Fiber optic cable connector and adapter housing

Abstract

The embodiments described herein relate to fiber optic cables and fiber optic patch panel housings. The cable includes a connector body that houses a plurality of fiber optic portions. The connector body has a face including a plurality of columns of holes for exposing corresponding ends of the fiber optic portions. Each hole in a particular column is obliquely offset relative to the nearest hole in an adjacent column. The housing includes a first slot having a first orientation and opposing second slots having a second orientation. The first slot is configured to accommodate a cable with the first orientation, and the second slot is configured to accommodate a cable with the second orientation. This configuration enables a shuffle function, wherein an element coupled to a cable inserted into the first slot is communicatively coupled to other elements, each of which is connected to a corresponding cable inserted into a corresponding second slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to fiber optic cable connectors and adapter housings. Prior Technology

[0002] In data center networking applications, parallel fiber optic infrastructure is heavily relied upon as a means of providing connectivity between multiple layers of electronic switches and servers. In some cases, a given switch can be coupled to multiple servers via such infrastructure, and vice versa. Such infrastructure is typically implemented using patch panels, pre-fabricated shuffle elements in optical shuffle modules (or enclosures), or by constructing cross-connect structures with discrete duplex fibers. These implementations are cumbersome, prone to increasing insertion losses, and consume significant amounts of space, which becomes increasingly congested as capacity requirements grow. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This "Summary" is provided to introduce a series of concepts in a simplified form, which are further described below in the "Description" section. This "Summary" is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0004] The embodiments described herein relate to fiber optic cables and fiber optic patch panel housings. The fiber optic cable includes a connector body that houses a plurality of fiber optic portions. The connector body has a face including a plurality of adjacent rows of holes for exposing corresponding ends of the fiber optic portions, allowing communicative coupling with other fiber optic cables via physical contact or beam-expanding optical lens effects. Each hole in a particular row of holes is obliquely offset relative to the nearest hole in an adjacent row of holes. The fiber optic patch panel housing includes a first socket and a second socket opposite the first socket. The first socket includes a plurality of first slots having a first orientation. The second socket includes a plurality of second slots having a second orientation different from the first orientation. The first slots are configured to accommodate fiber optic cables with the first orientation, and the second slots are configured to accommodate fiber optic cables with the second orientation. This configuration enables a shuffling function, wherein an element (e.g., a network switch) coupled to a fiber optic cable inserted into a slot in the first socket is communicatively coupled to a plurality of other elements (e.g., servers) each connected to a fiber optic cable inserted into a corresponding slot in the second socket.

[0005] Further features and advantages of the embodiments, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments, are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the methods and systems are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein. Such embodiments are presented herein for illustrative purposes only. Additional embodiments will be understood by those skilled in the art based on the teachings contained herein. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the present application and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the embodiments and to allow those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments.

[0007] Figure 1A shows a perspective view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0008] Figure 1B shows a top view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0009] Figure 1C shows a rear view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0010] Figure 1D shows a front view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0011] Figure 1E shows a side view of an optical fiber cable assembly according to an example embodiment.

[0012] Figure 1F shows a front view of an optical fiber cable assembly configured to utilize the beam-expanding optical lens effect according to an example embodiment.

[0013] Figure 1G shows a perspective view of an optical fiber cable assembly configured to utilize the beam-expanding optical lens effect according to an example embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2A shows a first perspective view of the fiber optic patch panel housing according to an example embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2B shows a second perspective view of the fiber optic adapter housing according to an example embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2C shows a front view depicting the front of the housing of a fiber optic adapter according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 2D shows a top view depicting the top surface of a fiber optic adapter housing according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2E shows a rear view depicting the rear of a fiber optic adapter housing according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2F shows a bottom view depicting the bottom surface of a fiber optic adapter housing according to an example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3A shows a first cross-sectional perspective view of a system according to an example embodiment, in which a connector is to be received by and inserted into a fiber optic patch housing.

[0021] Figure 3B shows a perspective view of a system according to an example embodiment, in which a connector is received by and inserted into a fiber optic patch housing.

[0022] Figure 3C shows a top view of a system according to an example embodiment, in which a connector is received by and inserted into a fiber optic patch housing.

[0023] Figure 3D shows a side view of a system according to an example embodiment, in which a connector is received by and inserted into a fiber optic patch housing.

[0024] Figure 3E shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a system according to an example embodiment, in which a connector is received by and inserted into a fiber optic patch housing.

[0025] Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of the connector along the AA axis depicted in Figure 3D according to an example embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 depicts a block diagram of a system according to an example embodiment, which implements an exemplary rinsing function via a fiber optic patch panel housing.

[0027] Figure 6A depicts a front view of a fiber optic patch housing according to an example embodiment, the fiber optic patch housing supporting beam-expanding optical lens effects.

[0028] Figure 6B depicts a rear view of a fiber optic patch housing 600 according to an example embodiment, the fiber optic patch housing supporting beam-expanding optical lens effects.

[0029] Figure 7A shows a first cross-sectional perspective view of a system according to an example embodiment, in which a connector is received and inserted into a fiber optic patch housing that supports beam-expanding optical lens effects.

[0030] Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of a system according to an example embodiment, in which a connector is received by and inserted into a fiber optic patch housing that supports beam-expanding optical lens effects.

[0031] The features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will be understood when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals identify corresponding elements throughout. In these drawings, similar reference numerals generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and / or structurally similar elements. The first appearance of an element in a drawing is indicated by the leftmost numeral in the corresponding reference numeral. Implementation

[0032] I. Introduction

[0033] The following detailed description discloses numerous exemplary embodiments. The scope of this patent application is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but also includes combinations of the disclosed embodiments and variations thereof.

[0034] The use of phrases such as "an embodiment," "an example embodiment," or "an exemplary embodiment" in the specification indicates that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures, or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include that specific feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, such statements do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Moreover, when a specific feature, structure, or characteristic is described in conjunction with an embodiment, it is understood that, whether explicitly described or not, implementing such a feature, structure, or characteristic in combination with other embodiments is within the knowledge scope of those skilled in the art.

[0035] In this discussion, unless otherwise stated, adverbs such as “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately” modifying one or more features of the embodiments of this disclosure are to be understood as referring to conditions or characteristics defined within acceptable tolerances for the operation of the embodiments in their intended application.

[0036] Many exemplary embodiments are described below. It should be noted that the headings of any paragraphs / subparagraphs provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments are described throughout this document, and any type of embodiment may be included in any paragraph / subparagraph. Furthermore, embodiments disclosed in any paragraph / subparagraph may be combined in any manner with any other embodiments described in the same paragraph / subparagraph and / or different paragraphs / subparagraphs. II. Example Implementation

[0037] The embodiments described herein relate to fiber optic cables and fiber optic patch panel housings. The fiber optic cable includes a connector body that houses a plurality of fiber optic portions. The connector body has a face including a plurality of adjacent rows of holes for exposing corresponding ends of the fiber optic portions, allowing communicative coupling with other fiber optic cables via physical contact or beam-expanding optical lens effects. Each hole in a particular row of holes is obliquely offset relative to the nearest hole in an adjacent row of holes. The fiber optic patch panel housing includes a first socket and a second socket opposite the first socket. The first socket includes a plurality of first slots having a first orientation. The second socket includes a plurality of second slots having a second orientation different from the first orientation. The first slots are configured to accommodate fiber optic cables with the first orientation, and the second slots are configured to accommodate fiber optic cables with the second orientation. This configuration enables a shuffling function, wherein an element (e.g., a network switch) coupled to a fiber optic cable inserted into a slot in the first socket is communicatively coupled to a plurality of other elements (e.g., servers) each connected to a fiber optic cable inserted into a corresponding slot in the second socket.

