Common Module Storage within a Fiber Distribution Hub

Abstract

A fiber distribution hub includes a module mounting location disposed within the cabinet separate from a termination field. The module mounting location includes a plurality of spaces at which various types of modules can be mounted. For example, splitter modules, connector storage modules, and/or fiber storage modules can be installed at the module mounting location. The modules can be mounted in any order or configuration. Some of the modules may be tethered together before installation at the hub.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A fiber distribution hub comprising:
 a cabinet defining an interior;   a termination field disposed within the interior of the cabinet, the termination field including a plurality of optical adapters;   a module mounting location disposed within the cabinet separate from the termination field, the module mounting location including a plurality of spaces;   a splitter module disposed at a first of the spaces of the module mounting location, the splitter module including an optical splitter that is optically coupled to a plurality of pigtails extending from the splitter module, each of the pigtails having an end terminated by a fiber optic connector, each of the pigtails having a sufficient length to enable the fiber optic connector to reach the termination field; and   a connector storage module disposed at a second of the spaces of the module mounting location, the connector storage module not including an optical splitter, the connector storage module being configured to retain at least some of the fiber optic connectors at the ends of the pigtails.   
     
     
         2 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein the splitter module has a first footprint and wherein the connector storage module has a second footprint that is substantially the same as the first footprint. 
     
     
         3 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 2 , wherein the first footprint and the second footprint have the same height. 
     
     
         4 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 2 , wherein the first footprint and the second footprint have the same width. 
     
     
         5 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 2 , wherein the first footprint and the second footprint have the same depth. 
     
     
         6 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein the connector storage module is structured to hold all of the fiber optic connectors of the splitter module. 
     
     
         7 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein the connector storage module is slidable within the second space of the module mounting location. 
     
     
         8 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , further comprising cable management structure configured to hold excess length of the pigtails extending between the splitter module and the connector storage module. 
     
     
         9 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 8 , wherein the cable management structure is coupled to the connector storage module. 
     
     
         10 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 9 , wherein the cable management structure includes a spool. 
     
     
         11 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 9 , wherein the cable management structure includes guides for routing the excess length around a front face of the connector storage module. 
     
     
         12 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 8 , wherein the cable management structure includes a fiber storage module configured to hold at least a portion of the excess length in a coil, the fiber storage module being disposed at a third space of the module mounting location. 
     
     
         13 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 12 , wherein the splitter module has a first footprint and wherein the fiber storage module has a third footprint that is substantially the same as the first footprint. 
     
     
         14 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 8 , wherein the excess length of the pigtails is routed within a cable management channel defined in the cabinet. 
     
     
         15 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second spaces is configured to interchangeably receive the splitter module and the connector storage module. 
     
     
         16 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein each of the first and second spaces is configured to interchangeably receive the splitter module, the connector storage module, a fiber storage module, and a pass-through module. 
     
     
         17 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 16 , wherein at least one of the splitter module, the connector storage module, the fiber storage module, and the pass-through module is configured to take up more than one space at the module mounting location. 
     
     
         18 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein the spaces form a row of spaces extending horizontally within the cabinet at the module mounting location. 
     
     
         19 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein the spaces form a column of spaces so that the splitter module and the connector storage module received thereat are stacked vertically. 
     
     
         20 . The fiber distribution hub of  claim 1 , wherein the spaces include slots in which the modules are received, each space having a retaining structure that secures the module at a fixed position in the space.