Hybrid cable distribution device configured to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling

Abstract

A hybrid cable distribution device may have a housing portion, a data distribution portion, and a power management portion. The housing portion may receive an input cable portion, an output data cable portion, and an output power cable portion. The data distribution portion may have a splitter portion that may receive an input optical signal from the input cable portion and may output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion. The power management portion may receive input power from the input cable portion and may output power to an output power cable portion. The power management portion may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion. The data distribution portion and the power management portion may permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network.

Description

HYBRID CABLE DISTRIBUTION DEVICE CONFIGURED TO PROVIDE ENHANCED INSTALLATION OF HYBRID CABLING IN AN OPTICAL LOCAL AREA NETWORKCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 654,620, filed May 31 , 2024, which is currently pending, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure is directed to a hybrid cable distribution device and, more particularly, to a hybrid cable distribution device configured to permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network.BACKGROUND

[0003] The generation, transmission, storage, and retrieval of data has increased overtime to the point where distributed networks are nearly ubiquitous. Advancements in technology have allowed existing distributed networks to be upgraded and new distributed networks to reach even greater volumes of people and locations. However, technological advancements have not provided efficient distributed network solutions that incorporate diverse data and power aspects.

[0004] The availability of a variety of different data distribution technologies has provided systems that can be customized for different environments, facilities, and customer needs. While some different data and power distribution components may be compatible in some circumstances, conventional distribution technology has yet to provide practical solutions.

[0005] It may be desirable to provide a hybrid cable distribution device configured to permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network. It may be further desirable to provide a hybrid distribution box housing structurally configured to provide modular data and electrical power distribution corresponding with mounting elements allowing differentconnection features, power distribution units, and power supplies to be installed, removed, and moved within the housing without altering the housing.SUMMARY

[0006] In accordance with various aspects of the disclosure, a hybrid cable distribution device may provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network with a housing portion, a data distribution portion, and a power management portion. The housing portion may receive an input hybrid cable portion, an output data cable portion, and an output power cable portion. The data distribution portion may receive an input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion and may output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion. The power management portion may receive input power from the input hybrid cable portion and may output power to an output power cable portion. The data distribution portion may have a splitter that may distribute the input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion to the output optical cable portion. The output optical cable portion may have a plurality of optical fiber cable portions. The power management portion may have a power distribution portion that may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion. The power management portion may have a power converter portion that may convert the input power to fault managed power and may output the fault managed power to the power distribution unit. The power distribution portion may output power to the output power cable portion. The output power cable portion may have a plurality of copper cable portions. The power distribution portion may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion in the housing by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an optical local area network component portion outside of the housing by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions. The data distribution portion and the power management portion may permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network.

[0007] Some embodiments of a hybrid cable distribution device configured may provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network with a housing portion, a data distribution portion, and a power management portion. The housing portion may receive an input hybrid cable portion, an output data cableportion, and an output power cable portion. The data distribution portion may receive an input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion and may output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion. The power management portion may receive input power from the input hybrid cable portion and may output power to an output power cable portion. The data distribution portion may have a splitter portion that may distribute the input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion to the output optical cable portion. The output optical cable portion may have a plurality of optical fiber cable portions. The power management portion may have a power distribution portion that may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion. The power distribution portion may output power to the output power cable portion. The output power cable portion may have a plurality of copper cable portions. The data distribution portion and the power management portion may permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network.

[0008] A hybrid cable distribution device, in some embodiments, may provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network with a housing portion, a data distribution portion, and a power management portion. The housing portion may receive an input cable portion, an output data cable portion, and an output power cable portion. The data distribution portion may receive an input optical signal from the input cable portion and may output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion. The power management portion may receive input power from the input cable portion and may output power to an output power cable portion. The data distribution portion may have a splitter portion that may distribute the input optical signal from the input cable portion to the output optical cable portion. The power management portion may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion. The data distribution portion and the power management portion may permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network.

[0009] In some aspects, the input hybrid cable portion may have a fiber optic cable portion that may provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion that may provide the input power.

[0010] In some aspects, the output power cable portion may be an ethernet cable, a coaxial cable, or an electrical cable.

[0011] In some aspects, the power distribution portion may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion in the housing by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an optical local area network component portion outside of the housing by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions.

[0012] In some aspects, the power management portion may have a power converter portion that may convert the input power to fault managed power and to output the fault managed power to the power distribution unit.

