Abstract:
An example method for installing fiber optic cables between a fiber distribution hub and a plurality of access points includes: pulling the fiber optic cables from a farthest access point to the fiber distribution hub, with each of the fiber optic cables being of a different length and sized to be positioned adjacent to one of the plurality access points when the fiber optic cables are pulled to the fiber distribution hub; connecting a pulled end of the each of the fiber optic cables to the fiber distribution hub; and connecting a free end of each of the fiber optic cables to a respective access point to connect each of the access points to the fiber distribution hub.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/706,969 filed on Sep. 28, 2012 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/846,286 filed on Jul. 15, 2013, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     As demand for telecommunications increases, fiber optic networks are being extended in more and more areas. Fiber optic enclosures are used to provide a subscriber access point to the fiber optic network. These fiber optic enclosures are connected to the fiber optic network through subscriber cables connected to a network hub. The length of subscriber cable needed between the fiber optic enclosure and the network hubs varies depending upon the location of the fiber optic enclosure with respect to the network hubs. As a result, there is a need for fiber optic deployment packaging arrangements that can effectively manage varying lengths of subscriber cable. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect, a method for installing fiber optic cables between a fiber distribution hub and a plurality of access points includes: pulling the fiber optic cables from a farthest access point to the fiber distribution hub, with each of the fiber optic cables being of a different length and sized to be positioned adjacent to one of the plurality access points when the fiber optic cables are pulled to the fiber distribution hub; connecting a pulled end of the each of the fiber optic cables to the fiber distribution hub; and connecting a free end of each of the fiber optic cables to a respective access point to connect each of the access points to the fiber distribution hub. 
     In another aspect, a method for installing fiber optic cables between a fiber distribution hub and a plurality of access points includes: pulling the fiber optic cables, with each of the fiber optic cables being of a different length and sized to be positioned adjacent to one of the plurality access points when the fiber optic cables are pulled to the fiber distribution hub; connecting an end of the each of the fiber optic cables to the fiber distribution hub; and successively connecting a free end of each of the fiber optic cables to a respective access point to connect each of the access points to the fiber distribution hub. 
     In yet another aspect, a method for installing fiber optic cables between a fiber distribution hub and a plurality of access points includes: pulling the fiber optic cables underground from a farthest access point to the fiber distribution hub, with each of the fiber optic cables being of a different length and sized to be positioned adjacent to one of the plurality access points when the fiber optic cables are pulled to the fiber distribution hub; connecting a pulled end of the each of the fiber optic cables to the fiber distribution hub; and successively connecting a free end of each of the fiber optic cables to a respective access point to connect each of the access points to the fiber distribution hub. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a process for deploying fiber optic cables from a fiber distribution hub to a plurality of multi-port service terminals. 
         FIG. 2  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 4  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 7  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 9  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 10  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 11  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 12  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 13  shows an example spool for use in the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  shows an exploded view of the spool of  FIG. 13 . 
         FIG. 15  shows an example sled used to carry the fiber optic cables in the process of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 16  shows a process for deploying fiber optic cables from a fiber distribution hub to a plurality of multi-port service terminals. 
         FIG. 17  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  shows a process for deploying fiber optic cables from a fiber distribution hub to a plurality of multi-port service terminals. 
         FIG. 20  shows additional details of the process of  FIG. 19 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is directed towards systems and method for deploying fiber optics in the field. Although not so limited, an appreciation of the various aspects of the present disclosure will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below. 
       FIGS. 1-12  show an example process  100  for deploying fiber optic cables  110  in the field. 
     In this example, the fiber optic cables  110  are flat flex cables including at least 12 fibers per flex. The fibers in the fiber optic cables  110  can be terminated using various connectors, such as Multi-fiber Push-On (MPO) connectors or Hardened Multifiber Optical Connectors (HMFOC), as described further below. 
     With this 12 fiber per flex implementation and the use of small-form connectors such as HMFOCs, the footprint (e.g., diameter) for the fiber optic cables  110  is minimized. Further, the bend radii for the 12 fiber flex are such that slack can be dealt with more easily. If more than  12  fibers are needed for a particular access point, an additional fiber optic cable  110  can be run for that access point. 
     In this example, the length of each of the fiber optic cables  110  can vary between 50 meters and 600 meters, although other fiber types and lengths can be used. In some examples, a precise measurement is made so that the fiber optic cables  110  are a particular length, as described further below. In other examples, the length of the fiber optic cables  110  is less important as long as the cables are sufficiently long to reach an access point. In such implementations, the fiber optic cables  110  are small in diameter and therefore have small bend diameters, thereby allowing the slack to be addressed more easily. This can reduce fulfillment and installation times. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the fiber optic cables  110  are positioned to be delivered to a plurality of fiber optic enclosures or subscriber access points, which are referred to herein as Multi-Port Service Terminals (MSTs)  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 , located in the field. In this example, each of the MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  is to be connected to a Fiber Distribution Hub (FDH)  130 . The MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  are spaced at known distances from the FDH  130 , such as in 50 meter increments. The fiber optic cables  110  are run under the ground  102  to make the connections between the FDH  130  and the MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . 
