MXPA01000651A - Fiber optic connector module - Google Patents

Abstract

A fiber optic module includes front adapters for connection to fiber optic connectors, and rear adapters for connection to fiber optic connectors. The module includes two circuits having passive optical couplers inside, and adapters exposed along the front and the rear of the module. The module is usable in cross-connect applications with itself or with other modules. The adapters are selectively connectable to fiber optic connectors. The front adapters of the module include two receive input ports and two transmit output ports. The front of the module also includes two visual indicators, one for each circuit. The visual indicators include a lens cap at least partially transparent to visual light in light communication with an optical fiber. The rear adapters of the module include two transmit input ports and two transmit output ports. Monitor ports are also located on the rear for both the transmit and receive signals. The receive monitor ports also function as the input ports for an identification signal sent in the reverse direction for illuminating the visual indicators along the front of the module or another module. Alternatively, separate identification signal input ports can be provided on the front as adapters.

Description

OPTICAL FIBER CONNECTOR MODULE FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to modules for optical fiber, for use in the interconnection of equipment using optical fiber.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The telecommunications and data transmission industries are rapidly expanding their development of fiber optic transmission systems. Historically, telecommunications signals and data have been transmitted through wired lines such as pairs of twisted conductors or coaxial cables. In order to achieve higher signal speeds, the industry is focusing on increasing the use of fiber optic cables as the transmission medium. As the use of fiber optic cables increases, the need for peripheral equipment has increased. For example, it is desirable to have access to a fiber line REF .: 126651 optics for the purpose, either to re-route the line in the case of damage to it, or to have access to the line for purposes of inspecting or testing the line. Peripheral fiber optic equipment with cable management, storage and cable connection capabilities is well known. The use of modular fiber optic connector modules is known to perform the applications known as interconnection. U.S. Patent Nos. 5,432,875 and 5,363,465 issued to ADC Telecommunications, Inc. concern fiber optic connector modules and chassis designs for receiving the modules in interconnection applications. PCT WO97 / 41720 also refers to an optical fiber module for use in interconnection applications. The document describes the routing capabilities, and visual inspection and identification of the route, of the optical signal. There is a continuing need for fiber optic modules that provide routing, inspection and visual identification capabilities of the optical signal path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION A fiber optic module for mounting to a chassis to hold one or more modules, has a front and rear access defined by a plurality of connection sites. The connection sites are linked by optical couplers. Two circuits are located inside the module housing. The module is used to interconnect fiber optic equipment through temporary connection cords, on the front connection sites. In a preferred embodiment, the front of the module includes four adapters for connection to the fiber optic connectors, and two visual indicators for visual identification of the route for the circuits. The front part may also include input ports for visual identification of the signal. The back includes eight adapters for connection to fiber optic connectors. The back of the module can include linear segments at an angle, for the connection sites. The front part may include adapters in a linear arrangement, each supported at an angle to the front of the module, by means of an in-line retainer. The visual indicators may include a lens cap at least partially transparent to visible light, which can be connected to an optical fiber. During the injection of an optical signal through the fiber, in the visible light range, the lens cover will light up.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings, where similar letters and reference numbers indicate corresponding elements through the different views: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a chassis that includes several fiber optic modules mounted on the chassis; Figure IA is a front view of the chassis with the front door open, and showing two four-port fiber optic modules, and two six-port fiber optic modules, mounted to the chassis; Figure IB is a rear view of the chassis and the modules shown in Figure A with the rear door open; Figure 2 shows a perspective side view of one of the four-port fiber optic modules; Figure 3 is a plan view of the module of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a front view of the module of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a rear view of the module of Figure 2; Figure 6 is a schematic drawing of the circuit paths, showing the exemplary signal paths, for the main signals (solid lines) and for the visible signs of inspection and identification of continuity (dotted lines); Figure 7 shows only the circuit paths for the main signals of the circuit drawing of Figure 6; Figure 8 shows only the circuit paths for the visible signs of inspection and continuity identification, of the drawing of Figure 6; Figure 9 shows a type adapter and retainer, along the front of the module; Figure 10 shows an adapter and retainer of the type, along the rear of the module; Figure 11 shows a further view of the adapter and retainer of Figure 10; Figure 12 is a perspective view of the visual indicator for the output device of the signal identifier, along the front of the module; Figure 13 is a side view, of cross-section, of the output device of the signal identifier; Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the lens cap and nut of the signal identifier output device; Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side view of the sleeve and bushing of the signal identifier output device; Figure 16 is a view with separation of parts, of the output device of the signal identifier; Figure 17 is a perspective view of a portion of the housing of the module; and Figure 18 is a perspective view of a further portion of the module housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE MODALITIES PREFERRED Referring now to Figures 1, IA and IB, there is shown an optical fiber chassis 20 for supporting a plurality of optical fiber modules 22, 23. The chassis 20 can