Methods and systems for managing connector arrays

A system is configured to manage connectors configured to engage with corresponding connector ports. The system maintains the relative position of the connectors. For example, the connectors can be plugged into, or unplugged from, a network component, while retaining a desired arrangement. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more connector blocks, one or more cable blocks, one or more crossbars, one or more latching mechanisms, or a combination thereof. The connector blocks engage the connector tab of each connector, allowing the connector to be inserted/removed without a user having to engage/disengage each connector tab by hand. The cable blocks maintain a relative position among connectors and cables. The crossbar rigidly couples the connector blocks together and provides a rigid connection to a mounting reference such as, for example, a standard networking rack. The latching mechanisms secure and release the crossbar from the mounting reference.

BACKGROUND

Network devices typically include multiple wired connections. Some, if not all, of the connections are arranged in one or more arrays. The removal of any one connection can present challenges, in terms of accessibility and selection. For example, RJ45 connectors and ports may be arranged in a tight array, with little room for a user's hands. The removal of multiple connections at the same time gives rise to the possibility of re-plugging one or more connectors into different ports than those from which they were removed. In some circumstances, plugging a connector into an incorrect port can lead to electrical damage, mechanical damage, or both. It would be advantageous to be able to remove multiple wired connections with a convenient action, and without specialized training, while maintaining the spatial arrangement of the connections.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a system for managing a plurality of connectors, each having a corresponding cable and interfacing with a component having a plurality of connector ports. In some embodiments, the system includes a connector block and a crossbar. The connector block includes at least two connector bays and at least two respective spring tabs. The at least two connector bays are arranged in an array matching at least two corresponding connector ports. The at least two respective spring tabs each correspond to a respective connector bay of the at least two connector bays, and are configured to depress a connector tab of a respective connector. The crossbar is configured to interface with a mounting reference and secure the connector block to prevent relative motion between the connector block and the mounting reference.

In some embodiments, the system includes a latching mechanism, and the crossbar is configured to interface with the mounting reference using the latching mechanism.

In some embodiments, the mounting reference is a standard rack such as, for example, a 19-inch rack.

In some embodiments, the component is selected from the group consisting of a network switch, a network router, a network patch panel, and a network server.

In some embodiments, the plurality of connector ports includes a plurality of RJ45 ports.

In some embodiments, the array includes a first row and a second row, and the first row and the second row each include a same number of connector ports as the other.

In some embodiments, each of the connector ports is configured to engage with a respective connector tab, and each connector bay prevents the respective connector port from engaging with the respective connector tab. Accordingly, each connector tab does not need to be released from the connector port individually.

In some embodiments, the latching mechanism includes at least one spring-loaded clamp. The at least one spring-loaded clamp, when latched, is configured to impart a force on the crossbar which is reacted against the connector block. Further, the force is transmitted from the connector block to each respective connector reacted against the component. The at least one spring-loaded clamp, when de-latched, is configured to release the force on the crossbar.

In some embodiments, the connector block includes at least one fastener corresponding to each of the at least two connector bays, which is configured to secure the respective connector of the plurality of connectors.

In some embodiments, the system includes a cable block configured to maintain a relative arrangement of two or more cables of the corresponding cables.

In some embodiments, the connector block is a first connector block, and the system includes a second connector block. In some such embodiments, the second connector block includes at least two second connector bays arranged in a second array matching at least two second corresponding connector ports. The second connector block also includes at least two respective second spring tabs, each corresponding to a respective second connector bay of the at least two connector bays, and which are configured to depress a connector tab of a respective second connector. Further, the crossbar is further configured to secure the second connector block to prevent relative motion between the second connector block and the mounting reference.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a system for managing a first set of connectors, each having a corresponding cable and being configured to interface to a component at a first connector port array, and a second set of connectors, each having a corresponding cable and configured to interface to the component at a second connector port array, wherein the component is mounted to a rack. In some embodiments, the system includes a connector block, a cable block, a crossbar, and a latching mechanism. The connector block is configured to arrange the first set of connectors in the first array and rigidly maintain respective relative positions among the first set of connectors. The cable block is configured to arrange the corresponding cables of the second set of connectors relative to each other in the second array. The crossbar is configured to rigidly couple the connector block and the cable block to each other. The latching mechanism is configured to secure and release the crossbar to and from the rack.

