Fiber optic cable distribution box

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

0001This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/390,085, filed Dec. 23, 2016; and this application is a reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/156,297 filed May 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,806, both of which are entitled “Fiber Optic Cable Distribution Box”. The '085 application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/492,970, filed Sep. 22, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. RE462,255; and the '085 application is a reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/156,297 filed May 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,806, both of which are entitled “Fiber Optic Cable Distribution Box”. The '970 application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/091,851, filed Apr. 21, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. RE45,153; and the '970 application is a reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/156,297 filed May 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,806, both of which are entitled “Fiber Optic Cable Distribution Box”. The '851 application is a reissue of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/156,297 filed May 30, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,522,806, both of which are entitled “Fiber Optic Cable Distribution Box”. The '297 application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/728,785, filed Mar. 27, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,400,814, and entitled “Wall-Mountable Optical Fiber and Cable Management Apparatus”. The '785 application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/880,169, filed Jan. 13, 2007, and entitled “Multidwelling Unit (MDU) Drop Box for Fiber Optic Cables”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

00021. Field of the Invention

0003The present invention relates to drop or distribution boxes for managing fiber optic cables in the deployment of fiber optic networks at subscriber premises.

00042. Discussion of the Known Art

0005The deployment of fiber optic networks at multi-dwelling units (MDUs) and other subscriber premises, requires the use of so-called cable drop or distribution boxes that are designed for mounting on walls or other structures at the premises. Current industry practice calls for the boxes to have a cable entry port at the left side of the box for receiving a fiber optic cable originating from the network provider, and one or more ports at the right side of the box through which a number of fibers associated with individual subscribers at the premises are routed to connect with fibers in the provider cable. See, for example, Corning Cable Systems, Wall-Mountable Connector Housings, at <www.corningcablesystems.com>, and ADC Telecommunications, Indoor Fiber Distribution Terminals—Customer Premises Equipment (CPE), at <www.adc.com/productsandservices/>. See also, 2007 Multilink Catalog, vol. 24, at pages 87-94, disclosing a family of wall mountable fiber optic cable enclosures available from Multilink, Inc., of Elyria, Ohio, USA.

0006U.S. Pat. No. 4,976,510 (Dec. 11, 1990) discloses a wall communications outlet wherein cables may enter the outlet through panels inserted at sides of the outlet, or through an opening formed in a backplate of the outlet. Two sets of sidewalls are arranged concentric with the opening in the backplate so that spare lengths of optical fibers can be placed between the sidewalls, according to the patent. International Application No. PCT/IT92/00055 published Nov. 11, 1993, discloses a distribution device for termination of optical ribbon cables. The device has two circular grooves about which a ribbon, and fibers of the ribbon, are wound.

0007Installation of the known cable boxes by a single worker at a subscriber premises can be difficult and time consuming, however. Further, the known boxes are dimensioned to accommodate older types of fiber optic cables which can not tolerate bend diameters of less than three inches (76.2 mm) without impairing cable performance. Accordingly, the currently available boxes are relatively large, and are not well-suited for widespread deployment of fiber optic networks at multi-dwelling units or other kinds of premises without significant expenditures of time and labor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0008According to the invention, a fiber optic cable distribution box includes an interface compartment for interfacing a first set of fibers when routed inside the compartment, with a second set of fibers associated with a cable routed to the box. A drum region extends beneath the interface compartment and includes a cylindrical wall having an axis for supporting a length of a cable wound about the wall. The drum region is constructed so that the box can turn about the axis of the cylindrical wall when a cable is paid out from the drum region. The interface compartment and the drum region are arranged so that the first set of fibers inside the interface compartment, originate from an inside end portion of the cable wound about the wall of the drum region.

0009For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

0010In the drawing:

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a fiber optic cable distribution box according to the invention;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref> is a cross-sectional elevation view of the box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>, showing a cable drum region and other internal components of the box;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b></figref> is a view of the box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> as seen from the top with a cover lid removed;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref> is a view of the box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> as seen from below;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref> is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a fiber optic cable distribution box according to the invention;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b></figref> is a cross-sectional elevation view of the box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref>;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>7</b></figref> is a side view of the box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>5</b></figref>, showing the location of a cable strain relief device according to the invention;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref> is an enlarged perspective view of the cable strain relief device;

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b></figref> is a view of the strain relief device in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref> with a top cover removed;

0020<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b>A</figref> is also a view of the strain relief device without the top cover, and shows a fiber optic cable entering one end of the device and individual fibers of the cable exiting from an opposite end of the device;

