Drop cable assembly

Drop cable assemblies suitable for an optical fiber distribution system are disclosed. For some embodiments, the drop cable assembly splits an input optical fiber to a plurality of optical fibers and provides optical connection to designated premises. For other embodiments, the drop cable assembly receives multi-fiber optical connection and provides the optical connections to designated premises.

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present disclosure relates generally to cable distribution and, more particularly, to fiber-optic cable distribution system.

Description of Related Art

Optical fiber-based systems are playing a larger role in data communications as customer demand for data capacity increases. For example, fiber-to-the-premises (FTTX) systems permit direct optical connections to the home or other premises, thereby providing greater access to data at the premises. Consequently, there are ongoing efforts to improve FTTX systems as customer demands for data continue to increase.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure provides drop cable assemblies for optical fiber distribution systems that offer fiber-optic connections to customer premises. For some embodiments, the drop cable assembly splits an input optical fiber to a plurality of optical fibers and provides optical connection to designated premises. For other embodiments, the drop cable assembly receives multi-fiber optical connection and provides the optical connections to designated premises. Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Fiber-optic networks are playing a larger role in data communications as customer demand for data capacity increases. Lately, there have been increasing demands for fiber-to-the-premises (FTTX) systems, which permit direct optical connections to the home or other premises.

FIG. 1illustrates a typical FTTX optical fiber distribution system of an optical fiber network. Such network generally utilizes electronics and lasers located in the Central Office (CO)100to provide service to multiple customers over one or more optical fibers. A feeder cable101extending from the CO100has at least one optical fiber. The feeder cable101leaving the CO100is routed to a splitter cabinet102at a geographically convenient location. Typically, the location is near the customer service area. However, because the splitter cabinet102is bulky and takes large space, such geographically convenient locations are very limited, and therefore, the splitter cabinet102is usually placed near the entrance of a subdivision or in the basement of a commercial building or multi-dwelling units. Because placement choices of the splitter cabinet102are limited, an accurate measurement of the distance between the splitter cabinet102and the CO100is often required.

The optical signal reaching the splitter cabinet102is often subsequently routed through an optical splitter (not shown) within the splitter cabinet102. The optical splitter splits input signal carried by one fiber into “n” output signals carried by “n” fibers. Splitters are typically referred to as 1×n where “n” represents the number of output optical fibers or “ports” that come out from the optical splitter. Each output port of the splitter may be terminated with a connector and can provide full service to a subscriber (i.e. a customer or a potential customer who has signed up for service from a provider). A typical splitter cabinet is capable of serving anything from 144 to 576 premises. However, such splitter cabinets are expensive and require a large space to accommodate and to manage connection points for the premises they serve. Also, because each input optical fiber of a splitter is typically spliced, a high skilled technician is required to make necessary splicing at the splitter cabinet. Such demand results in significant labor during the deployment of a fiber-optic network.

Various embodiments address these and other shortcomings associated with a conventional optical fiber distribution system by providing plug-and-play optical fiber distribution systems having a cable combiner and a splitter housing. Because all optical fibers are connectorized for plug-and-play and because the functionality of a traditional splitter cabinet is replaced by much smaller and cheaper units of cable combiner and splitter housing, a faster, more flexible and more affordable FTTX deployment is possible. In other words, unlike traditional FTTX deployment processes that require labor intense and costly splitter cabinets, the disclosed embodiments provide a plug-and-play FTTX deployment system that requires no splitter cabinet. Having provided a general description of the disclosure, a detailed description of the innovation is discussed in the narrative of the invention embodiments as illustrated in the drawings that follow. While several embodiments are described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent to limit the disclosure to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents.

FIG. 2is a diagram showing one embodiment of an invented optical fiber distribution system200. The optical fiber distribution system200comprises a CO100, a feeder cable205extending from the CO100, a cable combiner201that terminates the feeder cable205, two extension cables206optically connected to the cable combiner201, two splitter housings600that terminate the extension cable206and splits each input optical fiber into a plurality of output optical fibers, distribution cables203optically connected to at least one of the output optical fibers, and a plurality of terminals204optically connected to the distribution cable203through tether cables207. The terminals204are configured to act as customer optical fiber connection access points once a customer subscribes to an optical fiber network provider.