In some embodiments, the latching mechanism, when latched, is configured to prevent relative motion between the connector block and the rack, and prevent relative motion between the cable block and the rack.

In some embodiments, the latching mechanism includes two latches, and each latch is configured to secure and the release the crossbar to and from the rack by a single motion.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to a method for managing a plurality of connectors, each having a corresponding cable and being configured to interface to a component at a connector port array, wherein the component is mounted to a rack. The method includes securing each respective connector of the plurality of connectors to a respective connector bay of a connector block, engaging each respective connector with a respective connector port of the connector port array, securing a crossbar to the rack using at least one latching mechanism, and securing the connector block to the crossbar.

In some embodiments, securing the crossbar to the rack includes using a latching mechanism to secure the crossbar to the rack.

In some embodiments, securing each connector of the plurality of connectors to a respective connector bay of the connector block includes tightening a respective threaded fastener of the respective connector bay against the respective connector.

In some embodiments, securing each connector of the plurality of connectors to a respective connector bay of the connector block includes inserting the respective connector into the respective connector bay.

In some embodiments, the method includes releasing the secured crossbar from the rack. For example, in some embodiments, releasing the secured crossbar from the rack includes releasing the latching mechanism.

In some embodiments, the method includes selecting the connector block based at least in part on the component. For example, in some embodiments, components from different manufacturers include different connector port array geometries, and accordingly each component has a corresponding connector block.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is directed to systems for managing multiple connectors that interface to a network component. In some embodiments, systems, methods, and apparatuses are disclosed herein for enabling efficient removal and replacement of a panel of a device (e.g., a front panel of a switch), or the device itself, without requiring removal of each of the individual cables plugged into this switch. In some embodiments, the present disclosure enables a non-technical person (e.g., a non-IT person) to swap out a failing switch quickly and not plug connectors into the wrong ports. The present disclosure may be applied to a cabling interface of a device such as, for example, a switch (e.g., a 1RU switch), to have its ports contained within an assembly that would permit these ports to be plugged and unplugged from this switch in one motion. The present disclosure does not require, although it may accommodate, use of a proprietary connector. For example, existing cabling and connectors are compatible with the present disclosure. Further, the present disclosure may be applied to network components from any manufacturer such as, for example, Extreme Networks, Cisco, HP, Arista, etc.

In some circumstances, a network system includes several components such as, for example, a rack, a network switch, a network router, a network patch panel, a server, cable management, and other suitable equipment. Some components include one or more arrays of connector ports, configured to interface to corresponding connectors. For example, a network switch may include an array of 2N RJ45 ports, arranged into two rows of N ports. In an illustrative example, a network patch panel may include four arrays, each including sixteen RJ45 ports (i.e., sixty-four ports in total), and arranged in four 2×8 arrays.

In some embodiments, the systems and techniques described herein may be applied to suitable network components in a relatively low-cost implementation. For example, the present disclosure allows easy plug-in and movement of any suitable number of ports at a time. To illustrate, some illustrative systems include up to forty-eight or fifty-two ports, but newer systems with even larger numbers of ports are still within the scope of this disclosure. Further, the present disclosure may be applied to accommodate proprietary cables or unique switches. For example, the present disclosure may be applied to any suitable networking device having RJ45 connectors and fitting a rack of ISO and IEEE standards (e.g., a 19-inch rack).

FIG. 1shows a front view of illustrative network system100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Network system100includes rack102, and network components110-115. Network components110-115are rigidly affixed to rack102. In some embodiments, rack102includes a standard 19-inch rack, having standard rack unit (RU) spacing and mounting holes. Each of network components110-115may be 1U or larger and may accordingly mount to a position of rack102. A plurality of cables having connectors may couple network components110-115to each other and components outside of network system100. Accordingly, each of network components110-115may interface to multiple cables via corresponding connectors.