0021<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b>B</figref> shows the strain relief device in place in the drum region of the box;

0022<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b></figref> is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a fiber optic cable distribution box according to the invention;

0023<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>11</b></figref> is a view of the box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b></figref> as seen from below;

0024<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>12</b></figref> is a perspective view of a connector parking area on a base of the box of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>10</b></figref>; and

0025<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>13</b></figref> is a schematic diagram showing a number of the inventive cable boxes deployed throughout a multidwelling unit (MDU) premises, according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

0026<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref> shows a first embodiment of a fiber optic cable drop or distribution box <b>10</b> according to the invention. The box <b>10</b> may be constructed of sheet metal, and/or plastics materials such as, without limitation, ABS or polycarbonate. Moisture proof seals, gaskets and the like may also be provided on or within the box <b>10</b> in a known manner if the box will be mounted outdoors at a subscriber premises. The box <b>10</b> has a base <b>12</b> which, in the disclosed embodiment, is generally square and measures, e.g., about 6.25 inches (158.75 mm) long on each side with mounting holes <b>14</b> formed at each corner of the base.

0027The box <b>10</b> also has a drum region <b>20</b> that extends axially upward from a central portion of the base <b>12</b>. The drum region <b>20</b> includes an outer cylindrical wall <b>22</b> the outside periphery of which is partially visible in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>. The outside diameter of the wall <b>22</b> is sufficient to allow a length of a fiber optic cable (not shown) to be wound on the drum wall <b>22</b> for storage or retention, with at least the minimum bend diameter specified for the cable. For example, when using cables of Allwave® Flex™ fiber available from OFS Fitel, the outside diameter of the drum wall <b>22</b> can be about 3.0 inches (76.2 mm) or less. An inside end portion of the cable enters a cable entry port in the drum wall while being supported over a substantially straight path by a strain relief device <b>24</b> fitted within the entry port. The device <b>24</b> is described further below in connection with <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>7</b> to <b>9</b>B</figref>, and it guides the end portion of the cable through the cylindrical wall <b>22</b> along a line tangential to the circumference of the wall at the location of the device <b>24</b>.

0028The cable distribution box <b>10</b> also has an interface compartment <b>30</b> that is disposed atop the drum region <b>20</b>, and which has a peripheral side wall <b>31</b>. In the embodiment of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>, the compartment <b>30</b> has a removable cover lid <b>32</b> constructed and arranged to permit an installer to access the interior of the compartment <b>30</b> from outside, and a connector guard or cover <b>34</b> that is hinged to the lid at <b>35</b>. As explained below, the interface compartment <b>30</b> is dimensioned and formed to allow a first set of optical fibers that enter the compartment <b>30</b> and originate either from a cable wound over the drum region <b>20</b>, or from a cable that enters a port in the compartment wall <b>31</b> (see <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>2</b> and <b>3</b></figref>), to connect with a second set of optical fibers from another cable which fibers terminate in connectors <b>36</b> seen beneath the cover <b>34</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>. A number of flat fingers or tabs <b>38</b> are formed to project outward from lower side edges of the compartment wall <b>31</b>, and are parallel to the base <b>12</b>. The tabs <b>38</b> and the base <b>12</b> together serve to confine a length of cable wound about the drum wall <b>22</b>, in the region between the base and the interface compartment <b>30</b>.

0029<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref> is a cross sectional view in elevation of the box <b>10</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>, and <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>3</b></figref> is a view of the box <b>10</b> as seen from the top with the cover lid <b>32</b> removed. The interface compartment <b>30</b> features a connector panel <b>40</b> that is supported to occupy a cut out region <b>41</b> in the compartment sidewall <b>31</b>. A number of optical connector adapters <b>42</b> are mounted to extend through corresponding openings in the panel <b>40</b>, and the adapters <b>42</b> operate to couple the fiber optic connectors <b>36</b> at the external side of the panel <b>40</b>, with corresponding connectors <b>44</b> at the internal side of the panel. Preferably, the panel <b>40</b> is mounted in the sidewall <b>31</b> so that it can be easily removed and exchanged with another panel of the same dimensions but in which adapters of a different type are mounted. For example, the panel <b>40</b> may be slid in or out of vertical channels <b>43</b> formed at both ends of the sidewall cut out region <b>41</b>. A desired panel <b>40</b> may then be selected from among a number of different panels having adapters <b>42</b> which accommodate, for example, type LC, SC, FC, ST, MPO, or type MPX connectors, depending on the type of cable connectors used at a given deployment.

