Category Archives: Cable Management

Get Further Understanding of Keyed LC Connectivity Assemblies

Nowadays, with high speed communication networks evolving quickly, great importance has been attached to data security. Network managers must guard against not only non-contact eavesdropping, but also physical intrusion or tapping of the cables. Any of these security threats can result in serious problems or great economic loss. Luckily, keyed LC products can provide the security necessary to limit authorized physical access to the network and prevent inadvertent or malicious access. Maybe you may feel a little surprised at this. How keyed LC products can achieve it? Now let’s get together to know more about the keyed LC connectivity assemblies.

What Is Keyed LC Connectivity System?

The keyed LC system is a small form factor (SFF) connection system which allows manageable and easily identifiable network segregation by using a range of physically unique keyed connector and adapter combinations. Each color stands for a unique pattern, which ensures that only the same-colored products can be connected to support the data link. With this special characteristics, keyed LC components are perfect for high density networks and can effectively reduce some wrong connections caused by accident mistakes.

Overview of Keyed LC Connectivity Assemblies

There are many kinds of keyed LC connectivity products in fiber optic communication. Each of them has different specifications and applications. And they comprise a range of network equipment to enable deployment of a high performance low loss network. Now, here is a brief overview of these connectivity assemblies members.

Keyed LC Fiber Optic Patch Cables

Keyed LC fiber optic patch cable, also called secured LC fiber patch cable, is a critical element in the keyed LC connectivity products assemblies. The LC connectors on both ends of the cable have specific color codes and functional keyed features to identify and manage restricted network connections, which ensure the data security at the mechanic level. Keyed LC fiber patch cable should be used with the same colored fiber adapters or fiber adapter panels. Because each color represents a unique keying pattern that only allows matching same color mating. This is how keyed LC fiber patch cable can provide data security for the fiber optic network.

keyed-LC-Fiber-Optic-patch-cable

Keyed LC Fiber Optic Adapters

Keyed LC fiber optic adapter has the similar features with keyed LC patch cables. Each adapter is color coded for identification and features a mechanical key, preventing users from accidentally wrong connections. Besides, our keyed couplers utilize a ceramic sleeve suitable for both single-mode and multimode applications. The keyed LC adapters are widely used in Telecom/Datacom, CATV (Community Antenna Television), FTTH(Fiber to the Home), premises distribution and Gigabit applications.

Keyed-LC-Fiber-Optic-Adapters

Keyed LC Fiber Optic Adapter Panels

Keyed LC adapter panels with specific color and functional keyed features can identify and manage restricted network cross-connections. Generally, keyed LC fiber optic adapter panels are widely used in restricted fiber cross-connect systems, network-specific backbone and horizontal cross connections.

Keyed-LC-Fiber-Optic-Adapter-Panel

Keyed LC Fiber Optic Cassettes

Keyed LC Cassettes usually support restricted network applications in the data center, equipment room, and telecommunications room. They are designed to prevent unauthorized and inadvertent changes in highly sensitive applications. FS.COM keyed HD MTP/MPO cassettes that have several fiber types provide mechanical security and prevent inadvertent cross connection between MTP and LC discrete connectors.

Keyed-LC-Fiber-Optic-Cassettes

Of course, except for what I have mentioned above, there are other keyed LC connectivity assemblies such as keyed LC connectors, keyed LC pigtails and so on.

Conclusion

With the application of Keyed LC components, networks can be effectively limited to certain groups, access levels or customers in a co-location environment. This provides an increased level of security and stability by protecting against incorrect patching of circuits. What’s more, there are 12 different colors of the keyed LC products available in Fiberstore, you can build a satisfied keyed LC system by choosing what you like here.

Fiber Termination Box – Solution for FTTH Network

In the FTTH network, cable management is a real task. In order to transmit signals to multiple terminations, large amount of optical pigtails are used in the cabling system. A solution must be found to solve the problem of cable routing. Luckily, the advent of fiber termination box has efficiently handled the crux by accommodating and protecting the fiber cables.

Specifically, fiber termination box (FTB), namely optical termination box (OTB), is a kind of fiber optic management product used to distribute and protect the optical fiber links in FTTH Network. Owing to its compact and small size, it is also considered to be the mini version of fiber optic patch panel or optical distribution frame (ODF). The number of ports in fiber termination box is varied from 8 ports to 96 ports, you may choose the right box according to your cable needs.

