Fiber optic drop terminals for multiple dwelling units

Abstract

There is provided fiber drop terminals (“FDTs”) and related equipment for providing selective connections between optical fibers of distribution cables and optical fibers of drop cables, such as in multiple dwelling units. The FDTs require relatively little area and/or volume while providing convenient connectivity for a relatively large number of optical connections. The FDTs include adapters for optically connecting the connectors, and the adapters of some FDTs are adapted to rotate, move, or otherwise be removed to provide convenient access for technicians. Some FDTs and the related equipment are adapted for use with microstructured optical fiber having preferred bend characteristics.

1 - 24 . (canceled) 
     
     
         25 . A fiber drop terminal (“FDT”) adapted for use in a fiber optic network of a multiple dwelling unit to selectively optically connect at least one connectorized optical fiber of a distribution cable to a connectorized optical fiber of at least one drop cable, the FDT comprising:
 a base defining a back wall and at least one sidewall extending outwardly from the back wall, wherein the base defines at least one opening for passage of the distribution cable and the drop cable through at least one of the back wall and sidewall; 
 a cover adapted to selectively connect to the sidewall generally opposite the back wall; 
 at least one plurality of adapters joined to at least one of the back wall and the sidewall of the base, wherein the adapters are adapted to receive a connector of the distribution cable and a connector of the drop cable to optically connect the connectorized optical fiber of the distribution cable to the connectorized optical fiber of the drop cable; and 
 a distribution cover provided between the back wall and the cover, wherein the distribution cover is adapted to provide limited access to the portion of the adapters that are adapted to receive a connector of the distribution cable. 
 
     
     
         26 . An FDT according to  claim 25 , wherein the cover is rotatably attached to the base and the distribution cover is rotatably attached to the base. 
     
     
         27 . An FDT according to  claim 25  further comprising a fanout positioned between the distribution cover and the base and optically connecting the optical fiber of the distribution cable with the portion of the adapters that are adapted to receive a connector of the distribution cable. 
     
     
         28 . An FDT according to  claim 25 , wherein the at least one opening of the base comprises an opening adapted to receive a multi-fiber adapter. 
     
     
         29 . An FDT according to  claim 25 , wherein the at least one opening of the base comprises an opening adapted to strain relieve and seal the drop cables passing therethrough. 
     
     
         30 . An FDT according to  claim 25 , wherein the FDT is adapted to receive at least one optical fiber comprising a microstructured optical fiber comprising a core region and a cladding region surrounding the core region, the cladding region comprising an annular hole-containing region comprised of non-periodically disposed holes. 
     
     
         31 . An FDT according to  claim 30 , wherein the microstructured fiber has an 8 mm macrobend induced loss at 1550 nm of less than 0.2 dB/turn. 
     
     
         32 - 43 . (canceled)