Abstract: In one instance, a fiber distribution hub for use in a passive optical network includes a cabinet having an interior space and a vertical cable management tower extending vertically from a bottom portion of the cabinet or cabinet frame and having a plurality of cable management spools. The vertical cable management tower is coupled to the cabinet or cabinet frame to define a splitter area to one side and a storage area to another side. The hub further includes a plurality of storage spools coupled to the cabinet or cabinet frame in the storage area and a plurality of distribution cables introduced into the interior space of the cabinet and having distribution fibers formed into a plurality of fiber groups at distal ends of the distribution fibers. The plurality of distribution cables is positioned to drape over one or more of the plurality of storage spools for storage until use.

Abstract: In one instance, a fiber distribution hub includes a fiber distribution cabinet and a fiber optic splitter module coupled to and disposed within the fiber distribution cabinet. The fiber optic splitter module has horizontal (perpendicular to gravity) top and bottom rails and vertically (parallel to gravity) mounted splitter assemblies. In some instances, the distribution ports are downwardly oriented to facilitate cable management. Cable management systems are also included. Other aspects are presented.

Abstract: In one instance, a fiber distribution hub includes a fiber distribution cabinet and a fiber optic splitter module coupled to and disposed within the fiber distribution cabinet. The fiber optic splitter module has horizontal (perpendicular to gravity) top and bottom rails and vertically (parallel to gravity) mounted splitter assemblies. In some instances, the distribution ports are downwardly oriented to facilitate cable management. Cable management systems are also included. Other aspects are presented.

Abstract: With respect to fiber optic structured cabling, dense optical termination and patching platforms, systems, and methods herein involve using an optical-connector adapter cassette that has double rows of adapters on a front portion and at least one goose-neck portion that transitions to a single row of adapters on a rear portion. The double rows of adapters may have virtually no geometry between them. Two cassettes may be cantilevered at the front of a fiber-optic enclosure. The systems includes other aspects.

Abstract: With respect to fiber optic structured cabling, dense optical termination and patching platforms, systems, and methods herein involve using an optical-connector adapter cassette that has double rows of adapters on a front portion and at least one goose-neck portion that transitions to a single row of adapters on a rear portion. The double rows of adapters may have virtually no geometry between them. Two cassettes may be cantilevered at the front of a fiber-optic enclosure. The systems includes other aspects.

Abstract: With respect to fiber optic structured cabling, dense optical termination and patching platforms, systems, and methods herein involve using an optical-connector adapter cassette that has double rows of adapters on a front portion and at least one goose-neck portion that transitions to a single row of adapters on a rear portion. The double rows of adapters may have virtually no geometry between them. Two cassettes may be cantilevered at the front of a fiber-optic enclosure. The systems includes other aspects.

Abstract: A retractable datacommunications rack includes: a mounting member configured to mount to a mounting structure; a linkage mounted to the mounting member; and an enclosure mounted on the linkage and configured to provide locations for datacommunications interconnections. The linkage is configured to move the enclosure between a retracted raised position and a lowered working position.

Abstract: An optical tap includes a support with a first port facing a first ferrule supporting a first fiber along a first axis. A beamsplitter is connected to the support and intersected by the first axis. A second port is fastened to the support and facing a second ferrule supporting a second fiber along a second axis that intersects the beamsplitter. A third port is fastened to the support and facing a third ferrule supporting a third fiber along a third axis that intersects the beamsplitter, wherein the beamsplitter splits a first light signal from the first port to sends first and second portions of the first signal to the second and third ports, respectively. When the beamsplitter may optionally be configured as a polarizing element and include elements configured to rotate relative to each other to change a ratio of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A fiber optic connector includes a ferrule for holding a plurality of optical fibers. The ferrule has a first end and a second end. A plurality of optical fibers enter at the first end of the ferrule and extend to the second end of the ferrule, wherein ends of the plurality of optical fibers are approximately flush or slightly protruding along a mating face defining the second end of the ferrule. A lens frame has a front surface and a back surface, wherein the back surface abuts the second end of the ferrule. Lenses are formed in the lens frame, wherein each lens of the plurality of lenses overlies a flush or protruding end of one of the plurality of optical fibers. Optionally, a film, mounted to a frame, is disposed between the ends of the plurality of optical fibers and the plurality of lenses.

Abstract: A retractable datacommunications rack includes: a mounting member configured to mount to a mounting structure; a linkage mounted to the mounting member; and an enclosure mounted on the linkage and configured to provide locations for datacommunications interconnections. The linkage is configured to move the enclosure between a retracted raised position and a lowered working position.

Abstract: An optical tap includes a support with a first port facing a first ferrule supporting a first fiber along a first axis. A beamsplitter is connected to the support and intersected by the first axis. A second port is fastened to the support and facing a second ferrule supporting a second fiber along a second axis that intersects the beamsplitter. A third port is fastened to the support and facing a third ferrule supporting a third fiber along a third axis that intersects the beamsplitter, wherein the beamsplitter splits a first light signal from the first port to sends first and second portions of the first signal to the second and third ports, respectively. When the beamsplitter may optionally be configured as a polarizing element and include elements configured to rotate relative to each other to change a ratio of the first and second portions.

