WO2019199765A1

WO2019199765A1 - Optical distribution frames

Info

Publication number: WO2019199765A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/026509
Authority: WO
Inventors: David ANKAMAFIO-ADDO; Asher Leong Raven
Original assignee: Afl Ig Llc
Priority date: 2018-04-09
Filing date: 2019-04-09
Publication date: 2019-10-17

Abstract

An optical distribution frame defining a coordinate system having a mutually orthogonal longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and lateral axis includes a body extending along the longitudinal axis between a top and a bottom, the body including a front and a rear separated from each other along the transverse axis. The front includes a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion, the first and second outer portions bordering the central portion and angled inwardly relative to the lateral axis towards each other. The optical distribution frame further includes a first connectivity body disposed on the body, the first connectivity body including a plurality of adapters, and a second connectivity body disposed on the body, the second connectivity body including a plurality of adapters.

Description

OPTICAL DISTRIBUTION FRAMES

PRIORITY STATEMENT

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent

Application Serial No. 62/654,750, filed April 9, 2018, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to optical distribution frames, and more particularly to optical distribution frames with improved organizational features for use in large-scale data centers.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Very large data centers (some of which are sometimes referred to as hyperscale data centers) require extremely high fiber count cabling to enter and exit the building with the ability to distribute these optical paths across many locations within the building. In many cases, the number of fibers utilized in such data centers in in the range of tens of thousands of fibers.

[0004] Equipment frames, i.e. optical distribution frames, are provided in such buildings for providing connections between various fibers, thus forming the required optical paths. Due to the high fiber counts, keeping the fibers and connections thereof organized within the equipment frames is a key operational requirement for these data centers. However, the space requirements for the equipment frames can become a limiting factor, with data centers requiring a small footprint, high density, easily accessible solution which must accommodate patching and/or splicing of cabling entering the building. In some cases, for example, the minimum requirements include the accommodation of greater than or equal to 6912 fiber connectors in a maximum footprint of 950 millimeters (mm) x 950 mm x 2500 mm.

[0005] Accordingly, improved optical distribution frames are desired. For example, optical distribution frames with improved organizational capabilities, and which are capable of meeting minimum space and fiber count requirements, would be advantageous. BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0006] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0007] In accordance with one embodiment, an optical distribution frame defining a coordinate system including a mutually orthogonal longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and lateral axis is provided. The optical distribution frame includes a body which extends along the longitudinal axis between a top and a bottom, the body including a front and a rear separated from each other along the transverse axis, the front including a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion, the first and second outer portions bordering the central portion and angled inwardly relative to the lateral axis towards each other. The optical distribution frame further includes a first connectivity body disposed on the body, the first connectivity body including a plurality of adapters. The optical distribution frame further includes a second connectivity body disposed on the body, the second connectivity body including a plurality of adapters.

[0008] The optical distribution frame may further include a plurality of cable retainers disposed on the body. The plurality of cable retainers includes a plurality of groups of cable retainers, each group of cable retainers including one or more columns of cable retainers extending along the longitudinal axis such that the groups of cable retainers are distinct along the lateral axis.

[0009] In accordance with another embodiment, an optical distribution frame defining a coordinate system including a mutually orthogonal longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and lateral axis is provided. The optical distribution frame includes a body extending along the longitudinal axis between a top and a bottom, the body including a front and a rear separated from each other along the transverse axis, the front including a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion, the first and second outer portions bordering the central portion and angled inwardly relative to the lateral axis towards each other. The optical distribution frame further includes a plurality of first removable preterminated modules each including a plurality of adapters and disposed on the body, the plurality of first removable preterminated modules arranged in a column along the longitudinal axis. The optical distribution frame further includes a plurality of second removable preterminated modules each comprising a plurality of adapters and disposed on the body, the plurality of second removable preterminated modules arranged in a column along the longitudinal axis.

[0010] Each of the first and second removable preterminated modules may include a module body, a patch panel coupled to the module body and including the adapters, and a trunk cable extending into the module body and factory terminated to the adapters.

