Fiber optic termination box

Fiber Optic Termination Boxe

Fiber optic termination boxe, also known as fiber distribution boxes or fiber splice boxes, are a key component in fiber optic network infrastructure. They provide a structured and protected enclosure for terminating, splicing, organizing and distributing optical fiber cables. Fiber termination boxes play several important roles in fiber optic networks:

Housing Fiber Splices and Connectors

The primary function of a fiber termination box is to neatly house and protect the delicate fusion splices and fiber optic connectors that join fiber optic cables together. The splices and connectors are mounted on removable splice trays or adapter plates, allowing for easy access for moves, adds and changes to the cabling infrastructure. The sturdy enclosure protects the splices and connectors from outside contaminants and physical damage.

Cable Termination Point

Fiber termination boxes mark the end of a long outside plant fiber optic cable run and the beginning of the inside plant fiber distribution. The long haul cable enters one side of the enclosure and the fiber optic patch cables or distribution cables exit the other side to continue the run to end equipment or to another fiber termination point. The termination box is a demarcation between the different types of fiber cabling.

Central Housing for Splitting and Routing Fibers

Within the termination box, the individual fibers in a fiber optic cable are split and routed in different directions to provide connectivity to equipment in different locations. Incoming fibers are connected to outgoing fibers in a patch panel fashion using fiber optic connectors and adapter sleeves or by splicing. This centralized housing allows fibers to be distributed in an orderly and flexible manner.

Facilitating Moves, Adds and Changes (MACs)

Fiber termination boxes allow for simpler fiber reconfiguration than splicing directly in long cable runs. When network circuits need to be rerouted, only patch cords or jumper cables need to be moved in the termination box rather than having to splice and reroute entire cable lengths. This modular flexibility greatly reduces the time and cost for changes, upgrades and maintenance.

Variety of Sizes and Styles

Fiber termination boxes come in a range of sizes, port density, connector types and mounting styles to fit the requirements of different applications and spaces. Small termination boxes may support 6-12 fibers while large distribution terminals can accommodate hundreds of fibers. Common mounting methods include wall, rack and pole mounting. There are also miniature termination boxes that can be placed in conduit runs.

Indoor vs. Outdoor Use

Fiber termination boxes installed inside buildings typically have a simple, compact plastic housing. Outdoor fiber termination boxes have hardened housings sealed against moisture and corrosive gasses since they are exposed to extreme weather conditions. They also contain cable sealing glands to prevent water ingress.

Wall vs. Rack Mount

Wall mount fiber optic termination boxe are directly attached to walls for use in smaller termination applications. Rack mount distribution cabinets are designed to be installed in standard 19” or 23” equipment racks and usually have higher density and more splicing capacity.

Key Components

Some of the key components that may be found within a fiber termination box include:

• Optical fiber splice trays/organizers - to neatly house and route fiber splices

• Fiber optic adapters and connectors - to mate fiber patch cords or jumper cables

• Cable/fiber strain relief and routing guides - prevents excessive bending of fibers

• Cable glands/sealing - seals cable entry points from moisture ingress

• Patch panel or divider plates - provides separation and routing of fibers

• Slack fiber storage - allows extra length of fiber for splicing

• Fiber routing clips - keeps ribbon fiber neatly coiled and routed

• Grounding lugs - grounds the metallic housing

Testing and Accessibility

Since fiber termination points see frequent MAC work, they need to be conveniently located for easy access. Most enclosures feature removable or hinged covers to allow maintenance work without fully uninstalling the unit. Many models have dual-sided access for patch cord routing. The enclosures should be compact and allow adequate space for working while also providing protection. Proper labeling and documentation is essential to keep fiber connections organized. Testing features like fiber optic test ports may be built into panels to allow easy insertion loss testing without opening the termination box.

In summary, fiber optic termination boxe are a vital fiber management tool, enabling simplified cabling administration, flexible configuration changes, and protecting essential fiber splicing connections. As fiber networks continue to expand, high-quality fiber termination boxes will remain indispensable for safely handling the increasing volumes of fiber.