be mounted to a frame (not shown) to support the chassis 20 The chassis 20 includes an outer housing 24 and a rotatable front door 26. The front door 26 allows access to the interior of the chassis 20, in order to have access to the individual modules 22, 23 such as for repair or replacement of the modules 22, 23 or to connect or disconnect the modules with other modules or fiber optic equipment. The rear door 27 also rotates in a similar manner, to allow access to the rear areas of the modules 22, 23. The housing 24 includes a plurality of guides 28 for holding the individual modules 22, 23 in a horizontal manner. Side holes 29 allow the cable paths to enter and exit the chassis 20. The modules 22 have four sites or connection ports along the front, and the modules 23 have six sites or connection ports along the front part. As will be described hereinafter in greater detail, modules 22, 23 are similar in many aspects. Both modules 22, 23 preferably include two circuits for use in the interconnection of fiber optic equipment connected to the modules in subsequent connection sites or ports. The modules 22, 23 can also be used for the interconnection of fiber optic equipment as it is known. Both modules 22, 23 also allow the inspection of signals and the visual verification of continuity for the circuits. One difference is that in order to inject an identification signal into one of the circuits, the input port is on the back for the module 22 and on the front for the module 23. Referring now to FIGS. 2-5, the module 22 has a housing 32 of the module, which includes a front face 40, and a rear face 42 oriented in generally opposite position. The front and rear faces 40, 42 each define connection sites 60, 62 for connecting the module 22 to the fiber optic cables. In the embodiment shown, the front face 40 is generally flat, and the rear face 42 generally includes at least one linear segment, at an angle, and preferably two linear segments at an angle 44. Angled segments allow more connection sites 62 of those that were possible with a flat back face 42 parallel to the front face 40. In the embodiment shown, eight connection sites are defined on the rear face 42, four per segment 44. In the embodiment shown, the connection sites 60, 62 are both angled in relation to the front face 40. The module 22 further includes opposite, main planar sides, 48, 50. The main sides 48, 50 define an upper part and a bottom part in the illustrated embodiment for the module 22. The module 22 also includes side, opposite side planes, 52, 54 defining the sides of the module 22 in the embodiment shown. The main side 48 has lateral extensions 56 that form sliding rails 56 to be received in guides 28 of the housing 24 of the chassis. The module 22 is mounted in any orientation as shown in Figures 1, IA and IB. When the modules 22 are released between the left and right sides, the connection sites with angle, on the front part and the rear part are directed towards the respective left and right sides of the chassis 20 as shown. Also, module 22 can be mounted vertically if desired. A structure of the housing 32 of the module is for forming the front face 40, the main side 50, and secondary sides 52, 54 from a single main part 80 (see Figure 17), such as from sheet metal. A separate lid 82 (see figure 2) and a later piece of sawed form, separated, 84 (see Figures 12 and 18), such as from sheet metal, both are joined in a single main part 80 to form the housing for the optical couplers and adapters that allow connection with the optical equipment. The joining of the parts can be done by fasteners such as screws. The module 22 includes a plurality of first adapters 60 exposed along the front face 40 by the front connection sites, for connection to the fiber optic connectors. A plurality of second adapters 62 is located along the rear face 42 for the subsequent connection sites, also for connection to the fiber optic connectors. The first and second adapters 60, 62 are preferably arranged in linear arrays parallel to the front face 40. The adapters shown are of the FC type but could also be SC, ST, or any other appropriate connection scheme. The plurality of first adapters 60 is used to interconnect the fiber optic equipment connected to the plurality of the rear adapters 62 of the module 22. Alternatively the equipment can be connected to the rear adapters 62 of the module 22 and to another module. The two modules are interconnected to connect the equipment in this location. The front face 40 of the module 22 also includes two visual indicators 64, 66 connected to the optical components within the module 22, as will be described with greater later size. Alternatively, the module 22 can be interconnected with another equipment or another module via front adapters 60. The module 22 further includes end flanges 68, 70 for use in mounting the module 22 to the chassis 20. The fastening members 72 support releasably flanges 68, 70 in holes 30 of housing 24 of chassis 20. Fixing members 72 are of the type shown and described in U.S. Patent No. 5,363,465. The fixing members 72 function to fix or release when rotating 90 degrees. Other fastening members that include screws may be used, if desired. The front adapters 60 define reception and transmission ports for two passive optical circuits contained within the module 22. In an interconnect application, the rear adapters 62 are connected to the fiber optic equipment to be interconnected in the front adapters 60 through of the temporary connection cords. The two circuits allow, each one, the routing of the optical signal, the inspection and the identification of the signal path. The module 22 of a preferred embodiment fits into the existing chassis 20 having widths of the individual module orifices of approximately 18.4 centimeters (7.237 inches), and heights of approximately 2.8 centimeters (1100 inches). The holes 30 are located with a separation of approximately 20.1 centimeters (7.905 inches). The module 22 of a preferred embodiment has a length between the sides 52, 54, of about 18.1 centimeters (7.11 inches), a length between the outer edges of the side extensions 56 of about 20.2 centimeters (7.96 inches), a length between sides 48, 50 of about 2.7 centimeters (1.06 inches), and a length of the front face 40 including the flanges 68, 70 of approximately 21.9 centimeters (8.61 inches). The module 22 with two independent circuits has the double density of a module 22 having only a single circuit. The module 22 includes two male plugs 88 that occupy the space of the unused holes in the front face 40 in the module 22. In the module 23, the adapters 60 are placed on the front face 40 (see figure A) where the male plugs are in the module 22 in a manner similar to that of the other adapters 60, for connection to a fiber optic connector.

