What Is a Fiber-Optic Patch Panel?

An optical fiber distribution frame is a wiring connection device between an optical cable and an optical communication device or between optical communication devices.

Chinese name: Fiber distribution frame

Foreign name: Optical fiber distribution frame

Optical fiber distribution frame

ODF (Optical Distribution Frame)

Optical fiber distribution frame (ODF) is used for the formation and distribution of the backbone backbone optical cable in the optical fiber communication system, which can easily realize the connection, distribution and scheduling of optical fiber lines. As the degree of network integration becomes higher and higher, an optical-digital hybrid patch panel that integrates ODF, DDF, and power distribution units has emerged. It is suitable for small-to-medium-scale distribution of fiber-to-the-cell, fiber-to-the-building, remote modules, and wireless base stations. Line system.

Optical fiber distribution frame appearance structure

1.Frame structure

1) The frame structure is closed, semi-closed and open.

2) The rack height is divided into 2600mm, 2200mm and 2000mm. The width is recommended to be an integer multiple of 120mm, and the depth is recommended to be 300mm, 450mm, and 600mm.

3) The deviation of the frame dimensions does not exceed ± 2mm; the vertical tolerance of the outer surface to the bottom reference surface is not greater than 3mm.

2.Mechanical activities

The movable part of the machine should be flexible in rotation, moderate in insertion and removal, reliable in locking, convenient in construction, installation and maintenance. The opening angle of the door should not be less than 110 °, and the gap should be not more than 3mm.

3 , the bending radius of the cable

When the optical cable is introduced into the rack, its bending radius should not be less than 15 times the diameter of the optical cable.

4.Frame structure

The structure should be firm, the assembly should be consistent and interchangeable, and the fasteners should not be loose. Sharp edges of exposed and operating parts should be rounded.

5 , protective sleeves, pads and core and pigtail bending radius

When the optical fiber passes through the hole in the metal plate and turns along the sharp edge of the structure, a protective sleeve and gasket should be installed. Wherever the core and pigtail are bent, the radius of curvature should not be less than 30mm.

6.The surface of the rack

The coating layer should have a smooth surface, uniform color, no sagging, and no exposed bottom; no burrs and rust on metal parts.

7 , text, graphics, symbols and signs on structural devices

The text, graphics, symbols and signs on the structural device shall be clear, complete and error-free.

Fiber distribution frame material

Anti-corrosion performance of optical fiber distribution frame

The material used for all parts of ODF should have anticorrosive properties. If the material does not have anticorrosive properties, it should be treated with anticorrosion; its physical and chemical properties must be stable and compatible with the cable jacket and pigtail jacket. To prevent corrosion and other damage, these materials must also be compatible with materials commonly used in other equipment.

Anti-corrosion performance of optical fiber distribution frame

After metal plating on the surface of the ODF has been subjected to a salt spray test for 48 h by a salt spray test method, the appearance of the metal structure shall be free from visible rust spots.

Optical fiber distribution frame coating treatment requirements

For metal structural parts that are treated by coating, the coating and the substrate should have good adhesion, and the adhesion should not be lower than the level 2 requirements in Table I of GB / T9286 standard: there is a coating at the intersection of the cut and / or along the edge of the cut Layers fall off, and the affected cross-cut area is significantly greater than 5%, but not significantly greater than 15%.

Optical fiber distribution frame combustion performance requirements

The burning performance of non-metallic structural components and optical fiber connectors in the equipment should meet one of the following conditions:

1) The test sample does not ignite;

2) After the test sample leaves the fire, the flame burning time is not more than 10s, and the flame or the burning or hot particles falling from the test sample do not spread the combustion to the bottom layer placed under the test sample. ^[1]

Fiber optic distribution frame classification

Fiber distribution frame unit

The unit type optical fiber distribution frame is installed with multiple units in a rack, and each unit is an independent fiber distribution frame. This type of distribution frame not only retains the characteristics of the original small and medium-sized optical fiber distribution frame, but also provides space utilization through the structural deformation of the rack. It is a common structure of large-capacity fiber distribution frames in the early days. However, due to its inherent limitations in space provision, there are certain inconveniences in operation and use.

Fiber optic distribution frame drawer type

The drawer-type optical fiber distribution frame also divides a rack into multiple units, and each unit consists of one or two drawers. When performing welding and wire adjustment, pull out the corresponding drawer to operate outside the shelf, so that there is a large operating space, so that the units do not affect each other. The drawer is provided with a locking device in the pulled-out and pushed-in states, which can ensure the stability and accuracy of operation and the safety and reliability of the connecting devices in the unit. Although this optical fiber distribution frame cleverly provides a large space for the operation of the optical cable terminal, like the unit type, it still cannot provide the greatest convenience in the storage and placement of the optical connection line. This type of rack is currently the most common form.

