Patent ID: 7233731

Claim:
A method of connecting telecommunications service cables comprising: providing an equipment mounting rack with a fanout module, an adapter module, a connector holder module and a cable management structure mounted to the rack; directing a multi-strand optical fiber service cable to the fanout module; separating the multiple strands of fiber in the service cable into individual fiber patch cords extending from the fanout module, with a distal end of each patch cord terminated with a fiber optic connector, the fiber optic connector including a dust cap and a ferrule, the dust cap positioned about the ferrule, the ferrule holding an optical fiber having a polished end face, the dust cap including a closed end opposing the polished end face of the optical fiber; extending a first patch cord from the fanout module into the cable management structure so that the connector of the first patch cord is proximate a fiber optic connector holder mounted within an opening in a front of the connector holder module; inserting the fiber optic connector of the first patch cord into the fiber optic connector holder without removing the dust cap; withdrawing the connector of the first patch cord from the connector holder; removing the dust cap from the polished end face; adjusting the first patch cord within the cable management structure so that the connector is proximate a fiber optic adapter mounted within an opening in a front of the adapter module; inserting the connector of the first patch cord into the adapter so that the optical fiber of the patch cord is optically connected to a second connector inserted within an opposite end of the adapter.