Figures 6-8 illustrate the circuit paths through the modules 22, 23 during the use of the main signal (Figures 6 and 7), and the use of the visual continuity identifier and verifier (Figures 6 and 8). The main signals are in the 1310 nanometer (nm) window (for example, from 1260 to 1360 nm) or in the 1550 nm window (for example, from 1430 to 1580 nm). During the verification and identification of the visual continuity, the identification signals are passed through the circuits in an inverse direction with respect to the main signals. In addition, the identification signals are at a wavelength of visible light, such as from 400 to 700 nm. Referring now to Figures 4 and 6, along the front of the module 22, two adapters 60 define a first transmission output port 100 and a first reception input port 102 as part of a first circuit 90. The adapters 60 further define a second transmission output port 106, and a reception input port 108 as part of a second circuit 92. A first electroluminescent diode (LED) 104 defines a first visual indicator 64 and is linked to a first circuit 90 for the inspection and identification of the continuity of the circuit. A second LED 110 defines a second visual indicator 66 and is linked to the second circuit 92 for inspection and identification of the continuity of the circuit. The figures from 6 to 8 are schematic views showing the circuit paths during the use of the module 22 where the first circuit 90 is interconnected with the second circuit 92 with temporary connecting cords 94, 96. Each of the first and second circuits 90, 92 can also be interconnected to the circuits of other modules. Each of the circuits 90, 92 can be interconnected with other modules or equipment s. The adapters 62 define several ports for the first and second circuits 90, 92. Specifically, a first transmission input port 120 and a first reception output port 122 are linked to the front ports 100, 102 of the first circuit, through of optical couplers within the module 22. Also, a second transmit input port 124 and a second receive output port 126 are linked to the front ports 106, 108 of the second circuit, via optical couplers. A first port for transmission inspection device 128 and first port for reception inspection device 130 are part of the first circuit 90, and are positioned along the rear face 42. A second port for inspection device of the transmission 132 and a second port for reception inspection device 134 are part of a second circuit 92, and are also positioned along the rear face 42. The port for reception inspection device 130 is also used as a identification input port for injecting a signal to the first circuit 90 to trace a circuit path through the module 22 to another circuit that is in the module 22 or to another module, completely. In Figure 6, the port for receiving inspection device 130 is shown separately from the identification entry port 136. This is the case for the six-port module 23. For the four-port module 22, the ports 130, 136 are combined and share the same connector site. This requires that an operator selectively use the combined port, either as an inspection device or a visual indicator for continuity verification. The port 134 of the device 1 for inspection of the reception is also used as an identification input port for injecting a signal to the second circuit 92 to trace a circuit path through the module 22, to another circuit that is in the module 22 or to another module, completely. In Figure 6, the port 134 for receiving inspection device is shown separately from the identification entry port 138. As above for ports 130, 136, ports 134, 13.8 are separate ports for module 23. For module 22, they are the same connection site.

