Optical Distribution Frame

All Details About Optical Distribution Frame (ODF)

Optical Distribution Frame ODF is a fiber optic communication equipment used for introduction, distribution and fixing of fiber optic cables, which is used for the termination and distribution of the optical fiber communication system between the local trunk, backbone, distribution cables and equipment cables. It adopts fiber optic patch fiber connection, which can easily realize the connection, distribution and scheduling of fiber optic links.

ODF has the functions of fiber optic cable fixing, protection, termination, and line adjustment. It can be individually assembled into a fiber optic distribution frame, but also with digital wiring unit or audio wiring unit installed in a cabinet or rack to form a comprehensive distribution frame. Because of its flexible configuration, simple installation and use, easy maintenance, easy to manage, it has become one of the indispensable equipments for fiber optic communication cable network terminals, or relay points to realize fiber arrangement, fiber optic cable fusion splicing and access.

Components Of ODF

ODF optical distribution frame is mainly composed of frame, module, panel, fiber optic distribution tray, fiber optic cable interface and so on. Each part works together to provide perfect configuration and management for fiber optic communication system.

1. Frame

The frame of ODF is its most basic component, usually made of metal material with good corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. The structure of the frame is usually divided into two types: fixed and slide-out, where the fixed frame is suitable for small server rooms and cabinets, while the slide-out frame is suitable for large data centers and server rooms.

2. Module

ODF module is its core component, which includes fiber optic splicing trays, fiber optic cable interfaces and panels and so on. Modules are usually modular design, can be assembled and disassembled according to actual needs. Module materials are usually high-strength plastic or metal.

3. Panel

ODF is one of its most important components, its main role is to connect the fiber optic cable and fiber optic cable interface. The panel usually has more than one fiber optic cable interface, which can be selected and connected according to the actual needs.

4. Fiber optic distribution tray

ODF fiber optic distribution tray is one of its most important components, its main role is to distribute and exchange the signal of the fiber optic cable. Fiber optic distribution tray is usually made of aluminum alloy or plastic, with good mechanical strength and corrosion resistance.

5. Fiber optic cable interface

ODF fiber optic cable interface is one of its most basic components, its main role is to connect the fiber optic cable and panel. Fiber optic cable interface usually uses FC, SC, ST and other different specifications of the interface.

How ODF Works

The principle of ODF is based on the transmission characteristics and connections of optical fibers. It usually consists of a rack in which fiber optic splice trays and wiring trays are installed. The fiber optic splice tray is used to hold the fiber optic connectors for connecting the cables, while the patch panel is used to distribute and connect the fibers.
ODF Cabinet
ODF works in three steps: distribution, connection and management to improve the reliability, performance and management efficiency of fiber optic networks.

1. Distribution

Fiber is first brought into the ODF from external fiber optic cables through fiber splice trays, and then distributed to different connection points through patch panels. This has the advantage of managing the fibers in an orderly manner, reducing connection complexity and confusion, and improving system reliability and performance.

2. Connection

The ODF provides a centralized connection point that enables easy cross connecting between fibers. By making suitable connections on the patch panel, fiber optic interconnections between different devices and between different cables can be achieved. This flexible connection method can meet the requirements of fiber optic connection in different scenarios and needs.

3. Management

ODF not only provides convenient fiber distribution and connection functions, but also allows for easy management and maintenance. Each fiber connection can be clearly marked with a label or logo, making management and maintenance easier and more efficient for large-scale fiber networks.

Types of ODF

The whole frame of ODF optical distribution frame is made of galvanized cold rolled steel plate and surface spraying, and the internal fiber optic tray is made of flame retardant material, which is lightweight, flexible and durable. According to different installation environments and access to the number of cores required. ODF can be divided into the following categories.

1. Rack-Mounted ODF Optical Distribution Frame

Rack Mounted Optical Distribution Frame
The main frame of the distribution frame is made of 1.2mm thickness cold rolled steel, and the whole body is painted milky white to prevent the body from rusting and corrosion so as to improve the reliability of the product.

Inside the distribution frame, there can be up to 6 pieces of 12-core full-loaded fusion splicing trays, which can be installed in outdoor distribution frames or junction boxes, and then fused directly after accessing the backbone branch fiber optic cables.

2. Fixed Type Patch Panels

Fixed Type Fiber Patch Panel
Fixed type patch panels are often installed on the wall or rack in the server room, and support built-in 12 core or 24 core fully pre-terminated fiber optic connectors and pigtails.

After the fiber optic cable is accessed from one side of the back end of the patch panels and fused to the pigtail, the connected fiber optic cable is connected from the other side of the back end and can be used.

3. Slide-out Type Patch Panel

Slide-out Patch Panel
The slide-out design of the patch panel is often used in large-scale fiber optic communication systems or data centers, and its structural design of rails and front-end cable trays improves the efficiency of fiber optic cable wiring and maintenance convenience.

Conventional slide-out patch panel using 1.0mm thickness cold rolled steel to reduce the weight of the cabinet, the surface of the black matte coating process can do the most effective way to enhance the overall durability and service life of the product.

The slide-out patch panel can support a maximum of 96-core LC pigtails and 192-core high-density MPO to LC pigtails. In addition, the slide-out distribution frame can be modularized and expanded as needed to meet the needs of fiber optic networks of different sizes.

