Patent Publication Number: US-2010129030-A1

Title: Universal Optical Splitter Modules and Related Mounting Brackets, Assemblies and Methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/117,471 filed on Nov. 24, 2008 entitled “Universally Compatible Splitter Modules,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The field of the disclosure relates generally to optical fiber components, and more particularly to optical splitter modules compatible for mounting in fiber optic equipment housings, chassis, cabinets, racks, and the like. 
     Technical Background 
     Optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of broadband applications including voice, video, and data transmissions. Benefits of optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. Fiber optic networks employing optical fiber are being developed and used to deliver voice, video, and data transmissions to subscribers over both private and public networks. These fiber optic networks often include separated connection points linking optical fibers to provide “live fiber” from one connection point to another connection point. 
     Fiber optic equipment is located in data distribution centers or central offices to support optical fiber interconnections as part of fiber optic networks. In this regard, these fiber optic networks typically include various fiber optic components to facilitate the provision of optical signals to multiple subscribers in an expedient and economically feasible manner. One of these fiber optic components is an optical splitter. An optical splitter is operable for receiving an optical signal and splitting the optical signal into multiple optical signals. The optical splitter is typically housed in a module housing to form an optical splitter module. The optical splitter module may configured to support one or more input fiber optic adapters to facilitate connection of one or more pre-connectorized input optical fibers carrying optical signals to be split into multiple optical signals. The multiple optical signals may then be carried over multiple output optical fibers optically connected to output fiber optic adapters also supported by the optical splitter module. The input and output optical fibers connected to the optical splitter module may be provided in fiber optic cables. 
     Because optical splitter modules are typically housed in many different styles and sizes of fiber optic equipment enclosures, housings, cabinets, racks, and the like, different form factors of optical splitter modules are provided. The type of optical splitter module selected for installation is based on the desired splitter capacity and the optical splitter module&#39;s compatibility with the particular fiber optic equipment housing in which the optical splitter module is employed. The form factor of the optical splitter module must be compatible to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing for proper installation. However, providing optical splitter modules that may only be compatible with a certain type of fiber optic equipment housings, thus limiting flexibility in choice and increasing costs by requiring different variation of optical splitter modules to be provided and stocked. 
     The type of optical splitter module selected for installation may also be based on the needed or desired splitting capacity. For example, if an eight (8) fiber split is required, a 1×8 splitter module may be employed that is configured to split an input optical signal into up to eight (8) output optical signals. If a sixteen (16) fiber split is required, a 1×16 splitter module may be employed that is configured to split an input optical signal into up to sixteen (16) output optical signals. Higher capacity optical splitter modules may be employed even if their capacity is not initially fully utilized, so that when increased splitting capacity is required, replacement of the lower capacity optical splitter module with a higher capacity optical splitter module is not required. However, employing optical splitter modules that include initially unused splitting capacity increases initial cost. Not only are higher capacity splitters modules more expensive in terms of the cost of the splitter module itself, but higher capacity splitters also typically include larger form factors and thus take up more space in fiber optic equipment housings. As a result, additional fiber optic equipment housings and the space necessary to store the additional fiber optic equipments housings would be required. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed herein include optical splitter modules and related mounting brackets, assemblies, and methods. The optical splitter modules may be configured to be mounted in different types of fiber optic equipment housings. The optical splitter modules are configured to split input optical signals into multiple output optical signals for any optical splitting applications desired. In embodiments disclosed herein, the optical splitter modules can be configured to be “universal,” meaning they are configured to employ certain common or similar dimensions or form factors. In this manner, the optical splitter modules can be installed in different types of fiber optic equipment housings that would otherwise support different form factors of optical splitter modules. In this manner, providing different types of optical splitter modules with different form factors may not be necessary. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the optical splitter modules are configured to be disposed and supported in a fiber optic equipment housing(s) by being configured to be received in compatible mounting bracket(s) that are also compatible with the fiber optic equipment housing(s) employed. The mounting bracket is designed to support the form factor of the optical splitter module and also configured to be compatibly installed in a particular type of fiber optic equipment housing selected. Thus, when it is desired to install the optical splitter module in a particular type of fiber optic equipment housing, a mounting bracket compatible with the selected fiber optic equipment housing can be employed to install the optical splitter module in such fiber optic equipment housing. The optical splitter modules and mounting brackets disclosed herein are also configured to provide for flexible and easy installation, access, operation, maintenance, and de-installation of optical splitter modules. The mounting brackets disclosed herein can also facilitate initial installation of the optical splitter modules according to initial splitting capacity needs, and the ability to easily add additional optical splitter modules to provide increased splitting capacity subsequently without requiring the de-installation, reconfiguration, or disposal of the initially installed optical splitter modules. 