Fiber Termination Box Types
  • Wall Mount vs. Rack Mount

In terms of different designs, fiber termination box can be classified into wall mount and rack mount types. Wall mount fiber termination box is a perfect solution to be used in building entrance terminals, telecommunication closets, main cross-connects, computer rooms and other controlled environments. It is a suitable device for pre-connectorized cables, field installation of connectors and field splicing of pigtails.

wall-mount-FTB

Rack mount fiber termination box is designed for cross-connect and interconnect architecture which has interfaces between outside plant cables and transmission equipment. And the box unit provides space for fiber splicing, distribution, termination, patching, storage and management.

rack-mount-FTB

  • Indoor vs. Outdoor

With regard to wall mount fiber termination box, it has another two classifications of indoor and outdoor types. Obviously, this is categorized according to the installation site. As the transition point between the riser and the horizontal cable, indoor wall mount fiber termination box offers the operator with optimal flexibility. It serves as the storage place for extended and terminated fibers or as the splice point for spliced fibers.

indoor-wall-mount-FTB

Outdoor wall mount fiber termination box is also used for fiber splicing, termination, and cable management. But its enclosure is usually sealed to prevent cables from environmental damages in FTTH network.

outdoor-wall-mount-FTB

Applications

Fiber termination box is typically applied to telecom equipment room or network equipment room. It is also available for the distribution and termination connection for various kinds of fiber optic systems, and is especially suitable for mini-network terminal distribution in which the optical cables, patch cores or pigtails are connected.

Distinctions Between Fiber Termination Box and Fiber Splice Tray

Sometimes, people may mix the fiber termination box with fiber splice tray due to the similar inside structure. Besides other applications, fiber termination box is often used as the terminal junction where a single cable is spliced into multiple optical pigtails that have connectors at one end and no connector at the other end. Sometimes, fiber splice tray is inside the fiber termination box to contain the spliced fibers. But it can also be employed for independent use to protect the spliced fibers. Thus, these two devices are not interchangeable.

Conclusion

In conclusion, fiber termination box is an important device used for protecting and distributing optical fiber links. The utilization of fiber termination box greatly eases the stress of cable management in FTTH network. Wall mount both indoor and outdoor FTBs and rack mount FTBs are widely deployed for optical communication infrastructures. Of course, a right selection will also contribute to your network.

Take Cable Management Seriously

In a data center, it is common to see messy cables all over the place. Finding out the right cable becomes a nightmare. However, there are also good examples for well-organized cables that eliminate all the redundant operations due to cable mess. Typically, cable management is a solution used for the installation of equipment in order to secure cables for electrical services. An orderly data center will greatly enhance the working efficiency and ordinary people are more willing to work in a tidy environment. Therefore, cable management is very necessary for data center cabling.

cable management

Bad Cable Management and Good Cable Management

Benefits of Cable Management

With the help of cable management, there are many advantages that facilitate the work in data center:

1) Ease of Cable Connection

A good cable management can not only provide access to cables but also to devices they are connected to. If cables are tangled together, it will increase the difficulty for handling devices. And working hours are extended for a simple task. But if your cables are well-managed, the connection between cables and devices will be clear to see so as to finish work in a shorter time.

2) Avoid the Risk of Fire

If cables are not under maintenance for a long time, sparks will be easily caused in tangled cables. And the worst result will be a fire. In addition, when a person passes by the cable mess, he is more likely to be stumbled by the cables. Thus the risk of fire is also immensely increased. To avoid such situation, cable management takes an important role for fire safety.

3) Convenient Troubleshooting

While doing the routine troubleshooting in data center, cable testing is one of the steps. However, a huge amount of messy cables makes such a simple task into a complicated one and you have no idea how long it will take to finish the job. But thanks to cable management, you can easily maintain and change cables in order. The process is more convenient if cables are organized well.

Suggestions for Good Cable Management
1) Let in Airflow

Enough airflow will reduce the temperature of surroundings and components for lowering the risk of fire. But the tangled cables will block the air from flowing. Therefore, sorting out the cables to leave enough space for air flowing is very essential. Also, fans can be used as a way to create sufficient airflow to cool down the temperature more promptly.

2) Clean the Dust

A good cable management is always along with dust cleaning. If too much dust enters through the components, the efficiency of devices will be influenced. But the best part for a good cable management is that the open surfaces exposed to dust are greatly reduced, so the cleaning process is a lot easier.

3) Neat Appearance

First impression is always important for the judgment of a good cable management, thus keeping a nice appearance is necessary. The basic rule of managing cables is to make them in a neat order. Then a little imagination can be added to make the appearance more creative.

4) Use Proper Tools

Proper tools are needed for cable management because they can improve the efficiency of your work. Tools like cable wrap, screwdriver, wire scissors, pliers, cable ties, rubber band, etc. are recommended. These instruments makes the process more convenient and easier.

Conclusion

You may think of cable management as a tedious and time-consuming task. But as for the long-term benefit, it can prevent the device from damage and save time for routine maintenance. Thus better take it seriously to the best of your work in the data center.

