MXPA01000865A - Outside plant fiber distribution apparatus and method - Google Patents

Abstract

An outside plant fiber distribution apparatus includes a frame member and a plurality of fiber optic modules mounted to the frame member. The frame member includes upper and lower module mounting brackets. Each module includes a front and two mounting flanges, each mountable to one of the upper and lower module mounting brackets. At least one of the modules is configured as a connection module including a plurality of connectionlocations disposed along the front of the module. A rear of the module includes a cable notch region for receipt of a cable. At least one of the modules defines a storage module including first and second spools. In an interconnect system, the storage module includes a cable clamp for holding a second cable, the cables are connected through the connection locations of the connection module. In a cross-connect system, two connection modules are provided, and patch cords are used to connect the fronts of the connection modules. The modules may also house splices, and/or optical couplers, such as splitters and wave division multiplexers.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR. THE OPTICAL FIBER DISTRIBUTION OUTSIDE A PLANT Field of the Invention This invention relates to an apparatus for housing fiber optic telecommunications equipment in environments external to the plant. More particularly, this invention relates to a housing and handling apparatus for receiving, cross-connecting and / or interconnecting equipment for fiber optic telecommunications systems. This invention also relates to modules for housing optical couplers such as optical separators, and wavelength division multiplexers.

Background of the Invention With the increased use of fiber optic technology in telecommunications, there is a need for an apparatus which allows access to cross-connect functions and interconnection functions, while protecting the components in the field. For example, it is desirable to have access to fiber optic cables in Ref.126721 external locations such as those contained within an enclosure adjacent to the buildings which are linked in the enclosure to a feeder line. To protect fiber optic connections from the environment and from damage due to impact or vandalism, such equipment is housed in enclosures which can be securely secured against unauthorized access. An exemplary enclosure is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,776. The enclosure has a circular base, and a cylindrical shape. The enclosures with a more square shape are also known. Reltec (Reliable Electric) of Cleveland, Ohio sells a generally square enclosure, or pedestal, typically made of a green colored metal, identified as CAD12. The Reltec CAD12 enclosure is generally approximately 30.48 cm (12 inches) by 30.48 cm (12 inches) in base and approximately 0.9144 m (three feet) up to 1.22 m (four feet). The provision of cross-connection and / or interconnection functions within the enclosure is desirable. The ease of assembly of the system and the ease of access for the subsequent maintenance of the system is also desirable. There is a need for an additional apparatus and methods for accommodating and operating equipment external to the plant with cross-connection and interconnection functions. As well there is a need to accommodate and handle the splice locations of the optical fiber and the optical couplers.

Brief Description of the Invention A fiber optic distribution frame apparatus includes a frame member having mounting brackets of the upper and lower module. The mounting brackets of the upper and lower module are spaced apart to define a space for receiving a plurality of fiber optic modules mounted to the frame member. Each module includes a front projection and two mounting projections. Each mounting boss can be mounted to one of the mounting brackets of the upper and lower module. The modules are provided with one or more functions. One of the modules defines a connection module and further includes a rear part spaced from the front, an upper part and a lower part spaced at a certain distance, placed adjacent to the projections, and sides spaced at a certain distance. The connection module is configured and arranged to accommodate a plurality of connection locations having exposed openings along the front arranged or distributed in one or more vertical arrays or arrays. The bottom, the rear, and opposite sides of the connection module define a region with notches for the cable, wherein the region with notches for the cable includes an opening for a first cable to introduce the module. The first cable can be connected to the connection locations within the internal part of the connection module either directly or through optical couplers. An additional module defines a storage module that includes first and second reels placed on the front. The connection locations preferably define adapters for connection to the connectors of the fiber optic cables. Preferably, the adapters are angled downwards when the connection module is mounted to the frame element. An enclosure is preferably provided to enclose the frame member for use in an application external to the plant. In the case of configuring the frame apparatus for the distribution of the optical fiber as an interconnection system, the storage module preferably includes a pin or cable fixing device placed on the front for the securing of a second cable, where the second cable can be connected to the sites of the connection on the connector module. The frame element preferably has a tray for the cable and an aperture sized for receiving the second cable. The interconnection system may also include a blank or filler module that defines a generally planar part. In the case of the configuration of the apparatus of the fiber optic distribution frame as a cross connection system, two connection modules are provided, and the storage module is connected between the two connection modules. One or more provisional connection cords link the connection sites of the two connection modules. The present invention also relates to a method for assembling a fiber optic distribution frame that includes the steps of providing a frame member, and selecting a plurality of fiber optic modules for mounting to the frame. The fiber optic modules are selected to fill the frame element with the desired functions. Connection modules, storage modules, and white or fill modules can be selected when desired. In the case of a cross connection system, two connection modules are mounted to the frame element, with a storage module placed between the two connection modules and mounted the frame element in one mode. In the case of an interconnection system, a connection module is mounted to the frame member, as well as to a storage module in another embodiment. The present invention also relates to the individual components comprising a fiber optic distribution frame apparatus. A frame element includes an open front part, joined by mounting brackets of the upper and lower module. Mounting brackets of the lower module further include a plurality of openings configured and arranged to receive the cable. An enclosure surrounds the frame element. A connection module according to the present invention includes a front projection and two mounting projections. A rear part of the module is spaced from the front. An upper part and a lower part are placed adjacent to the projections, and the sides spaced a certain distance, opposite, define an enclosed interior for the connection module. The interior of the connection module houses a plurality of connection locations having openings exposed along the front. The lower part, the rear part, and the opposite sides define a region with notches for the cable where the notched region for the cable defines an opening for receiving a first cable.

