Abstract: A multi-core optical fiber has dimensions to be backwards compatible with a conventional, single-core optical fiber of the single-mode or multimode type. In one embodiment, the center core has a diameter, such as 3 to 9 um, 50 um or 62.5 um. Such a multi-core optical fiber can be used in connector envelopes like an LC, SC, ST or an array connector, such as an MTP/MPO connector, and will permit the fiber optic connector to continue supporting conventional transmission using only the central core of the optical fiber. Yet, allow fiber optic networks to be upgraded from supporting conventional transmission to parallel transmission using the multiple cores within the optical fiber at a later date.

Abstract: A telecommunications patching system includes: a rear panel, the rear panel including a plurality of cutout areas; a series of central compartments mounted to the rear panel, the central compartments being disposed in adjacent, vertically stacked relationship in at least one column, the rear ends of the central compartments being aligned with at least one of the cutout areas; and at least one series of lateral compartments mounted to the rear panel, the lateral compartments being disposed in spaced apart, vertically stacked relationship and laterally positioned from the central compartments, the rear ends of the lateral compartments being aligned with at least one of the cutout areas.

Abstract: A telecommunications patching system includes a patch panel having a plurality of connector ports, and having an RFID reader and RF antennas associated with the connector ports. A plurality of patch cords are configured to selectively interconnect pairs of the connector ports. Each patch cord has opposite ends and a respective connector secured to each end that is configured to be removably secured within a connector port. Each connector of a respective patch cord includes an RFID tag. The RFID tags for a respective patch cord have the same unique identifier stored therewithin. The RF antenna associated with a connector port emits RF signals that cause a patch cord connector RFID tag to transmit its identifier. Each RF antenna detects the transmitted identifier of a patch cord connector RFID tag when the respective patch cord connector is inserted within, and removed from, a respective one of the connector ports.

Abstract: A 110-style patch cord includes: a plug having opposed front and rear ends and a generally horizontal support surface; a plurality of electrical contacts mounted in the plug, each contact including a generally vertically oriented blade, the blades having exposed front edges positioned above the support surface and defining a first vertical plane; and a cable with a plurality of conductors, wherein each contact is electrically connected to a respective one of the conductors, the cable extending from the front end of the plug. At least one anti-snagging gusset is mounted on the support surface in front of the first plane.

Abstract: A communications cable management system includes a support structure and a door assembly. The door assembly includes at least two first latch structures and at least two second latch structures each selectively positionable in a latched position to secure the door body to the support structure. First and second actuators are operable by a user to selectively latch the latch structures such that a door body is secured in a closed position on the support structure, the door body can be removed from the support structure, the door body can be pivoted open about the first pivot axis, or the door body can be pivoted open about a second pivot axis.

Abstract: A communications panel assembly for use with a mounting surface to manage communications cables and/or connections includes a back panel and a level orientation indicator device. The back panel is configured to be mounted on the mount surface. The level orientation indicator device is integrally mounted on the back panel to indicate an orientation of the back panel. According to some embodiments, the level orientation indicator includes a bubble level device.

Abstract: A system and method for ascertaining the status of a telecommunications patching system and communicating that status to a remote location. Each of the patch panels in a telecommunications closet contains connector ports that receive the ends of patch cords. Tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a sensor for the connector ports. The sensor detects whenever a patch cord is connected to, or removed from, a connector port. A computer controller is connected to the various sensors in each rack to monitor changes to the patch cord interconnections. The computer controllers can be joined together in a network to monitor the status of the connector ports. The data on the network contains the full status of the telecommunications closet. The network can be accessed via a telecommunications network via a modem from a remote computer.

