Abstract: A fiber optic stub fiber connector for reversibly and nondestructively terminating an inserted field fiber having a buffer over at least a portion thereof. The connector includes a housing and a ferrule including a stub fiber disposed within and extending from a bore through the ferrule. The ferrule is generally at least partially disposed within and supported by the housing. The connector further includes a reversible actuator for reversibly and nondestructively terminating the inserted field fiber to the stub fiber. The reversible actuator includes a buffer clamp for engaging with the buffer to simultaneously provide reversible and nondestructive strain relief to the terminated field fiber.

Abstract: Systems and methods allow communication between an Ethernet network and non-Ethernet devices. An Ethernet-to-analog adapter allows translation of analog signals for Ethernet communication, and further allows translation of Ethernet signals for analog communication with analog devices. Ethernet-to-analog adapters allow for power management and monitoring of attached analog devices and employ Power over Ethernet (PoE) to supply power to analog devices. A rechargeable battery may be provided to satisfy the peak power requirements of an attached analog device.

Abstract: The invention is a modular cable termination plug having a conductor divider having an entrant barb and a plurality of divider channels, a load bar having a plurality of through holes and a plurality of slots, and a plurality of contact terminals. Additionally, the invention may include a housing, a strain relief collar and a strain relief boot.

Abstract: An identification labeling system having a faceplate with a recess and a label cover that may be retained within the recess. The label cover may have compartments for retaining identification labels. The label cover has latching legs and the recess has a complementary retention ledge. A lift slot may be provided to facilitate removal of the label cover. The recess may contain holes to accommodate individual molded identification icons. The recess may include tapered corners to accommodate strip labels of different widths and lengths, such labels being positioned by the tapered corners of the recess and the label cover. The recess includes end configurations that prevent a label from passing through the surface of the faceplate. The label cover has a thickness so as to be flush with the faceplate. The label may be the same color as the faceplate.

Abstract: A market-based labeling system and method provides tools to assist a user in accurately generating labels. The system includes a processor-based device, such as a computer, that has associated input/output devices, such as a keyboard and a display. The processor-based device also includes a user-friendly labeling application, which may be implemented as a set of instructions to be executed by the processor. The labeling application may guide the user through a series of steps to produce a set of labels. The labeling application preferably generates the user interfaces and a file that may be viewed, edited, saved and/or printed on an associated printer. The labeling application may include one or more modules, each module being geared toward labels for a particular market. This labeling application tool may run on a general purpose processor, such as a computer, and may interface with general purpose labeling software.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for monitoring and reporting cable connectivity such as patch panel port-level connectivity on a real-time basis. For patch panel systems, the approach is based upon a distributed architecture that may be modularly scalable and may reduce, if not eliminate, the need for a centralized signal processor and complex cabling between patch panels and the centralized signal processor. Each patch panel may determine port level connectivity independently. Polling delays and polling-related overhead processing may be reduced or eliminated by supporting real-time monitoring of port connectivity at the port level. The approach provides improved real-time reporting of patch panel connectivity with reduced cabling complexity, increased reliability, and decreased maintenance costs. In addition, the approach is compatible with (i.e., may communicate with and be controlled by) a multipurpose network management system (NMS). In addition, a compatible revision system is provided.

Abstract: A push-pull plug has an outer housing that may be moved forwardly and backwardly along a plug housing. When the outer housing is in its forward position, a latch arm is in an upward or mated position and the plug will stay mated to a jack when the plug is inserted into the jack. When the outer housing is moved backwardly, cam surfaces on the outer housing push cam followers on the latch arm downwardly, moving the latch arm and latch to a downward or unmated position. The plug may then be removed from a jack as the outer housing is pulled. Plugs according to the present invention may be adapted for use with an insertion and removal tool according to the present invention.

Abstract: An network management system (NMS) architecture is disclosed that takes advantage of intelligence capable network devices for network monitoring and control. NMS functions may be distributed where possible to intelligent devices where local storage and processing may be performed. Local collection and processing of monitoring information may reduce NMS-related network traffic, permit continuing local control and operation during times of network communication disruption with the central NMS, and permit greater reliability in data collection and execution of network functions such as the enforcement of security policy at the respective intelligent devices.

Abstract: The patch panel assembly includes a drawer and a patch panel pivotally mounted to the drawer. The drawer has a pair of sidewalls and a cable tray positioned therebetween. The cable tray has a plurality of slide locks including lock releases that allow the cable tray to move between a closed position and an open position with respect to the sidewalls. The cable tray also has a plurality of retainer clips that allow the patch panel to move between an upright position and a rotated position with respect to the cable tray.