To provide an internet connection to customer's premises, the terminal204is connected to a drop cable through a connector assembly (not shown). The connector assembly can include many different types of connectors, such as, for example, multi-fiber MPO types connectors, SC and LC single-fiber connectors, in line adapters of different types and other known fiber-optic connectors (e.g., conventional connectors used in drop cable assemblies). If the connector assembly is exposed to an outside environment, the connector assembly should be outside plant (OSP) rated. In this specification, optical components (e.g. closures, connector ports, cables etc. . . . ) are said to be “outside plant (OSP) rated” when they protect inner components from an outside environment (e.g. moisture, ultraviolet (UV) radiation, pests and vermin, etc.).

Furthermore, the optical fiber distribution system200is a plug-and-play system. It means that the optical fiber distribution system200is deployed without any splicing in the field. It also means that the cable combiner201and the splitter housings600are factory manufactured. Therefore, there is no need for a high skilled technician to splice fibers in the field, which is typically required for a conventional FTTX deployment using splitter cabinets. Eliminating the need for hiring high skilled technicians to perform a field work results in a significant labor cost saving of the FTTX network deployment. Another advantage of the optical fiber distribution system200is a set of cable combiner201and splitter housing600that replace the functionality of a traditional splitter cabinet. Because both cable combiner201and splitter housing600are OSP rated and substantially smaller than a traditional splitter cabinet, the cable combiner201and the splitter housing600can be placed effectively anywhere independent of each other, instead of a fixed predetermined location. Furthermore, both cable combiner201and splitter housing600are small, light and durable enough to be used for both aerial and buried deployments. Such features of the cable combiner201and splitter housing600provide flexibility in a FTTX deployment.

With this FTTX environment in mind, attention is turned toFIG. 3, which shows one embodiment of a cable combiner201. The combiner cable assembly201comprises a closure301having a cable port302and a plurality of connector ports303. The cable port302receives the feeder cable205extending from a central office and takes the feeder cable205inside of the closure301. The number of optical fibers in the feeder cable205may vary depending on a scale of an FTTX deployment. For example, feeder cables having 144 optical fibers are typical used to serve a few thousands premises.

The cable combiner201is OSP rated such that the optical fibers inside the feeder cable205are protected from an outside environment when the fibers are divided into sub-units and terminated by the connector ports303within the closure301. Quantity of optical fibers inside the feeder cable205, quantity of sub-units, and quantity of optical fibers per sub-unit may vary depend on the scale of an FTTX deployment and other factors. For example, 144 fibers in a feeder cable can be divided into 18 sub-units of 8 fibers each. If sub-units contain plurality of optical fibers, then the connector ports303are configured to receive a multi-fiber connection. Furthermore, if the connector ports303are on the exterior surface of the closure301as shown inFIG. 3, then the connector ports303should be OSP rated. However, the connector ports303may be placed inside of the closure301and the connector ports303may not be OSP rated. Finally, the feeder cable205is preferably integrated with the cable combiner201and pre-fabricated in a factory. For example, the feeder cable205may be spliced directly to the connector ports303. Alternatively, the sub-units of the feeder cable205may be pre-connectorized in a factory, and assembled with the cable combiner201in the factory or in the field.

The cable combiner201also acts as an aggregation point of a plurality of extension cables. Referring back toFIG. 2, extension cables206are optically connected to corresponding sub-unites of the feeder cable205at one of the connector ports of the cable combiner201. The extension cable206is connectorized and terminated at the connector port of the cable combiner201. Preferably, the connectorized ends of the extending cables206and the cables themselves are OSP rated.

