What’s The Difference of ODF, Fiber Termination Box, Fiber Distribution Box?

With the coming of the 5G and big data era, the
deployment of optical fibers has been growing, and with the growth, the
management of optical transmission networks has become more difficult. In order
to process a large number of optical fibers with lower cost and higher flexibility,
we often need to use ODF, optical fiber terminal box, and optical fiber
distribution box. Choosing the right fiber optic box is the key to successful
cable management.

ODF
distribution frame

Optical fiber distribution frame (ODF) is a
frame used to provide cable interconnection between communication facilities.
It can integrate optical fiber fusion, optical fiber termination, optical fiber
adapters and connectors, and cable connections into one unit. It can also be
used as a protective device to protect fiber optic connections from damage. It
is widely used in local central offices and is suitable for small and
medium-sized distribution of fiber-to-community, fiber-to-building. The ports
range conventionally is 12 to 144.

Wall mount ODF

Wall mount ODF usually uses a design like a
small box which can be installed on the wall and is suitable for fiber distribution
with small counts.

Rack mount ODF

Rack mount ODF is usually modularity in design
with firm structure. It can be installed on the rack with more flexibility
according to the fiber optic cable counts and specifications. This kind of
optical distribution system is more convenient and can provide more
possibilities to the future variations. Most of the rack mount ODF is 19”,
which ensures that they can be perfectly installed on to the commonly used
standard transmission rack.

Rack ODF Central Optical Distribution Frame

Fiber Optic Terminal Box

Wall mount fiber termination box

The wall-mounted fiber
optic terminal box is designed for pre-connected cables, field mounting of
connectors or field bonding of pigtails. They provide an ideal solution for
building entry terminals, telecommunications cabinets, primary cross-connects,
computer rooms, and other controlled environments.

16 Cores Fiber Optical Terminal Box

Rack mount fiber termination box

The rack-mounted fiber
optic terminal box is designed for cross-connect and interconnect architecture.
The architecture has an interface between the external device cable and the
transport device. The boxing device provides space for fiber fusion,
distribution, termination, patching, storage, and management.

Fiber Optic distribution box

Optical fiber distribution box is an interface
device used to connect the feeder cable and the distribution cable, they often
use in outdoor, corridor, indoor environment. It is widely applied in FTTH
fiber optic networks. The optical distribution box is usually 24 or 48 port,
and some are designed with 12, 16 ports for the small business or villa
application, they mostly are wall mount, while pole mount is an option.

Fiber Optical Distribution Box

Conclusion

In summary, ODF, optical fiber terminal box, and
optical fiber distribution box are the most popular equipments in fiber optic
deployment. As they never participate in any data transmission, the installer
chooses them by different application requirements.