Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a single-piece or two-piece multi-fiber adapter defining a recess at which a contact assembly is disposed. The adapter assemblies can be disposed within adapter block assemblies or cassettes, which can be mounted to moveable trays. Both ports of the adapters disposed within adapter block assemblies are accessible. Only one port of each adapter disposed within the cassettes are accessible. Circuit boards can be mounted within the block assemblies or cassettes to provide communication between the contact assemblies and a data network.

Abstract: A connector system comprising: a multi-plug connector, each plug having a housing and a ferrule, said housing having a front and back orientation and having a front face defining an opening, said ferrule being disposed within said opening, said housing defining a first keying element on said front face around said opening, at least two housings of said multi-plug connector having different said first keying elements.

Abstract: Keying may be used to indicate various features of cables, cable connectors, and/or equipment. The keying mechanisms of the connectors systems disclosed herein identifies whether each plug is a pinned plug or a pinless plug. The keying mechanisms disclosed herein identify the number of optical fibers terminated at each plug. For example, one type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 40 Gb/sec standard and another type of keying mechanism may indicate a cable plug manufactured under a 100 Gb/sec standard. The keying mechanisms may indicate a cabling/wiring pattern to be used (e.g., indicates a polarity of the cable). The cables and/or plugs may be color coded based on the keying mechanism. Accordingly, the keying may alert a user to the features of the cable that are not readily apparent upon a cursory inspection.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a dielectric housing with a mating end and a loading end and having a cavity opening onto the loading end. The loading end is configured to receive wires conveying differential signal pairs. The electrical connector further includes contacts arranged in contact pairs and held in the housing, wherein the contacts have blade portions located at the mating end of the housing and wire terminating portions located at the loading end of the housing. The blade portions extend along different planes that are spaced apart and arranged parallel to one another, and the terminating portions within each of the contact pairs are configured to be joined to wires of a corresponding differential signal pair. The blade portions are arranged in a first pattern, and the terminating portions are arranged in a second pattern that differs from the first pattern. The second pattern is divided into sections, and each section includes the terminating portions of a corresponding contact pair.

Abstract: A network sensing assembly is provided that includes an interface configured to receive a plurality of patch cords and a sensor element positioned proximate the interface. A plurality of contacts establish electrical connection to the sensor element when the patch cords are connected to the interface. At least one conductive element is attached to one of the patch cords and the sensor element. The conductive element is configured to couple more than one of the plurality of contacts when one of the patch cords is connected to the interface.

Abstract: A connector assembly is provided having a plug with a sensor probe extending therefrom and a housing having a receptacle jack therein. The receptacle jack is configured to receive the plug, and the housing has a sensor channel associated with the receptacle jack. A sensor contact is retained in the sensor channel and located adjacent the receptacle jack. The sensor contact is aligned with, and engages, the sensor probe when the plug is inserted into the receptacle jack.