Patent Publication Number: US-7909622-B2

Title: Shielded cassette for a cable interconnect system

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/394,987, filed Feb. 27, 2009, the subject matter of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/394,987 relates to U.S. application Ser. No. 12/394,816, filed Feb. 27, 2009, relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/394,912, filed Feb. 27, 2009, relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/394,987, filed Feb. 27, 2009, relates to U.S. patent application Ser. 12/395,049, filed Feb. 27, 2009, and relates to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/395,144, filed Feb. 27, 2009. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The subject matter herein relates generally to cable interconnect systems, and more particularly, to cassettes that have shielded plug cavities. 
     Known connector assemblies exist having multiple receptacles in a common housing, which provide a compact arrangement of such receptacles. Such a connector assembly is useful to provide multiple connection ports. Accordingly, such a connector assembly is referred to as a multiple port connector assembly. One application for such connector assemblies is in the field of computer networks, where desktops or other equipment are interconnected to servers or other network components by way of sophisticated cabling. Such networks have a variety of data transmission mediums including coaxial cable, fiber optic cable and telephone cable. Such networks have the requirement to provide a high number of distributed connections, yet optimally requires little space in which to accommodate the connections. 
     One type of connector assembly is the so-called “stacked jack” type of connector assembly. One example of a stacked jack type of connector assembly is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,988, assigned to Tyco Electronics Corporation, which discloses an insulative housing having two rows of receptacles that is, plug cavities. The receptacles are arranged side-by-side in an upper row and side-by-side in a lower row in a common housing, which advantageously doubles the number of receptacles without having to increase the length of the housing. The insulative housing includes an outer shield that surrounds the unit. Stacked jacks have the advantage of coupling a plurality of receptacles within a network component in a compact arrangement. However, typical stacked jacks only provide the outer shield to electrically isolate the connector assembly from other components within the system, such as adjacent connector assemblies. Shielding is not provided between each of the receptacles. As connector assemblies are driven towards higher performance, the shielding provided with known connector assemblies is proving ineffective. 
     Another type of connector assembly includes a plurality of individual modular jacks that are mounted within a housing to form an interface connector. Each modular jack includes a jack housing defining a plug cavity and a plurality of contacts within the plug cavity. The interface connector, including a number of the modular jacks, may be mounted to a corresponding network component. At least some known connector assemblies of this type utilize shielded modular jacks, wherein each modular jack is separately shielded and installed in the housing. While interface connectors have the advantage of coupling a plurality of modular jacks within a network component in a single arrangement, incorporating individual modular jacks have the problem of limited density. The density problem arises from each modular jack having a separate jack housing, which may be bulky. The density problem is exaggerated when shielded modular jacks are used as the shielded modular jacks are even larger than non-shielded modular jacks. 
     At least one of the problems with known connector assemblies is that current networks are requiring a higher density of connections. Additionally to meet performance requirements, shielding is required between adjacent plug cavities that are in close proximity. Some connector assemblies that are shielded are known to be bulky, which reduces the density per linear inch. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a cassette is provided that includes a shell having a plurality of shielded channels extending between a front and a rear of the shell. Communication modules are loaded into the shielded channels. The communication modules have front mating interfaces configured for mating with corresponding first plugs and rear mating interfaces configured for mating with corresponding second plugs. The communication modules are loaded into the corresponding shielded channels such that the communication modules are individually shielded from one another. Optionally, the shell may have interior walls defining the shielded channels that extend between the front and the rear. 
     In another embodiment, a cassette is provided including a shell having a front and a rear. The shell is configured to be received within an opening of a grounded panel. The shell has a plurality of shielded channels extending between the front and the rear, where the shielded channels are separated from adjacent shielded channels by interior walls of the shell. Communication modules are loaded into the shielded channels. The communication modules have front mating interfaces and rear mating interfaces and are loaded into the corresponding shielded channels such that the communication modules are individually shielded from one another by the interior walls. A bond bar is coupled to the shell. The bond bar is configured to be electrically connected to the grounded panel to define a ground path between the panel and the shell. 
     In a further embodiment, a cable interconnect system is provided including a patch panel having an opening therethrough that selectively receives a first cassette or a second cassette therein. The first cassette includes a shell having a plurality of shielded channels extending between a front and a rear of the shell and communication modules loaded into the shielded channels. The communication modules have front mating interfaces and rear mating interfaces and are loaded into the corresponding shielded channels such that the communication modules are individually shielded from one another. The second cassette includes a shell having a plurality of shielded channels extending between a front and a rear of the shell and communication modules loaded into the shielded channels. The communication modules have front mating interfaces and rear mating interfaces, wherein at least one of the front mating interface and the rear mating interface of the communication modules of the second cassette differs from the front mating interface and the rear mating interface of the communication modules of the first cassette. The communication modules of the second cassette are loaded into the corresponding shielded channels such that the communication modules are individually shielded from one another. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of a portion of a cable interconnect system incorporating a plurality of cassettes mounted to the panel with a modular plug connected thereto. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the panel and the cassettes illustrated in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an alternative panel for the cable interconnect system with cassettes mounted thereto. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of a cassette shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a rear exploded view of the cassette shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a contact subassembly of the cassette shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 7  is a front perspective view of a housing of the cassette shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 8  is a rear perspective view of the housing shown in  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a rear perspective view of the cassette shown in  FIG. 4  during assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a side perspective, partial cutaway view of the cassette shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the cassette shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the cassette and a bond bar for the cassette. 
         FIG. 13  is a bottom exploded perspective view of the cassette with the bond bar mounted thereto. 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of a portion of the cassette and the bond bar. 
         FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative housing for the cassette having shield elements and a bond bar electrically connected to the shield elements. 
         FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative cassette for the cable interconnect system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 17  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the shell of the cassette shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a lateral cross-sectional view of the shell of the cassette shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of another alternative cassette for the cable interconnect system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 20  illustrates a communication module for the cassette shown in  FIG. 19 . 
         FIG. 21  illustrates an alternative communication module for an alternative cassette. 
         FIG. 22  is an exploded view of yet another alternative cassette for the cable interconnect system shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  is a front perspective, view of a portion of a cable interconnect system  10  illustrating a panel  12  and a plurality of cassettes  20  mounted to the panel  12  and a modular plug  14  connected thereto. The cassette  20  comprises an array of receptacles  16  for accepting or receiving the modular plug  14 . 