A storage module according to the present invention includes a front part and two mounting projections, and first and second reels in alignment that extend between the two mounting projections. The side edges of the front part also include projecting cable guides. In the case of a storage module for use in an interconnection system, a clamp or fixing piece for the cable is also placed on the front for the securing of a cable. The blank modules or fillers are also provided in accordance with the invention to fill the unused space of the frame member. Each module of the target includes a generally flat front part, and two mounting projections. The lateral projections extend in a direction opposite to the direction faced by the front part. The connection module can house inside a junction between the first cable that is introduced to the module through the notched region for the cable, and the individual cables that lead to the connection locations on the front of the module or one or more optical couplers housed inside the module. Exemplary couplers include optical splitters and wavelength division multiplexers.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a front view of a fiber distribution apparatus in a cross connection configuration, with the portions of the enclosure and the cover removed. Figure 2 is a front view of a fiber distribution apparatus in an interconnection configuration, with the portions of the enclosure and cover removed. Figure 3 shows the cross connection fiber distribution apparatus of Figure 1 including the exemplary fibers in place. Figure 4 shows the interconnect fiber distribution apparatus of Figure 1 including the exemplary fibers in place. Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of the frame and the cover. Figure 6 is a side view showing the cover mod to the frame. Figure 7 is a front view of the frame. Figure 8 is a front view of a connection module, showing two exposed adapters for connection to two connectors.

