A reduced size multiplexer and, in particular, a reduced size SONET
multiplexer module is provided for use in a reduced size enclosure. The
SONET multiplexer module has electrical and optical connectors on its
faceplate to provide ease in access without having to remove the SONET
multiplexer from the enclosure. The SONET multiplexer circuit is
configured in a standard Type 400 mechanics circuit board arrangement.
The SONET multiplexer module therefore can be inserted into an enclosure
in a direction opposite to that in which the coaxial connector projects
from the face plate, so that the coaxial connector remains freely
accessible outside of the enclosure when the SONET multiplexer module is
fully loaded into the enclosure. Coaxial cables and optical fibers can
thus be easily coupled to the coaxial and optical connectors,
respectively, when the SONET multiplexer circuit is fully loaded into the
enclosure.