     The cable interconnect system  10  is utilized to interconnect various equipment, components and/or devices to one another.  FIG. 1  schematically illustrates a first device  60  connected to the cassette  20  via a cable  62 . The modular plug  14  is attached to the end of the cable  62 .  FIG. 1  also illustrates a second device  64  connected to the cassette  20  via a cable  66 . The cassette  20  interconnects the first and second devices  60 ,  64 . In an exemplary embodiment, the first device  60  may be a computer located remote from the cassette  20 . The second device  64  may be a network switch. The second device  64  may be located in the vicinity of the cassette  20 , such as in the same equipment room, or alternatively, may be located remote from the cassette  20 . The cable interconnect system  10  may include a support structure  68 , a portion of which is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , for supporting the panel  12  and the cassettes  20 . For example, the support structure  68  may be an equipment rack of a network system. The panel  12  may be a patch panel that is mounted to the equipment rack. In alternative embodiments, rather than a patch panel, the panel  12  may be another type of network component used with a network system that supports cassettes  20  and/or other connector assemblies, such as interface modules, stacked jacks, or other individual modular jacks. For example, the panel  12  may be a wall or other structural element of a component. It is noted that the cable interconnect system  10  illustrated in  FIG. 1  is merely illustrative of an exemplary system/component for interconnecting communication cables using modular jacks and modular plugs Or other types of connectors. Optionally, the second device  64  may be mounted to the support structure  68 . 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the panel  12  and the cassettes  20 . The cassettes  20  are mounted within openings  22  of the panel  12 . The openings  22  are defined by a perimeter wall  24 . In an exemplary embodiment, the panel  12  includes a plurality of openings  22  for receiving a plurality of cassettes  20 . The panel  12  includes a planar front surface  25 , and the cassettes  20  are mounted against the front surface  25 . The panel  12  includes mounting tabs  26  on the sides thereof for mounting to the support structure  68  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the mounting tabs  26  may be provided at the sides of the panel  12  for mounting to a standard equipment rack or other cabinet system. Optionally, the panel  12  and mounting tabs  26  fit into 1 U height requirements. 
     The cassette  20  includes a shell  28  defining an outer perimeter of the cassette  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shell  28  is a two piece design having a housing  30  and a cover  32  that may be coupled to the housing  30 . The housing  30  and the cover  32  may have similar dimensions (e.g. height and width) to nest with one another to define a smooth outer surface. The housing  30  and the cover  32  may also have similar lengths, such that the housing  30  and the cover  32  mate approximately in the middle of the shell  28 . Alternatively, the housing  30  may define substantially all of the shell  28  and the cover  32  may be substantially flat and be coupled to an end of the housing  30 . Other alternative embodiments may not include the cover  32 . 
     The housing  30  includes a front  34  and a rear  36 . The cover  32  includes a front  38  and a rear  40 . The front  34  of the housing  30  defines a front of the cassette  20  and the rear  40  of the cover  32  defines a rear of the cassette  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cover  32  is coupled to the housing  30  such that the rear  36  of the housing  30  abuts against the front  38  of the cover  32 . 
     The housing  30  includes a plurality of plug cavities  42  open at the front  34  of the housing  30  for receiving the modular plugs  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The plug cavities  42  define a portion of the receptacles  16 . In an exemplary embodiment, the plug cavities  42  are arranged in a stacked configuration in a first row  44  and a second row  46  of plug cavities  42 . A plurality of plug cavities  42  are arranged in each of the first and second rows  44 ,  46 . In the illustrated embodiment, six plug cavities  42  are arranged in each of the first and second rows  44 ,  46 , thus providing a total of twelve plug cavities  42  in each cassette  20 . Four cassettes  20  are provided that are mounted to the panel  12 , thus providing a total of forty-eight plug cavities  42 . Such an arrangement provides forty-eight plug cavities  42  that receive forty-eight modular plugs  14  within the panel  12  that fits within 1 U height requirement. It is realized that the cassettes  20  may have more or less than twelve plug cavities  42  arranged in more or less than two rows of plug cavities  42 . It is also realized that more or less than four cassettes  20  may be provided for mounting to the panel  12 . 
     The cassette  20  includes latch members  48  on one or more sides of the cassette  20  for securing the cassette  20  to the panel  12 . The latch members  48  may be held close to the sides of the cassette  20  to maintain a smaller form factor. Alternative mounting means may be utilized in alternative embodiments. The latch members  48  may be separately provided from the housing  30  and/or the cover  32 . Alternatively, the latch members  48  may be integrally formed with the housing  30  and/or the cover  32 . 
     During assembly, the cassettes  20  are loaded into the openings  22  of the panel  12  from the front of the panel  12 , such as in the loading direction illustrated in  FIG. 2  by an arrow A. The outer perimeter of the cassette  20  may be substantially similar to the size and shape of the perimeter walls  24  defining the openings  22  such that the cassette  20  fits snugly within the openings  22 . The latch members  48  are used to secure the cassettes  20  to the panel  12 . In an exemplary embodiment, the cassettes  20  include a front flange  50  at the front  34  of the housing  30 . The front flanges  50  have a rear engagement surface  52  that engages the front surface  25  of the panel  12  and the cassette  20  is loaded into the openings  22 . The latch members  48  include a panel engagement surface  54  that is forward facing such that, when the cassette  20  is loaded into the opening  22 , the panel engagement surface  54  engages a rear surface  56  of the panel  12 . The panel  12  is captured between the rear engagement surface  52  of the front flanges  50  and the panel engagement surfaces  54  of the latch members  48 . 
       FIG. 3  is a front perspective view of an alternative panel  58  for the cable interconnect system  10  with cassettes  20  mounted thereto. The panel  58  has a V-configuration such that the cassettes  20  are angled in different directions. Other panel configurations are possible in alternative embodiments. The cassettes  20  may be mounted to the panel  58  in a similar manner as the cassettes  20  are mounted to the panel  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The panel  58  may fit within IU height requirements. 
       FIG. 4  is a rear perspective view of one of the cassettes  20  illustrating a plurality of rear mating connectors  70 . The rear mating connectors  70  are configured to mate With cable assemblies having a mating cable connector where the cable assemblies are routed to another device or component of the cable interconnect system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, the cable connectors may be provided at ends of cables that are routed behind the panel  12  to a network switch or other network component. Optionally, a portion of the rear mating connectors  70  may extend through an opening  72  in the rear  40  of the cover  32 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear mating connectors  70  are represented by board mounted MRJ-21 connectors, however, it is realized that other types of connectors may be used rather than MRJ-21 type of connectors. For example, in alternative embodiments, the rear mating connectors  70  may be another type of copper-based modular connectors, fiber optic connectors or other types of connectors, such as eSATA connectors, HDMI connectors, USB connectors. Fire Wire connectors, and the like. 
     As will be described in further detail below, the rear mating connectors  70  are high density connectors, that is, each rear mating connector  70  is electrically connected to more than one of the receptacles  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) to allow communication between multiple modular plugs  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) and the cable connector that mates with the rear mating connector  70 . The rear mating connectors  70  are electrically connected to more than one receptacles  16  to reduce the number of cable assemblies that interface with the rear of the cassette  20 . It is realized that more or less than two rear mating connectors  70  may be provided in alternative embodiments. 
