Distribution cable assembly having overmolded mid-span access location

Abstract

A fiber optic distribution cable assembly (20) includes a distribution cable (30) having at least one predetermined mid-span access location (22) and a tether (26) for mitigating cable length errors at the mid-span access location in a pre-engineered fiber optic communications network. At least one optical fiber (28) of the distribution cable is accessed at the mid-span access location and optically connected to an optical fiber (24) disposed within the tether (26). Preferably, the first end of the tether (26) is attached to the distribution cable (30) by overmolding the mid-span access location with a flexible encapsulant material (52). The end of the optical fiber of the tether may be splice-ready or connectorized at the second end of the tether and protected within a crush resistant tube. Alternatively, the second end of the tether may terminate in an optical connection terminal defining at least one optical connection node, or may terminate in a linear chain of articulated optical connection nodes.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to a distribution cable deployed in a fiber optic communication network, and more particularly to a midspan access site having a flexible overmold and for providing at least one preterminated connection to the distribution cable Fiber optic distribution cables for tethers for fiber optic access. Background technique [0002] Optical fibers are increasingly used for all kinds of broadband communications including voice, video and data transmission. As a result of the growing need for broadband communications, fiber optic networks typically include a large number of mid-span access locations where one or more optical fibers are terminated from distribution cables. These midspan access locations provide a distribution point from a distribution cable to another distribution point, or a branch point from a distribution cable to an end user, commonly referred to as a subscriber, thereby bringing an "all optical" commu...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Distribution cables provided with conventional enclosures tend to be large in size and inflexible, and thus unable to meet the constraints of common deployments, such as being wound into coils, deployed through conduits with relatively small inner diameters or significant bends, or through Traditional aerial lashing equipment configurations such as tackle or rollers

In addition, such enclosures are usually structurally complex and difficult to install

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