(12) United States Patent
`Murano
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 7,509,015 B2
`Mar. 24, 2009
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`USOO7509015B2
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`(54) SECURE FIBER OPTIC NETWORK
`CASSETTE ASSEMBLY
`
`(75) Inventor: Adam Murano, West Chesterfield, NH
`(US)
`
`(73) Assignee: Ortronics, Inc., New London, CT (US)
`(*) Notice:
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent 1s st G adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/493,774
`
`y x- - -
`
`9
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jul. 26, 2006
`
`(65)
`
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2008/OO25683 A1
`Jan. 31, 2008
`• - us
`
`(2006.01)
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`GO2B 6/00
`38.5/135: 135/134
`(52) U.S. Cl
`s 385/135
`58 Fi id f c - - - - - ificati- - - - - -s - - - - - - - h- - - - -
`sts te search hist
`(58)
`C.
`s
`ee appl1cauon Ille Ior complete searcn n1Story.
`(56)
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,282,360 B1* 8/2001 Milanowski et al. ........ 385/135
`6.356,697 B1 * 3/2002 Braga et al. ................. 385/135
`6,758,600 B2
`7/2004 Del Grosso et al.
`6,869.227 B2
`3/2005 Del Grosso et al.
`6,925,241 B2 * 8/2005 Bohleet al. ................. 385/135
`7.205,481 B2 * 4/2007 Higbie ..........
`... 174f156
`7.333,706 B2 * 2/2008 Parikh et al. ......
`... 38.5/135
`2003/0223723 A1* 12/2003 Massey et al. .............. 385/135
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner Uyen Chau NLe
`Assistant Examiner Kajli Prince
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm McCarter & English, LLP
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Assemblies and methods for securing a fiber optic network
`9.
`p
`cassette assembly are provided. A typical secure cassette
`assembly includes a cabinet adapted to be locked on both a
`front and rear side of the cabinet. Internally, a plurality of
`cassettes are placed on a cassette tray adapted to slide back
`and forth within the cabinet. Insert pins are placed into holes
`on the cassettes locking into the cassette tray. A limiter is
`placed inside the cabinet that prevents the cassette tray from
`sliding when engaged. If one of the cassettes is forcibly
`removed, the insert pin will shear the fiber internal to the
`cassette and destroy the cassette, thereby disabling the net
`work and typically alerting a network administrator or desig
`nated individual.
`
`4,900,123. A *
`5,915,802 A *
`
`2, 1990 Barlow et al. ................. 385,53
`6/1999 Siler .......................... 312,216
`
`14 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets
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`1 OO Y
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 24, 2009
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`Sheet 1 of 7
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`Tray at Position A
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`FIG. 1
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`FIG. 1
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`Sheet 2 of 7
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`U.S. Patent
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`FIG. 5
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`1.
`SECURE FIBER OPTIC NETWORK
`CASSETTE ASSEMBLY
`
`US 7,509,015 B2
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`BACKGROUND
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`1. Technical Field
`The present disclosure relates to assemblies and methods
`for securing a fiber optic network cassette assembly.
`2. Background Art
`Many transactions take place everyday over the Internet,
`increasing a need for secure Ethernet communications. Typi
`cally, network security is handled in an Ethernet’s layers 2-7.
`providing packet encryption and decryption algorithms up to
`256 bit, which is generally considered virtually unbreakable
`by mathematicians and programmers alike. Although these
`security techniques have generally been Successful in pre
`venting a non-physical security breach, they do not prevent
`physical tampering or access to secure data channels. For
`example, encryption and decryption algorithms do not pre
`vent a person internal to an organization from gaining physi
`cal access to secure data channels from which said person is
`restricted. A person having a low level security clearance can
`sit at another person’s workstation who has a higher level of
`security clearance and thereby access data or information
`restricted from said individual.
`To combat security breach, companies and military bases
`alike promote isolated networks in the premise environment
`starting at the data center or main computer room. The use of
`keying connectors at the user workspace or computer termi
`nal is rapidly becoming the preferred method used to prevent
`personal connectivity or access to a secure network.
`In a keyed connector scenario, an environment, such as a
`secure finance center at an insurance company or the Penta
`gon, is universally equipped with keyed fiber optic adapters at
`each user workStation. It should be known to one having
`ordinary skill in the art that the term “adapter is interchange
`able with the term “coupler and refers to a device that creates
`a connection between two fiber optic ferrules, each contain
`ing a light carrying medium of fiber. An adapter typically
`contains a ceramic or phosphorous bronze alignment sleeve
`40
`and a number of features that provide for latching the con
`nector into the adapter. A MT-RJ adapter, however, does not
`use an alignment sleeve as the fibers are aligned by precision
`pins and holes on the mating connector ferrules.
