Patent Publication Number: US-6668127-B1

Title: Connectorized inside fiber optic drop

Description:
This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/746,528, filed Dec. 26, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,539, 147, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, and which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/372,675, filed Aug. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,427,035, which is also hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In addition, this application incorporates by reference the following co-pending related applications in their entireties: application Ser. No. 09/746,649, “Connectorized Outside Fiber Optic Drop,” by Glenn M. Mahony, filed Dec. 26, 2000; and application Ser. No. 09/746,730, “Connectorized Fiber Optic Interface Device,” by Glenn M. Mahony, filed Dec. 26, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to fiber optic cable systems and, more specifically, to a fiber optic drop for providing continuous, uninterrupted fiber optic service from a service provider central office to a subscriber premises. 
     2. Definitions 
     The following definitions and descriptions are provided to clearly define the intended meanings of certain terms used throughout this application. 
     1. Primary fiber optic strand—a fiber optic strand that is connected to an electronic device in the central office of a service provider. A primary fiber optic strand supports a single fiber optic electronic device in the central office and up to 32 different fiber optic electronic devices external to the central office, i.e., one fiber optic strand can be split into 32 different strands for connection to 32 different fiber optic electronic devices. 
     2. Fiber optic cable—a cable that contains a multiple number of fiber optic strands. 
     3. Distribution splitter—a splitter used in the intermediate portion of a deployment network, where fiber optic strands are separated and directed to different locations. Distribution splitters divide a single fiber optic strand into multiple numbers of strands. 
     The number of splitters in a network depends on the total number of strands in the fiber optic cable leading into a central office. The total number of strands in the cable is at least equal to the number of fiber optic electronic devices connected at the central office. 
     For purposes of describing the present invention, it is understood that, although only two levels of splitting are described herein, any number of levels could be used to divide a primary fiber optic strand into multiple strands. In fact, instead of using distribution splitters and local terminals, a single primary fiber optic strand could go directly to a local terminal with a 1×32 splitter, in which case the local terminal splits the strand into 32 separate strands which may be connected to 32 individual fiber optic drops leading to one or more subscriber premises. 
     4. Secondary fiber optic strand—the strands that are separated from a primary fiber optic strand. When a primary fiber optic strand goes through a first distribution splitter, the separated strands are referred to as secondary fiber optic strands. The number of secondary fiber optic strands in the network depends upon the configuration of the splitter, e.g., a 1×8 splitter would split a primary fiber optic strand into eight secondary fiber optic strands. Through each set of splitters, the number of fiber optic electronic devices supported becomes progressively smaller until there is only one device per strand. 
     5. Splice case or splicer—case that attaches to a fiber optic cable and separates one or more fiber optic strands from the cable to be diverted away from the cable in a different direction. A splice case contains fiber optic splices or permanent connections between two fiber optic strands. 
     6. Local terminal—an outside plant cable terminal used in the prior art for terminating one or more fiber optic strands near one or more subscriber premises for connection to copper wire drops into each subscriber premises. Under the current invention, a local terminal includes a splitter-terminal apparatus that splits a final fiber optic strand into multiple strands, each fitted with a connectorized termination for joining one fiber optic drop. 
     7. Fiber optic drops—small fiber optic cables that contain one or two fiber optic strands connecting, for example, the local terminal to a fiber optic interface device or a fiber optic interface device to an optical network terminal. 
     8. Connectorized termination—a fitting for a fiber optic cable or strand that facilitates quick connections between two different cables or strands. The fittings are typically plastic connectors with a male and female side, e.g., SC connectors. 
     9. Pigtail—in the context of a splitter-terminal, pigtail refers to a short length of jacketed fiber optic strand permanently fixed to a component at one end and a connectorized termination at the other end, such that the pigtail provides a flexible fiber optic connection between the component and the connectorized termination. When used in the context of a fiber optic drop, pigtail refers to a short length of jacket (the fiber optic strand is described separately) fixed to a component (sheath) at one end and a connectorized termination at the other end. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The telecommunications industry has long recognized the many advantages fiber optic cabling and transmission devices hold over traditional copper wire and transmission systems. Fiber optic systems provide significantly higher bandwidth and greater performance and reliability than standard copper wire systems. For example, fiber optic systems can transmit up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), while copper lines transmit at typically less than 64 kilobits per second (Kbps). Optical fibers also require fewer repeaters over a given distance to keep a signal from deteriorating. Optical fibers are immune to electromagnetic interference (from lightning, nearby electric motors, and similar sources) and to crosstalk from adjoining wires. Additionally, cables of optical fibers can be made smaller and lighter than conventional copper wire or coaxial tube cables, yet they can carry much more information, making them useful for transmitting large amounts of data between computers and for carrying bandwidth-intensive television pictures or many simultaneous telephone conversations. 
     Despite the many advantages, extremely high installation costs have discouraged network providers from providing continuous fiber optic networks extending from central office facilities all the way to subscriber premises. As used herein, “fiber to the home” (FTTH) refers to this continuous deployment of fiber optic lines directly to subscriber premises. On the main distribution lines of a telecommunications network, the volume of traffic and number of customers often justify the high installation cost of fiber optic lines. However, thus far, the costs of deploying fiber optic lines to individual subscriber premises have far outweighed any potential benefits to network providers. 
     Therefore, instead of implementing FTTH networks, service providers have developed strategies to provide some of the benefits of fiber optic networks without actually deploying fiber all the way to the home (or other end-subscriber location). One such strategy is known as fiber to the curb (FTTC), in which fiber optic lines extend from the service provider to local terminals (also referred to as outside plant cable terminals) that are situated in areas having a high concentration of subscribers. Service providers complete the last leg of the network, i.e., from the local terminals into a subscriber premises, using copper wire drops and perhaps a high speed data connection, such as an Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL). 
     Such FTTC systems provide the benefits of fiber optic systems as far as the fiber extends, but deprive the subscriber of the full benefit of fiber optic networks because of the copper wire drops. Indeed, as the weakest link, the copper wire drops limit the bandwidth capacity for the entire system. Thus, the only way to gain the full benefit of fiber optic networking is to use a continuous fiber optic connection from the service provider&#39;s equipment to the subscriber&#39;s equipment. 
     Despite the bandwidth limitations, network providers favor copper wire drops because of the prohibitively high cost of installing fiber optic drops using conventional systems and methods. The bulk of these costs can be attributed to the highly skilled labor and time required to install fiber optic splitters and to join fiber optic drops to fiber optic strands coming from the splitters. In conventional systems and methods, fiber optic networks use fiber optic splitters and splice cases to route fiber optic strands throughout a distribution network. The fiber optic splitters and splice cases allow a fiber optic strand to branch into multiple strands to widen a network&#39;s coverage area. In conventional networks, design engineers use splitters and splice cases to route strands from electronic devices at the central office to distribution locations, such as those in housing developments. 
     To provide fiber optic drops to individual subscriber premises from the distribution locations, network providers could manually splice individual fiber optic drops onto each strand. Or, alternatively, each time that a new subscriber requires fiber optic service, a network provider could manually fit the fiber optic strands with a connector for joining a fiber optic drop that runs to the new subscriber&#39;s premises. However, whether manually splicing individual fiber optic drops or fitting fiber optic strands with connectors for each service request, network providers must use highly skilled technicians to complete the specialized tasks. These technicians tend to be both expensive and in short supply. Thus, in light of the conventional systems and methods for deploying fiber optic cable, network providers rightly view the deployment of individual fiber optic drops from these distribution locations as an expensive and time-consuming endeavor. 