Figure 9 is a side view of the connection module of Figure 8, showing a first cable mod to the rear in the notch of the cable and retained by a cable fixing part. Exemplary individual fibers within the module are also shown schematically. Figure 10 shows the bottom of the connection module in greater detail. Figure 11 is a perspective view of one of the front adapters retained by a clamp or clip and connected to two connectors. Figure 12 shows in greater detail a portion of the front part of the connection module with the adapters and the clamps or clips. Figure 13 is a side view of a connection module similar to that shown, in Figure 9, and showing an exemplary fiber from the first cable linked to a splice, an optical separator, and two front adapters, one from each row vertical. Figure 14 is a front view of the connection module of Figure 13. Figure 15 is a side view of a connection module similar to that shown in Figure 9, and showing an exemplary fiber from the first cable linked to one splice, one WDM, and two front adapters, one from each vertical row. Figure 16 is a front view of the connection module of Figure 15. Figure 17 is a side view of a connection module similar to that shown in Figure 9, and showing an exemplary fiber from the first cable linked to a splice, and a front adapter. Figure 18 shows an alternative connection module for the module of Figure 8 with a vertical row of adapters. Figure 19 shows a second alternative connection module with three vertical rows of adapters. Figure 20 is a perspective view of a cross connection storage module. Figure 21 is a perspective view of an interconnect storage module. Figure 22 is a perspective view of a two-position target module. Figure 23 is a target module of a position.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Modalities Referring now to Figures 1 and 3, a fiber distribution apparatus 10 is shown for use in cross-connection applications. Figures 2 and 4 show a similar fiber distribution apparatus 10 ', configured to interconnect the applications. Both apparatuses 10, 10 'include an external enclosure 20, and an internal frame 22 which includes a plurality of optical modules 23 mod thereto. As will be described later in greater detail, the modules 23 have particular functions, and the apparatus 10, 10 'is preferably provided with different modules 23 selected to have the desired functions for the particular application. The enclosure 20 typically extends from the ground over the underground cables 300, 302 (Figure 3) and 400, 402 (Figure 4) which extend upwards from the ground and contain multiple individual fiber fibers or bundles of fibers. The cables 300, 302, 400, 402 can be single cables or multiple cables. The enclosure 20 protects the internal components, in this case the fiber optic telecommunications equipment. The enclosure 20 can be any convenient structure sized to protect the frame 22 and the modules 23. In the drawings, the enclosure includes a main vertical portion 40 extending from the ground and an upper lid 42. Typically, a movable front door is provided, and a lock provides secure access. Referring now to Figures 1-7, the frame 22 is secured to the main portion 40 of the enclosure 20 along a rear side 41 of the main portion 40. The frame 22 includes a base or bottom 50, and an opposite top 52. The frame 22 further includes a front part 54, and an opposite backside 56, and sides 58 spaced apart. A rear part 56 of the frame 22 can be screwed, riveted, or otherwise secured to the rear side 41 of the main portion 40 of the enclosure 20 through the holes 62. The frame 22 further includes a mounting bracket 66 of the upper module , and a mounting bracket 68 of the lower module extending between the sides 58. Each mounting bracket 66, 68 of the module receives a plurality of modules 23 connected by means of fasteners or fasteners 70, such as screws, and other fasteners or fasteners. fasteners Preferably, the fasteners or fasteners are releasable to make possible the removal of the modules 23, when desired, such as for repair, or replacement. Each of the mounting brackets 66, 68 of the module includes a plurality of holes 67, 69 for the reception of the fasteners 70. The mounting bracket 68 of the lower module defines a tray 60 for the cable (Figure 5) that includes a plurality of lower holes 72, each dimensioned for receiving one or more cables, as will be described in more detail later. A cover 76 (Figures 5 and 6) is mounted to the frame 22 such as to close the front part 74. The side projections 78 of the cover 76 include a plurality of downward angled slots 80 for receiving the pins 82 extending from the sides 58, 60 of the frame 22. Nuts, such as wing nuts, can be mounted to the bolts 82 with threads to help secure the cover 76 to the frame 22. Mounting brackets of the upper and lower module 66, 68 and the tray 60 for the cable can be mounted directly to the enclosure 20, if desired, such as along its ends. Such construction removes the parts, such as the rear 56 and the sides 58 of the frame 22. Also, the cover 76 could be removed, if desired. Referring now to Figures 1-4, and 8-12, a connection module 24 is shown. The connection module 24 comprises one of the modules 23. The connection module 24 includes a front portion 90 defining a plurality of connection locations 91. The front portion 90 also includes opposing mounting projections 92, 94 that extend along the front portion 90 for mounting to mounting brackets 66, 68 of the module, of the frame 22. Each of the projections 92, 94 includes a plurality of holes 96, 98 for receiving the fasteners or fasteners 70. A rear part 100 spaced away from the connection module 24, and an upper part 102 and a lower part 104, spaced apart, and sides 106, 108 spaced apart, opposite, define an inner region. A notch 110 for cable, formed by the portion of the rear part 100, the bottom part 104, and the sides 106, 108, receives a cable 300 for connection to the connection locations 91 within the interior of the module 24. The notch 110 further includes an opening 112 for the cable 300. The opening 112 is large enough to receive one or more additional cables. Each of the locations 91 of the connection preferably includes an adapter 200 for mounting to a fiber optic connector, such as a SC (shown), a ST, a FC, or another connector. The cable 300 that is inserted into the connector module 24 in the opening 112 includes its individual fibers connected to the individual connection locations 91, when desired.

