10 Apps to Help You Manage Your fiber distribution box
A fiber optic distribution box, sometimes referred to as an FTTx box, is a key component in fiber optic networks that connects the feeder and distribution cables. It provides a termination, splicing, and storage point for fiber optic cables, allowing them to be properly managed and organized.
The distribution box is usually installed in locations where fiber optic cables branch out to connect to multiple end users, such as fiber-to-the-home (FTTH), fiber-to-the-business (FTTB), or fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC) applications. It serves as an access point and protects optical fiber splices and connections from environmental factors and damage.
Design and Construction
Fiber optic distribution boxes come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and designs to accommodate different network setups and fiber counts. They are typically made of durable, weatherproof materials like metal, high-impact plastic, or composite polymers to withstand outdoor installation. Common enclosure ratings are IP55 and IP68 for protection against dust, moisture, and corrosion.
The housing consists of a base and a cover or door that can be easily removed to access the interior. Most feature multiple cable entry and exit ports with rubber grommets or gland plates to allow cables to pass securely into the box while maintaining bend radius and preventing damage.
Inside, they contain storage space and mounting positions for splices, connectors, splitters, couplers, adapter plates, filter holders, routing guides, protective sleeves, and excess fiber. This organized compartmentalization and securable storage helps protect the internal components and maintain fiber organization.
Key Components
Several key components enable the fiber optic distribution box to effectively operate as an access and connection point:
Splice trays: Provides storage of fiber splices and proper bending radius control of fibers. High fiber count boxes will contain multiple splice fiber optic distribution box trays.
Cable anchoring: Strain relief hardware like clamps, ties, lances and brackets anchor cables to inhibit movement and prevent damage or detachment where they enter ports.
Splitter and coupler mounts: Positions to mount fiber optic splitters and couplers to enable signals to be divided and distributed.
Patch panel: Provides ports to easily connect downstream distribution cables to feeder cables entering from the network using fiber optic patch cords.
Grounding hardware: Ensures the box is properly grounded to protect components from electrical interference and damage.
Accessories
Distribution box functionality and versatility can be enhanced with accessories:
Pre-connectorized drop cables: Factory installed connectors allow quick plug-and-play installation to the patch panel ports.
Adapter panels: Permits interfacing between different connector types such as SC, LC, FC, ST, and MTP.
Attenuators: Placed inline to reduce optical power to a safe and desired level.
Filters: Filters out specific wavelengths allowing only desired signals to pass.
Splitters: Divides an incoming optical signal into multiple outgoing fibers.
Row splice harnesses: Connects factory assembled splice-on connectors to pigtails to facilitate splicing.
Installation and Use
Once installed, the fiber optic distribution box forms the jumper cable or patch cord interconnect point between the larger central distribution cables that extend out to cover a broad service area, and the lateral distribution cables that bring service into neighborhoods, business districts and individual buildings. They enable easier reconfiguration, troubleshooting, replacement and upgrade of distribution cable runs without disrupting other services. The modular nature also allows capacity expansion when needed by adding additional ports, connectors and splice capacity to support network growth and increased customer density. Overall, fiber distribution boxes provide an accessible, organized interface that enables efficient management of connections to many endpoints in fiber optic networks.
