Fiber optic cassette and high fiber count pre-terminated cable assembly and ultra-high density fiber patching frame

Abstract

A fiber optic cable assembly is provided including a cable section having a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket, and a cassette having an adapter plate. The adapter plate extends along a major axis and includes a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received. The plurality of openings are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis. A plurality of fibers are operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

Description

Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTFIBER OPTIC CASSETTE AND HIGH FIBER COUNT PRE-TERMINATED CABLE ASSEMBLY AND ULTRA-HIGH DENSITY FIBER PATCHING FRAMEPRIORITY STATEMENT

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority to U. S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 779,655, filed on March 28, 2025, titled “FACTORY TERMINATED HIGH FIBER COUNT PRE-TERMINATED CABLE ASSEMBLY AND RACK FOR MOUNTING SAID ASSEMBLY”, and to U. S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 867,905, filed on August 21, 2025, titled “HOUSING AND ORGANIZER ASSEMBLY FOR SPLICED-ON MULTI-FIBER LEADS FOR FIBER OPTIC CABLE”, and to U. S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 924,854, filed on November 25, 2025, titled “ULTRA-HIGH DENSITY FIBER PATCHING FRAME”, and to U. S. provisional patent application no. 63 / 982,611, filed on February 13, 2026, titled “ULTRA-HIGH DENSITY FIBER PATCHING FRAME”, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fiber optic cable assemblies, patching frames, and components therefor, for use in high density data centers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Datacenters and fiber optic equipment providers are challenged to increase fiber density. As artificial intelligence / machine learning (AI / ML) applications drive an increased need for fiber, datacenters are challenged to increase fiber density up to ten times (10x) over known and previous datacenter and equipment arrangements.

[0004] While new datacenter construction may permit changes to physical layout of patch racks, existing datacenters and physical infrastructures are also required to accommodate the increased fiber density requirement. Existing fiber management products may be based on 600 millimeter (mm) external width racks, cabinets, or enclosures into which 19-inch wide, 21-inch wide, or 23-inch wide panels or racks are placed and at which connectors are provided and fibers are routed. A user accesses the connectors from a front end within the width of the panel or rack.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0005] Current fiber optic connectivity technology may rely upon traditional 19-inch panels that are typically modular in construction. The 19-inch footprint results in limitations to the quantity of connections that can be housed within the footprint. Additionally, current datacenter infrastructure may require increasing the quantity of fibers and connectors required within and running between the datacenter buildings.

[0006] The combined need for increasing quantities of connectors and the limitations of a 19-inch footprint result in an undesired increase in the amount of time required to patch connectors into the panels and racks.

[0007] Furthermore, the quantity’ of connections involved in large scale datacenters may result in an unacceptable quantity of errors in patching, even if present rates or ratios of error are maintained. An unacceptable amount of time is then required to troubleshoot, find fault, and repair, further resulting in delays in bringing the datacenter site or equipment online.

[0008] Another issue is that a user may require accessing a rear end of the rack. However, when arranged together at a datacenter, a user may be required to walk down an aisle (e.g., up to approximately 36 feet) to enter a hot aisle containment (HAC) area to access the rear of the rack before walking back around to the front end to route cables into the rear of the rack before then walking back to the front end for patching any intermating cables. Such back and forth between the front and rear end, and in and out of the HAC area, leads to increased patching time, cost, and decreased ability to increase density at the rack.

[0009] While some racks may be fitted with connectors that can increase fiber density, the ability to manage the increased density’ of cables and connectors at the rack remains a significant challenge. For instance, even if an existing rack may receive a type of connectors for increasing fiber density, existing racks are challenged to provide structures for routing the correspondingly high density of cables to and from the patch panels. Stated differently, changing a connector to increase fiber density can adversely affect the ability of adjacent connectors to receive and route cables and expediently connect and route fiber.

[0010] Accordingly, a fiber optic patch rack that addresses the above-stated deficiencies would be beneficial and advantageous.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0011] Additionally, improved cable assemblies and racks for mounting the cable assemblies addressing one or more of the above-stated deficiencies is desired and would be beneficial and advantageous.

[0012] Additionally, or alternatively, rack-mount computing equipment and servers, such as graphic processing units (GPUs), require receiving and routing optical fiber. Increasing quantities and densities of fiber make fiber and cable routing increasingly difficult and difficult to manage, which may adversely affect the timely ability to setup rack-mount computing equipment and servers.

[0013] Increasing compute power densities, along with associated power delivery and cooling infrastructure, occupy a growing footprint within server racks and frames. Concurrently, network interfaces are advancing from 200 Gbps and 400 Gbps and toward 800 Gbps and beyond, such as approaching terabit-class speeds. Achieving these rates often requires additional optical lanes per port and higher fiber counts. Modern datacenter GPUs, accelerators, and network switches integrate numerous high-speed optical transceiver ports, oftentimes connected through multi-fiber connectors such as MTP, MPO, MMC, SN-MT. or similar. To accommodate expanded compute capacity and evolving interconnect requirements, fiber landing and patching points may be relocated to non-traditional positions within the rack structure, including rear, side, or overhead regions. In some implementations, blind-mate fiber interfaces, modular patch panels, or integrated cable management systems may be employed. Alternative architectures may incorporate co-packaged optics, silicon photonics, or other optical interconnect technologies to reduce footprint and improve signal integrity. Addressing expanded compute capacity and evolving interconnect requirements may include relocating fiber landing and patch points at the rack structure. These changes introduce new challenges for fiber routing, airflow management, and serviceability within high-density compute environments.

[0014] Structures addressing one or more of the aforementioned issues would be beneficial and advantageous.

[0015] Structures promoting routing and fiber management for racks and rackmount computing equipment would be beneficial and advantageous.

[0016] Additionally, datacenters are implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning architectures that are significantly increasing a need for optical fiberAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTconnectivity within the datacenter. Known fanout cables, trunk cable assemblies, inrow trunk cables, and in-rack fanout cables are directed generally to producing one cable assembly at a time. Such methods and structures may slow down and undesirably inhibit an ability to increase optical fiber connectivity, or furthermore, inhibit an ability to increase a rate of optical fiber connectivity.

[0017] Structures and methods addressing the aforementioned issues would be beneficial and advantageous.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0018] Aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

[0019] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction. The frame includes a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming a perimeter bounding an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed. The lower and upper frame sections include front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members. A plurality of vertical members extend from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section. The plurality of vertical members are positioned such that front frame members of the lower and upper frame sections are unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members. A central wall forms a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction. The central wall partitions an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side. An adapter panel is configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters at the central wall such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel and the central wall.

[0020] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction,Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTand depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters within which a first side and a second side are formed. The lower and upper frame sections include front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members. A plurality of vertical members extend from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section. The plurality of vertical members are positioned such that at least a forward 35% span along the depth direction remains unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members or a wall. A central wall forms a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction. The central wall partitions an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side. An adapter panel is configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters at the central wall such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel and the central wall. The adapter panel includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0021] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction. The frame includes a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed. A plurality of vertical members extend from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section. A central wall forms a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction. The central wall partitions an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side. An adapter panel includes a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction. TheAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTadapter plate includes a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings. The body forms a plurality of openings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall. The adapter panel includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 36,864 and 147,456 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0022] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction. The frame includes a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming a perimeter bounding an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed. The lower and upper frame sections include front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members. A plurality of vertical members extend from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section. The plurality of vertical members are positioned such that front frame members of the lower and upper frame sections are unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members. A central wall forms a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction. The central wall partitions an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side. An adapter panel is configured to receive a plurality of cassettes into respective adapter panel openings. The adapter panel openings extend through the central wall along the width direction and extend along a major axis corresponding to the depth direction. The plurality’ of cassettes include an adapter plate extending along the major axis. The adapter plate includes a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received. The plurality of openings are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis such that the respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received at the adapter plate substantially from along the width direction.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0023] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction. The frame includes a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming a perimeter bounding an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed. The lower and upper frame sections include front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members. A plurality of vertical members extend from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section. The plurality of vertical members are positioned such that front frame members of the lower and upper frame sections are unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members. A central wall forms a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction. The central wall partitions an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side. An adapter panel is configured to receive a plurality of cassettes into respective adapter panel openings. The adapter panel openings extend through the central wall along the width direction and extend along a major axis corresponding to the depth direction. The plurality of cassettes include an adapter plate extending along the major axis. The adapter plate includes a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received. The plurality of openings are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis such that the respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received at the adapter plate substantially from along the width direction. The cassette includes a body receivable at the adapter plate and forming a volume, the body having a port through which a plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume, the plurality of fibers operably coupled to the respective fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

[0024] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic cable assembly, including a cable section including a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket, and a cassette. The cassette includes an adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate having a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned inAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTadjacent arrangement along the major axis; and a body receivable at the adapter plate and forming a volume, the body having a port through which the plurality’ of fibers is receivable to the volume, the plurality of fibers operably coupled to the respective fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

[0025] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic cable assembly including a cable section having a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket, and a cassette having an adapter plate. The adapter plate extends along a major axis and includes a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received. The plurality of openings are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis. A plurality of fibers are operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

[0026] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a fiber optic cable assembly including a cable section having a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket, and a cassette having an adapter plate. The adapter plate extends along a major axis and includes a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received. The plurality of openings are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis. A plurality of fibers are operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

[0027] An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a cassette for a fiber optic cable assembly, the cassette including an adapter plate, the adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate having a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis; and a body releasably attachable to the adapter plate, the body having a front face receivable at the adapter plate, the body forming a volume and a port through which the plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume.

[0028] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTBRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0030] Fig. 1 provides a front perspective view of an exemplary’ embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0031] Fig. 2A provides a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0032] Fig. 2B provides a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0033] Fig. 2C provides a side view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0034] Fig. 2D provides a detailed perspective view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0035] Fig. 3 provides a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0036] Fig. 4 provides a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0037] Fig. 5A provides a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0038] Fig. 5B provides a rear perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0039] Fig. 6A provides a rear end view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0040] Fig. 6B provides a rear end view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0041] Fig. 7A provides a first side view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame and exemplary routing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0042] Fig. 7B provides a front end view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame and exemplary routing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0043] Fig. 7C provides a second side view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame and exemplary routing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0044] Fig. 7D provides a first side view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame and exemplary routing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0045] Fig. 7E provides a detailed view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the adapter panel of Fig. 7D in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0046] Fig. 7F provides a detailed view of a portion of an exemplary embodiment of the adapter panel of Fig. 7D in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0047] Fig. 8A provides a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0048] Fig. 8B provides a perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic adapter in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0049] Fig. 9 provides a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter panel from a second side in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0050] Fig. 10 provides a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter panel from a first side in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0051] Fig. 11 A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter plate from a second side in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0052] Fig. 11B provides a plan view of an embodiment of the adapter plate of Fig. 11 A from the second side in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0053] Fig. 11C provides a perspective view of an embodiment adapter plate of Figs. 11A-11B from a first side in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0054] Fig. 12A provides a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter plate in a first angular position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0055] Fig. 12B provides a plan view of the adapter plate of Fig. 12A in a first angular position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0056] Fig. 12C provides a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter plate in a second angular position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0057] Fig. 12D provides a plan view of the adapter plate of Fig. 12C in a second angular position in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0058] Fig. 13 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of a cable management arm in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0059] Fig. 14 provides a side view of an embodiment of a cable management arm in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0060] Fig. 15 provides a perspective view of an organizing tab at a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0061] Fig. 16 provides a perspective view of an embodiment of an exemplary datacenter layout including a plurality exemplary patching frames in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0062] Fig. 17 provides a top-down plan view of the exemplary datacenter layout of Fig. 16 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0063] Fig. 18 provides a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic equipment rack in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0064] Fig. 19 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patch panel receivable at the exemplary embodiment of the fiber optic equipment rack of Fig. 18 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0065] Fig. 20 provides a top-down plan view of an exemplary embodiment of a patching frame in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0066] Fig. 21 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0067] Fig. 22 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a portion of the fiber optic cable assembly of Fig. 21 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0068] Fig. 23 provides a cross sectional view of an exemplary cable of the fiber optic cable assembly of Fig. 21 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0069] Fig. 24 provides a perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic adapter in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0070] Fig. 25 provides a perspective view of an exemplary fiber optic connector in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0071] Fig. 26 provides a first perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0072] Fig. 27 provides a second perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the cassette in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0073] Fig. 28 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the cassette positioned at an adapter panel in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0074] Fig. 29 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0075] Fig. 30 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0076] Fig. 31 provides a plan view of an exemplary embodiment of the cassette of Fig. 30 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0077] Fig. 32 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0078] Fig. 33 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0079] Fig. 34 provides a top-down view of an exemplary embodiment of the cassette of Fig. 33 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0080] Fig. 35 provides a bottom-up view of an exemplary embodiment of the cassette of Fig. 33 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0081] Fig. 36 provides a first perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a cassette in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0082] Fig. 37 provides a second perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the cassette of Fig. 36 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0083] Fig. 38 provides an exemplary fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0084] Fig. 39 provides an exemplary fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0085] Fig. 40 provides an exemplary transition assembly of a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0086] Fig. 41 provides an exemplary embodiment of a trunk cable received at an end cap and housing of a transition assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0087] Fig. 42 provides an exemplary embodiment of a fiber assembly received at an end cap and housing of a transition assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0088] Fig. 43 provides an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a fiber assembly received at an end cap and housing of a transition assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0089] Fig. 44 provides a transparent view of an exemplary embodiment of a transition assembly of a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0090] Fig. 45 provides an exploded view of an exemplary embodiment of a transition assembly of a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0091] Fig. 46 provides a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a transition assembly including an organizer assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0092] Fig. 47 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an organizer assembly for a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0093] Fig. 48 provides an exploded perspective of the exemplary embodiment of the organizer assembly of Fig. 47 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

[0094] Fig. 49 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an organizer assembly for a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; and

[0095] Fig. 50 provides a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an organizer assembly for a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0096] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present invention.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTDETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0097] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0098] As used herein, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0099] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,” “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a 10Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTpercent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value.

[0100] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary ” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0101] As used herein, “substantial” translation or extension of a member, void, or surface(s) forming a void described herein refers to a major axis of extension or a greater dimension of extension compared to a minor axis of extension or lesser dimension of extension. For instance, a member “extending substantially” along a length direction acknowledges the member having three-dimensions (e.g., a thickness) that would extend in mutually orthogonal width and height directions in addition to the length direction. However, in such instance, the dimension of the member along the length direction is greater than dimensions along the width or height direction. In another instance, a void “extending substantially” along a length direction and a height direction acknowledges that an extension of the void along the width direction may exist but is lesser in magnitude than the length direction and height direction.

[0102] As used herein, the term “rack unit” (RU) is understood by those skilled in the art as a unit of measure of approximately 1.75 inches (in) or approximately 44.45 millimeters (mm), or up to 0.03125 in or 0.794 mm less when applied to telecommunications equipment attached to a mount structure.

[0103] Dimensions provided herein may include approximations of + / -2% of any discrete quantity, or approximations of +2% of a maximum value over a given rangeAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTor -2% of the maximum value under the given range, unless otherwise provided herein.

[0104] Referring now to the drawings. Figs. 1-17 provide views of exemplary embodiments of a patching frame, adapter panel, and cable routing structures for fiber optic cables that address one or more of the aforementioned issues. A mutually orthogonal reference width direction W, height direction H, and depth direction D are provided. A reference forward or front end 101 is separated along the depth direction D from a reference aft or rear end 102. In some embodiments, the rear end 102 may correspond to a side or end positioned more proximate to a hot aisle containment (HAC) area of a datacenter or similar facility and in contrast to the front end 101 positioned more distal to the HAC area. A first side 103 is separated along the width direction W from a second side 104. Unless otherwise specified, first and second sides 103, 104 reference an area between the front and rear ends 101, 102 along the depth direction D.

[0105] Referring to Figs. 1-5, perspective views of embodiments of a patch rack or patching frame 100 are provided. The frame 100 includes an upper frame section 110, a lower frame section 120, and vertical members 130. The lower frame section 120 is configured as a base, such as for receiving a leg or rolling element 140 (e.g., a wheel) for translating the frame 100 along the ground. Vertical members 130 extend along the height direction H from the lower frame section 120 and position the upper frame section 110 at a desired height, such as described in various embodiments herein.

[0106] Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are configured in rectangular form to form a perimeter within which an area footprint over the ground such as further described herein. As such, upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 may generally define the area footprint within which other components of the frame 100 described herein substantially reside.

[0107] In various embodiments, vertical members 130 extend from comers 132 at the rear end of the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and from a central width portion 134 along the forward end 101 of the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120. The central width portion 134 corresponds along the width direction W between first and second sides 103, 104 of the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0108] Front frame members 112, 122 of the respective upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 receive a front vertical member 136 of the vertical members 130. The front vertical member 136 is positioned at the front frame members 112, 122 of the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 along the central width portion 134.

[0109] In some embodiments, a handle 138 is attached to the front vertical member 136. The handle 138 may be positioned extending along the depth direction D toward the front end 101. The handle 138 is configured to facilitate translating the frame 100 along the ground.

