Abstract:
A connector for mechanically and electrically coupler a coaxial cable to a port which minimizes the component parts to enhance reliability and reduce cost without sacrificing performance. The connector includes a sleeve operative to engage the outer conductor of the coaxial cable while a coupler is configured to effect relative displacement of the coaxial cable and interface port. The sleeve and coupler each include aligned bores for receiving the coaxial cable which presents a center conductor pin and a collapsible outer conductor toward the interface port. As the coaxial cable is axially displaced toward the port, the center conductor pin engages a socket of the port while an annular compression surface of the port simultaneously engages an annular outer conductor edge of the port, collapsing the outer conductor against the port to enhance electrical conductivity and RF performance.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit and priority of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/356,203, filed on Jun. 29, 2016. The complete specification of such application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Coaxial cable is a typical transmission medium used in communications networks, such as a CATV network. The cables which make up the transmission portion of the network are typically of the “hard-line” variety, while those used to distribute the signals into residences and businesses are typically “drop-line” connectors. A principal difference between hard- and drop-line cables relate to the material composition of the conductive outer conductor. More specifically, hard-line cables include a rigid or semi-rigid outer conductor covered by a weather protecting outer jacket which prevents radiation leakage and protects the inner conductor and core dielectric. Furthermore, the rigidity of the outer conductor enables large straight-line distances to be spanned by hard-line cables. Drop-line cables include a relatively flexible, braided outer conductor that permits bending around obstacles located between the transition/junction box and the television, computer, DVR, and the like. Due to the differences in size, material composition, and performance associated with hard- and drop-line cables, there are different technical considerations involved in the design of the connectors used in conjunction with such cables. 
         [0003]    When constructing and maintaining a cable network, the transmission cables are often interconnected by electrical equipment which “conditions” the signal being transmitted. Such electrical equipment is typically housed in a box that may be located outside on a pole, or the like, or underground that is accessible through a cover. In either event, the boxes have standard ports to which the transmission cables may be connected. In order to maintain the electrical integrity of the signal, it is critical that the transmission cable be securely interconnected to the port without disrupting the ground connection of the cable. This requires a skilled technician to effect the interconnection. 
         [0004]    Currently, when using a commercially available three piece connector, it is not practical to secure the connector to the outer conductor of the cable prior to securing the front and back portions of the connector to one another. To do so would prevent the portion secured to the cable from turning freely, thus preventing it being easily threaded onto the portion secured in the line equipment (taps, amplifiers, etc.). Instead, the installer holds the cable firmly butted to the connector while tightening the two portions of the connector together; otherwise, the center conductor seizure mechanism may secure the center conductor in the wrong position (leading to inadequate cable retention and electrical connection). It will be appreciated that holding the cable portions together while manipulating two wrenches simultaneously, can be difficult. In addition, it is typically not possible to disconnect the cable from the line equipment without first releasing the cable from the connector, thus breaking what might otherwise have been a good connection in order to perform service or testing. Often, in order to ensure a good connection when reinstalled, it is standard practice to cut and re-prepare the cable, which eventually shortens the cable to the point where a section of additional cable needs to be added or spliced-together. 
         [0005]    In addition to the difficulties associated with manipulating multiple parts or components of hard-line connectors, the number of components adversely impacts the cost and complexity of the connector. A connecter, whether it is a hard-line or conventional F-type drop-line, connector, typically includes: (i) an outer connector body, (2) an inner post, (3) a threaded coupler, (4) an inner conductor engager, (5) an insulating/centering member, (6) a multi-fingered compression ring/external fastener; (7) a continuity member, and (8) outer conductor engager. Consequently, a typical connector requires at least eight (8) separate components to make a viable mechanical and electrical connection between a coaxial cable and an interface port. Inasmuch as the market for connectors is highly competitive/cost sensitive, the elimination/deletion of even a single element/component can be the difference between being selected as a network supplier or being eliminated from a market in its entirety. This is due to the fact that even a faction of a penny (i.e., in savings) can translate into millions of dollars when considering the billions of connections which will be made. The elimination of several components by a manufacturer can result in sweeping changes in a market, i.e., a complete retrofit of existing devices with a less expensive connector. 
         [0006]    Therefore, there is a need to overcome, or otherwise lessen the effects of, the disadvantages and shortcomings described above 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A connector is provided for mechanically and electrically coupler a coaxial cable to a port which minimizes the component parts to enhance reliability and reduce cost without sacrificing performance. The connector includes a sleeve operative to engage the outer conductor of the coaxial cable while the coupler is configured to effect relative displacement of the coaxial cable and interface port. The sleeve and the coupler each include aligned bores for receiving the coaxial cable which presents a center conductor pin and a collapsible outer conductor to the interface port. As the coaxial cable is axially displaced toward the port, the center conductor pin engages a socket of the port while an annular compression surface of the port simultaneously engages an annular outer conductor edge of the port, collapsing the outer conductor against the port to enhance electrical conductivity and RF performance. 
         [0008]    Axial displacement of the coaxial cable is effected by a threaded interface between the coupler and the port. More specifically, the sleeve engages a corrugated outer conductor surface or a “spiral-superflex” outer conductor surface and includes an outwardly projecting flange for engaging an inwardly projecting flange of the coupler. Rotation of the coupler effects axial displacement of the sleeve and coaxial cable toward the interface port. The axial displacement draws the inner conductor pin and the corrugated/spiral outer conductor into engagement with an inner conductor receptacle and an annular compression surface of the interface port. 