0030As mentioned, optical fibers routed into the interface compartment <b>30</b> may originate from the inside end portion of a cable wound over the drum region <b>20</b> and which passes through the drum wall <b>22</b> via the strain relief device <b>24</b>. In such an application, the fibers are routed through an annular fiber routing region <b>46</b> that extends between the outer cylindrical wall <b>22</b>, and an inner cylindrical wall <b>48</b> of the drum region which wall <b>48</b> is formed radially inward of the outer wall <b>22</b>. The strain relief device <b>24</b> and the dimensions of the annular fiber routing region <b>46</b>, are such that individual optical fibers will not be subject to a bend diameter less than that specified for the fibers before entering the interface compartment <b>30</b> and terminating in the connectors <b>44</b>. For example, when using cables of Allwave® Flex™ fiber available from OFS Fitel, the inner wall <b>48</b> may have an outside diameter as small as 0.7874 inches (20 mm), and the mean diameter of the fiber routing region <b>46</b> may only be about 2.0 inches (50.8 mm).

0031The sidewall <b>31</b> of the interface compartment <b>30</b> also has a cable entry or pass through port <b>50</b> (<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>2</b> &amp; <b>3</b></figref>) in a rear section of the wall <b>31</b> for receiving an outside fiber optic cable or cable assembly (not shown) whose fibers are to be coupled with those fibers terminated by the connectors <b>36</b>. Alternatively, the cable entry port <b>50</b> may be provided in the form of a large opening through a portion of an alternate connector panel <b>40</b> (not shown). In such applications, the fibers of the cable entering the rear port <b>50</b> may be routed directly to corresponding ones of the connectors <b>44</b> with little, if any, bending whatsoever. Moreover, the use of multifiber connectors such as type MPO in the connector panel <b>40</b> enables the box <b>10</b> to act as an aggregation box. That is, multiple cables originating from other like boxes at different levels of a multi-dwelling unit (MDU) may enter the rear port <b>50</b> of the interface compartment <b>30</b>, to connect via the MPO connectors with a single cable routed to the box from an alternate location, e.g., the basement of the MDU. See <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>13</b></figref> and related text below. If not used, the rear cable entry port <b>50</b> is preferably kept closed by a plug <b>52</b>.

0032<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref> is a bottom view of the cable box <b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>. A cylindrical tube <b>60</b> is formed with a central axial passage <b>62</b>. The tube <b>60</b> extends axially between a top end of the tube <b>60</b> that fits through a clearance opening in the cover lid <b>32</b> to lie flush with the lid's top surface as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>, and a bottom end of the tube where the tube passage <b>62</b> opens beneath the base <b>12</b> as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>4</b></figref>. The axis of the tube passage <b>62</b> coincides with the axis of the outer cylindrical wall <b>22</b> of the drum region <b>20</b>. In the disclosed embodiment, the tube <b>60</b> extends above and below the center of a wall <b>63</b> that closes an upper axial end of the inner cylindrical wall <b>48</b>, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>2</b></figref>.

0033The diameter of the central passage <b>62</b> in the tube <b>60</b> is preferably sufficient to allow a long narrow tool such as a screwdriver shaft, bolt or other payoff mandrel, to be inserted through the passage from above or below the box <b>10</b> so that the tool will act as a spindle about which the box <b>10</b> can turn freely. This construction allows a single worker easily to pay out a cable wound on the drum region <b>20</b>, as may be necessary for a network deployment at a MDU. For example, while holding the handle of an inserted screwdriver in one hand, the worker can use his or her other hand to pull and unwind a desired length of the cable from the drum region <b>20</b> while the box <b>10</b> is free to turn about the screwdriver shaft.

0034<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>5</b> to <b>7</b></figref> show a second embodiment of a cable distribution box <b>200</b> according to the invention. Components of the box <b>200</b> that are identical or similar to those of the box <b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>1</b> to <b>4</b></figref>, have corresponding reference numerals increased by 200.

0035The box <b>200</b> has a single piece cover lid <b>232</b> with an integrated hinge <b>235</b> for a connector guard or cover <b>234</b>. Further, a side wall <b>231</b> of an interface compartment <b>230</b> has a continuous circular disk flange <b>204</b> that extends radially outward beneath the compartment <b>230</b>, parallel to a base <b>212</b> of the box. The flange <b>204</b> and the base <b>212</b> together serve to confine a length of fiber optic cable wound on the outer cylindrical wall <b>222</b>, within the region between the flange <b>204</b> and the base <b>212</b>. As with the box <b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>1</b> to <b>4</b></figref>, an inside end portion of the cable is guided by a strain relief device <b>224</b> to enter an annular fiber routing region <b>246</b> inside the box <b>200</b>, over a substantially straight path tangential to the circumference of the wall <b>222</b> at the location of the device <b>224</b>.