Abstract: A communications connector with a flexible printed circuit board is provided. The flexible printed circuit board is electronically and mechanically connected to the plug interface contacts of the jack near the plug/jack interface, in order to provide effective crosstalk compensation. The flexible printed circuit board has fingers at one end allowing it to flex as individual plug interface contacts are depressed when a plug is installed into the jack. A second end of the flexible printed circuit board has through holes for accepting insulation displacement contacts. The second end of the flexible printed circuit board may be rigidly supported, to allow insertion of the insulation displacement contacts. Various designs for capacitive and/or inductive couplings are provided, resulting in improved crosstalk performance.

Abstract: An electrical connector with improved crosstalk compensation is disclosed. By including at least one coupling with a different frequency dependency than other couplings in the connector, crosstalk compensation performance is improved over a greater frequency range. The different frequency dependency may, for example, be used to compensate for phase shifts caused by distances between compensation circuitry and the plug/jack interface. Embodiments for decreasing these distances are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for crosstalk compensation in a jack of a modular communications connector includes a flexible printed circuit board connected to jack contacts and to connections to a network cable. The flexible printed circuit board includes conductive traces arranged as one or more couplings to provide crosstalk compensation.

Abstract: A communication jack having improved crosstalk compensation features is disclosed. In one embodiment, the jack is configured to receive a plug to form a communication connection, and comprises jack contacts, which may, for example, consist of metal cantilever beams, disposed in the jack, with each contact having at least a first surface and a second surface. Upon the plug being received by the jack, the plug contacts interface with the first surface of the jack contacts. The jack further includes a first capacitive coupling connected between two pairs of jack contacts to compensate for near end crosstalk, with the first capacitive coupling being connected to the pairs of jack contacts along the second surface adjacent to where the plug contacts interface with the jack contacts. A far end crosstalk compensation scheme is also set forth.

Abstract: A wall mount cabinet is disclosed. The wall mount cabinet includes a rear section having a first end and a second end, and a front section hingedly connected to the rear section at a pivot point. The rear section has a cutout area adjacent the first end, and the cutout area allows access for cables to enter the cabinet. The pivot point is adjacent the cutout area and the first end of the rear section. The cutout area allows cables to rotate about the pivot point when the cabinet is moved from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: An outlet box is disclosed. The outlet box has a base including a rear surface of the outlet box, and a cover including a front surface of the outlet box. The cover is configured to engagingly fit over the base. An intermediate portion extends from one or both of the base and cover and extends generally between the rear surface and the front surface. The cover, the base, and the intermediate portion cooperatively define an interior of the outlet box when the cover and the base are engagingly fitted together. The intermediate portion includes a pair of opposed inwardly inclined portions and a pair of set-off portions extending from the inner more ends of the inwardly inclined portions, and at least one of the inclined portions includes an aperture therein. A connector is disposed within the base, and the connector has an opening for receiving a plug.

Abstract: An active jack, which is a powered device, is installed as the network connection at a workstation which provides the capability to determine the physical location of a destination device, such as a VOIP phone, in real time. Uninterruptible power supplies may be used to provide power to network components, for example during an emergency. Power-and-data deployments are shown for powering network components and destination devices.

Abstract: A jack for receiving and connecting with a compatible plug, the jack including a housing having a plug-receiving chamber therein, the housing having an orifice through which the plug is insertable into and removable from the chamber, and a pivotable prebiased door having a closed position generally disposed over the orifice when the plug is not disposed within the chamber and an open position not generally disposed over the orifice when the plug is disposed within the chamber, the door including a projecting portion for limiting the extent of insertion of the plug into the chamber.

Abstract: A system for managing and documenting a local area communications network is provided which deploys power sourcing equipment and powered devices by the use of active electronic modules, having an Ethernet controller and Power over Ethernet forwarding capabilities, as integral, managed components within the cable plant, to enhance management, documentation, security and emergency 911 aspects of the network as well as extending the physical reach of the network.

Abstract: A network cable jack includes a printed circuit board (PCB) for balancing both inductive and capacitive coupling. Using a PCB allows compact trace paths to be formed without significantly increasing manufacturing costs. By including on each trace path two distinct inductance zones separated by a neutral zone, significant gains in degrees of freedom are achieved for designing PCB trace patterns in which a pair of inductive coupling zones jointly offset the inductive coupling caused by a specification plug and the jack contacts, both in magnitude and phase angle. Further, using distinct inductance zones offers more freedom regarding the placement of capacitive plates for use in capacitance balancing as well as the placement of terminals and insulation displacement contacts. Although the magnitude of a capacitive coupling is determined by the length of the capacitor plates parallel to current carrying traces, the approach allows capacitive and inductive coupling to be balanced independently.

Abstract: Systems and methods for directing and facilitating the installation and revision of communications connections use indicators on active jacks to inform installers and revisors of installation and revision instructions forwarded by a network installation, monitoring, and/or revising system. Cross-connect and interconnect systems utilize patch panels populated with active jacks having indicators for facilitating installation and revision of cabling.