         [0009]    As such, the relative displacement of the interface port and the coupler causes the annular compression surface to engage, and axially deform, the outer conductor thereby effecting an electrical ground from the outer conductor to the port body while, at the same time, effecting a reliable and secure connection between an RF signal-carrying inner conductor and the inner conductor receptacle of the interface port. Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description. 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0010]    Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure are described in, and will be apparent from, the following Brief Description of the Drawings and Detailed Description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]      FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of one embodiment of an outdoor wireless communication network. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of one embodiment of an indoor wireless communication network. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a base station illustrating a tower and ground shelter. 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a tower. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of one embodiment of an interface port. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is an isometric view of another embodiment of an interface port. 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is an isometric view of yet another embodiment of an interface port. 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is an isometric, cut-away view of one embodiment of a cable connector and cable. 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is an isometric, exploded view of one embodiment of a cable assembly having a water resistant cover. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is an isometric view of one embodiment of a cable connector covered by a water resistant cover. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is an exploded view of a hybrid feed-through connector for coaxial cables including a connector having a sleeve, a coupler and a retention member, the connector configured to cause an annular ring of a port body to compressively engage the outer conductor to biasingly maintain electrical contact with the interface port to ensure the maintenance of an electrical ground, even when the connector has become loose with respect to the interface port. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of a prepared end of a superflex coaxial cable. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  depicts the coaxial cable in combination with the connector of the present disclosure. 
           [0024]      FIG. 14  depicts the coaxial cable, an interface port, and the connector of the present disclosure aligned for coupler with the coaxial cable to the interface port. 
           [0025]      FIG. 15  depicts the connector of the present disclosure disposed in combination with the prepared end of the coaxial cable which have been prepared for connection to the coupler of the connector. 
           [0026]      FIG. 16  depicts the connector of the present disclosure disposed in combination with both the prepared end of the coaxial cable and the interface port. 
           [0027]      FIG. 17  depicts another embodiment of the present disclosure wherein a coupler threadably engages the sleeve to axially displace the coaxial cable toward an annular ring of the coupler and wherein the annular ring compressively engages the outer conductor to deform the outer conductor. 
           [0028]      FIG. 18  depicts the prepared end of the cable disposed in opposed relation to an interface port having a port body mounted to a structural support. 
           [0029]      FIGS. 19 and 20  depict the connector coupling the prepared end of the coaxial cable to the interface port wherein  FIG. 19  depicts shows the outer conductor immediately prior to being drawn into and against the port body and wherein  FIG. 20  depicts the connector fully engaged, i.e., axially displaced against the port body, such that the outer conductor is compressed between an inner annular ring of the port body and the compression or abutment surface of the sleeve. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview—Wireless Communication Networks 
       [0030]    In one embodiment, wireless communications employ a network switching subsystem (“NSS”) which includes a circuit-switched core network for circuit-switched phone connections. The NSS also includes a service architecture which enables mobile networks, such as 2G, 3G and 4G mobile networks, to transmit Internet Protocol (“IP”) packets to external networks such as the Internet. The service architecture enables mobile phones to have access to services such as Wireless Application Protocol (“WAP”), Multimedia Messaging Services (“MSSs”) and the Internet. 
         [0031]    A service provider or carrier operates a plurality of centralized mobile telephone switching offices (“MTSOs”). Each MTSO controls the base stations within a select region or cell surrounding the MTSO. The MTSOs also handle connections to the Internet and phone connections. 
         [0032]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , an outdoor wireless communication network  2  includes a cell site or cellular base station  4 . The base station  4 , in conjunction with cellular tower  5 , serves communication devices, such as mobile phones, in a defined area surrounding the base station  4 . The cellular tower  5  also communicates with macro antennas  6  on the tops of buildings as well as micro antennas  8  mounted to, for example, street lamps  10 . 
         [0033]    The cell size depends upon the type of wireless network employed. For example, a macro cell can have a base station antenna installed on a tower or a building above the average rooftop level, such as the macro antennas  5  and  6 . A micro cell can have an antenna installed at a height below the average rooftop level, often suitable for urban environments, such as the street lamp-mounted micro antenna  8 . A picocell is a relatively small cell often suitable for indoor use. 
         [0034]    As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , an indoor wireless communication network  12  includes an active distributed antenna system (“DAS”)  14 . The DAS  14  can, for example, be installed in a high rise commercial office building  16 , a sports stadium  8  or a shopping mall. In one embodiment, the DAS  14  may include macro antennas  6  coupled to a radio frequency (“RF”) repeater  20 . The macro antennas  6  receive signals from a nearby base station while the RF repeater  20  amplifies and repeats the received signals. The RF repeater  20  is coupled to a DAS master unit  22  which, in turn, is coupled to a plurality of remote antenna units  24  distributed throughout the building  16 . Depending upon the embodiment, the DAS master unit  22  can manage over one hundred remote antenna units  24  in a building. In operation, the master unit  22 , as programmed and controlled by a DAS manager, is operable to control and manage the coverage and performance of the remote antenna units  24  based on the number of repeated signals fed by the repeater  20 . It should be appreciated that a technician can remotely control the master unit  22  through a Local Area Network (LAN) connection or wireless modem. 
         [0035]    Depending upon the embodiment, the RF repeater  20  can be an analog repeater that amplifies all received signals, or the digital RF repeater  20 . In one embodiment, the digital repeater  20  includes a processor and a memory device or data storage device. The data storage device stores logic in the form of computer-readable instructions. The processor executes the logic to filter or clean the received signals before repeating the signals. In one embodiment, the digital repeater does not need to receive signals from an external antenna, but rather, has a built-in antenna located within its housing. 