Next,FIG. 4shows one embodiment of a splitter module202without a cover. A plurality of the splitter modules202are incorporated into the splitter housing600shown inFIG. 2. The splitter module202is OSP rated such that the optical fibers and other components inside the closure401are protected. The splitter module202splits one input optical fiber into a plurality of output optical fibers to serve multiple premises using a single optical fiber. The splitter module202comprises a closure401having a connection port402, a splitter404and a plurality of connector ports405.

The connection port402receives an optical fiber connection409extending from an extension cable206shown inFIG. 2. Preferably, the connection port402is a connector port that configured to receive a connectorized end of the optical fiber connection409.

Inside the closure401, the splitter404is optically connected to an input optical fiber406extending from the optical fiber connection409and splits the input optical fiber406into a plurality of output optical fibers407. Preferably, the input optical fiber406is connectorized and optically connected to the optical fiber connection409at the connector port402. The splitter404is any suitable optical device that allows a single optical fiber network interface to be shared among many subscribers. Such optical device converts each input optical fiber into “n” number of output optical fibers. Preferably, the splitter404splits one input optical fiber into 32 output optical fibers. Furthermore, the splitter404preferably is a planer light circuit (PLC). Number of ways the signal is split and the method of split may vary depend on a scale of a FTTX deployment and other factors.

The plurality of output optical fibers407are terminated by the connector ports405, and the output optical fibers407are optically connected to the connectorized ends408of the distribution cables in the field. Preferably the output optical fibers407are connectorized and configured to be mated with the connectorized end408of the distribution cable. If output optical fibers are grouped into sub-units before termination (like ribbonized fiber or other groupings), then the connector ports405are configured to receive a multi-fiber connection. Furthermore, if the connector ports405are on the exterior surface of the closure401as shown inFIG. 4, then the connector ports405should be OSP rated. However, the connector ports405may be placed inside of the closure401and the connector ports405may not be OSP rated.

Finally, the splitter module202is pre-fabricated in a factory. For example, the optical components of the splitter module404are spliced and assembled in a factory. Alternatively, the optical components of the splitter module404may be pre-connectorized in a factory, and assembled in the factory or in the field.

Furthermore, the splitter module can take different shapes.FIG. 5a-care the diagrams showing another embodiments of a splitter module.FIG. 5ashows a partial cut-out view of a rectangular-shaped splitter module510. A connection port512is located at on the first surface of the closure511, the splitter513is located inside the closure511and the connector ports514are located on the second surface of the closure711opposite to the first surface.

FIG. 5bshows a round-shaped splitter housing520. A connection port522is located on the first surface of the closure521, a splitter523is located inside the closure521and the connector ports524are located on the opposite wall of the closure521. Furthermore, the round-shaped splitter housing520has an alignment device525on the exterior surface of the closure521, which can be used to align it inside a larger system with other splitter modules or another device with a similar alignment device.

FIG. 5cshows a splitter module with integrated latch system530. A connection port532is allocated on the first surface of a closure531, a splitter533is located inside the closure531and the connector ports534are located on the second and opposed surface of the closure531. Furthermore, the splitter module530has an alignment device535on the exterior surface of the closure531, which can be used to align it in a larger system with other splitter modules or another device with a similar alignment device. An integrated latch system536of the splitter module530allows quick incorporation and removal of the splitter module from a splitter housing. The embodiments shown inFIG. 5a-care mere example of different embodiments of splitter modules; other shapes of splitter modules are also within the scope of the present invention. Preferably, any of the embodiments shown inFIG. 5a-care OSP rated.

To use the splitter modules in an optical fiber distribution system, a plurality of splitter modules are grouped together and incorporated into a larger splitter housing.FIG. 6shows one embodiment of such splitter housing600. In particular,FIG. 6shows one embodiment of a splitter housing600that stacks a plurality of splitter modules202side by side. As shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 6, the splitter housing600comprise a container601, a cable port602that receives an extension cable206extending from one of the connector ports of the cable combiner, and openings603. Preferably, the splitter housing600is OSP rated, at least when the splitter modules202are installed.

