CN118043712A - Optical fiber network system - Google Patents

Abstract

The optical fiber network system at least partially adopts a microminiature (VSFF) interconnection component, such as a microminiature duplex connector, a microminiature mechanical transmission ferrule (MT) connector, a microminiature duplex single-sheath connector, a microminiature MT single-sheath connector, a microminiature duplex adapter, a microminiature MT adapter, a microminiature duplex pluggable transceiver and a microminiature MT pluggable transceiver; ultra-small jumper cable assembly; ultra-small trunk optical cable; and/or ultra-small branch cables. The ultra-small fiber optic network system may define fiber optic branch cabling that connects large-scale trunk cables to numerous peripheral network locations. The network system may define branches and sub-branches from the trunk cable. The network system may define a cross-connect sub-network between groups of transceivers or adapters. The network system may define a trunk-to-transceiver cabling assembly for connecting trunk fiber optic cables to at least 32 transceiver ports.

Description

Optical fiber network system

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The present application claims priority from U.S. provisional patent nos. 63/250,581,63/256,555,63/274,467, and 63/280,317, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic network systems, and in particular, to fiber optic network systems employing subminiature (VERY SMALL form factor, VSFF) interconnect components.

Background

The internet has made the growth unprecedented in communication networks. Network providers need more advanced network systems to improve reliability, speed, and data volume. Fiber optic network systems are favored in certain use scenarios. Network providers desire that fiber optic network systems be easy to install at high densities.

Disclosure of Invention

In one aspect, a fiber optic network system includes a first fiber optic network device including a multi-fiber cable, a subminiature single-jacket (uniboot) connector terminating the multi-fiber cable, and a plurality of transceivers. The ultra-small adapter has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a first receptacle that mates with the ultra-small single-boot connector and the second end defines a plurality of second receptacles. The optical fiber branch cabling includes a plurality of optical cables and a subminiature connector terminating the plurality of optical cables. The subminiature connectors of the fiber optic branch cabling include a plurality of first subminiature connectors inserted into the plurality of second receptacles and a plurality of second subminiature connectors inserted into the plurality of transceivers, whereby the fiber optic branch cabling connects the first fiber optic network device to the plurality of transceivers without requiring a pre-made tuning component or mid-span shunt component along any of the plurality of fiber optic cables.

In another aspect, a fiber optic network system includes a trunk cable having at least 64 trunk fibers. A trunk ultra-small single-sheath connector terminates the trunk cable. The mains ultra-small adapter has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a first trunk adapter receptacle and the second end defines a plurality of second trunk adapter receptacles. A trunk ultra-small single-boot connector mates with the first trunk adapter receptacle. A plurality of fiber optic subnetworks are connected to the trunk cable by a trunk ultra-small adapter. Each fiber optic subnetwork includes a drop cable having a first end and a second end, a plurality of peripheral cables, a first subnetwork subminiature connector for terminating the first end of the drop cable, a drop subminiature single-jacket connector for terminating the second end of each drop cable, a plurality of outer Zhou Chao miniature connectors for terminating the plurality of peripheral cables, and a drop subminiature adapter having a first end and a second end. The first end of the branched microminiature adapter defines a first branched adapter socket and the second end defines a plurality of second branched adapter sockets. A first sub-network ultra-small connector is plugged into one of the second trunk adapter receptacles, the branched ultra-small single-sheath connector is plugged into the first branched adapter receptacle, and a subset of the plurality of outer Zhou Chao small connectors is plugged into the second branched adapter receptacle, whereby other subsets of the plurality of outer Zhou Chao small connectors are connectable to a single network node such that the plurality of peripheral optical cables define sub-branches of a fiber optic sub-network.

In another aspect, a fiber optic network system includes a trunk cable. A plurality of fiber optic subnetworks are connected to the trunk cable. At least one of the plurality of subnetworks comprises a subminiature cross-connect subnetwork. Each of the subminiature cross-connect sub-networks includes a plurality of cross-connect subminiature adapters. Each cross-connect subminiature adapter has a first receptacle and a plurality of second receptacles in communication with the first receptacle. A plurality of cross-connect subminiature single-boot connectors mate with the first receptacles of the plurality of cross-connect subminiature adapters. Each cross-connect ultra-small single-sheath connector is in optical communication with a trunk cable. Each cross-connect sub-network further includes a plurality of cross-connect transceivers. Each cross-connect transceiver includes an optical interface having a plurality of transceiver receptacles. Each cross-connect sub-network further includes a plurality of cross-connect cable assemblies. Each cross-connect cable assembly includes a cable having a first end and a second end, a first subminiature connector terminating the first end of the cable, and a second subminiature connector terminating the second end of the cable. The first subminiature connector of each cross-connect cable assembly mates with one of the second receptacles of one of the cross-connect subminiature adapters. The second subminiature connector mates with one of the transceiver receptacles of one of the cross-connect transceivers. For each cross-connect transceiver, each of the cross-connect cable assemblies connected to the cross-connect transceiver is connected to a different one of the cross-connect subminiature adapters.

In another aspect, a fiber optic network system includes a trunk cable. A trunk ultra-small single-sheath connector terminates the trunk cable. The trunk microminiature single ferrule connector includes a plurality of multi-fiber ferrules. The trunk microminiature adapter has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a first trunk adapter receptacle and the second end defines a plurality of second trunk adapter receptacles. The trunk ultra-small single-boot connector mates with a first trunk adapter receptacle. The drop cable assembly includes a drop cable comprising at least eight optical fibers and having a first end and a second end. The branched subminiature connector includes: a single multi-fiber ferrule terminating the first end of the drop cable; and a branched ultra-small single-sheath connector comprising a plurality of ferrules terminating the second ends of the drop cables. A branched subminiature connector is mated with one of the plurality of second trunk adapter receptacles. The branched microminiature adapter has a first end and a second end. The first end defines a first branch adapter receptacle and the second end defines a plurality of second branch adapter receptacles. The branched subminiature single-boot connector is mated with the first branched adapter receptacle. The fiber optic network system further includes a plurality of peripheral fiber optic cable assemblies. Each peripheral fiber optic cable assembly includes: a first peripheral subminiature connector that mates with a respective one of the second branch adapter receptacles; and at least one second outer Zhou Chao mini-connector.

In another aspect, a fiber optic network system includes a trunk-to-transceiver cabling assembly for connecting a trunk cable to at least 32 transceiver ports. The trunk-to-transceiver wiring assembly consists of only the following components: a trunk ultra-small single-sheath connector for terminating the trunk optical cable, one or more ultra-small adapters, one or more drop cable assemblies, and a plurality of peripheral optical cable assemblies including an optical cable and an ultra-small connector. Each drop cable assembly includes a multi-fiber cable having at least one first end segment and exactly one second end segment. A branch subminiature connector terminates each first end segment of the multi-fiber cable and a branch subminiature single-sheath connector terminates a second end segment of the multi-fiber cable. The plurality of ultra-small connectors of the peripheral fiber optic cable assemblies collectively comprise ultra-small connectors for all of the at least 32 transceiver ports.

The disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and other aspects will be apparent and pointed out in part hereinafter.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a subminiature duplex connector;

fig. 2 is a perspective view of a subminiature duplex adapter;

fig. 3 is a perspective view of a subminiature duplex transceiver in which a connector is being inserted;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a subminiature duplex single-boot connector;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an 8-fiber subminiature MT connector;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a 16 fiber subminiature MT connector;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a subminiature MT adapter;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a subminiature MT transceiver for use with the connector of fig. 5;

Fig. 9 is a front view of the transceiver of fig. 8;

fig. 10 is a perspective view of a connector being inserted into the transceiver of fig. 8;

fig. 11 is a perspective view of the connector fully inserted into the transceiver of fig. 8;

fig. 12 is a perspective view of a subminiature MT transceiver for use with the connector of fig. 6;

Fig. 13 is a front view of the transceiver of fig. 12;

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a connector being inserted into the transceiver of fig. 12;

Fig. 15 is a perspective view of the connector fully inserted into the transceiver of fig. 12;

FIG. 16 is a microminiature MT single ferrule connector with an 8-fiber ferrule;

FIG. 17 is a microminiature MT single ferrule connector with 16 fiber ferrules;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 19A is a perspective view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 19B is a front view of the ultra-small network system of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19C is a plan view of the ultra-small network system of FIG. 19A;

FIG. 19D is a perspective view of the micro network system of FIG. 19A in a connected configuration;

FIG. 20A is a perspective view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 20B is a front view of the ultra-small network system of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20C is a plan view of the micro network system of FIG. 20A;

FIG. 20D is a perspective view of the micro network system of FIG. 20A in a connected configuration;

FIG. 21A is a perspective view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 21B is a front view of the ultra-small network system of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 21C is a plan view of the micro network system of FIG. 21A;

FIG. 22A is a perspective view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 22B is a plan view of the micro network system of FIG. 22A;

FIG. 23A is a perspective view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 23B is a front view of the ultra-small network system of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 23C is a plan view of the ultra-small network system of FIG. 23A;

FIG. 24A is a perspective view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 24B is a front view of the ultra-small network system of FIG. 24A;

FIG. 24C is a plan view of the micro network system of FIG. 24A;

FIG. 25 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 26 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 27 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 28 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

Fig. 29 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 30 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 31 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 32 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 33 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 34 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 35 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 36 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 37 is a plan view of another subminiature network system in a disconnected configuration;

FIG. 38 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 39 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 40 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 41 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 42 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 43 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 44 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 45 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

FIG. 46 is a schematic diagram of another subminiature network system;

In the drawings, corresponding elements are given corresponding reference numerals.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic network systems, and more particularly to fiber optic network systems that may be used in data centers and the like. In one aspect, the present inventive concept is at least partially implemented with a fiber optic network system implemented with ultra-small interconnect components. For example, a fiber optic network according to the present disclosure may include one or more of the following ultra-small interconnect components: a subminiature duplex connector, a subminiature mechanical transmission ferrule (MT) connector, a subminiature duplex single-sheath connector, a subminiature MT single-sheath connector, a subminiature duplex adapter, a subminiature MT adapter, a subminiature duplex pluggable transceiver, a subminiature MT pluggable transceiver, a subminiature jumper cable assembly, a subminiature trunk cable, and/or a subminiature drop cable. Currently, there are a variety of ultra-small interconnect features available in the industry, including CS, provided by assignee Senko Advanced Components of the present disclosure, inc,And SN-MT interconnect means, and MDC and MMC interconnect means provided by US conec. The present disclosure mainly describes/>And SN-MT interconnect components, it is understood that any ultra-small interconnect component may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In certain embodiments, the ultra-small connectors within the scope of the present disclosure are sized and shaped to fit 4 side-by-side in a QFSP size layout (foltprint) of an industry standard. Likewise, certain ultra-small adapters and transceiver interfaces according to the present disclosure are sized and shaped to define 4 receptacles in an industry standard QSFP interface size layout. The four-way, ultra-small single-ferrule connector according to certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure may also be sized and shaped to hold 4 sets of optical fibers in an industry standard QSFP interface size layout.

The following table provides a listing of the reference numerals and features of certain exemplary subminiature and MPO components for purposes of illustrating and describing the fiber optic network system in detail below. It is to be understood that subminiature network systems within the scope of the present disclosure may employ other interconnecting components than those listed in the following table without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Before describing in detail the present disclosure that describes a subminiature fiber optic network system, fig. 1-17 briefly depict exemplary embodiments of certain subminiature components. Referring specifically to fig. 1, reference numeral 12 designates an exemplary embodiment of a subminiature duplex connector. Those skilled in the art will find that the subminiature duplex connector is an SN connector from Senko Advanced Components, inc. The subminiature duplex connector 12 generally includes a plug body 121 that holds a first spring and a second spring-loaded single-fiber ferrule 123 (e.g., LC ferrule). In the illustrated embodiment, the duplex subminiature connector 12 includes a plug boot 124 configured to actuate a remote release mechanism of the connector. The ultra-small connector 12 is configured to terminate a dual-fiber cable. Additional details regarding exemplary embodiments of ultra-small duplex connectors of the type described in fig. 1 may be found in U.S. patent nos. 10,281,668, 10,838,152, 10,718,911, and 11,187,857, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to fig. 2, an exemplary embodiment of a four-way subminiature duplex adapter for mating with the subminiature duplex connector 12 is generally indicated by reference numeral 22. The four-way adapter 22 includes a first end defining a first receptacle 221 and an opposite second end defining a second receptacle 222. For example, each end of the four-way adapter 22 defines four receptacles 221, 222 for receiving four separate subminiature duplex connectors 12 therein, for example. Other ultra-small adapters within the scope of the present disclosure may be configured to define other numbers of receptacles at one or both ends of the adapter without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The subminiature duplex adapter 22 is generally configured to hold one or more duplex subminiature connectors at each end for optical connection between opposing connectors. Additional details regarding exemplary embodiments of ultra-small duplex adapters of the type described in fig. 2 may be found in U.S. patent nos. 10,281,668, 10,838,152, 10,718,911, and 11,187,857, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Referring to fig. 3, an exemplary embodiment of a four-way subminiature duplex transceiver for mating with the subminiature duplex connector 12 is generally indicated by reference numeral 32. The four-way transceiver 32 includes a transceiver optical interface 321 that defines one or more receptacles 322. For example, the illustrated transceiver optical interface 321 defines four receptacles 322 for receiving four separate subminiature duplex connectors 12 therein. Other ultra-small transceivers within the scope of the present disclosure may be configured to define other numbers of receptacles at the transceiver optical interface. The subminiature duplex transceiver 32 is generally configured to hold one or more duplex subminiature connectors in the transceiver optical interface 321 for optical connection between the connector(s) and the transceiver. The transceiver 32 further comprises a housing 323 enclosing an optoelectronic circuit configured to convert an optical signal to an electrical signal and vice versa.