`In a non-secured environment, a user of a network is typi
`cally provided with a generic patch cable to attacha laptop or
`desktop to a network. Thus, the generic patch cable can gen
`erally interface with any available port in a building. In a
`typical secured environment, a network designer isolates the
`networks by providing a different connector configuration to
`each of the network security levels. For example, a user is
`given a patch cable commensurate with the user's assigned
`security level. If the user attempts to insert the given connec
`tor on the patch cable into any adapter other than one designed
`for it, the connector will not fit and a network connection will
`not be made. A network connection will only be made when
`a matching connector and adapter are mated. These keyed
`connectors are typically color coded indicating different
`security levels.
`To secure a network system, the infrastructure in the data
`center must be connected correctly, tested and then secured
`Such that the network cannot be reconfigured intentionally or
`by accident. A reversal of security level in a data center can be
`more damaging than a breach at the workstation outlet. Thus,
`rather than a single user gaining unauthorized access to a
`secure channel, a number of unsuspecting users will unknow
`ingly breach security by connecting to an incorrect network.
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`Moreover, for example, in a private business or military appli
`cation environment, an analyst being provided “read only
`access can inadvertently be connected to a “read and write'
`network and unknowingly disrupt data and/or sensitive con
`tent.
`Typically, data center security systems utilize a front side
`removal of a cassette to facilitate moves, adds and changes
`(MACS). A common mechanism is to use a plunger grommet
`design to secure a cassette in a drawer face. Other methods,
`such as Nordx's (Belden CDT) technology, use a molded
`quick-release feature on the front side of a cassette for easy
`access. In a typical cassette assembly of a secured Ethernet
`network, a keyed solution on a front side of a cabinet is only
`effective ifa rear connector cannot be switched. For example,
`a switching of a network connection of a fiber ribbon at the
`connection interface (typically via a MPO connection) is
`possible in a number of ways. A first and most simple method
`of Switching may occur by opening the rear side door of the
`cabinet and simply unplugging one connection and plugging
`in a more secure network in the same port. This weakness can
`be somewhat obviated by adding a lock to the rear of the
`cabinet.
`A second method for compromising security includes
`opening the front of the cabinet and sliding the drawer out
`ward to expose the rear of the cassette, thus, allowing for the
`connections to be changed similar to the first method
`described herein. Although fixing the drawer in place will
`prevent certain security breach, without some degree of tray
`movement, accessibility of front connections is limited and
`inconvenient for network administrators and/or designated
`individuals. A third method for breaching security includes
`accessing the cassette itself from the front of the tray, remov
`ing it from plunger grommet features in the drawer face,
`pulling it toward the user, disconnecting the MPO connector
`and Switching connections as in the first method described
`herein.
`Accordingly, a need exists for a cassette system capable of
`preventing physical security breach accomplished by Switch
`ing network cable connections. These and other disadvan
`tages and/or limitations are addressed and/or overcome by the
`assemblies and methods of the present disclosure.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`The present disclosure describes assemblies and methods
`for securing a fiber cassette network assembly. In an exem
`plary embodiment, a secure network cassette assembly is
`described having: (i) a cabinet with a front and rear side, each
`of which are adapted to be locked; (ii) a cassette tray adapted
`to slide back and forth within the cabinet and hold a plurality
`of cassettes or blanks; (iii) at least one cassette defining a hole
`adapted to allow for an insert pin to pass through the cassette
`and engage the cassette tray, wherein the insert pin connects
`to the cassette tray; and (iv) at least one limiter inside the
`cabinet adapted to engage the cassette tray to prevent sliding.
`An exemplary assembly of the present disclosure includes a
`plurality of cassettes. A typical cabinet associated with the
`present disclosure is adapted to hold as many cassettes as
`necessary for a desired network. Blanks are placed in any
`remaining positions of the cabinet not holding a cassette.
`Insertion of a blank closes off open areas in the front face of
`the cabinet that, if left open, would allow physical access to
`internal components of the assembly.
`Similar to the cassettes, blanks define a hole adapted to
`allow for insert pins to pass through the blank and engage the
`cassette tray. In an exemplary embodiment, rear access to the
`cassette from the front side of the cabinet is prevented. The
`
`

`

`3
`hole on each of the cassettes is typically placed in a position
`such that if any of the cassettes were forcibly removed from
`the cabinet, the insert pin associated with the removed cas
`sette will destroy the removed cassette, thereby disabling the
`network. In certain exemplary embodiments, destroying any
`of the cassettes will cause an alarm to alert a designated
`individual. Such as a network administrator, that a breach of
`security has occurred.
