a rear end, and opposing sides, wherein the front end, the rear end, and the opposing sides define an area therein, the fiber optic module comprising:

a linear array of single fiber connector adapters disposed along a width direction at the front end, each of the single fiber adapters having a front side and a rear side;

a rear multi-fiber adapter at the rear end of the module, the rear multi-fiber adapter having a front side and a rear side; and

a release lever disposed along one of the opposing sides and configured to actuate a latch release to remove the fiber optic module from a fiber optic equipment tray,

wherein at least a portion of the release lever is deflected laterally inward toward a center of the area bounded by the front end, the rear end, and the opposing sides.

2. The fiber optic module of claim 1, wherein the linear array of single fiber adapters support eight (8) single fiber connectors.

3. The fiber optic module of claim 1, further comprising a housing extending partially between the front end and the rear end of the hybrid fiber optic module, and the housing having a mounting structure.

4. The fiber optic module of claim 3, wherein the housing includes a casing enclosing the plurality of optical fibers.

5. The fiber optic module of claim 4, wherein the front multi-fiber adapter is disposed outside the enclosure.

6. The fiber optic module of claim 1, further comprising at least one pass-through channel extending from the rear side of the front multi-fiber adapter to the rear end of the hybrid fiber optic module.

7. The fiber optic module of claim 6, further comprising at least one cable management feature proximate the at least one pass-through channel, the at least one cable management feature configured to retain the fiber optic cable in the channel.

8. The fiber optic module of claim 1, wherein the single fiber connector adapters comprise LC fiber optic adapters.

9. The fiber optic module of claim 1, further comprising a finger access cutout for the rear side of the front multi-fiber adapter.

10. The fiber optic module of claim 1, wherein the hybrid fiber optic assembly is configured to be installed into the tray using a tray width of 1/4 or less.

11. The fiber optic module of claim 1, wherein the hybrid fiber optic assembly has a height of 1/3U-space or less.

12. A fiber optic module, comprising:

a housing having a front side;

a linear array of fiber optic adapters arranged in a width direction at the front side in a BASE-8 configuration, wherein the fiber optic adapters are configured to support a plurality of optical fibers optically connected between the fiber optic adapters and a rear side of the fiber optic assembly;

a release lever disposed along one of the opposing sides and configured to actuate a latch release to remove the fiber optic module from a fiber optic equipment tray,

wherein at least a portion of the release lever is deflected laterally inward toward a center of the area bounded by the front end, the rear end, and the opposing sides; and

wherein the fiber optic modules are configured to be mounted into the tray using 1/6 or less of the tray width.

13. The fiber optic module of claim 18, wherein the linear array of fiber optic adapters support eight LC connections.

14. The fiber optic module of claim 18, wherein the module has an adapter extending from the rear side.

15. The fiber optic module of claim 18, wherein the module has a pigtail fiber extending from the rear side.