     To avoid the high costs of manually splicing fiber or fitting connectors onto fiber, network providers could use conventional fiber optic splitters to facilitate connections. However, conventional fiber optic splitter apparatus are difficult to connect. The fiber optic splitters known in the prior art are designed to accommodate permanent connections. The splitters are installed at network branch locations at which the number and structure of incoming and outgoing strands rarely change. In contrast, in deploying fiber to the home from the distribution locations, network providers must have the flexibility to add and disconnect services on an individual subscriber level. Thus, the permanent nature of conventional fiber optic splitter apparatus is inappropriate for fiber to the home deployment. 
     Thus, in a typical network, instead of providing fiber optic drops from the distribution locations to the subscriber premises, network providers run fiber optic strands from the distribution locations to electronic devices located in local terminals, e.g., aerial or buried terminals. These local terminals are situated in the center of a cluster of subscriber houses. The fiber optic service ends at these local terminals, and copper wire drops complete the connection to the subscriber premises. The copper wire drops are used because no device exists in the prior art that facilitates an economical, easy-to-connect fiber optic drop to the subscriber premises. Although the prior art includes fiber optic splitters and splices for network deployment, the existing splitters and splices are not appropriate for installing individual drops to subscribers because they do not provide a terminating function and they are not combined into an easy-to-deploy unit. 
     In addition, because the prior art lacks a device to connect a fiber optic drop to a subscriber premises, the prior art also lacks devices for implementing fiber to the home from the distribution locations to the subscriber&#39;s equipment inside the subscriber&#39;s premises. Thus far, connecting distribution locations to subscriber equipment has been limited to copper. Devices that bring copper from the curb into the home are well known in the art. For example, one such device is a network interface device produced by Corning Cable Systems of Hickory, N.C. In stark contrast, however, the prior art lacks devices dedicated to bringing fiber from the curb to the home. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a connectorized inside fiber optic drop that facilitates the deployment of fiber to the home. The connectorized inside fiber drop includes a sheath, transition fittings, pigtails, fiber optic connectors, and a fiber optic strand. The sheath is positioned over a middle section of the fiber optic strand. The transition fittings are attached to the sheath proximate to both ends of the inside fiber optic drop. The pigtails attach to the transition fittings and enclose the fiber optic strand from the transition fittings to the ends of the fiber optic strand, where the fiber optic connectors are attached to the fiber optic strand and the pigtails. If the drop contains more than one fiber optic strand, then one set of pigtails with connectors is provided for each fiber optic strand. 
     In facilitating the deployment of fiber to the home, the present invention functions within a fiber optic network that provides continuous fiber optic strands from a service provider&#39;s central office to individual subscribers&#39; premises. As shown schematically in FIG. 1 a , the network comprises a central office fiber optic electronic device, a primary fiber optic cable (or strand), distribution splitters, secondary fiber optic cables (or strands), local terminals (outside plant cable terminals), and fiber optic drops to subscriber premises. In replacing the inferior fiber to the curb deployments of the prior art, the present invention facilitates a system that economically deploys complete, uninterrupted fiber optic services to individual subscribers. 
     To facilitate fiber to the home, the present invention helps connect the local terminals of the network to the subscriber premises, i.e., the present invention helps to extend fiber from the “curb” to the “home.” As shown in FIG. 1 b , this portion of the network includes a fiber optic splitter-terminal apparatus in the local terminal, a connectorized outside fiber drop in communication with the fiber optic splitter-terminal apparatus, a fiber optic interface device in communication with the connectorized outside fiber drop, and a connectorized inside fiber drop of the present invention in communication with the fiber optic interface device. The connectorized inside fiber drop connects to an optical network terminal in the subscriber premises, which in turn connect to the subscriber&#39;s fiber optic electronic devices. The fiber optic electronic devices connect to home consumer electronic devices, such as personal computers or telephones. Together, these components enable the cost-effective installation of fiber to the home. 
     Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a fiber optic network that delivers uninterrupted fiber optic service from a central office to subscriber premises. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive apparatus that connects a fiber optic interface device to an optical network terminal. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide an inside fiber optic drop that can be installed without requiring splicing. 
    
    
     These and other objects of the present invention are described in greater detail in the detailed description of the invention, the appended drawings, and the attached claims. 
     DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 a  is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic network from a central office to subscriber premises, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 b  is a schematic diagram of the distribution of a fiber optic drop from a local terminal to a subscriber premises, according to preferred embodiments of the present invention. 
     FIG. 1 c  is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic network, showing the deployment to individual subscriber premises, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 a  is a schematic diagram of a splitter-terminal package with a 1×4 splitter and a connectorized termination for the incoming fiber optic strand, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 2 b  is a schematic diagram of a splitter-terminal package with a 1×8 splitter and a connectorized termination for the incoming fiber optic strand, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 2 c  is a schematic diagram of a splitter-terminal package with a 1×4 splitter and a pigtail for the incoming fiber optic strand, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 2 d  is a schematic diagram of a splitter-terminal package with a 1×8 splitter and a pigtail for the incoming fiber optic strand, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a splitter-terminal package with two incoming fiber optic strands and two 1×4 splitters, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 4 a  is a schematic diagram of a pole-mounted splitter-terminal package for an aerial deployment system with a connectorized termination for the incoming fiber optic strand, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 4 b  is a schematic diagram of a pole-mounted splitter-terminal package for an aerial deployment system with a pigtail for the incoming fiber optic strand, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a strand-mounted splitter-terminal package for an aerial deployment system, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 6 a  is a schematic diagram of a pedestal-mounted splitter-terminal package for a buried deployment system with the splice case enclosed in the pedestal shell, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 6 b  is a schematic diagram of a pedestal-mounted splitter-terminal package for a buried deployment system with the splice case located separate from the pedestal shell and with the incoming fiber optic cable connected to the splitter-terminal package by a pigtail, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 6 c  is a schematic diagram of a pedestal-mounted splitter-terminal package for a buried deployment system with the splice case located separately from the pedestal shell, and with the incoming fiber optic cable connected to the splitter-terminal package with a connectorized termination, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 7 a  is a schematic diagram of a connectorized outside fiber drop according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 7 b  is a schematic diagram of a connectorized outside fiber drop having two fiber optic strands, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 8 a  is a schematic diagram of a fiber optic interface device, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 8 b  is a schematic diagram of a grommet for a fiber optic interface device, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIGS. 8 c  and  8   d  are schematic diagrams of termination hardware in a fiber optic interface device, according to representative embodiments. 
     FIG. 9 is a flowchart outlining how a fiber optic interface device is installed and how the pigtails of an outside fiber drop and an inside fiber drop are installed in the fiber optic interface device, according to a representative embodiment. 
     FIG. 10 a  is a schematic diagram of a connectorized inside fiber drop according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10 b  is a schematic diagram of a connectorized inside fiber drop having two fiber optic strands, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a connectorized inside fiber optic drop that connects a fiber optic interface device to an optical network terminal. In serving this function, the present invention facilitates the deployment of fiber to the home. To provide the context in which the present invention operates, the following subheadings describe the present invention, a representative fiber optic network deployment system that uses the present invention, and the specific components with which the present invention interacts as a part of that system. 