       Base Stations 
       [0036]    In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the base station  4  includes a tower  26  and a ground shelter  28  proximal to the tower  26 . In this example, a plurality of exterior antennas  6  and remote radio heads  30  are mounted to the tower  26 . The shelter  28  encloses base station equipment  32 . Depending upon the embodiment, the base station equipment  32  includes electrical hardware operative to transmit and receive radio signals and encrypt and decrypt communications with the MTSO. The base station equipment  32  also includes power supply units and equipment for powering and controlling the antennas and other devices mounted to the tower  26 . 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, a distribution line  34 , such as coaxial cable or fiber optic cable, distributes signals exchanged between the base station equipment  32  and the remote radio heads  30 . Each remote radio head  30  is operatively coupled, and mounted adjacent, a group of associated macro antennas  6 . Each remote radio head  30  manages the distribution of signals between its associated macro antennas  6  and the base station equipment  30 . In one embodiment, the remote radio heads  30  extend the coverage and efficiency of the macro antennas  6 . The remote radio heads  30 , in one embodiment, have RF circuitry, analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converters and up/down converters. 
         [0038]    The antennas, such as macro antennas  6 , micro antennas  8  and remote antenna units  24 , are operable to receive signals from communication devices and send signals to the communication devices. Depending upon the embodiment, the antennas can be of different types, including, but not limited to, directional antennas, omni-directional antennas, isotropic antennas, dish-shaped antennas, and microwave antennas. Directional antennas can improve reception in higher traffic areas, along highways, and inside buildings like stadiums and arenas. Based upon applicable laws, a service provider may operate omni-directional cell tower signals up to a maximum power, such as 100 watts, while the service provider may operate directional cell tower signals up to a higher maximum of effective radiated power (“ERP”), such as 500 watts. 
         [0039]    An omni-directional antenna is operable to radiate radio wave power uniformly in all directions in one plane. The radiation pattern can be similar to a doughnut shape where the antenna is at the center of the donut. The radial distance from the center represents the power radiated in that direction. The power radiated is maximum in horizontal directions, dropping to zero directly above and below the antenna. 
         [0040]    An isotropic antenna is operable to radiate equal power in all directions and has a spherical radiation pattern. Omni-directional antennas, when properly mounted, can save energy in comparison to isotropic antennas. For example, since their radiation drops off with elevation angle, little radio energy is aimed into the sky or down toward the earth where it could be wasted. In contrast, isotropic antennas can waste such energy. 
         [0041]    In one embodiment, the antenna has: (a) a transceiver moveably mounted to an antenna frame; (b) a transmitting data port, a receiving data port, or a transceiver data port; (c) an electrical unit having a PC board controller and motor; (d) a housing or enclosure that covers the electrical unit; and (e) a drive assembly or drive mechanism that couples the motor to the antenna frame. Depending upon the embodiment, the transceiver can be tiltably, pivotably or rotatably mounted to the antenna frame. One or more cables connect the antenna&#39;s electrical unit to the base station equipment  32  for providing electrical power and motor control signals to the antenna. A technician of a service provider can reposition the antenna by providing desired inputs using the base station equipment  32 . For example, if the antenna has poor reception, the technician can remotely change the tilt angle of the antenna from the ground without having to climb up and manually reposition the antenna. As a consequence, an antenna motor drives the antenna frame to a desired tilt angle. Depending upon the embodiment, a technician can control the position of a moveable antenna from the base station, from a remote office or from a land vehicle by providing inputs over the Internet. 
       Data Interface Ports 
       [0042]    Generally, the networks  2  and  12  include a plurality of network devices, including, but not limited to, the base station equipment  32 , one or more radio heads  30 , macro antennas  6 , micro antennas  8 , RF repeaters  20  and remote antenna units  24 . As described above, these network devices include data interface ports which couple to connectors of signal-carrying cables, such as coaxial cables and fiber optic cables. In the example illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the tower  36  supports a radio head  38  and macro antenna  40 . The radio head  38  has interface ports  42 ,  43  and  44  and the macro antenna  40  has antenna ports  45  and  47 . In the example shown, the coaxial cable  48  is connected to the radio head interface port  42 , while the coaxial cable jumpers  50  and  51  are connected to radio head interface ports  44  and  45 , respectively. The coaxial cable jumpers  50  and  51  are also connected to antenna interface ports  45  and  47 , respectively. 
         [0043]    The interface ports of the networks  2  and  12  can have different shapes, sizes and surface types depending upon the embodiment. In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the interface port  52  has a tubular or cylindrical shape. The interface port  52  includes: (a) a forward end or base  54  configured to abut the network device enclosure, housing or wall  56  of a network device; (b) a coupler engager  58  configured to be engaged with a cable connector&#39;s coupler, such as a nut; (c) an electrical ground  60  received by the coupler engager  58 ; and (d) a signal carrier  62  received by the electrical grounder  60 . 
         [0044]    In the illustrated embodiment, the base  54  has a collar shape with a diameter larger than the diameter of the coupler engager  58 . The coupler engager  58  is tubular in shape, has a threaded, outer surface  64  and a rearward end  66 . The threaded outer surface  64  is configured to threadably mate with the threads of the coupler of a cable connector, such as connector  68  described below. In one embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the interface port  53  has a forward section  70  and a rearward section  72  of the coupler engager  58 . The forward section  70  is threaded, and the rearward section  72  is non-threaded. In another embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 7 , the interface port  55  has a coupler engager  74 . In this embodiment, the coupler engager  74  is the same as coupler engager  58  except that it has a non-threaded, outer surface  76  and a threaded, inner surface  78 . The threaded, inner surface  78  is configured to be inserted into, and threadably engaged with, a cable connector. 