Referring to fig. 4, an exemplary embodiment of a four-way subminiature duplex single-sheath connector is indicated generally by the reference numeral 42. The single-boot connector generally includes a connector housing assembly 421 configured to terminate a multi-fiber optical cable (not shown). The connector housing assembly 421 is configured to hold a plurality of pairs of single-fiber ferrules 423 at the same pitch as the subminiature duplex connector 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector housing assembly 421 includes a plurality of plug bodies 424, each of which is shaped and sized to generally correspond to the plug body 121 of the subminiature duplex connector 12. The single boot connector housing assembly 421 further includes a single back body 425 that is connected to the plug body 424 and defines a unitary cable protective boot 426. The illustrated single-boot connector 42 is configured to plug into one end of the subminiature duplex adapter 22 or the optical interface 321 of the subminiature duplex transceiver 32. Additional details regarding an exemplary embodiment of a single-boot connector of the type described in fig. 4 may be found in U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/317,040, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Referring to fig. 5, an exemplary embodiment of a subminiature MT connector is indicated by reference numeral 18. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the duplex subminiature connector illustrated is an SN-MT connector from Senko Advanced Components, inc. The subminiature MT connector 18 is similar to the subminiature duplex connector 12 except that the plug body 181 retains a single 8-fiber MT ferrule 183. Other ultra-small MT connectors may include a single MT ferrule terminating 12, 16, 24, or 32 optical fibers without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, fig. 6 depicts another embodiment of a subminiature MT connector 116 that includes a plug body 1161 that holds MT ferrules 1163 terminating 16 fibers.

Referring to fig. 7, a four-way subminiature MT adapter of the type used to mate either an 8-fiber subminiature MT connector 18 or a 16-fiber subminiature MT connector 116 is generally indicated by the reference numerals 28, 216. Throughout this disclosure, reference numeral 28 is used for an adapter configuration of 8 fibers per port, and reference numeral 216 is used for an adapter configuration of 16 fibers per port. The adapter 28 is similar to the adapter 22 except that the adapter 28 is configured for MT ferrule connection rather than duplex single fiber ferrule connection. Further, the MT adapters 28, 216 are illustrated with shutters (shuttered), whereas the duplex adapter 22 shown in fig. 2 does not. It is understood that any type of adapter or optical interface contemplated by the present disclosure may be shuttered or unfocused. The four-way MT adapter 28, 216 includes a first end defining a first receptacle 281 and an opposite second end defining a second receptacle 282. The subminiature MT adapters 28, 216 are generally configured to hold one or more MT-style subminiature connectors in each end for optical connection between opposing connectors.

Referring to fig. 8-15, a four-way subminiature MT transceiver for mating with the subminiature MT connectors 18, 116 is indicated generally by the reference numerals 38 and 316. The transceiver 38 includes a transceiver optical interface 381 that defines a receptacle 382 for mating with the four 8-fiber subminiature MT connectors 18, and the transceiver 316 includes a transceiver optical interface 3161 for mating with the four 16-fiber subminiature MT connectors 116. Each transceiver 38, 316 further includes a respective housing 383, 3163 that encloses an optoelectronic circuit configured to convert optical signals to electrical signals, and vice versa.

Referring to fig. 16 and 17, an exemplary embodiment of a miniature MT single sheath connector is indicated generally by the reference numerals 48 and 416. Each single-boot connector 48, 416 is similar to a subminiature duplex single-boot connector except that the subminiature MT single-boot connector 48 includes a connector housing assembly 481 for holding four 8-fiber MT ferrules 483 (e.g., four plug bodies 484 for holding the 8-fiber ferrules) and the subminiature MT single-boot connector 416 includes a connector housing assembly 4161 for holding four 16-fiber MT ferrules 4163 (e.g., four plug bodies 4164 for holding the 16-fiber ferrules). Similar to the subminiature duplex single-boot connectors 42, each of the subminiature MT single-boot connectors 48, 416 includes a single back body 485, 4165 connected to the plug body 484, 4164 and defining a unitary cable protective sleeve 486, 4166 for the respective multi-fiber cable 482, 4162. Each MT single-boot connector is configured to plug into an optical interface 381, 3161 of a corresponding transceiver 38, 316 and into an end of a corresponding subminiature MT adapter 28, 216.

Referring to fig. 18, an exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1800. The fiber network system 1800 uses ultra-small duplex interconnect components. The fiber optic network system 1800 includes four subminiature duplex jumper assemblies 52. Each of the subminiature duplex jumper assemblies 52 includes a dual fiber cable 521 having a first end terminated by a first subminiature duplex connector 12 and a second end terminated by a second subminiature duplex connector 12. Network system 1800 further includes a subminiature duplex single-sheath connector 42 terminating a single 8-fiber cable and subminiature duplex adapter 22. As can be appreciated from fig. 18, the network system 1800 is an 8-fiber, one-to-four branching system in which a single 8-fiber cable (which defines four dual-fiber transceiver communication channels) is split into four dual-fiber single-channel jumper cable assemblies 52 within the adapter 22 without any pre-fabricated tuning components (shuffle component) or mid-span branching components at any point along the fiber optic network system.

Referring to fig. 19A-19D, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 1900. Fiber optic network system 1900 uses a combination of subminiature duplex and subminiature MT interconnect components. Fiber optic network system 1900 includes an 8-fiber splitter connector unit 72. The illustrated shunt connector unit 72 includes: a single 8-fiber subminiature MT shunt connector 18' at one end; and four dual fiber cables 721 extending from the rear end of the subminiature MT shunt connector. The microminiature MT splitter connector 18' differs from the standard 8-fiber microminiature MT connector 18 in that it houses four separate dual fiber cables 721 instead of one 8-fiber cable. Each of the four optical cables 721 extends from the strain relief boot 184 'of the splitter connector 18', and each optical cable 721 is terminated at a second end thereof by a subminiature duplex connector. It should be noted that in a large fiber network system, a pair of four-to-four connectorized branching units 72 may be used alone to replace the functionality of network system 1800 in fig. 18.