[0110] A central wall 150 forms a surface extending substantially along the depth direction D and the height direction H and having a thickness corresponding to the width direction W. The central wall 150 extends from the front vertical member 136 along the depth direction D toward the rear end 102.

[0111] The central wall 150 separates an interior volume of the frame 100 between a first side 151 and a second side 152. The first side 151 is formed substantially between the central wall 150 and the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and proximate to the first side 103. For instance, the first side 151 may correspond to a left-hand side relative to a user viewing from the front end 101. The second side 152 is formed substantially between the central wall 150 and the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and proximate to the second side 104. For instance, the second side 152 may correspond to a right-hand side relative to a user viewing from the front end 101.

[0112] In various embodiments, the central wall 150 bifurcates the interior volume along the height direction H. In some embodiments, the central wall 150 may extend along the depth direction D from an approximately 50% span of the frame 100 along the width direction W. In still some embodiments, the central wall 150 may extend along the depth direction D from a span of the frame 100 along the width direction W to provide a 70 / 30 split the first side 151 and the second side 152, respectively. In various embodiments, the central wall 150 may extend along the depth direction D from a span of the frame 100 along the width direction W to provide a split from 50-70% versus 50-30%, e.g., a 65 / 35 split, or 60 / 40 split, or 55 / 45 split, the first side 151 and the second side 152, respectively. In still some embodiments, the split between the first and second sides 151, 152 may be inverted,Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTe.g., 70 / 30 split, 65 / 35 split, or 60 / 40 split between the second side 152 and the first side 151, respectively.

[0113] The central wall 150 includes an adapter panel 160 configured to receive fiber optic adapters 170. The adapter panel 160 is into the central wall 150 such that fiber optic adapters 170 extend substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel 160 and central wall 150. For instance, fiber optic adapters 170 are received substantially along the width direction W corresponding to an axis of extension of openings of the fiber optic adapters 170 at the adapter panel 160 at the central wall 150. In some embodiments, fiber optic adapters 170 may be received directly onto the central wall 150 at the adapter panel 160. As such, the plurality of fiber optic adapters 170, and cables received thereto, extend substantially perpendicular to the central wall 150, such as along the width direction W.

[0114] In some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 is positioned through the central wall 150 more proximate to the forward end 101 than the rear end 102. The central wall 150 may include a spool 156 extending substantially along the width direction W from the central wall 150. The spool 156 is positioned along the depth direction D between the adapter panel 160 and the rear end 102 of the frame 100, such as positioning the spool 156 more proximate to the rear end 102 than the forward end 101.

[0115] A plurality of spools 156 may extend from the central wall 150 in adjacent arrangement to one another along the height direction H. In various embodiments, the plurality of spools 156 may extend from the central wall 150 into the first side and the second side 151, 152.

[0116] Spool 156 may promote routing, organization, and arrangement of cables entering the interior volume of the frame 100 and routing for connection to the adapters 170 at the adapter panels 160. For instance, spool 156 may be configured to bear the load of the cables corresponding to the fiber density provided from adapter panels 160 and adapters 170. The plurality of spools 156 extending into the first and second sides 151, 152 from the central wall 150 may promote balancing a load at the central wall 150 by having loads from cables at the first side 151 offset, at least in part, by loads from cables at the second side 152.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0117] In still some embodiments, the loads bearing on the central wall 150 and the handle 138 extending from the front vertical member 136 at which the central wall 150 is positioned distribute weight and loading more centrally within the frame 100. Central weight distribution may promote the user moving the frame 100 laden with the full weight of cables in ultra-high fiber density configurations such as further described herein.

[0118] The central wall 150 configured to provide the perpendicular orientation of the fiber optic adapters 170 facilitates a user to access the first side 151 and the second side 152 from the front end 101. As such, embodiments of the frame 100 may remove a need for a user to go back and forth between front and rear sides of the frame, or furthermore, remove a need to enter and exit a HAC area, which may significantly improve setup, connection, and troubleshooting time. The central wall 150 configured to provide the perpendicular orientation of the fiber optic adapters 170 facilitates from the front end 101 to input and output sides of the adapters 170, or a patch cord entry side and pre-terminated cable entry side, e.g., corresponding to the first side 151 and the second side 152.

[0119] In some embodiments, the frame 100 includes a rear wall 180 forming a surface extending substantially along the width direction W and the height direction H and having a thickness corresponding to the depth direction D. In some embodiments, such as depicted in Fig. 2A, the rear wall 180 extends between vertical members 130 positioned at comers 132 at the rear end 102.

[0120] In still some embodiments, such as depicted in Fig. 2B and Fig. 5B, the rear wall 180 extends from the side frame members 116 offset along the depth direction D from the comer 132. A pocket or recess 129 is formed in a volume extending along the depth direction D from the comers 132 to the end wall 180 offset from the comers 132. Cables 105 (Figs. 6A-6B) may reside within the recess 129. For instance, side walls 182 may extend along the depth direction D and provide a perimeter within which the cables 105 reside between vertical members 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the rear wall 180 is positioned approximately 150 millimeters offset along the depth direction D from the comer 132. However, it should be appreciated that the rear wall 180 may be positioned at other offsets closerAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTto the comers 132 or further from the comers 132 within embodiments of the adapter panel 160 further described herein.

[0121] In various embodiments, the rear wall 180 is positioned substantially perpendicular to the central wall 150. The central wall 150 is positioned relative to the rear wall 180 along an intermediate or central portion along the width direction W.

[0122] The rear wall 180 may be removable to provide a user access to the first and second sides 151, 152 from the rear end 102. As such, embodiments of the frame 100 may permit a user to access from the rear end 102 the plurality of fiber optic adapters 170 at the adapter panel 160 without requiring the user to move to the forward end 101. For instance, the removable rear wall 180 may permit a user to access the plurality of fiber optic adapters 170 without requiring the user to leave the HAC area.

[0123] Various embodiments of the frame 100 include cable routing members configured to facilitate routing cables at the first and second sides 151, 152 and support connection of the cables at the adapters 170.

[0124] In some embodiments, the cable routing members include the central wall spool 156 extending from the central wall 150 substantially along the width direction W.

[0125] In still some embodiments, the cable routing members include a rear wall spool 186 extending from the rear wall 180 substantially along the depth direction D. The spool 186 may be configured substantially as depicted as spool 156, such as including a tube and a tab distal from the wall from which the spool extends such that the tab inhibits cables from sliding from the tube.

[0126] A plurality of spools 186 may extend from the rear wall 180 in adjacent arrangement to one another along the height direction H. In various embodiments, the plurality of spools 186 may extend from the rear wall 180 into the first side and the second side 151, 152.

[0127] Spools 156, 186 may be staggered from one another along the height direction H. Staggering the spools 156, 186 as such may facilitate routing cables under one spool (e.g., spool 186) and over a proximate, adjacent spool (e.g., spool 156). For instance, cables may route into the frame 100 from a top opening and into the first side 151 or the second side 152. The rear wall spool 186 may facilitateAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTorganizing the cables from a downward direction into the first or second sides 151, 152 and upward onto the central wall spool 156. The central wall spool 156 may further receive the cables along the depth direction D from more proximate to the rear end 102 as the cables are routed toward the front end 101 toward which the adapter panels 160 and adapters 170 are positioned. The spools 156, 186 provided as such may promote separating cable routing and management primarily toward the rear end 102 and generating more clearance for connection at the adapter panel 160 toward the front end 101.

[0128] Configurations of the frame 100, the central wall 150, and the central wall spool 156 such as provided herein may promote receiving and distributing mechanical loads associated with ultra-high fiber density configurations. The frame 100 may support the loads from the cables and promote user translation of the frame 100 (e.g., using handle 138).

[0129] As provided above, embodiments of the frame 100 include vertical members 130 extending along the height direction H between the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120. The upper and lower sections 110. 120 may include rectangular forms having front frame members 112, 122 and rear frame members 113, 123 each configured to extend along the width direction W, and side frame members 116, 126 configured to extend along the depth direction D between the front and rear frame members. Central frame members 114, 124 extend along the depth direction D between the front frame members 112, 122 and rear frame members 113, 123, and positioned along the width direction W between the side frame members 116, 126. Central frame members 114, 124 may provide a support at which the central wall 150 is affixed and positioned, such as may receive loads centrally at the frame 100 as described herein.

[0130] In various embodiments, vertical members 130 extend along the height direction H between the side frame members 116, 126. As provided above, vertical members 130 may be positioned at rear end comers 132 of the frame 100. Vertical members 130 may be positioned along the depth direction D centrally along the side frame members 116, 126, such as provided at vertical member 131. In some embodiments, centrally located vertical members 131 extend from side frame members 116, 126 from within an aft or rear 65% span along the depth direction D.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTFor instance, at least a forward 35% span along the depth direction remains unoccupied by the vertical members or walls.

[0131] In still some embodiments, centrally located vertical members 131 extend from side frame members 116, 126 from within an aft or rear 50% span along the depth direction D. For instance, the centrally located vertical members 131 are positioned along the side frame members 116, 126 at a middle 50% span along the depth direction D, or more proximate to the rear end 102.

[0132] In various embodiments, a remaining forward span (e.g., a forward 50% span) along the depth direction remain unoccupied by vertical members or walls. In still various embodiments, front end comers of the frame 100 remain unoccupied by vertical members or walls. In such embodiments, a span of the side frame members 116, 126 extending along the depth direction D is unoccupied, substantially or completely, adjacent to the adapter panel 160 along the width direction W. As such, a user may ingress or egress within the frame 100 from along the width direction W. For instance, the portion of the frame 100 unoccupied by the vertical members may permit a user to step over the side frame member 116. 126 to enter into the first side 151 or second side 152.

[0133] Central wall spool 156 may extend from the central wall 150 from within the depth direction D at or between the vertical members 130 at the rear end comers 132 to the centrally located vertical members 131 along the depth direction D. Rear wall spool 186 may extend from the rear wall 180 to within the depth direction D at or between the vertical members 130 at the rear end comers 132 to the centrally located vertical members 131 along the depth direction D. A user may route cables over the upper frame section 110 such that the cables rest upon the side frame member 116, the rear frame member 113, or both. Positioning the spools 156, 186 within the depth direction D as provided may promote or direct the user to routing the cables over the upper frame section 110 within a corresponding area within the depth direction D such that the load of cables is distributed primarily between the vertical members 130 at rear end comers 132 along the width direction W. or between vertical members 130, 131 along the depth direction D, or both.

[0134] A side wall 182 may extend from vertical member 130 positioned at rear end comers 132 and along the depth direction D to vertical member 131 positionedAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTcentrally along the side frame members 116, 126. The side wall 182 as such may extend partially along the depth direction D such that a portion of the side frame members 116, 126 remain unobstructed by the side wall 182. In such embodiments, user access along the width direction W to the adapter panels 160 and adapters 170 offset toward the front end 101 may be enhanced.

[0135] Side wall 182 may include openings 183 at which cable routing and management members are received. Side wall 182 may include a plurality of openings 183 in a staggered or diagonal arrangement along the height direction H. The openings 183 provide for a plurality of cable routing and management members, such as hooks, loops, straps, tie-wraps, tie-downs, or collars, such as cable fixing members 184 or organizing tabs 164, to be arranged in staggered or diagonal arrangement along the height direction H. The staggered or diagonal arrangement may facilitate access to tie points and keep a set length on the pre-terminated pigtails.

[0136] Referring briefly to the exploded view in Fig. 2D, the organizing tab 164 may includes a member 165 extending from a base wall 168 attached to the side wall 182. A fastener 169 may extend through walls 168, 182 at openings 183 to attach the organizing tab 164 to the side wall 182. The member 165 includes a plurality of fingers 166 extending therefrom and forming spaces 167 between the fingers 166. In some embodiments, the organizing tab 164 includes the member 165 extending laterally from the side wall 182 or the rear wall 180. Fingers 166 may extend along the height direction H and form spaces 167 therebetween at which cables, or portions thereof (e.g., cable pigtails, fanouts, loose fiber, etc.), may be positioned and organized. The plurality of organizing tabs 164 attached in staggered or diagonal arrangement may facilitate access to tie points and keep a set length on the preterminated pigtails.

[0137] In some embodiments, the cable routing members include a cable fixing member 184 extending from the side wall 182 into the first or second sides 151, 152. The cable fixing member 184 may include a strap, latch, hook and loop strap, tie wrap, tie-down tab, or bridge lance. Cable fixing members 184 may be provided in grid or cascade arrangement. For instance, referring to Fig. 2C, a plurality of cable fixing members 184 forming bridge lances are provided in adjacent rows and columns in a grid configuration. The cable fixing member 184 is configured to receive cablesAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTvertically into the first or second sides 151, 152. In some embodiments, cables are received at the cable fixing members 184 and routed to spools 156, 186 such as described herein.

[0138] Arrangements of the members forming the upper and lower sections 110, 120 of the frame 100, and vertical members 130, 131 attaching the upper and lower sections 110, 120 such as depicted and described, may facilitate strengthening of the frame 100 for ultra-high fiber density as described herein. Arrangements of the sections 110, 120 and members described herein may promote advantageous accessibility of ultra-high fiber densities at the adapter panels 160 and adapters 170 from the front end 101 as well as cable routing and management at cable routing members without obscuring or inhibiting access to the adapters 170 and adapter panels 160. Additionally, or alternatively, arrangements provided herein may promote ease of movement and translation of the frame 100 and support desired ultra-high fiber density at the frame 100.

[0139] Embodiments of the frame 100 depicted and described herein may permit a user to occupy and work within the first side 151 and second side 152 (e.g.. between central and side frame members 114, 116), providing improved access to the patching field, cable management, and labeling.

[0140] In some embodiments, a guard plate 188 is selectively receivable at the front vertical member 136. The guard plate 188 extends from the front vertical member 136 along the width direction W. The guard plate 188 may be configured to extend along the width direction W and the height direction H corresponding substantially to adapters 170 extending along the width direction W, such that guard plate 188 may provide a protective barrier from the front end 101 along the depth direction D. In various embodiments, extension of the guard plate 188 along the width direction W may be limited such that user access from the front end 101 is substantially uninhibited. In some embodiments, the guard plate 188 extends no greater than an extension of the central wall spool 156 from the central wall 150 along the width direction.

[0141] The guard plate 188 may be selectively attached and removed from the front vertical member 136 by fasteners, such as, but not limited to, screws, bolts, pins, latches, or straps. The guard plate 188 may further be configured to receive a label,Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTname plate, number plate, or other identifier or marking corresponding to rows of adapters 170 or adapter plates 162 further described herein.

[0142] Referring now to Figs. 6A-6B and Figs. 7A-7C, views of an embodiment of the frame 100 illustrating an exemplary cable routing are provided. Fig. 6 depicts an embodiment of the frame 100 further including a cable routing member forming a cable fixing member 184 positioned at a rear face 181 of the rear wall 180. The rear face 181 is opposite of a front face from which the rear wall spool 186 extends into the first and second sides 151, 152. The rear face 181 is positioned adjacent to the HAC area and may provide an area at which a cable 105 may be routed. For instance, excess cable slack may be routed along and attached to the rear wall 180 through cable fixing members 184.

[0143] Fig. 7A depicts an exemplary cable routing at the first side 151 (e.g., a lefthand side view). Fig. 7B depicts the exemplary cable routing from the front end 101 viewed toward the rear end 102. Fig. 7C depicts the exemplary cable routing from the second side 152 (e.g., a right-hand side view). Fig. 7D depicts an exemplary first side 151 of the frame 100 including a recess 129 as configured in Fig. 2B and Fig. 5B. For the sake of clarity, the exemplary cable routing illustrates a limited quantity of cables 105 at the first and second sides 151, 152. However, it should be appreciated that ultra-high fiber density cable routing corresponding to various embodiments provided herein may follow substantially similar paths over the upper frame section 110. through cable fixing members 184, along spools 156, 186 and to fiber optic adapters 170 such as described herein.

[0144] In various exemplary embodiments, cables 105 may be configured as 288f, 576 fiber, 1152 fiber, 3456 fiber, 6912 fiber, or greater quantity fiber cables. Rear frame member 113 may include rounded edges or radii facilitating hanging cables 105 over the upper frame section 110.

[0145] Referring still to Figs. 6A-6B and Figs. 7A-7D, one or more handles 139 may extend from the rear face 181 of the rear wall 180. The handle 139 may facilitate translating the frame 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the handle 139 may be utilized to position and remove the rear wall 180 from rear end 102 of the frame 100. A user may remove the rear wall 180 to provide access to the first and second sides 151, 152 from rear end 102, such as from an HAC area.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0146] Referring to Figs. 1-5, embodiments of the frame 100 may be constructed of any suitable material. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum (AL), including AL alloys, steel (ST), including, but not limited to, carbon steel, stainless steel, or other steel alloys, or combinations thereof.

[0147] Portions of the frame 100 may include tubing, extrusions, joints, or elbows. Mechanical fasteners, such as. but not limited to, screws, bolts and nuts, tie rods, quick -release fittings, pins, clamps, clamp tubes, connector fittings, brackets, etc., or mechanical joining methods and structures, such as, but not limited to, welding or brazing, can be utilized to join the sections, members, and walls described herein.