Network component112includes array122of 2×8 connector ports (i.e., sixteen connector ports in total), array152of 2×1 connector ports, array142of 2×1 connector ports, and power port132(e.g., which may be used to provide power to network component112). For example, as illustrated, array122includes sixteen RJ45 connector ports, while network component112includes twenty RJ45 connector ports in total.

Network component113includes array123of 2×8 connector ports (i.e., sixteen connector ports in total), and power port132(e.g., which may be used to provide power to network component113). For example, as illustrated, array123includes sixteen RJ45 connector ports.

Network component114includes array124of 2×8 connector ports (i.e., sixteen connector ports in total), array134of 2×4 connector ports (i.e., eight connector ports in total), array154of 2×1 connector ports, array144of 2×1 connector ports, and power port134(e.g., which may be used to provide power to network component114). For example, as illustrated, array124includes sixteen RJ45 connector ports, while network component112includes twenty RJ45 connector ports in total, and eight non-RJ45 connector ports. In a further example, array134may include small form factor pluggable (SFP) connector ports, gigabit interface converter (GBIC) connector ports, RJ11 connector ports, BNC connector ports, D-subminiature connector ports, spring terminals, screw terminals, any other suitable connector port or terminal, or any combination thereof.

Network component115includes array125of 2×6 connector ports (i.e., twelve connector ports in total), array145of 2×4 connector ports, and power port135(e.g., which may be used to provide power to network component115). For example, as illustrated, array125includes sixteen RJ45 connector ports, and array145includes eight non-RJ45 connector ports. In a further example, array134may include small form factor pluggable (SFP) connector ports, gigabit interface converter (GBIC) connector ports, RJ11 connector ports, BNC connector ports, D-subminiature connector ports, spring terminals, screw terminals, any other suitable connector port or terminal, or any combination thereof. In a further example, power port134may include a barrel connector port, an IEC320 type connector port (e.g., IEC320 C13/C14/C5/C7), a NEMA type connector port (e.g., NEMA 5-15), any other suitable connector port or terminal, or any combination thereof.

FIG. 2shows a perspective view of illustrative network component200, installed in rack202, and corresponding connectors250, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, network component200may be similar to, or identical to, any of network components110-115ofFIG. 1. Network component200includes array210of connector ports. As illustratively shown inFIG. 2, array210includes twenty-four connector ports, arranged into two 2×6 groups. For example, first set of connectors251is configured to interface to one 2×6 group, and second set of connectors252is configured to interface to the other 2×6 group.

In some embodiments, each connector port of array210is configured to interface to an RJ45 connector. For example, each connector port of array210may be configured to interface to a corresponding connector of connectors, via a connector tab. In some circumstances, each connector of connectors250includes a connector tab, and accordingly may be removed or installed individually.

As shown inFIG. 2, each connector port of array210may be addressed (e.g., a unique IP address), or otherwise referenced. Also, each connector of connectors250may be part of a respective cable, of cables260, which is terminated at the other end (i.e., away from the connector of connectors250) at an addressed, or otherwise referenced, remote connector port (not shown inFIG. 2). Accordingly, in some circumstances, it is desired to maintain the positions of connectors250relative to one another. For example, if one or more connectors of connectors250were plugged into a different connector port than intended, electrical damage, mechanical damage, or both, might occur. To illustrate, one or more connector ports of array210may include a VLAN connector port (e.g., predetermined port assignment), a power-over-ethernet (PoE) connector port, a predetermined subnet connector port, a non-ethernet-based pinout configuration that uses an RJ45 connector port for securement, any other suitable connector port having any other suitable pinout configuration, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure is directed to maintaining a relative arrangement of connectors (e.g., connectors250), allowing removal from and installation to a network component (e.g., network component200) with a relatively simple motion, or both.