       FIG. 5  is a rear exploded view of the cassette  20  illustrating the cover  32  removed from the housing  30 . The cassette  20  includes a communication module represented by a contact subassembly  100  loaded into the housing  30 . In an exemplary embodiment, the housing  30  includes a rear chamber  102  at the rear  36  thereof. The contact subassembly  100  is at least partially received in the rear chamber  102 . The contact subassembly  100  includes a circuit board  104  and one or more electrical connectors  106  mounted to the circuit board  104 . In an exemplary embodiment, the electrical connector  106  is a card edge connector. The electrical connector  106  includes at least one opening  108  and one or more contacts  110  within the opening  108 . In the illustrated embodiment, the opening  108  is an elongated slot and a plurality of contacts  110  are arranged within the slot. The contacts  110  may be provided on one or both sides of the slot. The contacts  110  may be electrically connected to the circuit board  104 . 
     The cassette  20  includes an interface connector assembly  120  that includes the rear mating connectors  70 . The interface connector assembly  120  is configured to be mated with the electrical connector  106 . In an exemplary embodiment, the interface connector assembly  120  includes a circuit board  122 . The rear mating connectors  70  are mounted to a side surface  124  of the circuit board  122 . In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board  122  includes a plurality of edge contacts  126  along an edge  128  of the circuit board  122 . The edge contacts  126  may be mated with the contacts  110  of the contact subassembly  100  by plugging the edge  128  of the circuit board  122  into the opening  108  of the electrical connector  106 . The edge contacts  126  are electrically connected to the rear mating connectors  70  via the circuit board  122 . For example, traces may be provided on Or in the circuit board  122  that interconnect the edge contacts  126  with the rear mating connectors  70 . The edge contacts  126  may be provided oh one or more sides of the circuit board  122 . The edge contacts  126  may be contact pads formed on the circuit board  122 . Alternatively, the edge contacts  126  may extend from at least one of the surfaces and/or the edge  128  of the circuit board  122 . In alternative embodiment, rather than using edge contacts  126 , the interface connector assembly  120  may include an electrical connector at, or proximate to, the edge  128  for mating with the electrical connector  106  of the contact subassembly  100 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates the contact subassembly  100  of the cassette  20  (shown in  FIG. 4 ). The circuit board  104  of the contact subassembly  100  includes a front side  140  and a rear side  142 . The electrical connector  106  is mounted to the rear side  142 . A plurality of contacts  144  extend from the front side  140  of the circuit board  104 . The contacts  144  are electrically connected to the circuit board  104  and are electrically connected to the electrical connector  106  via the circuit board  104 . 
     The contacts  144  are arranged in contact sets  146  with each contact set  146  defining a portion of a different receptacle  16  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, eight contacts  144  are configured as a contact array defining each of the contact sets  146 . The contacts  144  may constitute a contact array that is configured to mate with plug contacts of an RJ-45 modular plug. The contacts  144  may have a different configuration for mating with a different type of plug in alternative embodiments. More or less than eight contacts  144  may be provided in alternative embodiments. In the illustrated embodiment, six contact sets  146  are arranged in each of two rows in a stacked configuration, thus providing a total of twelve contact sets  146  for the contact subassembly  100 . Optionally, the contact sets  146  may be substantially aligned with one another within each of the rows and may be aligned above or below another contact set  146 . For example, an upper contact set  146  may be positioned relatively closer to a top  148  of the circuit board  104  as compared to a lower contact set  146  which may be positioned relatively closer to a bottom  150  of the circuit board  104 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the contact subassembly  100  includes a plurality of contact supports  152  extending from the front side  140  of the circuit board  104 . The contact supports  152  are positioned in close proximity to respective contact sets  146 . Optionally, each contact support  152  supports the contacts  144  of a different contact set  146 . In the illustrated embodiment, two rows of contact supports  152  are provided. A gap  154  separates the contact supports  152 . Optionally, the gap  154  may be substantially centered between the top  148  and the bottom  150  of the circuit board  104 . 
     During assembly, the contact subassembly  100  is loaded into die housing  30  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) such that the contact sets  146  and the contact supports  152  are loaded into corresponding plug cavities  42  (shown in  FIG. 2 ). In an exemplary embodiment, a portion of the housing  30  extends between adjacent contact supports  152  within a row, and a portion of the housing  30  extends into the gap  154  between the contact supports  152 . 
       FIGS. 7 and 8  are front and rear perspective views, respectively, of the housing  30  of the cassette  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The housing  30  includes a plurality of interior walls  160  that extend between adjacent plug cavities  42 . The walls  160  may extend at least partially between the front  34  and the fear  36  of the housing  30 . The walls  160  have a front surface  162  (shown in  FIG. 7 ) and a rear surface  164  (shown in  FIG. 8 ). Optionally, the front surface  162  may be positioned at, or proximate to, the front  34  of the housing  30 . The rear surface  164  may be positioned remote with respect to, and/or recessed from, the rear  36  of the housing  30 . The housing  30  includes a tongue  166  represented by one of the walls  160  extending between the first and second rows  44 ,  46  of plug cavities  42 . Optionally, the interior walls  160  maybe formed integral with the housing  30 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the housing  30  includes a rear chamber  102  (shown in  FIG. 8 ) at the rear  36  of the housing  30 . The rear chamber  102  is Open to each of the plug cavities  42 . Optionally, the rear chamber  102  extends from the rear  36  of the housing  30  to the rear surfaces  164  of the walls  160 . The rear chamber  102  is open at the rear  36  of the housing  30 . In the illustrated embodiment, the rear chamber  102  is generally box-shaped, however the rear chamber  102  may have any other shape depending on the particular application and/or the size and shape of the components filling the rear chamber  102 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the plug cavities  42  are separated from adjacent plug cavities  42  by shield elements  172 . The shield elements  172  may be defined by the interior walls  160  and/or exterior walls  174  of the housing  30 . For example, the housing  30  may be fabricated from a metal material with the interior walls  160  and/or the exterior walls  174  also fabricated from the metal material. In an exemplary embodiment, the housing  30  is diecast using a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. With the entire housing  30  being metal, the housing  30 , including the portion of the housing  30  between the plug cavities  42  (e.g. the interior walls  160 ) and the portion of the housing  30  covering the plug cavities  42  (e.g. the exterior walls  174 ), operates to provide shielding around the plug cavities  42 . In such an embodiment, the housing  30  itself defines the shield elements(s)  172 . The plug cavities  42  may be completely enclosed (e.g. circumferentially surrounded) by the shield elements  172 . 
