Outdoor fiber distribution boxes are designed to endure harsh environmental conditions while keeping your Fiber Optic Cables protected and your network functioning. Distribution boxes provide an enclosed space to terminate incoming Fiber Optic cables and allow them split and go to different locations to deliver signals. These termination boxes not only offer network protection, but convenience as they are able to be mounted in a variety of locations, like on walls, poles, and aerial wires.
Organization of an FDU
A Fiber Distribution box is designed with an entrance point for incoming cables, a splice tray, and an exit point for the split cables. The entrance and exit points are typically on the bottom of the unit to aide in waterproofing the box and protecting the cables. The splice tray is the piece that joins the incoming cable with either a pigtail or a connector to continue the transmission of signal. The best connection, in terms of quality, comes from splicing the cable with a Fiber Pigtail. The other option is to use a fiber optic connector and field termination. This method takes longer because a fiber optic connector is directly connected onto the individual fibers. When using the pigtails, a splice tray is required for optimal functioning, but if connectors are used then a splice tray is not required but you may lose quality of signal.
Details to Consider
Outdoor Fiber Distribution Boxes come with a variety of characteristics that can be adapted to fit your needs. The first characteristic is whether you want to purchase your fiber distribution box loaded or unloaded. Loaded Distribution boxes come with fiber adapters and pigtails furthering the convenience by having everything you need ready to go in one place. A limitation of the loaded distribution unit is that the entire unit has to be replaced if one port gets damaged or if you want to make upgrades on the unit. The unloaded patch panels do not have these limitations, but do not come with the necessary products to terminate and distribute the bulk cable coming into the enclosure. Because you have to assemble the unit separately this option is more costly, but may still be the ideal option based on the demands of your project.
Distribution Units can also vary in the size and number of ports in the unit. Distribution Units are built to withstand certain capacities. Here at FiberSavvy we offer 2, 4, 16, and 24 splice units.
Fiber distribution units come in a variety of materials, each with different benefits. The difference in the materials is the density and resistance to heat, compression, and abrasion. Of the most common materials, ABS+PC, meets most of the requirements at a budget friendly cost. Because these are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, the IP Level* must be at least IP65.
*A product that is IP65 rated means that it is dust tight and protected from streams of water in any direction. IP66 means that the unit is dust tight and can withstand high pressure water jets from any direction. The IP67 level means that the distribution unit is dust tight and can withstand short periods of immersion into water.
Purchase a Fiber Distribution Unit that Fits Your Needs
There is a lot to consider when building your Fiber Optic Network, from what cable and connectors you need to what you will use to protect your network. Fiber Savvy offers a variety of Outdoor Fiber Distribution Boxes that will fit the demands of your project. If you have any questions when making this purchase, call our team today!