Release latch for pre-terminated cassette

A pre-terminated cassette for installation into a patch panel, wherein the patch panel comprises a retaining feature for retaining the pre-terminated cassette, the pre-terminated cassette having a release tab to allow removal of the pre-terminated cassette from the patch panel, the release tab comprising:

• a fixed end connected to a surface of the pre-terminated cassette;
• a free end extending along a sidewall of the pre-terminated cassette;
• and
• a hinge portion located between the fixed end of the pre-terminated cassette and the free end of the pre-terminated cassette,
• wherein, when the release tab is depressed inwardly toward the sidewall of the pre-terminated cassette, the free end of the release tab interacts with the retaining feature of the patch panel to remove the pre-terminated cassette from the patch panel.

A patch panel for receiving a pre-terminated cassette, the patch panel comprising:

• a frame having a top flange and a bottom flange;
• a plurality of top panel tabs extending downwardly from the top flange;
• a plurality of bottom panel tabs extending upwardly from the bottom flange;
• a plurality of side guides connected to the frame, each of the side guides having a top slot adapted to receive a top panel tab, a bottom slot adapted to receive a bottom panel tab, and a pair of guide latch tabs for retaining a pre-terminated cassette.