     With each contact set  146  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) arranged within a different plug cavity  42 , the shield elements  172  provide shielding between adjacent contact sets  146 . The shield elements  172  thus provide isolation between the adjacent contact sets  146  to enhance the electrical performance of the contact sets  146  received in each plug cavity  42 . Having shield elements  172  between adjacent plug cavities  42  provides better shield effectiveness for the cable interconnect system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), which may enhance electrical performance in systems that utilize components that do not provide shielding between adjacent plug cavities  42 . For example, having shield elements  172  between adjacent plug cavities  42  within a given row  44 ,  46  enhances electrical performance of the contact sets  146 . Additionally, having shield elements  172  between the rows  44 ,  46  of plug cavities  42  may enhance the electrical performance of the contact sets  146 . The shield elements  172  may reduce alien crosstalk between adjacent contact sets  146  in a particular cassette and/or reduce alien crosstalk with contact sets  146  of different cassettes  20  or other electrical components in the vicinity of the cassette  20 . The shield elements may also enhance electrical performance of the cassette  20  in other ways, such as by providing EMI shielding or by affecting coupling attenuation, and the like. 
     In an alternative embodiment, rather than the housing  30  being fabricated from a metal material, the housing  30  may be fabricated, at least in part, from a dielectric material. Optionally, the housing  30  may be selectively metallized, with the metallized portions defining the shield elements  172 . For example, at least a portion of the housing  30  between the plug cavities  42  may be metallized to define the shield elements  172  between the plug cavities  42 . Portions of the interior walls  160  and/or the exterior walls  174  may be metallized. The metallized surfaces define the shield elements  172 . As such, the shield elements  172  are provided on the interior walls  160  and/or the exterior walls  174 . Alternatively, the shield elements  172  may be provided oh the interior walls  160  and/or the exterior walls  174  in a different manner, such as by plating or by coupling separate shield elements  172  to the interior walls  160  and/or the exterior walls  174 . The shield elements  172  may be arranged along the surfaces defining the plug cavities  42  such that at least some of the shield elements  172  engage the modular plugs  14  when the modular plugs  14  are loaded into the plug cavities  42 . In other alternative embodiments, the walls  160  and/or  174  may be formed, at least in part, by metal filler materials provided within or on the walls  160  and/or  174  or metal fibers provided within or on the walls  160  and/or  174 . 
     In another alternative embodiment, rather than, or in addition to, providing the shield elements  172  on the walls of the housing  30 , the shield elements  172  may be provided within the walls of the housing  30 . For example, the interior walls  160  and/or the exterior walls  174  may include openings  176  that are open at the rear  36  and/or the front  34  such that the shield elements  172  may be loaded into the openings  176 . The shield elements  172  may be separate metal components, such as plates, that are loaded into the: openings  176 . The openings  176 , and thus the shield elements  172 , are positioned between the plug cavities  42  to provide shielding between adjacent contact sets  146 . 
       FIG. 9  is a rear perspective, partially assembled, view of the cassette  20 . During assembly, the contact subassembly  100  is loaded into the rear chamber  102  of the housing  30  through the rear  36 . Optionally, the circuit board  104  may substantially fill the rear chamber  102 . The contact subassembly  100  is loaded into the rear chamber  102  such that the electrical connector  106  faces the rear  36  of the housing  30 . The electrical connector  106  may be at least partially received in the rear chamber  102  and at least a portion of the electrical connector  106  may extend from the rear chamber  102  beyond the rear  36 . 
     During assembly, the interface connector assembly  120  is mated with the electrical connector  106 . Optionally, the interface connector assembly  120  may be mated with the electrical connector  106  after the contact subassembly  100  is loaded into the housing  30 . Alternatively, both the contact subassembly  100  and the interface connector assembly  120  may be loaded into the housing  30  as a unit. Optionally, some or all of the interface connector assembly  120  may be positioned rearward of the housing  30 . 
     The cover  32  is coupled to the housing  30  after the contact subassembly  100  and the interface connector assembly  120  are positioned with respect to the housing  30 . The cover  32  is coupled to the housing  30  such that the cover  32  surrounds the interface connector assembly  120  and/or the contact subassembly  100 . In an exemplary embodiment, when the cover  32  and the housing  30  are coupled together, the cover  32  and the housing  30  cooperate to define an inner chamber  170  (shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 ). The rear chamber  102  of the housing  30  defines part of the inner chamber  170 , with the hollow interior of the cover  32  defining another part of the inner chamber  170 . The interface connector assembly  120  and the contact subassembly  100  are received in the inner chamber  170  and protected from the external environment by the cover  32  and the housing  30 . Optionally, the cover  32  and the housing  30  may provide shielding for the components housed within the inner chamber  170 . The rear mating connectors  70  may extend through the cover  32  when the cover  32  is coupled to the housing  30 . As such, the rear mating connectors  70  may extend at least partially out of the inner chamber  170 . 
       FIG. 10  is a side perspective, partial cutaway view of the cassette  20  and  FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the cassette  20 .  FIGS. 10 and 11  illustrate the contact subassembly  100  and the interface connector assembly  120  positioned within the inner chamber  170 , with the cover  32  coupled to the housing  30 . The contact subassembly  100  is loaded into the rear chamber  102  such that the front side  140  of the circuit board  104  generally faces the rear surfaces  164  of the walls  160 . Optionally, the front side  140  may abut against a structure of the housing  30 , such as the rear surfaces  164  of the walls  160 , or alternatively, a rib or tab that extends from the housing  30  for locating the contact subassembly  100  within the housing  30 . When the contact subassembly  100  is loaded into the rear chamber  102 , the contacts  144  and the contact supports  152  are loaded into corresponding plug cavities  42 . 
     When assembled, the plug cavities  42  and the contact sets  146  cooperate to define the receptacles  16  for mating with the modular plugs  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The walls  160  of the housing  30  define the walls of the receptacles  16  and the modular plugs  14  engage the walls  160  when the modular plugs  14  are loaded into the plug cavities  42 . The contacts  144  are presented within the plug cavities  42  for mating with plug contacts of the modular plugs  14 . In an exemplary embodiment, when the contact subassembly  100  is loaded into the housing  30 , the contact supports  152  are exposed within the plug cavities  42  and define one side of the box-like cavities that define the plug cavities  42 . 