     Fiber Optic Network Deployment System 
     FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b  illustrate a complete fiber to the home deployment system, according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 a  shows the distribution of fiber optic lines on a network level. On an individual subscriber level, FIG. 1 b  shows the distribution of a fiber optic drop from a local terminal to a subscriber premises. 
     As shown in FIG. 1 a , a representative embodiment of the fiber to the home deployment system of the present invention includes a central office  100 , a primary fiber optic cable  102  having a plurality of primary fiber optic strands  102   a , a plurality of distribution splitters  104 , a plurality of secondary fiber optic cables  106  having a plurality of secondary fiber optic strands  106   a , a plurality of local terminals  108  (outside plant cable terminals), each containing a fiber optic splitter-terminal apparatus (not shown in FIG. 1 a ), a plurality of fiber optic drops  110 , and a plurality of subscriber premises electronic equipment  112 . 
     As shown in FIG. 1 a , the system components are connected in a branched network. Starting from the central office  100 , primary fiber optic cables  102  run from the service provider to locations throughout the network. At various points in the network, primary fiber optic strands  102   a  are spliced from primary fiber optic cables  102  into a plurality of distribution splitters  104 . Each distribution splitter  104  divides a primary fiber optic strand  102   a  into a secondary fiber optic cable  106 . As secondary fiber optic cable  106  passes near clusters of subscribers, splice cases  107  splice secondary fiber optic strands  106   a  off of secondary fiber optic cable  106  to be directed toward the respective service areas. The number of secondary fiber optic strands  106   a  in cable  106  supported by primary strand  102   a  depends on the configuration of distribution splitter  104 . For example, a 1×8 distribution splitter splits a primary fiber optic strand into eight secondary fiber optic strands  106   a . Each of the eight secondary fiber optic strands  106   a  accommodates four electronic devices for a total of thirty-two supported end devices per primary fiber optic strand  102   a.    
     Within a service area, each secondary fiber optic strand  106   a  is in communication with a local terminal  108 . Local terminals  108  include a splitter-terminal apparatus for further splitting secondary fiber optic strand  106   a  into a plurality of fiber optic drops  110 . The splitter-terminal apparatus replaces the conventional fiber-to-copper interface and provides a fiber optic connector interface between a fiber optic strand and multiple fiber optic drops to subscriber premises. Each fiber optic drop  110  serves one fiber optic electronic device on subscriber premises  112  (assuming, of course, that local terminals  108  split secondary fiber optic strands  106   a  into fiber optic drops  110  of a single strand). 
     In dividing primary fiber optic cable  102  down to a single fiber optic drop  110 , the representative network of FIG. 1 a  uses the following distribution scheme. For simplicity, this example assumes that one primary fiber optic strand  102   a  extends from central office fiber optic electronic device  150 . In other words, primary fiber optic cable  102  consists of one primary fiber optic strand  102   a . From central office  100 , primary fiber optic strand  102   a  goes through one 1×8 distribution splitter  104 , resulting in eight separate secondary fiber optic strands  106   a . These eight secondary fiber optic strands are bundled in secondary fiber optic cable  106 . At locations near each service area, splice cases  107  splice secondary fiber optic strands  106   a  off of secondary fiber optic cable  106  and direct secondary fiber optic strands  106   a  toward intended service areas. Once inside the service areas, the eight secondary fiber optic strands  106   a  are routed to local terminals  108  that contain 1×4 splitter-terminal packages. Each 1×4 splitter-terminal package yields four separate fiber optic drops  110 , for a total of 32 separate fiber optic drops. In this example, local terminals  108  are situated between four subscriber premises  112 , with each subscriber having one fiber optic electronic device. Thus, 32 subscribers each having one fiber optic electronic device, are served from a single primary fiber optic strand  102  from central office  100 . 
     FIG. 1 b  shows the fiber to the home deployment system on the individual subscriber level, from a local terminal  108  to a subscriber premises  112 . In other words, FIG. 1 b  illustrates the specific components that form the fiber optic drops  110  of FIG. 1 a . As shown in FIG. 1 b , this portion of the fiber optic network deployment system includes a connectorized outside fiber drop  120 , a fiber optic interface device  122 , and a connectorized inside fiber drop  124 . Connectorized outside fiber drop  120  is in communication with local terminal  108  and fiber optic interface device  122 , and can be deployed from a pole  109  in an aerial application or from a pedestal  111  in a buried application. Fiber optic interface device  122  is mounted on subscriber premises  112 . In turn, connectorized inside fiber drop  124  is in communication with fiber optic interface device  122  and optical network terminal  126 . Optical network terminal  126  provides a termination point to which a subscriber fiber optic electronic device  128  can be connected. A home consumer electronic device, such as a personal computer, television, or telephone, is then connected to subscriber fiber optic electronic device  128 . Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 1 a  and  1   b , the representative fiber optic network deployment system of the present invention provides complete, uninterrupted fiber optic service from central office  100  to subscriber fiber optic electronic devices  128 . 
     The representative fiber optic network deployment system can support data, analog video, and voice transmission, with each configuration requiring a different type of fiber optic electronic device  150  in central office  100 . In addition, for voice, video, or data transmission, a plurality of optical line terminals would be connected to the plurality of primary fiber optic strands  102   a  in cable  102 . A preferred embodiment of the deployment system eliminates the use of active components (e.g., remote terminal sites containing multiplexers, host digital terminals, digital loop carrier systems, and other electronic equipment) throughout the distribution network. This preferred deployment system uses active components only at the ends of the network, i.e., in the service providers&#39; central office electronic equipment and the electronic equipment located in subscribers&#39; premises. The resulting passive optical network greatly reduces the probability of trouble reports and decreases the cost of provisioning, maintaining, and repairing the system. 
     FIG. 1 c  illustrates a fiber optic deployment within a community of subscribers. The primary fiber optic cable from the central office enters the community at three hub locations  150 . At these locations  150 , the primary strands are split and diverted to individual branches. Along the branches, a multiple number of terminals are present. Each terminal location along these branches indicates the number of drops leading to individual fiber optic electronic devices at subscriber locations. 
     Splitter-Terminal Apparatus 
     A splitter-terminal apparatus combines into a single inexpensive apparatus a means for splitting and terminating a fiber optic strand for deployment to a cluster of subscriber premises. The splitter-terminal provides easily accessible, easily connectable terminations from which to run fiber optic drops to subscriber premises. Further, the splitter-terminal apparatus provides strain relief for the delicate fiber optic strands being split or being joined to the fiber optic drops. Finally, as described below, the splitter-terminal apparatus can be modified to accommodate aerial and buried deployment applications. 
     As shown in FIG. 2 a , the preferred embodiment of the splitter-terminal apparatus is a splitter-terminal package  199  that includes a splitter  200 , a plurality of outgoing connectorized terminations  201 , and a housing  202 . Connectorized terminations  201  could be made with any number of connection fittings known in the art, e.g., SC connectors or ST connectors. Splitter  200  receives incoming fiber optic strand  203  and splits the strand into a plurality of single fiber optic strands  204 . Single fiber optic strands  204  connect to the plurality of outgoing connectorized terminations  201 . Splitter  200  and connectorized terminations  201  are attached to housing  202  to maintain a fixed distance between the components and to provide strain relief to the delicate fiber optic strands enclosed within housing  202 . 
