AU2012251926A1 - Fiber optic local convergence points for multiple dwelling units - Google Patents

Abstract

C:\NRPortb!DCC LDW739194 LDOC-12/I1/2012 - 38 A fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the 5 LCP comprising: a cover; a housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover 10 is in the opened position, wherein the housing comprises at least one opening through the housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; an access cover joined to the housing and generally positioned within the interior cavity of the housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the access cover is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position 15 to thereby provide access to the provider portion when the access cover is in the opened position and wherein the access cover defines an interior surface facing the back wall of the housing when the access cover defines the closed position; a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and 20 a splitter module that optically connects the input optical fiber with the plurality of receptacles, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover.

Description

Regulation 3 2 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (ORIGINAL) Name of Applicant(s): Corning Cable Systems LLC, of Intellectual Property Department, SP-TI-3-1, Coming, New York 14831, United States of America Actual Inventor(s): CASTONGUAY, Guy COX, Terry, D. FRAZIER, Brent, M. JAY, Raymond, G. LIGGETT, Thomas, S. McGRANAHAN, Daniel , S. MAKRIDES-SARAVANOS, Elli STRICKLAND, Selena Address for Service: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE, Patent Attorneys, of I Nicholson Street, Melbourne 3000, Victoria, Australia Invention Title: Fiber optic local convergence points for multiple dwelling units The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us: C:NRPortbl\DCC\TLD\4739189_ .DOC - 12/11/12 C \N~ortb4DCC\Th\4739194- 1. DOC-12/ 11-2012 FIBER OPTIC LOCAL CONVERGENCE POINTS FOR MULTIPLE DWELLING UNITS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 Field of the Invention 100011 The present invention is related to optical splitter modules and fiber optic local convergence points and associated fiber optic hardware, and more particularly, to 10 fiber optic local convergence points adapted for multiple dwelling units. Description of Related Art [0002] To provide improved performance to subscribers, fiber optic networks are 15 increasingly providing optical fiber connectivity directly to the subscribers. As part of various fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP), fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), and other initiatives (generally described as FTTx), such fiber optic networks are providing the optical signals from distribution cables through local convergence points ("LCPs") to fiber optic cables, such as drop cables, that are run directly to the subscribers' premises. Such optical 20 connectivity is increasingly being provided to multiple dwelling units ("MDUs") in part because of the relatively large density of subscribers located in an MDU. [00031 MDUs include apartments, condominiums, townhouses, dormitories, hotels/motels, office buildings, factories, and any other collection of subscriber locations that are in relatively close proximity to one another. MDUs typically are all provided in a 25 single indoor environment, such as an office or condominium; however, MDUs may also include a plurality of individual structures, such as apartment complexes. Typically, if an MDU comprises multiple structures, the optical fibers extending between the structures are adapted for outdoor environments, whereas the optical fibers extending within the structures are adapted for indoor environments. Most conventional MDUs include an LCP 30 located in a generally central and selectively accessible location, such as the basement, utility closet, or the like, or the LCP may be located outside the MDU on an exterior wall, CWNRPoflW CCflflW739l94l DOC-12JI1f012 -2 in a pedestal, in a handhole, or the like. The LCP includes at least one fiber optic cable that optically connects to a distribution cable. The LCP also includes a connection point where the subscriber cables routed through the building are optically connected to the distribution cable. 5 [0004] Conventional LCPs for such MDUs are generally sized according to the number of subscribers to be serviced through the LCP, and many of the high density MDUs require large, expensive LCPs that may be difficult to install and/or transport. In addition, conventional LCPs often require skilled technicians to install the LCP and route the associated subscriber cables. Furthermore, highly skilled technicians are required to 10 optically connect, often by splicing, the distribution cable to the LCP and to optically connect and route the subscriber cables to the LCP. Therefore, a need exists for splitter modules and LCPs that are cost-effective, are relatively small in size, and may be installed and maintained by relatively unskilled technicians. 