What does odf Stands For? Types of Optical Fiber Distribution Frame

What is optical distribution frame? What does odf stands for? Optical Distribution Frame is an important supporting equipment in the optical transmission system. It mainly used for optical fiber fusion splicing, optical connector installation, optical path adjustment, storage of excess pigtails and protection of optical cables at the optical cable terminal. It plays an important role in the safe operation and flexible use of optical fiber communication networks.

Function of Optical Fiber Distribution Frame

As the terminal equipment of the optical cable line, the optical fiber distribution frame has four basic functions.

1. Fixing function

After the optical cable enters the rack, its outer sheath and reinforcing core should be mechanically fixed, ground wire protection components should installed, end protection treatment should performed, and the optical fiber should grouped and protected.

2. Fusion function

After the optical fiber led out of the optical cable fused with the pigtail cable, the excess optical fiber coiled and stored, and the fusion joint protected.

3. Deployment function

The connector attached to the pigtail cable plugged into the adapter to achieve optical path docking with the optical connector on the other side of the adapter. The adapter and connector should be able to be flexibly plugged and unplugged; the optical path can freely deployed and tested.

4. Storage function

Provide storage for various cross-connected optical cables between racks so that they can be placed regularly and neatly. There should be appropriate space and methods in the fiber optic patch panel to make the routing of these optical cables clear, easy to adjust, and meet the minimum bending radius requirements.

With the development of fiber optic networks, the existing functions of fiber optic patch panels can no longer meet many new requirements. Some manufacturers directly add some fiber optic network components such as splitters, wavelength division multiplexers and optical switches to fiber optic patch panels. In this way, these components can easily applied to the network and the fiber optic patch panel has increased functionality and flexibility.

Types of Fiber Distribution Frames

1.ODF Wall Mount

Wall-mounted optical distribution frames are generally box-type structures, containing a patch panel inside. The closed ODF wall-mount bracket usually hung with a lock.

ODF wall-mount brackets are suitable for direct installation on the wall in places where there are fewer optical cables and optical cores. As for outdoor applications, outdoor ODF boxes can resist damage from rain, sunlight, dust, etc.

2.ODF Rack Mount

Rack-mounted optical distribution frames generally adopt a modular design. It can be a pre-assembled antenna with loaded fiber adapters or an unloaded open fiber adapter. For the latter, users can choose the corresponding modular box or adapter according to the number and specifications of optical cables, and flexibly assemble them on the rack. Most rack-mounted fiber distribution frames installed in a 19-inch rack. It is a future-oriented structure that provides convenient conditions for the future development of fiber distribution frames.

3.ODF Cabinet

The cabinet optical distribution frame adopts a closed structure, and the front door and side panels can be locked. There are many types of rack optical patch panels, from open frame racks for custom installations, rack ODFs with basic configurations, or loaded racks with a full set of components such as doors, fiber patch panels, slide rails, modular boxes, etc. The assembled racks placed in the server room.

4.High-Density ODF Rackmount

The growing demand for bandwidth has driven more fiber optic cable deployment, especially at the access layer. Network administrators are under great pressure to increase optical density. Because they must consider both the manageability and adaptability of fiber optic cabling and cost-effectiveness. High-density ODF adopts an open design to provide a flexible and scalable solution for the most complex FTTX networks.

5.Mini ODF

Mini ODF can seen as a mini version of the wall-mounted ODF. It looks very similar to the ordinary wall-mounted ODF. The difference lies in the fiber capacity. Generally speaking, the mini wall-mounted optical patch panel can provide up to 48 fiber optic cable capacity.

6.Hybrid Distribution Frame

With the improvement of network integration, high-density optical distribution frames emerge in an endless stream. For example, the optical digital hybrid distribution frame integrates ODF, DDF (digital distribution frame) and PDU (power distribution unit) in one unit. It is very suitable for SMB distribution frames for optical fibers connecting units, buildings, remote modules and wireless base stations. Optical distribution frames mostly made of aluminum, with a sturdy structure and beautiful appearance. The external dimensions should be consistent with the standard rack of current transmission equipment to facilitate the installation and layout of the machine room. In addition, for machine rooms that require cleanliness, the appearance color should considered similar to the overall tone of the machine room.

How to Choose ODF Optical Distribution Frame?

1. Installation Location

Fixed on the wall or mounted on a rack is the first thing you should consider. The typical rack size is 1U 19″. Some suppliers may also provide ODF with 2U, 3U, 4U or larger rack space. Then, choose the Radio with the corresponding installation type and rack space.

2. Fiber Quantity

Secondly, the optical fiber distribution frame should be able to fully accommodate the optical cable with the largest number of cores in the front-end room. ODF 12 cores, 24 cores, and 48 cores can be found on the market. For high-density deployments such as telecommunications networks, ODFs with FTTH, 96 cores, 144 cores, and 192 cores may be a better choice. For assembled ODFs, please pay attention to check the type of optical fiber adapters in the specifications of the optical fiber distribution frame.

3. Functions

Consider possible functions such as fiber termination, fiber fixation, threading adjustment, fiber core protection, mark recording, and optical storage.