[0038] The embodiments described herein advantageously reduce the complexity, cost, and operational burden of implementing fiber optic infrastructure, and also reduce the total insertion loss by approximately half compared to the total insertion loss of discrete shuffling components, because the number of physical matings is halved. Alternative implementations utilize complex fiber optic patch panels with discrete fibers, dedicated pre-fabricated optical shuffling modules, or structures requiring cross-connections using discrete duplex connectors to perform the desired shuffling function. These methods can perform the same function, but at the cost of increased cost, space requirements, and operational burden (i.e., installation and / or maintenance). These methods involve more complex optical systems, and therefore, due to the relatively higher complexity and associated maintenance, increase the risk of errors in terms of misconfiguration and network unavailability.

[0039] The embodiments described herein further differ from existing solutions in that the wash functionality is provided entirely within the connector and housing assembly itself, thereby eliminating the need for any kind of dedicated wash components. Furthermore, the connectors and housings described herein are keyed, thus achieving foolproof connectivity between components (e.g., switches and servers), thereby minimizing operational effort required for infrastructure management.

[0040] Figures 1A-1E illustrate an optical fiber cable assembly 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1A shows a perspective view of the optical fiber cable assembly 100, Figure 1B shows a top view of the optical fiber cable assembly 100, Figure 1C shows a rear view of the optical fiber cable assembly 100, Figure 1D shows a front view of the optical fiber cable assembly 100, and Figure 1E shows a side or lateral view of the optical fiber cable assembly 100. As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, and 1E, the optical fiber cable assembly 100 includes a connector body 102 (or connector) and a portion of an optical fiber cable 104. As shown in Figures 1A-1E, the connector body 102 includes a front surface 106, a rear surface 108 opposite to the front surface 106, a first side surface 110, a second side surface 112 opposite to the first side surface 110, a top surface 114, and a bottom surface 116 opposite to the top surface 114. The first side surface 110 and the second side surface 112 may be orthogonal to the front surface 106 and the rear surface 108. The front surface 106 may include a protruding surface 130.

[0041] Fiber optic cable 104 may include a plurality of fiber optic sections 118A-118H. Each of the fiber optic sections 118A-118H may include a core protected by a cladding, a buffer coating, and / or an outer sheath. The core may include a thin strip of glass (e.g., 10-600 micrometers). The core serves as a medium through which optical pulses are transmitted via elements coupled to the medium (e.g., network switches, servers, etc.). The cladding may surround the core, reflecting light back into the core and preventing light from escaping from the cable. The cladding may be made of a material with a refractive index lower than that of the core. Examples of such materials include glass, plastic, or combinations thereof. The thickness of the cladding may be between 125-630 micrometers. The outer sheath serves as a protective layer. The outer sheath may be made of polyurethane, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), etc. The thickness of the sheath may be between 250-1040 micrometers.

[0042] As shown in FIG1C, the rear 108 may include a hole 120. The hole 120 may be formed to receive a first end of the fiber optic cable 104. As shown in FIG1A and 1B, the top surface 114 and / or the bottom surface 116 may include a hole 122 that exposes one or more inner surfaces 124A-124F of the connector body 102. The inner surface 124A may include a hole 125 formed to receive a first end of the fiber optic cable 104. As shown in FIG1B, a plurality of guide holes 128A-128H may penetrate a portion of the connector body 102 between the raised surface 130 and the inner surface 124D. The guide holes 128A-128H may be exposed via holes 126A, 126C, 126E and 126G of the first column 132A of the raised surface 130 and holes 126B, 126D, 126F and 126H of the adjacent second column 132B and corresponding holes (not shown) of the inner surface 124D. The hole on the inner surface 124D is aligned with the holes 126A-126H on the front surface 106. The guide holes 128A-128H can be configured to accommodate the optical fiber sections 118A-118H respectively.

[0043] Hole 120 can be used during manufacturing to route fiber optic portion 118A via corresponding holes 124D, guide holes 128A and / or hole 126A; to route fiber optic portion 118B via corresponding holes 124D, guide holes 128B and / or hole 126B; to route fiber optic portion 118C via corresponding holes 124D, guide holes 128C and / or hole 126C; and to route fiber optic portion 118C via corresponding holes 124D, guide holes 128D and / or hole 126D. Part 118D, fiber optic portion 118E, fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118G, fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118G, fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118G, fiber optic portion 118G, fiber optic portion 118F, and fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118F, fiber optic portion 118A-118H, can be flush with the protruding surface 130, so that fiber optic portions 118A-118H do not protrude outward from the protruding surface 130. It should be noted that although hole 122 is depicted as trapezoidal, hole 120 may also include any other shape suitable for routing fiber optic sections 118A-118H via the holes 124D, guide holes 128A-128H and / or holes 126A-126H, such as, but not limited to, rectangles, circles, ellipses, triangles and so on.

[0044] Each of holes 126A, 126C, 126E, and 126G in the first column 132A may be obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest holes 126B, 126D, 126F, and 126H in the second column 132B. As shown in Figures 1A and 1D, each of holes 126A-126H may include one or more nearest adjacent holes. For example, hole 126A in the first column 132A has one nearest adjacent hole (i.e., hole 126B) in the second column 132B, and is obliquely offset from it. However, hole 126B in the second column 132B has two nearest adjacent holes (i.e., holes 126A and 126C) in the first column 132A. In such a case, hole 126B is obliquely offset relative to holes 126A and 126B. Each of holes 126A-126H may be obliquely offset relative to its nearest hole in its adjacent column at an angle of approximately 45 degrees. The hole on the inner surface 124D can be offset obliquely in a similar manner.

[0045] According to the embodiment, optical fiber portions 118A and 118B are a first transmit / receive optical fiber pair, wherein one of optical fiber portions 118A and 118B is used for transmitting data, and the other of optical fiber portions 118A and 118B is used for receiving data. Optical fiber portions 118C and 118D are a second transmit / receive optical fiber pair, wherein one of optical fiber portions 118C and 118D is used for transmitting data, and the other of optical fiber portions 118C and 118D is used for receiving data. Optical fiber portions 118E and 118F are a third transmit / receive optical fiber pair, wherein one of optical fiber portions 118E and 118F is used for transmitting data, and the other of optical fiber portions 118E and 118F is used for receiving data. Optical fiber portions 118G and 118H are a fourth transmit / receive optical fiber pair, wherein one of optical fiber portions 118G and 118H is used for transmitting data, and the other of optical fiber portions 118G and 118H is used for receiving data.

[0046] It should be noted that although the connector body 102 is shown as including four transmit / receive fiber pairs housed in eight holes 126A-126H, the connector body 102 can also be configured to include any number of transmit / receive fiber pairs and corresponding holes and vias. It should be further noted that although the connector body 102 is shown as housing eight fiber portions 118A-118H, the connector 102 can also be configured to house any number of fiber portions, wherein more than two fiber portions are obliquely offset at an angle relative to their nearest fiber portion in an adjacent column. For example, each set may include more than two fiber portions (e.g., four fiber portions, eight fiber portions, twelve fiber portions, etc.), wherein each of the fiber portions in the set is obliquely offset at an angle relative to its nearest fiber portion in an adjacent column, rather than four sets having two fiber portions (i.e., fiber portions 118A and 118B, fiber portions 118C and 118D, fiber portions 118E and 118F, and fiber portions 118G and 118H). In other words, the raised surface 130 may include more than two rows of holes 132A and 132B for receiving the corresponding optical fiber portions.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1A, 1B, 1D, and 1E, the front end 106 may include one or more protruding members (or guide pins) 134A and / or 134B. Members 134A and / or 134B protrude outward from the front end 106. As will be described below with reference to Figures 2A-2F, members 134A and / or 134B are configured to mate with corresponding holes in the fiber optic patch housing. It should be noted that although members 134A and / or 134B are shown as cylindrical, members 134A and / or 134B may alternatively be rectangular, triangular, or have any shape and / or length suitable for mate with the fiber optic patch housing.

