Patent Publication Number: US-8989547-B2

Title: Fiber optic equipment assemblies employing non-U-width-sized housings and related methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119 of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/503,182 filed on Jun. 30, 2011, the content of which is relied upon and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     1. Field of the Disclosure 
     The technology of the disclosure relates to fiber optic housings that support fiber optic modules to provide fiber optic equipment assemblies to support fiber optic connections. 
     2. Technical Background 
     The benefits of utilizing optical fiber include extremely wide bandwidth and low noise operation. Because of these advantages, optical fiber is increasingly being used for a variety of applications, including but not limited to broadband voice, video, and data transmission. As a result, fiber optic communications networks include a number of interconnection points at which multiple optical fibers are interconnected. Fiber optic communications networks also include a number of connection terminals, examples of which include, but are not limited to, network access point (NAP) enclosures, aerial closures, below grade closures, pedestals, optical network terminals (ONTs), and network interface devices (NIDs). In certain instances, the connection terminals include connector ports or nodes, typically opening through an external wall of the connection terminal. The connection terminals are used to establish optical connections between optical fibers terminated from the distribution cable and respective optical fibers of one or more “preconnectorized” drop cables, extended distribution cables, tether cables or branch cables, collectively referred to herein as “drop cables.” The connection terminals are used to readily extend fiber optic communications services to a subscriber. In this regard, fiber optic networks are being developed that deliver “fiber-to-the-curb” (FTTC), “fiber-to-the-business” (FTTB), “fiber-to-the-home” (FTTH) and “fiber-to-the-premises” (FTTP), referred to generically as “FTTx.” 
     In conventional FTTx deployments depicted in  FIG. 1 , a fiber optic network  10  is provided. The fiber optic network  10  may deliver service to subscribers  12  through optical fiber distribution cables  14  and subscriber cables  16 . For example, the fiber optic network  10  may begin at a trunk cable  18  originating from a central office  20  leading to a splitter/splice cabinet  22  in the field where a distribution cable  14  is connected. The distribution cable  14  may then be routed aerially or below ground through the residential neighborhood served by the fiber optic network  10 . The subscriber cables  16  servicing individual subscribers  12  may be connected with the distribution cable  14  through terminations at mid-span access points  24 , branch cables  26 , and multi-port splitter boxes  28 . The central office  20  may be connected to a geographically-dispersed telecommunications network  30 . 
     At the central office  20 , signals may be combined on a single optical fiber  32  of the trunk cable  18  using a multiple access protocol, such as time division multiple access (TDMA). All the subscribers  12  may receive all signals transmitted on the single optical fiber  32  in their subscriber cable  16 , but due to encryption may only be able to decipher the signals they have permission to utilize. 
     The central office  20  may include fiber optic equipment in at least one conventional rack  34  to support the fiber optic network  10 ; for example, the enhanced management frame (EMF) rack as shown in  FIG. 2 . The conventional rack  34  may have twenty-four conventional housings  36  wherein half are on the left  35  and half on the right  37 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , each conventional housing  36  in this example contains six module holders  38  that may slide partially in and out of the conventional housing  36  on slider rails  40 . A height dimension and a width dimension of the conventional housing  36  are depicted as H 1  and W 1  respectively. Conventional measurements dimensions for the width dimension W 1  is 8.6-inches and 5.5-inches for the height H 1  in this example. The conventional housing  36  is a non-U-width-sized housing because W 1  is not 19-inches or 23-inches. As depicted in  FIG. 3B , the module holder  38  may comprise a cover  44  and contain a fiber optic module  42  having twelve (12) fiber connections  46 . The cover  44  may pivot to enclose the fiber optic module  42 , which may be configured with splitters/couplers or wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) devices. 
     Generally, more signals may be delivered to subscribers if more fiber connections  46  were available on the conventional rack  34 . As the subscribers  12  require more signal bandwidth, there is an unmet need for low-cost solutions at the central office  20  to provide more fiber connections  46  within the conventional rack  34 . 
     SUMMARY OF THE DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include fiber optic equipment assemblies that include non-U-width-sized housing supporting U-sized fiber optic modules in an equipment frame, and related methods. A non-U-width-sized housing may be configured to accommodate U-sized fiber optic modules and thereby increase a number of fiber optic connections available for increasing bandwidth offered to subscribers in a fiber optic network. 
