Abstract: A new metric applicable to the characterization and design of multimode fiber (MMF) is described. The metric is derived from a Differential Mode Delay (DMD) measurement and when used in combination with industry-standard metrics such as Effective Modal Bandwidth (EMB) and DMD, yields a more accurate prediction of MMF channel link performance as measured by Bit Error Rate (BER) testing. The metric can also be used in the design of MMF for improved bandwidth performance. When implemented as a test algorithm in production, it can be used to select, sort, or verify fiber performance. This process can yield a multimode fiber design with a greater performance margin for a given length, and/or a greater length for a given performance margin.

Abstract: A re-terminable, no-crimp ST-type optical connector assembly includes a spring-loaded ferrule holder assembly and a reusable activation system for termination of the assembly. The optical connector can be terminated by a suitable cam activation tool. The connector includes a housing, such as a bayonet, matable to a mating adapter, a backbone retained within a rear of the housing, a ferrule holder provided within the backbone, and a cam provided between the ferrule holder and the backbone. The ferrule holder includes an alignment key exposed to mate with a cam activation tool to lock rotation of the ferrule holder relative to other connector components. The cam includes a cam activation cutout at a front face thereof that mates with a cam activation tool interface to enable rotation of the cam between de-activated and activated positions, the cam activation cutout also receiving the alignment key of the ferrule holder therethrough.

Abstract: A communication connector is described that includes a plug and a jack, into which the plug is inserted. The plug terminates a length of twisted pair cable. The jack includes a sled to support contacts for connecting to wires within the cable, a rigid circuit board that connects to the contacts, and a flex board that contacts the plug interface contacts. The jack also includes circuitry to compensate for crosstalk between wire pairs of the cable by adding capacitance values within the sled, rigid circuit board and/or flex board between traces carrying signals from the wire pairs so that crosstalk caused by the plug between wire pairs that have signals in phase cancels with crosstalk caused by the plug between signals out of phase, and so that the capacitance values added between each trace are about equal. The compensation is performed to reduce differential to common mode signal conversion.

Abstract: A release latch for a pre-terminated cassette is described. The pre-terminated cassette includes a release latch to allow removal of the pre-terminated cassette from a patch panel, where the patch panel includes a retaining feature for retaining the pre-terminated cassette. The release latch includes a cantilever beam located on the sidewall of the pre-terminated cassette. The cantilever beam has a hinge point that allows the beam to deflect with respect to the sidewall. The release latch further includes a depressing tab provided at the distal end of the cantilever beam and a latch tab protruding from the surface of the cantilever beam between the hinge point and the depressing tab. The latch tab is capable of engagement with the retaining feature of the patch panel when the cassette is installed in the patch panel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a secured group lock box. The group lock box includes a body having a latch and a lid connected to the body. The lid includes a main member and a back member. The main member of the lid includes a plurality of slots and the back member of the lid includes a plurality of pins. One of the pins is installed in each of the slots for enabling the main member of the lid to slidingly extend over the body of the group lock box before the lid is rotated away from the body to provide access to the contents therein.

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 spillover fitting is positioned on an upstanding side of a lateral cable trough. The spillover fitting includes a first exit path having a first curved surface that extends at least partially over a base of the lateral cable trough, and a bottom wall having a second curved surface intersecting with the first curved surface. The first surface curves upward relative to the base of the lateral cable trough and defines a top surface of a cable path, and the second surface is convexly curved and defines a bottom surface of the cable path. The radius of curvature of the first curved surface is equal to the radius of curvature of the second curved surface.

Abstract: A tool for installing a metal locking tie is disclosed. The tool includes a tension mechanism and a ball set and cut-off mechanism. The tension mechanism tensions the metal locking tie wrapped around a bundle. The ball set and cut-off mechanism includes a guide block and a shear block that engages the guide block. Once the tool tensions the metal locking tie, a ball set and cut-off handle is manually activated to push the guide block and the shear block forward in the tool thereby setting a ball in a metal locking tie head and shearing a portion of the tensioned metal locking tie.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spillover fitting that routes cables from a lateral trough. The spillover fitting includes fitting walls and a floor positioned between the fitting walls. The floor has an extension flange that extends into the lateral trough. The spillover fitting also includes a containment member that extends from the extension flange. The containment member is positioned over the lateral trough to contain cables routed out of the lateral trough into the spillover fitting.