[0148] In an exemplary embodiment, members forming the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and vertical members 130, may be formed from AL extrusions adhered together at joints 108. The joints 108 may include mechanical fasteners, such as tube clamps, connector fittings, or brackets.

[0149] In an exemplary method for fabrication, front frame member 112, a pair of side frame members 116, central frame member 114, and rear frame member 113 are joined together using joints 108 to form the upper frame section 110. Joints 108 may include tubes, elbow, clamps, or quick-release fittings at which pins of threaded mechanical fasteners couple the respective frame members as depicted and described herein. Front frame member 122, a pair of side frame members 126, central frame member 124, and rear frame member 123 are joined together using joints 108 to form the lower frame section 120. Joints 108 may include tubes, elbow, clamps, or quick-release fittings at which pins of threaded mechanical fasteners couple the respective frame members as depicted and described herein._Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are coupled together using vertical frame members 130 and joints 108, such as depicted and described herein. Central wall 150 is attached to the front vertical member 136, or additionally, one or both of the central frame members 114, 124, using mechanical fasteners or joints 108. Rear wall 180 may be attached to the vertical members 130 at the rear end comers 132, the rear frame members 113. 123, or both, using mechanical fasteners or joints 108. Central and rear walls 150, 180 may further attach to one another using mechanical fasteners or joints 108. Cable routingAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTmembers and adapter panels such as depicted and described herein may further be attached to respective central, rear, or side walls as depicted and described herein.

[0150] Various embodiments of the frame 100 may be shipped to a datacenter or other end-user location for assembly. Embodiments of the frame 100 including AL extrusions, mechanical fasteners, and joints such in configurations such as depicted and described herein may facilitate flat-pack shipping for on-site assembly at an enduser, in contrast to shipping assembled or welded frames. Embodiments of the frame 100 such as provided herein may provide the desired strength for receiving ultra-high fiber density mechanical loads while further facilitating the use of lighter- weight materials that may facilitate shipping and on-site assembly.

[0151] In still some embodiments, the frame 100 may be welded or brazed together, in whole or in part, e.g., using ST tubing, rods, or beams.

[0152] Referring now to Figs. 8A-8B and Figs. 9-14, detailed views of embodiments of components that may be included at the adapter panel 160 are provided. Fig. 8A and Fig. 9 illustrate detailed perspective views of an embodiment of the central wall 150 of the frame 100 from the second side 152. Fig. 8B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a fiber optic adapter 170 receivable at an adapter plate 162 at an embodiment of the adapter panel 160. Fig. 10 illustrates a detailed perspective view of an embodiment of the central wall 150 of the frame 100 from the first side 151. Fig. 11C illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the adapter plate 162 corresponding to the second side 152.

[0153] In various embodiments, the central wall 150 includes an adapter panel 160 configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters 170. The central wall 150 includes a plurality of adapter panel openings 154 extending through the central wall 150 and configured to receive respective adapter plates 162. The adapter panel opening 154 extends along a major axis along the depth direction D and along a minor axis along the height direction H. The adapter plate 162 is received substantially from along the width direction W into the adapter panel opening 154. Fiber optic adapters 170 are received substantially along the width direction W corresponding to an axis of extension of openings 172 of the fiber optic adapters 170 at the adapter plate 162 at the adapter panel opening 154. For instance, openings 172 of the fiber optic adapter 170 receive a connector at a cable, such as depicted in part at connector 174. As such,Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTthe plurality of fiber optic adapters 170, and cables 174 received thereto, extend substantially perpendicular to the central wall 150, such as along the width direction W.

[0154] Referring in further detail to Figs. 11 A-l IB, a perspective view and a plan view, respectively, of an embodiment of an adapter plate 162 corresponding to the second side 152 is depicted. Referring also in detail to Fig. 11C, a perspective view of an embodiment of an adapter plate 162 corresponding to the first side 151 is depicted.

[0155] The adapter plate 162 includes a body 260 extending along a major axis and minor axis corresponding substantially to the adapter panel opening 154. The body 260 forms a plurality of openings 262 into which fiber optic adapters 172 are receivable. The body 260 may include partition walls 264 separating the openings 262 from one another and corresponding to respective locations at which adapters 170 are received at the body 260.

[0156] A first distal end 201 of the body 260 includes a tab 266 extending from a flexible member 268. The tab 266 is configured to extend along the width direction W through a slot 155 at the adapter panel opening 154. The flexible member 268 is configured to spring the tab 266 within the slot 155 to retain the adapter plate 162 within the adapter panel opening 154. For instance, the flexible member 268 may form a curved portion configured to flexibly bias the tab 266 along the depth direction D into the central wall 150. A user may push and articulate the tab 266 through the slot 155 to remove the adapter plate 162 from the adapter panel opening 154.

[0157] A second distal end 202 of the body 260 opposite relative to the depth direction D of the first distal end 201 includes a retaining wall 270 configured to position adjacent to the central wall 150 such as to provide a surface obstructing the body 260 from passing through the adapter panel opening 154. A retaining clip 272 is positioned proximate to the retaining wall 270 (Fig. 11 C), such as extending along the width direction W to form a channel 274 between the retaining wall 270 and the retaining clip 272. The adapter plate 162 is configured to slide a portion of the central wall 150 into the channel 274 to retain the adapter plate 162 onto the central wall 150. The flexible member 268 and tab 266 permit a portion of the adapter plate 162 to deflect for retaining and removing the adapter plate 162 from the central wall 150.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0158] Referring back to Fig. 8A, the adapter panel opening 154 may include a receiving slot 153 extending substantially along the depth direction D and configured to receive the retaining clip 272. The adapter panel opening 154 may include a retaining slot 155 at a distal end of the receiving slot 153. The retaining slot 155 is configured to receive the tab 266. Slot 155 may extend greater along the height direction from the receiving slot 153 such that tab 266 may reside, at least in part, within the slot 155 and be bounded along the depth direction D without entering into the receiving slot 153.

[0159] Body 260 of the adapter plate 162 is configured to position onto or adjacent to the central wall 150 such that openings 262 align with the receiving slot 153 and permit the adapter 170 to extend through the central wall 150 at the adapter panel opening 154. Body 260 may extend along a minor axis greater than a corresponding dimension of the receiving slot 153 such that body 260 is inhibited from passing through the central wall 150 through the receiving slot 153.

[0160] Referring to Fig. 8A, Figs. 9-10, and Figs. 11A-11C, embodiments of the adapter plate 162 may include a slot 276 positioned such that a cable management arm 190 is extendable through the slot 276 and the adapter panel opening 154 when the adapter plate 162 is positioned in the adapter panel opening 154. The slot 276 may be positioned between the opening 262 for the adapter 170 and a retention mechanism at one or both distal ends 201, 202, such as between the opening 262 and the flexible member 268 and tab 266, or between the opening 262 and the retaining wall 270 and clip 272. The slot 276 is positioned at the adapter plate 162 such that the slot 276 is aligned with the receiving slot 153 of the adapter panel opening 154. Slot 276 may extend from an upper perimeter of the body 260 such that the cable management arm 190 may slide into the slot 276 from the upper perimeter.

[0161] Referring now to Figs. 12A-12D, embodiments of the adapter plate 162 may include the body 260 having a pin opening 261 and an arcuate slot 263 positioned correspondingly to the plurality of openings 262. The arcuate slot 263 includes a first terminal end 263 A aligned orthogonally to the pin opening 261. The arcuate slot 263 includes a second terminal end 263B positioned at an acute angle relative to the pin opening 261. As such, the arcuate slot 263 may extend between zero degrees and 90 degrees from end to end 263 A, 263B. The first terminal endAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT263 A, the pin opening 261, and a respective one of the plurality of openings 262 are positioned in alignment with one another along a minor axis, such as corresponding to the width direction W when the adapter plate 162 is positioned at the adapter panel opening 154.

[0162] The partitions walls 264 may form an adapter holder 265 configured to receive one or more respective adapters 170. The pin opening 261 and the arcuate slot configured to receive a respective member 267 A, 267B of the adapter holder 265. The member(s) 267A, 267B reside in the arcuate slot 263 and pivot from the pin opening 261 such that rotation of the adapter holder 265 about the pin opening 261 and along the arcuate slot 263 causes similar pivoting of adapter 170 in the adapter holder 265. For instance, referring to Figs. 12A-12B, the adapter 170 is positioned in the adapter holder 265 in a first angular position in which the adapter 170 and connector 174 extend substantially orthogonal to the adapter plate 162 (e.g., along width direction W). Referring to Figs. 12C-12D, the adapter 170 is positioned in the adapter holder 265 in a second angular position in which the adapter 170 and connector 174 extend at an acute angle relative to the adapter plate 162 (e.g., acute relative to width direction W, such as between width direction W and depth direction D).

[0163] It should be appreciated that references to the width direction W, the depth direction D, the first side 151, and the second side 152 relative to the adapter plate 162 are with reference to the adapter plate 162 positioned at the central wall 150. However, embodiments of the adapter plate 162 may be positioned along the first side 151 such that the body 260 is adjacent to the central 150 at the first side 151 and the tab 266 extends to the second side 152.

[0164] Referring now to Figs. 13-14, perspective and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of a cable management arm 190 are illustrated. Embodiments of the cable management arm 190 provide a support and retention member at which cables may be routed. The cable management arm 190 includes a body 192 forming a slot 196 configured to interface with slot 276 (Figs. 9-10, Figs. 11A-11C) of the adapter plate 162. Body 192 is received and retained onto the adapter plate 162 by sliding or interdigitating respective bodies 192, 260 onto one another at respective slots 196, 276.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0165] Body 192 extends substantially along the width direction W. Distal from the slot 196 along the width direction W, a latch structure 195 including a plurality of arms 193, 194, such as a pair of arms 193, 194, forms an area 191 between the arms 193, 194 at which cables are routable. Cables, or fibers extending from the cables, may rest on a lower arm 193 extending from the body 192.

[0166] The latch structure 195 includes an opening 297 extended from a channel 298. The opening 297 is configured to receive ahead 197 extended from a neck 198. The lower arm 193 may form the opening 297 and channel 298 and the upper arm 194 may include the head 197 and neck 198. In some embodiments, the lower arm 198 may include the head 197 and neck 198 and the upper arm 194 may form the opening 297 and channel 298.

[0167] The arms 193, 194 are configured to permit flexing, bending, twisting, and deflection generally such that the head 197 and neck 198 can slide into the opening 297. For instance, one or both of arms 193, 194 are configured to deflect such that head 197 and neck 198 may enter the opening 297 and channel 298, respectively, from substantially along the depth direction D. The relatively narrow neck 198 is permitted into the channel 298 to position the head 197 in the opening 297. When positioned in the opening 297, the relatively larger head 197 is inhibited from exiting the opening 297 through the channel 298. The user may utilize a user interface tab 299 at one or both arms 193. 194 to twist the arm(s) to translate the head 197 substantially along the depth direction D to remove the head 197 from the opening 297. One or both arms 193, 194 may spring away from one another and open the area 191.

[0168] The cable management arm 190 may include a contact wall 291 configured to abut the central wall 150. The contact wall 291 is positioned proximate to the slot 196, such as adjacent above the slot 196 along the height direction H.Referring to Fig. 8 A and Fig. 10, the contact wall 291 may be positioned such that, when the cable management arm 190 is positioned in the slot 276, the contact wall 291 is positioned in the second side 152.

[0169] However, in some embodiments, the cable management arm 190 may be positioned at the slot 276 such that the contact wall 291 is positioned at the first side 151.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0170] In some embodiments, the body 192 includes a rib structure 193 configured to provide reinforcement and rigidity to receive cables at the area 191 distal from the cable management arm 190 connection to the central wall 150 at slots 196, 276.

[0171] In various embodiments, the cable management arm 190 includes a pair of latch structures 195 extending along opposing directions along the width direction W from the slot 196 positioned at the body 192 therebetween. In such embodiments, a single cable management arm 190 extends into the first and second sides 151, 152 to provide cable routing proximate to the adapter plate 162, adapters 170, and cables 174 at each side 151, 152.

[0172] In some embodiments, the cable management arm 190 includes a single latch structure 195 extending along the depth direction D from slot 196. Body 192 is extendable through the adapter panel opening 154 to permit slot 196 to extend onto the adapter plate 162 at slot 276.

[0173] In an exemplary’ embodiment for attachment, a user slides the cable management arm 190 onto the adapter plate 162 at respective slots 196, 276. The user may extend a portion of the cable management arm 190 through the adapter panel opening 154 and translate the body 260 onto the central wall 150. Tab 266 is sprung into the slot 155 and pushes the adapter plate 162 such that channel 274 wedges a portion of the central wall 150 between the retaining wall and clip 270, 272.

[0174] Embodiments of the adapter plate 162 and cable management arm 190 may be formed from flexible, compliant materials promoting bending, flexing, and translation such as described herein. Materials may include polymers or natural or synthetic rubbers. Embodiments of the adapter plate 162 and cable management arm 190 may each be formed as unitary, monolithic components.

[0175] Referring back to Fig. 1, and further depicted in Fig. 9, in some embodiments, the plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are provided through the central wall 150 in adjacent arrangement along the height direction H for the substantial height of the central wall 150. In some embodiments, the plurality of adapter panel openings 154 include two or more of adapter panel openings 154 positioned adjacent to one another along the depth direction D.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0176] In some embodiments, the adapter panel openings 154 are positioned through the central wall 150 more proximate to the forward end 101 than the rear end 102. The central wall 150 may include a spool 156 extending substantially along the width direction W from the central wall 150. The spool 156 is positioned along the depth direction D between the adapter panel opening(s) 154 and the rear end 102 of the frame 100, such as positioning the spool 156 more proximate to the rear end 102 than the forward end 101.

[0177] Referring now to Fig. 15, in some embodiments, an organizing tab 164 may be positioned in the first or second sides 151, 152 and extending from one or more of the side walls 182 or rear wall 180. The organizing tab 164 includes a member 165 from which a plurality of fingers 166 extend and form spaces 167 between the fingers 166. In some embodiments, the organizing tab 164 includes the member 165 extending laterally from the side wall 182 or the rear wall 180. Fingers 166 may extend along the height direction H and form spaces 167 therebetween at which cables, or portions thereof (e.g.. cable pigtails, fanouts, loose fiber, etc.), may be positioned and organized.

[0178] Embodiments of the organizing tab 164 or cable management arm 190 may be positioned at a pre-terminated cable side of the frame 100 that may include quantities of pigtails or fanouts having smaller diameters of lesser loads and greater proximity’ to the adapter panel 160. Organizing tab 164 or cable management arm 190 may facilitate receiving quantities of pigtails or fanouts proximate to the adapter panel 160, and spools 156, 186 may be configured to receive greater quantities of relatively larger diameter cables of greater loads from which pigtails and fanouts may extend.

[0179] Referring now to Figs. 16-17, embodiments of the frame 100 depicted and described herein may be positioned at an exemplary datacenter 300. The datacenter 300 includes a hot aisle containment (HAC) area formed from a containment structure 301 having a door 303 providing access to an aisle 302 to which the rear end 102 of a plurality of frames 100 is positioned adj acent. As depicted and described herein, embodiments of the frame 100 permit a user to access the adapter panel 160, adapters 170, and cable routing from the front end 101 at a patch cord entry side (e.g., first side 151) and a pre-terminated cable entry side (e.g., second side 152) without requiring a user to repeatedly enter and exit the HAC area 302 to access the rear end 102.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0180] Additionally, or alternatively, the removable rear wall 180 may facilitate a user routing cables to a patch cord entry side (e.g., first side 151) and a pre-terminated cable entry side (e.g., second side 152). The user may then connect the cables at the first and second sides 151, 152 from the front end 101 and complete further cable routing without requiring re-entry to the HAC area 302.

[0181] An exemplar^' embodiment of a patching frame 100 includes an upper frame section 110, a lower frame section 120, and vertical members 130 extended therebetween as described herein. Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are configured in rectangular form with an area footprint over the ground approximately 1200 mm along the width direction W (W) by approximately 1100 mm along the depth direction D (D). Vertical members 130 extend along the height direction H to position the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and frame 100 having approximately 2200 mm height (H). A central wall 150 includes an adapter panel 160 configured to receive adapter plates 162 and adapters 170 having an MMC configuration. As depicted and described herein, the adapters 170, and cables received thereto, extend substantially perpendicular to the central wall 150, such as along the width direction W. Exemplary embodiments of the frame 100 accommodate fiber counts, adapter and connector quantities, and adapter plates including:TOTAL Quad Adapter Connectors ConnectorFIBER Adapters PlatesFiber CountCOUNT (Qty)(Qty) (Qty)24192 3024 8 756 4236288 3024 12 756 4248384 3024 16 756 4272576 3024 24 756 4296768 3024 32 756 42Table A1: Exemplary Frame Configurations

[0182] In an exemplary embodiment of the patching frame 100 as configured above, a plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are provided through the central w all 150 in adjacent arrangement along the height direction H for the substantial height of the central wall 150. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are configured toAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTreceive corresponding adapter plates 162. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154, such as in a pair of more, are positioned adjacent to one another along the depth direction D. In various exemplary embodiments, the plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within an approximately 530 mm (D) by approximately 1670 mm (H) area of the central wall 150. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the front end 101. In various embodiments, a plurality of spools 156 extend from the central wall 150 within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the rear end 102.