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-8 , in one embodiment, the signal carrier  62  is tubular and configured to receive a pin or inner conductor engager  80  of the cable connector  68 . Depending upon the embodiment, the signal carrier  62  can have a plurality of fingers  82  which are spaced apart from each other about the perimeter of the signal carrier  80 . When the cable inner conductor  84  is inserted into the signal carrier  80 , the fingers  82  apply a radial, inward force to the inner conductor  84  to establish a physical and electrical connection with the inner conductor  84 . The electrical connection enables data signals to be exchanged between the devices that are in communication with the interface port. In one embodiment, the electrical ground  60  is tubular and configured to mate with a connector ground  86  of the cable connector  68 . The connector ground  86  extends an electrical ground path to the ground  64  as described below. 
       Cables 
       [0046]    In one embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 4 and 8-10 , the networks  2  and  12  include one or more types of coaxial cables  88 . In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the coaxial cable  88  has: (a) a conductive, central wire, tube, strand or inner conductor  84  that extends along a longitudinal axis  92  in a forward direction F toward the interface port  56 ; (b) a cylindrical or tubular dielectric, or insulator  96  that receives and surrounds the inner conductor  84 ; (c) a conductive tube or outer conductor  98  that receives and surrounds the insulator  96 ; and (d) a sheath, sleeve or jacket  100  that receives and surrounds the outer conductor  98 . In the illustrated embodiment, the outer conductor  98  is corrugated, having a spiral, exterior surface  102 . The exterior surface  102  defines a plurality of peaks and valleys to facilitate flexing or bending of the cable  88  relative to the longitudinal axis  92 . 
         [0047]    To achieve the cable configuration shown in  FIG. 8 , an assembler/preparer, in one embodiment, takes one or more steps to prepare the cable  88  for attachment to the cable connector  68 . In one example, the steps include: (a) removing a longitudinal section of the jacket  104  to expose the bare surface  106  of the outer conductor  108 ; (b) removing a longitudinal section of the outer conductor  108  and insulator  96  so that a protruding end  110  of the inner conductor  84  extends forward, beyond the recessed outer conductor  108  and the insulator  96 , forming a step-shape at the end of the cable  68 ; (c) removing or coring-out a section of the recessed insulator  96  so that the forward-most end of the outer conductor  108  protrudes forward of the insulator  96 . 
         [0048]    In another embodiment not shown, the cables of the networks  2  and  12  include one or more types of fiber optic cables. Each fiber optic cable includes a group of elongated light signal guides or flexible tubes. Each tube is configured to distribute a light-based or optical data signal to the networks  2  and  12 . 
       Connectors 
       [0049]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the cable connector  68  includes: (a) a connector housing or connector body  112 ; (b) a connector insulator  114  received by, and housed within, the connector body  112 ; (c) the inner conductor engager  80  received by, and slidably positioned within, the connector insulator  114 ; (d) a driver  116  configured to axially drive the inner conductor engager  80  into the connector insulator  114  as described below; (e) an outer conductor clamp device or outer conductor clamp assembly  118  configured to clamp, sandwich, and lock onto the end section  120  of the outer conductor  106 ; (f) a clamp driver  121 ; (g) a tubular-shaped, deformable, environmental seal  122  that receives the jacket  104 ; (h) a compressor  124  that receives the seal  122 , clamp driver  121 , clamp assembly  118 , and the rearward end  126  of the connector body  112 ; (i) a nut, fastener or coupler  128  that receives, and rotates relative to, the connector body  112 ; and (j) a plurality of O-rings or ring-shaped environmental seals  130 . The environmental seals  122  and  130  are configured to deform under pressure so as to fill cavities to block the ingress of environmental elements, such as rain, snow, ice, salt, dust, debris and air pressure, into the connector  68 . 
         [0050]    In one embodiment, the clamp assembly  118  includes: (a) a supportive outer conductor engager  132  configured to be inserted into part of the outer conductor  106 ; and (b) a compressive outer conductor engager  134  configured to mate with the supportive outer conductor engager  132 . During attachment of the connector  68  to the cable  88 , the cable  88  is inserted into the central cavity of the connector  68 . Next, a technician uses a hand-operated, or power, tool to hold the connector body  112  in place while axially pushing the compressor  124  in a forward direction F. For the purposes of establishing a frame of reference, the forward direction F is toward interface port  55  and the rearward direction R is away from the interface port  55 . 
         [0051]    The compressor  124  has an inner, tapered surface  136  defining a ramp and interlocks with the clamp driver  121 . As the compressor  124  moves forward, the clamp driver  121  is urged forward which, in turn, pushes the compressive outer conductor engager  134  toward the supportive outer conductor engager  132 . The engagers  132  and  134  sandwich the outer conductor end  120  positioned between the engagers  132  and  134 . Also, as the compressor  124  moves forward, the tapered surface or ramp  136  applies an inward, radial force that compresses the engagers  132  and  134 , establishing a lock onto the outer conductor end  120 . Furthermore, the compressor  124  urges the driver  121  forward which, in turn, pushes the inner conductor engager  80  into the connector insulator  114 . 
         [0052]    The connector insulator  114  has an inner, tapered surface with a diameter less than the outer diameter of the mouth or grasp  138  of the inner conductor engager  80 . When the driver  116  pushes the grasp  138  into the insulator  114 , the diameter of the grasp  138  is decreased to apply a radial, inward force on the inner conductor  84  of the cable  88 . As a consequence, a bite or lock is produced on the inner conductor  84 . 