15 BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00051 According to the present invention there is provided a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the LCP comprising: a cover; 20 a housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover is in the opened position, wherein the housing comprises at least one opening through the housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; 25 an access cover joined to the housing and generally positioned within the interior cavity of the housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the access cover is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the provider portion when the access cover is in the opened position and wherein the access cover defines an interior surface facing the back wall of 30 the housing when the access cover defines the closed position; a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that C:MP DCclm m e4739194_1 DOC. 2/11m2012 -3 are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and a splitter module that optically connects the input optical fiber with the plurality of receptacles, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover. [00061 The invention also provides a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), 5 wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the LCP comprising: a cover; a housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened 10 position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover is in the opened position, wherein the housing comprises at least one opening through the housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; an access cover joined to the housing and generally positioned within the interior cavity of the housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the access cover is 15 selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the provider portion when the access cover is in the opened position and wherein the access cover defines an interior surface facing the back wall of the housing when the access cover defines the closed position; a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that 20 are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and a splitter module that optically connects the input optical fibers with the plurality of receptacles, wherein the splitter module is joined to the back wall of the housing. [0006A] The invention also provides an optical splitter module adapted to be mounted in a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), the splitter module comprising: 25 a housing having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured to optically connect at least one input optical fiber with a plurality of output optical fibers, and wherein the optical'signal carried by the input optical fiber is split and carried by the 30 plurality of output optical fibers. [0006B] The invention also provides an optical splitter module adapted to be C :NRPotblDCOTLD\4739194_1.DOC-12/11/2012 -4 mounted in a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), the splitter module, comprising: a housing having a volume; and an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured to receive at least one input optical fiber carrying an optical signal and split the optical 5 signal into a plurality of optical signals, each of the plurality of optical signals carried by a respective output optical fiber, wherein the housing supports an optical signal split density of between about 4 splits per cubic inch and about 10 splits per cubic inch of volume. [0006C] The invention also provides an optical splitter module adapted to be 10 mounted in a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), the splitter module, comprising: a housing having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured to optically connect at least one splitter input optical fiber with a plurality of splitter output 15 optical fibers, wherein the optical signal carried by the splitter input optical fiber is split and carried by the plurality of splitter output optical fibers and wherein said at least one splitter input optical fibre and said splitter output fibres have bend performance such that with at a macrobend of less than 12mm the induced loss at a wavelength of 1550nm is less than 1dB/turn. 20 [0006D] The invention also provides a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the LCP comprising: a cover; an LCP housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a 25 plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover is in the opened position, wherein the LCP housing comprises at least one opening through the LCP housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; 30 a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and C:V4RftnbOCCflDW439l94l1 DOC-121112012 -5 a splitter module having: (i) a housing-having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and (ii) an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is 5 configured to optically connect at least one splitter input optical fiber with a plurality of splitter output optical fibers, wherein the optical signal carried by the splitter input optical fiber is split and carried by the plurality of splitter output optical fibers and wherein said at least one splitter input optical fibre and said splitter output fibres have bend performance such that 10 with at a macrobend of less than 12mm the induced loss at a wavelength of 1550nm is less than 1dB/turn; and wherein the plurality of output fibers from said optical splitter are optically connected with the plurality of receptacles. [0006E] The invention also provides a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), 15 wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the LCP comprising: a cover; an LCP housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the LCP housing 20 from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover is in the opened position, wherein the LCP housing