(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0261015 A1
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Nov. 23, 2006
`BlackWell
`
`US 20060261 O15A1
`
`(54) INTERLOCKING MODULES FOR HIGH
`PACKING RATIOS
`
`(76) Inventor: Donald A. Blackwell, Saratoga, CA
`(US)
`
`Correspondence Address:
`WORKMAN NYDEGGER
`(F/K/A WORKMAN NYDEGGER & SEELEY)
`6O EAST SOUTH TEMPLE
`1OOO EAGLE GATE TOWER
`SALT LAKE CITY, UT 84111 (US)
`(21) Appl. No.:
`11/419,709
`(22) Filed:
`May 22, 2006
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`(60) Provisional application No. 60/684,003, filed on May
`23, 2005.
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`A47F 7/00
`(52) U.S. Cl. ................................................................ 211A26
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`According to one example, a rack unit assembly is provided
`herein that includes a frame and a modular network com
`ponent having at least one interlocking part associated
`therewith. The rack unit assembly also includes frame key
`mounted on the frame. The interlocking part is configured to
`be interlockingly coupled to the frame key.
`
`
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`210
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`200
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`260 g
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`300
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 1 of 9
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`120
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`110
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`NetWOrk DeVice
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`Rack Unit Assembly
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`NetWOrk DeVice
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`NetWOrk DeVice
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`NetWOrk Device
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`FIG. 1
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 2 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 23,2006 Sheet 3 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 5 of 9
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`FIG. 5
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 23,2006 Sheet 6 of 9
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 7 of 9
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`500
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`Patent Application Publication Nov. 23, 2006 Sheet 9 of 9
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`US 2006/0261 0 15 A1
`
`Nov. 23, 2006
`
`INTERLOCKING MODULES FOR HIGH PACKING
`RATIOS
`
`modules would also be applicable to any of a number of
`different types of electrical and optical cards or modules.
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`0001) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi
`sional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/684,003, filed May 23,
`2005 and entitled INTERLOCKING MODULES FOR
`HIGH PACKING RATIOS, which application is incorpo
`rated herein by reference in its entirety.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`0002)
`1. The Field of the Invention
`0003. The present invention relates to the field of network
`communications systems. More particularly, embodiments
`of the invention relate to an interlocking module that pro
`vides a high packing ratio of network components, such as
`network taps or other modular electrical or optical compo
`nents, mounted on a rack.
`0004 2. The Relevant Technology
`0005. In recent years, it has become increasingly impor
`tant to have the ability to monitor and analyze the data flow
`in communication channels between and within networks.
`Some of these reasons include monitoring the communica
`tion channel for certain types of data, identifying and
`diagnosing network problems, detecting interruptions in the
`communication channel, detecting degradation in the com
`munication channel, and the like.
`0006. One of the tools used to monitor and analyze
`networks is a network tap. In general, a network tap is a
`device that enables network analyzers or other devices to
`have access to the data transmitted over the network. A tap
`typically provides a port that can be used to access the
`network. Once a tap is installed, network analyzers or other
`devices can access the network data without having to
`manipulate the network cable or altering the topology of the
`network. As networks proliferate, the need for more tap
`ports increases with large installations requiring hundreds if
`not a thousand or more taps or tap ports. Clearly, the
`physical space required to install these taps is at a premium.
`0007 Today, network equipment is typically mounted in
`standardized racks, the most common of which is called a 19
`inch rack (named for its overall width). A standard 19" rack
`is divided up into vertical units called Rack Units (RU) each
`of which is 1.75" high. Maximizing the number of taps that
`can be installed in a 19" rack is a key factor in successful
`deployment of network tools.
`0008. A second consideration when deploying large num
`bers of taps is cost. Not only does each tap have to occupy
`minimal space, but each tap must be able to be delivered
`minimal cost. Conventionally, tap/rack densities of three
`single portunits per RU were common, with higher densities
`achievable only through the use multi-port taps. Even with
`multi-port taps, densities greater than six ports per RU are
`difficult to achieve.
`0009. It would be advantageous to have a system for
`conveniently managing and storing a set of network tap
`modules. Any reduction in the space required for maintain
`ing a set of network tap modules would be beneficial. In
`addition, Such techniques for storing a set of network tap
`
`BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0010. These and other limitations are overcome by
`embodiments of the invention, which relate to rack unit
`assemblies. Rack unit assemblies are disclosed herein that
`include modular network components that have at least one
`interlocking part. The interlocking parts can form part of the
`housing or be mounted to the housing of the network
`components. The use of one or more interlocking parts with
`the modular network component allows for relatively high
`densities of the modular network components within a rack
`unit.