     The capacity of incoming fiber optic strand  203  and the configuration of splitter  200  dictate the maximum number of strands making up the plurality of single fiber optic strands  204 . The number of connectorized terminations making up the plurality of outgoing connectorized terminations  201  is equal to the number of lines making up the plurality of single fiber optic strands  204 . As an example, splitter  200  could be a 1×4 splitter in which an incoming fiber optic strand  203  is split into four separate strands  204  that connect to four separate outgoing connectorized terminations  201 , as shown in FIG. 2 a.    
     In a preferred embodiment of the splitter-terminal apparatus, incoming fiber optic strand  203  is connected to incoming connectorized termination  205  mounted in the wall of housing  202 . In this manner, splitter-terminal package  199  is self-contained, with connectorized terminations  201  and  205  on each end. Connectorized terminations  201  and  205  enable fiber optic service providers to quickly and easily install the splitter-terminal package  199  between a splice case and a fiber optic drop to a subscriber home. 
     In another embodiment of the splitter-terminal apparatus, shown in FIGS. 2 c  and  2   d , the splitter-terminal package includes a pigtail permanently connected to the splitter. In this embodiment, the free end of the pigtail is fitted with a connectorized termination for easily connecting to an incoming fiber optic strand. This pigtail extends through the wall of the splitter-terminal housing so that the internal splitter-terminal components remain protected by the housing. As shown in FIG. 2 c , in another embodiment of the splitter-terminal apparatus, fiber optic strand  252  extends from splitter  200  through housing  202  to connectorized termination  251 , forming pigtail  250 . In this embodiment, splitter-termination package  199  in FIG. 2 c  is a self-contained package similar to splitter-termination package  199  in FIG. 2 a . However, pigtail  250  provides more flexibility in reaching an adjacent splice case. These pigtails are more suited for manufactured assemblies, where an entire splitter-terminal package is delivered to the field. 
     A splitter-termination package could be arranged in a variety of ways, depending on the capacity of the incoming fiber optic strand and the configuration of the splitter. For instance, instead of the 1×4 splitter shown in FIG. 2 a , a 1×8 splitter could be used, thereby requiring eight outgoing connectorized terminations. FIGS. 2 b  and  2   d  illustrate this 1×8 configuration with eight strands making up the plurality of single fiber optic strands  204  and eight connectorized terminations making up the plurality of outgoing connectorized terminations  201 . Further, to accommodate two incoming fiber optic strands, e.g., one for data and one for video, two splitters could be used to separate the two incoming fiber optic strands. FIG. 3 shows two incoming strands leading into two 1×4 splitters  300  and  301 , with two separate pluralities of outgoing fiber optic strands  304   a  and  304   b  leading to outgoing connectorized terminations  302   a  and  302   b.    
     In a further representative embodiment of the splitter-terminal apparatus, splitter-terminal package  199  is installed as a component of a larger deployment system, e.g., a pole-mounted aerial system, a strand-mounted aerial system, or a pedestal-mounted system for buried lines. These larger deployment systems include a splice case and fiber optic drops, in addition to the splitter-terminal package. The splice case connects to a secondary fiber optic cable and separates a secondary fiber optic strand from the bundle. The separated strand becomes the incoming fiber optic strand connected to the incoming side of the splitter-terminal package. As shown in FIGS. 4 a  through  6   c , splitter-terminal package  199  is installed between splice case  400  and the plurality of fiber optic drops  404  leading to the subscriber premises. 
     Aerial deployment systems arrange the splice case, splitter-terminal package, and fiber optic drops in a variety of configurations. Two examples are pole-mounted systems and strand-mounted systems, shown in FIGS. 4 a - 4   b  and  5 , respectively. FIGS. 4 a  and  4   b  illustrate the use of splitter-terminal package  199  in a pole-mounted aerial deployment system. In a pole-mounted system, the splice case is attached to the secondary fiber optic cable, the splitter-terminal package is mounted on the pole, the incoming fiber optic strand runs from the splice case to the splitter-terminal package, and fiber optic drops connected to the outgoing side of the splitter-terminal package run from the pole to the subscriber premises. 
     Thus, splice case  400  connects to and splices fiber optic cable  401 , diverting incoming fiber optic strand  203  to splitter-terminal package  199  mounted on pole  402 . As shown in FIG. 4 a , incoming fiber optic strand  203  connects to splitter-terminal package  199  through connectorized termination  205 . In another embodiment as shown in FIG. 4 b , incoming fiber optic strand  203  and connectorized termination  205  are replaced by pigtail  250  as described for FIGS. 2 c  and  2   d  above. In this embodiment, connectorized termination  251  plugs directly into splice case  400 , as shown in FIG. 4 b.    
     To complete the pole-mounted aerial deployment system, the plurality of fiber optic drops  404  connects to the plurality of outgoing connectorized terminations  201 . Each fiber optic drop  404  extends to a subscriber premises. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates the use of splitter-terminal package  199  in a strand-mounted aerial deployment system. In a strand-mounted system, both the splice case and the splitter-terminal package are mounted inside a splice case housing that is lashed with wire to a secondary fiber optic cable. The splice case splices off the incoming fiber optic strand that runs from the splice case to the splitter-terminal. The fiber optic drops connected to the outgoing side of the splitter-terminal package run from the strand-mounted splice case housing directly to the subscriber premises. 
     Thus, as shown in FIG. 5, splice case  400  and splitter-terminal package  199  are contained in splice case housing  500 . Splice case housing  500  is lashed to fiber optic cable  401  with wire. Splice case  400  connects to and splices fiber optic cable  401 , diverting incoming fiber optic strand  203  to the incoming side of splitter-terminal package  199  mounted inside splice case housing  500 . On the outgoing side of splitter-terminal package  199 , the plurality of connectorized terminations  201  are connected to plurality of fiber optic drops  404 . 
     FIGS. 6 a - 6   c  illustrate the use of splitter-terminal package  199  in a pedestal-mounted deployment system for buried lines. Buried deployment systems mount the splitter-terminal package and splice case in a pedestal shell that rests on the ground. As shown in FIG. 6 a , a secondary fiber optic cable enters and exits the pedestal shell from the pedestal shell bottom. The splice case connects to the secondary fiber optic cable and splices off an incoming fiber optic strand that runs from the splice case to the splitter-terminal package. The fiber optic drops connected to the outgoing side of the splitter-terminal exit the pedestal through the pedestal shell bottom and proceed underground to the subscriber premises. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6 a , splitter-terminal package  199  and splice case  400  are contained in and mounted on pedestal shell  600 . Fiber optic cable  401  enters pedestal shell  600  through the bottom of pedestal  600  and connects to splice case  400 . Splice case  400  splices fiber optic cable  401 , diverting incoming fiber optic strand  203  to the incoming side of splitter-terminal package  199 . On the outgoing side of splitter-terminal package  199 , the plurality of connectorized terminations  201  connects to the plurality of fiber optic drops  404 . The plurality of fiber optic drops  404  exits pedestal shell  600  through its bottom, and travels underground to subscriber premises. 