     In this example, the fiber optic cables  110  are positioned on a spool assembly  210 . The spool assembly  210  includes a plurality of spools  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220 . Each of the spools  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  includes a fiber optic cable  110  of a specified length, as described further below. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13-14 , the spool  212  is shown. The spool  212  includes a circular body  242  bounded by end members  244 ,  246 . The fiber optic cable  110  is wound onto the body  242 . A connector (e.g., MPO or HMFOC) associated with the end of the fiber optic cable  110  that is first wound onto the body  242  is positioned through a hole  250  formed in the body  242  so that the connector is positioned within an internal space  252  of the body  242  and is thereby protected. 
     The body  242  defines a central opening  248  that allows the spool  212  to be mounted to the spool assembly  210 . For example, an axle is extended through each of the openings  248  in each of the spools  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  so that the spools  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  can spin to deliver the fiber optic cables  110  during installation, as described below. 
     In this example, the spools  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 ,  220  are made of plastic and are molded. In other examples, the spools can be made of other materials, such as metal. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , during installation, a line  140  is run under the ground  102  from the FDH  130  to the outermost MST  120 . This line  140  can be run using known techniques, such as by blowing the line  140  through a conduit positioned under the ground  102 . 
     Once the line is in place, the outermost end  142  of the line  140  is accessed from underground through an access opening  150 , such as a manhole. The end  142  is connected to each of the fiber optic cables  110  on the spool assembly  210 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , in this example, the end  142  of the line  140  is connected to a sled  310  at an opening  312  formed by the sled  310 . The sled  310  includes a plurality of connector locations  314 . Each of the connector locations  314  is configured to accept a connector housing  326  associated with a connector (e.g., MPO or HMFOC) positioned at a free end of one of the fiber optic cables  110 . Although only four connector locations  314  are shown, the sled  310  can include more or fewer connector locations  314 , as needed. For example, for the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 1 , the sled  310  can include five connector locations  314 , one for each of the connectors associated with the fiber optic cables  110 . 
     In this example, each of the connector housings  326  engages a protrusion  316  formed at each of the connector locations  314  to couple the connector housings  326  to the sled  310 . Additional details about the connector housings  326  can be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/775,011 filed on May 6, 2010, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 1 , once the sled  310  is coupled to the line  140 , each of the fiber optic cables  110  is ready to be installed underground and connected to the FDH  130 . During installation, two technicians  162 ,  164  are needed. The technician  162  is located at the spool assembly  210  to manage the fiber optic cables  110 . The technician  164  is located at the FDH  130  to manage the line  140  and to connect the fiber optic cables  110  to the FDH  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the fiber optic cables  110  are pulled by the line  140  through the access opening  150  and underground. 
     In  FIG. 3 , the fiber optic cables  110  have been pulled underground to the FDH  130  by the line  140 . Thereupon, the technician  164  can undo each of the connector housings  326  from the sled  310 , remove the connector housings  326  to access the connectors, and connect the connector associated with each of the fiber optic cables  110  to the FDH  130 . 
     As illustrated, each of the fiber optic cables  110  is of a different length, so that as the fiber optic cables  110  are pulled underground, each of the fiber optic cables  110  terminates adjacent to one of the MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . For example, in this embodiment, the fiber optic cable  110   e  is of a first length sized so that a connector  336  at the free end of the fiber optic cable  110   e  is positioned adjacent the MST  128  and the access opening  158 . Similarly, the fiber optic cable  110   d  is longer than that of the fiber optic cable  110   e  so that the free end of the fiber optic cable  110   d  is positioned adjacent the MST  126  and the access opening  156 . The fiber optic cables  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c  are similarly sized so that connectors  330 ,  332 ,  334  are positioned adjacent MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 , respectively. 
     For example, as depicted, the connector  332  is positioned adjacent to a center line  153  associated with the access opening  152 . This allows the technician  162  to access the connector  332  through the access opening  152 , as described further below. 