Two illustrated exemplary fibers 300a, 300b of the cable 300 are connected to the two connection locations 91. A connector 208 (Figure 11) is preferably on one end of the fibers 300a, 300b. The adapter 200 preferably has two ends 202 and 204. The end 202 is placed inside the module 24 for connection to the connector 208. The opposite end 204 defines the exposed opening of the connection location 91 along the front of the module. 24 for connection to a second connector 218. A clamp 210, such as the clamp described in US Pat. No. 5,214,735 can be used to releasably fix each adapter to the module 24. The clamp 210 is also angled at the connection locations 91 downwards when the module 24 is installed in the frame 22 as in the drawings. Each clamp 210 retains each adapter 200 in one of the openings 93 in the front 90 of the module 24 to define each connection location in the preferred embodiment. In the embodiment illustrated in module 24, only two connection locations 91 are shown, but a fully loaded module 24 could define a connection location 91 in each aperture 93. Clamp 210 is preferably a clamp mounted to pressure to make a facilitated assembly. A removable clamp 210 is preferred to allow cleaning of connector 208 and end 202 if desired. A second connection module 24a similarly configured is mounted to the frame 22 to allow cross connection through the use of distribution cords 114a, 114b (Figure 3) for the cross connection between the fibers of each cable connected to the modules of connection 24, 24a, respective. The cable 302 is connected to the rear of the module 24a as the cable 300 is connected to the module 24. The distribution ropes 114a, 114b, and the fibers 300a, 300b are shown schematically in Figures 3 and 9, but each fiber has a connector similar to the connectors 208, 218 for matching or matching with the adapter 200. Alternatively, other connector systems as noted above, may be used, when desired. Each connection module 24, 24a can be made of the metal foil sections, retained together with fasteners, such as screws, to allow access when desired to the interior of each module. To facilitate the handling of the cables, and the protection of the cables, a cross-connect storage module 26 as one of the modules 23, is provided having three reels 116 along a front part 120 (Figures 1, 3 and 20). Along a front part 120 of an interconnect storage module 26a as one of the modules 23 is provided having two reels 116 (Figures 2, 4 and 21). The projections 124, 126 allow the mounting of each storage module 26, 26a to the frame 22 in a manner similar to that of the modules 24, 24a. The holes 128, 130 receive the fasteners 70 for mounting the storage modules 26, 26a to the frame 22. The front projections 118 along the vertical side edges 117 also make it possible to handle the cable and protect the cable during use . A fastening device 134 of the cable (Figure 4) is provided for the front mounting of one or more cables to the storage module 26a for the interconnection system. The posts 135 (Figure 21) hold or hold the securing pieces. The notch 110 for the cable is useful to prevent excessive flexing of the cable during handling and positioning of the connection modules 24. The use of the notch 110 provides a larger distance between the cables extending upwards from the floor to the mounting locations of the securing device on the modules 24. The additional distance is advantageous when handling the module 24 when it is installed in or removed from the frame 22.

In an exemplary cross-connection system of Figure 3, two fibers 300a, 300b (Figure 9) of the cable 300 are shown as being optically bonded to two fibers of the cable 302 through the distribution cords 114a, 114b in a cross-connect application between modules 24, 24a. In the exemplary interconnection system of Figure 4, two fibers 402a, 402b of the cable 400 are shown as being optically linked to two fibers of the cable 400. Referring now to Figures 18 and 19, the alternative connection modules 224, 226 include numbers different from vertical rows of connector locations 91. Modules 24, 24a included two vertical rows. The connection module 224 includes a single row of the connection locations 91, and the connection module 226 includes three. Four or more rows are also possible. Referring now to Figures 13-17, the module 24 is shown to include the optical components such as splices and / or optical couplers within the module between the cable 300, and the connection locations 91. In Figures 13 and 14, a splice 350 to an optical separator one by two 351 allows the module 24 to have linear and monitor functions associated with the connection locations 91. The row 352 of the connection locations 91 could serve as the function of the line, and the row 354 could serve as the function of the monitor. Each pair of connection locations 91 (one from each row) could be linked to one of the fibers of the cable 300 in Figure 13. Other separators, such as one by four, etc., can be used, if desired. In Figures 15 and 16, a splice 360 to a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) 361 allows the module 24 to have wavelength division multiplexing functions associated with the connection locations 91. It can be use a "dense" wave division multiplexer, if desired (DWDM). For the multiplexing function, the row 362 of the connection locations 91 could serve as the first openings of the wavelength, and the row 364 could serve as the different wavelength openings. Each pair of connection locations 91 (one of each row) could be linked to one of the fibers of cable 300 in Figure 15. Figure 17 shows only one splice component 370 so that each fiber of cable 300 could be spliced to a fiber leading to a connection location 91. Other passive optical components may be selected when desired to provide the module 24 with the desired function or functions.