     In this regard, in one embodiment, an optical splitter module is provided. The optical splitter module includes a module housing. An optical splitter is positioned in the module housing. At least one input fiber optic adapter is disposed in a first end of the module housing and optically connected to an input of the optical splitter. A plurality of output fiber optic adapters are disposed in a second end of the module housing opposite the first end of the module housing. The optical splitter is configured to split an optical signal carried over an input optical fiber connected to the at least one input fiber optic adapter into a plurality of optical signals provided to the plurality of output fiber optic adapters. At least one recessed portion is disposed in the module housing between the first end and the second end. The module housing can be configured to be received within a receiving area of a mounting assembly for flexible and easy installation, access, operation, maintenance, and de-installation. In certain embodiments, the recessed portion of the module hosing may be configured to be received within the receiving area of the mounting assembly. 
     In another embodiment, an optical splitter assembly is provided. The optical splitter assembly includes one or more optical splitter modules. Each of the optical splitter modules includes a module housing, an optical splitter positioned in the module housing, and at least one recessed portion disposed in and between a first end of the module housing and a second end of the module housing opposite the first end of the module housing. The assembly also includes at least one mounting assembly forming at least one receiving area. The at least one receiving area is configured to receive the module housing of at least one of the one or more optical splitter modules. In certain embodiments, the at least one receiving area is configured to receive the at least one receiving area of the module housing. 
     Methods for installing an optical splitter module in a fiber optic equipment housing are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a module housing having at least one recessed portion disposed between a first and second end of the module housing. The method further includes disposing the module housing into a receiving area of a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is installed in the fiber optic equipment housing to install the optical splitter module in the fiber optic equipment housing. The mounting assembly can be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing prior to disposing the module housing in the receiving area of the mounting assembly, or after the module housing is disposed in the receiving area of the mounting assembly. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the same as described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments that are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the claims. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the disclosure, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of optical splitter modules installed in panels installed in an exemplary fiber optic equipment housing; 
         FIGS. 2A-2C  are perspective, side, and top views, respectively, of the optical splitter modules illustrated in  FIG. 1  configured to be installed in a panel configured to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view of the panel in  FIGS. 1-2C  configured to receive and support two optical splitter modules according to  FIGS. 2A-2C  for installation into the fiber optic equipment housing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the two optical splitter modules according to  FIGS. 2A-2C  disposed through and supported by the panel of  FIG. 3  configured to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the optical splitter modules of  FIGS. 2A-2C  installed in an alternative exemplary mounting assembly mounted in an alternative fiber optic equipment housing; 
         FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective and front views, respectively, of exemplary mounting brackets employed in the mounting assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear perspective view of optical splitter modules of  FIGS. 2A-2C  installed between opposing mounting brackets of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of alternative exemplary optical splitter modules installed between alternative exemplary mounting assemblies containing mounting platforms and mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the exemplary optical splitter module in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the exemplary mounting assembly in  FIG. 8  configured to receive the optical splitter module of  FIG. 9  in mounting platforms disposed therein to be mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing in  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the optical splitter module of  FIG. 9  disposed in a lift-up carrier mounting assembly configured to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing of  FIG. 8 ; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the lift-up carrier mounting assembly with optical fiber modules installed therein mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing of  FIG. 8 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the certain embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. The embodiments and methods described herein are suitable for making optical connections for short distance optical networks. The concepts of the disclosure advantageously allow the simple, quick, and economical connection and disconnection of glass optical fibers. Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts. 
