ODF fiber distribution frame function introduction

Many of today's ODF racks lack user-friendly features and the ability to support quick, easy expansion—a feature that is more important than ever in today's interconnected environment of growing fiber connections. If you're shopping for an ODF rack in the future, here are six features you should look for to maximize your fiber connectivity infrastructure.

1. The density of the terminal building is high, and the space utilization rate is maximized

Essentially, fiber optic distribution frames are designed to support a large number of fiber optic connections. But there are differences between systems. The ODF rack should support as many optical fiber terminals as possible, thereby reducing the number of cabinets, so new technologies about the ODF rack are required. This also reduces operating costs by connecting more fibers into a smaller space. Then the density level of the ODF rack is one of the factors that must be considered.

2. Complete optical fiber protection to ensure signal integrity

Our ODF racks feature hinged cable management trays and slack management to protect cables and patch cords from damage and pinching. Fiber faceplates that control the bend radius of the input and output cables prevent them from being bent or pinched, which can prevent performance issues.

odf rack

From the moment the optical cable enters the cabinet, it should be routed and protected until the jumper leads out to the other side. This level of protection helps maintain signal integrity for high performance and efficient transmission.

3. Easy access to fiber optic cables and patch cords for faster moves, adds and changes

Removable pull-out tray provides easy management of patch frames, patch cords, and cassette backs. It's a system that protects the fiber optic cable when the tray is pulled out, and leaves clearance around each connector so your fingers can easily grip it for easy connection/disconnection. This makes moves, adds and changes (MACs) faster and smoother. Port-level labeling should be done next to each port, reducing the possibility of human error and connection problems by making it easy to see if the correct fiber optic cable is connected and disconnected.

Jumper

Additionally, to support new, manageable technologies, fiber distribution frames should be able to connect one port in the cabinet to any other port using a single jumper length. (This also has the added benefit of making BOM and ODF design easier!)

4. Ability to support emerging technologies

Importantly, the selected ODF racks can be migrated from Base-12 to Base-8, Base-16 or even Base-24 connections in the future without significant capital expenditure.

For example, if a data center starts migrating to 40G or 100G and needs to install Base-8 equipment, the system should allow this to be done using Base-12 equipment without wasting any resources. Cassette racks should be able to be mixed and matched without loss of density or changes to fiber infrastructure.

5. Support a variety of termination methods to reduce costs

ODF racks should handle a variety of fiber configurations, including pre-terminated trunk cables (with MPO, LC, or SC connectors), or field terminated with splice connectors or pigtails. The integration of these different options should be as simple as selecting the appropriate cartridge or adapter frame for the project, and that choice should not affect the connection density in the system when comparing the same connector types.

6. System scalability to support emerging technologies

Expandable ODF racks using a modular approach make adding cabinets simple as the number of fiber connections increases.