`0011. Accordingly, a first example embodiment of the
`invention is a rack unit assembly that includes a modular
`network component having at least one interlocking part
`associated therewith. The rack unit assembly also includes a
`frame having a frame key mounted thereon. The interlocking
`part of a network component is configured to be coupled to
`the frame key.
`0012. The interlocking part typically has a profile that can
`be configured to interlock with an opposite gender profile of
`an adjacent interlocking part on an adjacent network mod
`ule. Alternatively, each of the adjacent network modules can
`have the same gender profile and a key can be used to couple
`or interlock the adjacent modules.
`0013 The rack unit assembly can have a generally hori
`Zontal configuration where network modules connect via the
`interlocking parts. Alternatively, the rack unit assembly can
`have a generally vertical configuration. In this case, multiple
`frame keys are mounted to a frame of the rack unit assembly.
`Each frame key can interlock with an interlocking part of
`corresponding network modules. In either case, the density
`is improved per rack unit.
`0014. These and other advantages and features of the
`present invention will become more fully apparent from the
`following description and appended claims, or may be
`learned by the practice of the invention as set forth herein
`after.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`0015 To further clarify the advantages and features of the
`present invention, a more particular description of the inven
`tion will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments
`thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is
`appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodi
`ments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered
`limiting of its scope. It is understood that the drawings are
`diagrammatic and schematic representations of presently
`preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not limiting
`of the present invention nor are they necessarily drawn to
`scale. The invention will be described and explained with
`additional specificity and detail through the use of the
`accompanying drawings in which:
`0016 FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a network that
`includes a rack unit assembly having modular network
`components with interlocking parts.
`0017 FIG. 2A is a perspective view of a modular net
`work component having interlocking parts according to one
`example.
`
`

`

`US 2006/0261 0 15 A1
`
`Nov. 23, 2006
`
`0018 FIG. 2B is an exploded perspective view of a
`modular network component having interlocking parts
`according to one example.
`0019 FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of an
`interlocking key and two modular network components
`having interlocking parts according to one example.
`0020 FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a traffic access port
`having interlocking features and a restraining device accord
`ing to one example.
`0021
`FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a frame according
`to one example.
`0022 FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a rack unit assem
`bly according to one example.
`0023 FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a rack unit frame
`according to one example.
`0024 FIG. 8 is a frontal view of a rack unit assembly
`according to one example.
`0.025
`FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a rack unit assem
`bly that includes interlined multi-port taps according to one
`example.
`0026 FIG. 10 illustrates a perspective view of a modular
`network component having interlocking features according
`to one example.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`0027 Devices, assemblies and methods are provided
`herein for increasing the density of modular network com
`ponents that are located within and occupy a rack unit (RU)
`or that are mounted on a rack. According to one example,
`rack unit assemblies are provided herein that include modu
`lar network components coupled to a frame. The modular
`network components include at least one interlocking fea
`ture or part associated therewith. The interlocking parts
`allow for grouping the modular network components in a
`variety of configurations. For example, the modular network
`components may be oriented and grouped horizontally by
`coupling interlocking parts on one modular network com
`ponent to interlocking features on one or more adjacent
`modular network components. Modular network compo
`nents adjacent the frame may then in turn be coupled to keys
`which are secured to the frame. Restraining devices may be
`optionally used to further secure the modular network com
`ponents to the frame.
`0028. Other rack unit assemblies are discussed wherein
`the modular network components are oriented vertically.
`According to one example, the frame includes a plurality of
`frame keys, wherein one or more of the network components
`are associated with each frame key to facilitate the vertical
`orientation of the modular network components to the
`frame. The modular network components may include traffic
`access ports (taps).
`0029. The use of interlocking features in a rack unit
`assembly increases the number of such taps, both single port
`and multi-port, that can be installed in one RU while
`minimizing the cost of not only the tap itself but also the cost
`of the system used to mount the taps in the rack. For
`example, rack units assemblies are discussed herein that
`achieve densities as high as 12 single ports per RU or higher
`
`and 16 ports per RU or higher in 4-port multi-port taps.
`These densities are achieved through the use of interlocking
`parts that allow the taps to be nested very tightly while
`maintaining a rigid and secure mounting arrangement.
`Examples of rack unit assemblies having vertically and
`horizontally oriented modular network components will be
`discussed in more detail below.