With continued reference to fig. 19A-19D, the fiber optic network system 1900 further includes, in addition to the drop connector unit 72, a microminiature MT single sheath connector 48 terminating 32 fiber optic cables and the microminiature MT adapter 28. The single-sheath connector 48 may be inserted into a first end of the adapter 28 and the MT connector 18 of four splitter connector units 72 (only one splitter connector unit is shown for clarity of illustration) may be inserted into a second end of the adapter 28 to split signals from the single-sheath connector 48 into sixteen separate dual-fiber cables 721 and the ultra-small duplex connector 12. The subminiature duplex connector 12 may be individually plugged into a desired peripheral location (e.g., pluggable transceiver 32) in the fiber optic network. It can be seen that network system 1900 provides a simple way of separating many channels from a trunk cable or a multi-fiber drop cable without the use of a cassette or midspan splitter.

Referring to fig. 20A-20D, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2000. The fiber optic network system 2000 uses a combination of subminiature duplex and subminiature MT interconnect components. The fiber optic network system 2000 includes an 8-fiber fan-out unit 82. The illustrated fan-out unit 82 includes a single 8-fiber subminiature MT connector 18, an 8-fiber cable segment 821 extending from the subminiature MT connector, a fan-out block 822 connected to the 8-fiber cable segment, four dual-fiber cables 823 extending from the fan-out block, and a subminiature duplex connector 12 terminating the dual-fiber cable. The fan-out unit 82 has the same function as the branching unit 72. The difference is that instead of providing a splitter connector 18' that receives four dual-fiber cables 721, the fan-out unit 82 uses a fan-out block 822 to divide one 8-fiber cable 821 into four dual-fiber cables 823 at a mid-span location.

With continued reference to fig. 20A-20D, in addition to the fan-out unit 82, the fiber optic network system 2000 further includes the ultra-small MT single sheath connector 48 terminating 32 fiber optic cables and the ultra-small MT adapter 28. The single-sheath connector 48 may be plugged into a first end of the adapter 28 and the MT connector 18 of four fan-out units 82 (only one fan-out unit is shown for clarity of illustration) may be plugged into a second end of the adapter 28 to split signals from the single-sheath connector 48 into sixteen separate duplex optical cables 823 and the ultra-small duplex connector 12. The subminiature duplex connector 12 may be independently plugged into a desired peripheral location (e.g., pluggable transceiver 32) in the fiber optic network. It can be seen that network system 2000 provides a convenient way of branching a number of individual channels from a trunk cable or a multi-fiber drop cable.

Referring to fig. 21A-21C, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2100. The fiber network system 2100 uses a combination of subminiature duplex and subminiature MT interconnect components. The fiber optic network system 2100 includes a 16-fiber splitter connector unit 78. The illustrated shunt connector unit 78 includes: a single 16-fiber microminiature MT connector 116' at one end; and two 8-fiber optical cables 781 extending from the rear end of the subminiature MT shunt connector. Each of the two optical cables 781 extends from the strain relief sleeve 1164 'of the shunt connector 116', and each optical cable 781 is terminated at its second end with an 8-fiber, ultra-small duplex single-sheath connector 42.

With continued reference to fig. 21A-21C, in addition to the splitting unit 78, the fiber optic splitting system 2100 further includes a microminiature MT single sheath connector 416 terminating a 64-fiber cable and microminiature MT adapter 216. A single-sheath connector 416 may be inserted into a first end of the adapter 216 and four of the branching units 78 (only one branching unit is shown for clarity of illustration) may be inserted into a second end of the adapter 216 to branch signals from each MT ferrule 4163 of the single-sheath connector 416 to two 8-fiber cables 781 terminated by the subminiature duplex single-sheath connector 42. The subminiature duplex connector 42 may be plugged into a desired peripheral location in a network system, such as the pluggable transceiver 32 shown in fig. 21A. In another embodiment (not shown), the subminiature duplex connectors 42 each plug into a subminiature duplex adapter to effect further splitting through the network system 1800.

Referring to fig. 22A-22B, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2200. The fiber optic network system 2200 is similar to the fiber optic network system 2100 except that the shunt connector 78 is replaced with a fan-out unit 88 that performs the same function. The illustrated fan-out unit 88 includes a single 16-fiber subminiature MT connector 116 at one end, a 16-fiber cable segment 881 extending from the subminiature MT connector, a fan-out block 882 connected to the 16-fiber cable segment, two 8-fiber cables 883 extending from the fan-out block, and a subminiature duplex single-sheath connector 42 terminating the 8-fiber cables.

Referring to fig. 23A-23C, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2300. The fiber network system 2300 is similar to the fiber network system 2100 except that the branch connector unit 78 is replaced with a branch connector unit 78', the branch connector unit 78' performing the same function with a different connector in a position opposite the subminiature MT branch connector 116 '. The splitter connector unit 78' uses 8-fiber MPO connectors 180 instead of single-jacket connectors 42. The MPO connector 180 may be inserted into a peripheral location in the fiber optic network, such as the MPO transceiver 380.

Referring to fig. 24A-24C, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2400. The fiber optic network system 2400 is similar to the fiber optic network system 2200 except that the fan-out unit 88 is replaced with a fan-out unit 88' and the fan-out unit 88' performs the same function using a different connector at a location opposite the subminiature MT shunt connector 116 '. The fanout unit 88' uses 8-fiber MPO connectors 180 instead of single-boot connectors 48.

Referring to fig. 25, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2500. The fiber optic network system 2500 is configured to connect a 32-fiber subminiature pluggable transceiver 38 to four separate MPO pluggable transceivers 380. The fiber optic network system 2500 includes four jumper assemblies 580. Each jumper assembly includes an 8-fiber cable 5801 having a first end and a second end. The first end terminates the 8-fiber microminiature MT connector 18 and the second end terminates the MPO connector 180. It can be seen that four microminiature MT connectors 18 are plugged into 32-fiber transceivers 38, and four MPO transceivers 180 are plugged into four 8-fiber transceivers 380 (e.g., QSFP MPO transceivers).

Referring to fig. 26, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2600. Fiber optic network system 2600 is similar to fiber optic network system 2500, except that jumper assembly 580 is replaced with jumper assembly 58. Each jumper assembly 58 includes an optical cable 581 having a first end terminated by a subminiature MT connector 18 and an opposite second end terminated by the same type of subminiature MT connector. Similar to network system 2500, network system 2600 includes: a transceiver 38 for mating with four subminiature MT connectors 18 on a first end of fiber optic cable 581; and four single connector transceivers 38' for mating with respective connectors 18 at a second end of the jumper assembly 58.

Referring to fig. 27, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2700. The fiber optic network system 2700 is similar to the fiber optic network system 2500 except that the single connector transceiver 380 is replaced with a dual connector transceiver 380'. Thus, similar to network system 2500, network system 2700 includes a first transceiver 38 for mating with four subminiature MT connectors 18 on a first end of fiber optic cable 5801. Two of the four connectors 180 on opposite ends of the jumper assembly 580 are inserted into each dual connector transceiver 380'.

