Abstract: An optical fiber connector assembly (10) that provides improved radio-frequency (RF) antenna capability for a radio-frequency identification (RFID) tag (200). The assembly includes a connectorized fiber optic cable (150) having a connector (11). The assembly also includes a wire (246) that either is connected to the RFID tag or is configured to electrically connect to the RFID tag. The wire runs alongside a portion of the fiber optic cable length and is loosely held thereto. The wire serves as at least a portion of an RFID antenna (220) for the RFID tag. The RFID tag may be supported by the connector or may be supported by a connector adapter that is configured to operably engage the connector. The optical fiber connector assembly allows for improved RF antenna capability that provides improved RF communication with an RF reader (400), particularly in RFID applications where existing RFID tag antennas are inadequate.

Abstract: A bi-directional cable assembly for use with a fiber optic cable that includes at least one cable optical fiber that can carry bi-directional optical signals. The cable assembly is connected to the fiber optic cable at a mid-span location, where the cable fiber is preterminated to form upstream and downstream cable fiber sections. A tether having an upstream and/or a downstream tether fiber is spliced to corresponding preterminated upstream and/or downstream cable fibers at respective one or more splice locations. At least one of the tether fibers is a bend-resistant optical fiber that includes a bend angle equal to or about 180 degrees so that the tether extends in one direction from the mid-span access point along the fiber optic cable. A low-profile protective cover covers the mid-span access point and an end-portion of the tether. A protective tube may be used to house the bend-improved fiber and the splices that connect the cable fiber sections to the tether fibers.

Abstract: An optical fiber carrier (10) having at least one protective member comprising a buffer tube (20). Buffer tube (20) has a removable section (30) removal of which permits separation of the buffer tube for access to optical fibers (42) in the tube. Buffer tube (20) may include an optical fiber ribbon (41) with a removable section (50) for facilitating separation of a protective member (48).