Patent Application
20060153516
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to an enclosure for providing communications services to a subscriber premises in a fiber optic communications network. More particularly, the invention is a network interface device (NID) for connecting a network fiber optic drop cable to subscriber wiring at a subscriber premises in a fiber optic communications network.
2. Technical Background
Communications service providers are currently installing fiber optic communications networks that extend to homes and businesses. Such networks are commonly referred to as to as “fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)” or “fiber-to-the-business (FTTB)” networks, and the homes and businesses are commonly referred to as “subscriber premises.” As with conventional copper communications networks, there is a need in a fiber optic network for an enclosure, referred to herein as a network interface device (NID), located at the subscriber premises that provides convenient access to the connections between the fiber optic network and the subscriber wiring. The NID serves as the mandatory demarcation point between the fiber optic cable routed to the NID, referred to herein as the “network fiber optic drop cable” or “drop cable,” and the subscriber wiring. Depending on the type of communications services provided and the subscriber's communications equipment, the subscriber wiring may be a fiber optic cable containing one or more optical fibers, an electrical cable containing one or more electrical conductors (e.g. twisted wire pairs), or a coaxial cable containing a central electrical conductor and a concentric ground. Similarly, the communications services may initially be provided by an electrical drop cable or a coaxial drop cable that is subsequently replaced by a fiber optic drop cable.
The NID permits the service provider to access the terminating devices that connect the network drop cable and the subscriber wiring, as well as any passive or active components housed within the NID, for installation, reconfiguration and test operations. Such active components may include, for example, optical-to-electrical converters for converting optical signals to electrical signals and electrical signals to optical signals. At the same time, the NID is typically configured to prevent unauthorized access to the passive or active components belonging to the service provider. As a result, the NID is usually mounted in a location having restricted access, such as a utility closet inside the subscriber premises. Alternatively, the NID may be mounted outside the subscriber premises, for example a home, and provided with a protective outer cover that can be opened only by the subscriber and the service provider to access the connections. The NID is further provided with an inner cover having a security feature to prevent the subscriber and others from accessing the passive or active components belonging to the service provider that are housed within the enclosure.
Typically, the passive or active components belonging to the service provider are installed on the same vertical plane inside the NID as the connections to the subscriber wiring, thereby utilizing a significant amount of space and requiring the NID to have a relatively large footprint. In addition, communications service providers are increasingly demanding the use of standard length pre-connectorized drop cables to reduce material and field labor costs. Consequently, there is often an excess length of the network drop cable, referred to herein as drop cable slack, which must be coiled and stored in an accessible, yet aesthetic manner. Current practice is to coil and store the drop cable slack within the NID above or below the termination equipment (e.g. furcations, fanout kits, splice trays, routing guides, adapters, surge protectors, etc.) and the optical, electrical or coaxial connections. Alternatively, the drop cable slack is coiled and stored within a separate slack storage enclosure mounted near the NID. The downstream end of the drop cable is then routed from the slack storage enclosure to the NID. When the drop cable slack is stored within the NID, the connections must be disturbed if it becomes necessary to remove the drop cable slack for repair (e.g., re-connectorization) or replacement. When the drop cable slack is stored in a separate slack storage enclosure mounted near the NID, cable routing, drip loop and aesthetic considerations must be accommodated.
Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a NID that is adapted to accommodate optical, electrical and/or coaxial connections, while providing the mandatory demarcation point between the service provider and the subscriber and preventing unauthorized access to the passive or active components belonging to the service provider. At the same time, it would be highly desirable to utilize the NID instead of a separate slack storage enclosure to coil and store drop cable slack in an accessible and aesthetic manner, thereby minimizing additional material, tooling, manufacturing and installation costs, without disturbing the optical, electrical and/or coaxial connections within the NID.