     In one embodiment, a fiber optic equipment assembly is disclosed. This fiber optic equipment assembly may include a non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity disposed within. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. In this manner, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a non-U-width-sized housing. In this regard as a non-limiting example, the non-U-width-sized housing of the fiber optic equipment assembly may enable more bandwidth to be delivered to subscribers by allowing more fiber optic modules to fit into a non-U space of the equipment frame. 
     In another embodiment, a fiber optic equipment assembly is disclosed. This fiber optic equipment assembly may include a non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity disposed within. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member, which is disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a width dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed adjacent to each other along a horizontal direction within a U-unit height of unity in the non-U-width-sized housing. In this manner, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a non-U-width-sized housing. In this regard as a non-limiting example, the non-U-width-sized housing of the fiber optic equipment assembly may enable even more bandwidth to be delivered to subscribers by allowing more fiber optic modules to fit into a non-U space of the equipment frame. 
     In another embodiment, a method of installing fiber optic equipment is disclosed. This method may comprise providing a non-U-width-sized housing including an enclosure forming an internal cavity. The method may also include disposing at least one fiber optic equipment support member within the internal cavity. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The method may also include disposing the at least one U-sized fiber optic module within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member, which is disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. In this manner, the method of installing the fiber optic equipment may, for example, be less expensive because equipment racks compatible with non-U-width-sized housing sizes may use the U-sized fiber optic modules without the expense of new equipment racks. 
     Additional features and advantages will be set forth in the detailed description which follows, and in part will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from that description or recognized by practicing the embodiments as described herein, including the detailed description that follows, the claims, as well as the appended drawings. 
     It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description present embodiments, and are intended to provide an overview or framework for understanding the nature and character of the disclosure. The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding, and are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments, and together with the description serve to explain the principles and operation of the concepts disclosed. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram of subscribers of a fiber optic network connected to a central office with drop cables in the prior art; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a fiber optic equipment frame loaded with twenty-four front-loading housings and module holders in the prior art; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a front-loading housing loaded with module holders in the prior art of the fiber optic equipment frame of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective, close-up view of the module holder with a module installed in the prior art as shown in the fiber optic equipment frame of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a perspective, front view of an exemplary fiber optic equipment assembly employing a non-U-width-sized housing supporting U-sized fiber optic modules with a front door closed; 
         FIG. 4B  is a perspective, front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A  with the front door opened; 
         FIG. 4C  is a perspective, front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A  with the front door opened and at least one fiber optic module partially removed; 
         FIG. 5A  depicts a perspective, front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5B  depicts a perspective, side view of a first attachment member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5C  depicts a perspective view of an enclosure of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5D  depicts a perspective, exploded front view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6A  depicts a perspective, rear view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6B  depicts a perspective, exploded rear view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6C  depicts a bottom view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective, front-right view of at least one U-sized fiber optic module that can be supported by the non-U-width-sized housing of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective, front-left view of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  is a perspective, exploded front view of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module of  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a perspective, exploded front view of a fiber optic equipment support member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 8B  is a perspective, front view of the U-sized fiber optic module of  FIG. 7A  before being received by a fiber optic module guide of the fiber optic equipment support member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective, front view of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module received by the fiber optic module guide of the fiber optic equipment support member of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a fiber optic equipment assembly of another embodiment wherein the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed adjacent to each other along a horizontal direction; and 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of the fiber optic equipment assembly of  FIG. 12  providing more detail. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments are shown. Indeed, the concepts may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limiting herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Whenever possible, like reference numbers will be used to refer to like components or parts. 
     Embodiments disclosed in the detailed description include fiber optic equipment assemblies that include non-U-width-sized housings supporting U-sized fiber optic modules in a fiber optic equipment assembly, and related methods. In one embodiment, the fiber optic equipment assembly may include the non-U-width-sized housing, at least one fiber optic equipment support member, and at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The non-U-width-sized housing may include an enclosure forming an internal cavity. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member may be disposed within the internal cavity and configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member disposed within the internal cavity. The at least one U-sized fiber optic module may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. 