[0048] As shown in Figures 1A-1E, sides 110 and / or 112 may be keyed to prevent the connector 102 from mating incorrectly with the fiber optic patch housing. For example, sides 110 and / or 112 may include keyed portions 136A and / or 136B. Keyed portion 136A may include a protrusion extending outward from and along side 110, and keyed portion 136B may include a protrusion extending outward from and along side 112. It should be noted that the above-described keying technique is purely exemplary, and the connector body 102 may be keyed in different ways using techniques known in the relevant art.

[0049] It should be noted that although Figures 1A-1E depict the corresponding end of the fiber optic cable 104 as being housed within the connector body 102, the other end of the fiber optic cable may also be housed within a connector body similar to connector body 102 or within a different type of connector. Examples of such connectors include, but are not limited to, multi-fiber push-in (MPO) connectors, multi-fiber pull-out (MTP) connectors, straight (ST) connectors, ferrule connectors (FC), subscriber connectors (SC), Lucent® connectors (LC), and so on.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the fiber optic cable 104 supports a beam-expanding optical lens effect. According to this embodiment, lenses are positioned at the ends of each fiber optic section 118A-118H to collimate and refocus light from the transmitting fiber into the receiving fiber. The lenses are generally spherical lenses or graded refractive index (GRIN) lenses. In embodiments using spherical lenses, light from the source changes direction at the curved boundary and passes through the interior of the lens in a straight line. In embodiments using GRIN lenses, light forms a curve as it passes through the interior of the GRIN lens.

[0051] Using a beam-expanding optical interface reduces signal loss caused by contamination at the interface. The lens design also facilitates cleaning and eliminates the physical contact between the transmitting and receiving fibers, as the optical path travels over an air gap. The absence of physical contact eliminates mechanical wear present in physical contact connectors, allowing for more connector mating cycles.

[0052] Figures 1F-1G depict an optical fiber cable assembly 100' configured to utilize the beam-expanding optical lens effect according to an example embodiment. Specifically, Figure 1F depicts a front view of the optical fiber cable assembly 100', and Figure 1G depicts a perspective view of the optical fiber cable assembly 100'. The optical fiber cable assembly 100' is similar to the optical fiber cable assembly 100 described above with reference to Figures 1A-1E. However, in the optical fiber cable assembly 100', the holes (shown as holes 126A'-126H') on the front 106 are relatively larger than those on holes 126A-126H (shown in Figures 1A and 1E). Specifically, holes 126A'-126H' (also referred to herein as "lens holes") are configured and formed to receive corresponding lenses, which are relatively larger than the ends of the optical fiber portions 118A-118N. It should also be noted that the front 106 no longer includes the protruding surface 130.

[0053] Each of holes 126A', 126C', 126E', and 126G' in the first column 132A may be obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest holes 126B', 126D', 126F', and 126H' in the second column 132B. As shown in Figures 1F and 1G, each of holes 126A'-126H' may include one or more nearest holes. For example, hole 126A' in the first column 132A has one nearest hole (i.e., hole 126B') in the second column 132B, and is obliquely offset from it. However, holes 126B' in the second column 132B have two nearest holes (i.e., holes 126A' and 126C'). In such cases, the holes are obliquely offset relative to holes 126A' and 126B'. Each of holes 126A'-126H' can be obliquely offset at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to its nearest hole in the adjacent column.

[0054] Figures 2A-2F illustrate a fiber optic patch panel housing 200 according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 2A shows a first perspective view of the fiber optic patch panel housing 200, Figure 2B shows a second perspective view of the fiber optic patch panel housing 200, Figure 2C shows a front view depicting the front face 202 of the fiber optic patch panel housing 200, Figure 2D shows a top view depicting the front face 204 of the fiber optic patch panel housing 200, Figure 2E shows a rear view depicting the rear face 206 of the fiber optic patch panel housing 200 (opposite to the front face 202), and Figure 2F shows a bottom view depicting the bottom surface 208 of the fiber optic patch panel housing 200 (opposite to the top surface 204). As shown in Figures 2A, 2B, 2C, and 2E, the fiber optic patch panel housing 200 includes a first socket 224 and a second socket 226. The second socket 226 is opposite to the first socket 224, such that the second socket 226 faces a direction opposite to the direction in which the first socket 224 faces.

[0055] As shown in Figures 2A and 2C, the first socket 224 includes a plurality of slots 210A-210D. As described above with reference to Figures 1A-1E, each of the slots 210A-210D is configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding fiber optic cable assembly (e.g., fiber optic cable assembly 100). For example, each of the slots 210A-210D may be configured to receive the fiber optic cable assembly 100 according to the keying portions 136A and / or 136B to ensure that the fiber optic cable assembly 100 is inserted with the correct orientation.

[0056] As shown in Figures 2B and 2D, the second socket 226 includes a plurality of slots 212A-212D. As described above with reference to Figures 1A-1E, each of slots 212A-212D is configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding fiber optic cable assembly (e.g., fiber optic cable assembly 100). For example, each of slots 212A-212D may be configured to receive the fiber optic cable assembly 100 according to keying portions 136A and / or 13B to ensure that the fiber optic cable assembly 100 is inserted with the correct orientation. As shown in Figures 2B, 2C, and 2E, each of slots 212A-212D is configured to receive the corresponding fiber optic cable assembly 100 in a first orientation, which differs from a second orientation in which each of slots 210A-210D receives the corresponding fiber optic cable assembly 100. According to an embodiment, the first and second orientations are orthogonal. For example, as shown in Figures 2A and 2C, each of slots 210A-210D is configured to receive the corresponding fiber optic cable assembly 100 in a horizontal orientation, while as shown in Figures 2B and 2E, each of slots 212A-212D is configured to receive the corresponding fiber optic cable assembly 100 in a vertical orientation (i.e., the fiber optic cable assembly inserted into slots 212A-212D is rotated approximately 90 degrees relative to the fiber optic cable assembly inserted into slots 210A-210D).

[0057] However, it should be noted that in some embodiments, other orientations for slots 212A-212D can be supported. For example, slots 212A-212D can be oriented such that the fiber optic cable assemblies inserted therein are rotated approximately 0 degrees or 270 degrees relative to the fiber optic cable assemblies inserted in slots 21A0-210D (i.e., signal penetration or signal polarity reversal, respectively). According to such embodiments, such assemblies and / or the connector body of the adapter housing can be appropriately keyed to ensure that such connectors are correctly oriented into the housing.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2C and 2E, the fiber optic patch panel housing 200 further includes a mounting plate 222 having a first surface 214, a second surface 216 opposite to the first surface 214, and holes 228. The mounting plate 222 includes a plurality of holes 218A-218H and a plurality of holes 220A-220H. Each of the holes 218A-218H and holes 220A-220H is configured and formed to receive a corresponding protrusion 134A or 134B of the fiber optic cable assembly 100 (as shown in Figure 1) and detachably couples the corresponding fiber optic cable assembly 100 to the mounting plate 222. For example, holes 218A-218H, holes 220A-220H, and protrusions 134A and 134B can be configured to achieve an interference fit (also known as a press-fit or friction fit) when protrusions 134A and 134B are forcibly pushed through the corresponding holes 218A-218H and holes 220A-220H in the direction toward the mounting plate 222. The corresponding fiber optic cable assembly 100 coupled to the mounting plate 222 can be disengaged by pulling (or applying force) in a direction away from the mounting plate 222.