     Each of the contacts  144  extend between a tip  180  and a base  182  generally along a contact plane  184  (shown in  FIG. 11 ). A portion of the contact  144  between the tip  180  and the base  182  defines a mating interface  185 . The contact plane  184  extends parallel to the modular plug loading direction, shown in  FIG. 11  by the arrow B, which extends generally along a plug axis  178 . Optionally, the tip  180  may be angled out of the contact plane  184  such that the tips  180  do not interfere with the modular plug  14  during loading of modular plug  14  into the plug cavity  42 . The tips  180  may be angled towards and/or engage the contact supports  152 . Optionally, the bases  182  may be angled out of the contact plane  184  such that the bases  182  may be terminated to the circuit board  104  at a predetermined location. The contacts  144 , including the tips  180  and the bases  182 , may be oriented with respect to one another to control electrical properties therebetween, such as crosstalk. In an exemplary embodiment, each of the tips  180  within the contact set  146  are generally aligned one another. The bases  182  of adjacent contacts  144  may extend either in the same direction or in a different direction as one another. For example, at least some of the bases  182  extend towards the top  148  of the circuit board  104 , whereas some of the bases  182  extend towards the bottom of  150  of the circuit board  104 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board  104  is generally perpendicular to the contact plane  184  and the plug axis  178 . The top  148  of the circuit board  104  is positioned near a top side  186  of the housing  30 , whereas the bottom  150  of the circuit board  104  is positioned near a bottom side  188  of the housing  30 . The circuit board  104  is positioned generally behind the contacts  144 , such as between the contacts  144  and the rear  36  of the housing  30 . The circuit board  104  substantially covers the rear of each of the plug cavities  42  when the connector subassembly  100  is loaded into the rear chamber  102 . In an exemplary embodiment, the circuit board  104  is positioned essentially equidistant, from the mating interface  185  of each of the contacts  144 . As such, the contact length between the mating interface  185  and the circuit board  104  is substantially similar for each of the contacts  144 . Each of the contacts  144  may thus exhibit similar electrical characteristics. Optionally, the contact length may be selected such that the distance between a mating interface  185  and the circuit board  104  is:reasonably short. Additionally, the contact lengths of the contacts  144  in the upper row  44  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of plug cavities  42  are substantially similar to the contact lengths of the contacts  144  in the lower row  46  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) of plug cavities  42 . 
     The electrical connector  106  is provided on the rear side  142  of the circuit board  104 . The electrical connector  106  is electrically connected to the contacts  144  of one or more of the contacts sets  146 . The interface connector assembly  120  is mated with the electrical connector  106 . For example, the circuit board  122  of the interface connector assembly  120  is loaded into the opening  108  of the electrical connector  106 . The rear mating connectors  70 , which are mounted to the circuit board  122 , are electrically connected to predetermined contacts  144  of the contacts sets  146  via the circuit board  122 , the electrical connector  106  and the circuit board  104 . Other configurations are possible to interconnect the rear mating connectors  70  with the contacts  44  of the receptacles  16 . 
       FIG. 12  is an exploded perspective view of the cassette  20  and a bond bar  300  for the cassette  20 . The bond bar  300  includes a generally planar body  302  and a plurality of flexible beams  304  that extend from the body  302 . The bond bar  300  is metallic and conductive. The bond bar  300  includes tabs  306  that extend from opposite sides of the body  302 . The tabs  306  are used to couple the bond bar  300  to the housing  30  of the cassette  20 . In an exemplary embodiment, the tabs  306  include slots  308  that latch to fibs  310  that extend outward from the housing  30 . The ribs  310  are received in the slots  308 , such as by a press fit. Other securing means or components may be provided to secure the bond bar  300  to the housing  30  in alternative embodiments. 
     The bond bar  300  includes a cassette interface  312  on one side of the body  302  and a panel interface  314  on the opposite side of the body  302 . The cassette interface  312  is inward facing, such as in a direction that generally faces the housing  30 . The cassette interface  312  is configured to engage and electrically connect to the cassette  20 . Optionally, the cassette interface  312  engages the housing  30 . The panel interface  314  is outward facing, such as in a direction that, generally faces away from housing  30 . The panel interface  314  may be defined by the flexible beams  304  and/or the body  302 . The panel interface  314  is configured to engage and electrically connected to the panel  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The bond bar  300  defines a conductive path between the panel  12  and the cassette  20 . 
       FIG. 13  is a bottom exploded perspective view of the cassette  20  with the bond bar  300  mounted thereto. The cassette interface  312  is engaged to the housing  30 . The flexible beams  304  are cantilevered from the body  302  generally away from the housing  30 . The flexible beams  304  extend from a fixed end  316  to a free end  318 . In an exemplary embodiment, the flexible beams  304  extend outward from the body  302  at the fixed end  316 . The free end  318  is curved back towards the body  302 . The flexible beams  304  thus include an apex  320  at some point along the flexible beams  304 . The apex  320  may be positioned proximate to, or at, the free end  318 . 
     The flexible beams  304  may be forced generally inwardly when the cassette  20  is installed and/or mounted within the panel  12 . For example, during loading of the cassette  20  into the panel opening  22 , the flexible beams  304  engage the panel  12 . The flexible beams  304  may define spring-like elements to provide a normal force against the panel  12  when the cassette  20  is mounted to the panel  12 . The panel  12  forces the flexible beams  304  to flatten out. Because the flexible beams  304  are resilient, the flexible beams  304  bias against the perimeter wall  24  of the opening  22 . The flexible beams  304  thus maintain contact with the panel  12 . Optionally, the panel  12  may additionally engage the body  302  of the bond bar  300 . 
     Since the cassette  20 , the bond bar  300  and the panel are conductive/metallic, the bond bar  300  provides a bond path or interface between the panel  12  and the cassette  20 . The bond path makes an electrical connection between the components. Optionally, when one of the components (e.g. the panel  12 ) is taken to ground (e.g. electrically grounded), then the bond path defines a ground path between the components. The bond bar  300  makes a secure mechanical and electrical connection between the panel  12  and the cassette  20  by using the flexible beams  304 . In an exemplary embodiment, when shield elements  172  (shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ) are utilized between the plug cavities  42  (shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 ), the bond bar  300  may be electrically connected to the shield elements  172  such that the shield elements  172  are electrically commoned to the bond bar  300 . As such, when the bond bar  300  is electrically grounded, the shield elements  172  are likewise electrically grounded. The shield elements  172  may be electrically connected to the bond bar  300  via the housing  30 , such as when the housing  30  is metal or when the housing  30  is metallized. Alternatively, the shield elements  172  may be directly electrically connected to the bond bar  300  such as by direct engagement with one another. It is realized that the bond bar  300  is merely one example of a conductive structure element that may be used to define a bond surface and to interconnect the cassette  20  with the panel  12  to create a bond path, and potentially ground path, therebetween. The bond bar  300 , or its equivalent, may have many different shapes, sizes, and configurations to accomplish the interconnection of the cassette  20  and the panel  12 . 
       FIG. 14  is an enlarged view of a portion of the cassette  20  and the bond bar  300  illustrated by the phantom line shown in  FIG. 13 . As illustrated in  FIG. 14 , the housing  30  includes a slot  330  for receiving a portion of the bond bar  300 . For example, the front edge of the bond bar  300  may be received in the slot  330 . The slot  330  may help secure the bond bar  300  to the housing  30 . For example, the slot  330  may cooperate with the ribs  310  to secure the bond bar  300  to the housing  30 . The housing  30  also includes notches  332 . The notches  332  maybe open to the slot  330 . The notches  332  are aligned with the flexible beams  304  and/or are configured to receive the flexible beams  304  therein. The notches  332  may define a space to accommodate the flexible beams  304  when the flexible beams  304  are flatten by the panel  12  (shown in  FIG. 13 ). 