Referring now to Figures 22 and 23, the blank panels 150, 170 comprising the modules 23, are shown. Each blank panel 150, 170 includes a generally flat front 152, and the projections 154 include the holes 158, 160 to make it possible to mount the blank modules 150, 170 to the frame 22. The blank modules 150, 170 are used to fill the open spaces of the frame 22. The target module 170 is of a single width, and the target module 150 is of a double width. Additional widths can be supplied when desired. During the assembly of a system for an external application to the particular plant, the desired function is selected (cross connection, interconnection, other). The types of modules 23 (connection, storage, blank) and the widths of the modules 23 are also selected. In addition, the types of connections are selected and whether or not any optical splices or optical couplers are going to be used. The appropriate modules are selected and then mounted to the frame 22 within an enclosure 20. Over time, the modules 23 can be removed for repair, replacement, or for the change of functions. Also, the front connections can be changed when the need arises.

The above specification, examples and data provide a complete description of the manufacture and use of the composition of the invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, the invention lies in the claims appended hereinafter.It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Having described the invention as above, property is claimed as contained in the following

Claims (30)

1. A fiber optic distribution frame apparatus comprising: a frame member having mounting brackets of the upper and lower module, the mounting bracket of the upper spaced module of the mounting bracket of the lower module, the frame member defines a inner part; a plurality of optical fiber modules mounted to the frame member, each module includes a front part and two mounting projections, each mounting boss can be mounted to one of the mounting brackets of the upper and lower module; characterized in that one of the modules defines a connection module and further includes a rear portion spaced from the front, a top portion and a bottom portion spaced apart, positioned adjacent the projections, and sides spaced far apart, the connection module configured and arranged to accommodate a plurality of connection locations having openings exposed along the front, wherein the bottom, back, and opposite sides define a region with notches for the cable, wherein the region with notches for the cable defines an opening for a first cable; a clamp for the cable mounted to the rear of the connection module; wherein another of the modules defines a storage module that includes first and second reels placed on the front.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the releasable securing devices mount each of the plurality of modules to the frame member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that it also comprises an enclosure surrounding the frame element.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the storage module includes a cable clamp placed on the front part to hold a second cable.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the element of frame has a tray for the cable and an opening sized for the reception of the second cable.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that it further comprises an enclosure surrounding the frame element, and a first cable including a plurality of fibers, the first cable mounted to the cable clamp of the connection module, the first cable passing through the opening in the bottom of the connection module, the plurality of fibers connected to the connection locations of the connection module, and further comprising a second cable retained by the cable clamp of the storage module and including a plurality of fibers connected to the connection locations, at least one of the plurality of fibers of the second cable placed around one of the first and second reels of the storage module.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that another of the modules is a target module that defines a generally flat front part.

8. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that two connection modules are provided, and wherein the storage module is placed between the two connection modules.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that it further comprises an enclosure surrounding the frame element and two first cables each including a plurality of fibers, each first cable mounted to the respective cable clamp of the respective connection module, each cable passing through the opening at the bottom of the respective connection module, the plurality of fibers of each cable connected to the connection locations of the respective connection module, and further comprising a plurality of fiber delivery cords that link a plurality of the connection locations of one connection module to the connection locations of the other connection module, wherein at least one of the fiber distribution lines is placed around one of the first and second reels of the module. storage.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection module includes a splice component for the connection between the first cable and the cables connected to the connection locations.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection module includes an optical coupler for the connection of the first cable and the cables connected to the connection locations.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the optical coupler includes a separator.

13. The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the optical coupler includes a wavelength division multiplexer.

14. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the locations of the connection are each defined by an adapter configured and arranged to receive a fiber optic connector.

15. A method of assembling an optical fiber distribution frame, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: providing an enclosure extending from the floor above at least two fiber optic cables, the enclosure includes a frame member having locations of top and bottom mounting; selecting a plurality of fiber optic modules for mounting to the selected frame member to fill the frame member with the desired functions, at least one of the modules includes a connection module for mounting to a cable at the rear, and providing a plurality of connection locations on the front, an additional module that includes a storage module that includes at least one reel on the front; mounting each of the selected modules to the upper and lower mounting locations of the frame member so that the front parts face in the same direction; and connect the two cables through the connection modules.