     In one example, a distance between the FDH  130  and each of the MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  is known, and the lengths of the fiber optic cables  110   a ,  110   b ,  110   c ,  110   d ,  110   e  are configured when placed on the spools  212  so that the connectors  330 ,  332 ,  334 ,  336 ,  338  are positioned adjacent to the respective MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128 . The distance between each MST can be at regular intervals (e.g., 50 meters) or can be customized for a particular topography. For example, in the embodiment shown, the fiber optic cable  110   a  is approximately 250 meters in length, the fiber optic cable  110   b  is 200 meters, the fiber optic cable  110   c  is 150 meters, the fiber optic cable  110   d  is 100 meters, and the fiber optic cable  110   e  is 50 meters. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , once the fiber optic cables  110  have been completely pulled, the final connector  330  is freed from the respective spool  212  and the spool assembly  210  is disassembled by the technician  162 . For example, the spools  212  can be disposable and/or recyclable. In addition, the technician  164  moves to the access opening  158  and retrieves the connector  338  associated with the fiber optic cable  110   e.    
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the technician  164  connects the connector  338  of the fiber optic cable  110   e  to the MST  128 . Likewise, the technician  162  connects the connector  330  of the fiber optic cable  110   a  to the MST  120 . 
     Next, at  FIG. 6 , the MSTs  120 ,  128  are replaced in the access openings  150 ,  158  below ground, and the access openings  150 ,  158  are covered (e.g., using manhole covers). At this point, the MSTs  120 ,  128  are connected to the FDH  130 . 
     Next, at  FIG. 7 , the technician  162  moves to the access opening  152 , and the technician  164  moves to the access opening  156 . The connectors  332 ,  336  of the fiber optic cables  110   b ,  110   d  are thereupon accessed. 
     At  FIGS. 8-9 , the connectors  332 ,  336  are connected to the respective MSTs  122 ,  126 , and the MSTs  122 ,  126  are stored underground and the access openings  152 ,  156  closed. Thereupon, the MSTs  122 ,  126  are connected to the FDH  130 . 
     Finally, at  FIGS. 10-12 , the technician  162  moves to the access opening  154 . The connector  334  of the fiber optic cable  110   c  is thereupon accessed. The connector  334  is connected to the MSTs  124 , and the MST  124  is stored underground and the access opening  152 ,  154  closed. Thereupon, the MST  124  is connected to the FDH  130 . 
     At this point shown in  FIG. 12 , all of the MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  are connected to the FDH  130  by the fiber optic cables  110 . As shown, this is accomplished by two technicians. More or fewer connections to MSTs could be accomplished in a similar manner. For example, in another embodiment, more than five MSTs can be connected to a FDH. 
     Once the MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  are connected to the FDH  130 , the MSTs  120 ,  122 ,  124 ,  126 ,  128  can be terminated to various structures, such as homes or office buildings, using fiber and/or copper. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 16-18 , another example process  500  is shown for deploying fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  in the field. The process  500  is similar to those described above, except the cables  512   a - 512   c  are deployed above the ground, rather than below the ground. 
     In the process  500 , the line  140  is run from the FDH  130 , above the ground along a plurality of utility poles  552 ,  554 ,  556 , and is attached to the fiber optic cables  512   a ,  512   b ,  512   c  on a spool assembly  510 . The line  140  is used to pull the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  aerially between each of the utility poles  552 ,  554 ,  556  and to the FDH  130 . As shown in  FIG. 18 , the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  are sized so that each of the ends of the cables are positioned at respective poles when the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  are pulled to the FDH  130 . Specifically, the fiber optic cable  512   a  is sized to terminate at the pole  552 , the fiber optic cable  512   b  is sized to terminate at the pole  554 , and the fiber optic cable  512   c  is sized to terminate at the pole  556 . 
     In some examples, the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  can be pulled directly by the line  140 , attached to a messenger wire, and/or attached to an existing line running between the poles. In another example, the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  can be lashed together in a manner such as that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/111,606 filed on May 19, 2011, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 19-20 , a similar process  600  is depicted. However, in the process  600 , the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  originate at the FDH  130 , and the cables are pulled in an opposite direction towards the poles  552 ,  554 ,  556 . Each of the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  is again sized so that the cables terminate at each respective pole  552 ,  554 ,  556 . 
     In the depicted example, the spool assembly  510  is mounted to a motorized vehicle  610  (e.g., a truck). The fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  are affixed to the FDH  130 , and the vehicle  610  drives away from the FDH  130 . As the vehicle  610  moves, the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  are spooled out of the spool assembly  510 . As each pole  552 ,  554 ,  556  is encountered, the fiber optic cables  512   a - 512   c  are lifted and affixed to the pole  556 , then pole  554 , and then pole  552 . As above, each is sized to extend to the desired pole  552 ,  554 ,  556 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . 
     Although the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features and/or methodological acts, it is to be understood that the subject matter defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or acts described above. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the claims.