       FIG. 15  illustrates an alternative housing  340  having shield elements  342  and a bond bar  344  electrically connected to the shield elements  342 . In the illustrated embodiment, the housing  340  is a dielectric housing made from a nonconductive material, such as a plastic material. The housing  340  includes openings  346  that receive the shield elements  342 . 
     The shield elements  342  are plates that are configured to be positioned between adjacent plug cavities  348  of the housing  340 . Optionally, each of the shield elements  342  may be integrally formed with one another as part of a one-piece structure that is loaded into the openings  346 . Alternatively, the shield elements  342  may be separate from one another and separately loaded into the openings  346 . The separate shield elements  342  may be electrically connected to one another. The shield elements  342  contact the bond bar  344  to electrically connect the bond bar  344  to the shield elements  342 . Optionally, the bond bar  344  may include flexible fingers  350  that engage the shield elements  342  to maintain contact therebetween. 
       FIG. 16  is an exploded perspective view of an alternative cassette  420  for the cable interconnect system  10  shown in  FIG. 1 . The cassette  420  is similar to the cassette  20  (shown in  FIG. 1 ) in some respects, however the cassette  420  includes a different rear mating interface  422  than the cassette  20 . A front mating interface  424  of the cassette  420  is similar to the front mating interface of the cassette  20 . The cassette  420  may be used in place of the Cassette  20 . For example, the cassette  420  has similar dimensions as the cassette  20  such that the cassette  420  may be loaded into the panel  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The bond bar  300  (shown in  FIG. 12 ) may be coupled to the cassette  420 . The bond bar  300  may thus be provided between the cassette  420  and the panel  12  to provide a bond path between the panel  12  and the cassette  420 . 
     The cassette  420  includes a shell  428  defining an outer perimeter of the cassette  420 . In an exemplary embodiment, the shell  428  is a two piece design having a housing  430  and a cover  432  that may be coupled to the housing  430 . The housing  430  and the cover  432  may have similar dimensions (e.g. height and width) to nest with one another to define a smooth outer surface. 
     The shell  428  includes a front  434  and a rear  436  with the housing  430  at the front  434  and the cover  432  at the rear  436 . The front mating interface  424  is defined by the structure of the housing  430 , a plurality of plug cavities  442  formed in the housing  430  for receiving plugs, such as the modular plugs  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), as well as communication modules  444  arranged within the shell  428  for mating with the plugs. The plug cavities  442  define receptacles that receive the plugs. The communication modules  444  are configured to be directly electrically connected to the plugs when the plugs are loaded into the plug cavities  442 . The communication modules  444  transmit signals through the cassette  420 . The plug cavities  442  and communication modules  444  cooperate to define a particular mating interface configured to receive a certain type of plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug cavities  442  and communication modules  444  are configured to receive an 8 position, 8 contact (8P8C) type of plug, such as an RJ-45 plug or another copper-based modular plug type of connector. Alternatively, the plug cavities  442  and communication modules  444  may be configured to receive different types of plugs, such as fiber-optic type of plugs. In an exemplary embodiment, the plug cavities  442  are arranged in a stacked configuration in a first row and a second row. A plurality of plug cavities  442  are arranged in each of the first and second rows. 
     The rear mating interface  422  is defined by the structure of the cover  432 , a plurality of plug cavities  446  formed in the cover  432  for receiving plugs, such as the modular plugs  14  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), as well as the communication modules  444  arranged within the shell  428  for mating with the plugs. The plug cavities  446  define receptacles that receive the plugs. The communication modules  444  are loaded into the plug cavities  446  from the interior of the cassette  420 . The communication modules  444  are configured to be directly electrically connected to the plugs when the plugs are loaded into the plug cavities  446 . The plug cavities  446  and communication modules  444  cooperate to define a particular mating interface configured to receive a certain type of plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the plug cavities  446  are sized and shaped the same as the plug cavities  442 , such that the plug cavities  442 ,  446  receive the same type of plugs. 
     The cassette  420  includes latch members  448  on one or more sides of the cassette  420  for securing the cassette  420  to the panel  12 . The latch members  448  may be held close to the sides of the cassette  420  to maintain a smaller form factor. Alternative mounting means may be utilized in alternative embodiments. The latch members  448  may be separately provided from the housing  430  and/of the cover  432 . Alternatively, the latch members  448  may be integrally formed with the housing  430  and/or the cover  432 . The latch members  448  may additionally be used to couple the housing  430  and the cover  432  together. 
     The housing  430  includes a plurality of interior walls  450  that extend between adjacent plug cavities  442 . The interior walls  450  define shield elements between adjacent plug cavities  442  that provide shielding between the communication modules  444  received in the corresponding plug cavities  442 . The walls  450  define the plug cavities  442 . The walls  450  may extend at, least partially between the front and the rear of the housing  430 . Some of the walls  450  extend vertically between adjacent plug cavities  442  that are in the same row. Some of the walls  450  extend horizontally between adjacent plug cavities  442  of different rows. Optionally, the interior walls  450  may be formed integral with the housing  430 . 
     The cover  432  includes a plurality of interior walls  452  that extend between adjacent plug cavities  446 . The interior walls  452  define shield elements between adjacent plug cavities  446  that provide shielding between the communication modules  444  received in the corresponding plug cavities  446 . The walls  452  define the plug cavities  446 . The walls  452  may extend at least partially between the front and the rear of the cover  432 . Some of the walls  452  extend vertically between adjacent plug cavities  446  that are in the same row. Some of the walls  452  extend horizontally between adjacent plug cavities  446  of different rows. Optionally, the interior walls  452  maybe formed integral with the cover  432 . 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the housing  430  and cover  432  are fabricated from a metal material with the interior walls  450 ,  452  and exterior walls  454 ,  456  also fabricated from the metal material. Optionally, the housing  430  may be diecast using a metal or metal alloy, such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy. With the entire housing  430  being metal, the housing  430 , including the portion of the housing  430  between the plug cavities  442  (e.g. the interior walls  450 ) and the portion of the housing  430  covering the plug cavities  442  (e.g. the exterior walls  454 ), operates to provide-shielding around the plug cavities  442 . The plug cavities  442  may be completely enclosed (e.g. circumferentially surrounded) by the shield elements (e.g. the interior walls  450  and exterior walls  454 ) of the housing  430 . Similarly, the cover  432  may be diecast. With the entire cover  432  being metal, the cover  432 , including the portion of the cover  432  between the plug cavities  446  (e.g. the interior walls  452 ) and the portion of the cover  432  covering the plug cavities  446  (e.g. the exterior walls  456 ), operates to provide shielding around the plug cavities  446 . The plug cavities  446  may be completely enclosed (e.g. circumferentially surrounded) by the shield elements (e.g. the interior walls  452  and exterior walls  456 ) of the cover  432 . 