[0011] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0012] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of an optical distribution frame in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective front view of a portion of an optical distribution frame, with panel covers opened such that connectivity bodies are visible, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of an optical distribution frame in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a rear view of an optical distribution frame in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0017] FIG. 5 is a side view of a portion of an optical distribution frame in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a perspective rear view of a portion of an optical distribution frame in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; [0019] FIG. 7 is a side view of a portion of an optical distribution frame in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0020] FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of a preterminated module in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further

embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 8, embodiments of optical distribution frames 10 in accordance with the present disclosure are provide. Optical distribution frames 10 in accordance with the present disclosure may advantageously include improved organizational capabilities, and may further be capable of meeting minimum space and fiber count requirements of large scale data center customers.

[0023] For example, in some embodiments, optical distribution frames 10 in accordance with the present disclosure can accommodate 6912 fiber connectors in a maximum footprint of 950 millimeters (mm) x 950 mm x 2500 mm. In order to improve accessibility and tracing of optical fibers, in some embodiments, portions of the front (and, optionally, the rear) of the optical distribution frames 10 have been angled inwardly, such that the connectivity bodies (such as patch panels or removable preterminated modules as discussed herein) mounted thereto face the installer when the installer is adding patch cords 94. In some embodiments, the top and bottom of the frame have been relieved to allow an installer to step inside the frame when working to allow greater visibility and hand access. In some embodiments, the patch cords 94 are guided vertically upward or downward through a central portion and out, in some embodiments for example into overhead containment, to improve visibility and access.

[0024] In some embodiments, each connectivity body has discrete routing indicia, such as a discrete color, symbol, etc., to improved fiber traceability. In some embodiments, there are individual doors to cover each connectivity body. These doors are removable for ease of use and include routing indicia which match the associated connectivity body. In some embodiments, the fiber routing area contains routing indicia to designate inbound and outbound cabling so as to limit errors when tracing the fibers. In some embodiments, each section of the fiber routing area has a defined outbound patch cord 94 path to ensure no overlap between sections and improve traceability if removal of a patch cord 94 is required at a later date.

[0025] In some embodiments, cable retainers are provided in the central portion to define outbound patch cord 94 paths. The locations and distributions of the spools and bulkheads cause the patch cords 94 to be organized along defined fiber routing paths to improved traceability.

[0026] In some embodiments, organizational features such as cable routing flanges, cable routing hooks, and/or slack management brackets are provided on the rear of the optical distribution frame. These organizational features provide improved routing and organization of input cables 90 (such as, for example, trunk cables).

[0027] Optical distribution frames 10 in accordance with the present disclosure define a coordinate system which includes a longitudinal axis 12, a transverse axis 14, and a lateral axis 16, all of which are mutually orthogonal to each other.

[0028] An optical distribution frame 10 may include a body 20 which extends along the longitudinal axis 12 between a top 22 and a bottom 24. Further, the body 20 may include a front 26 and a rear 28 which are separated from each other along the transverse axis 14. Still further, the body 20 may include opposing sides 30, 32 which are separated from each other along the lateral axis 16.

[0029] The front 26 of optical distribution frames 10 in accordance with the present disclosure generally accommodates various components related to patching and routing of patch cords 94. For example, the front 26 includes a central portion 34, a first outer portion 36, and a second outer portion 38. In exemplary embodiments, the central portion defines a central recess 35, such that a surface of the central portion 34 is recessed along the transverse axis 14 relative to the outer portions 36,

38. The first and second outer portions 36, 38 border the central portion 34, and thus are disposed on opposing sides of the central portion 34 along the lateral axis 16.

[0030] First and second outer portions 36, 38 may accommodate connectivity bodies, such as patch panels or removable preterminated modules, as discussed herein. Further, the central portion 34 may accommodate various routing and organizational features. For example, in some embodiments, the central portion 34 accommodates cable retainers which provide routing for patch cords 94 within the central recess 35. Accordingly, patching and routing of patch cords 94 is generally facilitated by the front 26 of the optical distribution frame 10.

[0031] Alternatively, first and second outer portions 36, 38 may accommodate routing and organizational features, while the central portion 34 accommodates the connectivity bodies.