[0059] For example, aperture 218A is configured to receive a protrusion 134A of the first fiber optic cable assembly 100, and aperture 218E is configured to receive a protrusion 134B of the first fiber optic cable assembly 100. The first fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 210A, is configured to be detachably coupled to a first surface 214 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into apertures 218A and 218E.

[0060] Hole 218B is configured to receive a protrusion 134A of the second fiber optic cable assembly 100, and hole 218F is configured to receive a protrusion 134B of the second fiber optic cable assembly 100. The second fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 210B, is configured to be detachably coupled to a first surface 214 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into holes 218B and 218F.

[0061] Hole 218C is configured to receive a protrusion 134A of the third fiber optic cable assembly 100, and hole 218G is configured to receive a protrusion 134B of the third fiber optic cable assembly 100. The third fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 210C, is configured to be detachably coupled to the first surface 214 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into holes 218C and 218F.

[0062] Hole 218D is configured to receive a protrusion 134A of the fourth fiber optic cable assembly 100, and hole 218H is configured to receive a protrusion 134B of the fourth fiber optic cable assembly 100. The fourth fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 210D, is configured to be detachably coupled to a first surface 214 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into holes 218D and 218H.

[0063] Similarly, aperture 220A is configured to receive protrusion 134A of the fifth fiber optic cable assembly 100, and aperture 220E is configured to receive protrusion 134B of the fifth fiber optic cable assembly 100. The fifth fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 212A, is configured to be detachably coupled to the second surface 216 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into apertures 220A and 220E.

[0064] Hole 220B is configured to receive a protrusion 134A of the sixth optical cable assembly 100, and hole 220F is configured to receive a protrusion 134B of the sixth fiber optic cable assembly 100. The sixth fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 212B, is configured to be detachably coupled to the second surface 216 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into holes 220B and 220F.

[0065] Hole 220C is configured to receive a protrusion 134A of the seventh fiber optic cable assembly 100, and hole 220G is configured to receive a protrusion 134B of the seventh fiber optic cable assembly 100. The seventh fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 212C, is configured to be detachably coupled to the second surface 216 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into holes 220C and 220G.

[0066] Hole 220D is configured to receive protrusion 134A of the eighth fiber optic cable assembly 100, and hole 220H is configured to receive protrusion 134B of the eighth fiber optic cable assembly 100. The eighth fiber optic cable assembly 100, inserted and received in slot 212D, is configured to be detachably coupled to the second surface 216 of mounting ground 222 via protrusions 134A and 134B respectively inserted into holes 220D and 220H.

[0067] Hole 228 is configured and formed to expose the protrusion 130 of each fiber optic cable assembly 100 inserted into slots 210A-210D and slots 212A-212D of the fiber optic splice housing 200. This allows the fiber portions 118A-118H exposed via holes 126A-128H of the protrusion 130 of the respective fiber optic cable assemblies 100 inserted into slots 210A-210H to interface and communicate with the fiber portions 118A-118H exposed via holes 126A-128H of the protrusion 130 of the respective fiber optic cable assemblies 100 inserted into slots 212A-212H.

[0068] Figures 3A-3E illustrate a system 300 according to an example embodiment, which includes a fiber optic patch housing 200 and a plurality of fiber optic connectors 102A-102H. Specifically, Figure 3A shows a first cross-sectional perspective view of the system 300, wherein connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102G-102H are to be received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch housing 200; Figure 3B shows a perspective view of the system 300, wherein connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102E-102H are received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch housing 200; Figure 3C shows a top view of the system 300, wherein connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102G-102H are to be received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch housing 200; Connectors 102E-102H are received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch panel housing 200; Figure 3D shows a side view of the system 300, wherein connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102E-102H are received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch panel housing 200; and Figure 3E shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the system 300, wherein connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102G-102H are received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch panel housing 200.

[0069] As shown in Figure 3A, connector 102A of the first fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210A; connector 102B of the second fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210B; connector 102C of the third fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210C; and connector 102D of the fourth fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210D. Similarly, connector 102G of the fifth fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 212C; and connector 102H of the sixth fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 212D. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the view depicted in Figure 3A, additional connectors (i.e., connectors 102E and 102F) to be received and inserted into slots 212A and 212B are not shown.

[0070] When connectors 102A-102D are inserted into their respective slots 210A-210D, the protruding members (e.g., protruding member 134B) of connectors 102A-102D are inserted into the corresponding holes of mounting plate 222. For example, as shown in FIG3A, the protruding member 134B of connector 102C is inserted into hole 218C of mounting plate 222, and the protruding member 134B of connector 102D is inserted into hole 218D of mounting plate 222. The holes for the protruding members 134A of connectors 102A-102D and the protruding members 134B of connectors 102A and 102B are not visible in the view depicted in FIG3A. When connectors 102G-102H are inserted into their respective slots 212C-212D, the protruding members of connectors 102G-102H are inserted into the corresponding holes of mounting plate 222. For example, as shown in FIG3A, the protrusion 134A of connector 102G is inserted into the hole 220G of mounting plate 222, and the protrusion 134A of connector 102H is inserted into the hole 220H of mounting plate 222. The holes for the protrusions 134A of connectors 102G and 102H are not visible in the view depicted in FIG3A.

[0071] As shown in Figures 3B-3D, connectors 102A-102D have been inserted into the corresponding slots 210A-210D (not visible), and connectors 102E-102H have been inserted into the corresponding slots 212A-212D (not visible). Figures 3B-3D further show that connectors 102A-102D have been inserted into slots 210A-210D according to a first orientation (e.g., horizontal orientation), and connectors 102E-102H have been inserted into slots 212A-212D according to a second orientation (e.g., vertical orientation) orthogonal to the first orientation.

[0072] As shown in Figure 3E, the corresponding optical fiber portions of connectors 102A-102D are interfaced (e.g., physically contacted) and communication-coupled with the corresponding optical fiber portions of connectors 102E-102H. Figure 3E also shows that the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102A is interfaced and communication-coupled with the optical fiber portion 118A of connector 102G; the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102G; the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102G; the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102C is interfaced and communication-coupled with the optical fiber portion 118F of connector 102G; and the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102D is interfaced and communication-coupled with the optical fiber portion 118H of connector 102G.

