4 Must-Know Insights on fiber optic distribution box

Fiber optic distribution box, also known as a fiber optic terminal box,fiber optic box and optical distribution box, is widely used in FTTH and FTTB to connect and distribute fiber optic cables and realize the distribution and management of optical signals. It can be seen almost everywhere. But there are still many questions that confuse someone.

For example, what is a fiber optic distribution box, and types of fiber optic distribution boxes? What is the purpose of fiber optic distribution boxes? and how to choose a fiber optic distribution box? This article aims to explore each of these aspects in detail.

                                                                                                        Figure1: 8 port  fiber optic distribution box

What is a fiber optic distribution box?

A fiber optic distribution box, also called a fiber distribution box, typically consists of two main parts: the outer shell body and the tray for adapters or splitters in order to protect fiber connector points. The material of the shell body is PC, PP, or ABS plastic.Generally speaking, high-quality fiber terminal boxes are made of environmentally friendly ABS materials.

A Fiber  Distribution Boxis a crucial component in fiber optic networks, primarily used for terminating, connecting, and managing fiber optic cables. Serving as a critical connection point, it facilitates the termination, splicing, or connection of fibers from various cables to other network devices.

The purpose of the fiber terminal box is that it can economically and efficiently achieve cable fixing, splicing, and protection for the fiber. At the same time, the design of the fiber optic box is convenient to install and maintain.

                                                                                                    Figure 2: 16 port  fiber optic distribution box

Types of fiber optic distribution boxes

There are several diverse types of fiber optic distribution boxes (FTBs) available.

Based on usage scenarios,there are wall-mounted FTB, rack-mounted FTB, and FFTH termination boxes.

1. Wall-mounted fiber optic distribution box: The fiber optic terminal boxes are designed to be mounted on walls, typically in indoor environments such as offices and homes. They are compact in size and provide a convenient solution for terminating and organizing fiber optic cables in smaller-scale deployments.

2. Rack-mounted fiber optic distribution box: the fiber optic boxes are larger in size and are intended to be installed in equipment racks or cabinets. They are often used in larger network environments such as data centers. They offer higher port densities and are suitable for managing a larger number of fiber connections.

3.Based on the number of output ports:

A fiber distribution box is divided into 2 in 8 out, 4 in 24 out, 4 in 12 out, etc. So in the market you will see 4-portfiber optic distribution boxes, 6-portfiber optic distribution boxes, 8-portfiber optic distribution boxes, 16-portfiber optic distribution boxes, and 24-portfiber optic distribution boxes.

4. Outdoor fiber optic distribution box: These fiber optic boxes are specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and dust. They are constructed with ruggedized enclosures and weatherproof seals to ensure the integrity of fiber connections in outdoor deployments, such as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) installations or outdoor telecommunications infrastructure.

5. Indoor fiber optic distribution box: They serve as transition points between upstream and horizontal cables, providing operators with greater flexibility in cable management.  They are commonly used in home or office settings to facilitate fiber-to-the-home connections and distribution.

                                                                                                          Figure 3: 24 port  fiber optic distribution box

What is the purpose of fiber optic distribution boxes?

fiber optic distribution boxes are specially designed to house and protect the various amounts of simplex or duplex adapters that you need for FTTH. Easily connect  SC or LC fiber optic adapters into an outdoor fiber optic distribution box and be able to split out your bulk fiber from 2 to 48 fibers while simultaneously safeguarding your network connection.

The Fiber Distribution Box plays important roles in fiber optic networks:

1. Connection: As a connection part, one of the main functions of the FTB is to provide a secure and reliable connection point for optical fibers.

2. Distribution: The FTB functions as a distribution center for optical fibers, facilitating the distribution of signals to multiple endpoints or subscribers within the network.

3. Protection: FTBs play a vital role in protecting delicate fiber optic connections from environmental factors such as dust, moisture, and physical damage. The enclosure of the FTB provides secure housing for the fiber terminations, shielding them from external elements that could degrade signal quality or cause fiber breakage.

4. Management: Effective cable management is essential for maintaining order and accessibility within a fiber optic network. FTBs often include features such as cable routing guides, splice trays, and labeling systems to facilitate the organization and identification of fiber optic cables, making it easier for technicians to troubleshoot and perform maintenance tasks.

How to choose a fiber optic distribution box?

When choosing a fiber optic distribution box, you need to consider the following factors:

raw material FTB, ports of FTB, types of fiber optic distribution boxes, waterproof performance, and so on.

Raw material FTB: The material of the shell body is PC, PP, or ABS plastic. fiber optic distribution boxes are produced with high-quality materials that can meet the needs of use in complex environments. For example, in extremely high and low temperature environments, as well as outdoor environments with prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Ports of FTB: FTB：according to user requirements, we provide fiber distribution boxes from 4 to 48 ports FTB.

Types of fiber optic distribution boxes: There are wall-mounted FTBs, rack-mounted FTBs, and FFTH termination boxes. It is necessary to choose FTB correctly based on the usage environment.

Waterproof performance: qualified FTB with waterproof performance more than IP-65.

Conclusion

In a word, fiber optic distribution boxes are indispensable components of fiber optic networks, providing essential functions such as connection, distribution, protection, and management of optical fibers. So, it is vital to choose the right fiber distribution box for building a reliable optical communication network.