     In this regard,  FIGS. 4A to 4C  illustrate schematic diagrams of one embodiment of a fiber optic equipment assembly  48  that includes a non-U-width-sized housing supporting U-sized fiber optic modules. As shown in  FIG. 4A , the fiber optic equipment assembly  48  may be mounted in an equipment frame  50  and may be connected to a plurality of fiber optic cables  52 .  FIG. 4B  shows the fiber optic cables  52  connected to the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54 .  FIG. 4C  shows that the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be pulled partially out. The equipment frame  50  may be the same as the conventional rack  34 , and this would provide a compatibility benefit because a fiber optic equipment assembly  48  could be mounted in existing equipment at the central office  20 . 
     In  FIG. 5A  the main components of the fiber optic equipment assembly  48  in  FIGS. 4A to 4C  are depicted. In this embodiment, the fiber optic equipment assembly  48  supports the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  comprising at least one fiber optic connection  56 . The terminology “U-sized” means that the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  has at least one dimension that is based on the rack unit (“U”), which is a unit of measurement used to describe the height of equipment intended for mounting in a 19-inch or 23-inch wide rack. One rack unit, also known hereinafter as a U-unit height of unity, is 1.75-inches high. Thus, the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be “U-sized” if the at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be disposed in a U-unit height of unity of 1.75-inches. The advantage of having components that are U-sized is that they may be compatible with standard equipment racks based on the rack unit. The embodiments in this enclosure enable at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  to fit into the equipment frame  50  that is non-U-sized. 
     The plurality of fiber optic cables  52  may be connected to the at least one fiber optic connection  56  (not explicitly shown in  FIG. 5A ). The plurality of fiber optic cables  52  may support the fiber optic network  10  serving the subscribers  12 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 5A , the fiber optic equipment assembly  48  may include a non-U-width-sized housing  58  comprising an enclosure  60 . The width (W 1 ) of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  is “non-U-width-sized” because it is neither 19-inches nor 23-inches wide. The width W 1  and the height H 1  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  may be the same dimensions as that for the conventional housing  36 . The non-U-width-sized housing  58  may be installed on the equipment frame  50  that may accommodate twenty-four non-U-width-sized housings  58 . 
     The enclosure  60  comprises a first wall  62  and a second wall  64 , and may form an internal cavity  66 . At least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be disposed within the internal cavity  66 . The at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be configured to support the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54 . The at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be disposed within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68 , which may also be disposed within the internal cavity  66 . Disposing the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  in the internal cavity  66  provides protection against damage to the fiber optic connections  56 . 
     A first attachment member  70  may be attached to the first wall  62 . An interface surface  72  of the first attachment member  70  may be used to hang the non-U-width-sized housing  58  from the equipment frame  50 . The advantage to hanging is that the non-U-width-sized housing  58  can be at least partially slid out in a horizontal direction A 2  from the equipment frame  50  after bolts (not shown) are removed. A containment surface  73  ( FIG. 5B ) may also come into contact with the equipment frame  50  and prevent the interface surface  72  from disengaging from the equipment frame  50 . 
     With continuing reference to  FIG. 5A , a second attachment member  74  may be attached to the second wall  64 . A first vertical support member  76  and a second vertical support member  78  may be attached to the second attachment member  74 . A first lateral restraint surface  80  of the second attachment member  74  between the first and second vertical support members  76 ,  78  helps restricts lateral movement in a second horizontal direction A 3  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  when it abuts the equipment frame  50 . A first contact surface  82  and second contact surface  84 , respectively, of the first and second vertical support members  76 ,  78  help restrict movement in a vertical direction A 1  when they abut the equipment frame  50  (not shown in  FIG. 5A ). 
     The non-U-width-sized housing  58  may have a height (H 1 ) which is a non-integer multiple of the U-unit height of unity. For example, non-integer multiples of the U-unit height of unity could NOT be 1.75-inches, 3.5-inches, 5.25-inches, 7-inches, etc. The height H 1  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  may be measured in the vertical direction A 1 . In a non-limiting embodiment H 1  could be 5.7-inches which would be an integer of the U-unit height of unity. This is important because a gap of 1.3-inches, 7-inches less 5.7-inches, would be an inefficient use of space between housings. 
