Optical Cable Gets Modular Connection Patent

ROANOKE, Va. (Jan. 19, 2010)—Optical Cable Corporation (OCC) (Nasdaq GM: OCCF), a leading designer and manufacturer of fiber optic and copper data communications network solutions and services, announces the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) issued patent No. 7,594,829 for a keyed modular connection system and associated adapter cable. This is the second patent issued for the Limited Axcess system and joins OCC’s collection of notable telecommunications achievements.

The patented modular connection system includes plug protrusions on internal and external surfaces that prevent improper cable connectivity options and create multiple levels of restricted access to a network. The modular connection system was designed for use in applications requiring enhanced network security through physical hardware limitations.

To prevent erroneous, unsecure or dangerous misconnections, plug protrusions restrict attempted insertion of a non-mated plug into a Limited Axcess jack. In addition, the connection will fail with the insertion of a non-mated plug into a Limited Axcess jack due to the nonstandard wiring configuration that allows the plug and jack to be perfectly matched. As a result of this unique wiring configuration, the modular connection system allows for system performance well beyond Category 6A standard requirements.

“The issuance of this patent is just one more example of the commitment OCC has to providing our customers innovative technology to improve their application needs,” says Sterling Vaden, Vice President of Research & Engineering, OCC Asheville. “OCC holds more than 50 patents globally and we look forward to continuing product and solutions development for emerging technologies,” he adds.

Optical Cable Corporation is a leading manufacturer of data communication cable and connectivity solutions designed for enterprise markets, and customized solutions for specialty uses and harsh environments. Today, OCC offers an integrated suite of quality, warranted cabling and innovative connectivity products and solutions designed to provide outstanding performance characteristics. OCC’s manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001:2000 registered.