`Typically, insert pins are attached to a stanchion integrally
`connected to the cassette tray. However, several locking
`means exist to hold the insert pins in place including, but not
`limited to, screws, swivel locks, slide locks, thumb tab locks,
`Swing latches, and combinations therein. A limiter associated
`with the present disclosure can be a spring pin, a fastener, or
`combinations thereof. In a typical exemplary embodiment, a
`cylinder is placed inside each of the holes on each of the
`cassettes adapted to: (i) allow the insert pin to pass through
`each of the plurality cassettes and (ii) prevent damage to
`internal components of the cassette.
`An exemplary method of the present disclosure is effective
`in securing a network cassette assembly by: (i) inserting a
`plurality of cassettes on a cassette tray in a cabinet having a
`front side door and a rear side door, wherein each of the front
`and rear doors is adapted to be locked, and the cassette tray is
`adapted to slide back and forth within the cabinet; (ii) insert
`ing an insert pin into a hole defined on each of the cassettes,
`wherein each hole is adapted to allow for the insert pinto pass
`through the cassette and engage the cassette tray; (iii) sliding
`the cassette tray into a position that engages at least one
`limiter inside the cabinet adapted to prevent the cassette tray
`from sliding; and (iv) locking the front side and the rear side
`of the cabinet.
`Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed
`systems and methods will be apparent from the description
`which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the
`appended figures.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
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`To assist those of ordinary skill in the art in making and
`using the disclosed assemblies and methods, reference is
`made to the appended figures, wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary embodi
`ment of a fiber optic network cassette assembly in a position
`A;
`FIG. 2 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary embodi
`ment of a fiber optic network cassette assembly in a position
`B;
`FIG. 3 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary embodi
`ment of a fiber optic network cassette assembly in a position
`C;
`FIG. 4 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary embodi
`ment of a fiber optic network cassette assembly showing
`blanks filling open slots of a cabinet;
`FIG. 5 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary locking
`mechanism for locking an insert pin to a cassette tray:
`FIG. 6 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary embodi
`ment of a fiber optic network cassette assembly having Secu
`rity pins disengaged from a cassette tray and not attached to a
`stanchion;
`FIG. 7 is a schematic illustrating an exemplary embodi
`ment of a fiber optic network cassette assembly having Secu
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`rity pins inserted into the cassettes, engaging the cassette tray
`and not attached to a stanchion.
`
`DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY
`EMBODIMENT(S)
`
`Systems and methods are disclosed that are effective in
`preventing reversals of keyed solutions from occurring in a
`data center or telecommunication closets having keyed solu
`tions security as described herein.
`FIG. 1 is a schematic illustrating a typical cassette tray
`assembly 100 of the present disclosure. In an exemplary
`embodiment, assembly 100 includes a standard fiber optic
`enclosure cabinet 1, having additional features, as described
`below, on at least one cassette 2 and cassette tray 3. Fiber
`ribbon is typically coiled within each cassette in a Substan
`tially circular shape. Assembly 100 further includes front side
`security door 4 allowing front side cabinet access for patch
`ing. Door 4 is adapted to lock, allowing front side access only
`to selected individuals. In an exemplary embodiment of
`assembly 100, opening door 4 only allows access to the front
`side of assembly 100 and access to a rear side 5 is prevented,
`thus preventing compromise to rear side 5 patch panels. Tray
`3 is adapted to host a plurality of cassettes 2, as typical in a
`network assembly as shown in the exemplary embodiment of
`FIG. 1. An exemplary embodiment associated with the
`present disclosure can further include a rear side of a fiber
`optic breakout cassette, such as the Ortronics, Inc., “Momen
`tum'.
`An exemplary embodiment associated with the present
`disclosure obviates the multiple methods of security compro
`mise described above. In an exemplary embodiment, assem
`bly 100, as shown in FIG. 1, includes at least one locking
`mechanism Supported in the body of cassette 2. A locking
`mechanism is supported on each of the cassettes in an exem
`plary assembly having a plurality of cassettes 2. An exem
`plary locking mechanism of the present disclosure defines a
`through hole 11 adapted to accept an intersecting security pin
`13 (insert pin) that engages with cassette tray 3 via vertical
`stanchion 15. Stanchion 15 is adapted to have a plurality of
`insert pins 13. Typically, stanchion 15 has as many of pins 13
`as are necessary to insert through each hole 11 of each cas
`sette 2. For example, if cassettes are stacked on top of one
`another such that each cassette's hole 11 is substantially
`aligned, only one pin 13 is needed for the described pair to
`pass through both cassettes. Stanchion 15 is integrally con
`nected with tray 3 such that when assembled, cassette(s) 2 are
`locked in place on tray 3.
`FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary locking mechanism asso
`ciated with the present disclosure of assembly 100 wherein
`pins 13 lock in place by engaging a thumb tab 23 of tray 3.
`Typically, pins 13 define a groove (not shown) adapted to
`engage tab 23 thereby preventing pin 13 from being removed
`unless tab 23 is disengaged.
`In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a
`long hollow cylinder (not shown) is placed in hole 11 and is
`adapted to protect the fiber within each of cassette(s) 2 during
`pin 13 insertion. In certain embodiments, the long hollow
`cylinder is molded in the structure of cassette 2 during fabri
`cation of cassette 2. Hole 11 is typically located in the center
`of the top side of cassette(s) 2 such that, if the cassette is
`forcibly removed from assembly 100, the pin will shear the
`cassette and the internal fibers, thereby disabling the network
`and the connection. Moreover, assembly 100 can be adapted
`to alert network administrators, for example, if such a breach
`occurs, thus making assembly 100 tamper evident.
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`In an exemplary embodiment, analarmistriggered alerting
`the network administrator by the destruction of a cassette.
`Typically, the triggering is accomplished by the disruption of
`data transmission. For example, when a cassette is destroyed,
`data transfer is stopped thus alerting an administrator. Typi
`cally, alerts are generated from a software application asso
`ciated with the data transmission originating from a tam
`pered/destroyed cassette.
`As illustrated in FIG. 1, assembly 100 further includes: (i)
`a lock 8 on rear side door 5 of cabinet 1, thus allowing rear
`access to system administrators; and (ii) a lock 9 on front side
`door 4, thus allowing front side access to authorized users.
`Rear side door 5 access is typically given to administrator(s)
`who also has access to front side door 4. However, a user
`authorized to access front side door 4, does not have access to
`rear side door 5. Lock 8 on rear side door 5 and lock 9 onfront
`side door 4 are discretely keyed, thus a user having access to
`lock 9 on front side door 4 will not have access to lock 8 on
`rear side door 5.
`In an exemplary embodiment, assembly 100 includes tray
`limiter 17 adapted to lock tray 3 in place, thus preventing a
`front access user from moving tray 3. In order to slide tray 3
`out of position, for example, a user must disengage tray
`limiter 17 which can only be accessed through rear side 5. In
`an exemplary embodiment, assembly 100 is assembled
`according to the steps described below.
`An exemplary method associated with the present disclo
`Sure that is effective in securing network cassette assemblies
`includes a network installer unlocking door 4 and lock 8 on
`the rear of cabinet 1 and sliding tray 3 forward from position
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`A, as shown in FIG. 1, to position B, as shown in FIG. 2. A
`network installer is typically the only individual who simul
`taneously has access to both the front and rear of assembly
`100. Position B is an exemplary front patching position pro
`viding easy access to a front patch panel, but not exposing the
`rear cassette area. The installer then disengages limiter 17 as
`shown in FIG. 2, and slides the tray to position C, as shown in
`FIG. 3. Limiter 17 can be any limiting means such as, but not
`limited to, a spring pin or a fastener. The installer can then
`insert one or more cassettes 2 into assembly 100 on tray 3
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`through the opening of door 4 on the face of the front of
`assembly 100.
`The installer can insert a plurality of cassettes 2 depending
`upon the requirements of a desired network. To fill open ports
`in a drawerface, an installerinserts special panel blanks 21, as
`shown in FIG. 4. Blanks 21 also define holes 11 adapted to
`accept security pins 13. In an exemplary installation, the
`installer can then insert security pins 13 through the cassette
`and/or blanks and lock the pin into a hole of tray 3, thus fixing
`the cassette(s) and/or blank(s) in place.