FIG. 3shows a top view of illustrative arrangement300, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Arrangement300includes cables360having corresponding connectors350coupled to corresponding connector ports of network component310. In some embodiments, connectors350include corresponding connector tabs351(e.g., each connector includes a connector tab). For example, in some embodiments, connectors350are RJ45 connectors having corresponding connector spring tabs for securing to a connector port (e.g., a connector port of network component310). Connector tabs351are configured to engage with (e.g., latch to) the corresponding connector port, preventing disconnection and aiding in maintaining electrical contact between pins of the connector and corresponding pins of the connector port.

Network component310may be similar to, for example, any of network components110-115ofFIG. 1, or network component200ofFIG. 2. Rack302may be similar to, for example, rack102ofFIG. 1, or rack202ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 4shows a top view of system400for managing arrangement300ofFIG. 3, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, system400is installed before plugging connectors350into network component310. System400includes member320, a first latch (e.g., including latching components321and322), and a second latch (e.g., including latching components323and324).

Member320may include one or more components configured to provide rigidity, provide alignment, and engage connector tabs351to release connector tabs351from the corresponding connector ports of network component310. Accordingly, when system400is installed, each of connector tabs351need not be individually released because member320engages connector tabs351. For example, connectors350may each be an RJ45 connector, and member320, when system400is in place, may push down each of connector tabs351thereby releasing them from the corresponding connector ports. When system400is installed, member320securely engages with connectors350, so that connectors350do not move appreciably relative to member320. For example, when system400is installed, connectors350do not move relative to member320sufficiently to break the electrical connection with the corresponding connector port.

The first and second latches are configured to secure and release member320from rack302(e.g., by a user). When system400is installed, latching components321and323are rigidly affixed to rack302. When system400is installed, latching components322and324are rigidly affixed to member320. Accordingly, when system400is installed, and the first latch and second latch are secured, member320cannot move appreciably relative to network component310. Further, connectors350are secured to corresponding connector ports of network component310via member320(e.g., member320having released connector tabs351).

In some embodiments, latching components321and323may be included as part of rack302(e.g., be integrated into rack302, or include an existing feature of rack302). In some embodiments, latching components322and324may be included as part of member320(e.g., integrated into member320, or included an existing feature of member320).

FIG. 5shows a top view of system400ofFIG. 4, decoupled from component310, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. When removed, system400is configured to maintain the relative positions of connectors350as when connectors350are plugged into network component310. The first and second latch may be released, such that latching components322and324may be separated from respective latching components321and323. The disconnection of connectors350from network component310is accomplished using system400by releasing the first and second latches, rather than disengaging each of connector tabs351. Accordingly, in some circumstances, system400allows connectors350to be disconnected without keeping track of the individual positions (e.g., addresses) of each connector of connectors350. For example, system400may be used to remove connectors350while network component310is being replaced. After replacement, connectors350may be re-plugged into the same connector port from which they were removed (e.g., because connectors350are maintained in position by system400).

In some embodiments, system400may be installed onto connectors350before connectors350are plugged into network component310. For example, a rigid assembly of connectors350and system400may be assembled. The rigid assembly may be interfaced to network component310(e.g., connectors350are inserted into corresponding connector ports of network component310to make electrical contact), and the latches are secured (e.g., latching components321and323are secured to rack302).

FIG. 6shows a perspective view of system600for managing a plurality of corresponding connectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 7shows an auxiliary view (e.g., near-top view) of system600ofFIG. 6, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 8shows an enlarged view of a portion ofFIG. 7, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 6, system600includes connector blocks601,602, and603, crossbar610, and latching mechanisms640and645. System600is installed on network component690, which includes a plurality of connector ports, arranged in three 2×8 arrays, and one 2×1 array (i.e., fifty connector ports in total).

Network component692, to which system600is not installed, includes three 1×8 arrays (i.e., twenty-four connector ports in total). A similar system to system600may be installed on network component692, for example, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Network components690and692are installed in standard rack695(not shown inFIG. 6but shown inFIGS. 7-8).

Each of connector blocks601,602, and603include sixteen connector bays arranged to correspond to the respective 2×8 array of connector ports of network component690. Each connector bay is configured to accommodate a connector. In some embodiments, each connector bay has one or more fasteners605, which may be used to secure the corresponding connector in the connector bay. Illustrative connector bays611and612are shown inFIG. 6, and illustrative connector bays621,622,623, and624are shown inFIG. 8).