InFIG. 6, the cable port602is a connector port that is configured to receive a multi-fiber connector. Preferably, the connector port is configured to receive a multiple of optical fiber connections conforming to the number of splitter modules202inside the container601. For example, the splitter housing600is designed to hold eight splitter modules202. Therefore, the connector port at the cable port602should be designed to receive eight optical fiber connections to serve the eight splitter modules202inside the container601. Inside the closure601, a plurality of optical fiber connections (shown as409inFIG. 4) are extended from the cable port602. Although not shown inFIG. 6, one can appreciate that the extension cable206may be terminated by a plurality of single fiber connectors configured to be connected to the connection port of the splitter modules202inside the container601through the cable port602of the splitter housing600. In this configuration, a connector port at the extending cable port602can be eliminated and replaced by a simple pass through opening.

The container601has a sufficient space inside to accommodate desired number of splitter modules202and to accommodate and manage optical fibers necessary to optically connect the optical fibers inside the extension cable206to corresponding splitter modules202. Furthermore, the openings603provide sufficient space to expose the connector ports405of the splitter modules202. Although not shown inFIG. 6, one can appreciate that the openings603may be much smaller than what was shown inFIG. 6. The size of the opening is adequate if a sufficient portion of connector ports405are exposed to the exterior of the splitter housing600to make a connection with corresponding connectors408. The connector ports405are configured to be connected to a mating connector408of a distribution cable.

Because the splitter housing600splits input optical fibers to many output optical fibers, the splitter housing600can act as a pivot point to design a well-organized FTTX deployment scheme. Referring back toFIG. 2, distribution cables203are optically connected to corresponding sub-unites of the output optical fibers at one of the connector ports of the splitter module202. The distribution cable203is connectorized and terminated at the connector port of the splitter module202. Preferably, the connectorized ends408of the distribution cables203and the cables themselves are OSP rated. The splitter housing600is a small, modular and functionally stand-alone sub-unit of a conventional splitter cabinet; therefore, the proposed FTTX deployment is much more flexible than the conventional deployment using a bulky splitter cabinet. Such flexibility in deployment may allow off-the-shelf optical fiber cables to be used as feeder cables and extension cables.

Furthermore, the shape and size of the splitter housing can be different depending on the shape of the splitter module and number of splitter modules to be incorporated into the splitter housing. For example,FIGS. 7a-bshow another embodiment of a splitter housing700that accommodates a plurality of rectangular-shaped splitter modules like the ones shown inFIGS. 5aand 5c.FIG. 7ashows a perspective view of the splitter housing700, which accommodates a plurality of splitter modules510or530(shown inFIG. 7aas510/530). Preferably, the structure700has a mechanism701that accepts an optional alignment device of the splitter modules510or530. Furthermore, the splitter housing700may have a latching mechanism (not shown) compatible with the optional latching mechanism of the splitter modules510or530.FIG. 7bshows a plain view of one surface of the splitter housing700. The surface represents the backplane of the splitter housing700and the connection port side of the splitter modules510or530.

Next,FIGS. 8a-bshow a yet another embodiment of a splitter housing800that accommodates a plurality of round-shaped splitter housings like the ones shown inFIG. 5b.FIG. 8a-bshow a splitter housing800that accommodates such splitter modules520.FIG. 8ashows a top view of the splitter housing800, which accommodates a plurality of round-shaped splitter modules520. The connection port side801of the splitter modules520is placed inside of the splitter housing800.FIG. 8bshows a plan view of one side of the splitter housing800that exposes connection ports of splitter modules520. Preferably, the splitter housing800has a mechanism (not shown) allowing its alignment inside of the splitter modules520. Furthermore, the splitter housing700may have a latching mechanism (not shown) to correspond with an optional latching mechanism of the splitter modules520.

