Abstract: One embodiment is directed to an optical adapter comprising a body in which at least one connector can be inserted; at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna and a visual indicator. The optical adapter further comprises at least one adapter contact that is electrically connected to the RFID antenna and the visual indicator; and a clip configured to electrically connect the adapter contact to a panel contact on a panel when the optical adapter is inserted into the panel and to mechanically hold the optical adapter in the panel. The RFID antenna is configured to be positioned near an RFID tag attached to the connector when the connector is inserted into the body of the optical adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a interconnection system comprising at least one port at which an interconnection between at least two cables can be made, an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag attached to at least one of the cables interconnected at the port, and an interface to connect a removable module to the system. The removable module comprises a rechargeable battery to power the system. The removable module is configured to provide a communication link to communicate data read by the RFID reader to a device outside of the interconnection system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A connector plug arrangement (330, 600, 700) includes a connector body (334, 610, 720); and an indication component (335, 650, 750). The indication component (335, 650, 750) includes a first portion (337, 653, 751) that is disposed at a rear end of the connector body and a second portion (339, 654, 753) that extends outwardly from the first portion (337, 653, 751). The first portion (337, 653, 751) is configured to extend along a circumferential perimeter of the connector body (334, 610, 720). The second portion (339, 654, 753) is configured to extend along the longitudinal axis of the connector body (334, 610, 720).

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to an adapter comprising a coupling circuit configured so that a portable RFID reader can be positioned near a first part of the coupling circuit associated with a first side of the adapter in order to perform a localized read of both an RFID tag attached to a first connector inserted into a first jack of the adapter and an RFID tag attached to a second connector inserted into a second jack of the adapter, wherein the coupling circuit is used to enhance a read range of the portable RFID reader when performing the localized read. These embodiments can be used in the outside plant of a telecommunications network. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a method of reading RFID tags in an interconnection system comprising at least one port. The method comprises initiating a localized read transaction to read any RFID tag attached to a first connector and any RFID tag attached to a second connector inserted into the port. The method further comprises, as a part of the localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a first type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the first connector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respond to the first type of RFID interrogation signal; and, as a part of the localized read transaction, reading any RFID tag configured to respond to a second type of RFID interrogation signal, wherein the second connector comprises an attached RFID tag that is configured to respond to the second type of RFID interrogation signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a interconnection system comprising at least one port at which an interconnection between at least two cables can be made, an RFID reader configured to read an RFID tag attached to at least one of the cables interconnected at the port, and an interface to connect a removable module to the system. The removable module comprises a rechargeable battery to power the system. The removable module is configured to provide a communication link to communicate data read by the RFID reader to a device outside of the interconnection system. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to an optical adapter comprising a body in which at least one connector can be inserted; at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) antenna and a visual indicator. The optical adapter further comprises at least one adapter contact that is electrically connected to the RFID antenna and the visual indicator; and a clip configured to electrically connect the adapter contact to a panel contact on a panel when the optical adapter is inserted into the panel and to mechanically hold the optical adapter in the panel. The RFID antenna is configured to be positioned near an RFID tag attached to the connector when the connector is inserted into the body of the optical adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a subrack comprising a backplate and at least one tray configured so that a plurality of connections can be made at a plurality of positions on the tray. Each of the plurality of connections involves at least one connector having information stored in a device associated therewith that can be read. The backplate and the tray are configured so that the tray can be selectively attached and removed from the backplate. The backplate and the tray are configured so that the devices associated with the connectors involved in making the connections can be read via the tray. The devices associated with the connections can be implemented, for example, using RFID tags or connection point identifier (CPID) storage devices (such as EEPROMs).

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a patching system. The patching system comprises at least one port, the port having a first side and a second side. The patching system further comprises at least one coupling circuit. The coupling circuit comprises a pickup portion and a reader portion coupled to the pickup portion. The coupling circuit is configured so that the pickup portion is positioned near the second side of the port and the reader portion is positioned near the first side of the port. The coupling circuit is configured so that an RFID tag mounted to a cable attached to the second side of the port can be read from the first side of the port via the reader portion of the coupling circuit.

Abstract: One exemplary embodiment is directed to an apparatus for reading an RFID tag comprising an RFID reader comprising: an RFID transceiver and a first coil. The apparatus further comprises an extender configured to attach to the RFID reader, the extender comprising a second coil. The extender is configured to couple the first coil and the second coil to one another when the extender is attached to the RFID reader. Another exemplary embodiment is directed to an extender for use with an RFID reader that is configured to read an RFID tag using a first coil included in the RFID reader. The extender comprises an elongated structure configured to attach to the RFID reader and a second coil attached to the elongated structure. The extender is configured to couple the first coil and the second coil to one another when the extender is attached to the RFID reader.

Abstract: Certain types of aggregation enclosures include cable input ports and downwardly angled cable output ports. A cover is pivotally coupled to the body so that the cover moves between an open position and a closed position. A modular component panel may be disposed within the enclosure. The component panel includes one or more distribution components (e.g., fiber distribution components or power distribution components) configured to connect at least a portion of an incoming cable to at least a portion of an outgoing cable.

Abstract: An out of band communications apparatus includes first and second data lines arranged in a differential pair. The data lines convey high speed data within a first frequency range and out of band data within a second frequency range that differs from the first frequency range. The apparatus also includes a band pass filter coupled to the first and second data lines. The filter only passes the out of band data and blocks the high speed data. The apparatus also includes a device coupled to the band pass filter and configured to at least one of transmit and receive out of band data.