[0013] In some aspects, the input hybrid cable portion may have a fiber optic cable portion that may provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion that may provide the input power.

[0014] In some aspects, the output optical cable portion may have a plurality of optical fiber cable portions.

[0015] In some aspects, the input cable portion may have a hybrid cable portion that may have a fiber optic cable portion that may provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion that may provide the input power.

[0016] In some aspects, the power management portion may have a power distribution portion that may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion in the housing by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an optical local area network component portion outside of the housing by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions.

[0017] In some aspects, the output power cable portion may have a plurality of copper cable portions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Further advantages and features of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings, to which reference is made.

[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates portions of a distributed network in which assorted embodiments can be practiced.

[0020] FIG. 2 represents aspects of an optical local area network that may operate as part of the distributed network of FIG. 1 in some embodiments of this disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 3 represents portions of a distributed network in which various embodiments of this disclosure may be practiced.

[0022] FIG. 4 displays a block representation of portions of an optical local area network configured and operated in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 5 illustrates a line representation of aspects of an optical local area network employing embodiments of this disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 6 displays portions of an optical local area network configured and operated in accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] Embodiments provide a hybrid cable distribution box configured to supply data and electrical power pathways to a local area network from a distribution box without altering the distribution box.

[0026] Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments and methods of the present disclosure, which constitute the best modes of practicing the present disclosure presently known to the inventors. However, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various and alternative forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for any aspect of the present disclosure and / or as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure.

[0027] It is also to be understood that this present disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments and methods described below, as specific components and / or conditions may, of course, vary. Furthermore, the terminology used herein is used only for the purpose of describing particular embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to be limiting in any way.

[0028] The distribution of data and signals has progressed over time into relatively sophisticated systems that utilize diverse components to service residential, commercial, and industrial sites. The evolution of signal carrying cables has provided a range of capabilities that may be customized to the use and needs of users. However, utilization of diverse components to provide a distributed network may pose installation and operational inefficiencies. Accordingly, embodiments of a cable distribution box provide capabilities to efficiently install and supply both electrical power and data for distributed networks, such as optical local area networks.

[0029] Assorted embodiments of a distribution network 100 that may employ a distribution box capable of handling hybrid cables while supplying concurrent power and data pathways is generally illustrated in FIG. 1. The distribution network 100 may comprise signal pathways 110 that provide one-way, or two-way, communications between any number of sources 120 and any number of destinations 130.

[0030] While multiple separate signal pathways 110 may be structurally configured with matching characteristics, such as length, speed, constituent materials, and signal carrying component, various embodiments of a distribution network 100 utilize different signal carrying signal pathways 110 to convey communications between sources 120 and destinations 130. For instance, a signal pathway 110 may utilize copper and / or optical conduits to transfer signals while some signals may be concurrently, or sequentially, communicated via wireless signal pathways, as illustrated by segmented line 140. The ability to selectively employ different cables and signal carrying pathways 110 may allow for practical advantages, such as speed, physical size, and cost.

[0031] Yet, the utilization of different signal carrying cables may pose installation and / or operation challenges. As a non-limiting example, some signal carrying cables may pose noise, speed, and / or reliability challenges when run continuously for apredetermined distance 150. Other installation challenges may be posed by signal carrying cables that do not have tight enough bend radius range to be physically positioned in some sites. As such, some embodiments of the distribution network 100 employ different types of signal carrying cables to provide stable and reliable signal pathways 110 that utilize the installation and operational advantages of the respective cables.

[0032] FIG. 2 illustrates a block representation of aspects of an optical local area network (OLAN) 200 that may operate in portions of the distributed network 100 of FIG. 1. In accordance with various embodiments, an OLAN 200 may connect one or more sources 120 with one or more destinations 130 through interconnects 210 that physically combine multiple separate signal carrying cables 220 to form signal pathways. An interconnect 210 may be structurally configured to be active or passive to provide splitting, reducing, combining, or routing of separate cables 220.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, sources 120 and destinations 130 may be connected without an interconnect 210, with a single interconnect 210, or with multiple separate interconnects 210 that are structurally configured with matching, or dissimilar, arrangements, such as size, capabilities, or connection types. Theoretically, the OLAN 200, and corresponding distributed network, may be arranged to accommodate nearly any user need, such as data speed, redundancy, or reliability. However, the distance (D) between sources 120 and destinations 130, along with the increasing emphasis on providing data and electrical power, may result in physical situations where different types of cables 220 are joined via an interconnect 210.