Referring back toFIG. 2, the distribution cables203are optically connected to connector ports of the splitter module202in order to provide a mid-span access to the fibers inside the distribution cable203through tether cables207. The end of a tether cable207may be connectorized to mate with a corresponding connector port or ports of the terminal204. Alternatively, the distribution cable203is prefabricated and integrated with appropriate number of terminals204in a factory. The terminals204serve as a customer optical fiber connection access points. Once a customer subscribes to an optical fiber network provider, a drop cable from the customer's premise will be optically connected with an appropriate port of the terminal204.

Similarly, a cable TV distribution system may utilize a similar structure to transmit cable TV signals to subscribed customers.FIG. 9shows a typical cable TV distribution system900for transmitting cable TV signals. As shown inFIG. 9, the cable TV distribution system900comprises a headend901, a feeder cable902, a node903and a copper-based distribution cable904. Usually, a network between the headend901and the node903is fiber-optic-based network and the feeder cable902typically contains 4 to 12 optical fibers inside the cable.

The node903converts the downstream optically modulated signal coming from the headend901to an electrical signal and the signal travels to the subscribed customers through the copper-based distribution cable904. Typically, downstream signal is an RF modulated signal that begins at 50 MHz and ranges from 550-1000 MHz on the upper end. The node903also can send communication from the subscribed customers back to the headend901. Typically, the reverse signal is a modulated RF ranging from 5-65 MHz.

However, because of the increasing demand for a high bandwidth for TV signals especially for high definition (HD) programs, the existing copper based network is becoming the bottleneck of existing cable TV distribution system. The existing copper based network may not be able to allocate sufficient amount of bandwidth for each subscribed customers per node. Also, adding a new node requires a power source to the node, which adds cost and complexity to the new construction of nodes, and for some locations, adding a new node may not be technically possible.

Instead of having a mixed fiber-optic/copper-based distribution system, cable TV distribution systems can utilize all fiber plug-and-play structures disclosed above.FIG. 10shows one embodiment of an invented cable TV distribution system1000, which is substantially free from copper cables. As shown inFIG. 10, the cable TV distribution system1000, for transmitting cable TV signals to subscribed customers, comprises a headend1001for providing cable TV signals, a feeder cable1002extending from the headend1001, the feeder cable1002has at least one optical fiber, an OSP rated splitter housing1003optically connected to the feeder cable1002, and an optical fiber-based distribution cables1004optically connected to the splitter housing1003.

The splitter housing1003has a plurality of splitter modules. Each splitter module has a closure having a connection port, a splitter, and a plurality of connector ports. The feeder cable1002is received by a cable port of the splitter module. The optical fibers inside the feeder cable1002are optically connected to corresponding splitter modules through optical fiber connections between the cable port of the splitter housing1003and the connection port of the splitter module. Inside the splitter module, the splitter splits an input optical fiber extending from the connection port into a plurality of output optical fibers. Then, the connector ports terminate the output optical fibers.

The optical fiber-based distribution cables1004are optically connected to at least one of the output optical fibers at one of the connector ports of the splitter module. Furthermore, a plurality of terminals1005are optically connected to the distribution cable1004. The terminals1005are configured to act as a customer cable TV connection access point once a customer subscribes to a cable TV provider. Preferably, the splitter modules are factory manufactured and the cable TV distribution system1000is deployed without any splicing in the field.

The cable TV distribution system1000is substantially free from copper-based cables all the way from the headend1001to the customer cable TV connection access points. Because the cable TV distribution system1000is copper cable free, there is no node that convers optical signals to electric signals, which means that the cable TV distribution system1000can be deployed without any power source between the headend1001and the terminals1005. Also, because the splitter housing1003can be designed to fit in a space for a node used in a traditional copper-based cable TV distribution system, the cable TV distribution system1000can be deployed using the existing cable TV distribution system by replacing the nodes and copper-based distribution cables. Furthermore, the deployment of the cable TV distribution system1000is much quicker than conventional copper-based distribution because the cable TV distribution system1000is plug-and-play and there is no need to fusion-splice any portion of the optical fibers throughout the network.