`The tray is then placed back into position B, reengaging
`limiter 17, and the interconnect or backbone cabling is
`attached to corresponding cassettes 2 via a MPO connector on
`the rear of each of the cassettes 2. The cabling passes through
`a cable opening 12, adapted to prevent access to the internal
`components of assembly 100. Opening 12 can be, for
`example, a collet design providing strain relief adapted to
`prevent internal component access. Next, the installer verifies
`the network security level vs. the color code of the adapters
`for each of the ports on the front of the cabinet. The tray is then
`placed back into position A. The rear of the cabinet is then
`locked with lock 8, thus preventing access to limiter 17 and
`rear cassette channel ports. Although door 4 can also be
`locked, a front side access only user is prevented from access
`ing the rear of cassettes 2 without damaging a cassette 2 or
`assembly 100. Thus, a security breach can be immediately
`identified and corrected accordingly.
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`Alternative locking mechanism embodiments include, but
`are not limited to, inserting individual screws or pins through
`each cassette 2 and engaging tray 3. Individual screws can be
`threadedly engaged to tray 3 preventing removal of cassette 2.
`In an exemplary embodiment, a pin or a screw can be locked
`into tray 3 with or without a stanchion 15. Locking means
`typically engage pins 13 and/or screws (not shown) to tray 3
`and can be selected from the group consisting of a slide lock,
`a swivel lock, a swing latch (shown in FIG. 6), a thumb tab
`(shown in FIG. 5), or a combination therein. All engaging
`embodiments are adapted to prevent removal of security pins
`and/or screws unless the locking means are disengaged.
`FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of assembly
`100 wherein security pins 13 are released from tray 3 and
`disengaged from Swing latch 60. Pins 13 in this embodiment
`are not attached to stanchion 15. When locking cassettes 2 in
`place, each individual pin 13 is inserted through cassette(s) 2
`and engages latch 60. FIG. 7 illustrates an assembly 100
`associated with the present disclosure wherein pins 13 are
`inserted into cassettes 2 and engage latch 60 thereby prevent
`ing removal of pins 13 without first disengaging latch 60.
`Typically, pins 13 define a shoulder groove (not shown)
`adapted to integrally engage latch 60.
`In an exemplary embodiment, component materials for the
`cassette are made from plastic. It is also within the scope of
`the present disclosure to use metal (in whole or in part). Such
`as steel or aluminum for the component materials. An exem
`plary securing pin is made from metal. Typically, the fiber
`optic cabinet, tray, and stanchions are metal. To prevent forc
`ible extraction of a blank, which in certain embodiments may
`not disrupt data triggering a Software based alarm as
`described above, blanks can typically be entirely metal.
`Although reference is made to exemplary materials for form
`ing components and devices of the present disclosure, the
`disclosed systems and methods are not limited to such refer
`enced exemplary materials.
`The present disclosure offers assemblies and methods that
`advantageously improve network security. A locking mecha
`nism of the present disclosure provides for installing a net
`work cassette assembly into a drawer resulting in a user
`friendly network for a network administrator, while also pro
`viding a substantially tamper evident network. The assem
`blies and methods described herein allow for moves, adds and
`changes (MACS) as networks evolve with changing technol
`ogy. MACS can be facilitated by pin removal steps described
`above.
`Although the present disclosure has been described with
`reference to exemplary embodiments and implementations
`thereof, the disclosed assemblies and methods are not limited
`to Such exemplary embodiments/implementations. Rather, as
`will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art from the
`description provided herein, the disclosed assemblies and
`methods are susceptible to modifications, alterations and
`enhancements without departing from the spirit or scope of
`the present disclosure. Accordingly, the present disclosure
`expressly encompasses such modification, alterations and
`enhancements within the scope hereof.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A secure network cassette assembly, comprising:
`(i) a cabinet having a front side and a rear side, wherein
`each of said front side and rear side is adapted to be
`locked;
`(ii) a cassette tray adapted to slide back and forth within
`said cabinet and hold a plurality of cassettes inserted into
`two or more open slots of a front patch panel disposed at
`the front side of the cabinet, and at least one panel blank;
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`US 7,509,015 B2
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`(iii) at least one cassette defining a hole adapted to allow for
`an insert pin to pass through said cassette and engage
`said cassette tray:
`(iv) at least one limiter inside said cabinet adapted to
`engage said cassette tray, the at least one limiter further
`adapted to prevent the cassette tray from sliding to a
`position where a user has rear access to the plurality of
`cassettes from the front side of the cabinet when the at
`least one limiter is engaged with the cassette tray;
`wherein the at least one panel blank covers one or more
`open slots in the front patch panel not holding a cassette,
`to prevent the user from having rear or internal access to
`the plurality of cassettes from the front side of the cabi
`net when the at least one limiter is engaged with the
`cassette tray:
`wherein the cabinet is configured and dimensioned to not
`allow the user to have access to the at least one limiter
`from the front side of the cabinet when the at least one
`limiter is engaged with the cassette tray: and
`wherein after the user disengages the at least one limiter
`from the cassette tray, the user may slide the cassettetray
`to a position where the user has rear access to the plu
`rality of cassettes from the front side of the cabinet.