     Embodiments disclosed herein include optical splitter modules and related mounting brackets, assemblies, and methods. The optical splitter modules may be configured to be mounted in different types of fiber optic equipment housings. The optical splitter modules are configured to split input optical signals into multiple output optical signals for any optical splitting applications desired. In embodiments disclosed herein, the optical splitter modules can be configured to be “universal,” meaning they are configured to employ certain common or similar dimensions or form factors. In this manner, the optical splitter modules can be installed in different types of fiber optic equipment housings that would otherwise support different form factors of optical splitter modules. In this manner, providing different types of optical splitter modules with different form factors may not be necessary. 
     In disclosed embodiments, the optical splitter modules are configured to be disposed and supported in a fiber optic equipment housing(s) by being configured to be received in compatible mounting bracket(s) that are also compatible with the fiber optic equipment housing(s) employed. The mounting bracket is designed to support the form factor of the optical splitter module and also configured to be compatibly installed in a particular type of fiber optic equipment housing selected. Thus, when it is desired to install the optical splitter module in a particular type of fiber optic equipment housing, a mounting bracket compatible with the selected fiber optic equipment housing can be employed to install the optical splitter module in such fiber optic equipment housing. The optical splitter modules and mounting brackets disclosed herein are also configured to provide for flexible and easy installation, access, operation, maintenance, and de-installation of optical splitter modules. The mounting brackets disclosed herein can also facilitate initial installation of the optical splitter modules according to initial splitting capacity needs, and the ability to easily add additional optical splitter modules to provide increased splitting capacity subsequently without requiring the de-installation, reconfiguration, or disposal of the initially installed optical splitter modules. 
     In this regard,  FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of optical splitter modules installed in panels that are installed in an exemplary fiber optic equipment housing. In this regard, a fiber optic equipment housing  10  is provided, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The fiber optic equipment housing  10  may be a chassis, enclosure or other housing that forms an internal compartment  11  configured to hold fiber optic equipment, such as optical splitter modules  12 . Other types of fiber optic equipment may also be housed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 , such as fiber optic connection modules and fiber optic patch panels, as examples. The fiber optic equipment housing  10  in this embodiment has a height H 1  equal to 4 unit sizes (U) (4-U). A “U” unit size is approximately 1.75 inches in height in this embodiment. The fiber optic equipment housing  10  may be of any other size desired. A door  15  may be installed on the fiber optic equipment housing  10  that is configured to open and close about the fiber optic equipment housing  10  to open and close off access to the internal compartment  11  inside the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . More details regarding the exemplary optical splitter modules  12  installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  of  FIG. 1  are discussed below with regard to  FIGS. 2A-2C . 
     In this embodiment, the optical splitter modules  12  are disposed vertically in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  wherein the lengths L 1  of the optical splitter modules  12  are disposed along the Y-axis (Y 1 ) of the fiber optic equipment housing  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . As will be discussed in more detail below with regard to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the optical splitter modules  12  contain dimensions or a form factor comprised of at least one recessed portion. The recessed portion is configured to be received within a receiving area disposed in a mounting bracket  14 . The mounting bracket is also compatible to be mounted to the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . As a result, the optical splitter module  12  can be mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  even if the form factor of the optical splitter module  12  is not compatible with the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . In this embodiment, the mounting bracket  14  is provided in the form of a panel  16 . The panel  16  is compatible to receive the at least one recessed portion disposed in the optical splitter module  12  and is also compatible to be installed with the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . Thus, the panel  16  allows the optical splitter modules  12  to be compatibly installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . In this regard, the optical splitter module  12  may be compatible to be installed in different types of fiber optic equipment housings other than the fiber optic equipment housing  10  if a suitable mounting bracket compatible with such fiber optic equipment housings are provided. 
     In this embodiment, as will be described in more detail below with regard to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the panels  16  are configured to support two optical splitter modules  12  stacked on top of each other over the height H 1  in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . Each optical splitter module  12  has a length equal to or smaller than 2-U size in this embodiment. In this manner, the optical splitting capacity that is supported by a particular panel  16  can be divided in half by disposing only one optical splitter module  12  in the panel  16 . This allows additional splitting capacity to be added easily to the fiber optic equipment housing  10  after an initial installation. For example, if it were desired to provide thirty-three (33) 2×2 optical splitters in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  in  FIG. 1 , eleven (11) optical splitter modules  12  could be provided rather than providing six (6) optical splitter modules each having six (6) 2×2 optical splitters (i.e., could not provide five and one-half (5½) optical splitter modules that each supported six (6) 2×2 optical splitters). 