The optical fiber distribution systems disclosed above and/or existing FTTX systems may employ a drop cable assembly1100shown inFIG. 11as a part of the fiber-optic network. For example, as shown inFIG. 12, the drop cable assembly1100may be optically connected to a tether cable1201. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 13, the drop cable assembly1100may be optically connected to a distribution cable or other optical fiber cable1301that extends directly from a splitter cabinet1302. The drop cable assembly1100has a plurality of furcation legs1103that provide optical connections to designated premises1303. Each designated premise1303has an optical network connection terminal (not shown) to receive the optical connection from the drop cable assembly.

Referring back toFIG. 11, the details of the drop cable assembly1100are explained. The drop cable assembly1100comprises a closure1101, a splitter1102, a plurality of furcation legs1103, and optical connector ports1104. Preferably, the drop cable assembly1100is outside plant (OSP) rated.

The closure1101has a first end1105adapted to be attached to an optical fiber cable and a second end1106. The closure1101contains an input optical fiber (not shown) optically connected to a corresponding optical fiber in the optical fiber cable. Preferably, the first end1105of the closure1101includes a receptacle with a coupling nut1107and a single fiber ferrule1108for receiving a connectorized optical fiber cable, therefore the drop cable assembly can be used as a part of a plug-and-play optical fiber distribution system.

The input optical fiber (not shown) within the closure1101is optically connected to the splitter1102. The splitter1102splits the input optical fiber into a plurality of output fibers1109. Preferably the splitter1102splits the input optical fiber into “n” number of output optical fibers. Preferably, the splitter1102splits one input optical fiber into 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 or 24 output optical fibers. Furthermore, the splitter1102preferably is a planar light circuit (PLC).

The output optical fibers1109are separated and transitioned into at least one furcation leg1103at a furcation at the second end1106of the closure1101. Each furcation leg1103has a first end attached to the furcation, a second end terminated by the optical connection port1104, and a pre-determined length to reach a designated premise. The pre-determined lengths of furcation legs1103are uniquely engineered based on the distance between the closure1101and the designated premise to be served by the specified furcation leg. For example, the pre-determined length of each furcation leg1103is calculated based on a field survey that is conducted before the deployment of an FTTX system. Preferably, the pre-determined length of each furcation leg1103is up to 10% longer than the actual distance between the closure1101of the drop cable assembly1100and the designated premise.

The furcation leg1103that contains the output optical fiber1109is terminated by the optical connection port1104at the second end of the furcation leg1103. The optical connection port1104mates the output optical fiber1109with a corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise and optically connects those two fibers together. An optical network connection terminal located in the designated premise receives the specified optical connection port1104of the drop cable assembly1100to mate with and optically connect to the corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise. In one embodiment, the optical connection port1104at the second end of the furcation leg1103is a receptacle for receiving a connectorized optical fiber cable that contains the corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise. Alternatively, the optical connection port1104at the second end of the furcation leg1103is an optical fiber connector for mating with a receptacle of an optical fiber cable that contains the corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise. In preferred embodiments, each optical connection port1104may include an adapter or connector alignment sleeve for aligning the optical fibers of the opposing connectors.

To expedite the deployment of an FTTX system and to reduce the cost, the drop cable assembly1100may be pre-fabricated for example in a factory. Furthermore, preferably, the furcation legs1103with at least one output optical fiber1109are spliced to the splitter1102for the ease of manufacturing such a drop cable assembly in a factory. If the output optical fibers1109are spliced to the splitter1102, then a splice tray1110within the closure1101accommodates splice points between the splitter1102and the output optical fibers1109.