Cables660each have a respective connector, as shown inFIG. 6. Each respective connector corresponds to a connector bay of connector blocks601,602, and603. However, connector bays611and612are empty, with no connector installed.

Latching mechanism640includes latching component641, latching component642and latching component643. As illustrated, latching component641includes a threaded stud onto which nut643screws. Latching component641is secured to frame644. Latching component642includes a through-hole feature integral to crossbar610. As shown inFIG. 7, frames644and649are secured to rack695(e.g., via fasteners). When nuts643and648are tightened until secured, crossbar610is pushed towards network component690, thus seating the connectors of cables660into corresponding connector ports. Further, when nuts643and648are loosened until released, crossbar610may be moved away from network component690(e.g., disconnecting connectors of cables660from corresponding connector ports).

Fasteners614are configured to secure members of crossbar610. Fasteners613are configured to secure connector blocks601,602, and603to crossbar610. In some embodiments, connector blocks601,602, and603need not be secured using fasteners. For example, connector blocks may be latched, clamped, inserted into, or otherwise affixed to, crossbar610using any suitable technique.

FIG. 9shows a side view of illustrative connector block900having two rows, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 10shows a cross-sectional view of illustrative connector block900ofFIG. 9, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Connector block900is configured, for example, to secure connectors990and991. For example, connectors990and991may be secured in respective connector bays995and996by respective fasteners905and906. Connector block900is coupled to crossbar910, as shown inFIGS. 9-10. For example, the assembly of crossbar910, connector block900, along with connectors990and991, may be interfaced to a network component having connector ports.

In some embodiments, fasteners905and906are used to secure and release connectors990and991to and from connection block900. For example, fasteners905and906may be tightened to secure connectors990and991to connector block900, and fasteners905and906may be loosened to release connectors990and991from connector block900. Connectors990and991also include corresponding connector tabs992and993.

Although not shown inFIGS. 9-10, in some embodiments, connector block900may include two separate connector blocks (e.g., an upper connector block and a lower connector block), each rigidly coupled to crossbar910.

FIG. 11shows a side view of illustrative connector block1100having a single row, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 12shows a cross-sectional view of illustrative connector block1100ofFIG. 11, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 13shows a top view of illustrative connector block1100ofFIG. 11, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Connector block1100includes connector bays1195and1196, each configured to accommodate a corresponding connector. Spring tab1102is configured to apply a force on connector tab992of connector1190, thereby securing connector1190in connector bay1195, and persistently preventing connector tab992from ever latching to a corresponding connector port.

FIG. 14shows a front view of illustrative cable block1400, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Cable block1400interfaces to crossbar1410. As shown inFIG. 14, crossbar14includes two parallel members, although in some embodiments, crossbar1410may include a single member.

Cable block1400includes openings1490,1491,1492, and1493, which are configured to accommodate one or more cables, and maintain an array position of each cable relative to the others. An array position, as used herein, refers to a position in a grid or array, rather than a spatial position. For example, an array position may be 1×3 (i.e., first row, third column), which need not define a spatial position.

FIG. 15shows a side, cross-sectional view of illustrative cable block1400ofFIG. 14, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Cable block1400, as illustratively shown, includes front block1420and rear block1421, coupled to crossbar1410by fastener1402.

FIG. 16shows a top view of illustrative arrangement1600, having different types of connectors, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Arrangement1600is similar to arrangement300ofFIG. 3, except that with regard to arrangement1600, rack302includes network component1610, which has two types of connector ports. For example, network component1610may have first connector ports configured to couple to connectors1650(e.g., with corresponding cables1660), and second connector ports configured to couple to connectors1651(e.g., with corresponding cables1661), which differ from connectors1650(e.g., either in shape, size, array configuration, or a combination thereof). Network component1610may be similar to, for example, any of network components110-115ofFIG. 1, or network component200ofFIG. 2.

