An XYX cross-connect switching matrix (200) is provided for use in telecommunications apparatus. The matrix (200) comprises first (10), second (20) and third (30) arrays of parallel conductor tracks (11-14, 21-28, 15-18). The parallel conductor tracks (21-28) of the second array (20) are oriented perpendicular to the conductor tracks (11-14) of the first array (10) and to the conductor tracks (15-18) of the third array (30). The first (10), second (20) and third arrays (30) each lie in planes parallel to and spaced from one another, with the second array (20) being located between the first (10) and third (30) arrays. A first set of electrical contact sleds (41) is provided between the first (10) and second (20) arrays, while a second set of electrical contact sleds (42) is provided between the second (20) and third (30) arrays. These sleds (41,42) enable any X conductor track (11-18) in the first (10) or third (30) array to be electrically connected to any Y conductor track (21-28) in the second array (20).

This invention discloses patch-panel systems for organized configuration management of large numbers of fiber optic interconnection strands, wherein each strand transmits high bandwidth signals between devices. In particular, a system for the programmable interconnection of large numbers of optical fiber strands is provided, whereby strands connecting a two-dimensional array of connectors are mapped in an ordered and rule based fashion into a one-dimensional array with substantially straight lines strands there between. The braid of fiber optic strands is partitioned into multiple independent, non-interfering zones or subbraids. The separation into subbraids provides spatial clearance for one or more robotic grippers to enter the free volume substantially adjacent to the two-dimensional array of connectors and to mechanically reconfigure one or more optical fiber strands without interrupting or entangling other fiber optic strands.

This invention discloses patch-panel systems for organized configuration management of large numbers of fiber optic interconnection strands, wherein each strand transmits high bandwidth signals between devices. In particular, a system for the programmable interconnection of large numbers of optical fiber strands is provided, whereby strands connecting a two-dimensional array of connectors are mapped in an ordered and rule based fashion into a one-dimensional array with substantially straight lines strands there between. The braid of fiber optic strands is partitioned into multiple independent, non-interfering zones or subbraids. The separation into subbraids provides spatial clearance for one or more robotic grippers to enter the free volume substantially adjacent to the two-dimensional array of connectors and to mechanically reconfigure one or more optical fiber strands without interrupting or entangling other fiber optic strands.