Module-less cross connect assembly

Abstract

A telecommunication assembly having a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of modules therein. The telecommunication assembly couples to a telecommunication network and includes a plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards secured therein for each coupling to one of the plurality of modules. Each of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards includes a bounding edge, a back side partially encompassed by the bounding edge, a plurality of first connectors coupled to the back side for receiving a telecommunication signal from the telecommunication network, a front side coupled to the back side, and a second connector mounted on the front side and spaced apart from the at least one jack for coupling to one of the plurality of modules. The telecommunication assembly is operable with one or more of the plurality of distinct backplane circuit boards removed from the assembly and the assembly allows for two pieces of telecommunications equipment to be connected without a module being installed in the assembly. In addition, a “make before break” circuit is provided between each backplane and coupling module.

1 . A telecommunication assembly disposed to receive a plurality of modules therein, the telecommunication assembly for coupling to a telecommunication network and comprising: 
 a plurality of distinct backplanes secured in the telecommunications assembly each for coupling to one of the plurality of modules, each of the plurality of distinct backplanes including: 
 a back side,  
 a plurality of first connectors coupled to the back side for receiving a telecommunication signal from the telecommunication network,  
 a front side coupled to the back side, and  
 a second connector mounted on the front side and spaced apart from the at least one jack, the second connector for coupling to one of the plurality of modules, wherein the second connector is a normally closed connector such that a circuit is formed and operable between the plurality of first connectors without a module being connected to the second connector.  
   
   
   
       2 . The telecommunication assembly of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of distinct backplanes are releasably secured within the telecommunication assembly.  
   
   
       3 . The telecommunication assembly of  claim 1  and further wherein the telecommunication assembly is operable with one or more of the plurality of distinct backplanes removed from the assembly.  
   
   
       4 . A telecommunication assembly disposed to receive a plurality of modules therein, the telecommunication assembly for coupling to a telecommunication network and comprising: 
 a plurality of distinct backplanes secured in the telecommunications assembly each for coupling to one of the plurality of modules, each of the plurality of distinct backplanes including: 
 a back side;  
 a plurality of first connectors coupled to the back side for receiving a telecommunication signal from the telecommunication network;  
 a front side coupled to the back side;  
 a second connector mounted on the front side and spaced apart from the at least one jack, the second connector for coupling to one of the plurality of modules, wherein the second connector is a normally closed connector such that a circuit is formed and operable between the plurality of first connectors without a module being connected to the second connector; and further wherein the second connector is disposed to make an electrical connection to the module before the circuit between the plurality of first connectors is broken.  
   
   
   
       5 . The telecommunication assembly of  claim 4  wherein the plurality of distinct backplanes are releasably secured within the telecommunication assembly.  
   
   
       6 . The telecommunication assembly of  claim 4  and further wherein the telecommunication assembly is operable with one or more of the plurality of distinct backplanes removed from the assembly.