6 Must-Know Insights on Fiber Distribution Box

What is Fiber Distribution Box

A Fiber Distribution Box (FDB) is a component used in fiber optic networks for power distribution and terminal connections. It serves as a junction point where optical signals are distributed and terminated, allowing for the management and organization of fiber optic connections. The FDB typically includes adapters and splice trays to facilitate the connection and splicing of optical fibers. It may be wall-mounted or pole-mounted and can be used in indoor or outdoor applications. The FDB is commonly deployed in Fiber-to-the-Home (FTTH) and Fiber-to-the-Building (FTTB) applications to provide direct splicing, branching, through-connection, distribution, and termination of optical fibers.

Classification of Fiber Optic Distribution Box

• According to the application scene, it can be divided into indoor and outdoor types.

• According to the installation mode, it can be divided into Wall type and Pole type.

• According to the fiber capacity, FS’s FDB can be divided into 16-fiber, 24-fiber and 48-fiber. The 16-fiber and 24-fiber FDB supports Wall/Pole Mount, while the 48-fiber FDB is an Integrated Module with a 2U size that can be used with a standard 19-inch rack-mounted chassis. At the same time, the drawer type can be pushed and pulled design, convenient and quick management.

Advantages of FDB

The Fiber Distribution Box (FDB) provides various advantages to fiber optic networks, including:

1. Enhanced Network Reliability: FDB ensures a secure and orderly management of fiber optic cables, shielding them from external damage and lowering the risk of network downtime.

2. Streamlined Installation Process and Cost Reduction: FDB is engineered for straightforward installation, resulting in decreased installation time and expenses.

3. Scalability: FDB facilitates the expansion of fiber optic networks by providing additional capacity for terminating and splicing fiber optic cables.

4. Flexibility: FDB is compatible with various fiber optic connectors and adapters, allowing for its application in diverse network scenarios.

Quality Inspection

As mentioned earlier, Fiber Distribution Boxes (FDBs) can be divided into two types: indoor and outdoor, based on their application scenarios. Different indoor and outdoor environments also put forward different requirements for the protection level of FDB. FS's 16-fiber and 24-fiber Fiber Optic Distribution Boxes both have a high protection level of up to IP55. The two digits following "IP" indicate the level of protection against dust and foreign object intrusion (the first digit) and the degree of sealing against moisture and water ingress (the second digit). A higher number indicates a higher protection level. IP55 protection level can completely prevent foreign objects from invading FDB, although it can not completely prevent dust from invading, the amount of dust will not affect the normal operation of FDB; Additionally, they are protected against low-pressure water jets for at least 3 minutes. In other words, these two types of FDBs exhibit sufficient adaptability and resistance to outdoor environments.

On the contrary, indoor environments have greater stability and controllability, hence lower requirements for protection levels. For instance, the 2U Rack Mount Fiber Optic Distribution, with a protection rating of IP20, can still adequately ensure its normal operation, despite having a lower protection level.

What is the Difference Between FDB and FTB

Different Nature

FTB is an auxiliary device for terminal wiring in fiber optic communication networks. It is suitable for direct connection and branch connection of indoor fiber cables, providing protection for fiber optic joints. Fiber Distribution Box is suitable for wiring connections between fiber cables and optical communication equipment. Optical signals are led out by optical jumpers through adapters inside the distribution box, enabling optical wiring functionality.

Different Characteristics

FTB features functions such as fiber cable leading, wiring and fixing and protecting pigtails, ensuring the performance of the optical fibers remains undamaged. FDB is suitable for protecting connections of fiber cables and distributing pigtails, as well as for use in fiber access networks as fiber termination points.

How to Choose the Right FDB

Capacity

The capacity of the FDB ranges from 16 cores to 24 or 48 cores, or even more if needed. It is essential to consider existing wiring requirements and choose an appropriate capacity FDB based on the number of optical fibers. Additionally, if there is a need or possibility for future network upgrades, factors such as installation environment, personal budget, and future network expansion requirements can be taken into account to select a larger capacity FDB.

Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions also dictate the type of box to select. It could be a rack-mounted panel in a cabinet, an indoor wall-mounted enclosure, or even an outdoor wall-mounted or pole-mounted installation. In the case of outdoor boxes, the minimum IP rating must be IP55 to ensure protection against environmental elements.

Material

The choice of material for outdoor distribution boxes is also crucial. Common materials used include PP, ABS, ABS + PC, and SMC. The differences between these materials lie in density to achieve higher impact resistance, temperature resistance, and flame retardancy. These materials are arranged in ascending order of quality, with ABS being the most commonly used for regular environments and SMC for extremely harsh conditions.

Conclusion

The Fiber Distribution Box (FDB) serves a crucial role in the landscape of optical fiber communication. It serves as the protective enclosure for signal distribution nodes, ensuring the efficient and secure distribution of optical signals to end-users. Thus, its position in the optical communication field is indispensable, safeguarding the integrity of the network and enabling reliable connectivity for users.