[0032] In exemplary embodiments, the first outer portion 36 and second outer portion 38 are angled inwardly relative to the lateral axis 16 towards each other. Accordingly, planes defined by the first outer portion 36 and second outer portion 38 are each disposed at an angle between the parallel to the lateral axis 16 and parallel to the transverse axis 14, and lines perpendicular to such planes and at the same location along the longitudinal axis 12 will intersect at a location exterior to the body 20 and relatively more proximate the front 26 than the rear 28. For example, angles 37, 39 of the first and second outer portions 36, 38, respectively, relative to the lateral axis 16 may be between 30 degrees and 90 degrees, such as between 35 degrees and 80 degrees, such as between 40 degrees and 70 degrees.

[0033] One or more connectivity bodies may be disposed on the body 20, such as in exemplary embodiments on the first and second outer portions 36, 38. For example, in exemplary embodiments, a plurality of first connectivity bodies are disposed on the first outer portion 36, and a plurality of second connectivity bodies are disposed on the second outer portion 38. The first connectivity bodies may be arranged in a column which extends along the longitudinal axis 12. The second connectivity bodies may be arranged in a column which extends along the

longitudinal axis 12. [0034] In some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 and 5, the connectivity bodies may be patch panels. For example, one or more first patch panels 40 may be disposed on the first outer portion 36, and one or more second patch panels 50 may be disposed on the second outer portion 38. Each first panel 40 may include a plurality of adapters 42, and each second panel 50 may include a plurality of adapters 52. Adapters 42, 52 may each include opposing front ports 43, 53, and rear ports 44, 54, respectively. The front port 43, 53 and rear port 44, 54 may each accommodate an end of a fiber optic cable, such as a fiber optic connector or a ferrule, such that the adapter 42, 52 provides a connection location between optical fibers to which such connectors are connected. The ports 43, 44, 53, 54 may accommodate any suitable connectors, such as SC connectors, LC connectors, MU connecters, MPO connectors, etc., or may accommodate any suitable ferrule sizes or other suitable fiber optic cable end apparatus. In some particular exemplary embodiments, the ports 43, 44, 53, 54 accommodate LC connectors, and the adapters 42, 52 are thus considered LC adapters.

[0035] Each first patch panel 40 may include one or more rows and one or more columns of adapters 42. Each second patch panel 50 may include one or more rows and one or more columns of adapters 52. Each first patch panel 40, and thus the array of adapters 42, may be aligned in the plane of the first outer portion 36. Accordingly, the ports 43, 44 of each adapter 42 may be aligned along a line perpendicular to such plane. Each second patch panel 50, and thus the array of adapters 52, may be aligned in the plane of the second outer portion 38. Accordingly, the ports 53, 54 of each adapter 52 may be aligned along a line perpendicular to such plane.

[0036] As shown, the ports 43, 53 may be accessible from and through the front 26. Ports 44, 54 may be accessible from and through the opposing sides 30, 32, respectively.

[0037] Alternatively, in some embodiments, for example, as shown in FIGS. 6 through 8, the connectivity bodies may be removable preterminated modules.

Removable preterminated modules are generally sealed connectivity bodies in which a plurality of adapters are provided. The modules can be easily removed from and/or added to the frame 10 as desired depending on the desired number of fiber optic connections needed for a particular application. As shown, one or more first preterminated modules 140 may be disposed on the first outer portion 36, and one or more second preterminated modules 150 may be disposed on the second outer portion 38. Each first module 140 may include a plurality of adapters 142, and each second module 150 may include a plurality of adapters 152. Adapters 142, 152 may each include opposing front ports 143, 153, and rear ports (inside the modules and not shown) respectively. The front port 143, 153 and rear port may each accommodate an end of a fiber optic cable, such as a fiber optic connector or a ferrule, such that the adapter 142, 152 provides a connection location between optical fibers to which such connectors are connected. The ports 143, 153 may accommodate any suitable connectors, such as SC connectors, LC connectors, MU connecters, MPO connectors, etc., or may accommodate any suitable ferrule sizes or other suitable fiber optic cable end apparatus. In some particular exemplary embodiments, the ports 143, 153 accommodate LC connectors, and the adapters 142, 152 are thus considered LC adapters.