     The panels  16  can also be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  without initially receiving the optical splitter modules  12  such that additional optical splitter modules  12  can be installed easily in the panels  16 . In this manner, when an initial installation does not require the maximum amount of optical splitter modules  12  to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 , additional optical splitter modules  12  can be installed in the panels  16  to add additional splitting capacity. As will also be discussed in more detail below, the panels  16  are configured to retain the optical splitter modules  12  so that the optical splitter modules  12  are prevented from being translated about the fiber optic equipment housing  10  when installed in the panels  16 . 
       FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate a perspective, side, and top views, respectively, of the optical splitter modules  12  installed in the panels  16  installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  in  FIG. 1  to provide more detail on an exemplary form factor design of the optical splitter modules  12 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the optical splitter module  12  in this embodiment includes a module housing  18 . At least one optical splitter  20  is positioned in the module housing  18 . In this embodiment, the optical splitter  20  contains three (3) 2×2 optical splitters  20 A,  20 B,  20 C, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . At least one input fiber optic adapter  22  is disposed in a first end  24  of the module housing  18  and is optically connected to an input of the optical splitter  20 . In this embodiment, three (3) duplex FC input fiber optic adapters  22 A,  22 B,  22 C are disposed in the first end  24  of the module housing  18 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The fiber optic adapters  22 A,  22 B,  22 C are optically connected to inputs  26 A,  26 B,  26 C of the optical splitters  20 A,  20 B,  20 C. A plurality of duplex FC output fiber optic adapters  28 A,  28 B,  28 C are disposed in a second end  30  of the module housing  18  opposite the first end  24 . The optical splitters  20 A,  20 B,  20 C are each configured to split optical signals carried over input optical fibers (not shown) connected to the input fiber optic adapters  22 A,  22 B,  22 C into a plurality of optical signals provided to the output fiber optic adapters  28 A,  28 B,  28 C, as illustrated in  FIG. 2A . Note that the fiber optic adapters  22 ,  28  may be of types other than FC, including but not limited to LC, SC, ST, MTP, etc. 
     With continuing reference to  FIGS. 2A-2C , a recessed portion  32  is disposed in and between the first end  24  and the second end  30  of the module housing  18 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the recessed portion  32  is configured to be received in a receiving area of the mounting bracket  14 , such as the panel  16 , to be supported by the mounting bracket  14  when installed in a fiber optic equipment housing, such as the fiber optic equipment housing  10  in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the recessed portion  32  is comprised of two recessed portions  32 A,  32 B disposed on sides  34 A,  34 B, respectively, of the module housing  18 . Only two sides  34 A,  34 B, a long side  34 A and a top side  34 B, of the module housing  18  are illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C , but it is understood that the module housing  18  is comprised of two other sides each parallel to sides  34 A and  34 B, respectively, that also form recessed portions in the module housing  18 . In this manner, the recessed portions  32  are disposed around the entire periphery of the module housing  18  in a rectangular shape since the module housing  18  is rectangular-shaped. Any other shape can be provided. Further, disposing recessed portions  32  around an entire periphery of the module housing  18  is not required. In this embodiment, the recessed portions  32 A,  32 B also extend the entire length of the sides  34 A,  34 B of the module housing  18 . As will be discussed in more detail below, the recessed portions  32 A,  32 B are configured to be received in a receiving area of the panel  16  to install the optical splitter module  12  in the panel  16 . 
     The module housing  18  also includes beveled edges  36 A,  36 B disposed between the recessed portions  32 A,  32 B and end sides  38 A,  38 B of the module housing  18  disposed on the first end  24  and the second end  28  of the module housing  18 , respectively. In this regard, the length L 1  of the end sides  38 A,  38 B is larger than the length L 2  of the recessed portion  32 A, as illustrated in  FIG. 2B . Further, a width W 1  of the end sides  38 A,  38 B is larger than a width W 2  of the recessed portion  32 B, as illustrated in  FIG. 2C . The recessed portions  32 A,  32 B can be configured to be received within receiving areas in the form of openings  40 A,  40 B in the panel  16 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . The panel  16  is an elongated member that also contains attachment openings  42 A,  42 B configured to receive attachment devices (not shown) to attach the panel  16  to the fiber optic equipment housing  10 , as illustrated in  FIG. 1 . For example, plunger attachment devices (not shown) may be disposed through the attachment openings  42 A,  42 B to attach the panel  16  to the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . The panel  16  has an overall length L 3  and width W 3  in this embodiment with openings  40 A,  40 B disposed therein to receive attachment devices to attach the panel  16  to the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . The overall length L 3  and width W 3  and the openings  40 A,  40 B are disposed in the panel  16  to make the panel  16  compatible to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  of  FIG. 1 . 