[0034] FIG. 3 displays a block representation of an interconnect 300 that may be employed in the OLAN 200 of FIG. 2 and the distribution network 100 of FIG. 1 in accordance with various embodiments. The interconnect 300 may have a housing portion 310, which may be characterized as a distribution box, that houses one or more connection portions 320 that facilitate the transition of any type of input cables 340 in to any number, and type, of different output cable 350. In some embodiments, the interconnect 300 transitions between a fiber optic signal carrying cable into a twisted pair, or copper signal carrying, cable.

[0035] The interconnect 300 may employ and number, and type, of connection features 320. For instance, the interconnect 300 may be configured with a unitary body housing portion 310 that houses one or more connection portions 320, such as a splice portion 322, a cassette portion 324, an adapter portion 326, a bulkhead portion 328, and a connector portion 330. The ability to customize the housing portion 310 of the interconnect 300 with any number, and type, of connection portion 320 may allow for the transition from one type of signal carrying cable to another. It is noted that some embodiments of a distribution network 100, and OLAN 200, employ a single type of signal carrying cable, such as cable 220 of FIG. 2, that continuously extends from a source 120 to a destination 130.

[0036] Yet, the utilization of a single type of signal carrying cable, such as a fiber optic cable or cable providing a copper signal carrying conductor, may be inefficient for some aspects of a distributed network 100, or OLAN 200. For instance, a fiber optic cable may have physical bending restrictions that may inhibit installation in some locations while a cable utilizing a copper signal carrying conductor may have speed, bandwidth, or reliability challenges with lengths over a threshold distance, such as distance 150 of FIG. 1 .

[0037] In some embodiments, the interconnect 300 may transition from one type of signal carrying cable to a different cable and provide data signal distribution and / or electrical power distribution, which may allow the interconnect 300 to be characterized as a hybrid distribution box. While potentially capable of accommodating the transition between different types of cables, hybrid distribution boxes, may have had a relatively large physical footprint without providing robust network capabilities. That is, hybrid cable distribution boxes may have rather simple capabilities of forming stable signal pathways from separate, and potentially different, cables while occupying a relatively large space, which corresponds with installation inefficiencies and challenges placing a box in some installation locations. Accordingly, embodiments of a hybrid distribution box provide modularity that conveys abilities to adjust cable configuration capabilities with respect to data and / or electrical power distribution for a distribution network 100, and specifically an OLAN 200.

[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates a block representation of portions of an OLAN 400 that employs an interconnect distribution box portion 410 in accordance with variousembodiments. The distribution box portion 410 may be structurally configured with a housing portion 412 that may enclose assorted hardware that enables safe and efficient transition from one type of signal carrying cable, such as fiber optic cable, solid copper cable, or twisted copper cable, to a different type of signal carrying cable. The housing portion 412 may be arranged to be secure from manual and / or environmental interference with a closable lid, lock, seals, and protective shape.

[0039] Embodiments of the distribution box portion 410 may allow for any number, and type, of component to be securely incorporated within an internal cavity defined by the housing portion 412. A hardware component, such as a device providing signal distribution or structure supporting cables, conductors, wires, or cores, may be physically mounted in the housing portion 412 in a variety of mounting configurations. For instance, an adapter portion 326 may be physically attached to the housing portion 412 with an ability to selectively move, relocate, or rotate within the internal cavity of the housing portion 412. For instance, hardware components may be mounted within the housing portion 412 in a manner that allows for movement of the component, such as a pivot, swing, or hinging engagement with the housing portion 412. It is contemplated that a component may be installed in a distribution box portion 410 with a static mount that does not allow automatic, or manual, component movement in response to encountered force.

[0040] The ability to selectively mount, or move, assorted hardware components within the housing portion 412 may allow the housing portion 412 to have a relatively small physical footprint while providing space to efficiently operate a variety of different capabilities via the separate components secured within the distribution box portion 410. For instance, separate cassette portions 420 may be mounted in the housing portion 412 and provide physical support and reliable connection of separate signal carrying cables via an adapter, connector, bulkhead, or sleeve.