FIG. 17shows a top view of system1700for managing the arrangement ofFIG. 16, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. System1700includes member1620, connector blocks1601and1602, cable block1690, a first latch (e.g., including latching components321and322), and a second latch (e.g., including latching components323and324). The first latch and second latch are more fully described in the context ofFIGS. 3-5.

When system1700is installed, connector blocks1601and1602securely engage with connectors1650, so that connectors1650do not move appreciably relative to member1620. For example, when system1700is installed, connectors1650do not move relative to member1620sufficiently to break the electrical connection with the corresponding connector port.

The first and second latches are configured to secure and release member1620from rack302(e.g., by a user). When system1700is installed, latching components321and323are rigidly affixed to rack302. When system1700is installed, latching components322and324are rigidly affixed to member1620. Accordingly, when system1700is installed, and the first latch and second latch are secured, member1620cannot move appreciably relative to network component1610. Further, connectors1650are secured to corresponding connector ports of network component1610via connector blocks1601and1602, member1620, and two latching mechanisms. When system1700is installed, cable block1690maintains the array position of cables1661, and thus connectors1651.

In some embodiments, latching components321and323may be included as part of rack302(e.g., be integrated into rack302, or include an existing feature of rack302). In some embodiments, latching components322and324may be included as part of member1620(e.g., integrated into member1620, or include an existing feature of member1620).

FIG. 18shows a top view of system1700ofFIG. 17, decoupled from component1610, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. When removed, system1700is configured to maintain the relative positions of connectors1650as when connectors1650are plugged into network component1610. Further, when removed, system1700is configured to maintain the array positions of connectors1651as when connectors1651are plugged into network component1610. In some embodiments, cables1661may be free to move within their array positions, as shown inFIG. 18.

The first and second latch may be released, such that latching components322and324may be separated from respective latching components321and323. The disconnection of connectors1650from network component1610is accomplished using system1700by releasing the first and second latches, rather than disengaging each of the connector tabs of connectors1650. Connectors1651may be removed by hand, separate from connectors1650, wherein cable block1690maintains their array position. For example, in some embodiments, system1700may be decoupled from network component1610, while connectors1651remain connected to connector ports of network component1610. In a further example, in some embodiments, system1700may be decoupled from network component1610, and connectors1651may be separately (e.g., before or after) disconnected from network component1610.

Although not shown, a third connector block may be included in system1700, configured to release connector tabs of connectors1651such that when the latching mechanisms are released, connectors1651may be removed from network component1610. For example, connectors1651may include GBIC or SFP type connectors, and a connector block may engage connector tabs of connectors1651such that they do not require manual release when system1700is removed.

In some embodiments, a system for managing a plurality of connectors and corresponding cables includes any suitable number of connector blocks, cable blocks, and latching mechanisms, in accordance with the present disclosure. For example, a system may include one or more connector blocks, one or more cable blocks, or a combination thereof. A system may optionally include, for example, strain reliefs (e.g., cord grips), labels, any other suitable components, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, a system for managing a plurality of connectors and corresponding cables includes any suitable type of connector blocks (e.g., configured to engage with any suitable type of connectors), cable blocks, and latching mechanisms, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 19shows a front view of a portion of illustrative crossbar2010and latching mechanism2020, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 20shows a perspective view of a portion of illustrative crossbar2010and latching mechanism2020ofFIG. 19, and rack2002, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Crossbar2010includes two parallel members, as shown inFIGS. 19-20, but may include any suitable construction (e.g., a single member, or more than two members). Latching mechanism2020includes a spring-loaded clasp, which engages with latching component2022(e.g., a hook) using pin2023to secure crossbar2010to rack2002. In some embodiments, spring-loading is used to impart a force on crossbar2010, and accordingly any connectors coupled to crossbar2010, to aid in maintaining electrical connections of the connectors. For example, the force from spring-loading may be sufficient to overcome the spring force of spring tabs, and electrical connection terminals of a plurality of connectors coupled to crossbar2010(e.g., via suitable connector blocks). In some embodiments, another latching mechanism similar to latching mechanism2020may be included at the opposite end of crossbar2010, to apply a similar force. For example, spring-loaded latches may be included at lateral ends of crossbar2010to impart an even force across a plurality of connectors into corresponding connector ports of a network component.

