Patent ID: 7850370
Filing Date: 2010-12-14
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A method for securing a plurality of communications channels, said method comprising: (a) providing a plurality of data outlets, each data outlet including a pair of receptacles, said receptacles spaced apart relative to one another by one of a plurality of pitches, wherein each data outlet is associated with one of a plurality of communications channels, (b) providing a patch cord connector assembly, said patch cord connector assembly including a patch cord terminated at least at one end by a duplex connector, said duplex connector including a pair of connector subassemblies and a connector housing clip, said connector subassemblies secured in fixed position relative to one another by the connector housing clip, said connector subassemblies spaced apart from one another by one of the plurality of pitches, (c) providing access to a permissible data channel of the plurality of data channels, wherein the pitch of the connector subassemblies of the patch cord connector assembly is substantially the same as the pitch of the receptacles of a data outlet associated with the permissible data channel, such that the patch cord connector assembly is capable of mating with the data outlet associated with the permissible data channel; (d) restricting access to a restricted data channel of the plurality of data channels, wherein the pitch of the connector subassemblies of the patch cord connector assembly is substantially different from the pitch of the receptacles of a data outlet associated with the restricted data channel, such that the patch cord connector assembly is incapable of mating with the data outlet associated with the restricted data channel.