Referring to fig. 28, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2800. Fiber optic network system 2800 is similar to fiber optic network system 2600 except that single connector transceiver 38' is replaced with a dual connector transceiver 38". Thus, similar to network system 2600, network system 2800 includes first transceiver 38 for mating with four subminiature MT connectors 18 on a first end of fiber optic cable 581. Two of the four connectors 18 on opposite ends of the jumper assembly 58' are inserted into each dual-connector transceiver 38".

Referring to fig. 29, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 2900. Fiber optic network system 2900 is a 4x4 transceiver network between eight 32-fiber pluggable transceivers 38. Network system 2900 includes cross-connect wiring 98 that includes sixteen jumper assemblies 58 arranged to cross-connect a first set of four transceivers 38 (e.g., a right set of transceivers) to a second set of four transceivers (e.g., a left set of four transceivers). Four jumper assemblies 58 that mate with each transceiver 38 in the first set of transceivers are mated to a different four transceivers in the second set, and vice versa. Thus, fiber network 2900 forms a 4x4 crossover network for a large number of fibers in a small rack space.

Referring to fig. 30, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3000. Similar to network system 2900, network system 3000 is configured to cross-connect first set 32 of fiber-pluggable transceivers 38 to second set 32 of fiber-pluggable transceivers 332, but in the illustrated embodiment, the transceivers in the second set have different optical interfaces than the transceivers in the first set. For example, in one embodiment, each transceiver 332 is configured to mate with a 32-fiber MPO connector 132, although in other embodiments, the second set of transceivers may be configured to mate with a 32-fiber, ultra-small single-sheath MT connector 38. In the illustrated example, there is a cross-connect wiring 98 between the first set of transceivers 38 and the second set of transceivers 332, a set of four ultra-small MT adapters 28, and a set 32 of fiber jumper assemblies 532. Each jumper assembly 532 includes a fiber optic cable 5321 having a first end terminated by the 32-fiber connector 132 and a second end terminated by the microminiature MT single jacket connector 48. As explained above, each connector 132 is plugged into a corresponding transceiver 332. Each single sheath connector 48 is inserted into a first end of one of the microminiature MT adapters 28. Cross-connect wiring 98 forms cross-connections between the four transceivers 38 and the four adapters 28. Four jumper assemblies 58, which are coupled to each transceiver 38, are coupled to four different adapters 28. Thus, cross-connect wiring 98 and jumper assembly 532 connect each of the four transceivers 38 to transceiver 332.

Referring to fig. 31, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3100. The network system 3100 connects a first set of four microminiature MT transceivers 38 (e.g., right set of transceivers) to a second set of four transceivers (e.g., left set of transceivers). The first set of four transceivers 38 are cross-connected to the first set of four ultra-small MT adapters 28 through a first cross-connect wiring 98 (as in the right half of the figure). A set of four 32-fiber jumper assemblies 532' connect the first set of adapters 28 to the second set of microminiature MT adapters 28. In the illustrated embodiment, each jumper assembly 532 'includes a 32-fiber cable 5321' terminated at opposite ends with a pair of ultra-small MT single-sheath connectors 48. The second set of four microminiature MT adapters 28 are cross-connected with the second set of transceivers 38 by a second cross-connect wiring 98 (as in the left half of the figure).

Referring to fig. 32, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3200. The fiber optic network system 3200 is similar to the fiber optic network system 2500 shown in fig. 25, except that the fiber optic network system 3200 uses 16-fiber MT components to connect the 64-fiber pluggable transceiver 316 to four separate pluggable transceiver modules 3160, rather than 8-fiber MT components to connect the 32-fiber pluggable transceiver 38 to four separate 8-fiber pluggable transceiver modules 380. The fiber optic network system 3200 includes four jumper assemblies 5160. Each jumper assembly 5160 includes a 16-fiber cable 51601 having a first end and a second end. The first end is terminated by a 16-fiber microminiature MT connector 116 and the second end is terminated by a 16-fiber MPO connector 1160. It can be seen that four microminiature MT connectors 116 are plugged into the 64-fiber transceivers 316, and four MPO connectors 1160 are plugged into four 16-fiber transceivers 3160 (e.g., QSFP MPO transceivers).

Referring to fig. 33, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3300. Fiber optic network system 3300 is similar to network system 3200, except that jumper assembly 5160 is replaced with jumper assembly 516. Each jumper assembly 516 includes a 16-fiber cable 5161 having a first end terminated by a subminiature MT connector 116 and an opposite second end terminated by the same type of subminiature MT connector. Similar to the network system 3200, the network system 3300 includes: a transceiver 316 for coupling to four 16-fiber subminiature MT connectors 116 on a first end of an optical cable 5161; and four single connector transceivers 316' for mating with respective connectors at the second end of the jumper assembly 516.

Referring to fig. 34, another exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3400. The fiber optic network system 3400 is similar to the network system 3300 except that the single connector transceiver 316' is replaced with a dual connector transceiver 316". Similar to the network system 3300, the network system 3400 includes a first transceiver 316 for mating with four ultra-small MT connectors 116 on a first end of the fiber optic cable 5161. Two of the four connectors 116 on opposite ends of the jumper assembly 516 are inserted into each two-connector transceiver 316".

Referring to fig. 35, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3500. Fiber optic network system 3500 is a 4x4 transceiver cross-connect network between eight 64-fiber pluggable transceivers 316. Network system 3500 includes cross-connect wiring 916 including sixteen jumper assemblies 516 arranged to cross-connect a first set of four transceivers 316 (e.g., right set of transceivers) to a second set of four transceivers 316 (e.g., left set of transceivers). Four jumper assemblies 516 connected to each transceiver 316 in the first set of transceivers mate with four different transceivers in the second set of transceivers and vice versa. Thus, fiber network 3500 forms a 4x4 crossover network for a large number of fibers in a small space.

Referring to fig. 36, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3600. Similar to network system 3500, network system 3600 is configured to cross-connect first set 64 of fiber pluggable transceivers 316 to second set 64 of fiber pluggable transceivers 364, but in the illustrated embodiment, the transceivers in the second set have a different optical interface than the transceivers in the first set. For example, in one embodiment, each transceiver 364 is configured to mate with a 64-fiber MPO connector 164 (although in other embodiments, the second set of transceivers may also be configured to mate with a 64-fiber, ultra-small single-sheath MT connector 416). In the illustrated example, between the first set of transceivers 316 and the second set of transceivers 364 are cross-connect wiring 916, a set of four subminiature MT adapters 216, and a set of four 64-fiber jumper assemblies 564. Each jumper assembly 564 includes a 64-fiber cable 5641 having a first end terminated by the 64-fiber connector 164 and a second end terminated by the ultra-small MT single-sheath connector 416. As explained above, each connector 164 is plugged into a corresponding transceiver 364. Each single sheath connector 416 is inserted into a first end of one of the microminiature MT adapters 216. Cross-connect wiring 916 forms cross-connections between four transceivers 316 and four adapters 216. Each of the four jumper assemblies 564 that are mated to the transceiver 365 are mated with different adapters 216.