     The openings  40 A,  40 B disposed through the panel  16  are of length L 4  and width W 4  sufficient to receive the length L 1  and width W 1  of the end sides  38 A,  38 B of the module housing  18 . Additional attachment devices or hardware are not necessary to secure the optical splitter module  12  to the panel  16 . The length L 3  and width W 3  are configured to be either slightly larger than the length L 1  and width W 1  of the end sides  38 A,  38 B of the module housing  18 . In this manner, as illustrated in the perspective view of  FIG. 4 , the openings  40 A,  40 B ( FIG. 3 ) of the panel  16  can receive the recessed portions  32 A,  32 B of the optical splitter module  12  to support the optical splitter module  12  when the panel  16  is installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . 
     To limit the disposition of the optical splitter module  12 , and more particular the module housing  18 , through the openings  40 A,  40 B in the panel  16 , stopping members  37 A,  37 B,  37 C are disposed on the module housing  18 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 2A-2C . The stopping members  37 A,  37 B,  37 C prevent the module housing  18  from being extended fully through the openings  40 A,  40 B in the panel  16 , as illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Each stopping member  37 A,  37 B,  37 C contains a lip portion  39 A,  39 B,  39 C, respectively, that extends from the stopping members  37 A,  37 B,  37 C and from the module housing  18  and are configured to engage with the panel  16  to prevent the optical splitter module  12  from extending through the openings  40 A,  40 B in the panel  16  beyond the lip portions  39 A,  39 B,  39 C. As the module housing  18  is placed in the openings  40 A,  40 B in the panel  16  starting with the end side  38 B, the module housing  18  is pushed back into the openings  40 A,  40 B until the panel  16  abuts the lip portions  39 A,  39 B,  39 C. Tabs  41 A,  41 B,  41 C also disposed on the stopping members  37 A,  37 B,  37 C, respectively, will also engage the panel  16  on the opposite side from the lip portions  39 A,  39 B,  39 C to secure the optical splitter module  12  in the opening  40  and to prevent translation of the module housing  18  when installed. 
     In summary for this embodiment, the panel  16  is compatible to receive the optical splitter modules  12  and compatible to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10  of  FIG. 1 . In this regard, the optical splitter modules  12  do not have to be directly compatible to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 . Thus, the optical splitter modules  12  may be configured to be universally installed in other types of fiber optic equipment housings. In this regard,  FIG. 5  is a front perspective view of another exemplary fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ in which the optical splitter modules  12  can also be installed. In this embodiment, the optical splitter modules  12  are the same optical splitter modules as provided in  FIGS. 2A-2C  and described above. However, by providing suitable mounting bracket assemblies  43  that include receiving areas  44  configured to receive the form factor of the optical splitter module  12  and also configured to be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′, the optical splitter modules  12  can also be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′. Thus, this is one example where the optical splitter module  12  can be installed in different types of fiber optic equipment housings. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ receives the optical splitter modules  12  differently than the fiber optic equipment housing  10  in  FIG. 1 . In this embodiment, the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ provides a door or compartment  46  (hereinafter “compartment  46 ”) that is configured to swing out from a chassis  48  and contains an internal compartment  50  configured to receive fiber optic equipment, including the optical splitter modules  12  as shown. For example, the compartment  46  may be configured to swing out up to ninety (90) degrees from the chassis  48 . A base  52  is disposed in the bottom of the internal compartment  50  that is configured to receive fiber optic equipment. With continuing reference to  FIG. 5 , the mounting bracket assemblies  43  that are configured to provide the receiving areas  44  to receive and support the optical splitter modules  12  are comprised of mounting brackets  54  installed opposing each other. The receiving areas  44  that receive the optical splitter modules  12  are formed between two opposing mounting brackets  54  installed in the base  52  of the internal compartment  50 . 