[0038] Each first preterminated module 140 may include one or more rows and one or more columns of adapters 142. Each second preterminated module 150 may include one or more rows and one or more columns of adapters 152. Each first preterminated module 140, and thus the array of adapters 142, may be aligned in the plane of the first outer portion 36. Accordingly, the ports 143 of each adapter 142 may be aligned along a line perpendicular to such plane. Each second preterminated module 150, and thus the array of adapters 152, may be aligned in the plane of the second outer portion 38. Accordingly, the ports 153 of each adapter 152 may be aligned along a line perpendicular to such plane. As shown, the ports 143, 153 may be accessible from and through the front 26.

[0039] As shown, each preterminated module 140, 150 may include a module body 160 and a patch panel 162 coupled to the module body 160. The module body 160 may, for example, be generally wedge-shaped. The patch panel 162 may be coupled to the front of the module body 160 and include the adapters 142, 152 of that preterminated module 140, 150.

[0040] A port 164 may further be defined in each preterminated module 140, 150, such as in a rear of the module body 160 generally opposite the front. A grommet 166 may extend from and/or partially define the port 164. [0041] In exemplary embodiments, an input cable 90 (such as a trunk cable) may extend into the interior of the module body 160 of one or more preterminated modules 140, 150. The input cable 90 may, for example, extend into the interior of a module body 160 through a port 164 and/or grommet 166. Within the module body 160, the input cable 90 may be furcated and factory terminated to the adapters 142, 152 of that preterminated module 140, 150, such that connectors of the cable 90 are connected to the rear ports of the adapters 142, 152.

[0042] Referring again generally to FIGS. 1 through 8, in exemplary

embodiments, a plurality of first connectivity bodies (such as panels 40 or modules 140) are provided. Further, each first connectivity body may include a routing indicia 46. The routing indicia 46 is generally a feature of the first connectivity body which differentiates the first connectivity body from one or more others of the first connectivity bodies. The routing indicia 46 further advantageously facilitates improved and efficient organization, tracking, and routing of patch cords 94 as the patch cords 94 extend from an adapter 42, 142 of the first connectivity body to and through the central portion 34, as discussed herein. In exemplary embodiments, the routing indicia 46 of each of the plurality of first connectivity bodies may be different from the others of the plurality of first connectivity bodies. Thus, each first connectivity body of the plurality of first connectivity bodies may have a distinct routing indicia 46.

[0043] Similarly, in exemplary embodiments, a plurality of second connectivity bodies (such as panels 50 or modules 150) are provided. Further, each second connectivity body may include a routing indicia 56. The routing indicia 56 is generally a feature of the second connectivity body which differentiates the second connectivity body from one or more others of the second connectivity bodies. The routing indicia 56 further advantageously facilitates improved and efficient organization, tracking, and routing of patch cords 94 as the patch cords 94 extend from an adapter 52, 152 of the second connectivity body to and through the central portion 34, as discussed herein. In exemplary embodiments, the routing indicia 56 of each of the plurality of second connectivity bodies may be different from the others of the plurality of second connectivity bodies. Thus, each second connectivity body of the plurality of second connectivity bodies may have a distinct routing indicia 56. [0044] In some embodiments, the routing indicia 46 of a first connectivity body and the routing indicia 56 of a second connectivity body may match. Accordingly, one or more pairs of first and second connectivity bodies may be provided.

Alternatively, the routing indicia 56 of each second connectivity body may be different from the routing indicia 46 of each first connectivity body.

[0045] In exemplary embodiments, the plurality of first connectivity bodies may be distinct along the longitudinal axis 12. Accordingly, each first connectivity body in a column along the longitudinal axis 12 may have a distinct routing indicia 46 from others in such column. Further, in exemplary embodiments, the plurality of second connectivity bodies may be distinct along the longitudinal axis 12. Accordingly, each second connectivity body in a column along the longitudinal axis 12 may have a distinct routing indicia 56 from others in such column. In some exemplary embodiments, a first connectivity body and second connectivity body at the same location along the longitudinal axis 12 may have the same routing indicia 46, 56.

[0046] In some embodiments, removable panel covers 48, 58 may be provided on each connectivity body 40, 50, 140, 150. The panel covers 48, 58 may connect to and cover the connectivity bodies at the front 26, thus protecting the adapters 42, 52, 142, 152 thereof. In exemplary embodiments, each panel cover 48, 58 may include the routing indicia 46, 56 of the associated connectivity body.