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that two modules of connection are mounted to the frame element, with the storage module placed between the two connection modules, the two cables each mounted to a respective connection module with a clamp, the two cables connected to each other through at least one cord distributor that connects the connection location on the front parts of each of the respective connection modules.

17. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that one of the cables is mounted to the storage module with a clamp.

18. A fiber optic distribution frame for use with the modules and that can be mounted to an enclosure, characterized in that it comprises: a frame element defining an interior part, and including an open front part limited by the mounting brackets of the upper and lower module, each of the mounting brackets includes a plurality of openings for the reception of the fasteners to mount the modules to the mounting brackets, the mounting brackets of the lower module further include a plurality of openings configured and arranged each a to selectively receive at least one cable, the frame member includes a rear portion spaced from the mounting brackets configured and arranged for mounting the frame member to the enclosure.

19. A connection module, characterized in that it comprises: a housing including a front part and two mounting projections, a rear part of the housing spaced from the front, an upper part spaced away from a lower part, the upper part and the lower part placed adjacent to the mounting projections, and sides spaced far apart; a plurality of connection locations having openings exposed along the front; the lower part, the rear part, and the opposite sides defining a notched region for the cable where the notched region for the cable defines an opening for receiving a first cable; and a cable clamp extending from the rear in the region with notches for the cable.

20. The connection module according to claim 19, characterized in that the connection locations include a plurality of adapters configured and arranged for connection to a fiber optic connector, the adapters placed at an angle having a component angle in the direction of the bottom of the housing.

21. The connection module according to claim 20, characterized in that it also comprises clips which press fit to the front of the housing, the clips each retain at least one adapter.

22. The connection module according to claim 19, characterized in that the connection locations include a plurality of adapters, and further comprise a first cable connected to the housing by the fixing part, and inner cables optically connected to the adapters, the inner cables Optically connected to a splice, the splice is optically connected to the first cable.

23. The connection module according to claim 19, characterized in that the connection locations include a plurality of adapters, and further comprise a first cable connected to the housing by a clamp or fastening piece, and inner cables optically connected to the adapters, the inner cables optically connected to an optical coupler, the optical coupler optically connected to the first cable.

24. The connection module according to claim 23, characterized in that the optical coupler includes a separator.

25. The connection module according to claim 23, characterized in that the optical coupler includes a multiplexer with division of the wavelength.

26. The connection module according to claim 24, characterized in that it also comprises a junction between the first cable and the separator.

27. The connection module according to claim 25, characterized in that it also comprises a junction between the first cable and the multiplexer with division of the wavelength.

28. A storage module, characterized in that it comprises: a body having a front part, two ends, and two sides extending between the two ends; the ends defining two mounting projections including at least one hole dimensioned for the reception of a fastener; first and second spools placed on the front in alignment between the two mounting projections; The sides include projection cable guides.

29. The storage module according to claim 28, further comprising a device for securing the cable placed on the front for the securing of a cable, the device for securing the cable placed between the first and second reels and one of the mounting protrusions.

30. A fiber optic distribution enclosure for use with the modules, characterized in that it comprises: an enclosure that defines an interior part, and that includes mounting brackets of the upper and lower module inside the internal part, each of the brackets of assembly includes a plurality of openings for receiving the fasteners or fasteners to mount the modules vertically to the mounting brackets, the mounting bracket of the lower module further includes a horizontal tray that includes a plurality of openings configured and arranged each to receive selectively at least one cable. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an optical fiber distribution apparatus external to the plant that includes a frame member and a plurality of fiber optic modules mounted to the frame member. The frame member includes mounting brackets of the upper and lower module. Each module includes a front part and two mounting lugs, each of which can be mounted to one of the mounting brackets of the upper and lower module. At least one of the modules is configured as a connection module that includes a plurality of connection locations placed along the front of the module. A rear part of the module includes a notched region for the cable, to receive a cable. At least one of the modules defines a storage module that includes first and second reels. In an interconnection system the storage module includes a cable clamp for retaining a second cable, the cables are connected through the connection locations of the connected module. In a cross connection system, two connector modules are provided, and the distribution strings are used to connect the front parts of the connection modules and the modules can also accommodate splices, and / or optical couplers, such as separators and multiplexers with division of the waves.