         [0053]    After the cable connector  68  is attached to the cable  88 , a technician or user can install the connector  68  onto an interface port, such as the interface port  52  illustrated in  FIG. 5 . In one example, the user screws the coupler  128  onto the port  52  until the fingers  140  of the signal carrier  62  receive, and make physical contact with, the inner conductor engager  80  and until the ground  60  engages, and makes physical contact with, the outer conductor engager  86 . During operation, the non-conductive, connector insulator  114  and the non-conductive driver  116  serve as electrical barriers between the inner conductor engager  80  and the one or more electrical ground paths surrounding the inner conductor engager  80 . As a result, the likelihood of an electrical short is mitigated, reduced or eliminated. One electrical ground path extends: (i) from the outer conductor  106  to the clamp assembly  118 , (ii) from the conductive clamp assembly  118  to the conductive connector body  112 , and (iii) from the conductive connector body  112  to the conductive ground  60 . An additional or alternative electrical grounding path extends: (i) from the outer conductor  106  to the clamp assembly  118 , (ii) from the conductive clamp assembly  118  to the conductive connector body  112 , (iii) from the conductive connector body  112  to the conductive coupler  128 , and (iv) from the conductive coupler  128  to the conductive ground  60 . 
         [0054]    These one or more grounding paths provide an outlet for electrical current resulting from magnetic radiation in the vicinity of the cable connector  88 . For example, electrical equipment operating near the connector  68  can have electrical current resulting in magnetic fields, and the magnetic fields could interfere with the data signals flowing through the inner conductor  84 . The grounded outer conductor  106  shields the inner conductor  84  from such potentially interfering magnetic fields. Also, the electrical current flowing through the inner conductor  84  can produce a magnetic field that can interfere with the proper function of electrical equipment near the cable  88 . The grounded outer conductor  106  also shields such equipment from such potentially interfering magnetic fields. 
         [0055]    The internal components of the connector  68  are compressed and interlocked in fixed positions under relatively high force. These interlocked, fixed positions reduce the likelihood of loose internal parts that can cause undesirable levels of passive intermodulation (“PIM”) which, in turn, can impair the performance of electronic devices operating on the networks  2  and  12 . PIM can occur when signals at two or more frequencies mix with each other in a non-linear manner to produce spurious signals. The spurious signals can interfere with, or otherwise disrupt, the proper operation of the electronic devices operating on the networks  2  and  12 . Also, PIM can cause interfering RF signals that can disrupt communication between the electronic devices operating on the networks  2  and  12 . 
         [0056]    In one embodiment where the cables of the networks  2  and  12  include fiber optic cables, such cables include fiber optic cable connectors. The fiber optic cable connectors operatively couple the optic tubes to each other. This enables the distribution of light-based signals between different cables and between different network devices. 
       Supplemental Grounding 
       [0057]    In one embodiment, grounding devices are mounted to towers such as the tower  36  illustrated in  FIG. 4 . For example, a grounding kit or grounding device can include a grounding wire and a cable fastener which fastens the grounding wire to the outer conductor  106  of the cable  88 . The grounding device can also include: (a) a ground fastener which fastens the ground wire to a grounded part of the tower  36 ; and (b) a mount which, for example, mounts the grounding device to the tower  36 . In operation, the grounding device provides an additional ground path for supplemental grounding of the cables  88 . 
       Environmental Protection 
       [0058]    In one embodiment, a protective boot or cover, such as the cover  142  illustrated in  FIGS. 9-10 , is configured to enclose part or all of the cable connector  88 . In another embodiment, the cover  142  extends axially to cover the connector  68 , the physical interface between the connector  68  and the interface port  52 , and part or all of the interface port  52 . The cover  142  provides an environmental seal to prevent the infiltration of environmental elements, such as rain, snow, ice, salt, dust, debris and air pressure, into the connector  68  and the interface port  52 . Depending upon the embodiment, the cover  142  may have a suitable foldable, stretchable or flexible construction or characteristic. In one embodiment, the cover  142  may have a plurality of different inner diameters. Each diameter corresponds to a different diameter of the cable  88  or connector  68 . As such, the inner surface of cover  142  conforms to, and physically engages, the outer surfaces of the cable  88  and the connector  68  to establish a tight environmental seal. The air-tight seal reduces cavities for the entry or accumulation of air, gas and environmental elements. 
       Materials 
       [0059]    In one embodiment, the cable  88 , connector  68  and interface ports  52 ,  53  and  55  have conductive components, such as the inner conductor  84 , inner conductor engager  80 , outer conductor  106 , clamp assembly  118 , connector body  112 , coupler  128 , ground  60  and the signal carrier  62 . Such components are constructed of a conductive material suitable for electrical conductivity and, in the case of inner conductor  84  and inner conductor engager  80 , data signal transmission. Depending upon the embodiment, such components can be constructed of a suitable metal or metal alloy including copper, but not limited to, copper-clad aluminum (“CCA”), copper-clad steel (“CCS”) or silver-coated copper-clad steel (“SCCCS”). 
         [0060]    The flexible, compliant and deformable components, such as the jacket  104 , environmental seals  122  and  130 , and the cover  142  are, in one embodiment, constructed of a suitable, flexible material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), synthetic rubber, natural rubber or a silicon-based material. In one embodiment, the jacket  104  and cover  142  have a lead-free formulation including black-colored PVC and a sunlight resistant additive or sunlight resistant chemical structure. In one embodiment, the jacket  104  and cover  142  weatherize the cable  88  and connection interfaces by providing additional weather protective and durability enhancement characteristics. These characteristics enable the weatherized cable  88  to withstand degradation factors caused by outdoor exposure to weather. 
       Hybrid Feed-Through Connector 
       [0061]      FIGS. 11 through 15  depict exploded and sectional views of the various components which combine to connect a coaxial cable to an interface port. In this embodiment, a superflex coaxial cable  188  is prepared for coupling to a connector  200  which, in turn, connects to an interface port  300 . The superflex coaxial cable  188  includes an inner conductor  190 , an outer conductor  194 , and insulating dielectric core  192  disposed therebetween. Furthermore, the outer conductor  194  is covered by a compliant or elastomer outer jacket  196 . 