[0041] A cassette portion 420 may provide splitting, reducing, splicing, or repeating capabilities, as indicated by solid boxes, that engage separate cables to form one or more continuous signal pathway. It is noted that such connections and capabilities may comprise different, or matching, types of cables, such as fiber optic, copper, or twisted pairs, with matching, or different, terminal connections, such as duplex, quad, SC, or LC connectors. Some embodiments of a cassette portion 420allow for selective removal and installation within the housing portion 412, which may be facilitated by a modular mount 414 that allows secure temporary, or permanent, incorporation of a cassette portion 420 to the distribution box portion 410. The modularity provided by the housing portion 412 may additionally provide an ability to selectively move various components and cassette portions 420 within the distribution box portion 410, which may increase the effective space of the housing portion 412 and allow for a smaller housing portion 412 to accommodate a robust number, and variety, of hardware components and cable connections.

[0042] In accordance with some embodiments, the distribution box portion 410 secures components that distribute both data and power. For instance, the distribution box portion 410 may contain an electrical power supply portion 430 and / or electrical distribution unit portion 440 that may be selectively mounted at one of multiple possible positions within the housing portion 412 with moving, or static, mounts. As a nonlimiting result of structurally configuring the housing portion 412 with a size and mounting capabilities to secure a variety of different data and electrical components, the distribution box portion 410 may provide Class 2 electrical power, Class 4 electrical power, and a variety of separate data signal carrying cables that have matching, or dissimilar, capabilities and terminal connections.

[0043] Embodiments of the OLAN 400 may incorporate a power distribution portion 440 external to the housing portion 412, as shown, but not limiting, in FIG. 4. A power distribution portion 440 may, in some embodiments, may be connected to a downstream voltage portion 450, such as a regulator, converter, or other device that processes electrical power, whether the power distribution portion 440 is internal or external to the housing portion 412.

[0044] In some embodiments, the distribution box portion 410 may be characterized as a hybrid cable distribution device, which may be configured to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling, such as input cabling 340 and / or output cabling 350 in an OLAN with the housing portion 412, a data distribution portion, such as the cassette portion 420, and a power management portion, such as the power distribution portion 440. The housing portion 412 may receive an input hybrid cable portion 340, an output data cable portion, such as the fiber optic or copper output cables 350, and an output power cable portion, such as the output power cable 350. The datadistribution portion may receive an input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion 340 and may output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion 350. The power management portion may receive input power from the input hybrid cable portion 340 and may output power to an output power cable portion 350. The data distribution portion may have a splitter portion, which may be integrated into the cassette portion 324, to distribute the input optical signal from the input hybrid cable 340 to the output optical cable portion 350.

[0045] The output optical cable portion 350 may have a plurality of optical fiber cable portions. The power management portion may have a power distribution portion 440 that may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion, such as device portion 560 of FIG. 5. The power management portion may have a power converter portion, such as the power supply portion 430 or voltage portion 450 that may convert the input power to fault managed power and may output the fault managed power to the power distribution unit 440. The power distribution portion 440 may output power to the output power cable portion 350. The output power cable portion 350 may have a plurality of copper cable portions. The power distribution portion 440 may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion, such as the cassette portion 420, in the housing 412 by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an optical local area network component portion outside of the housing, such as device portion 560 of FIG. 5, by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions. The data distribution portion and the power management portion may permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network, as illustrated in FIGS. 3- 6.

[0046] An input hybrid cable portion 340 may have a fiber optic cable portion, as shown in FIG. 4, that may provide an input optical signal and a copper cable portion that may provide the input power.The output power cable portion 350 may be an ethernet cable, a coaxial cable, or an electrical cable in accordance with various embodiments. The power distribution portion 440, in some embodiments, may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion in the housing, such as cassette portion 420, by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an optical local area network component portion outside of the housing, suchas device portion 560 of FIG. 5, by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions.

[0047] Embodiments of a power management portion may have a power converter portion, such as voltage portion 450, that may convert the input power to fault managed power and to output the fault managed power to the power distribution unit 440. An input hybrid cable portion 340 may have a fiber optic cable portion that may provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion that may provide the input power. The output optical cable portion 350 may have a plurality of optical fiber cable portions in some embodiments. The input cable portion 340 may have a hybrid cable portion that may have a fiber optic cable portion that may provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion that may provide the input power.