     As shown in FIG. 6 b , in another embodiment of the buried deployment system, the splice case resides underground with a secondary fiber optic cable, as opposed to being contained in the pedestal shell. As shown, splice case  400  is positioned underground and not inside pedestal shell  600 . Splitter-terminal package  199  is housed in and mounted on pedestal shell  600 . Splice case  400  connects to and splices fiber optic cable  401  underground, diverting incoming fiber optic strand  203  to pedestal shell  600 . Incoming fiber optic strand  203  enters pedestal shell  600  through its bottom. Once inside pedestal shell  600 , incoming fiber optic strand  203  connects to the incoming side of splitter-terminal package  199 . On the outgoing side of splitter-terminal package  199 , the plurality of connectorized terminations  201  connects to the plurality of fiber optic drops  404 . The plurality of fiber optic drops exits pedestal shell  600  through its bottom, and travels underground to subscriber premises. 
     In either of the configurations of FIGS. 6 a  and  6   b , incoming fiber optic strand  203  connects to splitter-terminal package  199  with connectorized terminations or is replaced with a pigtail having a connectorized termination on its the end. 
     On the outgoing side of the splitter-terminal package, the outgoing connectorized terminations connect to fiber optic drops. Each fiber optic drop proceeds to a subscriber premises for connecting a subscriber&#39;s fiber optic electronic device to fiber optic service. Thus, continuous, uninterrupted fiber optic service is delivered all the way to the subscriber premises serving subscriber electronic devices (e.g., television, telephone, personal computer). This fiber optic network deployment system eliminates the inferior copper drop connections prevalent in the prior art. 
     In each of the above-described deployment systems, the incoming fiber optic strand running from the splice case to the splitter-terminal package can be connectorized or spliced. The use of either spliced or connectorized terminations for the splice case and incoming side of the splitter-terminal package depends upon the service provider&#39;s intended method of installation. If the service provider desires more factory pre-assembly, the incoming fiber optic strand would be spliced to the splice case and splitter-terminal package at the factory and delivered as a pre-connected unit. If field assembly were desired, service providers would manufacture the splice case and incoming side of the splitter-terminal package with connectorized terminations so that the components could be connected in the field. This configuration would also allow customizing of the length of the incoming fiber optic strand to accommodate field requirements. 
     Connectorized Outside Fiber Drop 
     A connectorized outside fiber drop provides fiber connectivity between a splitter-terminal and a fiber optic interface device. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 b , connectorized outside fiber drop  120  provides communication between splitter-terminal  108  and fiber optic interface device  122 . The connectorized ends eliminate the need for fiber splicing and reduce installation and replacement costs. 
     FIG. 7 a  illustrates a connectorized outside fiber drop  700  according to a representative embodiment. As shown, outside drop  700  includes a section of outside plant sheath  702 , transition fittings  704 , pigtails  706 , fiber optic connectors  708 , and a fiber optic strand  710 . Outside plant sheath  702  is positioned over a middle section of fiber optic strand  710 . The design of drop  700  allows fiber optic strand  710  to float freely within outside plant sheath  702  to prevent stress on fiber optic strand  710  during installation and normal operation. 
     Outside plant sheath  702  preferably contains no metallic strength members, to avoid bonding and grounding requirements at a subscriber premises. Both ends of outside plant sheath  702  are attached to transition fittings  704 . Transition fittings  704  provide a structure with which to secure drop  700  with adequate strain relief. Transition fittings  704  also provide a structure to transition between outside plant sheath  702  and pigtails  706 . Pigtails  706  attach to transition fittings  704  and enclose fiber optic strand  710  from transition fittings  704  to the ends of fiber optic strand  710 , at which point connectors  708  are attached to fiber optic strand  710  and pigtails  706 . 
     If the connectorized outside fiber drop contains more than one fiber optic strand, then one set of pigtails with connectors is provided for each fiber optic strand, as FIG. 7 b  shows for an outside drop  703  having two fiber optic strands  713 . With two fiber optic strands  713 , outside drop  703  can support two separate lines of communication, e.g., video and data. 
     Outside plant sheath  702  provides environmental protection for fiber optic strand(s)  710  between a splitter-terminal and a fiber optic interface device. Therefore, sheath  702  must be appropriate for the particular application for which a drop is used, e.g., aerial, buried, or underground installations. For aerial applications, sheath  702  is preferably self-supporting and dielectric, capable of withstanding anticipated stresses such as wind-loading, ice loading, and ultra-violet exposure. As an example, sheath  702  could conform to the requirements of Section 6 of GR-20-CORE, Generic Requirements for Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cable, Issue 2, July 1998, with the exception that the rated installation load of cables be 1780 N (400 lbf). Section 6 of GR-20-CORE is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For buried applications, sheath  702  must withstand anticipated stresses and deterioration mechanisms such as water penetration. 
     Transition fittings  704  are attached to outside plant sheath  702  and pigtails  706  at points proximate to the ends of outside fiber drop  700 . Transition fittings  704  provide strain relief for outside fiber drop  700  and for fiber optic strand  710  as it passes from sheath  702  to pigtails  706 . Optionally, transition fittings  704  may include gel to further protect fiber optic strand  710 . Transition fittings  704  also provide a sturdy structure that can be attached to the housings of splitter-terminal  108  and fiber optic interface device  122 . For example, transition fittings  704  could be clamped inside a female fitting that is integral to a housing. Alternatively, transition fittings  704  could be secured to a housing using a cable tie. 
     Pigtails  706  are jackets that protect individual fiber optic strands  710  inside the housings of splitter-terminal  108  and fiber optic interface device  122 . In relation to outside plant sheath  702 , pigtails  706  are more flexible, allowing fiber optic strands  710  to bend at a smaller radius. This flexibility enables installers to easily route outside drop  700  to connectors within the housings of splitter-terminal  108  and fiber optic device  122 . The flexibility also allows installers to take up any slack in fiber optic strands  710  by coiling strands  710  within a housing. In a representative embodiment, the jacket of pigtails  706  is made of extruded thermal plastic of a thickness of 2.2 mm to 3.0 mm. In addition, when more than one fiber optic strand  710  is contained in the connectorized outside fiber drop  700  (as shown in FIG. 7 b ), pigtails  706  are color coded to identify the same fiber optic strand on both ends of drop  700 . 
     Connectors  708  are compatible with the connectorized terminations provided in splitter-terminal  108  and fiber optic interface device  122 . Depending on the particular application, suitable connectors could include such types as SC, ST, and FC connectors. As an example, connectors  708  could conform to GR-326-CORE, Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Connectors and Jumper Assemblies, Issue 2, December 1996 (with the clarification that connectors  708  meet the reflectance performance of −55 dB for all conditions). GR-326-CORE is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     As a whole, the transmission performance of connectorized outside fiber drop  700  must be consistent with the requirements of the fiber optic network system in which it operates. For example, the single-mode fiber attenuation coefficient of outside drop  700  should be less than 0.4 dB/km between 1270 nm and 1350 nm, and 0.3 dB/km between 1500 nm and 1600 nm. The attenuation should be uniformly distributed throughout the length of outside drop  700  such that there are no discontinuities greater than 0.1 dB for single-mode fiber at any design wavelength. In addition, all fibers in outside drop  700  should not exhibit point discontinuities with a measured loss greater than 0.10 dB or a reflectance greater than −45 dB at 1310 nm or 1550 nm. 