One broad aspect of the present invention includes a network interface device (NID) for connecting at least one optical fiber of a network fiber optic drop cable with at least one electrical wire (e.g. a twisted wire pair) of subscriber wiring leading from communications equipment at a subscriber premises. The NID comprises a first base having a first floor and a first sidewall defining an outer compartment for housing optical connections, terminating devices and electrical connections, and a second base having a second floor and a second sidewall defining an inner compartment for storing drop cable slack, the first base being movably attached to the second base.
In another broad aspect of the invention, a NID comprises a base having a floor and a first sidewall defining a first compartment. A connections area is provided within the first compartment at a first elevation above the floor and a components area is provided within the first compartment between the floor and the connections area at a second elevation different from the first elevation. A second sidewall may be provided such that the floor and the second sidewall define a second compartment radially outwardly from the first compartment for storing drop cable slack.
In another broad aspect of the invention, a NID comprises a base having a floor and a first sidewall defining a first compartment. A first panel having an outer side and an inner side defining a first configuration is removably mounted within the first compartment and interchangeable with a second panel having an outer side and an inner side defining a second configuration. The outer side of the first panel and the second panel defines a connections area, and the inner side of the first panel and the second panel defines a components area. A second sidewall may be provided such that the floor and the second sidewall define a second compartment radially outwardly from the first compartment for storing drop cable slack.
The invention will be understood more easily and other objects, characteristics, details and advantages thereof will become more apparent in the course of the following explanatory description, which is given, without intending to imply any limitation of the invention, with reference to the attached drawings.
The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference made to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms, and therefore, should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments shown and described herein. Illustrative embodiments are set forth herein so that this description will be both thorough and complete, and will fully convey the intended scope of the claimed invention while enabling those skilled in the art to make and practice the invention without undue experimentation. Positional terms, such as left, right, top, bottom, front, rear, side, etc., and relational terms, such as larger, smaller, nearer, farther, etc., are utilized herein for purposes of explanation only, and as such, should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or the appended claims in any manner.
NID 20 further comprises protective outer cover 30 movably attached to first base 22. First base 22 and outer cover 30 may be made of any relatively rigid material, for example sheet metal, but preferably are made of a molded plastic, such as PVC, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Outer cover 30 may be movably attached to first base 22 in any suitable manner, but preferably is attached to the first base 22 by one or more hinges 32 provided along one side of first base 22. Accordingly, outer cover 30 pivots about hinges 32 between a closed position and the opened position shown in
As shown, first base 22 is provided with slots 34 and outer cover 30 is provided with snaps or latches 36 that are received within slots 34 to secure outer cover 30 onto first base 22 in the closed position. First base 22 and outer cover 30 may also be provided with means 38 opposite hinges 32 for locking outer cover 30 onto first base 32. For example, means 38 may comprise a security screw 40 that requires an industry specific tool to remove. Alternatively, means 38 may comprise aligned openings through first base 22 and outer cover 30 that receive a combination or key lock (not shown) belonging to the subscriber. NID 20 is typically mounted in a location having restricted access, such as a utility closet inside a subscriber premises. Alternatively, NID 20 may be mounted outside the subscriber premises and outer cover 30 locked onto first base 22, as described above, to prevent unauthorized access to the termination equipment and connections housed within the NID 20.
At least one network drop cable entry port 42 is provided through first sidewall 26 in communication with outer compartment 28 to permit a network drop cable 86, as will be described hereinafter, to be routed from the network into the NID 20. NID 20 may be provided with any convenient number of network drop cable entry ports 42. Preferably, however, NID 20 is provided with at least one network drop cable entry port 42 for receiving a network fiber optic drop cable from a fiber optic communications network. Entry port 42 may be provided with a removable grommet or breakable seal to prevent contaminants, such as dirt, dust, moisture or infestations, from entering the NID 20 when entry port 42 is not in use. When in use, entry port 42 may also be sealed with a gel or grease around the fiber optic cable in a known manner to prevent contaminants from entering the NID 20. As shown and described herein, entry port 42 for receiving the network drop cable is located along the lower edge of first sidewall 26 adjacent the side of first base 22 having hinges 32. Entry port 42 may, however, be located at any suitable location as long as the entry port 42 remains in communication with outer compartment 28 of NID 20.