[0047] In some embodiments, a plurality of first routing tabs 60 may be disposed on the first outer portion 36. In some embodiments, a plurality of second routing tabs 61 may be disposed on the second outer portion 38. The routing tabs 60, 61 may accommodate therebetween patch cords 94 which are connected to a patch panel 40, 50, 140, 150 (such as a port 43, 53, 143, 153 thereof) and which are being routed from the patch panel 40, 50, 140, 150 to the central portion 34. Accordingly, routing tabs 60, 61 may facilitate the organization, tracking, and routing of such patch cords 94.

In exemplary embodiments, the routing tabs 60 may be positioned between (such as along the lateral axis 16) the patch panels 40, 140 and the central portion 34. In exemplary embodiments, the routing tabs 61 may be positioned between the patch panels 50, 150 and the central portion 34. The routing tabs 60 may, for example, be arranged in a column extending along the longitudinal axis 12. The routing tabs 61 may, for example, be arranged in a column extending along the longitudinal axis 12. Routing of the patch cords 94 from the adapters 42, 52, 142, 152 to the central portion 34 is thus facilitated.

[0048] As discussed, patch cords 94 may be routed from the connectivity bodies, which in some embodiments may be patch panels 40, 50 or alternatively may be removable preterminated modules 140, 150, to the central portion 34. In some embodiments, a plurality of cable retainers (which may, for example, be first cable retainers 62 and second cable retainers 64, as discussed herein) may be disposed on the body 20, such as in exemplary embodiments on the central portion 34. Each cable retainer 62, 64 may extend into and be disposed within the central recess 35. The cables retainers 62, 64 retain the patch cords 94 within the central recess 35, and provide routing paths for the patch cords 94 within and through the central recess 35. The routing paths may in exemplary embodiments be generally along the longitudinal axis 12, such as towards and through the top 22 or bottom 24 thereof.

[0049] The cable retainers 62, 64 may include a plurality of groups of cable retainers 62, 64, with each group including a plurality of cable retainers 62 or 64.

Each group of cable retainers 62, 64 may provide routing paths for one or more patch cords 94, and may thus be arranged in a longitudinal array (along the longitudinal axis 12) of one or more columns of cable retainers 62, 64. In exemplary embodiments, for example, the groups of cable retainers 62, 64 may be distinct along the lateral axis 16, such that each column of cable retainers 62, 64 includes only a single group of cable retainers 62 or 64. Further, the patch cords 94 routed through each group of cable retainers 62, 64 may be distinct from those routed through other groups of cable retainers 62, 64.

[0050] In some embodiments, each group of cable retainers 62, 64 may include a routing indicia 66. The routing indicia 66 is generally a feature of the group of cable retainers 62, 64 which differentiates the group of cable retainers 62, 64 from one or more others of the groups of cable retainers 62, 64. The routing indicia 66 further advantageously facilitates improved and efficient organization, tracking, and routing of patch cords 94 as the patch cords 94 extend through the central portion 34. In exemplary embodiments, the routing indicia 66 of each of the plurality of group of cable retainers 62, 64 may be different from the others of the plurality of group of cable retainers 62, 64. Thus, each group of cable retainers 62, 64 of the plurality of group of cable retainers 62, 64 may have a distinct routing indicia 66.

[0051] In exemplary embodiments, the routing indicia 66 of a group of cable retainers 62, 64 may match the routing indicia 46 and/or 56 of a first connectivity body 40, 140 and/or a second body 50, 150. Such matching of a routing indicia 66 with a routing indicia 46 and/or 56 advantageously facilitates improved and efficient organization, tracking, and routing of patch cords 94 as the patch cords 94 extend from an adapter 42, 52, 142, or 152 to and through the central portion 34. For example, when patch cords 94 are installed, the installer advantageously routes the patch cords 94 from each connectivity body only to the group of cable retainers 62, 64 having a matching routing indicia 66 as the routing indicia 46 or 56 of that

connectivity body.

