Patent ID: 7468891

Claim:
A synchronous optical network (SONET) multiplexer module, comprising: a SONET multiplexer circuit, mounted on a supporting surface; and a face plate, coupled to the supporting surface, and having plural electrical connectors mounted thereto which are electrically coupled to the SONET multiplexer circuit and provide plural duplex ports for synchronous transport signals (STSs) comprising multiples m of DS 3 signals where m≧1, and at least one optical connector mounted thereto which is electrically coupled to the SONET multiplexer circuit and operable to receive an optical signal comprising optical carrier levels (OC-N or Optical Carrier, Level N) of N≧3; wherein said SONET multiplexer module is deployed as a single card dimensioned for deployment in a single card slot in a shelf of a telecommunications equipment bay having said face plate facing away from the shelf to allow said plural electrical connectors and said optical connector to be accessible outside of the shelf.