`0030 FIG. 1 illustrates a rack unit assembly 110 used in
`a network 100. The The network 100 may be any type of
`network. For example, the network 100 may be a local area
`network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a storage area
`network (SAN), and/or any other type of network that
`includes network devices. In any case, the network 100
`allows for communication between two or more network
`devices 120.
`0.031) A number of the network devices 120 may be
`grouped together and mounted on a rack 130. For example,
`the rack 130 or cabinet is divided into a number of com
`partments having a standard size, such as 19" wide by 1.75"
`high. Each compartment may be referred to as a rack unit
`(RU). The network devices 120 may occupy any number of
`these rack units. For example, some network devices may
`occupy one, two or more rack units depending on their size.
`0032. In one example, a rack unit assembly 110 can be
`used to mount multiple network components. Embodiments
`of the invention enable the network components to be tightly
`and securely mounted in the rack unit assembly 110. The
`rack unit assembly 110 is also secured to the frame 130.
`According to one example, modular network components
`grouped with the rack unit assembly 110 provide access to
`connections between network devices 100. For example, the
`rack unit assembly 110 may include a plurality of traffic
`access ports (taps) that provide direct monitoring of the
`network traffic flowing through each link between network
`devices 110. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that
`other types of modular network components may be located
`in a grouped configuration within the rack unit assembly
`110.
`0033. The rack unit assembly 110 is configured to occupy
`one or more rack units. Further, the rack unit assembly 110
`provides high density grouping of modular network com
`ponents per rack unit. Each rack unit assembly 110 includes
`at least one interlocking part associated with each of the
`modular network components. The interlocking parts may
`couple a modular network component to an adjacent device
`and/or to the frame of the rack unit assembly 110. Such a
`configuration may increase the density of Such modular
`network components per rack unit. An exemplary modular
`network component having at least one interlocking part will
`now be discussed in more detail. Such a modular network
`component can be mounted to a frame of the rack unit
`assembly 110.
`0034 FIG. 2A illustrates a modular network component
`200 having interlocking parts 210. The modular network
`component 200 includes a housing 220 that provides a
`framework for various electrical and/or optical components.
`The various inputs, outputs, and/or other components of the
`modular network component 200 have been omitted to focus
`on the configuration of the interlocking parts. Those of skill
`in the art will appreciate that any type of modular network
`component may have interlocking parts 210 coupled thereto
`or formed therewith.
`
`

`

`US 2006/0261 0 15 A1
`
`Nov. 23, 2006
`
`0035 FIG. 2B illustrates an exploded view of the modu
`lar network component 200. As seen in FIG. 2B, the housing
`may be formed of overlapping flaps 230 that when coupled
`together form four of the six surfaces of the modular
`network component. For ease of reference, these four sur
`faces will be referred to as the front 235, the back 240, the
`top 245, and the bottom 250 of the assembled modular
`network component 200 (FIG. 2A). The interlocking parts
`210 form the sides of the assembled modular network
`component. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that these
`labels are applied for ease of reference only, and should not
`be construed to limit the disclosure to any one orientation or
`configuration. Further, the housing 220 can be formed in
`other configurations. For example, each of the four Surfaces
`may be formed from a separate flap that is then connected to
`the other flaps.
`0036) The overlapping flaps 230 may be formed of any
`Suitable material. According to one example, the overlap
`ping flaps are formed of a metallic material. Such as sheet
`metal. The overlapping flaps 230 may be cut and bent to the
`shape shown, using Suitable techniques.
`0037. The interlocking parts 210 may be formed by any
`Suitable process, including, without limitation, extrusion,
`casting, machining, or any combination of Such processes.
`Further, the interlocking parts 210 may be formed of any
`Suitable material. Such as metallic materials, plastic materi
`als, composite materials, or some combination of Such
`materials. As introduced, the interlocking parts 210 accord
`ing to the present example form the sides of the modular
`network component. Those of skill in the art will appreciate
`other configurations are possible in which interlocking parts
`210 are separately provided and coupled to the housing 220.
`0038. Thus, the housing 220 is configured to receive the
`interlocking parts 210. The interlocking parts 210 thus form
`the sides of the network component. When the interlocking
`part 210 is connected to the housing 220, at least a portion
`f the interlocking parts 220 are disposed inside of the
`housing 220. When one network component is mounted
`adjacent another network component using the interlocking
`parts 210, the distance between the network components can
`be controlled by the configuration of the interlocking part
`210. In the illustrated example, the distance is determined by
`a depth of a protrusion receiving profile 260.