Abstract: A patch cord tracing system for tracing patch cords in a telecommunications patching system. The system includes a plurality of tracing interface modules that attach to the patch panels in a telecommunications closet. On the patch panels in a telecommunications closet are located a plurality of connector ports that receive the terminated ends of patch cords. The tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a passive sensor that can detect when a patch cord connector has been added to, or removed from, a connector port within the telecommunications closet. Accordingly, by connecting a computer controller to the various passive sensors, the computer can monitor and log all changes to the patch cord interconnections in an automated fashion. In alternate embodiments, the passive sensors can be built into the structure of the patch port assemblies that contain the various connector ports.

Abstract: A system having a plurality of tracing interface modules that attach to the patch panels of a telecommunications patching system in a telecommunications closet. On the patch panels in a telecommunications closet are located a plurality of connector ports that receive the terminated ends of patch cords. The tracing interface modules mount to the patch panels and provide a mechanical sensor that can detect when a patch cord connector has been added to, or removed from, a connector port within the telecommunications closet. Accordingly, by connecting a computer controller to the various mechanical sensors, the computer can monitor and log all changes to the patch cord interconnections in an automated fashion.

Abstract: A graphics overlay for displaying the location of a traced connector port in a telecommunications patching system. The graphics overlay is the visible portion of a tracing interface module that is viewed by a technician performing a patch cord tracing procedure. The graphics overlay serves three primary functions. The first function is to provide is a visual indication that can inform a technician as to the location of a patch cord in a telecommunications patch system. The second function is to provide a trace button so that a technician can initiate a trace from any patch cord connect port in the patching system. Lastly, the third function is to identify the patch cord at each connector port in the telecommunications patching system. The present invention provides different embodiments of a graphics overlay that all embody the necessary functions yet are uniquely adapted for use in a telecommunications patch cord tracing system.

Abstract: A cable management system includes an adapter plate disposed between a panel and a cabling component, such as a wiring block or wiring trough. The adapter plate includes a first plurality of fasteners and a first plurality of alignment pins extending orthogonally from a first surface, and second plurality of fasteners and a second plurality of alignment pins extending orthogonally from a second surface. The first plurality of fasteners engage tabs formed on the panel and the second plurality of fasteners engage features formed on the cabling component. The first plurality of alignment pins are disposed to engage alignment apertures formed in the panel. The second plurality of alignment pins are disposed to engage alignment apertures formed in the cabling component. The adapter plate can include an abutment portion disposed to abut the panel and cooperate with the first plurality of fasteners to position the adapter plate relative to the panel.

Abstract: A system having a plurality of patch cords, wherein each of the patch cord is terminated with patch cord connectors. Each of the patch cord connectors, in turn, contains a unique identifier that can be used to distinguish one patch cord from among the many patch cords in a telecommunication patch system. Within the telecommunications closet is at least one rack structure. A plurality of connector ports are disposed on the rack structure. Each of said connector ports is adapted to receive a patch cord connector. Each of the connector ports has a sensor that reads the unique identifier of any of the patch cord connectors as a patch cord connector is either inserted into, or removed from, a connector port. As the identifier on each patch cord connector is read, the overall system can automatically keep track of which specific patch cords are being added and removed from the system.

Abstract: A universal panel for receiving cabling components is disclosed. The panel includes a plurality of panel segments that are interconnected to form panel modules. The panel modules are interconnected to provide a panel of any desired length, extending from the floor to the ceiling if desired. A panel segment includes a first alignment feature and a second alignment feature. The first and second alignment features are disposed to engage a second alignment feature and a first alignment feature, respectively, on a second panel segment to form a panel module. Each panel module includes a coupler and a receiver. The coupler of one panel segment is disposed to engage the receiver of the other panel segment. Each of the panel segments further includes a first alignment feature and a second alignment feature. The first alignment feature of one panel segment is disposed to engage the second alignment feature of the other panel segment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a patch cord connector and connector block combination which results in low insertion forces and enhanced side-to-side stability for the patch cord connectors. The patch cord connector includes a latch member formed in a portion of one surface of the connector housing, and the connector block includes a series of grooves formed in its housing for receiving the latch.