`2. A secure network cassette assembly, comprising:
`(i) a cabinet having a front side and a rear side, wherein
`each of said front side and rear side is adapted to be
`locked;
`(ii) a cassette tray adapted to slide back and forth within
`said cabinet and hold a plurality of cassettes, inserted
`into two or more open slots of a front patch panel dis
`posed at the front side of the cabinet, and at least one
`panel blank;
`(iii) a plurality of cassettes, wherein each of said plurality
`of cassettes defines a hole adapted to allow for an insert
`pinto pass through said cassette and engage said cassette
`tray;
`(iv) at least one limiter inside said cabinet adapted to
`engage said cassette tray, the at least one limiter further
`adapted to prevent the cassette tray from sliding to a
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`position where a user has rear access to the plurality of
`cassettes from the front side of the cabinet when the at
`least one limiter is engaged with the cassette tray;
`wherein the at least one panel blank covers one or more
`open slots in the front patch panel not holding a cassette,
`to prevent the user from having rear or internal access to
`the plurality of cassettes from the front side of the cabi
`net when the at least one limiter is engaged with the
`cassette tray:
`wherein the cabinet is configured and dimensioned to not
`allow the user to have access to the at least one limiter
`from the front side of the cabinet when the at least one
`limiter is engaged with the cassette tray: and
`wherein after the user disengages the at least one limiter
`from the cassette tray, the user may slide the cassettetray
`to a position where the user has rear access to the plu
`rality of cassettes from the front side of the cabinet.
`3. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein: (i) said
`cabinet is adapted to hold as many of said plurality of cas
`settes as are necessary for a desired network and panel blanks
`are placed in any remaining open slot positions not holding a
`cassette; and (ii) each of said panel blanks defines a hole
`adapted to allow for an insert pin to pass through said panel
`blank and engage said cassette tray.
`4. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said hole is
`placed in a position on each of said plurality of cassettes Such
`that if any of said cassettes were forcibly removed from said
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`cabinet, said insert pin associated with said removed cassette
`will destroy said removed cassette.
`5. An assembly according to claim 4, wherein destroying
`any of said plurality of cassettes will cause an alarm to alert
`that a breach of security has occurred.
`6. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said insert
`pins are attached to a stanchion integrally connected to said
`cassette tray.
`7. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said limiter
`is selected from the group consisting of a springpin, a fas
`tener, and a combination thereof
`8. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein said insert
`pins define a groove adapted to engage a locking means and
`are locked to said cassette tray by said locking means.
`9. An assembly according to claim 8, wherein said locking
`means is selected from the group consisting of a screw, a
`Swivel lock, a slide lock, a Swing latch, a thumb tablock and
`combinations thereof.
`10. An assembly according to claim 2, wherein a cylinder
`is positioned inside each of said holes on each of said plurality
`of cassettes, said cylinder being adapted to: (i) allow said
`insert pinto pass through each of said plurality cassettes; and
`(ii) prevent damage to internal components of said cassette
`11. A method of securing a network cassette assembly,
`comprising the steps of
`(i) providing a cabinet having a front side and a rear side,
`wherein each of said frontside and rear side is adapted to
`be locked
`ii) providing a cassette tray adapted to slide back and forth
`within said cabinet and hold a plurality of cassettes and
`at least one panel blank:
`(iii) providing a front patch panel comprising a plurality of
`open slots, and disposed at the front side of the cabinet;
`(iv) inserting the plurality of cassettes into two or more
`open slots of the front patch panel;
`(v) placing the at least one panel blank over the remaining
`one or more open slots in the front patch panel; (vi)
`inserting an insert pin into a hole defined on each of said
`plurality of cassettes, wherein each hole is adapted to
`allow for said insert pinto pass through said cassette and
`engage said cassette tray:
`(vii) sliding said cassette tray into a first position that
`engages at least one limiter inside said cabinet, wherein:
`(a) the at least one limiter is adapted to prevent said
`cassette tray from sliding to a second position where a
`user has rear access to the plurality of cassettes from the
`front door of the cabinet when the at least one limiter is
`engaged with the cassette tray, (b) the cabinet is config
`ured and dimensioned to not allow the user to have
`access to the at