ODF optical distribution frame

With an increase in the number of fiber optic connections to support new initiatives such as 5G, IP migration, 4K content, and the transition to emerging 400G technologies, ODF fiber optic distribution frames provide high-density fiber optic cable management in a compact space.

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

1. High terminal density, which can maximize the use of space

Essentially, fiber distribution frames are designed to support a large number of fiber connections. But there are differences between systems. The ODF rack should support as many optical fiber terminals as possible, so that the number of cabinets can be reduced, so new technologies for ODF racks are needed. 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 inevitable considerations.

2. Complete fiber protection to ensure signal integrity

Our ODF racks feature articulating cable management brackets and slack management to protect cables and patch cords from damage and pinch injuries. A fiber distribution frame that controls the bend radius of input and output cables prevents them from bending or crushing, thereby avoiding performance issues.

odf rack

From the moment the fiber optic cable enters the cabinet, it should be routed and protected until the jumper is brought out from 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 jumpers for faster moves, adds and changes

The removable pull-out tray provides easy management of jumper racks, patch cords and cassette backs. This is a system that protects the fiber optic cable when the tray is pulled out and leaves clearance around each connector so that fingers can easily grip it, allowing for easy connection/disconnection. This makes Moves, Adds and Changes (MAC) faster and smoother. Port-level labeling should be done next to each port, reducing the chance of human error and connection issues by making it easy to see if the correct fiber optic cable is connected and disconnected.

Jumper

Also, to support new technologies that are easy to manage, fiber distribution frames should be able to connect one port in the cabinet to any other port using one patch cord length. (This has the added advantage of making BOM and ODF design simpler too!)

4. Ability to support emerging technologies

Importantly, the selected ODF rack 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 alongside 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 multiple termination methods to reduce cost

ODF racks should handle a variety of fiber configurations, including preterminated trunk cables (using MPO, LC or SC connectors), or field terminated using splice connectors or pigtails. Integration of these various options should be as simple as selecting the correct cassette or adapter frame for the project, and when comparing the same connector types, this choice should not affect the connection density in the system.

6. System scalability to support emerging technologies

Expandable ODF racks with a modular approach make it simple to add cabinets as the number of fiber connections increases. This allows you to start with cross-connects in a single cabinet. As the installation expands to involve a greater number of connections, more cabinets can be easily added as needed. ODFs that can be deployed in different configurations (e.g. side by side) can grow in the most efficient manner given space constraints