     A front door  86  may be attached to the enclosure  60  by cylindrical pin  88  disposed between the front door  86  and a door hinge member  90  attached to the enclosure  60 . The front door  86  may pivot upon the cylindrical pin  88 . The front door  86  may be held in a closed position by a latch  92  which may interface with an orifice  94  of a door latch enclosure member  96 . The door latch enclosure member  96  may be attached to the enclosure  60 . The front door  86  may help protect the at least one fiber optic connection  56  and the bend radius of the plurality of fiber optic cables  52  from causing damage. 
     There are various components which also enable cabling to enter the non-U-width-sized housing  58  without damage. A cable management guide  98  and fiber guard bracket  99  attached at the front  100  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  holds the plurality of fiber optic cables  52  to prevent damaging changes to their bend radius. A furcation bracket  102  attached at the rear  104  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  may have orifices  106  to protect the bend radius of upstream cabling (not shown) entering the enclosure  60 . Also, a slack tray  108  may be attached to the rear  104  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58 . The slack tray  108  may have a turned lip  110  to enable excess upstream cabling to be collected in an organized manner to prevent breakage. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5C , the first wall  62  and the second wall  64  may include crossbar portions  112 ,  114  respectively. The first wall  62  and the second wall  64  may be attached when crossbar portion  112  of the first wall  62  may be welded to the second wall  64  and crossbar portion  114  of the second wall  64  may be welded to the first wall  62 . The internal cavity  66  is formed between the first wall  62  and the second wall  64 . Alternatively in other embodiments the welding may be replaced by fasteners. 
     The first wall  62  and the second wall  64  may be formed as thin-walled components made of a strong material, for example, such as plastic or sheet metal as non-limiting examples. The exterior surfaces may be finished with powder coating techniques to prevent corrosion and to prevent particles from flaking off and contaminating the at least one fiber optic connection  56 . 
       FIG. 5D  provides more detail as to the components of the fiber optic equipment assembly  48 . At least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be disposed within at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118  which may be secured within the internal cavity  66  of the enclosure  60 . The at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118  may be secured to the first wall  62  and/or second wall  64 . The at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may comprise at least one contour guide  120  which may may be disposed within at least one gap  122  of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118 . The at least one contour guide  120  may be fastened to the rest of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  and may assist in defining a movement of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  within the at least one gap  122  of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118 . 
     At least one fiber optic module guide  123  may be attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68 . The at least one fiber optic module guide  123  may comprise a receiving groove  124 . The receiving groove  124  may be configured to receive at least one module groove  126  of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54 . 
     Moreover, at least one cable support guide  128  may also be attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68 . The at least one cable support guide  128  may assist in managing the bending radius of the plurality of fiber optic cables  52 . 
       FIG. 6A  shows the rear  104  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  including at least one mechanical transfer pull-off (MTP) connection  130  which enables additional fiber optic cables (not shown) to be connected to the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54 . 
       FIG. 6B  depicts an exploded view of the rear  104  of the non-U-width-sized housing  58 . A furcation support member  132  may be used to attach the furcation bracket  102  to the enclosure  60 . The furcation support member  132  may be made of a strong rigid material, for example, metal or plastic. The furcation support member  132  may enable the furcation bracket  102  to be more rigid than if furcation support member  132  were made longer to connect to the enclosure  60 . Alternatively, the furcation support member  132  may be made of a strong, relatively flexible material, such as plastic.  FIG. 6C  illustrates a bottom view of the non-U-width-sized housing  58  and depicts the positions of the furcation bracket  102  relative to the furcation support member  132 . 
       FIGS. 7A to 7B  depict close-up views of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  comprising the at least one module groove  126 , the at least one mechanical transfer pull-off (MTP) connection  130 , and the at least one fiber optic connection  56 . The at least one fiber optic connection  56  may be comprised of duplex LC adapters which may support single or duplex fiber connections and connectors. 
       FIG. 7B  also illustrates a thickness dimension D 1  and a center  133  of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54 . The center  133  is located half the thickness dimension D 1  into the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54 . In the vertical direction A 1 . 
