Methods for configuring and testing fiber drop terminals

• US 20060153517A1
• Filed: 08/08/2005
• Published: 07/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CommScope Technologies, LLC (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ADC Telecommunications Incorporated (TE Connectivity Limited)
• Inventors: Reagan, Randy, Gniadek, Jeffrey, Noonan, Michael, Baren-Boym, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,680,388 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/135
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3897 Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards G02B6/44528 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4441 Boxes
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 10/27 Arrangements for networking

Abstract

A method for testing a fiber drop terminal from a single geographic location may include placing a signal onto a first optical fiber at the single geographic location. The first optical fiber is communicatively coupled to a first output receptacle on the fiber drop terminal. The method may also include detecting the signal via a second optical fiber at the single geographic location. The second optical fiber is communicatively coupled to a second output receptacle on the fiber drop terminal, and the second output receptacle is communicatively coupled to the first output receptacle via a loop-back assembly.

Claims

1. A method for testing a fiber drop terminal from a first location, the fiber drop terminal installed at a second location in a communications network, the method comprising:

placing a signal onto a first optical fiber at the first location, the first optical fiber communicatively coupled to a first output receptacle on the fiber drop terminal; and

detecting the signal via a second optical fiber at the first location, the second optical fiber communicatively coupled to a second output receptacle on the fiber drop terminal, the second output receptacle communicatively coupled to the first output receptacle via a loop-back assembly.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first location comprises a central office, a head end, or a fiber distribution hub.

3. A method for testing a fiber drop terminal located at a first location, the method comprising:

placing a signal onto a first optical fiber at a second location, the first optical fiber communicatively coupled to a first output on the fiber drop terminal; and

detecting the signal via a second optical fiber at the second location, the second optical fiber communicatively coupled to a second output on the fiber drop terminal.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the first output is operatively and removeably coupled to the second output via a loop-back assembly.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the loop-back assembly is operatively and removeably coupled to the first output and the second output at a manufacturing facility.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein the first output includes a first output receptacle and the second output includes a second output receptacle.

7. The method of claim 3, wherein the second location is a central office.

8. The method of claim 3, wherein the second location is a fiber distribution hub.

9. The method of claim 3, wherein the second location is a head end.

10. The method of claim 3, wherein the signal is an optical test signal.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the optical test signal is placed on the first optical fiber and received on the second optical fiber by a technician.

12. The method of claim 3, wherein the fiber drop terminal includes a fiber management portion for storing optical fiber coils at an angular orientation with respect to an outer surface of the fiber drop terminal.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the angular orientation substantially maintains the optical fiber coils at a predetermined minimum bend radius.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the predetermined bend radius ranges from about 1.2 to 1.5 inches.

15. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

removing the loop-back assembly from the first output; and

connecting an output connector to the first output, the output connector communicatively coupled to a destination via an output optical fiber.

16. The method of claim 4, further comprising:

removing the loop-back assembly from the first output and the second output; and

reusing the loop-back assembly on a different fiber drop terminal.

17. The method of claim 4, wherein the signal is placed on the first optical fiber and detected on the second optical fiber using an automated testing device.

18. The method of claim 3, wherein the fiber drop terminal includes a splitter.

19. The method of claim 3, wherein the fiber drop terminal is part of a factory integrated termination.

20. The method of claim 3, wherein the fiber drop terminal is coupled to a utility pole, a suspended strand, an equipment enclosure, a building structure or an equipment vault.

21. A method for configuring a fiber drop terminal having an enclosure body including an input channel and an inner cavity, the method comprising:

installing an output receptacle into the body;

routing a fiber through the input channel, the fiber having excess length and having a distal end; and

placing the excess length in a coil and releasably securing the coil to the inner cavity at an angular orientation with respect to an inner wall of the inner cavity.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the coil maintains at least a manufacturer recommended minimum bend radius.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the angular orientation facilitates achieving a predetermined bend radius.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein a first retainer retains the fiber after passing through the input channel, the first retainer placed between the input channel and the coil.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the fiber is retained using a first retainer and a second retainer to establish the angular orientation.

26. A method for installing a fiber drop terminal having angular coil storage therein, the angular coil storage maintaining a predetermined minimum bend radius for an optical fiber, the method comprising:

identifying a mounting location for the fiber drop terminal;

affixing a mounting bracket to a structure suitable for supporting the fiber drop terminal; and

attaching the fiber drop terminal to the mounting bracket such that a receptacle associated with the optical fiber is oriented in a desired direction.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein the receptacle is associated with a plug for preventing debris from entering the receptacle prior to receiving an output connector.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the mounting bracket is adapted for mounting to a utility pole, a residential structure, a commercial structure, a suspended strand, a fiber distribution hub, a pedestal enclosure, or an equipment closet.

29. A method for configuring a multi-strand fiber optic cable having a plurality of optical fibers, the method comprising:

receiving information associating a geographic position with a first location on the cable;

establishing a first breakout at the first location, the first breakout comprising a first subset of the plurality of optical fibers, the first subset for use in conjunction with a first fiber drop terminal having angular coil storage therein; and

terminating the first breakout.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein the terminating further comprises:

attaching an input connector to at least one of the optical fibers.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein the terminating act further comprises:

attaching the first fiber drop terminal to the first breakout.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein the angular coil storage uses at least one adjustable retaining device.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the adjustable retaining device is adjustable in height.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising:

receiving information associating a second geographic position with a second location on the cable;

establishing a second breakout at the second location, the second breakout consisting of a second subset of the plurality of optical fibers, the second subset for use in conjunction with a second fiber drop terminal; and

terminating the second breakout.