`0.039 The interlocking part 210 can form part of the
`housing 220, be mounted to edges of the housing 220, and
`the like. The interlocking part 210 on a first network
`component may have a first profile and the interlocking part
`210 on an adjacent network component may have a second
`profile. In this example, the second profile effectively func
`tions as a key to interlock the two network components.
`0040. The interlocking parts on adjacent network com
`ponents can provide the Support needed to mount multiple
`network components within a given rack unit assembly. A
`frame part, which is similar to an interlocking part 210, can
`be used to couple a network component to the frame in a
`similar manner that adjacent network components are inter
`locked with the interlocking parts. In this manner, the port
`density per rack unit is increased.
`0041. The interlocking parts 210 according to one
`example are single gender interlocking parts located along
`opposing sides of the modular network component 200. The
`
`interlocking parts 210 illustrated in FIG. 2A are female-type
`interlocking parts. Accordingly, each interlocking part 210
`includes a protrusion receiving profile 260 formed therein.
`The protrusion receiving profile 260 is located on an outer
`portion of each of the interlocking parts 210, such that when
`the modular network component 200 is assembled, the
`protrusion receiving profile 260 is on the outside of the
`modular network component 200.
`0042 Additional components may be provided to couple
`one interlocking part 210 to one or more adjacent interlock
`ing part 210, and thus couple one modular network compo
`nent 220 to an adjacent modular network component. As
`seen in FIG. 3, an interlocking key 300 is provided that joins
`adjacent interlocking parts 210. The interlocking key 300
`couples adjacent interlocking parts 210 by engaging the
`interlocking parts 210 of each modular network component.
`In particular, the interlocking key 300 may include opposing
`protrusions 310. These protrusions 310 may be slid into
`engagement with each of the protrusion receiving profiles
`260. This interlocking configuration provides a rigid assem
`bly that compactly joins the units and prevents the units from
`sliding apart.
`0043. The interlocking key 300 can be made from a
`different material than either or both of the interlocking parts
`200 to provide ease of assembly with tight tolerance parts.
`This combination may include a plastic interlocking key
`with metal protrusion receiving profiles, a metal key with
`plastic protrusion receiving profiles or a soft metal inter
`locking key with harder metal protrusion receiving profiles,
`etc. The use of dissimilar materials may reduce the galling
`of Surfaces that can occur when like materials are joined
`with a sliding action, especially with tight tolerance parts.
`0044) In addition to providing interlocking parts and
`interlocking keys for assembling modular network compo
`nents, frames may be provided with keying features, Sup
`ports, and optional restraining devices to further increase the
`density of modular network components within a rack unit
`assembly. One example of a rack unit assembly is shown in
`FIGS. 4-6. In particular, FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded
`perspective view of a tap 400 that includes interlocking parts
`210 and a restraining device 410. The tap is 400 is an
`example of a network modular component that may be
`mounted in a rack unit assembly. FIG. 5 illustrates a frame
`500 of a rack assembly unit and FIG. 6 illustrates the frame
`500 with interlocking taps 400 assembled therein to form a
`rack unit assembly 600. The tap 400, the frame 500, and the
`rack unit assembly 600 will each now be discussed in more
`detail.
`0045. The tap 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 includes inter
`locking parts 210 and a housing 220, similar to those
`described above with reference to the modular network
`component 200. The tap 400 includes a plurality of ports
`405. These ports include inlet and outlet ports for the traffic
`flowing through the link to which the tap 400 is connected.
`The tap 400 also includes outlet ports that provide a mirrored
`copy of the traffic flowing through tap 400. Thus, the tap 400
`provides access to traffic flowing therethrough while mini
`mizing the possibility that the traffic will be interrupted.
`0046 Additionally, a restraining device 410 is associated
`with the tap 400. The restraining device 410 may be used to
`reduce the possibility that the tap 400 will slide out of the
`frame 500 (FIG. 5) when mounted thereto. The restraining
`
`

`

`US 2006/0261 0 15 A1
`
`Nov. 23, 2006
`
`device 410 may be part of the tap or the frame 500. For ease
`of reference, the restraining device 410 will be discussed as
`being a threaded rod that is mounted to the tap 400 and is
`then secured to the frame 500.
`0047 More specifically, the restraining device 410
`includes a frame engagement end 415, a knob 420, and a
`shaft 425 extended therebetween. According to the example
`shown in FIG. 4, the restraining device 410 is configured to
`pass through both the housing 220 and the interlocking part
`210, although the restraining device 410 may pass through
`either the housing 20 or the interlocking part 210. In this
`example, holes 430, 435 are defined in the front 235 and the
`rear 240 of the housing 220 respectively. A channel 440 is
`formed in the interior portion of the interlocking part 210.