Abstract: An identification and authorization system is provided that utilizes a national ID database and a number of application-specific databases. The national ID database contains unique individual ID numbers linked to unique biometric codes. The application-specific databases contain an applicable portion of the same unique individual ID numbers that are contained in the national ID database. To complete a transaction, a credential such as an ID card is scanned and a biometric scan of the individual is completed. The transaction information and the individual ID number is sent to the appropriate application-specific database. Verification of identity is completed at the national ID database, which compares the biometric code of the biometric scan with the biometric code linked to the unique individual ID number. A response from the application-specific database and a response from the national ID database is sent to the scanning location.

Abstract: Systems and methods of the present invention allow for the discovery of physical location information about network assets and the delivery of that information to network administrators. In addition, environmental and other information about network asset locations can be provided to an administrator. Intelligent patch panels and power outlet units are installed in network cabinets to facilitate the acquisition and reporting of physical infrastructure information, including information about network resource availability.

Abstract: A communication jack has a housing with a face having a plug receiving aperture. A plurality of conductive path pairs extends from corresponding plug interface contacts located at the plug receiving aperture to corresponding output terminals. A first circuit board is connected to the plug interface contacts and a second circuit board is connected to the plug interface contacts and the output terminals. The first circuit board has a first single stage of crosstalk compensation with opposite polarity of the crosstalk of a plug for a first combination of the conductive path pairs. The second circuit board includes a second single stage of opposite polarity crosstalk compensation for some of the conductive path pairs not compensated on the first circuit board. The stages cancel substantially all of the crosstalk caused by the plug, for the signal operating frequencies, for corresponding combinations of the conductive path pairs.

Abstract: A wire containment cap for reducing horizontal strain on a cable terminated at a communication jack. The wire containment cap is part of the communication jack and includes a strain relief clip that may be actuated to apply pressure to the cable. The applied pressure holds the cable in place and helps prevent wire pairs of the cable from pulling out of terminals in the communication jack.

Abstract: A pair manager for use in securing a twin-axial cable to a printed circuit board is described. The pair manager comprises a generally block-shaped portion containing a pair of channels. The channels extend from the front face to the rear face of the block-shaped portion. An integral flange and a pair of integral fingers extend perpendicularly from the front face of the block-shaped portion. The flange extends generally from the center of the front face and the fingers extend from opposite edges of the front face. The fingers and flange function as a partial shield cavity around each pair of conductors. This design helps to maintain better impedance matching when connecting twin-axial cables to a printed circuit board.

Abstract: A communication connector uses compensation circuitry to compensate for crosstalk in a network connection. Portions of the compensation circuitry are placed on a flexible circuit board that makes conductive contact with plug interface contacts of the connector. Additional compensation circuitry is provided on a rigid circuit board within the connector.

Abstract: A documentation system for a network is provided. The system has a data port and a destination device, each of which includes an electronic module with an identification code. A source device sends query signals along a network path addressed to the data port and destination device. Each of the data port and destination device electronic module responds to the query addressed to the data port and destination device by transmitting its identification code to the source device. A processor and switch in communication with the source device direct the source device to send the query signals and to interpret the responses. The data port and destination device electronic modules are powered by a local power source and patch cord. A patch cord may be adapted to provide power from the local power source both to the destination device and to the data port.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an elastomeric releasable cable tie having a head and a strap extending from the head. The head includes an end wall, an inner wall and sidewalls. The end wall, inner wall and sidewalls define a channel that extends from an entrance end to an exit end of the head. The head also includes a hingeless wedge extending from the end wall into the channel for engaging the strap.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a hook and loop tie for securing a bundle of cables. The hook and loop tie comprises a loop component, a hook component, and a non-slip component. The loop component has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of loop fastening elements. The hook component is affixed to the loop component, extends from the first end of the loop component toward the second end of the loop component, and has a plurality of hook fastening elements. The non-slip component is affixed to the loop component, extends from the second end of the loop component toward the first end of the loop component, and overlaps at least a portion of the hook component.

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: The present invention is directed toward a device for protecting an adapter from contamination, damage or misuse. The device includes a front member having an opening for receiving a removal tool. The device also includes cover members having a front portion and a back portion. The front member of the device interconnects the front portions of the cover members. The front portion of each cover member includes a sealing member for sealing an opening in the adapter when the cover member is installed within the adapter. The back portion of each cover member includes an arm extending upwardly therefrom for engaging the adapter to secure the device within the adapter.