comprises at least one opening through the LCP housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; an access cover joined to the LCP housing and generally positioned within the 25 interior cavity of the LCP housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the access cover is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the provider portion when the access cover is in the opened position and wherein the access cover defines an interior surface facing the back wall of the LCP housing when the access cover defines the closed position; 30 a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and C:\NRPorbl\DCCYT.D\4739194_ .DOC-12/ 112012 -6 a splitter module having (i) a housing having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and (ii) an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is 5 configured to optically connect at least one splitter input optical fiber with a plurality of splitter output optical fibers, wherein the optical signal carried by the splitter input optical fiber is split and carried by the plurality of splitter output optical fibers and wherein said at least one splitter input optical fibre and said splitter output fibres have bend performance such that 10 with at a macrobend of less than 12mm the induced loss at a wavelength of 1550nm is less than IdB/turn; and wherein the plurality of output fibers from said optical splitter are optically connected with the plurality of receptacles, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover. 15 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS [00071 Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale and are meant to be illustrative and not limiting, and wherein: 20 FIG. IA is a perspective view of a local convergence point ("LCP") with the cover removed and the splitter end of the cable assembly opened; FIG. lB is a top view the LCP of FIG. 1A illustrating the optical fiber routing within the splitter end of the cable assembly and illustrating the subscriber optical fiber; FIG. IC is a side view of the bottom of the LCP of FIG. I A illustrating the 25 openings for the at least one cable assembly optical fiber (left) and the at least one subscriber optical fiber (right); FIG. 2A is a perspective view of another LCP illustrating the housing of the LCP removably receiving the splitter end of the cable assembly by rotating the splitter end into the housing; 30 FIG. 2B is a top view of the LCP of FIG. 2A illustrating the splitter end of the cable assembly at a rotated position; C \NRPol\bDCC\TLDW\4739194_I.DOC-12/11/2012 -7 FIG. 2C is a bottom view of the LCP of FIG. 2A illustrating the splitter end of the cable assembly at a rotated position of about 45 degrees; FIG. 3A is a perspective view of another LCP illustrating the housing as including a plurality of splitter modules, a splice tray assembly, fiber optic routing guides, and a 5 subscriber termination field comprising a plurality of receptacles, wherein the LCP is free of a splitter end of a cable assembly; FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the LCP of FIG. 3A with a cover attached and in the closed position; FIG. 3C is a top view of the LCP of FIG. 3A illustrating the splitter modules, the 10 splice tray assembly, the fiber optic routing guides, and the subscriber termination field; FIG. 4A is a perspective view of another LCP illustrating the splitter end of the cable assembly as including a plurality of splitter modules, a splice tray assembly, fiber optic routing guides, and a subscriber termination field comprising a plurality of receptacles; 15 FIG. 4B is a top view of the LCP of FIG. 4A illustrating the splitter modules, the splice tray assembly, the fiber optic routing guides, and the subscriber termination field within the splitter end of the cable assembly; FIG. 5A is a perspective view of another LCP illustrating a plurality of splitter modules housed within the interior cavity of the housing, wherein the splitter modules 20 define multi-fiber output receptacles; FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the LCP of FIG. 5A illustrating the splitter modules with the access cover removed to allow selective installation and/or removal of the individual splitter modules; FIG. 5C is a top view of the LCP of FIG. 5A with the access cover installed; 25 FIG. 5D is a side view of the bottom of the LCP of FIG. 5A illustrating the openings providing passage for the optical fibers to and from the distribution cable and/or the subscriber termination points; FIG. 6 is a side view of a MDU that includes an LCP and associated fiber optic hardware in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention wherein the 30 fiber optic network does not include at least one FDT such that the subscriber optical fibers are routed directly to the subscriber termination points without the use of the FDT and/or C:NRPotnbDCCTLD\4739194_ .DOC-12/11/2012 -8 the subscriber drop optical fibers; FIG. 7 is a side view of a multiple dwelling unit ("MDU") that includes an LCP and associated fiber optic hardware in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the optical signal routing from the distribution cable to LCP via the 5 cable assembly optical fiber to the LCP, then to the FDT via the subscriber optical fiber, and finally to the subscriber termination point via the subscriber drop optical fiber; FIG. 8A is a perspective view of a fiber distribution terminal ("FDT") illustrating a single input optical cable comprising a plurality of input