`When the restraining device 410 is coupled to the tap 400,
`the frame engagement end 415 extends beyond the rear 240
`of the housing 220 while the shaft 425 passes through the
`hole 430 in the front 235 of the housing, through the channel
`440 formed in the interlocking part 210, and through the
`hole 435 defined in the rear 240 of the housing 220. The
`knob 420 remains at least partially outside of the housing
`220, such as at a location near the front 235.
`0.048. The frame engagement end 415 is configured to
`engage a corresponding feature in the frame 500 (FIG. 5).
`For example, the frame engagement end 415 may have
`threads formed thereon to engaged threads formed in the
`frame 500 (FIG. 5). Thus, rotating the knob 420 rotates the
`shaft 425 and the frame engagement end 415, thereby
`allowing a user to secure the tap 400 to the frame 500. Other
`restraining devices may be used to secure the tap 400 to the
`frame 500, such as restraining devices that include a twist
`lock, a tab lock or a detent type device.
`0049 FIG. 5 illustrates the frame 500 in more detail. The
`frame 500 includes side members 510,520 as well as a rear
`member 530. Such labels are used for ease of reference only.
`According to the present example, at least one of the side
`members 510, 520 has at least one keying assembly 540
`coupled thereto.
`0050. According to the example shown, the keying
`assembly 540 is connected to the side member 510 and
`includes a plurality of frame keys 550 that are of the
`opposite gender as the interlocking part 210 that is to be
`engaged thereby. More specifically, the frame keys shown in
`FIG. 5 are configured to interface with female-type inter
`connecting parts. As such, the key assembly 540 includes
`male-type keys 550 configured to engage the protrusion
`receiving profiles 260 (FIG. 2A) associated with the taps
`400 (FIG. 4). While male-type frame keys 550 have been
`discussed, those of skill in the art will appreciate that any
`configuration may be used to secure at least one end of at
`least one modular network component such as the tap 400 to
`the frame 500. Thus, the interlocking parts 2310 may have
`a male receiving profile and the key assembly may have a
`corresponding female key 550.
`0051. The frame 500 according to the present example
`also includes supports 560. The supports 560 extend
`between the side members 510, 520. The supports 560
`provide additional support for taps 400 (FIG. 4) or other
`modular network components coupled to the frame 500.
`Additionally, as introduced, the restraining device 410 (FIG.
`4) is configured to secure the tap 400 (FIG. 4) to the frame
`500. In this manner, the restraining device 410 can also
`provide additional support for the taps 400 or other network
`components. Accordingly, the frame 500 includes restrain
`ing device interfaces 570 associated therewith. The restrain
`
`ing device interfaces 570 may include a threaded tab that is
`configured to engage the frame engaging end 415 of the
`restraining device 410 (FIG. 4). When one or more retrain
`ing devices 410 (FIG. 4) engage the restraining device
`interfaces 570, the tap or taps associated with that restraining
`device 410 are thereby further secured to the frame 500.
`0.052 FIG. 6 illustrates taps 400 secured to the frame 500
`to form the rack unit assembly 600. As seen in FIG. 6, the
`taps 400 are grouped in two horizontal rows with six
`individual taps 400 per row. The rack unit assembly 600 thus
`includes twelve taps in a single standard sized rack unit
`(RU), for a density of twelve taps per rack unit. The ends of
`each row according to the present example are each coupled
`to keying assemblies 540 coupled to each of the side
`members 510, 520. Additionally, each tap 400 includes a
`restraining device 410 associated therewith. Those of skill in
`the art will appreciate that other configurations are possible
`that include ratios of taps to restraining devices of greater or
`less than 1:1. Still other configurations are possible that
`include Vertically oriented modular network components.
`0053 FIG. 7 illustrates a frame 500' configured to
`receive vertically oriented modular network components,
`such as taps 400 (FIG. 4). The frame 500' includes side
`members 710, 720; a rear member 730; and a top member
`735. A keying assembly 740 is coupled to the top member
`735. The keying assembly 740 includes a plurality of frame
`keys 750. In a similar fashion to the horizontally oriented
`rack unit assembly 600 (FIG. 6) previously discussed, the
`frame keys 750 are of the opposite gender as the interlocking
`parts 210 that are engaged thereby. Consequently, the frame
`keys 750 shown in FIG. 7 are male-type frame keys
`configured to interface with female-type interconnecting
`parts. While male-type frame keys 750 have been discussed,
`those of skill in the art will appreciate that any configuration
`may be used to secure at least one end of at least one
`modular network component such as the tap to a frame 500'.