First base 22 further comprises at least one subscriber cable entry port 44 that is likewise in communication with outer compartment 28 to permit a subscriber cable 90, as will be described hereinafter, to be routed from the subscriber premises into the NID 20. Subscriber cable entry port 44 provides a means by which a subscriber cable can enter the NID 20 for connection to the drop cable 86 from the network. Preferably, first base 22 comprises a plurality of subscriber cable entry ports 44. As shown, entry ports 44 are located along the lower edge of first sidewall 26 adjacent the side of first base 22 opposite hinges 32. Entry ports 44 may, however, be located at any suitable location as long as the entry ports 44 remain in communication with outer compartment 28 of NID 20.
Both the network drop cable(s) 86 and the subscriber cable(s) 90 may be strain relieved as they enter the outer compartment 28 within the NID 20. For example, drop cable entry port 42 and subscriber cable entry ports 44 may be provided with an arcuate strain relief bracket 46 adjacent the corresponding entry port for strain relieving the network drop cable(s) 86 and/or subscriber cable(s) 90 with a clamping device, such as a conventional cable tie (not shown).
NID 20 includes a components area 48 having a security cover 50 for preventing unauthorized access to the components area 48 and the components therein that belong to the service provider. The cover 50 may be secured over the components area 48, for example, by a security screw that requires an industry specific tool to remove. An original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may provide a printed circuit board (PCB) 52 mounted within the components area 48. Area 48 may be configured for mounting PCB 52 above first floor 24, for example by mounting the PCB 52 to first floor 24 via standoffs. Alternatively, the PCB 52 may be mounted directly or via standoffs to the back side of cover 50 (i.e. the side of cover 50 facing components area 48). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components area 48 may contain optical, electrical or coaxial components. As shown and described herein, components area 48 contains both optical and electrical components, and the PCB 52 includes an optical-to-electrical converter for converting optical signals to electrical signals and electrical signals to optical signals. Accordingly, PCB 52 is commonly referred to as an opto-electronic device or interface. Components area 48 may contain active and/or passive components, and such components may be located and configured on the PCB 52 in any manner desired by the OEM or the service provider.
The portion of outer compartment 28 outside the components area 48 forms a connections area 58. As shown and described herein, NID 20 further includes at least one fiber optic connection 54 mounted to first floor 24 via bracket 56 for connecting one or more optical fibers of the network fiber optic drop cable 86 to one or more optical fiber of a fiber optic pigtail 91. Fiber optic connection 54 may, for example, be a conventional connector adapter sleeve by which one or more fiber optic pigtails 91 are optically connected to the network fiber optic drop cable 86. Alternatively, connection 54 may be an OptiTap™ type fiber optic receptacle available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C., for receiving opposing fiber optic connectors mounted upon the ends of the network fiber optic drop cable 86 and the fiber optic pigtail 91. Regardless, fiber optic connection 54 is configured to receive at least one fiber optic connector, such as an SC style connector, on each side. If a connector adapter sleeve or receptacle is used, the optical fibers of the drop cable 86 are preferably connectorized and inserted into one end of the connection 54. At least one connectorized pigtail 91 is then inserted into the other end of the connection 54 to align and optically connect the optical fiber of the pigtail 91 with the corresponding optical fiber of the drop cable 86. Preferably, the network fiber optic drop cable 86 and the fiber optic pigtail 91 are pre-connectorized (i.e. connectorized in the factory) in order to simplify and expedite the connection process, thereby reducing field labor costs. The fiber optic pigtail 91 may then be routed into the components area 48 through an opening provided in cover 50 and optically connected to a passive component on the PCB 52. Alternatively, if the optical fibers of the drop cable 86 are not pre-connectorized, outer compartment 28 may optionally include a conventional splice tray and/or splice holder 59 for aligning and holding one or more splices between optical fibers of the drop cable 86 routed into the splice tray 59 and optical fibers of a transport tube (not shown) spliced thereto by conventional methods well known in the art, such as by mechanical or fusion splicing. The optical fibers contained within the transport tube are then routed through the opening provided in the cover 50 and optically connected to a passive component on the PCB 52.