optical fibers and an output opening comprising a plurality of fiber optic output receptacles; 10 FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the FDT of FIG. 8A further comprising a removable portion adapted to selectively cover the fiber optic output receptacles when at least one connector is received in the fiber optic receptacles; FIG. 8C is a top view of the FDT of FIG. 8A illustrating the mounting flanges of the FDT; 15 FIG. 8D is a side view of the bottom of the FDT of FIG. 8A illustrating the input opening in a sidewall as comprising a through-hole for passage of at least one input optical fiber; FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a FDT illustrating an input opening comprising a fiber optic input receptacle and an output opening comprising a plurality of fiber optic 20 output receptacles; FIG. 9B is a top view of the FDT of FIG. 9A illustrating the mounting flanges of the FDT; FIG. 9C is a side view of the bottom of the FDT of FIG. 9A illustrating the input opening in a sidewall as comprising a fiber optic input receptacle adapted to receive a 25 multi-fiber connector of the subscriber optical fiber; FIG. 1 OA is a perspective view of a FDT with a top cover removed, illustrating an input opening comprising a fiber optic input receptacle and an output opening comprising a plurality of fiber optic output receptacles, wherein the FDT defines an input opening axis that is generally orthogonal-to an output opening axis; 30 FIG. 1OB is a top view of the FDT of FIG. IOA illustrating the internal routing of the optical fibers from the input opening to the output opening; C:\NRPortbi\DCC\TLD\4739194_ I DOC-12/11/2012 -8A FIG. IOC is a side view of the output opening of the FDT of FIG. IOA illustrating the plurality of fiber optic output receptacles adapted to receive MU connectors of the subscriber drop optical fibers; FIG. I IA is a perspective view of a FDT with a top cover removed, illustrating an 5 input opening comprising a fiber optic input receptacle and an output opening comprising a plurality of fiber optic output receptacles, wherein the FDT defines an input opening axis that is generally parallel to an output opening axis; FIG. 11 B is a top view of the FDT of FIG. I lA illustrating the internal routing of the optical fibers from the input opening to the output opening; 10 FIG. 1 IC is a side view of the output opening of the FDT of FIG. I lA illustrating the plurality of fiber optic output receptacles adapted to receive MU connectors of the subscriber drop optical fibers; FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a fiber optic splice tray assembly illustrated above a prior art splice tray assembly, wherein the splice tray assembly of the present 15 invention defines a significantly greater density of splice holders per unit volume of the splice tray assembly as compared to the prior art splice tray assembly; FIGS. 12B and 12C are top and side views, respectively, of the splice tray assembly of the embodiment of FIG. 12A illustrated to scale relative to the prior art splice tray assembly of FIGS. 12D and 12E; 20 FIGS. 12D and 12E are top and side views, respectively, of the prior art splice tray assembly of FIG. 12A illustrated to scale relative to the splice tray assembly of FIGS. 12B and 12C; FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a fiber optic splitter module in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention illustrated above a prior art splitter module, 25 wherein the splitter module of the present invention defines a significantly greater density of output optical fibers per unit volume of the housing as compared to the prior art splice tray assembly, and wherein the splitter module of the present invention defines a splitter axis that is generally orthogonal to an opening axis; FIGS. 13B and 13C are top and side views, respectively, of the splitter module of 30 the embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 13A illustrated to scale relative to the prior art splitter module of FIG. 13A; C.\NRPo DWCC~ThDW739194_1.DOC-12/1 1/2012 - 8B FIGS. 13D and 13E are top and side views, respectively, of the prior art splitter module of FIG. 13A.illustrated to scale relative to the splitter module of FIGS. 13B and 13C; FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a fiber optic routing guide illustrated above a 5 prior art routing guide, wherein the routing guide of the present invention is adapted to store a significantly greater amount of length of optical fiber per unit volume of the housing as compared to the prior art routing guide; FIGS. 14B and 14C are top and side views, respectively, of the routing guide of the embodiment of FIG. 14A illustrated to scale relative to the prior art routing guide of FIG. 10 14A; FIGS. 14D and 14E are top and side views, respectively, of the prior art routing guide of FIG. 14A illustrated to scale relative to the routing guide of FIGS. 14B and 14C; FIG. 15 is a front schematic view of another local convergence point ("LCP") illustrating the LCP with the cover in the closed position; 15 FIG. 16 is a front schematic view of the LCP of FIG. 15, illustrating the cover in the opened position to show the access cover and the plurality of receptacles; FIG. 17 is a front schematic view of the LCP of FIG. 15, illustrating the access cover in the opened position to show the splice tray assembly and input receptacle; and FIG. 18 is a side schematic view of the LCP of FIG. 15, illustrating the interior side 20 of the access cover to which the splitter module is joined. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [00081 The.present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the 25 invention are shown. Indeed, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Although apparatus and methods for providing local convergence points ("LCPs") for multiple dwelling units ("MDUs") are described and shown in the accompanying drawings 30 with regard to specific types of LCPs and associated fiber optic hardware, it is envisioned that the functionality of the various apparatus and methods may be applied to any now C VNRPOnihIOCkTLDW73194_1 DOC1211 V2?O12 - 8C known or hereafter devised LCPs and associated fiber optic hardware in which it is desired to provide optical connectivity for MDUs. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. [00091 With reference to FIG. IA-18, various LCPs and associated fiber optic hardware in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention are illustrated. 5 It should be appreciated that the many embodiments of the present invention include various combinations of the fiber optic hardware described herein. Furthermore, certain embodiments do not include all of the components described herein, non-limiting examples of components that are not included in all embodiments include fiber optic splice tray assemblies, fiber optic routing guides, fiber distribution terminals, subscriber 10 C:\NRPortbI\DCOTLD\4739194_ .DOC-12/11/2012 -21 within the housing 246, wherein the input optical fiber 242 is optically connected to the plurality of output optical fibers 244 by the splitter 252. The splitter 252 defines a splitter axis 254 generally aligned with the input optical fiber 242 and the plurality of output optical fibers 244 proximate the splitter. In the splitter module 240 of FIGS. 13A-13C, the 5 splitter axis 254 is generally orthogonal to the opening axis 250. It should be noted that the splitter module 240 does not include a slack loop for either the input optical fiber 242 or the output optical fiber 244, based in part upon the performance of the microstructured optical fiber used in some embodiments of the present invention. [00301 Also based in part upon the use of the microstructured optical fiber 10 described below, the splitter module 240 is adapted to provide a significant improvement in the density of output optical fiber splits per unit of volume of the splitter module housing, thus reducing the size, number, and/or costs of splitter modules required for a particular application. Whereas prior art splitter module 256 generally defines along the exterior a width of 3.07 inches, a length of 4.85 inches, and a depth of 0.92 inches while 15 providing 32 output fiber splits, the splitter module of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention generally defines along the exterior a width of 3.47 inches, a length of 1.83 inches, and a depth of 0.83 inches while providing 32 output fiber splits. Therefore, the prior art splitter modules define a density of output optical fiber splits per unit of volume of the splitter module housing of about 2.34 splits/in 3 , and the splitter module of 20 the illustrated embodiment density of output optical fiber splits per unit of volume of the splitter module housing of about 6.07 splits/in 3 . Various embodiments of the present invention preferably provide a density of output optical fiber splits per unit of volume of the splitter module housing of about 4 splits/in 3 to about 10 splits/in 3 , more preferably a density of output optical fiber splits per unit of volume of the splitter module housing of 25 about 5 splits/in 3 to about 8 splits/in 3 , and still more preferably a density of output optical fiber splits per unit of volume of the splitter module housing of about 6 splits/in 3 to about 7 splits/in 3 . It should be appreciated that the numbers given above are for Ix32 splitters and that additional splitter modules of the present invention generally define the same volume while including alternative numbers of splits, such that the CANRPortMCCmThD\47399,4_I JDOC. 12/1 M012 -28 preferably less than 0.5 dB/turn, and even more preferably less than 0.2 dB-turn, and still even more preferably less than 0.1 dB/turn. The macrobends are expressed as radii, in the usual way. [00431 The fiber of some embodiments of the present invention comprises a core 5 region that is surrounded by a cladding region that comprises randomly disposed voids which are contained within an annular region spaced from the core and positioned to be effective to guide light along the core region. Other optical fibers and microstructured fibers may be used in the present invention. Additional features of the microstructured optical fibers of additional embodiments of the present invention are described more fully 10 in pending U.S. patent application serial number 11/583,098 filed October 18, 2006, and provisional U.S. patent application serial numbers 60/817,863 filed June 30, 2006; 60/817,721 filed June 30, 2006; 60/841,458 filed August 31, 2006; and 60/841,490 filed August 31, 2006; all of which are assigned to Coming Incorporated. 100441 Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth 15 herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the 20 present invention cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. [00451 The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information 25 derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