         [0062]    Similar to the manner previously described, the coaxial cable  188  is stripped in a stepped fashion at predefined locations along the elongate axis  198  of the cable  188 . The inner conductor  190  projects beyond a first step S 1  formed by the outer conductor  194  and the insulating dielectric core  192 . Additionally, a second step S 2  is produced by the outer jacket  196  which is stripped back from the outer conductor  194 . 
         [0063]    While a superflex cable  188  is depicted, it should be appreciated that the invention is applicable to any conductive outer connector. In the described embodiment, the superflex cable  188  defines a corrugated, or spiral-shaped, outer conductor which facilitates deformation in an axial direction, i.e., in response to an axial force imposed along the elongate axis  198  of the coaxial cable  188 . Specifically, the corrugations or spiral-shape outer conductor  194  facilitate accordion deformation thereof in response to the imposed axial force. 
         [0064]    In  FIGS. 11 and 14 , the connector  200  couples the prepared superflex coaxial cable  188  to the interface port  300 , and comprises: a conductive port body  304 , an inner conductor engager  308  and a centering member  306  insulating the inner conductor engager  308  from the conductive port body  304 . In the described embodiment, the centering member  306  has a Z-shaped cross-sectional shape to allow for a degree of transverse displacement, i.e., in a direction transverse to the elongate axis  198  of the coaxial cable  188 . Furthermore, the port body  304  defines a first connector end  310  and a second grounding end  312 . The first end  310  includes: (i) an annular ring  316  projecting rearwardly toward the coaxial cable  188 , (ii) an annular compression surface  320  at the terminal end of the annular ring  316 , and (iii) a central bore  322  extending from the first to the second ends  310 ,  312 . The annular ring  316  projects axially forward toward the coaxial cable  188  while the annular compression surface  320  is shaped in the form of a conical frustum or, alternatively, a convex shape. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the shape of the annular surface  320  impacts the way the outer conductor  194  conforms to, or complements, the annular surface  320  and the efficacy of the electrical connection therebetween. Finally, the central bore  322  receives the insulating dielectric core  192  and the inner conductor  190  of the coaxial cable  188 . 
         [0065]    The second end  312  of the port body  304  defines an outwardly projecting flange  324  and a mounting cavity  326 . The outwardly projecting flange  324  facilitates mounting to an RF device or to a conductive panel  328 . In the described embodiment, electrical continuity between the port  300  and electrical ground  330  is established by an electrical lead  332  soldered to the flange  324 . Alternatively, the conductive panel  328  may be connected to electrical ground such that the contact interface between the flange  324  and the conductive panel  328  provides an electrical path to ground. The port mounting cavity  326  supports the inner conductor engager  308  by supporting and centering the Z-shaped centering member  306 . Specifically, the Z-shaped centering member  306  seats within a cylindrical bore of the cavity  326  which, in turn defines an aperture  336  disposed within the inner conductor engager  308  for mounting the inner conductor  190  of the coaxial cable  188 . In the described embodiment, electrical continuity between the inner conductor engager  308  and the RF device (not shown) is established by an electrical lead  340  soldered to the inner conductor engager  308 . 
         [0066]    Finally, the port body  304  comprises an exterior mounting surface  340  disposed between the first and second ends  310 ,  312  which facilitates mounting to the connector  200 . The mounting surface  340  may be threaded to threadably engage the connector  200  and axially draw the coaxial cable  188  toward the port body  304  in response to rotation of the connector  200 . Alternatively, the mounting surface  340  may include any interlocking surfaces, e.g., spring tabs or cam surfaces, operative to effect axial displacement of the coaxial cable  188  in response to rotation of the connector  200  about the elongate axis  198 . 
         [0067]    In  FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 , the connector  200  is operative to mechanically and electrically couple the coaxial cable  188  to the interface port  300 . Specifically, the connector  200  includes a sleeve  204 , a coupler  208  and a retention member  212  operative to axially retain the coupler  208  to the sleeve  204 . The sleeve  204  and coupler  208  are rotationally mounted along a mating interface defined by radially projecting inwardly and outwardly projecting shoulders  214 ,  218  associated with the sleeve  204  and coupler  208 , respectively. In the described embodiment, the radial inwardly and outwardly projecting shoulders  214 ,  218  are formed by opposing inwardly and outwardly projecting flanges  224 ,  228  of the sleeve  204  and the coupler  208 , respectively. 
         [0068]    The sleeve  204  includes an aft end  230 , a forward end  232 , and a bore  238  extending between the aft and forward ends  230 ,  232 . The bore  238  receives the prepared end PE of the coaxial cable  188  and is configured to engage an exterior surface  195  of the outer conductor  194  of a coaxial cable  188  such that a terminal end  194 E of the outer conductor  194  extends beyond the abutment shoulder  236  by a threshold dimension D. More specifically, the sleeve  204  abuts the second step S 2  defined by the stripped end of the outer jacket  196  and includes an inner surface  240 , i.e., along the surface of the bore  238 , having a contour which complements the corrugated spiral outer surface  195  of the outer conductor  194 . As such, the complementary inner surface  240  couples the sleeve  204  to the outer conductor  194  such that rotational displacement of the sleeve  204  effects axial displacement of the outer conductor  194 . That is, since the surface  195  of the outer conductor  194  has a spiral configuration, the surface  195  functions similarly to threads on a shaft wherein as the spiral inner surface  240  of the sleeve  204  engages the spiral surface  195  of the outer conductor  194 , the rotational displacement of the inner surface  240  either effects: (i) axial displacement of the cable  188  or (ii) axial displacement of the sleeve  204  until the sleeve  204  abuts the second step S 2  of the outer jacket  196 . 