At least one terminating device 60, such as a conventional insulation displacement connector (IDC) shown in
Because certain electrical components are generally susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), the back side of cover 50 desirably may be shielded against EMI, thereby minimizing or eliminating a source of electrical noise on the subscriber wiring 92. Such EMI shielding may be provided by locating a metallic shield between cover 50 and PCB 52. The EMI shield may be in the form of a metallic plate, or may be in the form of a suitable EMI mitigating coating which is applied directly to the back side of cover 50.
NID 20, as best shown in
Second base 62 comprises floor 66 and continuous sidewall 68 extending upwardly from the floor 66. Together, floor 66 and sidewall 68 define inner compartment 70 within NID 20 for storing the drop cable slack. Second base 62 may also include retaining members 72 for retaining the drop cable slack in a desired configuration, for example a plurality of stacked coils of the drop cable slack. Retaining members 72 may be removable to facilitate coiling or otherwise positioning the drop cable slack within inner compartment 70. As depicted in
Sidewall 68 preferably includes at least one drop cable entry port 80 and at least one drop cable exit port 82. Preferably, drop cable entry ports 80 are located both at the top right-hand side of the second base 62 and at the bottom left-hand side of the second base 62 when NID 20 is mounted on a vertical surface, such as a wall of a structure. Drop cable exit port 82 as depicted in
Second base 62 is particularly useful when a standard length of a pre-connectorized network drop cable 86 is used to reduce field labor costs. In the event that a customized length of a pre-connectorized network drop cable 86 is utilized, or the drop cable 86 is cut to length and connectorized or spliced in the field, second base 62 may be optionally detached from first base 22 at hinges 64 and NID 20, comprising only first base 22, may thereafter be mounted, for example to a wall of a structure, via mounting feet 88 (
Network drop cable 86 comprises a relatively flexible jacket made of a weatherproof material, such as plastic, for protecting at least one, and preferably at least a pair, of optical fibers. Typically, the jacket of drop cable 86 encases at least one optical fiber contained within a transport tube 87 for protection. As previously described, the drop cable 86 is routed into second base 62 of NID 20 through a drop cable entry port 80. A slack length of the drop cable 86 may be coiled within inner compartment 70 under retaining members 72, or the retaining members 72 may be positioned on the sidewall 68 of the second base 62 after the drop cable slack has been coiled if the retaining members 72 are removable. Typically, the end of the drop cable 86 is then routed out of the second base 62 through cable exit port 82 and into outer compartment 28 of first base 22 through cable entry port 42. Optionally, optical fibers of the drop cable 86 to be used initially are separated from optical fibers that are to be stored within cavity 70 and used later if the subscriber requires additional fiber optic communications service. Unused, or “dark,” optical fibers may be stored as bare optical fiber or in transport tubes within inner compartment 70 along with the slack length of drop cable 86.
Subscriber cable 90 is an optical, electrical or coaxial cable leading from an indoor outlet in a subscriber premises. As shown herein, subscriber cable 90 comprises a relatively flexible jacket made of a weatherproof material, such as plastic, for protecting at least one, and preferably at least a pair, of electrical wires, such as a twisted wire pair. The subscriber cable 90 enters first base 22 of NID 20 through entry port 44 and individual subscriber wires 92 are broken out from the cable jacket within outer compartment 28 and routed directly to a terminating device 60. A fiber optic pigtail 91 is connected to one end of connection 54 opposite the connectorized optical fiber(s) of the drop cable 86 contained within transport tube 87. Alternatively, in the event that drop cable 86 is not connectorized, the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable 86 may be spliced by a conventional method, such as with a mechanical or fusion splice within splice tray or splice holder 59, to un-connectorized optical fiber(s) of the fiber optic pigtail 91. In either event the fiber optic pigtail 91 is routed into components area 48 and optically connected to an optical component on PCB 52. Similarly, jumper wires 93 are connected to one end of terminating device 60 opposite subscriber wiring 92, routed into components area 48 and electrically connected to an electrical component on PCB 52.