[0052] In exemplary embodiments as shown, the routing indicia 66 is a color that is applied to the first connectivity body, second body, and/or group of cable retainers 62, 64. Accordingly, in exemplary embodiments, the color applied to each first connectivity body may be different from the color of the others of the first bodies, the color applied to each second connectivity body may be different from the color of the others of the second connectivity bodies, and/or the color applied to each group of cable retainers 62, 64 may be different from the color of the other groups of cable retainers 62, 64. Alternatively, the routing indicia 46, 56 may be a symbol, such as a letter or number, a texture, a design, or another suitable indicia which can be applied in a different manner to each component of a plurality of components (i.e. first bodies, second connectivity bodies, and/or groups of cable retainers 62, 64) to distinguish that component from others of that component.

[0053] In some embodiments, the various groups of cable retainers 62, 64 may extend along the longitudinal axis 12 through different distances within the central recess 35, with bottom-most cable retainers 62, 64 of certain groups being closer to the bottom 24 than bottom-most cable retainers 62, 64 of other groups. This design may assist with preventing patch cords 94 from inadvertently being routed from one group into another group of cable retainers 62, 64 as the patch cords 94 are routed in the central recess 35 along the longitudinal axis 12. [0054] In some embodiments, a bulkhead 68 may be disposed on the central portion 34, such as in the central recess 35. The bulkhead 68 may, for example, be centrally located along the lateral axis 16. Bulkhead 68 may subdivide the groups of cable retainers 62, 64, such as into the plurality of groups of first cable retainers 62 and the plurality of groups of second cable retainers 64. For example, the plurality of groups of first cable retainers 62 may be located on one side of the bulkhead 68 along the lateral axis 16, and the plurality of groups of second cable retainers 64 may be located on the other side of the bulkhead 68 along the lateral axis 16. The first cable retainers 62 may, for example, be relatively more proximate to the first connectivity bodies than the second cable retainers 64, and the second cable retainers 64 may, for example, be relatively more proximate to the second connectivity bodies than the first cable retainers 62.

[0055] As discussed, the body 20 extends along a longitudinal axis between a top 22 and a bottom 24. In exemplary embodiments, each of the top 22 and the bottom 24 defines a central cutout 72, 74. The first outer portion 36, second outer portion 38, and central portion 34 may border and define the cutouts 72, 74. Accordingly, a profile of the top 22 and the bottom 24 at the front 26 mirrors the profile of the front 26. These cutouts 72, 74 advantageously allow for an installer to“step in” to the body 20 during installation, thus facilitating ease of organization, traceability, and efficiency.

[0056] In general, patching occurs at the front 26, as discussed herein. Patching occurs when a patch cord 94 is connected to an adapter 42, 52, 142, 152. When patching occurs, the patch cord 94 is connected via the adapter 42, 52, 142, 152 to an input cable 90.

[0057] Input cables 90 are initially routed in the frame 10 proximate the rear 28, and are routed from the rear 28 to the connectivity bodies. Similar to front 26, rear 28 may include a central portion 104, a first outer portion 106, and a second outer portion 108. The first and second outer portions 106, 108 border the central portion 104, and thus are disposed on opposing sides of the central portion 104 along the lateral axis 16.

[0058] First and second outer portions 106, 108 may accommodate the connectivity bodies which are accommodated by the corresponding first and second outer portions 36, 38. For example, the connectivity bodies, in particular in embodiments wherein the connectivity bodies are removable preterminated modules, may extend through both a first outer portion 36 and a first outer portion 106, and/or may extend through both a second outer portion 38 and a second outer portion 108.

[0059] The rear 28 may include various components for advantageously routing and accommodating the input cables 90 as the input cables 90 are routed to the connectivity bodies. For example, in some embodiments, one or more cable routing flanges 110 may be disposed on and extend from the central portion 104. Each cable routing flange 110 may extend along the longitudinal axis 12. A plurality of slots 112 may be defined in each cable routing flange 110. The cable routing flanges 110 may be utilized to initially secure the input cables 90 to the frame 10. For example, the input cables 90 may be initially provided to the frame 10 from the top 22 or bottom 24. Hook-and-loop fasteners or other suitable fasteners may then be utilized to couple the input cables 90 to the cable routing flanges 110.