Another embodiment of a drop cable assembly is a multi-fiber drop cable assembly as shown inFIG. 14. For example, as shown inFIG. 15, the multi-fiber drop cable assembly1400may be optically connected to a tether cable1501. Alternatively, as shown inFIG. 16, the multi-fiber drop cable assembly1400may be optically connected to a distribution cable or other optical fiber cable1601that extends directly from a splitter cabinet1602. The multi-fiber drop cable assembly1400has a plurality of furcation legs1403that provide optical connections to designated premises1603. Each designated premise1603has an optical network connection terminal (not shown) to receive the optical connection from the drop cable assembly.

Referring back toFIG. 14, the details of the multi-fiber drop cable assembly1400are explained. The drop cable assembly1400comprises a closure1401, a plurality of furcation legs1403, and optical connector ports1404. Preferably, the drop cable assembly1400is outside plant (OSP) rated.

The closure1401has a first end1405adapted to be attached to an optical fiber cable and a second end1406. The closure1401contains a plurality of optical fibers (not shown) optically connected to a corresponding plurality of optical fibers in the optical fiber cable. Preferably, the optical fiber cable, where the multi-fiber drop cable assembly1400is adapted to be attached to, is terminated by a multi-fiber connector; and the first end1405of the closure1401comprises a receptacle for receiving the multi-fiber connector. Any suitable multi-fiber connectors and corresponding receptacles may be used. For example, common multi-fiber connectors are MPO connectors and MT connectors. By using a connector to optically connect with the optical fiber cable, the multi-fiber drop cable assembly can be used as a part of a plug-and-play optical fiber distribution system.

The plurality of optical fibers (not shown) are separated and transitioned into at least one furcation leg1403at a furcation at the second end1406of the closure1401. Each furcation leg1403has a first end attached to the furcation, a second end terminated by the optical connection port1404, and a pre-determined length to reach a designated premise. The pre-determined lengths of furcation legs1403are uniquely engineered based on the distance between the closure1401and the designated premise to be served by the specified furcation leg. For example, the pre-determined length of each furcation leg1403is calculated based on a field survey that is conducted before the deployment of an FTTX system. Preferably, the pre-determined length of each furcation leg1403is up to 10% longer than the actual distance between the closure1401of the drop cable assembly1400and the designated premise.

The furcation leg1403that contains the output optical fiber is terminated by the optical connection port1404at the second end of the furcation leg1403. The optical connection port1404mates the optical fiber inside the furcation leg1403with a corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise and optically connects those two fibers together. An optical network connection terminal located in the designated premise receives the specified optical connection port1404of the multi-fiber drop cable assembly1400to mate with and optically connect to the corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise. In one embodiment, the optical connection port1404at the second end of the furcation leg1403is a receptacle for receiving a connectorized optical fiber cable that contains the corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise. Alternatively, the optical connection port1404at the second end of the furcation leg1403is an optical fiber connector for mating with a receptacle of an optical fiber cable that contains the corresponding optical fiber within the designated premise. In preferred embodiments, each optical connection port1404may include an adapter or connector alignment sleeve for aligning the optical fibers of the opposing connectors.

To expedite the deployment of an FTTX system and to reduce the cost, the multi-fiber drop cable assembly1400may be pre-fabricated for example in a factory. Furthermore, preferably, the furcation legs1403with at least one optical fiber are spliced to the multi-fiber receptacle at the first end1405of the closure1401for the ease of manufacturing such a multi-fiber drop cable assembly in a factory. If the optical fibers are spliced to the multi-fiber receptacle, then a splice tray within the closure1401accommodates splice points between the receptacle and the optical fibers.

Although exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, it will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that a number of changes, modifications, or alterations to the disclosure as described may be made. For example, althoughFIGS. 11 to 16, only show a few furcation legs1103or1403, it should be appreciated that (multi-fiber) drop cable assembly1100or1400may have any suitable number of furcation legs1103or1403depending on the application. Also, it should be appreciated that all optical fiber cables disclosed in the application are OSP rated and the cable jacket can be manufactured using polyethylene, polyvinylchloride (PVC), low-smoke zero halogen (LSZH), thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), or other materials. All such changes, modifications, and alterations should therefore be seen as within the scope of the disclosure.