Abstract: Optical interface cards, assemblies, and related methods, which may be suited for installation and use in antenna system equipment, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an optical interface card (OIC) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one optical sub-assembly (OSA) mounted to at least one first opening end of the PCB and extending into at least one opening and related methods are disclosed. In other embodiments, optical interface assemblies comprised of two OICs mounted together are disclosed. In other embodiments, a communications equipment enclosure including at least one fan configured to draw in air from a first side of the communications equipment enclosure into a lower plenum and across a plurality of communications components into an upper plenum to provide air cooling are disclosed. In another embodiment, a modular distributed antenna system assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: Communications system housings, assemblies, and related alignment features and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, communications cards and related assemblies and methods that include one or more alignment features are disclosed. In certain embodiments, at least one digital connector disposed in the communications card is configured to engage at least one complementary digital connector to align at least one RF connector also disposed in the communications card with at least one complementary RF connector. In other embodiments, printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies are disclosed that include a moveable standoff to provide an alignment feature. In other embodiments, distributed antenna systems and assemblies that include one or more alignment features are disclosed.

Abstract: Power distribution devices, systems and methods for a distributed communication system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interconnect unit is coupled between a head-end unit and one or more remote units. The interconnect unit includes a plurality of communication links each configured to carry signals to and from a head-end unit to remote units. To provide power to the remote units, the interconnect unit electrically couples power from at least one power supply to a plurality of power branches. Each power branch is configured to supply power to a remote unit connected to the interconnect unit.

Abstract: Power distribution devices, systems and methods for a distributed communication system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interconnect unit is coupled between a head-end unit and one or more remote units. The interconnect unit includes a plurality of communication links each configured to carry signals to and from a head-end unit to remote units. To provide power to the remote units, the interconnect unit electrically couples power from at least one power supply to a plurality of power branches. Each power branch is configured to supply power to a remote unit connected to the interconnect unit.

Abstract: Multi-port optical connection terminals and mounting platforms and related methods designed to secure optical components inside an enclosure of the multi-port optical connection terminals are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-port optical connection terminal includes an enclosure comprising a base and a cover configured to attach to the base to define an interior cavity. A mounting platform defining a mounting surface for mounting at least one optical component comprised from the group consisting of at least one splice tray and at least one optical splitter to the at least one mounting surface is provided. A plurality of mounting tabs of the mounting platform are configured to extend into channels disposed in an interior wall of the base. In this manner, the mounting platform and any optical components secured thereto are secured inside the interior cavity, which may prevent damage to optical fibers and/or splices of the optical components.

Abstract: Power distribution devices, systems and methods for a Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) distributed communication system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interconnect unit is coupled between a head-end unit and one or more remote units. The interconnect unit includes a plurality of optical communication links each configured to carry RoF signals to and from a head-end unit to remote units. The RF electrical signals from the head-end unit are converted to RF optical signals and communicated over the optical communication links in the interconnect unit to the remote units. The remote units convert the optical signals to electrical signals and communicate the electrical signals to client devices. To provide power to the remote units, the interconnect unit electrically couples power from at least one power supply to a plurality of power branches. Each power branch is configured to supply power to a remote unit connected to the interconnect unit.

Abstract: Communications system housings, assemblies, and related alignment features and methods are disclosed. In certain embodiments, communications cards and related assemblies and methods that include one or more alignment features are disclosed. In certain embodiments, at least one digital connector disposed in the communications card is configured to engage at least one complementary digital connector to align at least one RF connector also disposed in the communications card with at least one complementary RF connector. In other embodiments, printed circuit board (PCB) assemblies are disclosed that include a moveable standoff to provide an alignment feature. In other embodiments, distributed antenna systems and assemblies that include one or more alignment features are disclosed.

Abstract: Optical interface cards, assemblies, and related methods, which may be suited for installation and use in antenna system equipment, are disclosed. In certain embodiments, an optical interface card (OIC) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having at least one optical sub-assembly (OSA) mounted to at least one first opening end of the PCB and extending into at least one opening and related methods are disclosed. In other embodiments, optical interface assemblies comprised of two OICs mounted together are disclosed. In other embodiments, a communications equipment enclosure including at least one fan configured to draw in air from a first side of the communications equipment enclosure into a lower plenum and across a plurality of communications components into an upper plenum to provide air cooling are disclosed. In another embodiment, a modular distributed antenna system assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-port optical connection terminals and mounting platforms and related methods designed to secure optical components inside an enclosure of the multi-port optical connection terminals are disclosed. In one embodiment, a multi-port optical connection terminal includes an enclosure comprising a base and a cover configured to attach to the base to define an interior cavity. A mounting platform defining a mounting surface for mounting at least one optical component comprised from the group consisting of at least one splice tray and at least one optical splitter to the at least one mounting surface is provided. A plurality of mounting tabs of the mounting platform are configured to extend into channels disposed in an interior wall of the base. In this manner, the mounting platform and any optical components secured thereto are secured inside the interior cavity, which may prevent damage to optical fibers and/or splices of the optical components.