[0060] In some embodiments, a plurality of slack management brackets may be disposed on the central portion 104. For example, a plurality of first slack

management brackets 114 and a plurality of second slack management brackets 116 may be disposed on the central portion 104. The first slack management brackets 114 may be located on one side of the cable routing flanges 110 along the lateral axis 16, and the second slack management brackets 116 may be located on the other side of the cable routing flanges 110 along the lateral axis 16. The first slack management brackets 114 may, for example, be relatively more proximate to the first outer portion 106 than the second slack management brackets 116, and the second slack

management brackets 116 may, for example, be relatively more proximate to the second outer portion 108 than the first slack management brackets 114.

[0061] Slack management brackets 114, 116 are generally provided to

accommodate slack portions of the input cables 90, which may for example be wrapped around the slack management brackets 114, 116. After the input cables 90 are coupled to the flange(s) 110, any slack is then wrapped around the slack management brackets 114, 116. In some embodiments, the slack management brackets 114, 116 may be provided in groups of slack management brackets 114 or 116. In each group, each bracket 114, 116 may have a different orientation, thus facilitating wrapping of slack portions of an input cables 90 around the group of brackets 114, 116.

[0062] In some embodiments, each slack management bracket 114, 116 or group of slack management brackets 114, 116 may include a routing indicia 66, as discussed above with respect to cable retainers 62, 64.

[0063] In some embodiments, a plurality of first cable routing hooks 120 are disposed on the first outer portion 106. In some embodiments, a plurality of second cable routing hooks 122 are disposed on the second outer portion 108. The first cable routing hooks 120 may generally be disposed between the central portion 104 and the first connectivity bodies along the lateral axis 16. The second cable routing hooks 122 may generally be disposed between the central portion 104 and the second connectivity bodies along the lateral axis 16. The first cable routing hooks 120 may, for example, be arranged in a column extending along the longitudinal axis 12. The second cable routing hooks 122 may, for example, be arranged in a column extending along the longitudinal axis 12.

[0064] The cable routing hooks 120, 122 may generally route the input cables 90 to the connectivity bodies. For example, after the input cables 90 are routed to the frame 10 and, for example, coupled to cable routing flange(s) 110 and/or routed around slack management brackets 114, 116, the input cables 90 may be routed through or past cable routing hooks 120, 122. The routing hooks 120, 122 may support and/or secure the input cables 90 at the first outer portion 106 and second outer portion 108 as the input cables 90 are routed to the connectivity bodies 40, 50, 140, 150.

[0065] After routing of the input cables 90 to the routing hooks 120, 122, the input cables 90 may be routed to the connectivity bodies 40, 50, 140, 150 and connected to the adapters 42, 52, 142, 152 thereof as discussed herein.

[0066] In general, input cables 90 (e.g. trunk cables) and patch cords 94 are fiber optic cables, each of which includes one or more optical fibers disposed within an outer jacket. In exemplary embodiments, each input cable 90 includes a plurality of optical fibers. Patch cords 94 may include only a single optical fiber or more than one optical fibers. In use, the input cables 90 are routed proximate the rear 28 and then routed to the connectivity bodies and connected to rear ports of the adapters thereof. The patch cords 94 may be connected to front ports of the adapters to connect optical fibers of the patch cords 94 to optical fibers of the input cables 90. The patch cords 94 may then be routed from the adapters to and through the cable retainers, as discussed herein, and may exit the frame 10 through the top 22 or bottom 24 thereof.

[0067] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An optical distribution frame defining a coordinate system comprising a mutually orthogonal longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and lateral axis, comprising: a body extending along the longitudinal axis between a top and a bottom, the body comprising a front and a rear separated from each other along the transverse axis, the front comprising a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion, the first and second outer portions bordering the central portion and angled inwardly relative to the lateral axis towards each other;

a first connectivity body disposed on the body, the first connectivity body comprising a plurality of adapters;

a second connectivity body disposed on the body, the second connectivity body comprising a plurality of adapters; and

a plurality of cable retainers disposed on the body, the plurality of cable retainers comprising a plurality of groups of cable retainers, each group of cable retainers comprising one or more columns of cable retainers extending along the longitudinal axis such that the groups of cable retainers are distinct along the lateral axis.

