Bi-directional tap assemblies for two-way fiber topologies

Abstract

Bi-directional tap assemblies for two-way fiber topologies are disclosed. The assembly includes a fiber-optic cable having a cable optical fiber adapted to carry bi-directional optical signals and that is preterminated at a mid-span location to form at least one first cable fiber end and at least one second cable fiber end. First and second tether fibers are respectively spliced to the first and second cable fiber ends. In one version of the assembly, the tether fibers are contained in respective first and second tether covers to form first and second tethers that extend in opposite directions from the tap point. In another version of the assembly, the tether fibers are bend-insensitive fibers and are contained in a single tether cover to form a single tether. The tether fibers bend back on themselves within the tether cover and terminate at a common end of the tether, thereby allowing both downstream and upstream optical signals to be accessed at the tether end. The single tether is configured to be translateable along the fiber-optic cable by allowing the bend locations in the bend-insensitive fibers to change as the tether is translated.