A first optical coupler 140 ?, such as a two-by-two splitter, links the input port 120 of the transmission with the output port 100 of the transmission and with the port 128 for the transmission inspection device, wherein each one receives a portion of the signal, such as 50%. A second optical coupler 142, such as a one-by-two splitter, links the receiving input port 108 to the receiving output port 126 and the port 134 for receiving inspection device, wherein each receives a portion of the signal, such as 50%. Third and fourth optical couplers 144 and 146 are similarly configured to divide the signals coming from an input port, between the respective output ports and the inspection device. Each of the couplers 140, 142, 144, 146 allows the identification signal to pass in the reverse direction with respect to the main signal. If separate ports are desired for the function of the inspection device of the reception signal and the function of inputting the identification signal, an additional optical coupler is provided. In the first circuit 90 a secondary coupler 160 is provided, such as a 1x2 splitter, where the port 130 of the inspection device receives approximately 95% of the signal, and the remaining part of approximately 5% is received. through the input port 136. A similar structure is provided for the secondary coupler 162 of the second circuit 92. Each of the couplers 160, 162 allows the identification signal to pass in the opposite direction with respect to the main signal. Referring now to the figure 9, the adapter 60 is shown in greater detail, with a retainer 200 for holding the adapter 60 in a hole 202 (see Figure 18) of the housing 32 of the module. The retainer 200 holds the adapter 60 at an angle not perpendicular to the axis of the hole 202. The retainer 200 pressurizes into the hole 202. The retainer 200 can also be removed if desired. U.S. Patent No. 5,214,735 issued to ADC Telecommunications, Inc., shows and describes an exemplary retainer 200. Other retainers for mounting adapters 60 to module 22 are also possible. Once mounted, end 205 of adapter 60 is exposed for connection to a connector of a temporary fiber optic connection cord, shown schematically in Figures 6 to 8 as the cords 94, 96. Referring now to Figures 10 and 11, the adapter 62 is shown in greater detail, with a retainer 208 for mounting the adapter 62 in one of the holes 210 along the rear face 42 of the housing 32 of the module (see Figure 18). The retainer 208 snaps into port 200, and can be removed if desired. The adapter 62 is shown with protective caps 204. Other retainers for mounting the adapters 62 to the module 22 are also possible. Once assembled, the end 207 is exposed for connection to a connector of a fiber optic cable. As illustrated, the adapters 60, 62 include protective end caps 204 that are removed prior to connection with a connector. The adapters 60, 62 also allow connection at opposite ends 206, 209 to FC type connectors, in order to easily connect the optical couplers within the module 22. Other types of connectors may also be used, if desired. Referring now to Figures 13 through 16, the first LED 104 is shown in greater detail. The second LED 110 is constructed in a similar manner. Each LED includes a portion of optically linked lens with a fiber connected to the main circuits to provide a continuity check for each circuit. A lens cap 300 is held by a nut 302 to an outer sleeve 306. The lens cap 300 is made of a material at least partially transparent to visible light. A lens cover 300 and nut 302 molded in one piece is also possible. An inner bushing 304 is held in the outer sleeve 306, such as with an adhesive, holds an optical fiber 310 such that one end of the fiber is adjacent to the cap 300. An outer transition fitting 308 provides stress relief for the outer sleeve 306. The nut 302 includes threads 320 which are threadably mounted to the threads 322 of the outer sleeve 306. The cap 300 includes a plurality of flexible legs 324 which allow the placement of a recessed region 326 placed on an outer surface of the cap 300 around a shoulder 330 of the nut 302. That structure allows retaining cap 300 with nut 302. By screwing nut 302 to outer sleeve 306, front face 40 of housing 32 of the module is trapped between end 331 of nut 302 and projection 332 of the outer sleeve 306. When the visible light is passed through the fiber 310, the light illuminates the lens cap 300 providing a visual indicator to the operator. In an alternative embodiment, the lens cap 300 and the remaining components needed to attach it to the fiber can be molded from plastic, such as a molded part in one piece. Having described the present invention in a preferred embodiment, modifications and equivalents may occur to a person skilled in the art. It is intended that all such modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of the appended claims hereto.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known by the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is the conventional one for the manufacture of the objects to which it relates. Having described the invention as above, the content of the following is claimed as property:

Claims (19)