     Connectorized outside fiber drop  700  must also meet the structural and material specifications of the fiber optic network system in which it operates. For example, outside drop  700  should meet all appropriate requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC), e.g., NEC NFPA 70. In addition, outside drop  700  should meet the flammability requirements of UL-1581 when tested in accordance with the VW-1 Vertical Wire Flame Test—All Wires Flame Test procedure. 
     The overall length of connectorized outside fiber drop  700  depends upon the typical lengths between splitter-terminals and subscriber premises in a particular fiber optic network system. Outside drop  700  is designed to be manufactured in predetermined lengths that accommodate these typical network configurations. In this manner, an installer first estimates the distance between a particular splitter-terminal and the particular location at which the fiber optic interface device will be mounted on the subscriber premises. The installer then selects a fiber optic drop of an appropriate predetermined length. 
     Pigtails  706  provide mechanical protection for the fiber optic strand during installation and normal operation. Pigtails  706  also provide a means for accommodating variations in the distance between a strain relief point (where the transition fitting is secured) and an adapter within a splitter-terminal or fiber optic interface device. As such, the length of pigtails  706  depends upon the design of the splitter-terminal and fiber optic interface device. At a minimum, a pigtail must be long enough to reach the adapter in a splitter-terminal or a fiber optic interface device, while maintaining at least the minimum allowable bend radius of the fiber optic strand. However, pigtails  706  must not be so long that the routing hardware of a splitter-terminal or fiber optic interface device (discussed below) is unable to manage the slack. Thus, in light of these guidelines, a suitable length for pigtails  706  could range from, for example, 18 to 36 inches for a typical installation. 
     Fiber Optic Interface Device (FID) 
     As shown in FIG. 1 b , fiber optic interface device  122  provides an interface point between connectorized outside fiber optic drop  120  and connectorized inside fiber drop  124 . As this interface, FID  122  receives one or more fiber optic strands from drop  120 , manages the slack of the fiber optic strand(s), protects the strand(s) from the outside environment, and connects the strand(s) to connectorized inside fiber drop  124 . In doing so, FID  122  provides a clear demarcation point between network-operator-owned materials and customer-owned materials, provides a convenient fiber optic test point outside of the customer&#39;s home, and allows for the efficient installation, maintenance, and replacement of outside drop  120 , all without affecting the customer&#39;s line configuration within the home. 
     FIG. 8 a  illustrates a fiber optic interface device  800  according to a representative embodiment. As shown, FID  800  includes a housing  802  having ports  804  and  806 , termination hardware  808 , routing hardware  810 , and one or more adapters  812 . 
     Housing  802  of FID  800  protects the interior components against environmental damage, and can be constructed of metal, hardened plastic, or any other material suitable for the intended application. Housing  802  is adapted to be mounted on the side of a customer&#39;s house and is preferably capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from −40 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius. For convenient and secured access to the internal components, housing  802  preferably includes a swinging, lockable door. In addition, housing  802  is sealed to prevent wind driven rain from affecting the internal components. As a part of this seal, ports  804  and  806  of housing  800  preferably include grommets that prevent infiltration from such hazards as water and insects. FIG. 8 b  illustrates a representative embodiment of a grommet  820  in which a slit  822  is cut to receive outside drop  120  or inside drop  124 . The remaining portion of grommet  820  is solid and impervious. As an example, grommet  820  could be made of a flexible rubber or a plastic elastomer. 
     As shown in FIG. 8 a , port  804  is adapted to receive connectorized outside fiber drop  120 . Similarly, port  806  is adapted to receive connectorized inside fiber drop  124 . The outside plant sheaths of outside drop  120  and inside drop  124  slide through ports  804  and  806  to enter FID  800 . From ports  804  and  806 , outside drop  120  and inside drop  124  extend into housing  802 , with transition fittings positioned just above ports  804  and  806 . Termination hardware  808  secures the transition fittings of outside drop  120  and inside drop  124  to housing  802 . 
     Termination hardware  808  is positioned above ports  804  and  806  to secure outside drop  120  and inside drop  124 , and to provide necessary strain relief To reduce labor costs, termination hardware  808  is easily installed, removed, and replaced. For example, as shown in FIG. 8 c , suitable termination hardware  808  could include a raised slot  830  in the back of housing  802 , through which a cable tie  832  is placed. Cable tie  832  wraps around and secures the transition fitting of outside drop  120  or inside drop  124  (transition fittings  704  and  1004 , respectively). Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 8 d , termination hardware  808  could be a hose clamp  834  attached to housing  802  through which the transition fitting  704  or  1004  of outside drop  120  or inside drop  124 , respectively, is placed and secured. (Although FIG. 8 a  shows termination hardware  808  in the context of FID  800 , termination hardware  808  could be used in a splitter-terminal or optical network terminal as well.) 
     As shown in FIG. 8 a , routing hardware  810  routes the pigtails of outside drop  120  and inside drop  124  to adapter  812 . Routing hardware  810  stores any extra length in the pigtails and is shaped to keep the fiber optic strands within a proper bend radius. In storing slack, routing hardware  810  enables an installer to adjust the length of a drop without removing the connectors and without splicing. Conventional copper network interface devices lack this unique routing hardware. A pigtail with slack wraps around routing hardware  810  until all the slack is taken up and the remaining portion of pigtail is long enough to reach adapter  812 . Although shown as separate semicircles in FIG. 8 a , routing hardware  810  could be any shape or shapes that satisfy the above-described functions, e.g., a continuous circle or oval would also perform well. (Although FIG. 8 a  shows routing hardware  810  in the context of FID  800 , routing hardware  810  could be used in a splitter-terminal or optical network terminal as well.) As another alternative for managing slack storage, routing hardware  810  could be plastic routing clips evenly spaced in a pattern (e.g., a circular pattern) within FID  800 . 
     As shown in FIG. 8 a , FID  800  also includes at least one fiber optic connector adapter  812 , which is a connectorized termination that connects the connector of outside drop  120  to the connector of inside drop  124 , providing a well-aligned and stable fiber optic connection. As such, one connector adapter  812  is required for each fiber optic strand  710  of connectorized outside fiber drop  700  (see FIGS. 7 a  and  7   b ). Adapter  812  is any fitting suitable for coupling connector  708  of outside drop  700  to the connector of inside drop  124  (described below). For example, adapter  812  can accommodate an SC-, ST-, or FC-type connector, and can be for single or multiple devices. Although shown horizontally mounted in FIG. 8 a , adapter  812  can also be oriented vertically or at any other angle, depending on the construction of connectorized outside fiber drop  120  and connectorized inside fiber drop  124 . As with connectorized terminations, adapter  812  provides a convenient interface point that eliminates the need for splicing. 
     Housing  802  of FID  800  also includes means for securely attaching FID  800  to a subscriber premises. For example, housing  802  could include external tabs containing holes through which a fastener such as a screw could be placed. Housing  802  could also include internal slots or knockouts that can receive fasteners that attach FID  800  to a subscriber premises. 
     In light of the functions of each component of FID  800 , the flowchart of FIG. 9 illustrates how FID  800  is installed and how the pigtails of outside drop  120  and inside drop  124  are installed in FID  800 , according to a representative embodiment. Although the flowchart describes a single fiber optic strand routed through a fiber optic interface device, as one skilled in the art would appreciate, the flowchart applies to the routing of multiple fiber optic strands as well, in which case more than one fiber optic strand wraps around the routing hardware in each direction, and more than one adapter couples the fiber optic strands together. In addition, the flowchart also applies to slack management within a splitter-terminal or optical network terminal. 