[0048] In some embodiments, the power management portion of the housing 412 may have a power distribution portion 440 that may distribute power to an optical local area network component portion in the housing, such as cassette portion 420, by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an optical local area network component portion outside of the housing, such as device portion 560 of FIG. 5, by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions. It is noted that embodiments of the output power cable portion may have a plurality of copper cable portions.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates aspects of an optical local area network 500 arranged and operated in accordance with various embodiments. The OLAN 500 utilizes at least one distribution box portion 510 to provide data to different room portions 520 of a facility portion 530. The distribution box portion 510 may be structurally configured to provide modular installation capabilities corresponding with the ability to change the position, mounting, and components secured within the housing of the distribution box portion 510.

[0050] In practice, the distribution box portion 510 may be structurally configured for mounting in a variety of different locations in the facility portion 530, which may be a residence, apartment building, office building, or manufacturing plant. For example, the distribution box portion 510 may have a structure that permits recessed, or protruding, mounting in / on a wall, floor, ceiling, or pillar without modifying the housingof the distribution box 510. The ability to mount the distribution box portion 510 in a variety of different locations on the inside, or outside, of a facility portion 530 allows for efficient installation and routing of one or more input cable portions 540 as well as various output cable portions 550 running to different downstream device portions 560 in assorted room portions 520.

[0051] It is initially noted that various wireless data pathways may be present and active in conjunction with the assorted wired signal pathways provided by the output cable portions 550. While the wireless signal pathways may be available, it is contemplated that such wireless pathways are insufficient to provide the bandwidth and / or signal security necessary to provide robust OLAN 500 operation. Hence, various embodiments utilize wired signal pathways to satisfy the data security and bandwidth needs of the downstream device portions 560, regardless of whether wireless connections are present.

[0052] Some embodiments of the OLAN 500 utilize the distribution box portion 510 to simply transition a fiber optic input cable portion 540 to multiple separate cable portions 550 employing copper signal carrying conductors that respectively run to the various room portions 520 and constituent downstream device portions 560. Other embodiments take advantage of the modular capabilities of the distribution box portion 510 to selectively provide output cables portions 550 with different capabilities to the respective downstream device portions 560. For instance, a cassette, adapter, connector, or bulkhead connection feature, such as connection portion 320 of FIG. 4, may be mounted within the distribution box portion 510 to allow for output cable portions 550 with different capabilities, such as data latency, physical size, and bandwidth, to be selectively distributed to downstream device portions 560, such as computing devices, switches, and routers.

[0053] The modular capabilities of the distribution box portion 510 may allow for efficient alteration of aspects of the OLAN 500 over time. That is, the ability to efficiently remove, add, and otherwise change connection features within the distribution box portion 510 to allow different output cable portion 550 configurations. It is noted that the ability to modularly change cassettes in the distribution box portion 510 contrasts distribution boxes where individual connectors, and adapters, can be replaced by providing greater efficiency. In other words, adding, or replacing, acassette portion in the distribution box portion 510 may provide greater efficiency and diverse capabilities compared to changing individual connection features and / or cable terminals.

[0054] In a non-limiting arrangement of the OLAN 500, each room portion 520 has a corresponding cassette connection feature in the distribution box portion 510, which allows for efficient addition, or replacement of output cable portions 550 as the number, and needs, of downstream device portions 560 change over time. Accordingly, the distribution box portion 510 may leverage connection feature modularity to provide greater installation and adaptability efficiency over time without adding, or altering, distribution boxes in the facility portion 530. Such efficiency may further be enhanced by providing modular electrical power distribution in the same housing of a distribution box portion 510 as data distribution.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates portions of an optical local area network 600 that employs a hybrid distribution box portion 610 that concurrently provides data and power distribution in accordance with various embodiments. As illustrated in the example distribution box portion 510 of FIG. 5, a single housing portion may be positioned on, or recessed in, to nearly any surface of a facility portion 620. The distribution box portion 610 may input any number of cable portions 630, such as fiber optic, hybrid, and / or copper cables, along with any number, and type, of secondary input portions 640, such as single phase or two phase electrical power of nearly any voltage, data cable, or a hybrid cable. It is noted that the input of electrical power is not required and the distribution box portion 610 may house an electrical power supply that replaces, or supplements, secondary input portions 640.