RE VI ND I CAC I ONE S

1. A fiber optic module that can be mounted to a chassis, characterized in that it comprises: a module housing, having front and rear faces, opposite main sides, and opposite side sides, defining a closed interior, the front face includes rims of assembly to mount the module to the chassis; a plurality of first adapters exposed, along the front face, each of the plurality of first adapters, can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; a plurality of exposed second adapters, along the back face, each of the plurality of second adapters can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; wherein the plurality of the first adapters defines: a first output port of signal transmission; a first port of entry, gives of reception of signals; a first signal identification input port; a second output port for signal transmission; a second input port for receiving signals; and a second signal identification port; wherein the plurality of second adapters defines: a first input port of signal transmission; a first signal receiving output port; a second input port for signal transmission; a second output port for receiving signals; a first port for signal transmission inspection device; a first port for signal receiving inspection device; a second port for signal transmission inspection device; and a second port for signal reception inspection device; wherein the front face further includes a first and second visual indicators; wherein the plurality of first adapters and the first and second visual indicators are positioned between the mounting flanges along the front face; a first optical signal coupler positioned within the closed interior, which connects the first signal transmission input port along the rear face, to the first port for signal transmission inspection device, along the rear face and the first signal transmission output port along the front face, at a first wavelength, and wherein the first signal transmission output port is connected to the first visual indicator, at a second wavelength; a second optical coupler positioned within the closed interior, which connects the first signal receiving input port, along the front face, to the first signal receiving output port, along the rear face, and the first signal receiving inspection port, along the rear face, at a third wavelength, and wherein the first signal identification input port, along the front face, is connected to the first port input signal reception, along the front face, to a fourth wavelength; a third optical signal coupler placed inside the closed interior, which connects the second signal transmission input port, along the rear face, to the second port for signal transmission inspection device, along the face and the second signal output port, along the front face, at a fifth wavelength, and wherein the second signal transmission output port is connected to the second visual indicator, at a sixth length cool; and a fourth optical coupler, positioned within the closed interior, which connects the second signal receiving input port, along the front face, to the second signal receiving output port, along the rear face and to the second signal receiving inspection port, along the rear face, at a seventh wavelength, and wherein the second signal receiving identification input port, along the front face, is connected to the second signal receiving input port, along the front face, at an octave wavelength.

2. the optical fiber module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first, third, fifth and seventh wavelengths are between approximately 1260 nanometers and approximately 1360 nanometers.

3. The fiber optic module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first, third, fifth and seventh wavelengths are between approximately 1430 nanometers and approximately 1580 nanometers.

4. The optical fiber module according to claim 1, characterized in that the second, fourth, sixth and eighth wavelengths are between approximately 400 nanometers and approximately 700 nanometers.

5. The optical fiber module according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of first adapters is placed in a linear arrangement.

6. The fiber optic module according to claim 5, characterized in that the plurality of first adapters meet at an angle not perpendicular to a plane defined by the front face.

7. The fiber optic module according to claim 1, characterized in that the rear face includes two linear segments, each segment is placed at an angle not perpendicular to a plane defined by the front face.

8. The fiber optic module according to the rei indication 1, characterized in that the plurality of first and second adapters, is mounted to the respective front and rear faces, with releasable fastening clips.

9. The fiber optic module according to claim 8, characterized in that the releasable clips that mount the plurality of adapters to the front face, are inclined fastening clips, to hold the adapters at an angle not perpendicular to the front face.

10. The fiber optic module according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of first and second adapters can be releasably connected to the fiber optic connectors placed with the module housing.

11. The fiber optic module according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second visual indicators each include a lens cover, at least partially transparent to visible light.

12. The fiber optic module according to claim 11, characterized in that the first and second visual indicators further include, each: a nut mounted to the lens cover; a sleeve that can be threaded into the nut; a bushing for holding an optical fiber, the bushing is mounted to the bushing; the nut and the sleeve can be threadably mounted, one with the other, to trap a portion of the module housing therebetween.

13. The fiber optic module according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a releasable fixing member, mounted to each mounting flange for mounting the module to the chassis.