As shown, base 102 is provided with slots 112 and cover 108 is provided with snaps 114 that are received within slots 112 to secure cover 108 on base 102 in the closed position. Base 102 and cover 108 may also be provided with means 116 opposite the hinges 110 for locking cover 108 on base 102. For example, means 116 may comprise locking screw 40 that requires an industry specific tool to remove. Alternatively, means 116 may comprise aligned openings through base 102 and cover 108 that receive a combination or key lock (not shown) belonging to the subscriber. Base 102 may be mounted, for example to a wall of a structure, by way of feet 120 provided on base 102. Alternatively, NID 100 may comprise one or more slotted holes (not shown) through floor 104 for mounting NID 100 to a wall at the subscriber premises using conventional screws.
At least one drop cable entry port 122 is in communication with connections area 124 of base 102 to permit a network drop cable (not shown) to be routed into NID 100. NID 100 may be provided with any convenient number of drop cable entry ports 122. Preferably, however, the NID 100 is provided with at least one entry port 122 for receiving a network drop cable, as described hereinabove, from a fiber optic communications network. Entry port 122 may be provided with a removable grommet or penetrable seal (not shown) to prevent contaminants, such as moisture, dirt, or infestations, from entering the NID 100 when entry port 122 is not in use. When in use, entry port 122 may also be sealed with a gel or grease around the fiber optic drop cable in a known manner to prevent contaminants from entering NID 100. As shown and described herein, entry port 122 is located adjacent the hinged side of base 102 and cover 108. However, entry port 122 may be located at any convenient location along the sidewall 106 of base 102. Base 102 further comprises at least one subscriber cable entry port 128 along sidewall 106 to permit a subscriber cable (not shown) to be routed into connections area 124 of NID 100, as previously described.
As shown in
As shown and described herein, connections area 124 includes fiber optic connection 54 mounted to the outer side of panel 130 on a mounting bracket 56 for optically connecting one or more optical fibers of the network fiber optic drop cable with one or more optical fibers within the NID 100. If connection 54 is a connector adapter sleeve or receptacle, the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable are preferably pre-connectorized, and the pre-connectorized drop cable is received within one end of the connection 54. At least one connectorized fiber optic pigtail may then be received within the other end of the connection 54 and optically aligned with a corresponding optical fiber on the drop cable. The fiber optic pigtail may then be routed into the components area 132 through an opening in the panel 130, identified in
Terminating devices 60, such as conventional insulation displacement connectors (IDCs) shown in
Components area 132 may be shielded against EMI by locating a suitable shield between panel 130 and PCB 52. The EMI shield may be in the form of a metallic plate, or it may be in the form of a suitable EMI mitigating coating which may be applied directly to the back (i.e. inner) side of panel 130.
As previously described, connections area 124 is located at a first elevation within base 102 on the front (i.e. outer) side of panel 130. Components area 132, on the other hand, is located at a second elevation within base 102 that is different than the first elevation. In particular, components area 132 is located between floor 104 of base 102 and the back (i.e. inner) side of panel 130. Thus, base 102 is divided by panel 130 into a first, outer compartment and a second, inner compartment bordered by sidewall 106.