[0183] In an exemplary embodiment of the patching frame 100, a plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are provided through the central wall 150 in adjacent arrangement along the height direction H for the substantial height of the central wall 150. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are configured to receive corresponding adapter plates 162. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154, such as in a pair of more, are positioned adjacent to one another along the depth direction D. In various exemplary embodiments, the plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within an approximately 500 mm (D) by approximately 1900 mm (H) area of the central wall 150. The plurality’ of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the front end 101. In various embodiments, a plurality of spools 156 extend from the central wall 150 within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the rear end 102. Exemplary embodiments of the frame 100 accommodate fiber counts, adapter and connector quantities, and adapter plates as provided in one or more of the following Tables A2 through A6, including:QuadTOTAL Adapter Connectors Connector AdaptersFIBER Plates(Qty, MMC) Fiber CountCOUNT (Qty,MMC) (Qty)36864 4608 8 1152 12855296 4608 12 1152 12873728 4608 16 1152 128110592 4608 24 1152 128147456 4608 32 1152 128Table A2: Exemplary Frame ConfigurationsAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTSimplexTOTAL Adapter Connectors Connector AdaptersFIBER Plates(Qty, MPO) Fiber CountCOUNT (Qty,MPO) (Qty)18432 2304 8 576 12827648 2304 12 576 12836864 2304 16 576 12855296 2304 24 576 12873728 2304 32 576 128Table A3: Exemplary Frame ConfigurationsQuadTOTAL Connectors Adapter Connector AdaptersFIBER (Qty, SN- PlatesFiber Count (Qty, SN- COUNT MT)MT) (Qty)55296 4608 12 1152 12873728 4608 16 1152 128Table A4: Exemplary Frame ConfigurationsTOTAL Duplex Adapter Connectors ConnectorFIBER Adapters PlatesFiber CountCOUNT (Qty, LC )(Qty, LC) (Qty)4608 4608 1 576 128Table A5: Exemplary Frame ConfigurationsTOTAL Duplex Adapter Connectors ConnectorFIBER Adapters PlatesFiber CountCOUNT (Qty, SC )(Qty, SC) (Qty)2304 2304 1 576 128Table Ar>: Exemplary Frame Configurations

[0184] In an exemplary embodiment of the patching frame 100 as configured above, a plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are provided through the central wall 150 in adjacent arrangement along the height direction H for the substantial height ofAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTthe central wall 150. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are configured to receive corresponding adapter plates 162. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154, such as in a pair of more, are positioned adjacent to one another along the depth direction D. In various exemplary embodiments, the plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the front end 101. In various embodiments, a plurality of spools 156 extend from the central wall 150 within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the rear end 102.

[0185] In various exemplary embodiments of the patching frame 100 as configured above, the adapter panel opening 154 resides within 1 RU at the central wall 150. Various exemplary embodiments of the patching frame 100 may facilitate ultra-high fiber density while maintaining user accessibility for connecting and removing connectors 174 at adapter plates 162. In an exemplary embodiment, a maximum dimension of the adapter panel opening 154 along the height direction H is at least 14 mm, or at least 18 mm, or at least 20 mm, or up to approximately 25 mm. Spacing between adjacent adapter openings 154 along the height direction H may include space at the central wall 150 above or below the adapter panel opening 154 for a label 159. Additionally, or alternatively, spacing between adjacent adapter openings 154 along the height direction H may include space at the central wall 150 above or below the adapter panel opening 154 accommodates a user’s hand or digits for connecting, removing, or articulating connectors and adapters at the adapter plate 162 while providing ultra-high fiber densities as provided herein. Exemplary embodiments of the frame 100 accommodate fiber densities per RU or less based on configurations such as provided above, including:FIBER COUNTConnectorPERFiberADAPTERCountPANEL OPENING576 8Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT864 121152 161728 242304 32Table B: Fiber Densities Per Adapter Panel Opening

[0186] An exemplary embodiment of a patching frame 100 includes an upper frame section 110, a lower frame section 120, and vertical members 130 extended therebetween as described herein. Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are configured in rectangular form with an area footprint over the ground at least 900 mm (W) by at least 900 mm (D). Vertical members 130 extend along the height direction H to position the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and frame 100 having approximately 2200 mm (H). A central wall 150 includes an adapter panel 160 configured to receive adapter plates 162 and adapters 170 having fiber, connector, and adapter configurations as provided in Tables A1-A6 and Table B. As depicted and described herein, the adapters 170, and cables received thereto, extend substantially perpendicular to the central wall 150, such as along the width direction W.

[0187] An exemplary embodiment of a patching frame 100 is constructed from an upper frame section 110. a lower frame section 120. and vertical members 130 extended therebetween as described herein and formed of AL extrusions and joined together using mechanical fasteners, clamps or brackets, such as joints 108. Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are configured in rectangular form with an area footprint over the ground between approximately 900 mm to approximately 1200 mm (W) by between approximately 900 mm to approximately 1100 mm (D). Vertical members 130 extend along the height direction H to position the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and frame 100 having approximately 2200 mm (H). A central wall 150 includes an adapter panel 160 configured to receive adapter plates 162 and adapters 170. Weight of the patching frame 100 may be between 80 kilograms (kg) and 200 kg, or between 110 kg and 170 kg, or between 120 kg and 160 kg, or between 130 kg and 150 kg, or approximately 140 kilograms (kg) with cables routed thereto in one or more configurations such as described in regard to Tables A-B. In various embodiments, weight of the patching frame 100 may be 20 kg or greater, or 30 kg orAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTgreater, or 50 kg or greater, or up to 100 kg, before routing cables thereto in one or more configurations such as described in regard to Tables A1-A6 and Table B.

[0188] An exemplary embodiment of a patching frame 100 includes an upper frame section 110, a lower frame section 120, and vertical members 130 extended therebetween as described herein. Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are configured in rectangular form with an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters. Vertical members 130 extend along the height direction H to position the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and frame 100 having approximately 2200 mm (H). A central wall 150 includes an adapter panel 160 configured to receive adapter plates 162 and adapters 170 having fiber, connector, and adapter configurations as provided in Tables A1-A6 and Table B. As depicted and described herein, the adapters 170, and cables received thereto, extend substantially perpendicular to the central wall 150, such as along the width direction W.

[0189] In an exemplary’ embodiment of the patching frame 100 as configured above, a plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are provided through the central wall 150 in adjacent arrangement along the height direction H for the substantial height of the central wall 150. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154, such as in a pair of more, are configured to receive corresponding adapter plates 162. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned adjacent to one another along the depth direction D. In various exemplary embodiments, the plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to 0.9500 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150. The plurality of adapter panel openings 154 are positioned within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the front end 101. In various embodiments, a plurality of spools 156 extend from the central wall 150 within a span along the depth direction D proximate to the rear end 102. Exemplary embodiments of the frame 100 accommodate fiber densities per RU or less based on configurations such as provided above, including:Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTFIBER COUNT PER ADAPTER Connectors Connector PANEL OPENING WITHIN 100 Per 100 Fibermm WIDTH mm W Count576 72 8864 72 121152 72 161728 72 242304 72 32Table C: Fiber Densities per 100 mm Width of the FrameFIBER COUNT PER ADAPTER Connectors Connector PANEL OPENING WITHIN 100 Per 100 Fibermm WIDTH mm W Count1152 144 81728 144 122304 144 163456 144 244608 144 32Table D: Fiber Densities per 100 mm Width of the Frame

[0190] An exemplary embodiment of a patching frame 100 includes an upper frame section 110, a lower frame section 120, and vertical members 130 extended therebetween as described herein. Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are configured in rectangular form with an area footprint over the ground at least 900 mm (W) by at least 900 mm (D). Vertical members 130 extend along the height direction H to position the upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 and frame 100 having up to approximately 2200 mm height (H). A central wall 150 includes an adapter panel 160 configured to receive adapter plates 162 and adapters 170 having multifiber connector configuration and fiber, connector, and adapter configurations as provided in any one of Tables A1-A6 or Tables B-C above, or Tables D-E below. As depicted and described herein, the adapters 170, and cables received thereto, extend substantially perpendicular to the central wall 150, such as along the width direction W. Fiber density at the frame 100 per unit millimeter (mm) along the depth direction D may be provided as follows:Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTFIBER COUNT PER ADAPTERConnectorPANELConnectors FiberOPENING PERCountUNIT MM ALONG DEPTH1.09 72 81.63 72 122.17 72 163.26 72 244.35 72 32Table E: Fiber Densities per Unit mm Depth of the Frame

[0191] While the adapter 170 configured as an MMC adapter is provided, in various embodiments, high and ultra-high fiber densities, and benefits and advantages of the frame 100 described herein, may be achieved with other adapter configurations, such as, but not limited to, MPO connectors generally, EBO connectors, LC, ST, MT connectors, or other physical contact and non-contact connectors and adapters.

[0192] In still various embodiments, fiber optic adapters 170 may be configured as 2-port adapters, 4-port adapters (Quad adapters), 6-port adapters, or 12-port adapters, or other multiport fiber optic adapter configuration.

[0193] Tables Ai-Ae and Tables B-E provide exemplary’ configurations at various embodiments of the frame 100 such as may promote ultra-high fiber density, maintain or improve user access to fiber optic adapters 170, and provide improved routing such as described herein. However, it should be appreciated that various greater or lesser densities may be extrapolated from exemplary configurations described herein. For instance, a user may increase a quantity of adapter ports and connectors per RU or less to further increase fiber density while advantageously obtaining accessibility to the adapter panel 160 using configurations of the lower and upper frame sections 110, 120, vertical members 130, and unoccupied areas such as depicted and described herein.

[0194] Referring now to Fig. 18 and Fig. 19, an exemplary embodiment of a fiber optic equipment rack 200 is provided. Embodiments of the rack 200 include an upperAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTframe section 110, a lower frame section 120, and vertical members 130 extended therebetween as described herein in regard to various embodiments of the frame 100. Upper and lower frame sections 110, 120 are configured in rectangular form with an area footprint and positioned along a height such as provided in various embodiments described in regard to frame 100. A central wall 150 includes a patch panel interface 210 including openings corresponding to the patch panels 200 for receiving the patch panels 200 into the central wall 150. As depicted in Fig. 18. fiber optic equipment, such as cassettes or patch panels, extend substantially perpendicular into the central wall 150, such as along the width direction W, such as described in regard to adapters 170 and adapter plates 162 described in regard to frame 100.

[0195] Referring now to Fig. 19. a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a patch enclosure or panel 400 receivable at the rack 200 is provided. Panel 400 includes an enclosure 410, a pair of tray supports 420, a plurality of trays 430, a plurality of cassette supports 440 and a plurality of cassettes 450. Patch panel 400 may generally be referred to as a ‘“rackmount high density connectivity platform.” Cassettes 450 may be modular and suitable for patch, patch and splice, wavelengthdivision-multiplexing (WDM), and splitter applications. Thus, e.g., each cassette 450 may include connectors (such as LC connectors, MPO connecters, etc.) at a front and a rear of the cassette 450, and fibers within the cassette 450 may extend between the various connectors at the front and rear of the cassette 450.

[0196] In an exemplary embodiment, patch panel 400 includes features for regulating movement of trays 430 on tray supports 420 and / or features for regulating movement of cassettes 450 on cassette supports 440. Such features may facilitate access to cassettes 450 and assist a user with connecting optical fibers to cassettes 450. Cassettes 450 include ports at a front and rear of cassettes 450 and optical fibers within cassettes 450 connect the ports at front and rear of cassettes 450.

[0197] In some embodiments, tray 430 has a plurality of cassette mounting bays 460. Cassette supports 440 are mounted on tray 430 at cassette mounting bays 460 to provide a mounting structure for cassettes 450 in cassette mounting bays 460. Thus, patch panel 400 may include cassette supports 440 at opposite sides of each cassette mounting bay 460. Cassette supports 440 may be mounted to tray 430 with thermal staking, ultrasonically welding, adhesive, tape, and / or fasteners. In still someAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTembodiments, cassette supports 440 may be mounted to tray 430 without fasteners, such as screws. One lateral side of each cassette 450 may be mounted to a respective cassette support 440 with latches, and the opposite lateral side of each cassette 450 may be slidably mounted to a respective cassette support 440, e.g., by a slide rail on cassette 450 received within a slot on the respective cassette support 440 or by sliding the cassette 450 between slide rails on the respective cassette support 440.1001981 Mutually orthogonal reference width direction W, depth direction D, and height direction H provided in Fig. 19 correspond to width direction W, depth direction D, and height direction H in Fig. 18 to depict a relative positioning and orientation of the panel 400 relative to the rack 200. For instance, trays 430 and cassettes 450 may articulate substantially along the width direction W, such as perpendicular relative to the central wall 150.

[0199] In still some embodiments, panel 400 includes a mount interface 470 at which the panel 400 attaches to the central wall 150 or a support structure thereat. Panel 400 may be substantially cantilevered from the mount interface 470 or from the panel 400 extended through openings through the central wall 150 at the patch panel interface 210. For instance, a substantial portion of the panel 400 aft of the mount interface 470 extends into a second side (e.g., second side 152) while a remaining portion of the panel 400 forward of the mount interface 470 extends into a first side (e.g., first side 151). It should be appreciated, however, that panel 400 may be attached to the central wall 150 such that a substantial portion of the panel 400 aft of the mount interface 470 extends into a first side (e.g., first side 151) while a remaining portion of the panel 400 forward of the mount interface 470 extends into a second side (e.g., second side 152).

[0200] In an exemplary embodiment of operation, a user may approach a first side (e.g., first side 151) of the rack 200 and pull the tray(s) 430 along the width direction W. Tray(s) 430 residing in the enclosure 410 substantially at a second side (e.g., second side 152) may articulate through the central wall 150 to the user at the first side.

[0201] It should be appreciated that embodiments of the panel 400 depicted in Fig. 19 are exemplary. Other embodiments of a patch panel, cassettes, or cassette enclosure may be utilized at the rack 200.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0202] In various embodiments, cassettes, such as cassettes 450 depicted in Fig.19, may attach directly to the central wall 150 at the rack 200. For instance, cassette 450 may include mount walls, rails, or other attachment interfaces permitting attachment to the central wall 150 such that cassette 450 extends and articulates substantially along the width direction W.

[0203] Referring now to Fig. 20. a top-down view of an embodiment of the frame 100 is provided. In some embodiments, the frame 100 includes a hinge 157 at the central wall 150 and providing a pivot mechanism. The hinge 157 may be positioned at a portion of the central wall 150 such that the adapter panel 160 is permitted to rotate from extending along the depth direction D to an angle extending between the depth direction D and the width direction W. The hinge 157 may facilitate performing connections at the adapter panel 160 from the front end 101 while further providing benefits of orthogonal patching and fiber density such as described herein.

[0204] Referring now to Figs. 21-29, views of an embodiment of a fiber optic cable assembly 500 are provided. Embodiments of the cable assembly 500 include a cassette 510 configured to attach to a patch panel or patch frame, such as at central wall 150 or adapter panel 160. The cassette 510 may be clipped directly into an adapter opening 154 at the central wall 150, such as depicted and described in regard to adapter plate 162. Cable assembly 500 further includes the cassette 510 attachable to a cable section or fiber leg 572 having a plurality of fibers 576 surrounded by an outer jacket 575.

[0205] Referring briefly to Figs. 22-23, in various embodiments, the cable assembly 500 includes a trunk cable 570 having a plurality of fiber subunits 574 (Fig.23). The fiber subunits 574 include respective pluralities of fibers 576, or furthermore, outer jackets 575 surrounding respective pluralities of fibers 576. The trunk cable 570 may further include strength members, fillers, or other components as may appreciated in the art. The trunk cable 570 furcates or breaks out the fiber subunits 574 to a plurality of fiber legs 572 dispersing the plurality of fiber subunits from the trunk cable 570 across the plurality of fiber legs 572 to respective cassettes 510.

[0206] Cable 105 (e.g., Figs. 6A-6B) may provide an exemplary embodiment of routing cable 570, or fiber legs 572, at the frame 100. For instance, cable 570 may route along the rear wall 180, over the upper frame section 120, and to the first orAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTsecond sides 151, 152. Cable 570 may breakout into fiber legs 572, of which cable 570 or fiber legs 572 may be supported at one or more spools 156, 186.

[0207] Referring to Figs. 24-29, the cassette 510 includes an adapter plate 512 extending along a major axis Ma. The adapter plate 512 includes a plurality of openings 514 into which respective fiber optic connectors or adapters 516 are received, such as adapter 516A or connector 516B (Figs. 24-25), such as further described herein. The plurality of openings 514 are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis Ma.

[0208] The cassette 510 includes a body 520 receivable at the adapter plate 512. The body 520 may form a shell providing a volume 522 at which a plurality of fibers is receivable, such as from the fiber legs and main cable. The body 520 includes a port 524 through which the plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume 522. The port 524 may receive a detachable neck 521 through which fibers may pass into the volume 522. For instance, the outer jacket 575 of a respective cable section or fiber leg 572 is receivable at the neck 521 at the port 524 of the cassette 510. The plurality of fibers 576 may be operably coupled to the respective fiber optic connectors or adapters 516 received at the plurality of openings 514.