4. Wall Mounted Optical Distribution Frame

Wall Mounted Optical Distribution Frame
Wall-mounted optical distribution frame, as the name suggests, is designed to be installed on the wall for FTTH, FTTB inter-building branch cable aggregation and tap.

Due to the use of the environment of personnel mobility is relatively large, in order to protect the fusion fiber tray inside the fragile fiber from damage, wall-mounted optical distribution frames will come with a locking device, and the white wall with the integration of milky white paint can protect the product in the indoor environment for about 15 years to 20 years.

ODF Features

1. Standard unit size

19 inch width, can be installed into the distribution frame cabinet, can also be done wall mounting.

2. Excellent Processing technology

Structural parts are made of thickened galvanized passivated cold rolled steel plate and surface coating process, fiber optic fusion splicing tray is made of plastic mixed with flame retardant materials, which is lightweight, flexible and durable.

The design of large-diameter coiled ring keeps the radius of curvature of pigtail and patch fiber above 40mm everywhere. It can be assembled into fiber optic distribution frame alone, or with digital wiring unit and audio wiring unit in a cabinet/rack to form a comprehensive distribution frame.

3. Slide-out structure

It can be drawn out during operation and put back after splicing and installation completion.

How To Use ODF

The use of ODF fiber optic distribution frame mainly includes installation, wiring, commissioning and so on.

1. Installation

Usually, ODF needs to be installed in cabinets, racks or walls, and its fixing method can be screwed or snap-fastened. In the installation, there needs to pay attention to its installation location to meet the safety and aesthetic requirements.

2. Wiring

Wiring is a key link in the use of ODF, its main purpose is to distribute and exchange the signal of the fiber optic cable. In wiring, there needs to connect the fiber optic cable to the panel on the fiber optic cable interface, and then connect it to the fiber optic splicing or distribution trays. When wiring, it is necessary to ensure the connection quality and stability of the fiber optic cable to ensure the normal operation of fiber optic communications.

3. Debugging

Debugging is the last step in the use of ODF, its main purpose is to test the connection quality and stability of the fiber optic cable. In debugging, there needs to use optical power meter and other professional test instruments to test and analyze signal of the fiber optic cable. Based on the test results, the fiber optic cable can be adjusted and optimized to achieve the best communication results.

ODF Acceptance Guidelines

1. Appearance, assembly and function check

  • There is no oil, dust, debris and other foreign matter on the internal and external surfaces of the rack/cabinet.
  • All fasteners must be firm, the material is stainless steel, and there is no leakage, slip wire, misplaced phenomenon.
  • Fixed accessories without leakage, wrong installation.
  • Plating parts without skinning, blackening, leakage of plating phenomenon.
  • The surface of the coating layer is bright and clean, with uniform color and luster, and no hanging or bottoming out.
  • There is no burr or rust on metal parts.
  • The screen printing font is clear, full, no trailing, no writing edge and other phenomena.
  • Mechanical activities of the parts of the rotation is flexible, no abnormal sound when turning.
  • No shaking phenomenon, insertion and extraction of pieces of insertion and extraction of moderate, reliable locking.
  • The door gap of the door shall not be greater than 2mm, and the opening angle of the door shall not be less than 120°.
  • All kinds of text, graphics, symbols, capacity marking and signs are clear and complete, and the sticker signs are neat and clean, without folding.
  • Fiber optic cable fixing and protection function, fiber termination function, the protection function of the pigtail is intact.

2. Size check

  • Conformity with drawing requirements.

3. Screen printing adhesion check

  • With a width of 45mm transparent tape tightly text pattern, and the hand will be the air pressure out, press to confirm the adhesion of tightly after the stagnation of 10S, handheld tape uncovered, so that its instantaneous detachment from the panel ink without stripping phenomenon.

4. Accessory performance (adapters and patch cords) inspection

  • UPC contact end face insertion loss less than ≤ 0.15dB, return loss ≥ 50dB.
  • APC contact end face insertion loss less than ≤ 0.15dB, return loss ≥ 60dB.

5. ODF Electrical Performance

  • Insulation resistance: ≥ 1000MΩ (500VDC ± 50V).
  • Resistance to electricity: in ≥ 3000VDC / MIN, no breakdown, no flying arc.

6. Packaging

  • The number, type and specification of each accessory are in accordance with the packing list.
  • The inspected shelves/cabinets should be packed in plastic bags or foam sets in wooden boxes. Wooden box surface model, name and the inner packaging ODF model, name consistent.
  • The surface of the wooden box should indicate the precautions, and the serial number, as well as the name of the customer, the customer recipient and so on.

At The End

Due to the high stability of ODF, it can ensure the normal operation of fiber optic communication system. Simple installation, space saving, easy maintenance and management, reduce operating costs, so ODF is widely used in the communications industry, such as telecommunications carriers, as well as radio and television, railroads, electric power, petroleum and other fields, to meet the fiber optic communication system, access network, MAN, LAN and other fiber optic line configuration needs.

Bonelinks has specialized industrial design and production capacity for non-standard ODF and patch panels that need to be customized in GPON and data centers, and we are able to go to the site with customers to understand the cabling and installation situation, and complete the design of the products in time for the confirmation of the advancement of prototyping and production of large quantities of goods. If your project encounters any ODF problems, please feel free to drop us message.

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