Abstract: A configurator design tool is provided to facilitate the manufacture of pre-configured multi-fiber optical cable and loaded optical fiber cable storage reels. The configurator design tool also facilitates the configuration of fiber-optic data centers or other types of fiber-optic infrastructure. The present disclosure also contemplates methodology for manufacturing pre-configured multi-fiber optical cable and loaded optical fiber cable storage reels, and for configuring fiber-optic data centers or other types of fiber-optic infrastructure. Additional embodiments relate to contemplated pre-configured multi-fiber optical cable loaded optical fiber cable storage reels, and to fiber-optic data centers or other types of fiber-optic infrastructures.

Abstract: A ferrule includes a body extending in a longitudinal direction between a front end and a back end of the ferrule. The front end defines a first end face and a pedestal extending from the first end face in the longitudinal direction. The ferrule also includes first and second groups of micro-holes extending into the body from the first end face. Each micro-hole is configured to receive an optical fiber. The pedestal is positioned between the first and second groups of micro-holes. Optical connectors including the ferrule are also disclosed, as are cable assemblies and related methods.