Multi-port cabling system and method

Abstract

A multi-port cabling system for use in installing cable to an equipment rack or enclosure or within an equipment room or data center includes a cabling assembly comprising at least one connector head having a plurality of ports and at least one cable operatively connected to the plurality of ports. The at least one cable terminates internally within the connector head to operatively couple the cable to the plurality of ports. The system further includes a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket and the connector head are each configured for tool-less attachment of one or more cabling assemblies to the bracket. The mounting bracket is further configured to removably mount to an equipment rack or enclosure, and/or to a wall, to thereby install one or more cables. The cabling assembly and the cabling system help to eliminate on-site cable termination and testing during installation of cables to rack-mounted equipment.

1 . A mounting bracket for use in installing cable in an equipment rack or enclosure, the mounting bracket comprising:
 an elongate member, the elongate member defined between a first end and a second end, each of the first end and the second end being configured for removable attachment to an equipment rack or enclosure; and   a plurality of mounting configurations spaced along the enlongate member, the plurality of mounting configurations being disposed and configured such that the mounting bracket receives and removably attaches thereto at least one connector head, the connector head including a plurality of ports and a cable entry configured to receive at least one cable.   
     
     
         2 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the mounting bracket is constructed and arranged to removably attach to an equipment rack or enclosure in one of a horizontal orientation and a vertical orientation. 
     
     
         3 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the mounting bracket is constructed and arranged to removably attach to one of a top and a bottom of an equipment rack or enclosure. 
     
     
         4 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the mounting bracket is constructed and arranged to removably attach to a wall. 
     
     
         5 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the mounting bracket is constructed and arranged to removably attach to an equipment rack or enclosure or a wall. 
     
     
         6 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the mounting bracket is constructed and arranged to removably attach thereto two or more connector heads. 
     
     
         7 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of mounting configurations is further disposed and is further configured to provide tool-less attachment of the connector head to the mounting bracket. 
     
     
         8 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of mounting configurations is further disposed and is further configured to permit reverse installation of the connector head to the mounting bracket. 
     
     
         9 . The mounting bracket of  claim 1  wherein the mounting bracket defines a height within a range of U height units and fractions thereof. 
     
     
         10 . A cabling assembly for use with an equipment rack or enclosure, the cabling assembly comprising:
 a connector head including a housing and a plurality of ports, the housing being constructed and arranged to support the plurality of ports such that each port is accessible from an area external to the housing, the housing being further constructed and arranged such that the connector head removably mounts to an equipment rack or enclosure; and   at least one cable operatively connected at a first end to the connector head such that the first end of the at least one cable terminates to the plurality of ports internally within the housing, the at least one cable being operatively connected at a second and opposite end to a terminal assembly such that the second end of the cable terminates to the terminal assembly.   
     
     
         11 . The assembly of  claim 10  wherein the terminal assembly is operatively connected to at least one device, the device including one of an equipment component disposed in a second equipment rack or enclosure, a patch panel, a switch, a router, a telephone connection, an Ethernet device and a network device. 
     
     
         12 . A cabling system for use with an equipment rack or enclosure, the cabling system comprising:
 a connector head including a housing and a plurality of ports, the housing being constructed and arranged to support the plurality of ports such that each port is accessible from an area external to the housing;   a mounting bracket constructed and arranged to accept and to removably attach thereto the connector head, the mounting bracket being further constructed and arranged to removably mount to a first equipment rack or enclosure; and   at least one cable operatively connected at a first end to the connector head such that the first end of the at least one cable terminates to the plurality of ports internally within the housing, the at least one cable being operatively connected at a second and opposite end to one of a switch, a router, a telephone connection, an Ethernet device and a network device.