Referring to fig. 37, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3700. The network system 3700 connects the first set of four microminiature MT transceivers 316 (right set of transceivers) to the second set of four transceivers 316. The first set of four transceivers 316 are cross-connected with the first set of four ultra-small MT adapters 216 through a first cross-connect wiring 916 (in the right half of the figure). A set of four 64-fiber jumper assemblies 564' connects the first set of adapters 216 with the second set of subminiature MT adapters. In the illustrated embodiment, each jumper assembly 564 'includes 64 fiber optic cables 5641' terminated with a pair of ultra-small MT single-sheath connectors 416. The second set of four microminiature MT adapters 216 are cross-connected to the second set of transceivers 316 by a second cross-connect wiring 916 (in the left half of the figure).

Referring to fig. 38, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3800. The network system 3800 is configured to connect two 8-fiber subminiature duplex transceivers 32 to four 4-fiber subminiature duplex transceivers 34. The network system 3800 includes eight jumper assemblies 52. The first subminiature duplex connector 12 of each jumper assembly 52 is plugged into one of the transceivers 32 and the second duplex connector 12 of each jumper assembly 52 is plugged into one of the 4-fiber transceivers 34. As shown, each 4-fiber connector mates with two subminiature duplex connectors 12 (optionally also with an optical interface suitable for SFP size layout). Four jumper assemblies 52 connected to each transceiver 32 mate with four different transceivers 34.

Referring to fig. 39, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 3900. Network system 3900 connects a first set of eight 4-fiber transceivers 34 to a second set of four 8-fiber transceivers 32. Both the first set of transceivers 34 and the second set of transceivers 32 are configured to mate with a subminiature duplex connector. Between the first set of transceivers 34 and the second set of transceivers 32 is a microminiature MT adapter 28. The first end of the microminiature MT adapter mates with the microminiature MT connector 18 of the four splitter connector units 72. The 16 subminiature duplex connectors 12 of the four branching units 72 are mated with the eight transceivers 34. Four 8-fiber cable assemblies 520 are coupled to the second end of adapter 28. Each jumper assembly 520 includes an 8-fiber cable 5201 having a first end terminated by the subminiature MT connector 18 and a second end terminated by the subminiature duplex single-sheath connector 42. The subminiature MT connector 18 of each jumper assembly 520 is mated with the second end of the adapter 28 and each subminiature duplex single-boot connector 42 is mated with the first end of a corresponding subminiature duplex adapter 22. The subminiature duplex adapter 22 is connected to the transceiver 32 by cross-connect wiring 92. Cross-connect wiring 92 is similar to cross-connect wiring 98, except that the eight-fiber jumper assembly 58 of cross-connect wiring 98 is replaced in cross-connect wiring 92 with a dual-fiber jumper assembly 52.

Referring to fig. 40, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 4000. Network system 4000 is similar to network system 3900 in that network system 4000 also connects eight 4-fiber transceivers 34 to four 8-fiber transceivers 32. In network system 4000, four shunt connector units 72 are used to connect eight transceivers 34 to the first end of adapter 28, similar to in network system 3900. But unlike network system 3900, four split connector units 72 are also used to connect the second end of adapter 28 to four transceivers 32. In the illustrated embodiment, four branching units 72 as shown on the left side of the figure are configured to form cross-connect wiring 92'. In cross-connect wiring 92', four separate fiber optic cables extending from each of the branch connectors 18' are routed to four different transceivers 32.

Referring to fig. 41, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 4100. Network system 4100 is generally configured to connect a 64-fiber trunk cable 1064 to a plurality of peripheral subnetworks 4101, 4102. The trunk cable 1064 is terminated by a 64-fiber, ultra-small single-sheath MT connector 416 (typically a trunk ultra-small connector) that is terminated with a first end of the ultra-small MT adapter 216 (typically a trunk ultra-small adapter). The second end of the microminiature MT adapter is coupled to two 32-fiber drop cable assemblies 1132. Each drop cable assembly includes at least one first subminiature MT connector (typically a first subnetwork subminiature connector) configured to hold two MT ferrules that collectively terminate 32 optical fibers. In the illustrated embodiment, two separate 16-fiber MT connectors 116 are used for this purpose; in other embodiments, however, a 32-fiber, dual ferrule, ultra-small MT single ferrule connector (not shown) may be used for the same purpose. Two connectors 116 terminate respective 16-fiber cable segments 11321 that are connected to a single 32-fiber cable segment 11323 (e.g., by a fan-out box, not shown). The first branch connector 116 mates with two receptacles at the second end of the subminiature MT adapter 216. The third cable segment 11323 is terminated by a 32-fiber subminiature MT single-sheath connector 48 (typically a branch subminiature single-sheath connector) inserted into a first end portion of a corresponding branch subminiature MT adapter 28 (typically a branch subminiature adapter).

Each subnetwork 4101, 4102 is connected to a trunk cable 1064 through a second end of a respective branch subminiature MT adapter 28. Each subnetwork generally includes peripheral cabling containing a plurality of peripheral fiber optic cables terminated by external Zhou Chao small connectors. In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral wiring includes jumper assemblies 520 and cross-connect wiring 92. The microminiature MT connector 18 of four sub-branch jumper assemblies 520 is coupled to the second end of each branch adapter 28. The subminiature duplex single-sheath connector 42 of each jumper assembly 520 is inserted into a first end of the adapter 22 of the respective sub-network 4101, 4102. The cross-connect wiring 92 is used to establish cross-connections between the second end of each of the four adapters 22 and the four external Zhou Shoufa devices 32 of the respective sub-networks 4101, 4102. Accordingly, it can be seen that the network 4100 enables a trunk cable 1064 having at least 64 optical fibers to be connected to the plurality of optical fiber sub-networks 4101, 4102.

Each fiber optic network subsystem 4101, 4102 employs fiber optic branch cabling (e.g., jumper assemblies 520 and cross-connect cabling 92) and ultra-miniature adapters 28 to connect 32-fiber optic cables 1132 to a plurality of outer Zhou Shoufa devices 32 without any pre-fabricated tuning components or mid-span branch components along any of the plurality of cables. It should be understood that other types of shunt wiring employing the same general principles may be used to connect various multi-fiber optic cables (terminated with single-sheath connectors) to the peripheral transceivers. In certain exemplary embodiments of the branch routing systems within the scope of the present disclosure, a single-jacket connector (e.g., connector 48) of a multi-fiber cable is mated with a first end of a subminiature adapter (e.g., adapter 216). The shunt wiring will suitably comprise: a plurality of first connectors (e.g., subminiature MT connectors 18) that mate with second ends of the same adapter (e.g., adapter 28); and a plurality of peripheral connectors inserted into the outer Zhou Shoufa.