0036Also, as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>6</b></figref>, the base <b>212</b> of the box <b>200</b> may be formed as a separate piece that is fastened to the bottom of the drum region <b>220</b> by, e.g., screws or other fasteners that are formed to engage collars <b>206</b> fixed at the bottom of the annular fiber routing region <b>246</b>.

0037<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>8</b></figref> is an enlarged, perspective view of the strain relief device <b>224</b> which corresponds to the strain relief device <b>24</b> provided in the box <b>10</b> in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>1</b></figref>. As seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b></figref>, the strain relief device <b>224</b> is comprised of an arcuately shaped device body <b>208</b> with a generally U-shaped cross section having an outer side wall <b>224</b>a, an inner side wall <b>224</b>b, a base wall <b>224</b>c, and a cover <b>209</b> that fits atop and extends between the side walls <b>224</b>a, <b>224</b>b of the device.

0038Further, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b>A</figref>, the outer side wall <b>224</b>a has an opening <b>226</b> at one end of the device <b>224</b> for receiving the inner end portion of, e.g., a flat ribbon fiber optic cable <b>260</b> wound on the outer cylindrical wall <b>222</b> of the drum region <b>220</b>. An opening <b>228</b> at the opposite end of the device <b>224</b> allows individual fibers of the cable to exit from the device and to enter the fiber routing region <b>246</b> of the box <b>200</b>, preferably after each fiber is protected with, for example, a commercially available 900 μm sleeve.

0039The cable <b>260</b> and its individual fibers are guided over a substantially straight path between the device openings <b>226</b>, <b>228</b>, with the aid of a pair of parallel fingers or guides <b>211</b> that project upward from the base wall <b>224</b>c of the device <b>224</b> as seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>9</b> and <b>9</b>A</figref>. After outer jacketing is stripped away from the end portion of the cable <b>260</b>, lengths of an arimid or Kevlar® yarn that surrounds the cable fibers and serves as a reinforcing or strength material for the cable, are wrapped about and secured to the guides <b>211</b> with an epoxy or other suitable adhesive. Commercially available protective sleeves (e.g., 900 μm) are placed over each of the individual cable fibers, and the sleeved fibers are guided out of the device opening <b>228</b>. The device cover <b>209</b> is fixed to the body <b>208</b> via a suitable adhesive, and the assembled cable strain relief device <b>224</b> is fixed securely within a cable entry port <b>225</b> defined between the outer cylindrical wall <b>222</b> and the inner cylindrical wall <b>248</b> of the drum region <b>220</b>, as shown in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>9</b>B</figref>.

0040Accordingly, the inside end portion of the cable <b>260</b> and its individual fibers pass tangentially with respect to the outer cylindrical wall <b>222</b> through the cable entry port <b>225</b> in the wall, and into the annular fiber routing region <b>246</b> of the box <b>200</b>. Because the yarn surrounding the fibers is anchored to the guides <b>211</b> of the strain relief device <b>224</b>, any force applied externally to the cable <b>260</b> when the cable is being wound on or off the outer cylindrical wall <b>222</b> of the drum region, will be transferred to the wall <b>222</b> in which the device <b>224</b> is fixed rather than to the fibers themselves.

0041<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>10</b> to <b>12</b></figref> show a third embodiment of a cable distribution box <b>300</b> according to the invention. Components of the box <b>300</b> that are identical or similar to those of the box <b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>1</b> to <b>4</b></figref>, have corresponding reference numerals increased by <b>300</b>. The box <b>300</b> features an integral splice compartment <b>308</b> in its base <b>312</b>, a connector parking area <b>313</b>, and a number of security latch holes <b>315</b>.

Splice Compartment

308

0042Typical MDU cable distribution box installations have single fiber breakouts that egress from the box, wherein each breakout is associated with a corresponding living unit of the premises where the box is installed. Single fiber cables from each living unit are often routed to a box without a terminating connector. The bare ends of these cables can be terminated at the box in various ways. For example, single ended fiber pigtails can be spliced within the box so that splice sleeves are housed in a common space. This requires a chamber or compartment to house the splice in order to prevent damage and to manage fiber slack. Alternatives may include mechanical splicing of the pigtails, which would require a similar chamber or housing. The individual single fiber cables may also be terminated directly with a field installable connector, thus obviating the need for a splice chamber.