[0073] Figure 4 depicts a cross-sectional view of connectors 102A-102H along the AA axis depicted in Figure 3D according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 shows the various fiber optic portions of connectors 102A-102H being interfaced and coupled. When connectors 102A-102H are inserted into the fiber optic patch adapter housing 200, fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102A is interfaced and communicatively coupled to fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102H, fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102A is interfaced and communicatively coupled to fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102H, fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102A is interfaced and communicatively coupled to fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102G, fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102A is interfaced and communicatively coupled to fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102G, and fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102A is interfaced and communicatively coupled to fiber optic portion of connector 102F. Connector 102A has an interface and communication coupling; the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102A is interfaced and communicates with the fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102F; the fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102A is interfaced and communicates with the fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102E; the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102A is interfaced and communicates with the fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102E; the fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102B is interfaced and communicates with the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102H; the fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102B is interfaced and communicates with the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102H; connector 10... The fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102G; the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102G; the fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102F; the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102F; the fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102E; and the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102B is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102G. The fiber optic portion 118D of connector E is interfaced and coupled for communication; the fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102C is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102H; the fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102C is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102H; the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102C is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102G; the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102C is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102G; and the fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102C is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102F.The fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102C is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102F; the fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102C is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102E; the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102C is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102E; the fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102D is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102H; the fiber optic portion 118B of connector 102D is interfaced and communication-coupled with the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102H; and the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102D is interfaced and communication-coupled with connector 1... The fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102G is interfaced and coupled for communication; the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102D is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102G; the fiber optic portion 118E of connector 102D is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102F; the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102D is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102F; the fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102D is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118G of connector 102E; and the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102D is interfaced and coupled for communication with the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102E.

[0074] This configuration advantageously enables a shuffling function, where the fiber connected to one element is distributed to multiple other elements. For example, Figure 5 depicts a block diagram of a system 500 implementing an exemplary shuffling function according to an embodiment. As shown in Figure 5, system 500 includes network switches 502A-504D, servers 504A-504D, and fiber optic patch panel housing 200. Also as shown in Figure 5, connectors 102A-102H are inserted into the fiber optic patch panel housing 200 according to the embodiment described above with reference to Figures 2A-3E. Each of connectors 102A-102H houses a corresponding port of the fiber optic cable. For example, connector 102A houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104A, connector 102B houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104B, connector 102C houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104C, connector 102D houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104D, connector 102E houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104E, connector 102F houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104F, connector 102G houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104G, and connector 102H houses the first end of fiber optic cable 104H.

[0075] The second end of fiber optic cable 104A is coupled to network switch 502A, the second end of fiber optic cable 104B is coupled to network switch 502B, the second end of fiber optic cable 104C is coupled to network switch 502C, the second end of fiber optic cable 104D is coupled to network switch 502D, the second end of fiber optic cable 104E is coupled to server 504A, the second end of fiber optic cable 104F is coupled to server 504B, the second end of fiber optic cable 104G is coupled to server 504C, and the second end of fiber optic cable 104H is coupled to server 504D. The second ends of fiber optic cables 104A-104H can be coupled to their respective components via connectors similar to those of connectors 102A-102H or another type of connector (e.g., MPO connector, MTP connector, ST connector, FC connector, SC connector, LC connector, etc.).

[0076] As described above with reference to Figures 1A-1G and 3A-3E, fiber optic cables 104A-104H are examples of fiber optic cables 104. Each of fiber optic cables 104A-104H may include four fiber transmit / receive pairs. Accordingly, each of fiber optic cables 104A-104H may include eight fibers (e.g., fiber optic sections 118A-118H, as described above with reference to Figures 1A-1G, 3A-3E, and 4).

[0077] As shown in Figure 5, the fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104A with the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104E, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502A to server 504A. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104A with the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104F, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502A to server 504B. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104A with the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104G, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502A to server 504C. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104A with the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104H, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502A to server 504D.

[0078] The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104B with the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104E, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502B to server 504A. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104B with the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104F, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502B to server 504B. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104B with the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104G, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502B to server 504C. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104B with the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104H, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502B to server 504D.

[0079] The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104C to the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104E, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502C to server 504A. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104C to the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104F, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502C to server 504B. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104C to the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104G, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502C to server 504C. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104C to the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104H, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502C to server 504D.

[0080] The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the first fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104D to the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104E, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502D to server 504A. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the second fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104D to the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104F, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502CD to server 504B. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the third fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104C to the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104G, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502D to server 504C. The fiber optic patch panel housing 200 communicatively couples the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104D to the fourth fiber pair of fiber optic cable 104H, thus communicatively coupling network switch 502D to server 504D.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the fiber optic patch housing 200 supports a beam-expanding optical lens effect. For example, Figures 6A-6B depict a fiber optic patch housing 600 supporting a beam-expanding optical lens effect according to an exemplary embodiment. Specifically, Figure 6A depicts a front view of the front 202 of the fiber optic patch housing 600, and Figure 6B depicts a rear view of the rear 206 (opposite to the front 202) of the fiber optic patch housing 600. The fiber optic patch housing 600 is similar to the fiber optic patch housing 200 described above with reference to Figures 2A-3E. However, the fiber optic patch housing 600 includes a mounting plate 222' (instead of mounting plate 222), which includes a plurality of holes for corresponding lenses for receiving optical fibers.

[0082] For example, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, mounting plate 222' includes a first surface 214 and a second surface 216 opposite to the first surface 214. Mounting plate 222' includes a plurality of holes (or lens holes) 230A-230H, 232A-232H, 234A-234H, and 236A-236H. Each of holes 230A-230H, 232A-232H, 234A-234H, and 236A-236H is configured and formed as a lens for receiving a corresponding optical fiber via the first surface 214, and is formed as a lens for receiving a corresponding optical fiber via the second surface 216.

[0083] Figures 7A-7B illustrate a system 700 according to an example embodiment, which includes a fiber optic patch housing 600 and a plurality of fiber optic connectors 102A-102H. Specifically, Figure 7A shows a first cross-sectional perspective view of the system 600, wherein connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102E-102H are to be received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch housing 600, and Figure 7B shows a cross-sectional perspective view of the system 700, wherein connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102G-102H are received by and inserted into the fiber optic patch housing 600. In Figures 7A-7B, connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102G-102H include a surface 106, which includes holes 126A'-126H', as described above with reference to Figures 1F and 1G. As further shown in Figures 7A-7B, each of connectors 102A-102D and connectors 102G-102H includes a lens at the end of the optical fiber portion therein. For example, as shown in Figure 7A, the corresponding end of optical fiber portion 118A includes lens 136A, the corresponding end of optical fiber portion 118B includes lens 136B, the corresponding end of optical fiber portion 118C includes lens 136C, the corresponding end of optical fiber portion 118D includes lens 136D, the corresponding end of optical fiber portion 118F includes lens 126F, and the corresponding end of optical fiber portion 118H includes lens 136H. It should be noted that the corresponding ends of optical fiber portions 118E and 118G also include lenses, which are not visible due to the cross-sectional nature of the views depicted in Figures 7A-7B.

[0084] As shown in Figure 7A, connector 102A of the first fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210A; connector 102B of the second fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210B; connector 102C of the third fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210C; and connector 102D of the fourth fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 210D. Similarly, connector 102G of the fifth fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 212C; and connector 102H of the sixth fiber optic cable assembly is received and inserted into slot 212D. Due to the cross-sectional nature of the view depicted in Figure 7A, additional connectors (not visible) to be received and inserted into slots 212A and 212B are not shown.

[0085] When connectors 102A-102D are inserted into their respective slots 210A-210D, the protruding members (e.g., protruding member 134B) of connectors 102A-102D are inserted into the corresponding holes (e.g., holes 218C and 218D) of mounting plate 222'. For example, as shown in FIG7A, the protruding member 134B of connector 102C is inserted into hole 218C of mounting plate 222', and the protruding member 134B of connector 102D is inserted into hole 218D of mounting plate 222'. The holes for the protruding members 134A of connectors 102A-102D and the protruding members 134B of connectors 102A and 102B are not visible in the view depicted in FIG7A. When connectors 102G-102H are inserted into the corresponding slots 212C-212D, the protruding members (e.g., protruding members 134A and 134B) of connectors 102G-102H are inserted into the corresponding holes of mounting plate 222'. For example, as shown in FIG7A, protruding member 134A of connector 102G is inserted into hole 220G of mounting plate 222, and protruding member 134A of connector 102H is inserted into hole 220H of mounting plate 222'. The holes of protruding members 134A of connectors 102G and 102H are not visible in the view depicted in FIG7A.