[0209] Referring to Figs. 30-36, the body 520 may include a double wall structure 531 at the port 524 to receive the neck 524. The neck 521 may include a body insertable into the double wall structure 531, such as may retain the neck 521 to the body 520 and prevent displacing the neck 524 as fibers are pushed or pulled to the volume 522.

[0210] The neck 521 may include ribs or other structures promoting retention of the cable, such as an outer jacket 575 thereof, onto the neck 521.

[0211] Referring to Figs. 32-37, in some embodiments, body 520 may form a neck 551 at which the double-wall structure 531 may be positioned to receive neck 521. Neck 551 may form an extension or protrusion from perimeter wall 535. Neck 551 may extend at an acute angle relative to major and minor axes Ma, Mi, such as may promote providing fibers to the volume 522 at an acute angle along a desired routing path 537.

[0212] In exemplary embodiments, the cable assembly 500 provides the cassette 510 pre-terminated and adaptable for various fiber count cables as desired by a user.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTThe cassete 510 is configured to include a plurality of adapters 516A or connectors 516B (Figs. 24-25). The cable assembly 500 may permit factor)’ -termination, including connector / adapter mounting and ferrule polishing, and loading into the cassete 510 and patching to adapters in a factory seting. When provided onsite (e.g., at a datacenter, such as datacenter 300), rapid ultra-high fiber count installation is facilitated by permiting a single clipping of the cassete 510 to the patch panel or frame and cable, such as depicted and described with regard to frame 100, and adapter panel 160. Furthermore, rapid installation may be achieved while mitigating polarity or cross patching errors.

[0213] In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers within the cassete 510 may be spliced within the cassete 510, such as in the volume 522.

[0214] The cassete 510 may include an adapter plate having a body and openings for adapters or connectors, such as depicted and described in regard to adapter plate 162. The cassete 510 may further include flexible members, tabs, latches, or clips, such as depicted and described in regard to adapter plate 162.

[0215] In some embodiments, the body 520 is releasably atachable to the adapter plate 512. Embodiments of the adapter plate 512 may be configured such as depicted and described in regard to adapter plate 162. For instance, slot 276 at the adapter plate 162 (Figs. 11A-11C) may provide an atachment interface to secure body 520 to the adapter plate 162. In some embodiments, body 520 may include a user interface 523. such as a tab, facilitating user articulation to open the body 520. Body 520 may include a single, unitary component, or a split body (e.g., split halves or separable components), facilitating access to the volume 522 at which fibers reside. In still some embodiments, cassete 510 may reduce or remove a need for cable management interfaces for routing fiber legs or cables at a data rack.

[0216] Referring briefly to Fig. 29, body 520 may include a cover 525 releasably attachable from a base portion 527. Port 524 and volume 522 may be formed, at least in part, from the base portion 527. Base portion 527 may further include the double wall structure 531 at which the neck 521 is retained. Cover 525 may be releasably attachable, such as by articulating the user interface tab 523, to atach or remove the cover 525 from the base portion 527. The base portion may include a base wall 529, such as further described herein.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0217] Referring to Figs. 24-29, in various embodiments, the cassette 510 includes the body 520 forming the port 524 at a distal end along the major axis Ma. The port 524 extends along the major axis Ma to receive the plurality of fibers into the volume 522 through the port 524 along the major axis Ma. In some embodiments, the body 520 includes a single port 524 through which the plurality of fibers is receivable into the volume 522. The plurality of fibers are operably coupled to respective connector or adapters 516 received at the adapter plate 512.

[0218] The cassette 510 may include a tab 526 extending from a flexible member 528. For instance, adapter plate 512 may include the tab 526 extending from the flexible member 528. The tab 526 is configured to extend along a direction into a panel opening (e.g., opening 154) into which the cassette 510 is receivable into a panel wall (e.g., central wall 150). The flexible member 528 may be configured to spring the tab 526 within the panel opening to retain the cassette 510 within the panel opening, such as depicted and described in regard to adapter plate 162 at the adapter panel 160. The flexible member 528 may form a curved portion configured to flexibly bias the tab 526 along the depth direction D into the central wall 150. A user may push and articulate the tab 526 through the slot 155 to remove the cassette 510 from the adapter panel opening 154.

[0219] The cassette 510 may further include a retaining wall 530 configured to position adjacent to a panel wall at which the cassette 510 is receivable. The retaining wall 530 forms a detent along a direction into a panel opening into which the cassette 510 is receivable at the panel wall. For instance, cassette 510 may be insertable into opening 154 at the central wall 150 of frame 100. The cassette 510 may include a retaining clip 532 positioned proximate to the retaining wall 530 to form a channel 534 between the retaining wall 530 and the retaining clip 532. The retaining clip 532 and the tab 524 may each extend from the adapter plate 512.

[0220] For instance, the adapter plate 512 may include the retaining clip 532 positioned proximate to the retaining wall 530 of the adapter plate 512 to form the channel 534 between the retaining wall 530 and the retaining clip 532.

[0221] A first distal end of the cassette 510 may include the tab 526 extending from the flexible member 528. The tab 526 is configured to extend along the width direction W of frame 100 through the slot 155 at the adapter panel opening 154. AAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTsecond distal end of the cassette 510 is opposite relative to the major axis Ma (e.g., opposite relative to depth direction D of the frame 100) to the first distal end. The second distal end includes the retaining wall 530 configured to position adjacent to the central wall 150 of the frame 100 such as to provide a surface obstructing the cassette 510 from passing entirely through the adapter panel opening 154. The retaining clip 532 may be positioned proximate to the retaining wall 530, such as extending along the width direction W of frame 100 to form the channel 534 between the retaining wall 530 and the retaining clip 532. The cassette 510 is configured to slide a portion of the central wall 150 into the channel 534 to retain the cassette 510 onto the central wall 150. The flexible member 528 and tab 526 permit a portion of the cassette 510 to deflect for retaining and removing the cassette 510 from the central wall 150.

[0222] The cassette 510, such as the adapter plate 512 and the body 520, extends along a minor axis Mi orthogonal to the major axis Ma. The volume 522 extends along the minor axis Mi and the major axis Ma. The port 524 is positioned distal along the minor axis Mi from the plurality of openings 514. In some embodiments, the port 524 may be positioned proximate along the major axis Ma to the tab 526. However, in other embodiments, port 524 may be positioned proximate along the major axis Ma to the retaining wall 530.

[0223] Referring to Figs. 30-36, further embodiments of the cassette 510 are depicted. Cassette 510 may be configured such as depicted and described in regard to one or more embodiments depicted and described in regard to Figs. 26-29.

[0224] In various embodiments, body 520 of cassette 510 includes a base wall 529 extending between perimeter walls 535. The volume 522 is bounded substantially between base wall 529 and perimeter walls 535.

[0225] Referring to Fig. 30, the body 520 of the cassette 510 may include internal walls 533 extending from the base wall 529 within the volume 522. Internal walls 533 may form a routing pathway 537 along which fibers extend between the port 524 and the plurality of openings 514. Internal walls 533 may include curves and radii promoting a desired bending or fibers within the volume 522 as fibers route between the port 524 and the openings 514.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0226] In some embodiments, a tab 539 extends from one or more of the internal wall 533, the perimeter wall 535, or both. The tab 539 may extend from one or more of the internal wall 533 and / or the perimeter wall 535 along the routing pathway 537 to provide a detent maintaining fiber within the routing pathway 537, such as depicted in Figs. 35-36.

[0227] Referring to Figs. 30-36, in various embodiments, the base wall 529 may form a window 541 permitting egress of fibers through the base wall 529. In various embodiments, the base wall 529 of the body 520 may include the perimeter wall 535 extending from opposing faces to form the volume 522 adjacent to a first face 529A and a second face 529B, such as depicted at first volume 522A (Figs. 34, 36) and second volume 522B (Figs. 35, 37). For instance, base wall 529 may extend along an intermediate portion of the perimeter wall 535 (e.g., intermediate along a direction orthogonal to the major axis Ma and minor axis Mi) and bifurcate the volume 522 into first and second volumes 522A, 522B. The body 520 configured as such may permit fibers to route from the port 524 into first volume 522A and transition through the base wall 529 through window 541 to the second volume 522B.

[0228] In still some embodiments, the internal wall 533 may extend from opposing faces of the base wall 529 to further form routing pathways 537 along first and second volumes 522A. 522B.

[0229] The base wall 529 extending substantially along the major axis Ma and along minor axis Mi may permit the fibers entering the volume 522 to route along routing pathways 537 extending substantially along the major axis Ma and minor axis Mi. In various embodiments, the base wall 529 separating the volume 522 into first and second volumes 522A, 522B may further permit fiber routing along routing pathways 537 at the first and second volumes 522A, 522B. As such, cassette 510 may be facilitated to receive fiber along areas corresponding to opposing sides of the base wall 529.

[0230] Referring to Figs. 30-37, the body 520 may include a retaining tab 543 extending toward the adapter plate 512. The retaining tab 543 may extend from the perimeter wall 535 and corresponding to an opening or slot 276 formed at the adapter plate 512. The retaining tab 543 may form a flexible member or wall, such as may extend substantially along the minor axis Mi toward the adapter plate 512. TheAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTretaining tab 543 received into the slot 276 may retain the body 520 and adapter plate 512 together in selectively releasable arrangement.

[0231] Referring to Fig. 37, in some embodiments, a plurality of port walls 545 may form ports 547 at a front face 549 of the body 520 from which fibers 540 egress and at which the adapter plate 512 is received. Fibers 540, or groups thereof, may egress from the routing pathway 537 and be separated from one another by port walls 545 into ports 547. Ports 547 may facilitate organization of fibers 540, or fiber bundles 540 A, 540B, such as may correspond to the connectors and adapters 516 (Fig.30) to which the fibers 540 operably couple.

[0232] Ports 547 may be positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis Ma, such as correspondingly to the plurality of openings 514 at which connectors and adapters 516 are received. For instance, body 520 may include a plurality of port walls 545 in adjacent arrangement along the major axis Ma, such as forming the plurality of ports 547 in adjacent arrangement along the major axis Ma and corresponding to the plurality of ports 514 at the adapter plate 512. In some embodiments, the port walls 545 extend from the base wall 529 substantially co-directional to an extension of the perimeter wall 535. In some embodiments, port walls 545 form a portion of the perimeter wall 535, and ports 547 are formed through the perimeter wall 535.

[0233] In still some embodiments, ports 547 are formed corresponding to the second volume 522B. Port walls 545 may extend from the base wall 529 corresponding to the face (e.g., second face 529B) along which the second volume 522B is formed. The body 520 may include the perimeter wall 535 or internal wall 533 forming a barrier along the face (e.g., first face 529 A) corresponding to the first volume 522A, such as may promote routing the fibers 540 through the window 541 to egress the fibers 540 to openings 514.

[0234] In some embodiments, cover 525 includes a cover retaining tab 553 receivable at a retaining opening 555 at the adapter plate 512. Retaining tab 553 may include a latch or snap configured to flex and receive onto a surface at the retaining opening 555. One or more retaining openings 555 may be positioned at the adapter plate 512 to receive the cover 525 over the body 520.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0235] In some embodiments, the retaining tab 553 and retaining opening 555 are configured to permit the cover 525 to rotate from an interface of the tab 553 to the adapter plate 512 at the opening 555. For instance, cover 525 may be permitted to rotate such as may provide user access to the volume 522 without removing the tab 553 from the opening 555.

[0236] In still some embodiments, adapter plate 512 includes a positioning tab 557 configured to receive the body 520 or the cover 525. The positioning tab 557 may include a slot 561 at which a corresponding portion, such as retaining member 559, of the body 520 or cover 525 is receivable to orient the body 520, cover 525, or both to the adapter plate 512.

[0237] Referring to Fig. 30 and Fig. 32, the retaining member 559 and slot 561 may extend from the body 520 substantially along the minor axis Mi, such as may orient the body 520 to guide retaining tab 543 into slot 276. The slot 561 formed into the adapter plate 512 may further provide structural support for receiving the body 520 and fibers at the body 520.

[0238] Referring to Fig. 33, body 520 may include a slot 561 formed at the perimeter wall 535. The slot 561 may be formed substantially along a vertical axis (e.g., orthogonal to the major axis Ma and minor axis Mi) to receive a portion of the cover 525, the body 520, or both.

[0239] In various embodiments, the cassette 510 is configured to receive the plurality of connectors or adapters 516 configured as very small form-factor (VSFF) multi-fiber connectors. The VSFF connector may include a 1.25 millimeter (mm) or smaller ferrule 517 (Fig. 25). End-to-end fiber spacing 518 (Fig. 25) may be between approximately 3 mm and 4 mm. Fiber-to-fiber spacing may be between 0.2 mm and 0.3 mm, such as approximately 0.25 mm fiber-to-fiber. A housing 519 may include a cross-sectional area including the ferrules and 12-, 16-, or 24-fiber configuration within approximately 35 square mm to approximately 42 square mm. Embodiments of the VSFF connector may include a CS, SN, SN-MT, MDC, MT, MMC, MMC jr., or other appropriate configuration. VSFF connectors may contrast with other connectors, such as, but not limited to, connectors having fiber spacings greater than 4 mm, an overall cross-sectional area greater than 100 square mm, or both.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0240] Various embodiments of the cable assembly 500 may include preterminated cables or fiber legs 572 terminated into the cassettes 510 with the plurality of fibers at the cassette 510 forming multiple intermittently bonded 536 fibers 538 forming a ribbon structure 540 (Fig. 28) providing flexibility similar to individual fibers. The connectors 516 at the volume 522 may include a VSFF configuration, such as, but not limited to, MMC jr. or MT without spring, facilitating a desirably compact structure of the cassette 510.

[0241] In various embodiments, the cassette 510 includes at least 0.7292 cubic centimeters (cm) of volume 522 per fiber.

[0242] In some embodiments, the cassette 510 described herein receives up to 576 fibers within a maximum volume 522 of the cassette 510 of up to approximately 420 cubic cm with the adapter plate 512 having a maximum area of approximately 230 square cm. The maximum area refers to a front face through which the connectors or adapters 516 are received into the adapter plate 512. For instance, the front face generally corresponds to an area exposed through the adapter panel opening 154 through which connectors or adapters are receivable to the adapter plate, such as depicted at adapters 170 to adapter plate 162.

[0243] In some embodiments, the cassette 510 described herein receives up to 1152 fibers within a maximum volume 522 of the cassette 510 of up to approximately 840 cubic cm with the adapter plate 512 having a maximum area of approximately 460 square cm.

[0244] In some embodiments, the cassette 510 described herein receives up to 1728 fibers within a maximum volume 522 of the cassette 510 of up to approximately 1260 cubic cm with the adapter plate 512 having a maximum area of approximately 690 square cm.

[0245] In some embodiments, the cassette 510 described herein receives up to 2304 fibers within a maximum volume 522 of the cassette 510 of up to approximately 1680 cubic cm with the adapter plate 512 having a maximum area of approximately 920 square cm.

[0246] In some embodiments, the cassette 510 described herein receives up to 2880 fibers within a maximum volume 522 of the cassette 510 of up to approximatelyAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT2100 cubic cm with the adapter plate 512 having a maximum area of approximately 1150 square cm.

[0247] In some embodiments, the cassette 510 described herein receives up to 3456 fibers within a maximum volume 522 of the cassette 510 of up to approximately 2520 cubic cm with the adapter plate 512 having a maximum area of approximately 1380 square cm.

[0248] In various embodiments, the maximum area of the adapter plate 512 extends along the major axis Ma corresponding substantially to an extension of the body 520 along the major axis Ma.

[0249] Various embodiments of the cassette 510 depicted and described herein permit the plurality of fibers extending through the port 524 into the volume 522 to include up to 576 fibers for each 420 cubic cm of the volume 522. For instance, the cable assembly 500 may include the cassette 510 having the body 520 forming the volume 522 having approximately 420 cubic cm and receiving up to 576 fibers from cable 570 or fiber legs 572. The adapter plate 512 may include a maximum area of approximately 230 square centimeters along which the plurality of openings 514 is positioned for each approximately 420 cubic cm increment of the volume 522. The adapter plate 512 may be configured to receive up to a quantity of nine (9) MMC quad or MMC jr. adapters for up to 576 fiber entry through port 524. In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers in the volume 522 are configured as ribbon fibers, such as intermittently bonded fibers permitting collapsing, rolling, and conformity within the volume 522. The plurality’ of fibers may include up to thirty-six (36) 16-fiber ribbon fiber splices in the volume 522 to 16-fiber MT ribbon pigtails. The cassette 510. such as the body 520, may form a splice protector. Additionally, or alternatively, a potting material, such as an epoxy, such as a room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone sealant, may be received in the volume 522.