       FIGS. 6A and 6B  are perspective and front views, respectively, of the mounting brackets  54  to provide more detail for this embodiment. The mounting brackets  54  are comprised of an elongated portion  56  supported on a base  57 . The base  57  is mounted to the base  52  of the internal compartment  50  of the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ to mount the mounting bracket  54  to the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′. The elongated portion  56  contains two orthogonal members  58 A,  58 B disposed apart in length L 5 , which slightly less than the length L 2  of the recessed portion  32 A of the optical splitter module  12  (see  FIG. 2B ). In this manner, the recessed portions  32 A,  32 B fit within the orthogonal members  58 A,  58 B, but the beveled edges  36 A,  36 B of the optical splitter module  12  are disposed on the outside of the orthogonal members  58 A,  58 B. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the optical splitter module  12  is installed between two opposing mounting brackets  54  to secure the optical splitter module  12 . As shown in  FIG. 6A , leaf springs  60 A,  60 B are disposed through the mounting brackets  54  so that the recessed portion  32 A of the optical splitter module  12  is secured by friction between two opposing mounting brackets  54 . In this manner, separate attachment devices are not necessary to be employed to secure the optical splitter modules  12  between the mounting brackets  54 . To remove the optical splitter module  12 , a pulling force is applied to overcome the friction provided by the leaf springs  60 A,  60 B on the module housing  18  when the optical splitter module  12  is installed in the receiving area  44 . To provide for the mounting bracket  54  to be universally used on either side of an optical splitter module  12 , the leaf springs  60 A,  60 B are disposed on both sides  62 A,  62 B of the mounting bracket  54  in this embodiment. Typically, the optical splitter modules  12  are installed after the mounting brackets  54  are installed in the base  52  of the internal compartment  50  such that the sides  62 A,  62 B of the mounting brackets  54  are opposed to each other to provide the receiving area  44  for receiving optical splitter modules  12 .  FIG. 7  further illustrates a rear perspective view of the optical splitter modules  12  installed between the mounting brackets  54  of  FIGS. 6A and 6B  mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′. 
     Alternative optical splitter modules can also be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ other than the optical splitter modules  12 . Other universal optical splitter modules may be installed in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ if a suitable mounting assembly can be provided that is compatible with the alternative optical splitter module and the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′. In this regard,  FIG. 8  is a front perspective view of alternative exemplary optical splitter modules  64  installed between alternative exemplary mounting assemblies  66  containing mounting platforms  68  and mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ of  FIG. 5 . As illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the mounting assemblies  66  can each contain multiple mounting platforms  68  that each are configured to support one optical splitter module  64 . The space formed between mounting platforms  68  provides a receiving area  69  for receiving the optical splitter modules  64 . The mounting assemblies  66  are comprised of mounting brackets  70  that each contain one or more mounting platforms  68  that extend generally orthogonally from a mounting bracket side  72  in this embodiment. To secure the mounting bracket  70  to the base  52  of the internal compartment  50 , mounting guides  74 A,  74 B are provided in the base  52  that are configured to receive end sides  76 A,  76 B of the mounting bracket  70  to secure the mounting platforms  68  to the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′. In this regard, the end sides  76 A,  76 B act as rails that are received and held in the mounting guides  74 A,  74 B. 
       FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the optical splitter module  64  configured to be installed on the mounting platforms  68  in the mounting assembly  66  in  FIG. 8 . The optical splitter module  64  in this embodiment contains one (1) 2×2 optical splitter. The optical splitter module  64  is similar to the optical splitter module  12  in  FIGS. 2A-2C  in that it contains recessed portions  77 A,  77 B disposed in a module housing  78 . Two input fiber optic adapters  73 A,  73 B are disposed in the module housing  78  that provide optical signals to an optical splitter (not shown) disposed within the module housing  78  to split such optical signals to optical fibers connected to output fiber optic adapters  75 A,  75 B also disposed in the module housing  78 . The optical splitter and manner in which optical signals are split by the optical splitter inside the module housing  78  can be the same as provided in one (1) of the 2×2 channels disposed in the optical splitter module  12  in  FIG. 2A , previously described. 