[0086] As shown in Figure 7B, connectors 102A-102D have been inserted into the corresponding slots 210A-210D (not visible), and connectors 102E-102H have been inserted into the corresponding slots 212A-212D (not visible). Figure 7B further shows that connectors 102A-102D have been inserted into slots 210A-210D according to a first orientation (e.g., horizontal orientation), and connectors 102E-102H have been inserted into slots 212A-212D according to a second orientation (e.g., vertical orientation) orthogonal to the first orientation.

[0087] As shown in Figure 7B, the corresponding lenses of the fiber optic portions 118A-118H interface (e.g., make physical contact) with the corresponding sides of the mounting plate 222'. Figure 7B also shows that the lens 136A of the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102A interfaces with the first side 214 of the mounting plate 222'; the lens 136C of the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102B interfaces with the first side 214 of the mounting plate 222'; the lens 136D of the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102B interfaces with the first side 214 of the mounting plate 222'; the lens 136D of the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102C interfaces with the first side 214 of the mounting plate 222'; and the lens 136D of the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102D interfaces with the first side 214 of the mounting plate 222'. 14. The lens 136A of the fiber optic portion 118A of connector 102G is interfaced with the second side 216 of mounting plate 222', the lens 136C of the fiber optic portion 118C of connector 102G is interfaced with the second side 216 of mounting plate 222', the lens 136D of the fiber optic portion 118D of connector 102G is interfaced with the second side 216 of mounting plate 222', the lens 136F of the fiber optic portion 118F of connector 102G is interfaced with the second side 216 of mounting plate 222', and the lens 136H of the fiber optic portion 118H of connector 102G is interfaced with the second side 216 of mounting plate 222'.

[0088] The optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102A and the optical fiber portion 118A of connector 102G are communicatively coupled via their respective lenses 136C and 136A. For example, light from the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102A can be emitted from its lens 136C, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136A of the optical fiber portion 118A of connector 102G (or, light from the optical fiber portion 118A of connector 102G can be emitted from its lens 136A, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136C of the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102A).

[0089] The optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102B and the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102G are communicatively coupled via their respective lenses 136C. For example, light from the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102B can be emitted from its lens 136C, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136A of the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102G (or, light from the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102G can be emitted from its lens 136C, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136C of the optical fiber portion 118C of connector 102B).

[0090] The optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102B and the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102G are communicatively coupled via their respective lenses 136D. For example, light from the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102B can be emitted from its lens 136D, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136D of the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102G (or, light from the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102G can be emitted from its lens 136D, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136D of the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102B).

[0091] The optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102C and the optical fiber portion 118F of connector 102G are communicatively coupled via their respective lenses 136D and 136F. For example, light from the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102C can be emitted from its lens 136D, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136F of the optical fiber portion 118F of connector 102G (or, light from the optical fiber portion 118F of connector 102G can be emitted from its lens 136F, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136D of the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102C).

[0092] The optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102D and the optical fiber portion 118H of connector 102G are communicatively coupled via their respective lenses 136D and 136H. For example, light from the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102D can be emitted from its lens 136D, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136H of the optical fiber portion 118H of connector 102G (or, light from the optical fiber portion 118H of connector 102G can be emitted from its lens 136H, pass through the air gap 602, and be received by the lens 136D of the optical fiber portion 118D of connector 102D). III. Additional Example Implementations

[0093] This document describes a system. The system includes: a fiber optic patch panel housing, comprising: a first socket including a first slot and a second slot, each having a first orientation; and a second socket including a third slot and a fourth slot, each having a second orientation different from the first orientation, the second socket being opposite to the first socket; a first fiber optic connector received in the first slot, the first fiber optic connector including a plurality of first fiber optic portions; a second fiber optic connector received in the second slot, the second fiber optic connector including a plurality of second fiber optic portions; a third fiber optic connector received in the third slot, the third fiber optic connector including a plurality of third fiber optic portions; and a fourth fiber optic connector received in the fourth slot, the fourth fiber optic connector including a plurality of fourth fiber optic portions.

[0094] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, the first fiber optic connector includes a first surface including a first hole in a first column and a second hole in a second column adjacent to the first hole in the first column. Each first hole in the first column and each second hole in the second column are configured to receive and accommodate the end of a corresponding first fiber optic portion among the plurality of first fiber optic portions. Each first hole in the first column is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the closest second holes in the second column. The second fiber optic connector includes a second surface including a third hole in a third column and a fourth hole in a fourth column adjacent to the third hole in the third column. Each third hole in the third column and each fourth hole in the fourth column are configured to receive and accommodate the end of a corresponding second fiber optic portion among the plurality of second fiber optic portions. Each third hole in the third column is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the closest fourth holes in the fourth column. The third fiber optic connector includes a third surface comprising a fifth hole in a fifth column and a sixth hole in a sixth column adjacent to the fifth hole in the fifth column. Each fifth hole in the fifth column and each sixth hole in the sixth column are configured to receive and accommodate the end of a corresponding third fiber optic portion among the plurality of third fiber optic portions. Each fifth hole in the fifth column is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest sixth holes in the sixth column. The fourth fiber optic connector includes a fourth surface comprising a seventh hole in a seventh column and an eighth hole in an eighth column adjacent to the seventh hole in the seventh column. Each seventh hole in the seventh column and each eighth hole in the eighth column are configured to receive and accommodate the end of a corresponding fourth fiber optic portion among the plurality of fourth fiber optic portions. Each seventh hole in the seventh column is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest eighth holes in the eighth column.

[0095] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, the fiber optic patch housing communicatively couples the first fiber portion of the plurality of first fiber portions to the first fiber portion of the plurality of third fiber portions, the second fiber portion of the plurality of first fiber portions to the first fiber portion of the plurality of fourth fiber portions, the first fiber portion of the plurality of second fiber portions to the second fiber portion of the plurality of third fiber portions, and the second fiber portion of the plurality of second fiber portions to the second fiber portion of the plurality of fourth fiber portions.

[0096] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, each first hole in the first column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest second holes in the second column, each third hole in the third column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest fourth holes in the fourth column, each fifth hole in the fifth column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest sixth holes in the sixth column, and each seventh hole in the seventh column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest eighth holes in the eighth column.

[0097] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, the first side of the first fiber optic connector includes a first bonding portion, which is orthogonal to the first surface; the second side of the second fiber optic connector includes a second bonding portion, which is orthogonal to the second surface; the third side of the third fiber optic connector includes a third bonding portion, which is orthogonal to the third surface; and the fourth side of the fourth fiber optic connector includes a fourth bonding portion, which is orthogonal to the fourth surface.

[0098] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, each first hole in the first column, each second hole in the second column, each third hole in the third column, and each fourth hole in the fourth column house a first lens, and each fifth hole in the fifth column, each sixth hole in the sixth column, each seventh hole in the seventh column, and each eighth hole in the eighth column house a second lens.

[0099] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, the fiber optic patch panel housing further includes a mounting plate, the mounting plate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the mounting plate including a plurality of ninth holes in a ninth column, each of the plurality of ninth holes being configured to receive a corresponding first lens among the first lenses via the first surface and a corresponding second lens among the second lenses via the second surface.

[0100] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, each ninth hole in a particular column of the plurality of ninth columns is obliquely offset relative to one or more ninth holes in the adjacent ninth column of the particular column.