Fiber distribution frame module

The modular structure is to divide the optical fiber distribution frame into a variety of functional modules. Welding, adjusting and wiring, cable storage, and other functional operations of the optical cable are completed in each module. These modules can be combined and installed in a common rack as required. Inside. This structure can provide maximum flexibility and better meet the needs of communication networks. The modular large-capacity optical fiber distribution shelf introduced uses unique structures such as panels and drawers to make fiber splicing and wiring operations more convenient. In addition, vertical cable troughs and intermediate distribution frames are used to effectively solve the problem of pigtail distribution Issues with storage and storage. Therefore, it is the most popular type of large-capacity fiber distribution frames, but its cost is relatively high.

The selection of optical fiber distribution frame is an important and complicated task. Various localities should fully consider various factors according to the specific conditions of the local area. Only after carefully understanding and repeated comparison can one choose the one that can best meet the current needs. And future development of optical fiber distribution frames.

Functional requirements of fiber distribution frame

Optical fiber distribution frame and cable fixed protection

Fiber optic cable entry, fixing and protection devices shall be provided. The device introduces and fixes the optical cable on the frame, and protects the optical cable and the core in the cable from damage. The metal part of the optical cable is insulated from the metal frame, and the fixed metal sheath and reinforcing core of the optical cable should be reliably connected to the high-voltage protective grounding device.

Fiber distribution frame fiber termination function

There should be fiber optic termination. The device is convenient for the continuous operation, construction, installation and maintenance of the optical fiber core and pigtail. It can fix and protect the joints straight without displacement, avoid external force, and ensure that the coiled optical fiber core and pigtail are not damaged.

Optical fiber distribution frame adjustment function

Through the optical fiber jumper connector plug, the core serial number in the optical cable can be quickly and easily dispatched and the path sequence of the optical transmission system can be changed.

Fiber distribution frame, optical cable core protection

After the fiber optic cable is stripped, there is a protective device for the core, and after the fixing, the optical fiber is terminated.

Fiber distribution frame capacity

Each rack capacity and unit capacity (determined according to the number of adapters) shall be specified in the product enterprise standard, and the optical fiber termination device, optical fiber storage device, and optical fiber connection and distribution device shall be capable of being configured in a complete capacity range.

Optical fiber distribution frame identification record function

The rack and the unit should have perfect identification and recording devices to easily identify the core serial number or transmission path sequence, and the recording device should be easy to modify and replace.

Fiber distribution frame fiber storage function

There should be enough space in the rack and unit to store the remaining fiber. ^[1]

Method for selecting optical fiber distribution frame

1. Is the patch panel mounted on a wall or a 19 "rack? The fiber distribution frame is usually installed in a 19 "rack, and may also be directly mounted on the wall for small installations.

2. Is there any space left for the cable? A certain amount of fiber optic cable should be reserved to prevent the fiber from being broken in the distribution frame, to withstand excessive stress, and to prevent the fiber from being pulled out of the distribution frame.

3. Is there a protective device? An optical fiber protection device shall be provided inside the optical fiber distribution frame.

4. Versatile couplers should be as versatile as possible on the distribution frame. For example, LC fiber optic distribution frames can be suitable for duplex LC / simplex SC / MTRJ fiber optic adapters; ST fiber optic distribution frames can be used for ST and FC fiber optic adapters. Greatly improved the usability of the product.

5. Is the structure flexible? This feature continues to improve product usability. According to the structure of the optical fiber distribution frame, it can be divided into 3 types, namely wall-mounted type, cabinet type and rack type. The wall-mounted type is generally a box structure, and is suitable for offices where the number of optical cables and the number of optical fiber cores are small. The cabinet type adopts a closed structure, the fiber core capacity is relatively fixed, and the appearance is more beautiful. The rack type generally adopts a modular design. Users can choose the corresponding module according to the quantity and specifications of the optical cable and flexibly assemble it on the rack. It is a future-oriented structure and can be used for future fiber distribution frames. Functional development provides convenient conditions. The optical fiber distribution frame should use aluminum profiles as much as possible. Its structure is firm and its appearance is also beautiful. The external dimensions of the rack should be similar to the standard racks of current transmission equipment to facilitate the arrangement of the equipment room. The surface treatment process and color should also be similar to other equipment in the equipment room to maintain the overall beauty in the equipment room.