       FIG. 7C  depicts the inside of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  with a module cover  134  removed. At least one internal module fiber optic cable  136  optically connects the at least one mechanical transfer pull-off (MTP) connection  130  with the at least one fiber optic connection  56 . The volume  138  within the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  serves to protect the bend radius of the at least one internal module fiber optic cable  136 . The cover  134  and container  140  of at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be made generally of a strong resilient material, for example, plastic or metal. 
       FIG. 8A  is a close-up of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  in an exploded view showing the at least one contour guide  120  and the at least one fiber optic module guide  123  with a receiving groove  124  ready to be attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  with fasteners  142 . The fasteners  142  may comprise a permanent mechanical fastener, for example, a rivet; a removable fastener, such as a screw; or adhesive, such as epoxy. The at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68 , at least one fiber optic module guide  123 , and the at least one contour guide  120  may all be made of a strong resilient material such as plastic or metal. They may be made of different materials. 
       FIG. 8B  is a close-up of the at least one module groove  126  of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  before being received in the receiving groove  124  of the at least one fiber optic module guide  123 . The benefit of the receiving groove  124  may be that it enables the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  to be removeably attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68 . 
       FIG. 9  is a close-up of the at least one module groove  126  of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  received in the receiving groove  124  of the at least one fiber optic module guide  123 . 
       FIG. 10  is a close-up view of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118  showing at least one gap  122  where the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be disposed (not shown). The at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118  may be made of a strong resilient material, for example, metal or plastic. 
       FIG. 11  is a close-up view of three (3) of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  received by the at least one fiber optic module guide  123  attached to the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68 . The at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be disposed in the at least one gap  122  of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118 . The distance D 2  between the centers of adjacent members of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  is U-sized and a U-fractional unit distance because, for example, at least an integer number of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity. In  FIG. 11 , three (3) of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity as represented by distance D 3 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts another embodiment of the fiber optic equipment assembly  48 ( 2 ). Unlike the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be disposed adjacent to each other along the second horizontal direction A 3  within a unit height of unity as designated by D 3 . In the fiber optic equipment assembly  48 ( 2 ) the at least one fiber optic equipment assembly  48 ( 2 ) the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  118 ( 2 ) may be attached to the crossbar portion  112  of the first wall  62  and another of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  118 ( 2 ) may be attached to the crossbar portion  114  of the second wall  64 . Accordingly, the fiber optic equipment assembly  48 ( 2 ) may accommodate one-hundred forty-four (144) of the fiber optic connections  56  versus ninety-six (96) for fiber optic equipment assembly  48  shown in  FIG. 5A . Further, the other external components are virtually the same as depicted in  FIG. 13 . 
     With continuing reference to the embodiment of  FIG. 5A , a method of installing a fiber optic equipment may be disclosed. This method may comprise providing a non-U-width-sized housing  58  including an enclosure  60  forming an internal cavity  66 . The method may also include disposing at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  within the internal cavity  66 . The at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be configured to support at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54 . The method may also include disposing the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  within the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68 , which is disposed within the internal cavity  66 . The at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may have a height dimension wherein at least three of the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be disposed within a U-unit height of unity D 3  (see  FIG. 11 ). The non-U-width-sized housing  58  may have the height H 1  which is a non-integer multiple of the U-unit height of unity. 
     The method may also comprise disposing the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  within at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118 . Then, at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be secured within the internal cavity  66  of the enclosure  60 . 
     Further, the method may also comprise securing at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118  to at least one of a first wall  62  and a second wall  64  within the internal cavity  66 . Next, the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may be received in the at least one fiber optic equipment support member guide  118 , wherein the enclosure  60  comprises the first wall  62  and the second wall  64 . 
     The at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may be received in at least one fiber optic module guide  123 , wherein each of the at least one fiber optic equipment support member  68  may comprise the at least one fiber optic module guide  123 . 
     In the method, a center of each of a plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules may be separated by a U-fractional unit distance D 2 , and the at least one U-sized fiber optic module  54  may comprise the plurality of U-sized fiber optic modules. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments not set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. 
     Therefore, it is to be understood that the description and claims are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the embodiments cover the modifications and variations of the embodiments provided they come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.