[0250] Still various embodiments of the cassette 510 depicted and described herein permit the plurality of fibers extending through the port 524 into the volume 522 to include up to 576 fibers for each 420 cubic cm of the volume 522. For instance, the cable assembly 500 may include the cassette 510 having the body 520 forming the volume 522 having approximately 420 cubic cm and receiving up to 576 fibers from cable 570 or fiber legs 572. In some embodiments, the adapter plate 512Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTincludes a maximum area of approximately 230 square centimeters along which the plurality of openings 514 is positioned for each approximately 420 cubic cm increment of the volume 522. The adapter plate 512 may be configured to receive up to a quantity of nine (9) MMC jr. adapters for up to 576 fiber entry through port 524. In some embodiments, the plurality of fibers in the volume 522 are configured as ribbon fibers, such as intermittently bonded fibers permitting collapsing, rolling, and conformity within the volume 522. The plurality of fibers may include up to thirty-six (36) 16-fiber ribbon fiber splices in the volume 522 to 16-fiber MT / MMC jr. ribbon pigtails. The cassette 510, such as the body 520, may form a splice protector.Additionally, or alternatively, a potting material, such as an epoxy, such as a roomtemperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone sealant, may be received in the volume 522.

[0251] In an exemplary embodiment, the cassette 510 includes an MT to MMC or MT to MMC jr. adapter facilitating a desirably compact size of the cassette 510 such as described herein. In still further embodiments, the cassette 510 includes an MT connector without a spring, providing a reduced depth distance of the connector, further facilitating a desirably compact size of the cassette 510.

[0252] Referring back to Figs. 21-23, embodiments of the cable assembly 500 may include a transition body 580 configured to attach the trunk cable 570 to the pigtails or plurality of fiber legs 572. The transition body 580 may include a sleeve 582 configured to extend around a distal end of the cable 570. The sleeve 582 includes a latch assembly 584 articulatable to selectively secure the cable section, such as fiber legs 572, to a main cable, such as trunk cable 570.

[0253] In various embodiments, the latch assembly 584 may include a hinge or pivot mechanism 586 to which a latch 588 is attached. The latch 588, when articulated, such as in a lever action, compresses latch walls 585 around the sleeve 582, fiber legs 572, and trunk cable 570 to secure the legs 572 and cable 570 together. The latch assembly 584 may provide a quick-connect and quick-disconnect feature, such as may promote rapid securing of the cable 570 to fiber legs 572 and cassette 510 in a single lever action.

[0254] In some embodiments, the transition body 580 may be utilized to secure a pulling grip to the cable 570, such as may facilitate pulling of the cable 570 between data halls or data centers.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0255] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 500 includes at least six cable sections or fiber legs 572 coupled together in a furcation cable arrangement. Each cable section includes the plurality of fibers having at least 576 fibers. Each cable section receives a respective cassette 510 receiving respective pluralities of fibers at the volume 522. The cassette 510 includes the volume 522 having at least 0.7292 cubic cm of enclosed volume per fiber.

[0256] Embodiments of the cable assembly 500, cassette 510, and adapter plate 512 provided are configurable for various fiber count cables, adapters, and connector types. Embodiments of the cassette 510 may substantially reduce installation time. For instance, embodiments of the cassette 510 depicted and described herein may reduce a quantity of 216 individual connections down to six (6) connections.Embodiments of the cassette 510 may promote orthogonal arrangement of adapters and connectors, further promoting increased fiber density at a data rack or frame (e.g., frame 100).

[0257] In some embodiments, 129 fibers or more can be installed per horizontal position or row at an adapter panel. In still some embodiments, 65 or more connectors may be installed per horizontal position or row at an adapter panel.

[0258] Embodiments of the cassette 510 may be configured to include a minimum of 10 connectors for a 144 fiber minimum connector count per cassette, or 19 connectors for a 288 fiber minimum connector count per cassette, or 37 connectors for a 576 fiber minimum connector count per cassette, or 55 connectors for a 864 fiber minimum connector count per cassette, or 73 connectors for a 1152 fiber minimum connector count per cassette, or 109 connectors for a 1728 fiber minimum connector count per cassette.

[0259] Referring generally to Figs. 1-29, embodiments of the frame 100 may include the lower frame section 120 and the upper frame section 110 forming a perimeter bounding an area footprint within which the first side 151 and the second side 152 are formed. The lower and upper frame sections 110, 120 include front frame members 112, 122 and rear frame members 114, 124 each extending along the width direction W, and side frame members 116, 126 extending along the depth direction D between the front and rear frame members. A plurality of vertical members 130 extend from the lower frame section 120 along the height direction H and position theAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTupper frame section 110 along a height over the lower frame section 120. In some embodiments, the plurality of vertical members 130 are positioned such that front frame members 112, 122 of the lower and upper frame sections 110, 120 are unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members 130.

[0260] The central wall 150 forms a surface extending substantially along the depth direction D and the height direction H and having a thickness along the width direction W. The central wall 150 partitions an interior volume of the frame between the first side 151 and the second side 152. The adapter panel 160 is configured to receive a plurality of cassettes 510 into respective adapter panel openings 154. The adapter panel openings 154 extend through the central wall 150 along the width direction W and extend along a major axis Ma corresponding to the depth direction D.

[0261] In some embodiments, a span of the side frame members 116, 126 extending along the depth direction D is unoccupied adjacent to the adapter panel 160 along the width direction W. The plurality of vertical members 130 are positioned such that at least a forward 35% span along the depth direction D remains unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members 130 or a wall (e.g., side wall 182).

[0262] The plurality of cassettes 510 include an adapter plate, such as adapter plate 162, 512, extending along the major axis Ma. The adapter plate 162, 512 includes a plurality of openings 262, 514 into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors 170, 516 are received. The plurality of openings 262, 514 are positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis Ma such that the respective fiber optic adapters or connectors 170, 516 are received at the adapter plate 162, 512 substantially from along the width direction W.

[0263] The cassette 510 includes a body 520 receivable at the adapter plate 162, 512 and forming a volume 522. The body 520 includes a port 524 through which a plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume 522. The plurality of fibers are operably coupled to the respective fiber optic adapters or connectors 170, 516 received at the plurality of openings 262, 514.

[0264] In various embodiments, the lower frame section 120 and the upper frame section 110 form an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters within which the first side 151 and the second side 152 are formed.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0265] In various embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters 170, 516 positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150. In some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters 170, 516 having a VSFF configuration and positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall. In various embodiments, the cassette 510 is configured with a corresponding quantity of fiber optic adapters 170, 516 such as described in various embodiments herein.

[0266] In various embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters 170. 516 positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150. In some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters 170, 516 having an MMC quad, MMC jr., or SN-MT configuration, and positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall. In various embodiments, the cassette 510 is configured with a corresponding quantity of fiber optic adapters 170, 516 such as described in various embodiments herein.

[0267] In some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 756 fiber optic adapters 170, 516 positioned within an approximately 0.8851 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150. In various embodiments, the cassette 510 is configured with a corresponding quantity of fiber optic adapters 170, 516 such as described in various embodiments herein. The adapter panel 160 may include the plurality of fiber optic adapters 170, 516 configured to receive between 24,192 and 96,768 fibers positioned within a 0.8851 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150. In still various embodiments, the adapter panel 160 may be configured to receive up to 3,024 connectors and a total fiber count between 24,192 and 96,768.

[0268] In still various embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters 170, 516 configured to receive between 36,864 and 147,456 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 squareAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTmeter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150.

[0269] In some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters having an MMC quad configuration. The adapter panel 160 includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 36,864 and 147,456 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150.

[0270] In still some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters having an SN-MT quad configuration. The adapter panel 160 includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 55,296 and 73,728 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central wall 150.

[0271] In still yet some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 576 fiber optic adapters having an MPO simplex configuration. The adapter panel 160 includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 18,432 and 73,728 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central yvall 150.

[0272] In some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 576 fiber optic adapters having an LC duplex configuration. The adapter panel 160 includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive up to 4,608 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction D and the height direction H of the central yvall 150.

[0273] In still some embodiments, the adapter panel 160 includes up to 576 fiber optic adapters having an SC duplex configuration. The adapter panel 160 includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive up to 2,304 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central yvall.

[0274] Various embodiments of the frame 100 may include the area footprint formed by the lower and upper frame sections 110, 120 between 900 mm and 1200 mm along the width direction W and between 900 mm and 1100 mm along the depth direction D.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0275] Still various embodiments of the adapter panel 160 may occupy an area between approximately 500 mm and 530 mm along the depth direction D, and between 1670 and 1900 mm along the height direction H of the central wall 150.

[0276] Embodiments of the adapter plate 162, 512 may be configurable to receive quantities of adapter, connectors, fibers, and fiber densities such as provided in the aforementioned embodiments. Adapter plate 162, 512 is receivable at the adapter panel 160, such as at adapter panel opening 154 depicted and described herein. Body 520 may further selectively attach to adapter plate 162, 512 to provide a shell enclosing a portion of the adapters, connectors, or fibers such as described herein.

[0277] Embodiments depicted and described herein may provide a cassette-based pre-terminated cable assembly adaptable to varying fiber count cables from 288 fibers to 13,824 fibers. The cassette may accommodate both adapters and connectors, permitting factory terminated connector mounting and ferrule polishing to be loaded into the cassette and patched into the adapters in a controlled factory setting (e.g., in contrast to onsite at a datacenter). Embodiments provided herein may permit an onsite installation, including a greater quantity of connectors and fiber (e.g.. ultra-high fiber counts). The greater connector and fiber quantities can be patched in a single operation, or furthermore, minimize or eliminate cross-patching and polarity errors.

[0278] Adapter plates depicted and described herein may house the fiber optic adapters and provide a rapid connection, such as a snap fit, latch, or clip onto a wall, such as onto an adapter panel, using tabs, flexible members, retainers, and clips.

[0279] The adapter plates can be snapped into adapter panels and mounted along the depth of a patching frame, such as orthogonal to an “across the front’' frame or rack (e.g., a 19-inch frame or rack, or other standard size). Orthogonal patching relative to an “across the front” configuration may facilitate far greater quantities of fibers, connectors, and fiber density to be installed for each horizontal position or row in the patching frame. For instance, greater than 128 fibers or 64 fiber connectors can be installed per horizontal position in the rack.

[0280] Embodiments of the adapter plate can also include a body forming a shell to secure and protect bare fiber and / or splices within an enclosed volume. Fibers may be spliced within the cassette including the body and adapter plate, such as may improve the output quality and shorten manufacturing lead times. Adapter platesAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTseparable from the body may retain flexibility of cable ty pe by permitting traditional furcated cable assemblies to be patched into the cassette should an enclosing shell not be required, or not feasible relative to connector size.

[0281] Embodiments of a cable assembly and organizer assembly addressing one or more of the aforementioned issues is provided. Embodiments provided herein provide structures facilitating splicing between a fiber assembly (e.g.. a pigtail or fanout assembly) and a trunk cable. Organizer assemblies provided herein include splice holders and pass-through channels facilitating splicing and routing fiber leads at a transition housing assembly without requiring the removal or replacement of another organizer assembly or fibers and splices thereat. Such structures may beneficially decrease connectivity time and facilitate significant increases in optical fiber connectivity at datacenters.

[0282] In various embodiments, a cable assembly 1100 provided herein may provide for low-cost, high volume, improved quality' fiber optic cable assemblies suitable for 576-fiber or more, e.g., up to 3456-fibers or more. Embodiments provided herein may permit industrial upscaling of splicing of pigtail subassemblies (e.g., fiber legs 1122) to high fiber-count (HFC) cables (e.g., trunk cable 1110). Embodiments of the transition assembly 1130 or organizer assembly 1150 may overcome fiber count limitations and challenges associated with splicing and protecting splices for assemblies having at least 576 fibers, or at least 3456 fibers.

[0283] Referring now to Figs. 38-50, exemplary embodiments of a cable assembly 1100, transition assembly 1130, and organizer assembly 1150 are provided. Figs. 38-39 provide exemplary embodiments of the cable assembly 1100 in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the cable assembly 1100 may be configured as an inside plant (ISP) trunk cable, such as routable to or between embodiments of the frame 100, such as depicted at cable 105 (Figs. 6A-6B) or datacenter 300 (Figs. 16-17).

[0284] Embodiments of the cable assembly 1100 include a trunk cable 1110 extending for a distance along length L between ends 1111. 1112 having a connectorized fiber assembly 1120. The fiber assembly 1120 may be referred to as a pigtail assembly or breakout leg assembly. The fiber assembly 1120 includes a plurality of fiber legs 1122 each terminated with a connector 1124. The connectorAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT1124 may include any appropriate fiber optic connector type, such as, but not limited to, MMC, MPO, CS, SN, SN-MT, MDC, MT. MMC, MMC jr.. SC, LC, EBO, etc. or other connectors such as depicted and described herein. For instance, connector 1124 may include embodiments of connector 516B (Fig. 25) depicted and described herein. Embodiments of the fiber assembly 1120 may be provided to embodiments of the frame 100, such as to adapters 170, 516A or cassettes 510 provided herein.

[0285] A transition assembly 1130 provides an enclosure over ends 1111, 1112 of the trunk cable 1110 at which fibers from the fiber assembly 1120 operably couple to fibers from the trunk cable 1110. Referring to Figs. 40-46, detailed and exploded views of embodiments of the transition assembly 1130 are provided.

[0286] Fig. 40 depicts an exemplary transition assembly 1130 in an assembled state with an end of the trunk cable 1110 and fiber legs 1122 of the fiber assembly 1120. The transition assembly 1130 includes a housing 1132 forming an enclosed volume extending along a length (e.g., a length corresponding in direction to length L in Figs. 38-39) and surrounding splices and ends of the fibers. The housing 1132 may form a unitary, monolithic component, or separable portions or halves, such as depicted in the exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 43 and Fig. 45 as portions 1132A, 1132B of the housing. In some embodiments, portions 1132A, 1132B may include openings 1135 configured to receive respective members 1137, such as may locate and affix portions 1132A, 1132B to one another.

[0287] The transition assembly 1130 includes an end cap 1134 configured to receive an end of the trunk cable 1110 or plurality of fiber legs 1122 of the fiber assembly 1120 into a channel 1146. The end cap 1134 may form a unitary, monolithic component, or separable portions or halves, such as depicted in the exploded view of the exemplary embodiment of Fig. 43 as portions 1134A, 1134B of the end cap. In some embodiments, portions 1134A, 1134B may include openings 1133 configured to receive respective members 1139, such as may locate and affix portions 1134A, 1134B to one another.

[0288] Referring to Fig. 43, an end portion 1138 of the end cap 1134 extends through an end of the housing 1132 into a channel 1136. The end cap 1134, including fiber ends extend through channel 1146, further extends the ends of the fibers through housing 1132 into the channel 1136 at which splices and fiber ends are receivedAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTwithin the enclosed volume of the housing 1132. The end portion 1138 is generally distal from an end at which the fibers 1122 or cable 1110 is received onto the end cap 1134. The end portion 1138 includes an opening 1140 extending into the end cap 1134 to receive a fastener 1142 extending from the housing 1132. The housing 1132 includes an opening 1144 corresponding to opening 1140 at the end cap 1134. The fastener 1142 is received from outside of the housing 1132 and extends through to the end cap 1134.

[0289] In various embodiments, the transition assembly 1130 includes antirotation interfaces for mitigating or eliminating undesired torsion, turning, or misalignment between the transition assembly 1130 and fibers received from the trunk cable 1110 and fiber assembly 1120. In some embodiments, the housing 1132 includes a flat surface 1148 at which the opening 1144 is formed. The flat surface 1148 may permit a head of the fastener 1142 to rest flush into the housing 1132. In still some embodiments, the end cap 1134 at the end portion 1138 includes a flat surface 1148 at which the opening 1140 is formed. The flat surface 1148 may form a recess into the housing 1132, end cap 1134, or both. The recessed flat surface 1148 at the housing 1132 may form a key providing a radial position or orientation for the end cap 1134 into the housing 1132. The flat surfaces 1148 at the housing 1132 and end cap 1134 may interface with one another such as to provide a key and slot orienting the end cap 1134 within the housing 1132. The fastener 1142. or furthermore, the aligned flat surfaces 1148, may separately or together prevent undesired torsion between the transition assembly 1130 and the fibers attached thereto and extending from the trunk cable 1110 or fiber assembly 1120.

[0290] In some embodiments, the end cap 1134 may include an opening 1149 extending to an outer diameter of the trunk cable 1110 or fibers 1122 extending into the channel 1146. The opening 1149 may provide access from outside of the end cap 1134 to an outer surface of the fibers, such as an outer jacket. The opening 1149 may permit application of adhesive or other adhering material.

[0291] In still some embodiments, the end cap 1134 may include grooves 1147 for facilitating attachment of a heat shrink or crimp onto the end cap 1134 and fibers extending thereinto.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0292] Referring to Figs. 44-46, in various embodiments, the housing 1132 may include ribs 1143 extending in the enclosed volume at the channel 1136. The ribs 1143 may extend substantially circumferentially within the channel 1136, such as may provide radial strengthening of the housing 1132. The housing 1132 may include a plurality of ribs 1143 separated from one another along a length of the housing 1132.

[0293] Referring to Fig. 46, in various embodiments, an organizer assembly 1150 is positioned within the housing 1132 at the channel 1136. Embodiments of the organizer assembly 1150 may be configured to be received at one or more ribs 1143, or between two or more ribs 1143. Embodiments of the organizer assembly are configured to receive fibers from the trunk cable 1110 and the fiber assembly 1120, such as further depicted and described in regard to organizer assembly 1150, 1250. 1350 of Figs. 47-50.