Abstract: A communications interconnection system includes: a communications rack having a pair of upright members; a patch panel mounted to the upright members, the patch panel having mounting locations for telecommunications connectors; and a cable management system mounted to the rack. The cable management system comprises a cable mounting member having a cable securing portion and a pair of arms attached to the cable securing portion, the arms being substantially parallel to each other and slidably mounted relative to the panel to enable adjustment of the distance between the cable securing portion and the communications rack. This configuration can enable the cable management system to be used with communications racks of different sizes and designs.

Abstract: An MPO connector adapter to connect a first female MPO connector to a second female MPO connector includes a housing. An adapter ferrule is retained within the housing. First and second alignment pin sections extend from a first face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the first female MPO connector. Third and fourth alignment pin sections extend from an opposite face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the second female MPO connector. Optical fibers within the adapter ferrule couple optical signals from the first female MPO connector to the second female MPO connector.

Abstract: A fiber management device includes a first member having a floor, a first end, a second end and first and second sides, the first end including at least one holder for securing at least one optical fiber adapter to the first member, the second end including a frame holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors, the first side and second sides including first and second fiber guide structures. A first optical fiber connector is in the at least one holder, and includes a first plurality of optical fibers forming a first loop on the floor that contacts the first fiber guide structure and the second fiber guide structure. A second member includes a housing releasably connected to the first member and defining with the first member an enclosure for the first loop.

Abstract: A network interface unit (NIU) for a modular workstation includes a housing. One or more input network adapters on the housing receive input connectors of a first multi-network cable that is connected to a distribution network. One or more output network adapters on the housing receive output connectors of a second multi-network cable that is connected to another NIU of another modular workstation to provide for a daisy chain connection. One or more workstation adapters are provided on the housing for providing connections to one or more networks of various security levels. Cables that are connected to one or more CPUs or telephones of the workstation are connected to respective ones of the workstation adapters. The workstation adapters of the NIU may provide one or more of visual, physical, and geographical verification and segregation of the network connections to enhance the integrity of the security of the various networks available at the NIU.

Abstract: A genderless fiber optic connection system includes an MPO cable or cord having at least one genderless MPO connector disposed at one end. The genderless MPO connector includes a housing and a first genderless MPO ferrule attached therein. A mating, front face of the MPO ferrule includes an alignment pin extending therefrom and an alignment hole formed into the front face. Fiber ends are located in one or more rows between the alignment pin and the alignment hole. The connection system may also include a genderless MPO port having a complementary alignment pin, alignment hole, and fiber ends for mating with the genderless MPO connector.

Abstract: An MPO connector adapter to connect a first female MPO connector to a second female MPO connector includes a housing. An adapter ferrule is retained within the housing. First and second alignment pin sections extend from a first face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the first female MPO connector. Third and fourth alignment pin sections extend from an opposite face of the adapter ferrule to mate with guide holes of the second female MPO connector. Optical fibers within the adapter ferrule couple optical signals from the first female MPO connector to the second female MPO connector.

Abstract: A fiber management device includes a first member having a floor, a first end, a second end and first and second sides, the first end including at least one holder for securing at least one optical fiber adapter to the first member, the second end including a frame holding a plurality of fiber optic connectors, the first side and second sides including first and second fiber guide structures. A first optical fiber connector is in the at least one holder, and includes a first plurality of optical fibers forming a first loop on the floor that contacts the first fiber guide structure and the second fiber guide structure. A second member includes a housing releasably connected to the first member and defining with the first member an enclosure for the first loop.

Abstract: A communications interconnection system includes: a communications rack having a pair of upright members; a patch panel mounted to the upright members, the patch panel having mounting locations for telecommunications connectors; and a cable management system mounted to the rack. The cable management system comprises a cable mounting member having a cable securing portion and a pair of arms attached to the cable securing portion, the arms being substantially parallel to each other and slidably mounted relative to the panel to enable adjustment of the distance between the cable securing portion and the communications rack. This configuration can enable the cable management system to be used with communications racks of different sizes and designs.

Abstract: A network interface unit (NIU) for a modular workstation includes a housing. One or more input network adapters on the housing receive input connectors of a first multi-network cable that is connected to a distribution network. One or more output network adapters on the housing receive output connectors of a second multi-network cable that is connected to another NIU of another modular workstation to provide for a daisy chain connection. One or more workstation adapters are provided on the housing for providing connections to one or more networks of various security levels. Cables that are connected to one or more CPUs or telephones of the workstation are connected to respective ones of the workstation adapters. The workstation adapters of the NIU may provide one or more of visual, physical, and geographical verification and segregation of the network connections to enhance the integrity of the security of the various networks available at the NIU.