     In step  900 , the field technician installs FID  800  at a suitable location on a building exterior, using, for example, external mounting feet of FID  800  and appropriate fasteners. The suitable location is preferably accessible by an installer or repair person without a ladder and without being obstructed by parts of the building or objects around the building. Appropriate fasteners are compatible with the external mounting feet of FID  800  and the building structure to which FID  800  is to be affixed. 
     Once FID  800  is mounted, in step  902 , the technician removes the grommets from ports  804  and  806 , cuts a slit into each grommet to accommodate outside drop  120  and inside drop  124 , respectively, and places the grommets back into ports  804  and  806 . As described above, FIG. 8 b  illustrates a representative grommet  820  and slit  822 . 
     In step  904 , the technician prepares termination hardware  808  to receive outside drop  120  and inside drop  124 . For example, in the case of a raised slot  830  (FIG. 8 c ), the technician inserts one or more cable ties  832  through raised slot  830 . In the case of a hose clamp  834  (FIG. 8 d ), the technician loosens hose clamp  834  to a size larger than the diameters of outside drop  120  and inside drop  124 . 
     In step  906 , the technician places outside drop  120  through the grommet in port  804  and aligns the end of the transition fitting of outside drop  120  with a guide line  840  marked on the inside of housing  802 . Guide line  840  ensures that the technician secures connectorized outside fiber drop  120  at its transition fitting, where it is most sturdy and provides the optimal strain relief. 
     Once aligned properly, in step  908 , the technician secures the transition fitting of outside drop  120  with termination hardware  808 . For example, with raised slot  830 , the technician tightens cable tie(s)  832  around outside drop  120  and trims off any excess of cable tie(s)  832 . As another example, with hose clamp  834 , the technician places outside drop  120  inside hose clamp  834 , tightens the worm gear, and secures the hose clamp around outside drop  120 . 
     In step  910 , the technician wraps pigtail  842  of outside drop  120  around routing hardware  810  to store the slack of pigtail  842  at a proper bending radius. The technician stores enough slack such that the remaining length of pigtail  842  reaches only to adapter  812 . To maintain a proper bending radius between termination hardware  808  and routing hardware  810 , FIG. 8 a  shows pigtail  842  wrapping around routing hardware  810  in a clockwise direction. However, pigtail  842  could wrap in any direction, provided the relative distance between and configuration of termination hardware  808  and routing hardware  810  does not create an unacceptable bend. 
     After storing the slack of pigtail  842  around routing hardware  810 , in step  912 , the technician routes the remaining length of pigtail  842  to adapter  812  and inserts the connector of outside drop  120  into adapter  812 . 
     In step  914 , the technician places inside drop  124  through the grommet in port  806  and aligns the end of the transition fitting of inside drop  124  with guide line  840 . As with outside drop  120 , guide line  840  ensures that the technician secures inside drop  124  at its transition fitting, where it is most sturdy and provides the optimal strain relief. 
     Once aligned properly, in step  916 , the technician secures inside drop  124  with termination hardware  808 , as described above for outside drop  120  in step  908 . 
     In step  918 , the technician wraps pigtail  844  of inside drop  124  around routing hardware  810  to store the slack of pigtail  844  at a proper bending radius. The technician stores enough slack such that the remaining length of pigtail  844  reaches only to adapter  812 . To maintain a proper bending radius between termination hardware  808  and routing hardware  810 , FIG. 8 a  shows pigtail  844  wrapping around routing hardware  810  in a counterclockwise direction. However, pigtail  844  could wrap in any direction, provided the relative distance between and configuration of termination hardware  808  and routing hardware  810  does not create an unacceptable bend. 
     After storing the slack of pigtail  844  around routing hardware  810 , in step  920 , the technician routes the remaining length of pigtail  844  to adapter  812  and inserts the connector of inside drop  124  into adapter  812 . 
     Finally, in step  922 , the technician closes the door of FID  800  and locks and secures housing  802 . 
     As a component of a fiber optic network system, FID  800  serves at least four beneficial functions. First, FID  800  provides an interface point between outside drop  120  and inside drop  124 . This interface point transitions between the different physical properties of outside drop  120  and inside drop  124 . Specifically, because outside drop  120  is exposed to exterior elements in either buried or aerial application, outside drop  120  has a heavy and inflexible sheath. In contrast, being installed inside a building, inside drop  124  is lighter and more flexible. Thus, FID  800  transitions the considerably different constructions of outside drop  120  and inside drop  124 . 
     A second function of FID  800  is to provide a convenient test point for verifying service and diagnosing service problems. Because FID  800  is mounted outside of a building, a technician can access the testing point without disturbing the customer. Thus, for example, if a customer reports a service problem, a technician can visit the customer&#39;s house during the day, without requiring the customer to provide access to the house. The technician can test optical levels at FID  800  and thereby determine if the problem originates from within the network or within the customer&#39;s house (e.g., with a defective optical network terminal). 
     FID  800  also provides a clear demarcation point between the material and equipment owned by the fiber optic service provider and the material and equipment owned by the customer. Once FTTH systems are implemented on a large scale, service providers will likely favor customers&#39; taking ownership of the connectorized inside fiber drops and fiber optic electronic devices. Thus, having the FID as a demarcation point will clarify who is responsible for repairs and maintenance. 
     Finally, FID  800  provides a flexible maintenance point. If an outside fiber drop or an inside fiber drop is defective or suffers damages (e.g., from a falling tree or from errant excavations or interior demolition), a technician can simply disconnect the inoperable drop and can replace it with another connectorized drop without requiring any splicing. In addition, if the outside drop suffers damage, the technician can replace the drop without requiring customer access and without requiring any modification or rerouting of the facilities located within the subscriber premises, which is often a time-consuming and difficult operation. 
     Connectorized Inside Fiber Drop 
     A connectorized inside fiber drop provides fiber connectivity between a fiber optic interface device and an optical network terminal. For example, as shown in FIG. 1 b , connectorized inside fiber drop  124  provides communication between fiber optic interface device  122  and optical network terminal  126 . The connectorized ends eliminate the need for fiber splicing and reduce installation and replacement costs. 
     FIG. 10 a  illustrates a connectorized inside fiber drop  1001  according to a representative embodiment. As shown, inside drop  1001  includes a section of sheath  1002 , transition fittings  1004 , pigtails  1006 , fiber optic connectors  1008 , and a fiber optic strand  1010 . Sheath  1002  is positioned over a middle section of fiber optic strand  1010 . The design of drop  1001  allows fiber optic strand  1010  to float freely within sheath  1002  to prevent stress on fiber optic strand  1010  during installation and normal operation. 
     Sheath  1002  preferably contains no metallic strength members, to avoid bonding and grounding requirements at a subscriber premises. Both ends of sheath  1002  are attached to transition fittings  1004 . Transition fittings  1004  provide a structure with which to secure drop  1001  with adequate strain relief Transition fittings  1004  also provide a structure to transition between sheath  1002  and pigtails  1006 . Pigtails  1006  attach to transition fittings  1004  and enclose fiber optic strand  1010  from transition fittings  1004  to the ends of fiber optic strand  1010 , at which point connectors  1008  are attached to fiber optic strand  1010  and pigtails  1006 . 