[0056] The combination of data signal pathway delivery with electrical power delivery by the hybrid distribution box portion 610 provides optimized efficiency and adaptability over time due to the modular capabilities of the housing of the distribution box portion 610. For instance, various aspects housed within the housing of the distribution box portion 610 may be added, removed, and otherwise changed to accommodate differing needs and / or evolutions in technology. That is, the modular capabilities provided by the housing of the distribution box portion 610 allows electrical power components, such as power supplies and power distribution units, to be changed or added along with various data distribution cassettes and other connectionfeatures that allow for the transition of fiber optic data pathways to one or more copper signal carrying pathways.

[0057] By providing the ability to configure the distribution box portion 610 with customized electrical power and data distribution components, a technician may adapt the wired configuration of the facility portion 620 over time without having to add, or replace, the distribution box portion 610. As shown by the segmented lines compared to solid lines, a non-limiting adaptation of the wired configuration provided by changing power distribution, and / or power supplies resident in the distribution box portion 610, a first electrical power delivery, such as class 2 power, may be upgraded, such as to class 4 power, without changing the distribution box portion 610. Instead, relatively simple and efficient supplementation of power supply and / or power distribution in the distribution box portion 610 may be facilitated by efficiently adding and / or changing components contained in the distribution box housing.

[0058] Through the assorted embodiments of the hybrid distribution box portion 610, the data and electrical power needs of the facility portion 620 may be met for an extended period of time. The relatively small physical footprint and diverse mounting capabilities of the distribution box housing further provides ability to future-proof a facility portion 620 without having to add, or change, distribution box portions 610. It is contemplated that different power supplies and / or power distribution may concurrently provide different electrical power potential, such as class 2 and class 4 power, concurrently, which illustrates the diverse wired configurations allowed via the robust modularity of the housing of the distribution box portion 610.

[0059] The non-limiting embodiment shown in FIG. 6 illustrates how a hybrid distribution box portion 610 may initially be employed to provide data and electrical power with output cable portions 635, as shown by solid lines, such as with power over ethernet, to various downstream device portions 650, which may be any component that utilizes data or electrical power to provide services for the facility portion 620. Segmented lines in FIG. 6 correspond with output cable portions 645 that are later installed into the hybrid distribution box portion 610 by replacing one modular cassette with a different modular cassette. It is noted that the replacement of output cable portions 635 for the different output cable portions 645 may involve any change, such as different cabling capabilities, data speed, electrical power handling, or physical size.

[0060] In some embodiments, the hybrid distribution box portion 610 may allow for modular connection features that provide electrical power distribution alone. Other embodiments of the hybrid distribution box portion 610 utilize modular connection features to change between cabling that provides electrical power and data to cabling that provides only electrical power or only data. The modular capabilities of the hybrid distribution box portion 610 allow for simple, reliable, and efficient installation of different cabling configurations without having to rewire cable terminals within the distribution box 610 or install an additional distribution box portion 610 to accommodate changing needs of the facility.

[0061] The cassette portion 420, in some embodiments, may be a splitter cassette that distributes fiber optic signal pathways for data. Embodiments of a converter portion, such as voltage portion 450, may be configured, for example, a volt server that converts class 2 input power to class 4, fault managed, power. An OLAN component portion, in some embodiments, may be positioned outside of the housing 412 and may be configured with any number, and type, of aspects, such as end user terminals, peripherals, wiring, connections, and structural enclosures. An ethernet cable, in accordance with various embodiments, may have any number of twisted pairs of copper and may be characterized as a category cable with 4 twisted pairs, single pair ethernet (SPE), or the like.

[0062] Through the structural configuration of the hybrid distribution box portion 610 to allow modularity where different connection features and electrical power components may be moved and interchanged within the housing of the distribution box portion 610, a single distribution box portion 610 may provide robust electrical power and / or data distribution options that service various portions of a facility portion 620 with differing configurations over time without installing additional distribution boxes or having to rewire connection features that are statically located within the housing of the distribution box portion 610. As a result, initial installation of an OLAN 600 and subsequent rework operations are simplified and are more reliable than conventional alteration of cable terminals to accommodate the connection features available in a distribution box.