FIG. 21shows a top view of illustrative latching component2100, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 22shows a side view of illustrative latching component2100ofFIG. 21, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 23shows a front view of illustrative latching component2100ofFIG. 21, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Latching component2100is configured to be coupled to a standard rack via fasteners, for example. Plate2105of latching component2100is configured to be coupled to a rack, while plate2106is configured to mount hook2107(e.g., via pin2108). In some embodiments, plates2105and2106are a single part, made from a sheet of metal and stamped to include a 90° bend. Plate2106includes holes2110and2108, which allow for mounting hook2107at two different locations (e.g., based on a network component layout). Plate2105includes recesses, as shown, for mounting to a rack. In some embodiments, plate2105may include holes or other suitable features for mounting to a rack.

FIG. 24shows a side view of illustrative latching component2100ofFIG. 21, and latching mechanism2150, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Pin2157of latching mechanism2150is configured to engage with hook2107, secured by springs2160.

The latching components ofFIGS. 19-24may be used in accordance with any of the arrangements ofFIGS. 3-5andFIGS. 16-18, for example. Any suitable latching component, securement, fastener, mechanism, or other hardware, included in any suitable arrangement, may be used to secure a crossbar or member to a mounting reference, in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 25shows a perspective view of a system including cable block2590and latching mechanism2520, in a latched state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. A network component, to which the system is installed, includes optical fiber connector ports2595and2596. The network component is mounted in a rack. Connector block2501includes connector bays configured to accommodate connectors of cables2560. Cables2560each have a respective connector (e.g., a RJ45 connector). Latching mechanism2520includes latching components (e.g., similar to components illustrated inFIGS. 19-24) configured to secure and release crossbar2510to the rack.

The network component includes connector ports2595and2596, configured to accommodate connectors of cables2591and2592respectively (e.g., fiber optic cables having optical connectors). Cable block2590, which is mounted to crossbar2510, is configured to allow cables2591and2592to pass through to the network component. For example, in some embodiments, cable block2590may include through holes that are just larger than cables2591and2592, allowing motion towards the network component, but also providing some friction holding force. In a further example, in some embodiments, cable block2590may include through holes that are just larger than sections of cables2592, allowing cables2592to be secured in an unconnected state, as shown inFIG. 25. In a further example, in some embodiments, cable block2590may include through holes that are larger than sections of cables2591, allowing cables2591to be moved through cable block2590(e.g., and connected to connector port2595), as shown inFIG. 25. Cable block2590helps prevent cables2591and2592from getting tangled among one another or among cables2560.

FIG. 26shows a perspective view of a system including cable block2690and latching mechanism2620, in a partially latched state, in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. Network component2603, to which the system is installed, includes optical fiber connector ports2695and2696. Network component2603is mounted to rack2602. Connector block2601includes connector bays configured to accommodate connectors of cables2660. Cables2660each have a respective connector (e.g., a RJ45 connector). Latching mechanism2620includes latching components (e.g., similar to components illustrated inFIGS. 19-25) configured to secure and release crossbar2610to rack2602.

Network component2603includes connector ports2695and2696, configured to accommodate connectors of cables2691and2692respectively (e.g., fiber optic cables having optical connectors). Cable block2690, which is mounted to crossbar2610, is configured to allow cables2691and2692to pass through to network component2603. For example, in some embodiments, cable block2690may include through holes that are just larger than cables2691and2692, allowing motion towards the network component, but also providing some friction holding force. In a further example, in some embodiments, cable block2690may include through holes that are just larger than sections of cables2692, allowing cables2692to be secured in an unconnected state, as shown inFIG. 26. In a further example, in some embodiments, cable block2690may include through holes that are larger than sections of cables2691, allowing cables2691to be moved through cable block2690(e.g., and connected to connector port2695), as shown inFIG. 26. Cable block2690helps prevent cables2691and2692from getting tangled among one another or among cables2660.