Abstract: An optical connection closure has at least one connector port located within an external wall of the closure for receiving a connectorized optical fiber of a distribution cable on the inside of the closure and a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable on the outside of the closure. The closure includes a base, a cover affixed to the base and movable between a closed position and an opened position, and an end wall that defines at least a portion of at least one cable opening for receiving the distribution cable in a butt-type or a through-type closure configuration. The base and the cover define an interior cavity that optionally contains a splice tray for interconnecting the optical fiber of the distribution cable with a pigtail to create the connectorized optical fiber. The connector port may be located within an end wall, a bottom wall or a top wall of the closure.

Abstract: Fiber optic harnesses and fiber optic assemblies that can be used facilitate use of a pre-connectorized fiber optic cable(s) with a fiber optic terminal are disclosed. In one embodiment, the fiber optic terminal is provided and is comprised of a support member comprising one or more openings disposed through a first end of the support member. The support member may be configured to be separately attachable to a fiber optic terminal or may be integrated in an enclosure of a fiber optic terminal. At least one connector is disposed through the one or more openings of the support member. The at least one connector may be a hardened connector which may be suitable for use in outdoor environments. A fiber optic harness is provided and optically connected to the at least one connector on a first end and having at least one connector disposed on a second end.

Abstract: Power distribution devices, systems and methods for a Radio-over-Fiber (RoF) distributed communication system are disclosed. In one embodiment, an interconnect unit is coupled between a head-end unit and one or more remote units. The interconnect unit includes a plurality of optical communication links each configured to carry RoF signals to and from a head-end unit to remote units. The RF electrical signals from the head-end unit are converted to RF optical signals and communicated over the optical communication links in the interconnect unit to the remote units. The remote units convert the optical signals to electrical signals and communicate the electrical signals to client devices. To provide power to the remote units, the interconnect unit electrically couples power from at least one power supply to a plurality of power branches. Each power branch is configured to supply power to a remote unit connected to the interconnect unit.

Abstract: A multiport includes a multiport housing top piece, and a multiport housing bottom piece welded to the housing top piece. Alternatively, a method for fabricating a multiport includes providing a multiport housing top piece, providing a multiport housing bottom piece, and welding the housing top piece to the housing bottom piece. Additionally, a method of fabricating a multiport housing piece includes providing a body, and welding a plurality of connector adapters to the body. Alternatively, an optical fiber connector closure includes a connector housing top piece, a connector housing bottom piece, and a strength seal positioned between the top piece and the bottom piece such that said connector closure has a burst test rating of about 5 to about 125 Pounds per Square Inch (PSI).

Abstract: A cable slack storage rack includes a first and second cable zone and a medial portion disposed between them. The first and second cable zones have one or more cable keepers, each of which may define an opening therein for receiving cable for slack storage. The cable slack storage rack may have one or more stacking features, thereby making the racks modular for adding additional slack storage as necessary. In other words, the cable slack storage rack may include one or more stacking features for stackably connecting a second cable slack storage rack to a first cable slack storage rack. By way of example, the first cable zone may carry a pivot profile and the second cable zone may carry a retention tab. In another embodiment, the medial portion may define a coupling slot adapted to receive a coupler as the stacking feature.

Abstract: An optical connection closure has at least one connector port located within an external wall of the closure for receiving a connectorized optical fiber of a distribution cable on the inside of the closure and a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable on the outside of the closure. The closure includes a base, a cover affixed to the base and movable between a closed position and an opened position, and an end wall that defines at least a portion of at least one cable opening for receiving the distribution cable in a butt-type or a through-type closure configuration. The base and the cover define an interior cavity that optionally contains a splice tray for interconnecting the optical fiber of the distribution cable with a pigtail to create the connectorized optical fiber. The connector port may be located within an end wall, a bottom wall or a top wall of the closure.