         [0069]    The coupler  208  defines an aft end  244 , a forward end  248  defining a coupler cavity  250 , and a bore  254  extending between the aft end  244  and the coupler cavity  250 . As described above, the aft end  244  of the coupler  208  is configured to rotationally and axially engage the forward end  232  of the sleeve  204  such that rotation of the coupler  208  effects relative axial displacement of the sleeve  204  and the coupler  208 . While the described features include opposing flanges  224 ,  228  to facilitate rotation while enabling axial displacement, it will be appreciated that other structural configurations may be equally effective to perform this function. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. 
         [0070]    In the described embodiment, a C-shaped retention ring  212  is disposed in an annular groove  216  to retain the coupler  208  relative to the sleeve  204  during normal use and handling. That is, the retention ring  212  allows the coupler  208  to be positioned in a first location or axial position relative to the port body  304 , i.e., by backing the coupler  208  against the retention ring  212 , and drawing the coaxial cable  188  toward the port body  304  to a second position, i.e., by threadably engaging the threads  340  of the port body  304 . 
         [0071]    In  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the coupler cavity  250  is configured to engage the interface port body  304  such that relative axial displacement of the sleeve  204  and the coupler  208  causes the annular surface  320  of the interface port body  304  to compressively engage the terminal end  194 E of the outer conductor  194 . More specifically, the coupler cavity  250  may include a plurality of female threads  258  for threadably engaging the exterior male threads  340  of the port body  304 . As the coupler  208  rotates about the elongate axis  198 , the opposing flanges  224 ,  228  draw the sleeve  204  toward the interface port body  304 . Inasmuch as the complementary interior corrugated surface  240  of the sleeve  204  mechanically and frictionally engages the outer conductor surface  195  of the outer conductor  194 , the coaxial cable  188  is also drawn toward the interface port body  304 . 
         [0072]    Referring to  FIGS. 15 and 16 , as the prepared end PE of the coaxial cable  188  is drawn toward the conductive port body  304 , the annular ring  316  thereof is received within the annular cavity  262  formed between the bore  238  of the sleeve  204  and the dielectric core of the coaxial cable  188 . As the threaded interface continues to draw the annular ring  316  into the annular cavity  262 , the annular surface  320  of the annular ring  316  compressively engages the outer conductor  194  to axially deform the corrugations of the outer conductor  194 . The relative displacement of the interface port body  304  and the coupler  208  cause the annular surface  320  to engage, and axially deform, the outer conductor  194 . As a result, an electrical ground is effected from the outer conductor  194  to the port body  304  while, at the same time, securing a reliable connection between an RF signal-carrying inner conductor  190  and the inner conductor engager  308  of the interface port  300 . In the described embodiment, the connector of annular surface  320  of the interface port body  304  defines a radial thickness dimension from a radially inboard edge of the annular surface to a radially outboard edge thereof. To ensure a reliable electrical ground, the outer conductor  194  defines a corrugation thickness, i.e., from a peak to a valley/trough, the radial thickness dimension is substantially equal to the corrugation thickness. 
         [0073]    Once imposed, the compressive force develops a biasing feature which is maintained even after rotation of the coupler  208  is discontinued. That is, the accordion configuration of the outer conductor  194  continues to impose an axial bias such that should the coupler  208  loosen, the axial bias maintains electrical contact, and a positive electrical ground between the outer conductor  194  and the interface port body  304 . Consequently, the configuration defined herein has similar characteristics to connectors boasting constant biasing features wherein connectors maintain electrical continuity even when the connector has loosened. 
         [0074]    In another embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 17 and 18 , the connector  400  includes a sleeve  404  disposed in combination with the prepared end PE of the coaxial cable  188  and a coupler  408  disposed in combination with a hybrid interface port  500 . The prepared end PE of the coaxial cable  188  includes an inner conductor  190 , an outer conductor  194 , and insulating dielectric core  192  disposed therebetween. Furthermore, the outer conductor  194  is covered by a compliant or elastomer outer jacket  196 . As described supra, the coaxial cable  188  is stripped in a stepped fashion at predefined locations along the elongate axis  198  of the cable  188  and the inner conductor  190  projects beyond a first step S 1  formed by the outer conductor  194  and the insulating dielectric core  192 . Additionally, a second step S 2  is produced by the outer jacket  196  which is stripped back from the outer conductor  194 . 
         [0075]    The connector  400  couples the prepared coaxial cable  188  to the hybrid interface port  500  and comprises: a conductive port body  504 , an inner conductor engager  508  and a Z-shaped centering member  506  insulating the inner conductor engager  508  from the conductive port body  504 . In the described embodiment, the port body  504  defines a first connector end  510  and a second grounding end  512 . The first connector end  510  includes: (i) an outer annular ring  514  , (ii) and inner annular ring  516 , (iii) an annular compression surface  520  at the terminal end of the annular ring  516 , and (iii) a central bore  522  extending from the first to the second connector ends  510 ,  512 . The outer and inner annular rings  514 ,  516  project axially forward toward the coaxial cable  188  while the annular compression surface  520  is shaped in the form of a conical frustum or, alternatively, defines an arcuate, or concave shape. As will be discussed in greater detail hereinafter, the shape of the annular surface  520  impacts the way the outer conductor  194  conforms to, or compliments, the annular compression surface  520  and the efficacy of the electrical connection made therebetween. Finally, the central bore  522  receives the insulating dielectric core  192  and the inner conductor  190  of the coaxial cable  188 . 