     When assembled, the plug cavities  442 ,  446  of the housing  430  and cover  432 , respectively, cooperate to define shielded channels  460  (shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ). The communication modules  444  are received in the shielded channels  460 . The shielded channels  460  extend between the front  434  and the rear  436  of the shell  428 . The interior walls  450 ,  452  are aligned with one another and cooperate to define the shielded channels  460 . In an exemplary embodiment, the interior walls  450 ,  452  abut one another such that the walls defining the shielded channels  460  are continuous between the front  434  and the rear  436 . As such, the channels  460  are shielded along the entire length of the channels  460  between the front  434  and the rear  436 . 
     With each communication module  444  arranged within a different shielded channels  460 , the shell  428  provides electromagnetic shielding between adjacent communication modules  444 . The shell  428  thus provides electrical isolation between the adjacent communication modules  444  to enhance the electrical performance of the communication modules  444  received in each shielded channel  460 . Having shield elements between adjacent shielded channels  460  provides better shield effectiveness for the cassette  420 , which may enhance electrical performance over systems that utilize components that do not provide internal shielding. For example, having shield elements between adjacent shielded channels  460  within a given row enhances electrical performance of the communication modules  444 . Additionally, having shield elements between the rows of shielded channels  460  may enhance the electrical performance of the communication modules  444 . The interior walls  450 ,  452  may reduce crosstalk between adjacent communication modules  444  in a particular cassette  420 . The interior walls  450 ,  452  and/or the exterior walls  454 ,  456  may reduce crosstalk with communication modules  444  of different cassettes  420  or other electrical components in the vicinity of the cassette  420 . The shield elements may also enhance electrical performance of the cassette  420  in other ways, such as by providing EMI shielding or by affecting coupling attenuation, and the like. 
     In an alternative embodiment, rather than the housing  430  and cover  432  being fabricated from a metal material, the housing  430  and cover  432  may be fabricated, at least in part, from a dielectric material. Optionally, the housing  430  and cover  432  may be selectively metallized, with the metallized portions defining the shield elements. For example, at least a portion of the walls defining the channels  460  may be metallized to define the shield elements between the channels  460 . The metallized surfaces define the shield elements. Alternatively, the shield elements may be provided on the interior walls  450 ,  452  and/or the exterior walls  454 ,  456  in a different manner, such as by plating or by coupling separate shield elements to the interior walls  450 ,  452  and/or the exterior walls  454 ,  456 . In other alternative embodiments, the interior walls  450 ,  452  and/or the exterior walls  454 ,  456  may be formed, at least in part, by metal filler materials provided within or on the interior walls  450 ,  452  and/or the exterior walls  454 ,  456  or metal fibers provided within or on the interior walls  450 ,  452  and/or the exterior walls  454 ,  456 . 
       FIG. 17  is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the shell  428  of the cassette  420 .  FIG. 18  is a lateral cross-sectional view of the shell  428  of the cassette  420 . The communication modules  444  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) are removed for clarity.  FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrated the interior walls  450 ,  452  and the exterior walls  454 ,  456  defining the shielded channels  460 . 
     The interior walls  450  of the housing  430  each extend between a front  470  and a rear  472 . The exterior walls  454  of the housing  430  each extend between a front  474  and a rear  476 . The fronts  470 ,  474  are generally aligned with one another at the front  434  of the shell  428 . The rears  476  of the exterior walls  454  extend further rearward than the rears  472  of the interior walls  450 . Alternatively, the rears  472 , 476  may be generally aligned with one another. 
     The interior walls  452  of the cover  432  each extend between a front  480  and a rear  482 . The exterior walls  456  of the cover  432  each extend between a front  484  and a rear  486 . The fronts  480 ,  484  are generally aligned with one another at the rear  436  of the shell  428 . The rears  486  of the exterior walls  456  extend further rearward than the rears  482  of the interior walls  450 . Alternatively, the rears  482 ,  486  may be generally aligned with one another. 
     When assembled, the fronts  480 ,  484  of the cover  432  are coupled to the rears  472 ,  476  of the housing  430 . Optionally, the fronts  480 ,  484  may abut against the rears  472 ,  476  such that the interior walls  450 ,  452  are generally continuous between the front  434  and the rear  436  of the shell  428  and such that the exterior walls  454 ,  456  are generally continuous between the front  434  and the rear  436 . As such, the shielded channels  460  are shielded along an entire length of the channels  460  along channel axes  488  of the channels  460 . The interior walls  450 ,  452  and exterior walls  454 ,  456  entirely circumferentially enclose the channels  460  along the length of the channels  460 . For example, the interior walls  450 ,  452  and exterior walls  454 ,  456  entirely circumferentially enclose the channels  460  radially outward from the channel axes  488 . As noted above, the channels  460  are open at the front  434  and rear  436  to define the plug cavities  442 ,  446 , respectively, that receive the plugs therein.  FIG. 18  illustrates the bond bar  300  mounted to the exterior of the shell  428 . 
       FIG. 19  is a rear perspective view of another alternative cassette  620  for the cable interconnect system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The cassette  620  is similar to the cassette  420  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) in some respects, however the cassette  620  includes a different rear mating interface  622 . The cassette  620  may be used in place of the cassette  420 . For example, the cassette  620  has similar dimensions as the cassette  420  such that the cassette  620  may be loaded into the panel  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The bond bar  300  may be coupled to the cassette  620 . The bond bar  300  may thus be provided between the cassette  620  and the panel  12  to provide a bond path between the panel  12  and the cassette  620 . 
     The cassette  620  includes a front mating interface  624  that is similar to the front mating, interface of the cassette  420 . The cassette  620  includes a plurality of shielded channels  626  that extend between the rear mating interface  622  and the front mating interface  624 . The shielded channels  626  define plug cavities  628  of the cassette  620  that receive corresponding plugs therein. The shielded channels  626  may be sized and shaped similar to the shielded channels  460  (shown in  FIGS. 17 and 18 ). Communication modules  630  are received in the shielded channels  626  for mating with the plugs when the plugs are loaded into the plug cavities  628 . The communication modules  630  are illustrated in  FIG. 20 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the communication modules  630  and plug cavities  628  at the rear mating interface  622  represent a quad-type mating interface configured to receive a quad-type plug connector therein. The communication modules  630  each include contacts  632 . The contacts  632  are arranged in pairs in different quadrants of the plug cavities  628 . Wall segments  634  divide the plug cavities  628  into quadrants, with each quadrant receiving a pair of the contacts  632 . Optionally, the wall segments  634  may provide shielding from adjacent quadrants. The cassette  620  includes interior walls  636  that define the shielded channels  626  and plug cavities  628 . Optionally, the wall segments  634  may be formed integral with the interior walls  636 . Alternatively, the wall segments  634  may be separate and distinct from the interior walls  636 , and coupled thereto. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates a contact subassembly represented by the communication module  630 . The communication module  630  includes a circuit board  640 , a contact support  642 , and a plurality of contacts  644  arranged as a contact set. The contact support  642  and the contacts  644  extend from a front side of the circuit board  640 . The contact support  642  and the contacts  644  define a mating interface similar to the mating interface of the cassette  420  (shown in  FIG. 16 ). For example, the contact support  642  and the contacts  644  are configured to meet with an RJ-45 type plug. 