It should be noted that network system 4100 may generally be used as a trunk-to-transceiver wiring assembly for connecting trunk cable 1064 to at least 32 transceiver ports (e.g., each of the four ports/receptacles of each of the eight outer Zhou Shoufa devices 32) and is composed only of trunk single-jacket connector 416, one or more ultra-small adapters 22, 28, 216, one or more drop cable assemblies 1132, and peripheral cable assemblies 520, 52 (composed of fiber optic cables and ultra-small connectors).

Referring to fig. 42, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 4200. Network system 4200 illustrates how network system 4100 may be combined with other network systems through 64-fiber trunk cable 1064 to enhance connectivity. Each end of each 64-fiber trunk cable 1064 is terminated by a single-jacket connector 416 that connects the trunk cable to the corresponding network system 4100. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, each trunk cable 1064 is used to connect two 64-fiber network systems 4100 together, thereby forming a respective combined network system 4201, 4202. Network system 4200 includes two 64-fiber combined network systems 4201, 4202. As shown in fig. 43, however, the ultra-small fiber network system 4300 may include any desired number n of combined 64 fiber network systems 4301-430n, which network systems 4301-430n may be combined or cross-combined in any suitable manner for a given application scenario.

Referring to fig. 44, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 4400. Similar to network system 4100, network system 4400 is configured to connect 64-fiber trunk cables to a plurality of peripheral sub-networks 4401, 4402. Similar to network system 4100, network system 4400 includes two 32-fiber drop cable assemblies 1132, each 32-fiber drop cable assembly connected to (1) trunk adapter 216, and (2) a corresponding branch adapter 28. In the network system 4400, one branch adapter 28 is connected to the same type of cross-connect sub-network 4402 as used in the network system 4100. The other branch connector 28 is connected to a different type of cross-connect sub-network 4401. In particular, a splitter unit cross-connect network 92' of the type shown in fig. 40 is used to cross-connect the branch adapters 28 of the sub-network 4401 with the four outer Zhou Shoufa units 32.

It should be noted that the fiber network subsystem 4402 employs only the fiber optic splitter cabling 92' and the microminiature adapters 28 to connect the 32-fiber cable 1132 to the plurality of outer Zhou Shoufa devices 32. It is also noted that the network system 4400 may generally function as a trunk-to-transceiver wiring assembly for connecting the trunk cable 1064 to at least 32 transceiver ports (e.g., each of the four respective ports/receptacles of the eight outer Zhou Shoufa devices 32) and consist only of the trunk single-jacket connector 416, one or more ultra-small adapters 22, 28, 216, one or more drop cable assemblies 1132, and peripheral wiring 92, 92' (comprised of fiber optic cables and ultra-small connectors).

Referring to fig. 45, another exemplary embodiment of a subminiature fiber optic network system is indicated generally by the reference numeral 4500. Network system 4500 replicates network system 4400 on opposite ends of 64-fiber trunk cable 1064 for enhanced connectivity. Each end of each 64-fiber trunk cable 1064 is terminated by a single-jacket connector 416 that connects the trunk cable to the corresponding network system 4400. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, each trunk cable 1064 is used to connect two 64-fiber network systems 4400 together, thereby forming a combined network system. Network system 4500 includes two 64-fiber combined networks 4501, 4502. As shown in fig. 46, however, the ultra-small fiber network system 4600 may include as many n combined 64 fiber network systems 4601-460n as desired, and the 64 fiber sub-networks may be combined or cross-combined in any suitable manner for a given application scenario.

It should be understood that other configurations of the combined 64-fiber network system may also be employed without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In an alternative example, a trunk cable 1064 may be used to directly connect network system 4100 with network system 4400. In another alternative embodiment, using the principles of the present disclosure, the trunk cable 1064 may be connected to a network system (not shown) that branches into two 32-fiber cross-connect sub-networks of the same type as sub-network 4401. Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the principles of the present disclosure may also be used to connect trunk fiber optic cables to non-cross-connect sub-networks. Furthermore, it should be understood that trunk cables having other numbers of optical fibers (e.g., 32-fiber trunk cables, 128-fiber trunk cables, etc.) may be used to build different scale combining and/or branching networks in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

When introducing elements of the present disclosure or the preferred embodiments(s) thereof, the articles "a," "an," "the," and "said" are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms "comprising," "including," and "having" are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.

In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the disclosure have been achieved and other advantageous results attained.

As various changes could be made in the above products and methods without departing from the scope of the disclosure, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims (24)

1. A fiber optic network system comprising:

a first fiber optic network device comprising a multi-fiber cable and a microminiature single jacket connector terminating the multi-fiber cable;

A plurality of transceivers; and

A subminiature adapter having a first end defining a first receptacle mated with the subminiature single-boot connector and a second end defining a plurality of second receptacles; and

An optical fiber branch cabling comprising a plurality of optical cables and a subminiature connector terminating the plurality of optical cables, the subminiature connector of the optical fiber branch cabling comprising: a plurality of first subminiature connectors, the first subminiature connectors being plugged into the plurality of second receptacles; and a plurality of second subminiature connectors inserted into the plurality of transceivers, whereby the fiber optic branch cabling connects the first fiber optic network device to the plurality of transceivers without requiring any pre-fabricated tuning components or mid-span branch components along any of the plurality of fiber optic cables.

2. The fiber optic network of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of second subminiature connectors has exactly two single fiber ferrules.

3. The fiber optic network of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of second miniature connectors has exactly one multi-fiber ferrule.

4. A fiber optic network according to claim 3, wherein the number of optical fibers of the multi-fiber ferrule is selected from the group consisting of: 8, 12, 16, 24, 32.

5. The fiber optic network of claim 1, wherein each of the first ultra-small connectors comprises a plug body, wherein the ultra-small single-boot connector comprises a plurality of plug bodies, and wherein the plug body of each ultra-small single-boot connector has a size and shape that substantially corresponds to the plug body of the first ultra-small connector.

6. The fiber optic network of claim 1, wherein the multi-fiber cable includes at least 64 fibers and includes at most 128 fibers.

