Fiber optic connection device with ruggedized tethers

Abstract

A loop back connector and methods for testing lines in a fiber optic network are disclosed. The loop back connector includes a ferrule having an interface side constructed for optical connection to a multifiber optical cable. The loop back connector also includes first and second optical loop back paths, each having first and second terminal ends positioned at the interface side. The terminal ends of each loop back path are adapted to be aligned to fibers in the multifiber optical cable. The method includes injecting a signal on a first optical path at a first location, looping back the signal at a second location onto a second optical path, and receiving the signal on the second optical path at the first location.

The claimed invention is: 
     
         1 . A fiber optic connection device comprising:
 a ruggedized multi-fiber connector including a threaded collar;   a plurality of tethers;   a breakout structure that provides an optical fiber transition from the multi-fiber connector to the tethers, the break-out structure having a breakout end face defining a breakout surface area, the tethers extending outwardly from the breakout end face; and   first and second groups of ruggedized port-defining structures mounted at ends of the tethers, the ruggedized port-defining structures defining ports adapted for receiving single fiber connectors, the first group of ruggedized port-defining structures being spaced a first distance from the breakout end face, the second group of ruggedized port-defining structures being spaced a second distance from the breakout end face, the first and second distances being different distances such that the first and second groups of ruggedized port defining structures are staggered relative to one another, the first and second groups of ruggedized port-defining structures each defining a collective end face area that is larger than the breakout surface area.   
     
     
         2 . The fiber optic connection device of  claim 1 , wherein the breakout structure is a first breakout structure, and wherein second breakout structures are positioned between the first breakout structure and the first and second groups of ruggedized port-defining structures. 
     
     
         3 . The fiber optic connection device of  claim 1 , further comprising a multi-fiber cable that extends between the multi-fiber connector and the breakout structure.