The network drop cable may be strain relieved as it enters connections area 124 of base 102. As shown herein, drop cable entry port 122 comprises a strain relief bracket 142 for strain relieving the drop cable with a clamping device (not shown), such as a cable tie. Similarly, subscriber cable entry port 128 is comprises a strain relief bracket 142 for strain relieving the subscriber cable as it enters the connections area 124. Furthermore, NID 100 may optionally comprise second base 62, as previously shown and described with respect to the embodiment of
NID 200 further comprises a protective outer cover 214 movably attached to base 202. Base 202 and cover 214 may be made of any relatively rigid material, such as sheet metal, but preferably are made of a molded plastic, such as PVC, polyethylene, or polypropylene. Outer cover 214 is movable between an opened position, as shown in
As shown, base 202 is provided with slots 218 and cover 214 is provided with snaps 220 that are received within slots 218 to secure cover 214 on base 202 in the closed position. Base 202 and cover 214 may also be provided with means 222 opposite hinges 216 for locking cover 214 on base 202. For example, means 222 may comprise locking screw 40 (
As described, second (i.e. outer) compartment 212 preferably is provided with arcuate inner walls 226 for coiling an excess length of a network fiber optic drop cable containing one or more optical fibers without exceeding the minimum bend radius of the optical fibers and without creating kinks or tight bends which may interfere with the performance of the optical fibers. Preferably, the drop cable slack is coiled loosely between arcuate walls 226 and second sidewall 210. The second compartment 212 may also be provided with retaining members 72 for retaining the drop cable slack within the second compartment 212 in a desired configuration. Retaining members 72 may be removable to facilitate coiling or otherwise positioning the drop cable slack in second compartment 212. As best shown in
As shown, second sidewall 210 extends upwardly from floor 204 a greater distance along the bottom of NID 200. Accordingly, cover 214 has a corresponding recess 228 formed therein to accommodate the extension of second sidewall 210 and at least one drop cable entry port 230. The drop cable entry port 230 is in communication with second compartment 212 to permit a network fiber optic drop cable, as described hereinabove, to be routed into NID 200. NID 200 may be provided with any convenient number of entry ports 230, but typically is provided with only one entry port 230 for receiving a single drop cable containing one or more optical fibers from an optical communications network. Entry port 230 may be provided with a removable grommet or penetrable seal 232 (
As best shown in
As described above, base 202 and first sidewall 206 define first compartment 208 for housing optical, electrical and/or coaxial connections and components within NID 200. As best shown in
As shown and described herein, connections area 242 may include fiber optic connection 54 mounted to the front (i.e. outer) side of panel 236 on mounting bracket 56 for connecting the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable with one or more optical fibers of fiber optic pigtails, as previously described. Fiber optic connection 54 may, for example, be a connector adapter sleeve or receptacle (such as the OptiTap™ fiber optic receptacle available from Corning Cable Systems LLC of Hickory, N.C.) by which the fiber optic pigtail(s) are optically connected to the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable. If a connector adapter sleeve or receptacle is used, the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable are preferably pre-connectorized and the connector(s) received within one end of the adapter connector sleeve or receptacle. At least one connectorized pigtail is then received within the other end of the connector adapter sleeve or receptacle and optically aligned with a corresponding optical fiber of the drop cable. The fiber optic pigtail is then routed from the connection 54 to the components area through panel port 248. Panel port 248 may be located at any convenient location on the panel 236. Alternatively, if the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable are not connectorized, connections area 242 may optionally include a conventional splice tray and/or splice holder 59 for holding one or more splices between the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable and the fiber optic pigtails spliced thereto by conventional methods well known in the art, such as by mechanical or fusion splicing.