0043The box <b>300</b> has an integrated splice chamber or compartment <b>308</b> attached or formed underneath the base <b>312</b>, including a splice tray <b>309</b> mounted inside the base. The splice tray <b>309</b> may be fixed within the box <b>300</b>, or affixed directly to a wall. In either case, the box <b>300</b> may be installed over the splice compartment <b>308</b>. Pigtails or terminated ends can then enter or exit a lower section of the compartment through corresponding clearance notches <b>311</b> that are cut in a side wall of the base <b>312</b>.

Connector Parking Area

313

0044The connector parking area or block <b>313</b> allows terminated fiber ends to be stored while not in use. The block <b>313</b> is constructed and dimensioned to receive and secure a selected one of a number of different commercially available connector parking strips <b>307</b> (e.g., type SC) in the block <b>313</b>. This feature enables the future use of alternate connector types without having to replace the box <b>300</b>, but at the same time allows installers to forego parking

Latch Holes

315

0045Several latch or security holes <b>315</b> may be formed through corresponding feet on the hinged cover lid <b>332</b>. The latch holes <b>315</b> allow the end user to utilize a number of safety lockout methods. For example, one hole <b>315</b> can be used with a standard plunger type latching mechanism simply to keep the lid closed. Other holes <b>315</b> can be used to receive wire ties, lockout tags, or other security locks.

0046<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. <b>13</b></figref> illustrates an example of a fiber optic network deployment at a multi-dwelling unit <b>400</b>. A number of the inventive distribution boxes, for example, the box <b>10</b> of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIGS. <b>1</b> to <b>4</b></figref>, are mounted at corresponding locations in the MDU <b>400</b>, for example, above a drop ceiling on each floor <b>414</b> of the MDU. Optical fibers <b>416</b> corresponding to network subscribers on a given floor <b>414</b> are terminated in the connectors <b>36</b> which, in turn, are connected to the adapters <b>42</b> on the external side of the box panel <b>40</b>.

0047Each of the subscriber fibers <b>416</b> is connected with a corresponding fiber in a cable <b>418</b> associated with the box <b>10</b> in the ceiling of the subscriber's floor. The cable <b>418</b> may be wound initially about the drum region <b>20</b> of the box <b>10</b>, to be partially or fully unwound later for routing to another box <b>10</b> that serves as an “aggregation” box which is located, e.g, between a basement <b>420</b> and a roof <b>422</b> of the MDU <b>400</b>. The fibers of the cable <b>418</b> are terminated in the connectors <b>44</b> which, in turn, are connected to the adapters <b>42</b> on the internal side of the box connector panel <b>40</b>.

0048At the aggregation box <b>10</b>, each one of the cables <b>418</b> containing subscriber fibers from each floor of the MDU <b>400</b>, enters the aggregation box through its rear pass through port <b>50</b> or a faceplate port. As mentioned earlier, the fibers of each cable <b>418</b> may be routed inside the box with little if any bending to connect via a multi-fiber connector <b>44</b> with a corresponding adapter <b>42</b> on the internal side of the box panel <b>40</b>. A main fiber optic cable <b>424</b> serving all subscribers in the MDU <b>400</b>, is routed between a cable entry box <b>426</b> in the basement <b>420</b>, and the aggregation box <b>10</b> in which the main cable fibers connect to the adapters <b>42</b> on the external side of the box panel <b>40</b> via multifiber connectors <b>36</b>. A network provider cable <b>430</b> is routed to the entry box <b>426</b> from outside the MDU <b>400</b>, and fibers of the cable <b>430</b> are connected to corresponding subscriber fibers of the cable <b>424</b> inside the entry box <b>426</b>.

0049The various embodiments disclosed herein incorporate the following important features in a fiber optic cable distribution box.

00501. Reduced physical dimensions for use with newer types of fiber optic cable such as Allwave® Flex™ available from OFS Fitel and which have superior bending performance.

00512. An axial drum region that provides for external cable storage and keeps internal fiber routing within safe bending limits.

00523. A central through tube that facilitates pay-off of cable wound externally on the drum region, with the use of a common tool such as a screwdriver.

0053While the foregoing represents preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and that the invention includes all such modifications and changes as come within the scope of the following claims.