[0101] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, the fiber optic patch panel housing further includes a mounting plate, the mounting plate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the mounting plate including a plurality of first lens holes and a plurality of second lens holes, each of the plurality of first lens holes being configured to: receive a first protrusion member of a corresponding first fiber optic connector among the at least two first fiber optic connectors; and detachably couple the corresponding first fiber optic connector to the first surface of the mounting plate, and each of the plurality of second lens holes being configured to: receive a second protrusion member of a corresponding second fiber optic connector among the at least two second fiber optic connectors; and detachably couple the corresponding second fiber optic connector to the second surface of the mounting plate.

[0102] In one embodiment of the aforementioned system, the first orientation is orthogonal to the second orientation.

[0103] Also described is an optical fiber cable assembly. The optical fiber cable assembly includes: a connector body including a face; a portion of an optical fiber cable housed within the connector body, the portion of the optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fiber portions; the face including first holes in a first column and second holes in a second column adjacent to the holes in the first column; each first hole in the first column being configured to receive and house a first end of a corresponding optical fiber portion of the plurality of optical fiber portions; each first hole in the first column being obliquely offset relative to one or more of the closest second holes in the second column.

[0104] In one embodiment of the aforementioned fiber optic cable assembly, each first hole in the first column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one of the nearest second holes in the second column.

[0105] In one embodiment of the aforementioned fiber optic cable assembly, at least one guide pin protrudes outward from the surface.

[0106] In one embodiment of the aforementioned fiber optic cable assembly, at least one side of the connector body includes a keyed portion, the side being orthogonal to the surface.

[0107] In one embodiment of the aforementioned fiber optic cable assembly, the bonding portion includes a protrusion extending along the side.

[0108] In one embodiment of the aforementioned optical fiber cable assembly, a plurality of lenses are further included, wherein each of the plurality of optical fiber portions has a corresponding first end including a corresponding lens among the plurality of lenses, and wherein each first aperture of the first column and each second aperture of the second column are configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding lens among the plurality of lenses.

[0109] A fiber optic patch panel housing is further described. The housing includes: a first socket including a plurality of first slots, each of the first slots being configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding first fiber optic connector among a plurality of first fiber optic connectors having a first orientation; and a second socket opposite the first socket and including a plurality of second slots, each of the second slots being configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding second fiber optic connector among a plurality of second fiber optic connectors having a second orientation orthogonal to the first orientation.

[0110] In one embodiment of the aforementioned fiber optic patch panel housing, the fiber optic patch panel housing further includes: a mounting plate, including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface; the mounting plate includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes; each of the plurality of first holes is configured to: receive a first protrusion member of a corresponding first fiber optic connector among the plurality of first fiber optic connectors; and detachably couple the corresponding first fiber optic connector to the first surface of the mounting plate; and each of the plurality of second holes is configured to: receive a second protrusion member of a corresponding second fiber optic connector among the plurality of second fiber optic connectors; and detachably couple the corresponding second fiber optic connector to the second surface of the mounting plate.

[0111] In one embodiment of the aforementioned fiber optic patch panel housing, the mounting plate includes: a plurality of third holes in a third column, each third hole being configured to: receive a first lens corresponding to a first fiber optic connector among the plurality of first fiber optic connectors via the first surface, and receive a second lens corresponding to a second fiber optic connector among the plurality of second fiber optic connectors via the second surface.

[0112] In one embodiment of the aforementioned fiber optic patch panel housing, each third hole in a particular column of the plurality of third columns is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the closest third holes in the column adjacent to the particular column of the plurality of third columns. IV. Conclusion

[0113] While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example only and not as limitation. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various changes in form and detail can be made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the breadth and scope of the invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above, but should be defined solely by the following claims and their equivalents.

[0114] 100: Fiber optic cable assembly 102: Connector body 104: Fiber optic cable 106: The front 108: After 110: First side view 112: Second side view 114: Top surface 116: Bottom 120: Kong 122: Kong 125: Kong 130: Raised surface 200: Fiber optic patch panel housing 202: Front 204: Front 206: after 208: Bottom 214: First Page 216: Second page 222: Mounting plate 224: First socket 226: Second socket 228: Kong 300: System 500: System 600: Fiber Optic Splice Housing 602: Air gap 700: System 100': Fiber optic cable assembly 102A: Connector 102B: Connector 102C: Connector 102D: Connector 102E: Connector 102F: Connector 102G: Connector 102H: Connector 104A: Fiber optic cable 104B: Fiber optic cable 104C: Fiber optic cable 104D: Fiber optic cable 104E: Fiber optic cable 104F: Fiber optic cable 104G: Fiber optic cable 104H: Fiber optic cable 118A: Fiber Optic Component 118B: Fiber Optic Component 118C: Fiber Optic Component 118D: Fiber Optic Section 118E: Fiber Optic Component 118F: Fiber Optic Section 118G: Fiber Optic Component 118H: Fiber Optic Section 124A:Inner surface 124B:Inner surface 124C:Inner surface 124D:Inner surface 124E:Inner surface 124F:Inner surface 126A: Hole 126A': Hole 126B: Hole 126B': Hole 126C: Hole 126C': Hole 126D: Hole 126D': Hole 126E: Hole 126E': Hole 126F: Hole 126F': Hole 126G: Hole 126G': Kong 126H: Hole 126H': Hole 128A: Guide Hole 128B: Guide Hole 128C: Guide hole 128D: Guide Hole 128E: Guide Hole 128F: Guide hole 128G: Guide Hole 128H: Guide hole 132A: First column 132B: Second column 134A: Protruding component 134B: Protruding component 136A: Lens 136B: Lens 136C: Lens 136D: Lens 136F: Lens 136H: Lens 210A: Slot 210B: Slot 210C: Slot 210D: Slot 212A: Slot 212B: Slot 212C: Slot 212D: Slot 218A: Hole 218B: Hole 218C: Hole 218D: Hole 218E: Hole 218F: Hole 218G: Hole 218H: Hole 220A: Hole 220B: Hole 220C: Hole 220D: Hole 220E: Hole 220F: Hole 220G: Hole 220H: Hole 222': Mounting plate 230A: Hole 230B: Hole 230C: Hole 230D: Hole 230E: Hole 230F: Hole 230G: Hole 230H: Hole 232A: Hole 232B: Hole 232C: Hole 232D: Hole 232E: Hole 232F: Hole 232G: Hole 232H: Hole 234A: Hole 234B: Hole 234C: Hole 234D: Hole 234E: Hole 234F: Hole 234G: Hole 234H: Hole 236A: Hole 236B: Hole 236C: Hole 236D: Hole 236E: Hole 236F: Hole 236G: Hole 236H: Hole 502A: Network Switch 502B: Network Switch 502C: Network Switch 502D: Network Switch 504A: Server 504B: Server 504C: Server 504D: Server

[0115] Domestic storage information (please note in order of storage institution, date, and number) none