     The communication module  630  includes a plurality of support towers  646  mounted to, and extending from, a rear side of the circuit board  640 . The support towers  646  hold the contacts  632 . Each of the contacts  632  are electrically connected to corresponding ones of the contacts  644  via the circuit board  640 . The arrangement of the contacts  632  is different from the contacts  644 . For example, the contacts  644  are arranged in a single row, whereas the contacts  632  are arranged in pairs in quadrants. The communication module  630 , including the circuit board  640 , is received within a corresponding shielded channel  626  (shown in  FIG. 19 ). The communication module  630  is isolated from other communication modules  630  by the shielded channels  626 . For example, the interior walls  636  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) separate adjacent communication modules  630  from one another. 
       FIG. 21  illustrates ah alternative communication module  660  for use in an alternative cassette (not shown). The communication module  660  includes a front  662  and a rear  664 . When the communication module  660  is arranged within the cassette, the front  662  defines a front mating interface of the cassette, and the rear  664  defines a rear mating interface of the cassette. 
     In an exemplary embodiment, the communication module  660  forms part of a mating interface similar to the rear mating interface  622  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) of the cassette  620  (shown in  FIG. 19 ). For example, the communication module  660  is configured to be mated with a quad-type plug connector. Four of the communication modules  660  are arranged in a group to mate with a single quad-type plug connector. Shielding may be provided between each of the communication modules  660 . For example, shielded wall segments, similar to the shielded wall segments  634  (shown in  FIG. 20 ), may divide a shielded channel of the cassette into quadrants. The shielded wall segments may extend along the entire length of the shielded channels between a front and a rear of the cassette. The wall segments provide shielding between adjacent communication modules  660 , whereas the shielded channels provide shielding for the set of four communication modules  660  from adjacent sets of communication modules  660 . 
     The communication module  660  includes a pair of contacts  665  held by a body  668 . The contacts  665  extend between the front  662  and the rear  664 . Each contact  665  has a unitary body between the front  662  and the rear  664 . Alternatively, a front contact and a rear contact may be provided and coupled to one another and/or to a circuit board therebetween. 
       FIG. 22  is an exploded view of yet another alternative cassette  720  for the cable interconnect system  10  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The cassette  720  is similar to the cassette  420  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) in some respects, however the cassette  720  includes a rear mating interface  722  and a front mating interface  724  that differs from the cassette  420 . The cassette  720  may be used in place of the cassette  420 . For example, the cassette  720  has similar dimensions as the cassette  420  such that the cassette  720  may be loaded into the panel  12  (shown in  FIG. 1 ). The bond bar  300  may be coupled to the cassette  720 . The bond bar  300  may thus be provided between the cassette  720  and the panel  12  to provide a bond path between the panel  12  and the cassette  720 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the cassette  720  has a fiber-optic type mating interface at the rear mating interface  722  and at the front mating interface  724 . The cassette  720  is configured to mate with fiber-optic type plug connectors at the rear mating interface  722  and at the front mating interface  724 . Alternatively, either the front mating interface  724  or the rear mating interface  722  may be a copper based mating interface, such as an RJ-45 type interface or a quad-type mating interface. As such, the cassette  720  is a hybrid type of cassette that converts signals between fiber optic signals and copper type signals. The cassette  720  may include active transceiver devices therein that are used in converting the signals. 
     The cassette  720  includes a plurality of communication modules  726 . The communication modules  726  each include a front  728  and a rear  730 . When the communication module  726  is arranged within the cassette  720 , the front  728  is arranged at the front mating interface  724  of the cassette  720  for mating with a corresponding plug. When the communication module  726  is arranged within the cassette  720 , the rear  730  is arranged at the rear mating interface  722  of the cassette  720  for mating with a corresponding plug. In the illustrated embodiment, the communication modules  726  are configured to mate with fiber optic plugs at both the front and rear  728 ,  730 . Alternatively, the communication modules  726  may be hybrid communication modules with either the front  728  or the rear  730  being configured to mate with a non-fiber optic type of plug, such as an RJ-45 plug or a quad plug. The communication module  726  may include a circuit board with the two different types of receptacles being terminated to the circuit board such that the different types of signals may be converted on the circuit board. 
     The cassette  720  includes a shell  732  having a housing  734  at a front of the shell  732  and a cover  736  at a rear of the shell  732 . The housing  734  defines a plurality of plug cavities  738 . The cover  736  defines a plurality of plug cavities  740 . When the housing  734  and cover  736  are assembled, the cavities  738 ,  740  are aligned with one another to define opposite ends of a shielded channel  742  that extends between the front  728  and a rear  730  of the shell  732 . During assembly, the communication modules  726  are loaded into corresponding shielded channel  742  of the housing  734 , and then the cover  736  is mated to the housing  734  such that the communication modules  726  are received in corresponding shielded channels  742  of the cover  736 . Alternatively, the communication modules  726  may be loaded into corresponding shielded channel  742  of the cover  736 , and then the cover  736  is mated to the housing  734  such that the communication modules  726  are received in corresponding shielded channels  742  of the housing  734 . The communication modules  726  are arranged within the cassette  720  for mating with corresponding plugs loaded into the plug cavities  738  and/or  740 . 
     Cassettes are thus provided that may be mounted to a panel through an opening in the panel. Optionally, each of the cassettes described herein generally have a similar outer perimeter such that the cassettes fit within the same panel opening. The panel may be electrically connected to ground. Optionally, a bond bar  300  may be provided between any of the cassettes and the panel to provide a bond path between the panel and the corresponding cassette. The cassette is then grounded when the panel is grounded. The cassette includes a plurality of receptacles that are configured to receive modular plugs therein. The type of plug mated with the cassette depends upon the type of mating interface of the cassette. For example, the mating interface may be a copper type mating interface, such as an RJ-45 jack type interface or a quad type interface, or the mating interface may be a fiber-optic type mating interface, or the mating interface in the another type of mating interface. The cassettes include interior walls and exterior walls that defined shielded channels that extend between the front and the rear of the cassettes. Communication modules having a particular front mating interface and rear mating interface are received within the individually shielded channels. The communication modules are thus isolated from other communication modules by the interior, which may increase the performance of the cassette. For example, shield effectiveness may be increased by providing the shield elements between adjacent shielded channels. Additionally, alien crosstalk may be reduced between the contacts of adjacent communication modules. 
     It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims* the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.