`0054 FIG. 8 illustrates a rack unit assembly 800 wherein
`a plurality of taps 400 are coupled to the frame 500'. The taps
`400 are oriented in a generally vertical arrangement. In this
`orientation, each tap 400 includes an interlocking part 210
`on the top portion of the tap 400, which is rotated relative to
`the orientation shown in FIG. 4. The interlocking parts 210
`engage a frame key 750 within the keying assembly 740 to
`thereby couple the taps 400 to the frame 500' as previously
`discussed.
`0055. A number of restraining devices 410 couple one or
`more taps 400 to the frame 500'. In such a configuration, the
`rack unit assembly 400 provides a high density of taps per
`rack unit. In particular, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the rack unit
`assembly 400 includes 24 taps coupled to the frame 500'.
`The frame 500' occupies two rack units (RU's), such that the
`density of the rack unit assembly 800 is twelve taps 400 per
`rack unit, in this example.
`0056. The rack unit assembly 800 includes the taps 400
`coupled to a single keying assembly located at the top of the
`rack 500'. Thus far, single taps have been discussed with
`reference to the rack unit assemblies. Other configurations
`are possible that include multi-port modular network com
`ponents, such as multi-port taps.
`0057. In particular, FIG. 9 illustrates a multi-port tap 900
`that includes an interlocking part 210 associated therewith.
`The multi-port tap 900 shown may be formed as discussed
`
`

`

`US 2006/0261 0 15 A1
`
`Nov. 23, 2006
`
`above or otherwise. Multi-port tap 900 may then be coupled
`to a frame 500 to form a rack unit assembly 600', as shown
`in FIG. 9. The multi-port tap 900 shown is a four port tap.
`The frame 500 shown occupies a single RU, such that the
`rack unit assembly 600' has a tap density of sixteen taps per
`RU. Accordingly, multi-port or otherwise clustered modular
`network components may be grouped and coupled to a rack
`using interlocking parts to provide a rack unit assembly 600'
`having a relatively high density of modular network com
`ponents.
`0.058 To this point, single gender interlocking parts have
`been discussed herein that are coupled together using one or
`more interlocking keys. Additional configurations are pos
`sible. For example, interlocking parts of both genders may
`be used together, Such that a male-type interlocking part may
`be coupled to a female-type interlocking part. Further, a
`modular network component 200' may include a single
`shape for an interlocking part 1000 that incorporates both
`the male and female features, as shown in FIG. 10. As seen
`in FIG. 10, the interlocking part 1000 is seated in the sides
`of the housing formed by overlapping flaps 230 in a similar
`fashion as the interlocking parts 210 discussed above.
`0059. In conclusion, modular network components have
`been discussed herein that include at least one interlocking
`part. The interlocking parts may be coupled to interlocking
`parts on one or more adjacent modular network components
`and/or to frame keys secured to a frame. Such a configura
`tion may increase the relative density of modular network
`components that occupy a rack unit.
`0060. The present invention may be embodied in other
`specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential
`characteristics. The described embodiments are to be con
`sidered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.
`The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the
`appended claims rather than by the foregoing description.
`All changes which come within the meaning and range of
`equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their
`Scope.
`What is claimed is:
`1. A rack unit assembly, comprising:
`at least one interlocking part configured to have a modular
`network component associated therewith:
`a frame having a frame key; wherein said interlocking
`part is configured to be interlockingly coupled to said
`frame key.
`2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said modular net
`work component comprises a traffic access port.
`3. The assembly of claim 2, wherein said traffic access
`port includes at least one of a single port traffic access port
`and a multi-port traffic access port.
`4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said modular net
`work component is oriented generally horizontally relative
`to said frame.
`5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said modular net
`work component is oriented generally vertically relative to
`said frame.
`6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein said interlocking part
`comprises a female-type interlocking part.
`7. The assembly of claim 1, further comprising a plurality
`of interlocking parts associated with said modular network
`component.
`
`8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein said plurality of
`interlocking parts comprise single gender-type interlocking
`parts and further comprising at least one interlocking key
`configured to couple at least one of said interlocking parts
`associated with said modular network component to at least
`one interlocking part associated with at least one adjacent
`modular network component.
`9. The assem