14. A fiber optic module that can be mounted to a chassis, comprising: a module housing, having front and rear faces, opposite main sides, and opposite side sides, defining a closed interior, the front face includes mounting flanges to mount the module to the chassis; a plurality of first adapters exposed, along the front face, each of the plurality of first adapters, can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; a plurality of exposed second adapters, along the back face, each of the plurality of second adapters can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; wherein the plurality of the first adapters defines: a first output port of signal transmission; a first input port for receiving signals; a second output port for signal transmission; and a second signal receiving input port; wherein the plurality of second adapters defines: a first input port of signal transmission; a first signal receiving output port; a second input port for signal transmission; a second output port for receiving signals; a first port for signal transmission inspection device; a first port of entry, of identification and for reception inspection device, of signals; a second port for signal transmission inspection device; and a second port of entry, identification and signal inspection inspection device; wherein the front face further includes a first and second visual indicators; wherein the plurality of first adapters and the first and second visual indicators are positioned between the mounting flanges along the front face; a first optical signal coupler positioned within the closed interior, which connects the first signal transmission input port along the rear face, to the first port for signal transmission inspection device, along the rear face and the first signal transmission output port, along the front face, at a first wavelength, and wherein the first signal transmission output port is connected to the first visual indicator, at a second length of wave; a second optical coupler positioned within the closed interior, which connects the first signal receiving input port, along the front face, to the first signal receiving output port, along the rear face, and the first input port for signal receiving inspection device, and signal identification, along the rear face, at a third wavelength, and wherein the first input port, for receiving device for receiving signals, and for signal identification, along the front face, is connected to the first signal receiving input port, along the front face, at a fourth wavelength; a third optical signal coupler placed inside the closed interior, which connects the second signal transmission input port, along the rear face, to the second port for signal transmission inspection device, along the face and the second output port of signal transmission, along the front face, to a fifth wavelength, and wherein the second output port of * signal transmission is connected to the second visual indicator, to a sixth wavelength; and a fourth optical coupler, positioned within the closed interior, which connects the second signal receiving input port, along the front face, to the second signal receiving output port, along the rear face and to the second port for reception inspection device, and identification, of signals, along the rear face, to a seventh wavelength, and wherein the second input port for inspection device, and for identification, of signals, is connected to the second signal receiving input port, along the front face, at an octave wavelength.

15. An optical continuity indicating device for a fiber optic module including a housing, the device is characterized in that it comprises: a lens cover at least partially transparent to visible light; a nut mounted to the lens cap; a sleeve that can be threaded into the nut; a bushing to hold an optical fiber, the bushing is mounted to the magnet; the nut and the sleeve can be threadably mounted together to define a space to receive a portion of the housing of the fiber optic module.

16. A fiber optic module that can be mounted to a chassis, comprising: a module housing, having front and rear faces, opposite main sides, and opposite side sides, defining a closed interior, the front face includes mounting flanges to mount the module to the chassis; a plurality of exposed first adapters, along the front face, each of the plurality of first adapters can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; a plurality of exposed second adapters, along the back face, each of the plurality of second adapters can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; wherein the plurality of first and second adapters are optically connected to the optical fiber component placed in the closed interior; wherein the rear face includes at least two linear segments, each segment is placed at an angle not perpendicular to a plane defined by the front face.

17. The d * fiber optic module according to claim 16, characterized in that the plurality of first adapters meet an angle not perpendicular with respect to a plane defined by the front face.

The fiber optic module according to claim 16, characterized in that the plurality of first and second adapters, is mounted to the respective front and rear faces, with releasable fastening clips.

19. A fiber optic module that can be mounted to a chassis, characterized in that it comprises: a module housing, having front and rear faces, "opposite main sides, and opposite side sides, defining a closed interior, the front face includes flanges Assembly to mount the module to the chassis; a plurality of exposed first adapters, along the front face, each of the plurality of first adapters can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; a plurality of exposed second adapters, along the back face, each of the plurality of second adapters can be connected to a fiber optic connector external to the module; wherein the plurality of first and second adapters is optically connected to an optical fiber component placed in the closed interior; wherein the front face includes a visual indicator optically connected to the fiber optic component, the visual indicator includes a lens cap at least partially transparent to visible light. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A fiber optic module includes front adapters for connection with fiber optic connectors, and later adapters for connection with fiber optic connectors. The module includes two circuits that have passive optical couplers inside, and exposed adapters, along the front and back of the module. The module can be used in interconnection applications with itself or with other modules. The adapters can be selectively connected to fiber optic connectors. The front adapters of the module include two reception input ports and two transmission output ports. The front of the module also includes two visual indicators, one for each circuit. Visual indicators include a lens cap at least partially transparent to visible light, in communication by light with an optical fiber. The rear adapters of the module include two transmission input ports and two transmission output ports. The ports for the inspection device are also located on the back, both for transmitting and for receiving signals. The ports for reception inspection device also function as the input ports for an identification signal sent in the reverse direction, to illuminate the visual indicators along the front of the module or another module. Alternatively, separate identification input ports can be provided at the front as adapters.