C:\NRPortbnDCC .D4739194_l.DOC-12/11/2012 - 29 [00461 Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or 5 steps.

Claims (33)

1. A fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the 5 LCP comprising: a cover; a housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover 10 is in the opened position, wherein the housing comprises at least one opening through the housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; an access cover joined to the housing and generally positioned within the interior cavity of the housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the access cover is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position 15 to thereby provide access to the provider portion when the access cover is in the opened position and wherein the access cover defines an interior surface facing the back wall of the housing when the access cover defines the closed position; a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and 20 a splitter module that optically connects the input optical fiber with the plurality of receptacles, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover.

2. An LCP according to claim 1, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover with at least one bracket. 25

3. An LCP according to claim 1, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover with one or more fasteners.

4. A fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), wherein the LCP is adapted to 30 optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the LCP comprising: C:\NRPortblDCC\TLD\4739194_ I.DOC.12/11/2012 -31 a cover; a housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover 5 is in the opened position, wherein the housing comprises at least one opening through the housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; an access cover joined to the housing and generally positioned within the interior cavity of the housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the access cover is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position 10 to thereby provide access to the provider portion when the access cover is in the opened position and wherein the access cover defines an interior surface facing the back wall of the housing when the access cover defines the closed position; a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and 15 a splitter module that optically connects the input optical fibers with the plurality of receptacles, wherein the splitter module is joined to the back wall of the housing.

5. An LCP according to claims I to 4, further comprising a splice tray assembly to optically connect the input optical fiber to the splitter module. 20

6. An LCP according to claim 5, further comprising a splice tray adapter adapted to optically connect a pigtail from the splice tray assembly to the splitter module.

7. An LCP according to claims I to 6, further comprising an input adapter adapted to 25 receive a preconnectorized end of the input optical fiber to optically connect the input optical fiber to the splitter module.

8. An LCP according to claims 1 to 7, wherein the splitter module comprises splitter outputs optically connected to the plurality of receptacles, wherein the number of splitter 30 outputs is at least one of four, eight, sixteen, twenty-four, and thirty-two. C:\RPotnbDCCVILD\4739194I. DOC-12/1112012 -32

9. An LCP according to claims 1 to 8, further comprising routing guides to generally route splitter outputs.about the perimeter of the interior cavity from the splitter module to the plurality of receptacles. 5

10. An optical splitter module adapted to be mounted in a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), the splitter module comprising: a housing having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured 10 to optically connect at least one input optical fiber with a plurality of output optical fibers, and wherein the optical signal carried by the input optical fiber is split and carried by the plurality of output optical fibers.

1 1. An optical splitter module as claimed in claim 10, wherein the housing has an 15 exterior width of 3.47 inches, length of 1.83 inches and a depth of 0.83 inches.

12. An optical splitter module as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the plurality of output optical fibers comprises 16, 32 or 64 output optical fibers, and wherein the housing defines an output optical fiber split density of between about 4 splits per cubic inch and 20 about 10 splits per cubic inch of volume.

13. An optical splitter module as claimed in claim 12, wherein the housing defines an output optical fiber split density of about 5 splits per cubic inch of volume. 25

14. An optical splitter module adapted to be mounted in a fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), the splitter module, comprising: a housing having a volume; and an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured to receive at least one input optical fiber carrying an optical signal and split the optical 30 signal into a plurality of optical signals, each of the plurality of optical signals carried by a respective output optical fiber, C:WRPortbl\DCC\TLD4739194_ LDOC-12/11/2012 - 33 wherein the housing supports an optical signal split density of between about 4 splits per cubic inch and about 10 splits per cubic inch of volume.

15. An optical splitter module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the housing supports an 5 optical signal split density of between about 5 splits per cubic inch and about 8 splits per cubic inch of volume.

16. An optical splitter module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the housing supports an optical signal split density of between about 6 splits per cubic inch and about 7 splits per 10 cubic inch of volume.

17. An optical splitter module as claimed in claim 14, wherein the housing supports an optical signal split density of about 6.07 splits per cubic inch of volume. 15

18. An optical splitter module as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the optical splitter splits the optical signal carried by the input optical fiber into 8, 16, 32 or 64 optical signals.

19. An optical splitter module adapted to be mounted in a fiber optic local convergence 20 point ("LCP"), the splitter module, comprising: a housing having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured to optically connect at least one splitter input optical fiber with a plurality of splitter output 25 optical fibers, wherein the optical signal carried by the splitter input optical fiber is split and carried by the plurality of splitter output optical fibers and wherein said at least one splitter input optical fibre and said splitter output fibres have bend performance such that with at a macrobend of less than 12mm the induced loss at a wavelength of 1550nm is less than I dB/tum. 30 C:\NRPonbl\DCC\TLD\4739194_ LDOC-12/11/2012 -34

20. An optical splitter as claimed in claim 19, wherein the macrobend is in the range of 8mm to 12mm.

21. The optical splitter of claim 19 or 20, wherein the induced loss is less than 5 0.5dB/turn; less than 0.2dB/turn; less than 0.05dB/turn; or less than 0.01dB/turn.