7. A fiber optic network system comprising:

A trunk cable having at least 64 trunk fibers;

a trunk ultra-small single-sheath connector terminating the trunk cable;

A trunk microminiature adapter having a first end defining a first trunk adapter socket and a second end defining a plurality of second trunk adapter sockets, the trunk microminiature single boot connector being mated with the first trunk adapter socket; and

A plurality of fiber optic subnetworks connected to the trunk cable by the trunk ultra-small adapter, each fiber optic subnetwork comprising:

a drop cable having a first end and a second end;

a plurality of peripheral optical cables;

a first sub-network subminiature connector for terminating a first end of the drop cable;

a branch subminiature single-boot connector for terminating a second end of a corresponding drop cable;

A plurality of outer Zhou Chao miniature connectors for terminating the plurality of peripheral optical cables; and

A branched microminiature adapter having a first end and a second end, the first end of the branched microminiature adapter defining a first branched adapter socket and the second end of the branched microminiature adapter defining a plurality of second branched adapter sockets;

Wherein the first sub-network ultra-small adapter is plugged into one of the plurality of second trunk adapter receptacles, the branched ultra-small single-sheath connector is plugged into the first branched adapter receptacle, and a subset of the plurality of outer Zhou Chao small connectors is plugged into the second branched adapter receptacle, whereby other outer Zhou Chao small connectors of the plurality of outer Zhou Chao small connectors are connectable to separate network nodes such that the plurality of peripheral optical cables define sub-branches of the fiber optic sub-network.

8. The fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein some of the plurality of outer Zhou Chao mini-connectors have exactly two single fiber ferrules.

9. The fiber optic network of claim 8, wherein some of the plurality of outer Zhou Chao mini-connectors have exactly one multi-fiber ferrule.

10. The fiber optic network of claim 9, wherein the number of optical fibers of the multi-fiber ferrule is selected from the group consisting of: 8, 12, 16, 24, 32.

11. The fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein the branched subminiature single-boot connector includes a plurality of plug bodies, each of the subset of the plurality of outer Zhou Chao miniature connectors inserted into the second branched adapter socket having a plug body, the plug body of each of the subset having a size and shape that substantially corresponds to the plug body of the first subminiature connector.

12. The fiber optic network of claim 7, wherein the trunk cable has at most 128 fibers.

13. A fiber optic network system comprising:

a trunk cable; and

A plurality of fiber optic subnetworks connected to the trunk cable, wherein at least one of the plurality of fiber optic subnetworks includes a subminiature cross-connect subnetwork, each subminiature cross-connect subnetwork including:

A plurality of cross-connect subminiature adapters, each cross-connect subminiature adapter having a first receptacle and a plurality of second receptacles in communication with the first receptacle;

A plurality of cross-connect subminiature single-boot connectors connected to the first receptacles of the plurality of cross-connect subminiature adapters, each cross-connect subminiature single-boot connector in optical communication with the trunk cable;

a plurality of cross-connect transceivers, each cross-connect transceiver including an optical interface having a plurality of transceiver receptacles; and

A plurality of cross-connect cable assemblies, each cross-connect cable assembly comprising: an optical cable having a first end and a second end; a first subminiature connector terminating a first end of the fiber optic cable; a second subminiature connector terminating a second end of the fiber optic cable, the first subminiature connector of each cross-connect fiber optic cable assembly being mated with one of the second receptacles of one of the cross-connect subminiature adapters, the second subminiature connector being mated with one of the transceiver receptacles of one of the cross-connect transceivers,

Wherein for each cross-connect transceiver, each of the cross-connect cable assemblies connected to the cross-connect transceiver is connected to a different one of the cross-connect subminiature adapters.

14. The fiber optic network system of claim 13, wherein the optical interface of each cross-connect transceiver has four transceiver receptacles.

15. The fiber optic network system of claim 14, wherein each cross-connect subminiature adapter has four second receptacles.

16. The fiber optic network system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of ultra-small cross-connect adapters consists of four cross-connect ultra-small adapters, the plurality of cross-connect ultra-small single-sheath connectors consists of four cross-connect ultra-small single-sheath connectors, the plurality of cross-connect transceivers consists of four cross-connect transceivers, and the plurality of cross-connect cable assemblies consists of sixteen cross-connect cable assemblies.

17. The fiber optic network system of claim 13, further comprising a drop cable assembly connecting the trunk cable to the cross-connect sub-network, the drop cable assembly including a ultra-small single-jacket connector that mates with a first receptacle of the ultra-small cross-connect sub-network.

18. A fiber optic network system comprising:

A trunk cable;

a trunk ultra-small single-sheath connector terminating the trunk optical cable, the trunk ultra-small single-sheath connector comprising a plurality of multi-fiber ferrules;

A trunk microminiature adapter having a first end defining a first trunk adapter socket and a second end defining a plurality of second trunk adapter sockets, the trunk microminiature single boot connector being mated with the first trunk adapter socket;

A drop cable assembly, the drop cable assembly comprising: a drop cable comprising at least eight optical fibers and having a first end and a second end; a branched subminiature connector comprising a single multi-fiber ferrule terminating a first end of the drop cable; and a branched subminiature single-boot connector including a plurality of ferrules terminating the second ends of the drop cables, the branched subminiature connector being mated with one of the plurality of second trunk adapter receptacles;

A branched microminiature adapter having a first end and a second end, the first end of the branched microminiature adapter defining a first branched adapter socket, the second end of the branched microminiature adapter defining a plurality of second branched adapter sockets, the branched microminiature single-boot connector being mated with the first branched adapter socket; and

A plurality of peripheral fiber optic cable assemblies, each peripheral fiber optic cable assembly comprising: a first peripheral ultra-small connector that mates with a respective one of the plurality of second branch adapter receptacles; and at least one second outer Zhou Chao mini-connector.

19. The fiber optic network system of claim 18, wherein at least one of the peripheral cable connector assemblies comprises a multi-cable assembly.

20. The fiber optic network system of claim 19, wherein the first peripheral subminiature connector of each multi-fiber cable assembly includes a multi-fiber ferrule and a connector housing assembly.

21. The fiber optic network system of claim 20, wherein each multi-fiber cable assembly further comprises a plurality of optical fibers, each optical fiber having an end received in the connector housing assembly and terminated to the multi-fiber ferrule.

22. The fiber optic network system of claim 21, wherein each multi-fiber cable assembly includes a plurality of second outer Zhou Chao mini-connectors terminating ends of the plurality of optical fibers opposite the first outer peripheral ultra-mini-connectors.

23. The fiber optic network system of claim 22, wherein each second outer Zhou Chao mini-connector of the multi-cable optical cable assembly includes two single-fiber ferrules.

24. A fiber optic network system comprising:

A trunk-to-transceiver wiring assembly for connecting a trunk fiber optic cable to at least 32 transceiver ports, the trunk-to-transceiver wiring assembly consisting of only: a trunk ultra-small single-sheath connector for terminating the trunk optical cable, one or more ultra-small adapters, one or more drop cable assemblies, and a plurality of peripheral optical cable assemblies, the peripheral optical cable assemblies including optical cables and ultra-small connectors,

Each drop cable assembly includes: a multi-fiber cable having at least one first end section and exactly one second end section; a branched subminiature connector terminating each first end segment of the multi-fiber cable; and a branched subminiature single-sheath connector terminating the second end segment of the multi-fiber cable, an

The plurality of ultra-small connectors of the peripheral fiber optic cable assemblies collectively comprise ultra-small connectors for all of the at least 32 transceiver ports.