     The recessed portions  77 A,  77 B disposed in the module housing  78  of the optical splitter module  64  are configured to be received in the receiving areas  69  formed between the mounting platforms  68  disposed in the mounting brackets  70 , as illustrated in the perspective view of the mounting bracket  70  in  FIG. 10 . A length L 6  and width W 6  of the recessed portions  77 A,  77 B of the module housing  78 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , are the same or slightly less than a length L 7  and width W 7  of the receiving area  69  formed by adjacent mounting platforms  68  disposed in the mounting bracket  70 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . In this regard, a friction fit may be provided between the recessed portions  77 A,  77 B of the module housing  78  and adjacent mounting platforms  68 . Thus, the optical splitter modules  64  can be disposed within the receiving area  69  in a friction fit without the need for separate attachment devices, if desired. Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 8 , when the optical splitter module  64 , and more particularly the recessed portions  77 A,  77 B, are disposed between adjacent mounting platforms  68 , non-recessed portions  80 A,  80 B of the optical splitter module  64 , as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , are prevented from translating or moving into the receiving area  69 . This is because a width W 8  of the non-recessed portions  80 A,  80 B, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 , is larger than the width W 7  between adjacent mounting platforms  68 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 . Further, it may be desired to provide a width W 9  of the mounting platform  68 , as illustrated in  FIG. 10 , to be the same as or less than width W 10  of the module housing  78  so that another mounting bracket  70  can be disposed immediately adjacently, as illustrated in  FIG. 9 . 
       FIG. 11  illustrates an alternative mounting assembly  90  that can also be provided to compatibly receive the optical splitter modules  64  of  FIG. 9  and be mounted in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′ of  FIG. 8 . In this embodiment, the mounting assembly  90  is comprised of a lift-up carrier  92 . The lift-up carrier  92  in this embodiment is comprised of three sides  94 A,  94 B,  94 C arranged in a U-shape to provide an open receiving area  96  for receiving the optical splitter modules  64 . In this regard, an internal width W 11  of the lift-up carrier  92  is either slightly smaller, the same, or slightly larger than the width W 9  of the recessed portion  77 A to provide the receiving area  96  and to provide a friction fit between the optical splitter modules  64  and the lift-up carrier  92 . Thus, no attachment devices are necessary to secure the optical splitter modules  64  to the lift-up carrier  92  in this embodiment. The length L 8  of the lift-up carrier  92 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , is also designed to provide for non-recessed portions  93 A,  93 B of the module housing  78  and the fiber optic adapters  73 A,  73 B,  75 A,  75 B to be located outside of the receiving area  96  so that the optical fiber modules  64  cannot translate in the lift-up carrier  92 , when installed in the receiving area  96 . 
     Once the desired number of optical splitter modules  64  are loaded in a stacked fashion in the lift-up carrier  92 , as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the lift-up carrier  92  can be installed and secured in the base  52  of the internal compartment  50  of the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′, as illustrated in  FIG. 12 , to install and secure the optical splitter modules  64  in the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′. The optical splitter modules  64  can be removed by lifting the optical splitter modules  64  out of the lift-up carrier  92 , or by removing the entire lift-up carrier  92  from the base  52  of the fiber optic equipment housing  10 ′. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. These modifications include, but are not limited to, the type of optical splitter module, the form factor, the number or size of recessed portions, the number of optical splitters or splitting capacity provided, the type of mounting assembly or mounting brackets employed, and/or the type or form factor or size of fiber optic equipment housings designed to support mounting assemblies and optical splitter modules. Further, as used herein, it is intended that the terms “fiber optic cables” and/or “optical fibers” include all types of single mode and multi-mode light waveguides, including one or more optical fibers that may be upcoated, colored, buffered, ribbonized and/or have other organizing or protective structure in a cable such as one or more tubes, strength members, jackets or the like. Likewise, other types of suitable optical fibers include bend-insensitive optical fibers, or any other expedient of a medium for transmitting light signals. An example of a bend-insensitive optical fiber is ClearCurve® Multimode fiber commercially available from Corning Incorporated. 
     Although the disclosure has been illustrated and described herein with reference to certain embodiments and specific examples thereof, it will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that other embodiments and examples can perform similar functions and/or achieve like results. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations of this invention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. All such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure and are intended to be covered by the appended claims. Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure cover the modifications and variations disclosed herein provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.