     If a connectorized inside fiber drop contains more than one fiber optic strand, then one set of pigtails with connectors is provided for each fiber optic strand, as FIG. 10 b  shows for an inside drop  1003  having two fiber optic strands  1013 . With two fiber optic strands  1013 , inside drop  1003  can support two separate lines of communication, e.g., video and data. In addition, the separate fiber optic strands  1013  can be run to separate optical network terminals. 
     Sheath  1002  provides environmental protection for fiber optic strand(s)  1010  between a fiber optic interface device and an optical network terminal. Therefore, sheath  1002  must be appropriate for the particular application for which inside drop  1001  is used, e.g., inside-wall, conduit, or plenum installations. As opposed to an outside fiber optic drop, inside drop  1001  is installed indoors and is subject to fewer environmental hazards. Therefore, sheath  1002  is thinner and more flexible than an outside plant sheath of an outside fiber drop. The flexibility of sheath  1002  also enables installers to run inside drop  1001  at smaller bending radii to accommodate the tighter confines of interior installations. As an example of a suitable construction, sheath  1002  could conform to the requirements of GR-409-CORE, Generic Requirements for Premise Fiber Optical Cable, Issue 1, May 1994. GR-409-CORE is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     Transition fittings  1004  are attached to outside plant sheath  1002  and pigtails  1006  at points proximate to the ends of inside fiber drop  1001 . Transition fittings  1004  provide strain relief for inside fiber drop  1001  and for fiber optic strand  1010  as it passes from sheath  1002  to pigtails  1006 . Optionally, transition fittings  1004  may include gel to further protect fiber optic strand  1010 . Transition fittings  1004  also provide a sturdy structure that can be attached to the housings of fiber optic interface device  122  and optical network terminal  126 . For example, transition fittings  1004  could be clamped inside a female fitting that is integral to a housing. Or, transition fittings  1004  could be secured to a housing using a cable tie. 
     For an inside fiber drop  1001  having one fiber optic strand  1010 , transition fittings  1004  are preferably fastened to the housings of the fiber optic interface device and the optical network terminal. The fiber optic strand  1010  inside of pigtails  1006  then extends into the housings. For an inside fiber drop  1003  having more than one fiber optic strand  1013 , one transition fitting  1004  is preferably fastened to the housing of the fiber optic interface device and the other transition fitting  1004  is preferably fastened to a location near the optical network terminals that the multiple fiber optic strands  1013  serve. In this manner, the individual fiber optic strands  1013  can be routed separately to the appropriate optical network terminals. 
     Pigtails  1006  are jackets that protect individual fiber optic strands  1010  inside the housings of fiber optic interface device  122  and optical network terminal  126 . In relation to sheath  1002 , pigtails  1006  are more flexible, allowing fiber optic strands  1010  to bend at a smaller radius. This flexibility enables installers to easily route inside drop  1001  to connectors within the housings of fiber optic device  122  and optical network terminal  126 . The flexibility also allows installers to take up any slack in fiber optic strands  1010  by coiling strands  1010  within a housing. In a representative embodiment, the jacket of pigtails  1006  is made of extruded thermal plastic of a thickness of 2.2 mm to 3.0 mm. In addition, when more than one fiber optic strand  1010  is contained in the connectorized inside fiber drop  1003  (as shown in FIG. 10 b ), pigtails  1006  are color coded to identify the same fiber optic strand on both ends of inside drop  1003 . 
     Connectors  1008  are compatible with the connectorized terminations provided in fiber optic interface device  122  and optical network terminal  126 . Depending on the particular application, suitable types of connectors  1008  could include such types as SC, ST, and FC connectors. As an example, connectors  1008  could conform to GR-326-CORE, Generic Requirements for Single-Mode Optical Connectors and Jumper Assemblies, Issue 2, December 1996 (with the clarification that connectors  1008  meet the reflectance performance of −55 dB for all conditions). 
     As a whole, the transmission performance of connectorized inside fiber drop  1001  must be consistent with the requirements of the fiber optic network system in which it operates. For example, the single-mode fiber attenuation coefficient of inside drop  1001  should be less than 0.4 dB/km between 1270 nm and 1350 nm, and 0.3 dB/km between 1500 nm and 1600 nm. The attenuation should be uniformly distributed throughout the length of inside drop  1001  such that there are no discontinuities greater than 0.1 dB for single-mode fiber at any design wavelength. In addition, all fibers in inside drop  1001  should not exhibit point discontinuities with a measured loss greater than 0.10 dB or a reflectance greater than −45 dB at 1310 nm or 1550 nm. 
     Connectorized inside fiber drop  1001  must also meet the structural and material specifications of the fiber optic network system in which it operates. For example, inside drop  1001  should meet all appropriate requirements of the National Electrical Code (NEC), e.g., NEC NFPA  70 . In addition, inside drop  1001  should meet the flammability requirements of UL-1581 when tested in accordance with the VW-1 Vertical Wire Flame Test—All Wires Flame Test procedure. 
     The overall length of connectorized inside fiber drop  1001  depends upon the typical lengths between fiber optic interface devices and optical network terminals in a typical subscriber premises. Inside drop  1001  is designed to be manufactured in predetermined lengths that accommodate these typical subscriber premises configurations. For example, a typical installation may involve an inside fiber drop penetrating an exterior wall of the subscriber premises and entering an inside basement wall where the optical network terminal is mounted. In this manner, an installer first estimates the distance between a particular fiber optic interface device and the particular location at which the optical network terminal will be mounted inside the subscriber premises. The installer then selects an inside fiber drop of an appropriate predetermined length. 
     Pigtails  1006  provide mechanical protection for the fiber optic strand during installation and normal operation. Pigtails  1006  also provide a means for accommodating variations in the distance between a strain relief point (where the transition fitting is secured) and an adapter within a fiber optic interface device or an optical network terminal. As such, the length of pigtails  1006  depends upon the design of the fiber optic interface device and the optical network terminal. As a minimum, a pigtail must be long enough to reach the adapter in a fiber optic interface device or optical network terminal, while maintaining at least the minimum allowable bend radius of the fiber optic strand. However, pigtails  1006  must not be so long that the routing hardware of a fiber optic interface device or optical network terminal is unable to manage the slack. Thus, in light of these guidelines, a suitable length for pigtails  1006  could range from, for example, 18 to 36 inches for a typical installation. 
     For each of the above-described FTTH system components, connectorized terminations provide an easy, economical way to connect and disconnect fiber optic drops and inside drops without the necessity of performing fiber optic cable splicing operations. This advantage affords service providers with greater flexibility in accommodating changes and additions to existing fiber optic networks. For example, connectorized terminations easily accommodate new subscribers, as is often the case in a new housing development. Similarly, in the event that an outside fiber drop to the subscriber is damaged, for example, the service provider can abandon the existing drop and opt for the more cost-effective repair of installing a new fiber optic drop from the fiber optic splitter-terminal to the fiber optic interface device. 
     At all locations where fiber optic strands penetrate housings, cases, or shells, strain relief orifices or fittings well known in the art could be installed to reduce the possibility of damaging the fiber optic strands. Other devices well known in the art, e.g., splice trays, could also be incorporated into the fiber optic deployment systems to provide strain relief and sheath management. 
     In describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, unless that order is explicitly described as required by the description of the process in the specification. Otherwise, one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     The foregoing disclosure of embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.