In the present invention, a connector structure comprises a multi-core fiber and a ferrule. The multi-core fiber comprises a plurality of cores and a cladding that surrounds the cores. The ferrule holds the multi-core fiber. A tip of the multi-core fiber protrudes from an end face of the ferrule. A relation Δ≦14.8/a is satisfied. In the formula, Δ (μm) is a difference between a maximum protrusion height and a minimum protrusion height from an end face of the ferrule in a reference circle at the tip of the multi-core fiber. The reference circle is a minimum circle that includes all mode field diameters of the plurality of the cores having a center of cross section of the multi-core fiber as its center. And a (μm) is a radius of the reference circle.

A fixture (44/244) is for forming a fiber optic array (10/110/210) that defines a plurality of discrete fibers (12) extending from a spaced-apart arrangement to a consolidated arrangement wherein the fibers (12) are layered next to each other for a further ribbonizing process. The fixture (44/244) includes a pair of contact blades (54/254) that are configured to slide along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers (12) for consolidating the fibers (12).

Systems and methods for optically connecting first and second fiber arrays at different locations with paired transmit and received fibers are disclosed. A method includes establishing at a first location first and second fiber arrays of fibers T and R, and establishing at a second location third and fourth fiber arrays of fibers T′ and R′. A trunk cable is then used to optically connect fibers T to fibers R′ and fibers R′ to fibers T to form first fiber pairs (T,R) where T=1 to (N/2) and R=[(N/2)+1] to N, and second fiber pairs (T′, R′), where T′=1′ to (N/2)′ and R′=[(N/2)+1]′ to N′, wherein N is an even number greater than 2.

Systems and methods for optically connecting first and second fiber arrays at different locations with paired transmit and received fibers are disclosed. A method includes establishing at a first location first and second fiber arrays of fibers T and R, and establishing at a second location third and fourth fiber arrays of fibers T′ and R′. A trunk cable is then used to optically connect fibers T to fibers R′ and fibers R′ to fibers T to form first fiber pairs (T,R) where T=1 to (N/2) and R=[(N/2)+1] to N, and second fiber pairs (T′, R′), where T′=1′ to (N/2)′ and R′=[(N/2)+1]′ to N′, wherein N is an even number greater than 2.

A fixture is for forming a fiber optic array that defines a plurality of discrete fibers extending from a spaced-apart arrangement to a consolidated arrangement wherein the fibers are layered next to each other for a further ribbonizing process. The fixture includes a pair of contact blades that are configured to slide along a direction transverse to the longitudinal axes of the fibers for consolidating the fibers.

An interface provides protection and support for transitioning a jacketed fiber optic cable. The interface has a crimp body, a transition portion and a front end to receive an adapter. The interface preferably has a main body with two pieces that are identical. The two pieces have tabs and recesses corresponding to the tabs for alignment and structure. The main body also may have an opening for an adapter latch. A crimp band fits over the crimp body to secure the jacketed fiber optic cable to the interface.

An adapter assembly is formed from an adapter housing with a recess configured to accept an adapter panel hook. The adapter assembly is secured within a panel using the adapter panel hook. The adapter panel hook has opposing side portions connected by a joining plate. Each side portion has an elastic pawl with opposing elastic members. The elastic members are configured to be secured between the adapter outer housing and panel wall opening to reduce vibration at the adapter housing.

An optical fiber cable includes a first cable segment; a second cable segment; and a splice enclosure. The first cable segment can have a different configuration than the second cable segment. The splice enclosure is coupled to the strength member and strength component of the first cable segment and the second cable segment. One example splice enclosure includes a first enclosure body having a first threaded connection region and a second enclosure body having a second threaded connection region. Another example splice enclosure includes a tubular enclosure with two end caps. Cable retention members are positioned within the splice enclosure at fixed axial positions.

A plurality of optical fibers are kept in a fiber accommodating portion. In each of the optical fibers, a second diameter portion has a diameter larger than that of a first diameter portion. A second accommodating portion of the fiber accommodating portion has an inner diameter larger than that of a first accommodating portion of the fiber accommodating portion. An inner diameter transition portion of the fiber accommodating portion locates between the first accommodating portion and the second accommodating portion through a tapered surface. The first diameter portion of each of the optical fibers is located in the first accommodating portion, in the inner diameter transition portion, and in the second accommodating portion. Each of the optical fibers is separated from an inner surface of the ferrule in the inner diameter transition portion.

Waveguide substrate, waveguide substrate assemblies and methods of fabricating waveguide substrates having various waveguide routing schemes are disclosed. In one embodiment, a waveguide substrate includes a first surface and a second surface, and a plurality of waveguides within the waveguide substrate. The plurality of waveguides defines a plurality of inputs at the first surface. A subset of the plurality of waveguides extends to the second surface to at least partially define a plurality of outputs at the second surface. In one waveguide routing scheme, at least one branching waveguide extends between one of the first surface and the second surface to a surface other than the first surface and the second surface. Another waveguide routing scheme arranges the plurality of waveguides into optical receive-transmit pairs for duplex pairing of optical signals.