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.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A fiber optic device comprising:
 an assembly having a first end and a second end with a housing between the first and second ends;   the first end of the assembly terminating with a first fiber optic connector;   the second end of the assembly terminating with a plurality of second fiber optic connectors, each of the second fiber optic connectors having a distal end and a proximal end, each of the second fiber optic connectors being ruggedized and including an outer body defining a cavity accessible from the distal end and facilitating external connection; and   a plurality of tether cables that extend from the housing to the proximal ends of the second fiber optic connectors, wherein each of the tether cables corresponds to one of the second fiber optic connectors.   
     
     
         3 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the first fiber optic connector is a multi-termination connector. 
     
     
         4 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the first fiber optic connector is ruggedized. 
     
     
         5 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the first fiber optic connector is adapted to plug into a mating connector. 
     
     
         6 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the first fiber optic connector includes a threaded collar. 
     
     
         7 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the housing is a breakout housing that operates as a transition from a single cable to the plurality of tether cables. 
     
     
         8 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of tether cables all have the same length. 
     
     
         9 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of second fiber optic connectors each include proximal portions having exterior recesses. 
     
     
         10 . The fiber optic device in  claim 2 , wherein the plurality of second fiber optic connectors are single port fiber optic connectors.