[0063] Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures isinterchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

[0064] Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:1 . A hybrid cable distribution device configured to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network (OLAN), comprising: a housing portion structurally configured to receive an input hybrid cable portion, an output data cable portion, and an output power cable portion; a data distribution portion structurally configured to receive an input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion and to output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion; a power management portion structurally configured to receive input power from the input hybrid cable portion and to output power to an output power cable portion; wherein the data distribution portion comprises a splitter portion structurally configured to distribute the input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion to the output optical cable portion, and wherein the output optical cable portion comprises a plurality of optical fiber cable portions; wherein the power management portion includes a power distribution portion structurally configured to distribute power to an OLAN component portion, wherein the power management portion includes a power converter portion structurally configured to convert the input power to fault managed power and to output the fault managed power to the power distribution unit; wherein the power distribution portion is structurally configured to output power to the output power cable portion, and wherein the output power cable portion comprises a plurality of copper cable portions; wherein the power distribution portion is structurally configured to distribute power to an OLAN component portion in the housing by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an OLAN component portion outside of the housing by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions; and wherein the data distribution portion and the power management portion are structurally configured to permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an OLAN.

2. The hybrid cable distribution device of claim 1 , wherein the input hybrid cable portion comprises a fiber optic cable portion configured to provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion configured to provide the input power.

3. The hybrid cable distribution device of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the output power cable portion comprises an ethernet cable.

4. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the output power cable portion comprises a coaxial cable.

5. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the output power cable portion comprises an electrical cable.

6. A hybrid cable distribution device configured to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network (OLAN), comprising: a housing portion structurally configured to receive an input hybrid cable portion, an output data cable portion, and an output power cable portion; a data distribution portion structurally configured to receive an input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion and to output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion; a power management portion structurally configured to receive input power from the input hybrid cable portion and to output power to an output power cable portion; wherein the data distribution portion comprises a splitter portion structurally configured to distribute the input optical signal from the input hybrid cable portion to the output optical cable portion, and wherein the output optical cable portion comprises a plurality of optical fiber cable portions; wherein the power management portion includes a power distribution portion structurally configured to distribute power to an OLAN component portion,wherein the power distribution portion is structurally configured to output power to the output power cable portion, and wherein the output power cable portion comprises a plurality of copper cable portions; and wherein the data distribution portion and the power management portion are structurally configured to permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an OLAN.

7. The hybrid cable distribution device of claim 6, wherein the power distribution portion is structurally configured to distribute power to an OLAN component portion in the housing by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an OLAN component portion outside of the housing by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions.

8. The hybrid cable distribution device of claim 6 or claim 7, wherein the power management portion includes a power converter portion structurally configured to convert the input power to fault managed power and to output the fault managed power to the power distribution unit.

9. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the input hybrid cable portion comprises a fiber optic cable portion configured to provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion configured to provide the input power.

10. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 6 to 9, the output power cable portion comprises an ethernet cable.11 . The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 6 to 10, the output power cable portion comprises a coaxial cable.

12. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 6 to 11 , the output power cable portion comprises an electrical cable.

13. A hybrid cable distribution device configured to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an optical local area network (OLAN), comprising:a housing portion structurally configured to receive an input cable portion, an output data cable portion, and an output power cable portion; a data distribution portion structurally configured to receive an input optical signal from the input cable portion and to output an optical signal to an output optical cable portion; a power management portion structurally configured to receive input power from the input cable portion and to output power to an output power cable portion; wherein the data distribution portion comprises a splitter portion structurally configured to distribute the input optical signal from the input cable portion to the output optical cable portion; wherein the power management portion is structurally configured to distribute power to an OLAN component portion; and wherein the data distribution portion and the power management portion are structurally configured to permit alternative data and power pathways so as to provide enhanced installation of hybrid cabling in an OLAN.

14. The hybrid cable distribution device of claim 13, wherein the power management portion includes a power converter portion structurally configured to convert the input power to fault managed power and to output the fault managed power to the power distribution unit, and wherein the output optical cable portion comprises a plurality of optical fiber cable portions.

15. The hybrid cable distribution device of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the output power cable portion comprises a plurality of copper cable portions.

16. The hybrid cable distribution device of claim 15, wherein the power management portion includes a power distribution portion structurally configured to distribute power to an OLAN component portion in the housing by a first one of the plurality of copper cable portions and to an OLAN component portion outside of the housing by a second one of the plurality of copper cable portions.

17. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein the input cable portion comprises a hybrid cable portion that includes a fiber optic cable portion configured to provide the input optical signal and a copper cable portion configured to provide the input power.

18. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 13 to 17, the output power cable portion comprises an ethernet cable.

19. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 13 to 18, the output power cable portion comprises a coaxial cable.

20. The hybrid cable distribution device of any one of claims 13 to 19, the output power cable portion comprises an electrical cable.

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