[0116] Overseas storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) none

Claims

1. An optical fiber system, comprising: A fiber optic patch panel housing includes: a first socket including a first slot and a second slot each having a first orientation; and a second socket including a third slot and a fourth slot each having a second orientation, the second orientation being different from the first orientation, the second socket being opposite to the first socket; a first fiber optic connector received in the first slot, the first fiber optic connector including a plurality of first fiber optic portions; a second fiber optic connector received in the second slot, the second fiber optic connector including a plurality of second fiber optic portions; a third fiber optic connector received in the third slot, the third fiber optic connector including a plurality of third fiber optic portions; and a fourth fiber optic connector received in the fourth slot, the fourth fiber optic connector including a plurality of fourth fiber optic portions, wherein each of the first fiber optic connector, the second fiber optic connector, the third fiber optic connector, and the fourth fiber optic connector has a face, the face apertures of the faces being arranged identically, the face apertures receiving corresponding ends of the corresponding fiber optic portions.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the first fiber optic connector includes a first surface including a first hole in a first column and a second hole in a second column adjacent to the first hole in the first column, each first hole in the first column and each second hole in the second column being configured to receive and receive an end of a corresponding first fiber optic portion of the plurality of first fiber optic portions, each first hole in the first column being obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest second holes in the second column, wherein the second fiber optic connector includes a second surface including a third hole in a third column and a fourth hole in a fourth column adjacent to the third hole in the third column, each third hole in the third column and each fourth hole in the fourth column being configured to receive and receive an end of a corresponding second fiber optic portion of the plurality of second fiber optic portions, each third hole in the third column being obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest fourth holes in the fourth column. The third fiber optic connector includes a third surface, which includes a fifth hole in a fifth column and a sixth hole in a sixth column adjacent to the fifth hole in the fifth column. Each fifth hole in the fifth column and each sixth hole in the sixth column are configured to receive and accommodate an end of a corresponding third fiber optic portion among the plurality of third fiber optic portions. Each fifth hole in the fifth column is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest sixth holes in the sixth column. The fourth fiber optic connector includes a fourth surface, which includes a seventh hole in a seventh column and an eighth hole in an eighth column adjacent to the seventh hole in the seventh column. Each seventh hole in the seventh column and each eighth hole in the eighth column are configured to receive and accommodate an end of a corresponding fourth fiber optic portion among the plurality of fourth fiber optic portions. Each seventh hole in the seventh column is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the nearest eighth holes in the eighth column.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fiber optic patch housing communicatively couples a first fiber optic portion of a plurality of first fiber optic portions to a first fiber optic portion of a plurality of third fiber optic portions, communicatively couples a second fiber optic portion of a plurality of first fiber optic portions to a first fiber optic portion of a plurality of fourth fiber optic portions, communicatively couples a first fiber optic portion of a plurality of second fiber optic portions to a second fiber optic portion of a plurality of third fiber optic portions, and communicatively couples a second fiber optic portion of a plurality of second fiber optic portions to a second fiber optic portion of a plurality of fourth fiber optic portions.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein each first hole in the first column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest second holes in the second column, wherein each third hole in the third column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest fourth holes in the fourth column, wherein each fifth hole in the fifth column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest sixth holes in the sixth column, and wherein each seventh hole in the seventh column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one or more of the nearest eighth holes in the eighth column.

5. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein a first side of the first fiber optic connector includes a first bonding portion, the first side being orthogonal to the first surface; wherein a second side of the second fiber optic connector includes a second bonding portion, the second side being orthogonal to the second surface; wherein a third side of the third fiber optic connector includes a third bonding portion, the third side being orthogonal to the third surface; and wherein a fourth side of the fourth fiber optic connector includes a fourth bonding portion, the fourth side being orthogonal to the fourth surface.

6. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein each first hole of the first column, each second hole of the second column, each third hole of the third column and each fourth hole of the fourth column houses a first lens, and wherein each fifth hole of the fifth column, each sixth hole of the sixth column, each seventh hole of the seventh column and each eighth hole of the eighth column houses a second lens.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the fiber optic patch panel housing further includes a mounting plate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the mounting plate including a plurality of ninth holes in a ninth column, each of the plurality of ninth holes being configured to receive a corresponding first lens among the first lenses via the first surface and a corresponding second lens among the second lenses via the second surface.

8. The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein each ninth hole in a particular column of the plurality of ninth columns is obliquely offset relative to one or more ninth holes in a ninth column adjacent to the particular column.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the fiber optic patch housing further includes a mounting plate including a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, the mounting plate including a plurality of first lens holes and a plurality of second lens holes, each of the plurality of first lens holes being configured to receive a first protrusion member of a corresponding first fiber optic connector of the at least two first fiber optic connectors; The corresponding first fiber optic connector is detachably coupled to the first surface of the mounting plate, and each of the plurality of second lens holes is formed to receive a second protrusion member of a corresponding second fiber optic connector among the at least two second fiber optic connectors. And the corresponding second fiber optic connector is detachably coupled to the second side of the mounting plate.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first orientation is orthogonal to the second orientation.

11. An optical fiber cable assembly, comprising: A connector body includes a face; and a portion of an optical fiber cable housed within the connector body, the portion of the optical fiber cable including a plurality of optical fiber sections. The face includes an arrangement of first holes in a first column and second holes in a second column adjacent to the holes in the first column, wherein each first hole in the first column and each second hole in the second column is configured to receive and house a first end of a corresponding optical fiber section among the plurality of optical fiber sections, and wherein each first hole in the first column is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the closest second holes in the second column. This arrangement allows the optical fiber cable assembly to be communicatively coupled to another optical fiber cable assembly, the other optical fiber cable assembly including the same arrangement and orthogonally oriented relative to the optical fiber cable assembly.

12. The fiber optic cable assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein each first hole in the first column is obliquely offset at approximately 45 degrees relative to one of the nearest second holes in the second column.

13. The fiber optic cable assembly as claimed in claim 11, further comprising at least one guide pin projecting outward from the surface.

14. The fiber optic cable assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one side of the connector body includes a keying portion, the side being orthogonal to the surface.

15. The fiber optic cable assembly as claimed in claim 14, wherein the keying portion includes a protrusion extending along the side.

16. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of lenses, wherein a corresponding first end of each of the plurality of fiber optic portions includes a corresponding lens of the plurality of lenses, and wherein each first aperture of the first column and each second aperture of the second column are configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding lens of the plurality of lenses.

17. A fiber optic patch panel housing, comprising: A first socket includes a plurality of first slots, each of the plurality of first slots being configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding first fiber optic connector among a plurality of first fiber optic connectors having a first orientation; and a second socket opposite to the first socket and including a plurality of second slots, each of the plurality of second slots being configured to receive and accommodate a corresponding second fiber optic connector among a plurality of second fiber optic connectors having a second orientation orthogonal to the first orientation; wherein each of the first fiber optic connectors and the second fiber optic connectors has a face with identical face arrangements, the face accommodating a corresponding end of a corresponding fiber optic cable.

18. The fiber optic patch panel housing as claimed in claim 17, further comprising: A mounting plate includes a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The mounting plate includes a plurality of first holes and a plurality of second holes. Each of the plurality of first holes is formed to receive a first protrusion member of a corresponding first fiber optic connector among the plurality of first fiber optic connectors. The corresponding first fiber optic connector is detachably coupled to the first side of the mounting plate, and each of the plurality of second holes is formed to: receive a second protrusion member of a corresponding second fiber optic connector among the plurality of second fiber optic connectors; and detachably couple the corresponding second fiber optic connector to the second side of the mounting plate.

19. The fiber optic patch panel housing as claimed in claim 18, wherein the mounting plate further comprises: A plurality of third holes in a third column, each third hole being configured to receive a corresponding first lens from one of the plurality of first fiber optic connectors via the first surface, and a corresponding second lens from one of the plurality of second fiber optic connectors via the second surface.

20. The fiber optic patch panel housing as claimed in claim 19, wherein each third hole of a particular column of the plurality of third columns is obliquely offset relative to one or more of the closest third holes of a column adjacent to the particular column of the plurality of third columns.

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