Snap members 250 on the front surface of panel 236 provide mounting locations for terminating devices 60 previously shown and described, such as conventional insulation displacement connectors (IDCs). Grooves 252 formed in the outer surface of panel 236 may be used to accommodate electrical wires from a subscriber cable which may be connected to the terminating devices. Alternatively, panel 236 may contain one or more openings 256 through which PCB-mounted terminating devices may protrude from the PCB 52 through panel 236 from components area 238 into connections area 242. Additional openings 256 may be formed through panel 236 into which OEM-provided connector receptacles or jacks (not shown), such as modular RJ-11 or RJ-45 jacks, may be inserted to receive corresponding plugs from subscriber communications equipment or line testing equipment, such as a conventional handset. The OEM-provided connector receptacles or jacks may be mounted on the outer side of the PCB 52 so that they protrude outwardly through openings 256 when the PCB 52 is mounted within components area 238 of NID 200 and panel 236 is in its fully installed position inside first sidewall 206 of base 202 abutting standoffs 240. The OEM-provided connector receptacles or jacks are electrically connected to an electrical component on the PCB 52 via jumper wires. Alternatively, the jumper wires may be connected between the PCB 52 and one end of a terminating device 60. The subscriber wiring is then connected to the other end of the terminating device 60, as previously described, to electrically connect the subscriber wiring to an electrical component, such as an electrical-to-optical converter, on the PCB 52. For example, the jumper wires may be terminated at the end opposite the terminating device 60 with an appropriate modular plug, such as an OEM-provided RJ-11 plug, which is in turn attached to and electrically connected with an electrical component on the PCB 52.
Panel 236 may further include subscriber cable access opening 258 to provide access to passageways 234 which open into first compartment 208. Thus, subscriber wiring routed into NID 200 passes through at least one passageway 234 and enters connections area 242 through access opening 258. The passageway 234 may be fitted with a removable grommet or penetrable seal adjacent access opening 258 to prevent contaminants, such as moisture, dirt, or infestations, from entering first compartment 208.
As electrical components may be susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI), the back (i.e. inner) side of panel 236 desirably may be shielded against EMI, thereby minimizing or eliminating a source of electrical noise on the subscriber wiring. Such shielding may be provided by locating a metallic shield between panel 236 and PCB 52. The EMI shield may be in the form of a metallic plate, or it may be in the form of a suitable EMI mitigating coating which may be applied directly to the back side of panel 236.
As previously described, connections area 242 is located at a first elevation within first compartment 242 of base 202 on the front (i.e. outer) side of panel 236. Components area 238, on the other hand, is located at a second elevation within first compartment 208 of base 202 that is different than the first elevation. In particular, components area 238 is located between floor 204 of base 202 and the back (i.e. inner) side of panel 236. Thus, first compartment 208 is divided by panel 236 into a first, outer connections area 242 and a second, inner components are 238 bordered by first sidewall 206.
Second compartment 212 manages the drop cable that enters the NID 200 through drop cable entry port 230. If desired, the drop cable may be strain relieved as it enters second compartment 212. As shown herein, entry port 230 comprises a strain relief bracket 260 for strain relieving the drop cable with a clamping device (not shown), such as a cable tie. In addition, an excess length of the drop cable may be stored within the second compartment 212 between arcuate walls 226 and second sidewall 210. As previously described, second compartment 212 further comprises at least one, and preferably a plurality, of retaining members 72 that project into the second compartment 212 for retaining the drop cable slack between the floor 204 and the retaining members 72.
Connections area 242 further manages the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable that enter the first compartment 208 of NID 200 through entry port 244. Connections area 242 is accessible to both the service provider and the subscriber and serves as the mandatory demarcation point for the optical, electrical and/or coaxial connections between the network and the subscriber wiring. In particular, the optical fiber(s) of the drop cable are first connectorized (and preferably, pre-connectorized) and then optically connected through connection 54 to connectorized fiber optic pigtail(s). The fiber optic pigtail(s) are then routed through panel opening 248 to PCB 52 and optically connected to an optical component in the components area 238, such as an optical-to-electrical converter to convert the optical signals to electrical signals. Similarly, a subscriber cable containing subscriber wiring is first routed through passageway 234 into connections area 242 and the subscriber wiring (e.g. a twisted wire pair) is connected to one side of a terminating device 60, such as an IDC. Jumper wires having a modular connector or plug on one end may then be connected to the other side of the terminating device 60. The modular connector or plug is then connected to an electrical component on the PCB 52, such as an electrical-to-optical converter within components area 242 to electrically connect the subscriber wiring to the PCB 52. Alternatively, the subscriber wiring may be provided with a modular connector or plug that is received within modular receptacle or jack 256 protruding through panel 236 and mounted directly to PCB 52.
