A data communications system includes optic adaptors that provide an
interface between multiple line card chassis and a fabric card chassis.
Optic adaptors can be added to the system to allow the addition of a
number of line card chassis, thereby increasing the overall bandwidth of
the system. The optic adaptors can also be separated from the fabric card
chassis and line card chassis and upgraded to allow an increase in the
overall bandwidth of the system. For example, optic adaptors that provide
optical connections between a first number of line card chassis and the
fabric card chassis can be detached from both the fabric card chassis and
the respective line card chassis. Optic adaptors that provide optical
connections between the fabric card chassis and a second, increased
number of line card chassis are then installed within the fabric card
chassis thereby allowing the additional line card chassis to be connected
to the fabric card chassis.