[0294] Referring to Figs. 47-48, an exemplary embodiment of the organizer assembly 1150 is depicted. The organizer assembly 1150 may generally include a body, such as a cylindrical body, having open ends separated along a length LL. The organizer assembly 1150 includes separable halves or portions 1151, 1152. The portions 1151, 1152 may be separable along the length LL corresponding to a lengthwise extension (e.g., length L in Fig. 38) of the housing 1132. The portions 1151, 1152 include an attachment interface 1154 at which portions 1151, 1152 connect to one another. Referring to Fig. 48. the attachment interface 1154 may include an opening 1153 and member 1155 extendable into the opening 1153. The opening 1153 may form a slot into which the member 1155 forms a key to connect the portions 1151, 1152 to one another.

[0295] Referring to Figs. 47-48, in various embodiments, the organizer assembly 1150 forms a first channel 1161 and a second channel 1162 each configured to receive fibers therethrough. Channels 1161, 1162 extend substantially along length LL. In still various embodiments, a wall 1164 extends lengthwise to separate the channels 1161, 1162 from one another. The wall 1164 may provide a radial separation of the channels 1161. 1162 from one another.

[0296] The wall 1164 may form a chord connecting two internal points of a cylindrical organizer assembly 1150. The wall 1164 may separate the channels 1161,Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT1162 into unevenly sized cross-sectional areas, such that, for instance, the second channel 1162 includes a greater cross-sectional are than the first channel 1161.

[0297] In an exemplary embodiment, the cable assembly 1100 includes a first plurality of fibers 1165, 1167 corresponding to pass-through fibers. Trunk cable 1110 may include the first plurality of fibers 1167 forming pass-through fibers extending through the first channel 1161 of a first organizer assembly 1150A. Fiber assembly 1120 may include the first plurality of fibers 1165 forming pass-through fibers extending through the first channel 1161 of a second organizer assembly 1150B. Accordingly, the first channel 1161 is configured to extend through opposing ends of the organizer assembly 1150 and permit the first plurality of fibers 1165, 1167 to extend therethrough.

[0298] In still exemplary embodiments, trunk cable-to-fiber assembly splices 1168 (e.g., splices from cable 1110 to fiber assembly 1120) are received and housed within the organizer assembly 1150 at the second channel 1162. The wall 1164 may provide a surface at which the splices are received. Additionally, or alternatively, the wall 1164 may separate the second channel 1162 from the second channel 1162 such as may accommodate a greater volume of splices in contrast to first plurality of fibers (e.g., pass-through fibers) in the first channel 1161.

[0299] Referring to Fig. 47, in various embodiments, the first plurality of fibers 1167 extending through the first channel 1161 of the first organizer assembly 1150A may operably couple at splices 1168 at the second channel 1162 of the second organizer assembly 1150B. Fibers 1165 extending through the first channel 1161 of the second organizer assembly 1150B may operably couple at splices 1166 at the second channel 1162 of the first organizer assembly 1150A.

[0300] Organizer assemblies 1150A, 1150B may be separated from one another along the length of the housing 1132, such as depicted in Fig. 46. Referring back to Figs. 47-48, in various embodiments, an outer surface of the organizer assembly 1150 includes an arcuately extending groove 1156 configured to correspond to ribs 1143 at the housing 1132. The organizer assembly 1150 may be positioned at and retained in the housing 1132 by positioning rib 1143 in groove 1156.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0301] In some embodiments, the groove 1156 extends through a second portion 1152 of the organizer assembly 1150. The second portion 1152 may correspond to the second channel 1162.

[0302] In still some embodiments, referring to Fig. 48, a first portion 1151 of the organizer assembly 1150 corresponding to the first channel 1161 may include a slot 1171 extending along the length LL (Fig. 47). The slot 1171 may permit first fibers 1165. 1167, corresponding to pass-through fibers, to slide radially into the first channel 1161. In some embodiments, the first portion 1151 includes an overhanging member 1173 over the slot 1171 and extending from an outer surface 1175 of the first portion 1151. The overhanging member 1173 may form a smaller circumferential opening of the slot 1171 along a radius corresponding to the outer surface 1175 than a radius inward of the outer surface 1175, such as may facilitate retention of fibers 1165, 1167 within the slot 1171 without a cover or binder.

[0303] In an exemplary embodiments, the second portion 1152 of the organizer assembly 1150 may form a cradle receivable into the channel 1136 of the housing 1132. For instance, the second portion 1152 may be received at a lower portion 1132B of the housing 1132 (Fig. 45). Ribs 1143 may provide a locating feature at which the second portion 1152 is received. Additionally, or alternatively, ribs 1143 provided in groove 1156 of the second portion 1152 may inhibit movement of the organizer assembly 1150 along the length of the housing 1132. A user may perform and retain splices 1168 within the second portion 1152 at the second channel 1162, such as may form a cradle for receiving the spliced ends of the fibers 1166, 1167. The first portion 1151 may be positioned over the splices 1168, such as may enclose the second channel 1162. First fibers 1165, 1167 may be received radially through slot 1171 into the first channel 1161 and permitted to pass through ends of the first portion 1151. A cover 1169 may be received at the slot 1171, such as may be slid laterally along the slot or pressed radially into the slot. An upper portion 1132A of the housing 1132 (e.g., Fig. 45) may position over the first portion 1151 of the organizer assembly and the lower portion 1132B of the housing 1132 and enclose the organizer assembly 1150 within the channel 1136.

[0304] Embodiments of the organizer assembly 1150 may provide the first channel 1161 as a pass-through channel facilitating egress between ends of theAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTorganizer assembly 1150. The second channel 1162 may form a splice organizer or splice holder compartment configured to receive fibers operably connecting the trunk cable 1110 and fiber assembly 1120. Fibers and splices may be laterally disbursed through the transition assembly 1130, such as may facilitate performing and retaining splices at various locations along the length of the housing 1132 and without requiring removal of one or more other organizer assemblies 1150 to splice, connect, test, or otherwise work on fibers at another organizer assembly 1150.

[0305] In some embodiments, grooves 1156 may extend through the first portion 1151 of the organizer assembly 1150. However, grooves extending through the second portion 1152 such as described herein may facilitate locating and retention within the housing 1132 while avoiding potential misalignment with the cover 1169.

[0306] In some embodiments, anti-rotation interfaces such as described may further include a junction at which the organizer assembly 1150 is received at the housing 1132, such as at the rib 1143 at which the groove 1156 of the organizer assembly 1150 is received. The rib 1143 may secure the organizer assembly 1150 to the housing 1132, and the fastener 1142 and flat surfaces 1148 may secure the housing 1132 to the end cap 1134. Such collective securing may prevent torsion or relative twisting or movement between the fibers received at the organizer assembly 1150 and the jackets, sleeves, or members of the cable 1110, 1122 received at the end cap 1134.

[0307] Referring now to Fig. 49, an exemplary embodiment of an organizer assembly 1250 is provided. Embodiments of the organizer assembly 1250 may be provided at embodiments of the transition assembly 1100, such as depicted in place of organizer assembly 1150A, 1150B in Fig. 46.

[0308] In various embodiments, organizer assembly 1250 includes separable portions 1251, 1252 attachable to one another at an attachment interface 1254. The attachment interface 1254 may include an opening and member, or key and slot configuration, such as described in regard to attachment interface 1154 (Figs. 47-48). Portions 1251, 1252 together form a first channel 1261 forming a pass-through fiber channel through which fibers 1266 may extend. The first channel 1261 may be formed through an interior of the organizer assembly 1250, such as may extendAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTsubstantially along a lengthwise centerline (e.g., along length LL) of the organizer assembly 1250.

[0309] Organizer assembly 1250 includes a plurality of second channels 1262 extending along the length LL and in adjacent circumferential arrangement to one another along an outer diameter of the organizer assembly 1250. Each channel 1262 may be configured to receive one or more splices 1268 and guide an extension of fibers 1267, 1269, such as may correspond to fibers from the trunk cable fibers 1110 and the fiber assembly 1120.

[0310] Spliced fibers 1267, 1269 and splices 1268 may be positioned between an inner surface of the housing 1132 at the channel 1136 and an outer surface of the organizer assembly 1250.

[0311] Referring now to Fig. 50, an exemplary embodiment of an organizer assembly 1350 is provided. Embodiments of the organizer assembly 1350 may be provided at embodiments of the transition assembly 1100, such as depicted in place of organizer assembly 1150A, 1150B in Fig. 46.

[0312] In various embodiments, organizer assembly 1350 includes separable portions 1351, 1352 attachable to one another at an attachment interface 1354. The attachment interface 1354 may include an opening and member, or key and slot configuration, such as described in regard to attachment interface 1154 (Figs. 47-48). Portions 1351, 1352 together form a first channel 1361 forming a splice holder at which splices 1368 are retained and fibers 1367 connecting at splices 1368 are guided. The first channel 1361 may be formed through an interior of the organizer assembly 1350, such as may extend substantially along a lengthwise centerline (e.g., along length LL) of the organizer assembly 1350.

[0313] Organizer assembly 1350 includes a plurality of second channels 1362 extending along the length LL and in adjacent circumferential arrangement to one another along an outer diameter of the organizer assembly 1350. Each channel 1362 may be configured to receive and guide pass-through fibers 1366 therethrough, such as may correspond to fibers from the trunk cable fibers 1110 or the fiber assembly 1120.

[0314] In some embodiments, the organizer assembly 1350 includes a groove 1356 extending arcuately or circumferentially through the outer diameter of the organizerAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTassembly 1350. Groove 1356 may be configured to interface with ribs 1143 (Fig. 44-46), such as described in regard to grooves 1156 (Figs. 47-48).

[0315] Pass-through fibers 1366 may be positioned between an inner surface of the housing 1132 at the channel 1136 and an outer surface of the organizer assembly 1350.

[0316] In some embodiments, portion 1351 or portion 1352 may be positioned at channel 1136 of the housing 1132. such as may form a cradle at which a user may perform splices and retain the splice 1368. Either or both portions 1351, 1352 may form a cradle at which splices 1368 are held. The other of portions 1351, 1352 may be affixed to one another at attachment interface 1354. Pass-through fibers 1366 may be provided through the second channel 1362, such as from along the length LL or radially into the channel(s) 1362. A binder, such as tape, may be utilized around the outer diameter, such as may retain the pass-through fibers 1366 within the channel 1362. Housing portions 1132A, 1132B may be provided over the portions 1351, 1352, such as described in regard to organizer assembly 1150 (Figs. 47-48).

[0317] Embodiments of the patch frame, patch rack, cable assembly, adapter panel, adapter plate, cassette, transition assembly, and organizer assembly depicted and described herein may be utilized separately, in combination, or in various subcombinations, to beneficially and advantageously improve speed of connectivity, reduce setup time, mitigate error or damage, increase fiber density, manage fiber routing, or address one or more issues described herein.

[0318] Further aspects of the subject matter are provided in the following clauses:

[0319] 1. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming a perimeter bounding an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed, the lower and upper frame sections including front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section, wherein the plurality of vertical members are positioned such that front frameAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTmembers of the lower and upper frame sections are unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel configured to receive a plurality of adapter plates into respective adapter panel openings, the adapter panel openings extending through the central wall along the width direction and extended along a major axis corresponding to the depth direction.

[0320] 2. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters within which a first side and a second side are formed, the lower and upper frame sections including front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; and an adapter panel configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters at the central wall such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel and the central wall, wherein a span of the side frame members extending along the depth direction is unoccupied adjacent to the adapter panel along the width direction.

[0321] 3. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters within which a first side and a second side are formed, the lower and upper frame sections including front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the widthAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTdirection and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section, wherein the plurality of vertical members are positioned such that at least a forward 35% span along the depth direction remains unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members or a wall; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; and an adapter panel configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters at the central wall such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 756 fiber optic adapters positioned within a 0.8851 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0322] 4. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters within which a first side and a second side are formed, the lower and upper frame sections including front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section, wherein the plurality of vertical members are positioned such that front frame members of the lower and upper frame sections are unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters at the central wall such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 756 fiberAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCToptic adapters having an MMC quad configuration and positioned within a 0.8851 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0323] 5. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality of openings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall.

[0324] 6. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction andAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTalong a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality of openings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 24,192 and 96,768 fibers positioned within a 0.8851 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0325] 7. The fiber optic patch frame of any one or more clauses herein, the adapter panel including an adapter plate including a body, the body of the adapter plate including a plurality of partition walls separating the plurality of openings from one another and corresponding to respective locations at which the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received at the body.

[0326] 8. The fiber optic patch frame of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the body includes a tab extending from a flexible member, the tab configured to extend along the width direction through a retaining slot of the plurality of adapter panel openings.

[0327] 9. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the retaining slot extends greater along the height direction than a receiving slot extending substantially along the depth direction, and wherein the retaining slot extends along the height direction such that the tab resides within the retaining slot without entering into the receiving slot.

[0328] 10. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, the body forming the plurality of openings extending through a receiving slot of the plurality of adapter panel openings, the receiving slot extending substantially along the depth direction.

[0329] 11. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein a distal end of the body includes a retaining clip configured to position adjacent to the central wall such as providing a surface obstructing the body from pass-through the adapter panel opening.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0330] 12. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the body includes a retaining clip forming a channel between the retaining clip and the retaining wall, wherein the channel is configured to receive the central wall.

[0331] 13. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, including a cable management arm, wherein the adapter plate includes a slot configured to receive the cable management arm through the slot and the adapter panel opening.

[0332] 14. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the cable management arm includes a body forming a slot configured to interface with the slot of the adapter plate, the body extending substantially along the width direction from the slot, and wherein a latch structure is positioned distal along the width direction from the slot.

[0333] 15. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, the latch structure of the cable management arm including a pair of arms forming an area therebetween at which a cable is routable.

[0334] 16. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the latch structure of the cable management arm includes an opening extended from a channel at a first arm, the opening configured to receive a head extended from a neck at a second arm.

[0335] 17. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the cable management arm includes a pair of latch structures extending along opposing direction along the width direction from the slot.

[0336] 18. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, including a central wall spool extending along the width direction from the central wall, wherein the central wall spool is positioned along the depth direction between the adapter panel and a rear end of the frame, and wherein the adapter panel is positioned along the depth direction between the front end and the central wall spool.

[0337] 19. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, including a rear wall extending substantially along the width direction and the height direction.

[0338] 20. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, including a rear wall spool extending along the depth direction from the rear wall.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0339] 21. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, including an organizing tab extending from a side wall or a rear wall, the organizing tab including a member from which a plurality of fingers extend and form spaces between the plurality of fingers.

[0340] 22. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the adapter panel is configured to receive up to 3,024 connectors and a total fiber count between 24,192 and 96,768.

[0341] 23. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein each adapter panel opening resides within a one rack-unit dimension along the height direction of the central wall.

[0342] 24. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the adapter panel is configured to receive at least 72 connectors per rack unit.

[0343] 25. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the adapter panel occupies an area within 530 mm along the depth direction and 1670 mm along the height direction of the central wall.

[0344] 26. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the area footprint formed by the lower and upper frame sections is between 900 mm and 1200 mm along the width direction and between 900 mm and 1100 mm along the depth direction.

[0345] 27. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the lower and upper frame sections and the vertical members include an aluminum material.

[0346] 28. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein a plurality of joints couple the vertical members to the upper and lower frame sections.

[0347] 29. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the rear wall extends from the side frame members offset along the depth direction from a comer, and wherein a pocket is formed in a volume extending along the depth direction from the comer to the end wall.

[0348] 30. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the rear wall is offset approximately 150 millimeters along the depth direction from the comer.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0349] 31. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters within which a first side and a second side are formed, the lower and upper frame sections including front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section, wherein the plurality of vertical members are positioned such that at least a forward 35% span along the depth direction remains unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members or a wall; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; and an adapter panel configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters at the central wall such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0350] 32. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint between approximately 0.81 square meters and approximately 1.32 square meters within which a first side and a second side are formed, the lower and upper frame sections including front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section, wherein the plurality of vertical members are positioned such that front frame members of the lower and upper frame sectionsAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTare unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel configured to receive a plurality of fiber optic adapters at the central wall such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter panel and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters having an MMC quad configuration or SN-MT configuration and positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0351] 33. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality of openings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 36,864 and 147,456 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.8851 to approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0352] 34. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including aAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTlower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality- of openings into which a plurality- of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters having an MMC quad configuration, wherein the adapter panel includes the plurality- of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 36,864 and 147,456 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0353] 35. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a bodyAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTreceivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality of openings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 1152 fiber optic adapters having an SN-MT quad configuration, wherein the adapter panel includes the plurality- of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 55,296 and 73,728 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0354] 36. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality of openings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 576 fiber optic adapters having an MPO simplex configuration, yvherein the adapter panel includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive between 18,432 and 73,728 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0355] 37. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint withinAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTwhich a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality of openings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 576 fiber optic adapters having an LC duplex configuration, wherein the adapter panel includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive up to 4,608 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0356] 38. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between the first side and the second side; an adapter panel including a plurality of adapter panel openings extending through the central wall and configured to receive a respective adapter plate, the plurality of adapter panel openings extending along a major axis along the depth direction and along a minor axis along the height direction, the adapter plate including a body receivable into the plurality of adapter panel openings, the body forming a plurality ofAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTopenings into which a plurality of fiber optic adapters are receivable such that the plurality of fiber optic adapters are received substantially along the width direction through the adapter plate and the central wall, wherein the adapter panel includes up to 576 fiber optic adapters having an SC duplex configuration, wherein the adapter panel includes the plurality of fiber optic adapters configured to receive up to 2,304 fibers positioned within an approximately 0.950 square meter area along the depth direction and the height direction of the central wall.