         [0076]    The second end  512  of the port body  504  defines an outwardly projecting flange  524  and an internal mounting cavity  526 . The outwardly projecting flange  524  facilitates mounting to an RF device or to a conductive panel  528 . In the described embodiment, electrical continuity between the port  500  and electrical ground  530  is established by an electrical lead  532  soldered to the flange  524 . Alternatively, the conductive panel  528  may be connected to electrical ground  530  such that the contact interface between the flange  524  and the conductive panel  528  provides an electrical path to ground. The port mounting cavity  526  supports the inner conductor engager  508  by supporting and centering the Z-shaped centering member  506 . Specifically, the Z-shaped centering member  506  seats within a cylindrical bore of the cavity  526  which, in turn defines an aperture  536  disposed within the inner conductor engager  508  for mounting the inner conductor  190  of the coaxial cable  188 . In the described embodiment, electrical continuity between the inner conductor engager  508  and the RF device (not shown) is established by an electrical lead  540  soldered to the inner conductor engager  508 . 
         [0077]    Finally, the port body  504  comprises an exterior mounting surface  540  disposed between the first and connectors second ends  510 ,  512  which slidably mounts to an aft or inboard end  410  of the coupler  408 . In this embodiment, the coupler  408  rotationally and telescopically mounts along the exterior mounting surface  540  and is retained by a conventional C-shaped retention ring  542  which is disposed within an annular groove  544 . 
         [0078]    In  FIGS. 17-20 , the connector  400  is operative to mechanically and electrically couple the coaxial cable  188  to the hybrid interface port  500 . As described in a preceding paragraphs and similar to the embodiment depicted in  FIGS. 12-16 , the connector  400  includes the sleeve  404 , the coupler  408  and the retention member  542 . In this embodiment, however, the retention member  542  is operative to axially retain the coupler  408  relative to the port body  504  rather than the sleeve  404 . Accordingly, in one embodiment, the coupler  208  (shown in  FIG. 14 ) is rotationally and slideably mounted to the sleeve  204  while, in another embodiment (shown in  FIG. 18 ,) the coupler  408  is rotationally and slideably mounted to the port body  504 . 
         [0079]    The sleeve  404  includes an aft end  430 , a forward end  432  defining an abutment shoulder  436 , and a bore  438  extending between the aft and forward ends  430 ,  432 . The bore  438  receives the prepared end PE of the coaxial cable  188  and is configured to engage an exterior surface  195  of the outer conductor  194  of a coaxial cable  188 . Specifically, the exterior surface  195  of the outer conductor  194  extends beyond the abutment shoulder  436  such that a terminal end  194 E of the outer conductor  194  extends beyond the abutment shoulder  236  by a threshold dimension D ( FIG. 18 ). 
         [0080]    More specifically, the sleeve  404  abuts the second step S 2  defined by the stripped end of the outer jacket  196  and includes an inner surface  442 , i.e., along the surface of the bore  438 , having a contour which engages the corrugated spiral outer surface  195  of the outer conductor  194 . As such, the inner surface  442  couples the sleeve  404  to the outer conductor  194  such that axial displacement of the sleeve  404  effects axial displacement of the outer conductor  194 . 
         [0081]    In the described embodiment, the sleeve and coupler  404 ,  408  define a coupler interface  440  ( FIGS. 19 and 20 ) operative to axially draw the coaxial cable  188  toward the port body  504  in response to rotation of the coupler  408  about the elongate axis  198 . The sleeve  404  may include a plurality of male threads  440  operative to engage the plurality of female threads  552  formed within the cavity  522  of the coupler  408 . Alternatively, the coupler interface  440  may include any interlocking surfaces, e.g., spring tabs and cam surfaces, operative to effect axial displacement of the coaxial cable  188  in response to rotation of the coupler  408  about the elongate axis  198 . 
         [0082]    The coupler  408  defines an aft or inboard end  410 , a forward or outboard end  448  defining an coupler cavity  450 , and a bore  454  ( FIG. 20 ) extending between the aft end  410  and the coupler cavity  450 . As described above, the aft end  410  of the coupler  408  is configured to rotationally and axially engage the forward end of the port body  504 . Specifically, rotation of the coupler  408  effects axial displacement of the sleeve  404  relative to the port body  504  while an inwardly projecting flange  560  engages the retention ring  542  to capture the coupler  408  on the port body  504 . While a variety of configurations may be employed to facilitate rotation while retaining the axial position of the rotating element, it will be appreciated that other structural configurations may be equally effective at performing these functions. Accordingly, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments illustrated herein. 
         [0083]    In  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the coupler  408  is configured to engage the interface port body  504  to effect axial displacement of the sleeve  404  relative to the interface port body  504 . Operationally, the sleeve  404  receives the prepared end PE of the coaxial cable  188  through the bore  438  of the sleeve  404 . The coaxial cable  188  extends through the bore  438  such that an end portion of the outer conductor  194  extends past the abutment shoulder  436  by a threshold dimension D. The inner or bore surface  438  engages the corrugations of the outer conductor  194  such that as the coupler interface  550  is drawn toward the sleeve  404 , the annular surface  520  of the port body  504  compressively deforms the terminal end  194 E of the outer conductor  194 . That is, the inner annular ring  516  axially engages the terminal end  194 E to produce a grounding path for electrical current. Once imposed, the compressive force develops a biasing force which is maintained even after rotation of the coupler  508  is discontinued. That is, the accordion configuration of the outer conductor  194  imposes an axial bias which continues such that should the coupler  508  loosen, the axial bias continues to maintain electrical contact, and a positive electrical ground between the outer conductor  194  and the interface port body  504 . 
         [0084]    Additional embodiments include any one of the embodiments described above, where one or more of its components, functionalities or structures is interchanged with, replaced by or augmented by one or more of the components, functionalities or structures of a different embodiment described above. 
         [0085]    It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims. 
         [0086]    Although several embodiments of the disclosure have been disclosed in the foregoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the art that many modifications and other embodiments of the disclosure will come to mind to which the disclosure pertains, having the benefit of the teaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings. It is thus understood that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein above, and that many modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as well as in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the present disclosure, nor the claims which follow.