22. The optical splitter module of any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the housing supports an optical signal split density of greater than about 2.34 splits/in 3 of volume. 10

23. The optical splitter module of any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the plurality of splitter output optical fibers comprises 16, 32 or 64 splitter output optical fibers, and wherein the housing supports a splitter output optical fiber split density of between about 4 splits per cubic inch and about 10 splits per cubic inch of volume. 15

24. A fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the LCP comprising: a cover; an LCP housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a 20 plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover is in the opened position, wherein the LCP housing comprises'at least one opening through the LCPhousing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; 25 a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and a splitter module having: (i) a housing having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and 30 (ii) an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured to optically connect at least one splitter input optical fiber with a C:\NRPorblDCC\TLD\4739194 1.DOC-12/11/2012 -35 plurality of splitter output optical fibers, wherein the optical signal carried by the splitter input optical fiber is split and carried by the plurality of splitter output optical fibers and wherein said at least one splitter input optical fibre and said splitter output fibres have bend performance such that 5 with at a macrobend of less than 12mm the induced loss at a wavelength of 1550nm is less than 1dB/turn; and wherein the plurality of output fibers from said optical splitter are optically connected with the plurality of receptacles. 10

25. An LCP as claimed in claim 24, wherein the macrobend is in the range of 8mm to 12mm.

26. An LCP as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the induced loss is less than 0.5dB/turn; less than 0.2dB/turn; less than 0.05dB/turn; or less than 0.01dB/turn. 15

27. An LCP as claimed in claim 24, 25 or 26, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover with at least one bracket.

28. An LCP as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the splitter module is 20 joined to the interior surface of the access cover with one or more fasteners.

29. A fiber optic local convergence point ("LCP"), wherein the LCP is adapted to optically connect at least one input optical fiber to a plurality of output optical fibers, the LCP comprising: 25 a cover; an LCP housing comprising an interior cavity defined by a back wall and a plurality of sides and by the cover that is selectively moveable relative to the LCP housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the interior cavity when the cover is in the opened position, wherein the LCP housing comprises at least one 30 opening through the LCP housing for the passage of the input optical fibers and the plurality of output optical fibers; C:\NRPotbIDC TLDM739194_.I DC-1/i112012 - 36 an access cover joined to the LCP housing and generally positioned within the interior cavity of the LCP housing when the cover is in the closed position, wherein the access cover is selectively moveable relative to the housing from an opened position to a closed position to thereby provide access to the provider portion when the access cover is 5 in the opened position and wherein the access cover defines an interior surface facing the back wall of the LCP housing when the access cover defines the closed position; a plurality of receptacles adapted to selectively receive fiber optic connectors that are optically connected to the output optical fibers; and a splitter module having 10 (i) a housing having a volume, wherein the housing has exterior dimensions of less than about 3.07 inches x 4.85 inches x 0.92 inches; and (ii) an optical splitter mounted in the housing, wherein the optical splitter is configured to optically connect at least one splitter input optical fiber with a plurality of splitter output optical fibers, wherein the optical signal carried 15 by the splitter input optical fiber is split and carried by the plurality of splitter output optical fibers and wherein said at least one splitter input optical fibre and said splitter output fibres have bend performance such that with at a macrobend of less than 12mm the induced loss at a wavelength of 1550nm is less than 1dB/turn; and 20 wherein the plurality of output fibers from said optical splitter are optically connected with the plurality of receptacles, wherein the splitter module is joined to the interior surface of the access cover.

30. An LCP as claimed in claim 29, wherein the macrobend is in the range of 8mm to 25 12mm.

31. An LCP as claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein the induced loss is less than 0.5dB/turn; less than 0.2dB/turn; less than 0.05dB/turn; or less than 0.01dB/turn. 30

32. An LCP as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 31, further comprising a splice tray assembly to splice the input optical fiber to a pigtail. C :NRPoftbJ\DCCThD\4739194_1.DOC-12/111/2012 - 37

33. An LCP as claimed in any one of claims 29 to 32, further comprising a splice tray adapter adapted to optically connect the pigtail to the splitter input optical fibres.