[0357] 39. The fiber optic patch panel of any one or more claims herein, wherein the adapter panel occupies an area within 500 mm along the depth direction and 1900 mm along the height direction of the central wall.

[0358] 40. A fiber optic cable assembly including a cable section having a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket, and a cassette having an adapter plate and a body, the adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate having a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis; the body receivable at the adapter plate and forming a volume, the body having a port through which the plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume, the plurality of fibers operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

[0359] 41. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the outer jacket of the cable section receivable at the port of the cassette.

[0360] 42. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein including a transition body having a latch assembly articulatable to selectively secure the cable section to a main cable.

[0361] 43. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body forming the port at a distal end along the maj or axis, the port extending along the major axis to receive the plurality of fibers into the volume through the port along the major axis.

[0362] 44. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body having a single port through which the plurality of fibers is receivable into the volume.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0363] 45. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the cassette including a tab extending from a flexible member, the tab configured to extend along a direction into a panel opening into which the cassette is receivable into a panel wall.

[0364] 46. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the flexible member is configured to spring the tab within the panel opening to retain the cassette within the panel opening.

[0365] 47. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the cassette including a retaining wall configured to position adjacent to a panel wall at which the cassette is receivable, the retaining wall forming a detent along a direction into a panel opening into which the cassette is receivable at the panel wall.

[0366] 48. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the cassette including a retaining clip positioned proximate to the retaining wall to form a channel between the retaining wall and the retaining clip.

[0367] 49. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the retaining clip and the tab extend from the adapter plate.

[0368] 50. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body extending along a minor axis orthogonal to the major axis, wherein the volume extends along the minor axis and the major axis, and wherein the port is positioned distal along the minor axis from the plurality of openings.

[0369] 51. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body having a pin opening and an arcuate slot positioned correspondingly to the plurality of openings, the arcuate slot having a first terminal end aligned orthogonally to the pin opening, the arcuate slot having a second terminal end positioned at an acute angle relative to the pm opening, the first terminal end, the pin opening, and a respective one of the plurality of openings positioned in alignment with one another along a minor axis.

[0370] 52. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the pin opening and the arcuate slot configured to receive a respective member of an adapter holder.

[0371] 53. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the plurality of fibers includes an intermittently bonded fiber ribbon.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0372] 54. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the plurality of connectors or adapters include a very small form-factor (VSFF) multi-fiber connector.

[0373] 55. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the plurality of fibers extending through the port into the volume includes up to 576 fibers for each 420 cubic centimeters of the volume.

[0374] 56. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the adapter plate includes a maximum area of 230 square centimeters along which the plurality of openings is positioned for each 420 cubic centimeter increment of the volume.

[0375] 57. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the cassette includes at least 0.7292 cubic centimeters of volume per fiber.

[0376] 58. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, including at least six cable sections coupled together in a furcation cable arrangement, wherein each cable section includes the plurality of fibers having at least 576 fibers, and wherein each cable section receives a respective cassette receiving respective pluralities of fibers, wherein the cassette includes the volume having at least 0.7292 cubic centimeters of volume per fiber.

[0377] 59. A fiber optic patch frame, the frame defining a mutually orthogonal reference height direction, width direction, and depth direction, the frame including a lower frame section and an upper frame section forming a perimeter bounding an area footprint within which a first side and a second side are formed, the lower and upper frame sections including front frame members and rear frame members each extending along the width direction and side frame members extending along the depth direction between the front and rear frame members; a plurality of vertical members extending from the lower frame section along the height direction and positioning the upper frame section along a height over the lower frame section, wherein the plurality of vertical members are positioned such that front frame members of the lower and upper frame sections are unoccupied by the plurality of vertical members; a central wall forming a surface extending substantially along the depth direction and the height direction and having a thickness along the width direction, the central wall partitioning an interior volume of the frame between theAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTfirst side and the second side; an adapter panel configured to receive a plurality of cassettes into respective adapter panel openings, the adapter panel openings extending through the central wall along the width direction and extended along a major axis corresponding to the depth direction, the plurality of cassettes including an adapter plate and a body, the adapter plate extending along the major axis, the adapter plate having a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis such that the respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received at the adapter plate substantially from along the width direction; the body receivable at the adapter plate and forming a volume, the body having a port through which a plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume, the plurality of fibers operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality’ of openings.

[0378] 60. The fiber optic patch frame of any one or more clauses herein, including the fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein.

[0379] 61. An organizer assembly for a fiber optic cable assembly, the organizer assembly including a first portion separable from a second portion at an attachment interface, the first portion having a first channel and the second portion having a second channel, wherein the first and second channels extend along a lengthwise extension of the first and second portions through open ends of the organizer assembly, and wherein a wall forms a chord separating the first and second channels from one another, and wherein a slot extends radially through an outer surface of the first portion to the first channel and along the lengthwise extension.

[0380] 62. The organizer assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the wall forms the chord such that the second channel includes a greater cross sectional area than the first channel.

[0381] 63. The organizer assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the first portion includes an overhanging member extending over the slot from the outer surface of the first portion, wherein the overhanging member forms a smaller circumferential opening along a radius corresponding to the outer surface than a radius inward of the outer surface.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0382] 64. The organizer assembly of any one or more clauses herein, including a cover corresponding to the slot, the cover configured to extend flush over the slot from the outer surface of the first portion.

[0383] 65. The organizer assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the second portion includes a groove extending arcuately along an outer surface of the second portion.

[0384] 66. The organizer assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions are separable from one another along the lengthwise extension of the organizer assembly.

[0385] 67. The organizer assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the attachment interface includes an opening and member extendable into the opening.

[0386] 68. A transition assembly for a fiber optic cable assembly, the transition assembly having a housing extending along a length, the housing forming a housing channel extending along the length to open ends of the housing; an end cap receivable into open ends of the housing, the end cap configured to receive a fiber optic cable through an end cap channel into the housing channel; an organizer assembly positioned within the housing at the housing channel, the organizer assembly having a first portion separable from a second portion at an attachment interface, the first portion having a first channel and the second portion having a second channel, wherein the first and second channels extend along a lengthwise extension of the first and second portions through open ends of the organizer assembly, and wherein a wall forms a chord separating the first and second channels from one another, and wherein a slot extends radially through an outer surface of the first portion to the first channel and along the lengthwise extension.

[0387] 69. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the organizer assembly is configured to receive a first plurality of fibers from the fiber optic cable and extend through the first channel, and wherein the organizer assembly is configured to retain splices and spliced fibers at the second channel.

[0388] 70. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the wall forms the chord such that the second channel includes a greater cross sectional area than the first channel.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0389] 71. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the first portion includes an overhanging member extending over the slot from the outer surface of the first portion, wherein the overhanging member forms a smaller circumferential opening along a radius corresponding to the outer surface than a radius inward of the outer surface.

[0390] 72. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, including a cover corresponding to the slot, the cover configured to extend flush over the slot from the outer surface of the first portion.

[0391] 73. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the housing includes a rib extending circumferentially in the housing channel.

[0392] 74. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the second portion includes a groove extending arcuately along an outer surface of the second portion, wherein the groove is receivable at the rib of the housing.

[0393] 75. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the first and second portions are separable from one another along the lengthwise extension of the organizer assembly.

[0394] 76. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the attachment interface includes an opening and member extendable into the opening.

[0395] 77. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the housing and the end cap each include a fastener opening corresponding to one another and configured to receive a fastener extending through the fastener openings to couple the end cap to the housing.

[0396] 78. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the housing and the end cap each include a flat surface at which the fastener openings are positioned, the respective flat surfaces receivable onto one another to form an antirotation interface between the end cap and the housing.

[0397] 79. The transition assembly of any one or more clauses herein, wherein the housing includes separable upper and lower housing portions, and wherein the second portion of the organizer assembly is receivable into the housing channel at the lower housing portion, and wherein the first portion of the organizer assembly is receivable onto the second portion, and wherein the upper housing portion is receivable onto the lower housing portion and over the first housing portion.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0398] 80. A fiber optic cable assembly, including a trunk cable; a fiber assembly including a plurality of fiber legs; a transition assembly at which an end of the trunk cable and an end of the fiber assembly is received through an end cap and into a housing channel formed at a housing extending along a length; and an organizer assembly positioned within the housing at the housing channel, the organizer assembly having a first portion separable from a second portion at an attachment interface, the first portion having a first channel and the second portion having a second channel, wherein the first and second channels extend along a lengthwise extension of the first and second portions through open ends of the organizer assembly, and wherein a wall forms a chord separating the first and second channels from one another, and wherein a slot extends radially through an outer surface of the first portion to the first channel and along the lengthwise extension, wherein the organizer assembly is configured to receive a plurality of pass-through fibers from the trunk cable or the fiber assembly and extend through the first channel, and wherein the organizer assembly is configured to retain spliced fibers of the trunk cable and fiber assembly at the second channel.

[0399] 81. A fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with any one or more clauses herein.

[0400] 82. A cassette for a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with any one or more clauses herein.

[0401] 83. A fiber optic cable assembly including the transition assembly, the cassette, and the organizer assembly of any one or more clauses herein.

[0402] 84. A patching frame including a fiber optic cable assembly in accordance with any one or more clauses herein.

[0403] 85. A fiber optic cable assembly including a cable section having a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket, and a cassette having an adapter plate, the adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate having a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis, a plurality of fibers operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0404] 86. A fiber optic cable assembly including a cable section having a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket, and a cassette having an adapter plate and a body, the adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate having a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis; the body receivable at the adapter plate and forming a volume, the body having a port through which the plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume, the plurality of fibers operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

[0405] 87. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body forming the port at a distal end along the major axis, the port extending along the major axis to receive the plurality of fibers into the volume through the port along the major axis.

[0406] 88. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body including an internal wall forming a routing path from the port to a front face at which the adapter plate is received.

[0407] 89. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body including a base wall from which the internal wall and a perimeter wall extend, the volume formed between the base wall and the perimeter wall.

[0408] 90. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the internal wall and the perimeter wall extending from a first face and a second face of the base wall to form a first volume and a second volume.

[0409] 91. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the base wall including a window extending through the base wall, the window permitting transition of fibers from adjacent to the first face at the first volume to adjacent to the second face at the second volume.

[0410] 92. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the body including a plurality of port walls forming ports therebetween, the ports configured to receive and separate fibers from one another.

[0411] 93. The fiber optic cable assembly of any one or more clauses herein, the plurality of port walls positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis andAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTalong the front face such that fibers received through the ports extend to the adapter plate.

[0412] 94. A cassette for a fiber optic cable assembly, the cassette having an adapter plate and a body, the adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate having a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis; the body having a front face receivable at the adapter plate, the body forming a volume and a port through which the plurality’ of fibers is receivable to the volume, the plurality’ of fibers operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

[0413] 95. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the body forming the port at a distal end along the major axis, the port extending along the major axis to receive the plurality of fibers into the volume through the port along the major axis.

[0414] 96. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the body including an internal wall forming a routing path from the port to a front face at which the adapter plate is received.

[0415] 97. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the body including a base wall from which the internal wall and a perimeter wall extend, the volume formed between the base wall and the perimeter wall.

[0416] 98. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the internal wall and the perimeter wall extending from a first face and a second face of the base wall to form a first volume and a second volume.

[0417] 99. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the base wall including a window extending through the base wall, the window permitting transition of fibers from adjacent to the first face at the first volume to adjacent to the second face at the second volume.

[0418] 100. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the body including a plurality of port walls forming ports therebetween, the ports configured to receive and separate fibers from one another.

[0419] 101. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the plurality of port walls positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis and along the front face such that fibers received through the ports extend to the adapter plate.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT

[0420] 102. The cassette of any one or more clauses herein, the body extending along a minor axis orthogonal to the major axis, wherein the volume extends along the minor axis and the major axis, and wherein the port is positioned distal along the minor axis from the plurality of openings.

[0421] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A fiber optic cable assembly, comprising:a cable section comprising a plurality of fibers surrounded by an outer jacket; anda cassette comprising an adapter plate, the adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate comprising a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters or connectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis, a plurality of fibers operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

2. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 1. comprising:a body receivable at the adapter plate and forming a volume, the body comprising a port through which the plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume, the plurality of fibers operably coupled to the fiber optic adapters or connectors received at the plurality of openings.

3. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 2, the body forming the port at a distal end along the major axis, the port extending along the major axis to receive the plurality of fibers into the volume through the port along the major axis.

4. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 2, the body comprising an internal wall forming a routing path from the port to a front face at which the adapter plate is received.

5. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 4, the body comprising a base wall from which the internal wall and a perimeter wall extend, the volume formed between the base wall and the perimeter wall.

6. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 5. the internal wall and the perimeter wall extending from a first face and a second face of the base wall to form a first volume and a second volume, the base wall separating the first volume from the second volume.Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCT7. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 6. the base wall comprising a window extending through the base wall, the window permiting transition of fibers from adjacent to the first face at the first volume to adjacent to the second face at the second volume.

8. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 4. the body comprising a slot formed at the perimeter wall at which a portion of a cover is receivable, the cover releasably atached from a base portion of the body, the base portion comprising a base wall from which the perimeter wall extends.

9. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 2, the body comprising a plurality of port walls forming ports therebetween, the ports configured to receive and separate fibers from one another.

10. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 9, the plurality of port walls positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis and along the front face such that fibers received through the ports extend to the adapter plate.

11. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 2, the adapter plate comprising a positioning tab configured to receive the body, wherein the positioning tab comprises a slot at which a retaining member of the body is receivable to orient the body to the adapter plate.

14. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 2, wherein the plurality of fibers received in the body comprises multiple intermitently bonded fibers forming a ribbon structure.

15. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 2, the cassete comprising at least 0.7292 cubic centimeters of volume per fiber, the body receivable at the adapter plate forms the volume comprising a maximum volume and the adapter plate comprising a maximum area, comprising:Attorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTthe maximum volume of up to approximately 420 cubic centimeters with the adapter plate comprising the maximum area of approximately 230 square centimeters, the cassette receiving up to 576 fibers at the maximum volume;the maximum volume of up to approximately 840 cubic centimeters with the adapter plate comprising the maximum area of approximately 460 square centimeters, the cassette receiving up to 1152 fibers at the maximum volume;the maximum volume of up to approximately 1260 cubic centimeters with the adapter plate comprising the maximum area of approximately 690 square centimeters, the cassette receiving up to 1728 fibers at the maximum volume;the maximum volume of up to approximately 1680 cubic centimeters with the adapter plate comprising the maximum area of approximately 920 square centimeters, the cassette receiving up to 2304 fibers at the maximum volume;the maximum volume of up to approximately 2100 cubic centimeters with the adapter plate comprising the maximum area of approximately 1150 square centimeters, the cassette receiving up to 2880 fibers at the maximum volume; or the maximum volume of up to approximately 2520 cubic centimeters with the adapter plate comprising the maximum area of approximately 1380 square centimeters, the cassette receiving up to 3456 fibers at the maximum volume.

16. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 1, the adapter plate comprising a tab extending from a flexible member, the flexible member configured to spring the tab.

17. The fiber optic cable assembly of claim 16, adapter plate comprising a retaining clip positioned proximate to a retaining wall and distal along the major axis from the tab and the flexible member, wherein a channel is formed between the retaining wall and the retaining clip.

18. A cassette for a fiber optic cable assembly, the cassette comprising: an adapter plate, the adapter plate extending along a major axis, the adapter plate comprising a plurality of openings into which respective fiber optic adapters orAttorney Docket No.AFLIG-215-PCTconnectors are received, the plurality of openings positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis; anda body releasably attachable to the adapter plate, the body comprising a front face receivable at the adapter plate, the body forming a volume and a port through which the plurality of fibers is receivable to the volume.

19. The cassette of claim 18, the body comprising a base wall from which an internal wall and a perimeter wall extend, the volume formed between the base wall and the perimeter wall, wherein the internal wall forms a routing path from the port to a front face at which the adapter plate is received, the internal wall and the perimeter wall extending from a first face and a second face of the base wall to form a first volume and a second volume, the base wall separating the first volume from the second volume, the base wall comprising a window extending through the base wall, the window permitting transition of fibers from adjacent to the first face at the first volume to adjacent to the second face at the second volume.

20. The cassette of claim 19, the body comprising a plurality of port walls forming ports therebetween, the ports configured to receive and separate fibers from one another, the plurality of port walls positioned in adjacent arrangement along the major axis and along the front face such that fibers received through the ports extend to the adapter plate.

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