An excess length of the drop cable may be coiled within second compartment 212 in a clockwise direction under retaining members 72, or the retaining members 72 may be positioned over the second compartment 212 after the drop cable slack has been coiled therein in the event that the retaining members 72 are removable. If desired, optical fibers to be used initially may be separated from optical fibers that are to be stored within second compartment 212 and used later when the subscriber requires additional communications services. The unused, or “dark,” optical fibers (not shown) may be stored as bare fiber or in transport tubes within second compartment 212 along with the drop cable slack.
In each of the examples, the connections and components panel 330 is removably mounted within the interior of the NID 300 and thereby interchangeable with another panel 330 having a different configuration. In this manner, the service provider can initially install an empty NID 300, for example during construction of the subscriber premises, and subsequently install a connections and components panel 330 having a suitable configuration when the subscriber orders communications services. For example, the communication network may only support copper subscriber wiring or the subscriber may initially order only plain old telephone service (POTS). Accordingly, the service provider will install a removable and interchangeable connections and components panel 330 having a configuration suitable for both copper network wiring and copper subscriber wiring. Alternatively, the communications network may also support coaxial transmissions and the subscriber may desire both POTS and video services. Accordingly, the service provider will remove and replace the copper connections and components panel 330 with a different connections and components panel 330 configured for high-speed copper/coaxial voice and video transmissions. Later, the service provider may upgrade the network to a fiber optic communications network and the subscriber may desire voice, video and data services. Accordingly, the service provider will remove and replace the copper/coaxial connections and components panel 330 with a different connections and components panel 330 configured for high-speed voice, video and data transmissions. As such, the service provider can reduce or delay materials and field labor costs by utilizing the same NID 300 regardless of the type of communications network or the services desired by the subscriber. As a result, the service provider can readily upgrade the panel 330 as the transmission technology changes, or can customize subscriber installations to minimize equipment costs.
Connections and components panel 330 may be removably mounted within the interior of NID 300 in any suitable manner. Preferably, however, panel 330 is rotatably and detachably mounted to the lower edge of floor 304 or sidewall 306 such that panel 330 rotates between a closed position and an opened position. In the closed position, the panel 330 separates the interior of the NID 300 into a first (i.e. outer) compartment 340 and a second (i.e. inner) compartment 350. The first compartment 340 is defined by the area of base 302 within sidewall 306 and above panel 330. The second compartment 350 is defined by the area of base 302 within sidewall 306 and below panel 330 (i.e. the area between floor 304 and the inner surface of panel 330). As described hereinabove, the first compartment 340 comprises a connections area 342 for accommodating optical, electrical and or coaxial connections between the network fiber optic drop cable and the subscriber wiring. Similarly, the second compartment 350 comprises a components area 352 for accommodating passive and/or active optical, electrical coaxial components, such as an optical-to-electrical converter (O/E converter), an optical-to-coaxial converter, etc. Panel 330 is preferably supported by a plurality of standoffs 354 along the sidewall 306 of base 302 such that first compartment 340 is positioned at a fixed elevation above the floor 304. Connections area 342 may be shaped and sized within first compartment 340 in any desirable manner and components area 352 may likewise be shaped and sized within second compartment 350 in any desirable manner. Preferably, however, connections area 342 and components area 352 are positioned at different elevations with respect to floor 304 in a stacked or layered configuration. In particular, connections area 342 is positioned at a first elevation above floor 304 and components area 352 is positioned at a second elevation above floor 304 that is different than the first elevation.
In a first example of the NID 300 shown in
In a second example of the NID 300 shown in
In a third example of the NID 300 shown in
Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will readily come to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and particularly, to one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein and that further modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