2. The optical distribution frame of claim 1, wherein the first connectivity body is disposed on the first outer portion, the second connectivity body is disposed on the second outer portion, and the plurality of cable retainers are disposed on the central portion.

3. The optical distribution frame of claim 2, further comprising a plurality of first routing tabs and a plurality of second routing tabs, the plurality of first routing tabs disposed on the first outer portion, the plurality of second routing tabs disposed on the second outer portion.

4. The optical distribution frame of claim 3, wherein the first routing tabs are positioned between the first connectivity body and the central portion, and wherein the second routing tabs are positions between the second connectivity body and the central portion.

5. The optical distribution frame of claim 1, wherein:

the first connectivity body is a plurality of first connectivity bodies, the plurality of first connectivity bodies arranged in a column along the longitudinal axis; and the second connectivity body is a plurality of second connectivity bodies, the plurality of second connectivity bodies arranged in a column along the longitudinal axis.

6. The optical distribution frame of claim 1, wherein the top and the bottom each define a central cutout, wherein the first outer portion, second outer portion, and central portion border the central cutouts.

7. The optical distribution frame of claim 1, wherein the first connectivity body and second connectivity body are patch panels.

8. The optical distribution frame of claim 1, wherein the first connectivity body and the second connectivity body are removable preterminated modules.

9. The optical distribution frame of claim 8, wherein each of the removable preterminated modules comprises a module body, a patch panel coupled to the module body and comprising the adapters, and a trunk cable extending into the module body and factory terminated to the adapters.

10. The optical distribution frame of claim 1, further comprising a bulkhead disposed on the central portion, the bulkhead subdividing the plurality of groups of cable retainers into a plurality of groups of first cable retainers and a plurality of groups of second cable retainers.

11. The optical distribution frame of claim 1, wherein the rear comprises a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion.

12. The optical distribution frame of claim 11, further comprising a cable routing flange disposed on the central portion of the rear, the cable routing flange extending along the longitudinal axis and defining a plurality of slots.

13. The optical distribution frame of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of first cable routing hooks disposed on the first outer portion of the rear and a plurality of second cable routing hooks disposed on the second outer portion of the rear.

14. The optical distribution frame of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of first slack management brackets and a plurality of second slack management brackets disposed on the central portion of the rear.

15. An optical distribution frame defining a coordinate system comprising a mutually orthogonal longitudinal axis, transverse axis, and lateral axis, comprising: a body extending along the longitudinal axis between a top and a bottom, the body comprising a front and a rear separated from each other along the transverse axis, the front comprising a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion, the first and second outer portions bordering the central portion and angled inwardly relative to the lateral axis towards each other;

a plurality of first removable preterminated modules each comprising a plurality of adapters and disposed on the body, the plurality of first removable preterminated modules arranged in a column along the longitudinal axis; and

a plurality of second removable preterminated modules each comprising a plurality of adapters and disposed on the body, the plurality of second removable preterminated modules arranged in a column along the longitudinal axis,

wherein each of the first and second removable preterminated modules comprises a module body, a patch panel coupled to the module body and comprising the adapters, and a trunk cable extending into the module body and factory terminated to the adapters.

16. The optical distribution frame of claim 15, wherein the plurality of first removable preterminated modules is disposed on the first outer portion, and the plurality of second removable preterminated modules is disposed on the second outer portion.

17. The optical distribution frame of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of first routing tabs and a plurality of second routing tabs, the plurality of first routing tabs disposed on the first outer portion, the plurality of second routing tabs disposed on the second outer portion.

18. The optical distribution frame of claim 15, wherein the top and the bottom each define a central cutout, wherein the first outer portion, second outer portion, and central portion border the central cutouts.

19. The optical distribution frame of claim 15, wherein the rear comprises a central portion, a first outer portion, and a second outer portion.

20. The optical distribution frame of claim 19, further comprising a cable routing flange disposed on the central portion of the rear, the cable routing flange extending along the longitudinal axis and defining a plurality of slots.

21. The optical distribution frame of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of first cable routing hooks disposed on the first outer portion of the rear and a plurality of second cable routing hooks disposed on the second outer portion of the rear.

22. The optical distribution frame of claim 19, further comprising a plurality of first slack management brackets and a plurality of second slack management brackets disposed on the central portion of the rear.