Introduction to Fiber Optic Splicing

During the actual operation of fiber cables, fiber optic splicing is often needed to achieve the connection between optic fibers. To be specific, fiber optic splicing is a process to combine the ends of optic fibers together. And only one end of each individual fiber is required. There are mainly two types splicing methods: the mechanical splicing and the fusion splicing. The article will introduce these two splicing methods and their particular steps of splicing.

What Is Mechanical Splicing?

Mechanical splicing is using the alignment devices to hold two fiber ends in a precisely aligned position. This enables the light to pass freely through one fiber to another fiber. In this method, the joint is not permanent. Two fibers can still be split after the signal transmission. Mechanical splicing has a low initial investment but costs more for each splice.

Mechanical-Splicing

What Is Fusion Splicing?

Fusion splicing is using the professional machine to joint two optical fibers ends together. The splicing machine will hold the fibers to align them in a precised position, then using heat or electric arc to fuse or weld glass ends together. This enables the permanent connection between two optic fibers for a continuous light transmission. Fusion splicing needs a much higher initial investment but costs less for each splice than mechanical splicing. In addition, this method is more precised than mechanical splicing, which produces lower loss and less back reflection due to the seamless fusion splice points.

Fusion-Splicing

Four Steps of Mechanical Splicing:

1. You need to prepare the fiber by peeling off the outer coatings, jackets, tubes, etc. to just expose the bare fiber. And you much keep the cleanliness of fiber in case of failing the later transmission.

2. You need to cleave the fiber.

3. You need to joint the fibers mechanically with no heat. Just connecting the ends of fiber together inside the mechanical splice unit and the device will help couple the light between two fibers.

4. You need to protect the fiber during the light transmission. Typically, the completed mechanical has its own protection for the splice.

Four Steps of Fusion Splicing:

1. The same as mechanical splicing, you need to strip the outer materials to show the bare fiber. And cleanliness is also required as an important preparation.

2. You need to cleave the fiber. A much more precised cleave is essential to the fusion splice. The cleaved end must be smooth and perpendicular to the fiber axis for a proper splice.

3. You need to splice the fiber with heat. Manual or automatic alignment can be chosen according to the device you are using. A more accurate splice can be achieved if you use a more expensive equipment. Once properly align the fusion splicer unit then you can use an electrical arc to melt the fibers, and permanently weld the two fiber ends together.

4. You need to protect the fiber from bending and tensile forces. By adopting the heat shrink tubing, silicone gel and mechanical crimp protectors can prevent the fiber from breakage.

Conclusion

Fiber optic splicing is important for fiber connections. Two different methods of mechanical splicing and fusion splicing are usually used for splicing. In order to complete the splicing process, many professional tools are required. For example, fiber optic cleavers is deployed for the cleaving step. Fusion splicers is deployed for the fusion splicing method to connect the fibers and optical fiber aligners is deployed for the alignment to enable the light transmission. Fiberstore provides all the above equipment. For more information, please visit the official website at FS.COM.

Guide to Choose a Suitable ODF

As the wide deployment of fiber optic cables, the cable management is quite important. To keep fiber optical cables in well managed condition, various optical distribution frames (ODF) are recommended. ODF are used to connect and schedule cables. A suitable ODF is critical for good cable management. Then how to choose ODF?

cable-managment

ODF Overview

An ODF is a frame used to provide cable interconnections between communication facilities, which can integrate fiber splicing, fiber termination, fiber optic adapters & connectors and cable connections together in a single unit. It can also work as a protective device to protect fiber optic connections from damage. Most ODFs provided in the market almost have the same function with different shapes and specifications. To choose the right ODF is not an easy thing.

Types of ODF

According to the structure, ODFs can mainly be divided into three types, namely wall mount ODF, floor mount ODF and rack mount ODF.

Wall mount ODF (shown in the following picture) usually looks like a small box which can be installed on the wall and is suitable for fiber distribution with small counts. Floor mount ODF adopts closed structure. It is usually designed with relatively fixed fiber capacity and nice appearance.

Rack mount ODF (shown in the following picture) is usually modularity in design with firm structure. It can be installed on the rack with more flexibility according to the fiber optic cable counts and specifications. This kind of optical distribution system is more convenient and can provide more possibilities to the future variations. Most of the rack mount ODF is 19’’, which ensures that they can be perfectly installed on to the commonly used standard transmission rack.

Guide to Choose ODF

There are many factors to be considered when choosing an ODF not only the structure types. The following will tell more factors as the guide for you to choose a suitable one.

Fiber Counts: as the number of fiber connections in places like data center increases, the need for high density ODF becomes the trend. Fiberstore provides ODFs with 24 ports, 48 ports and 144 ports. And we also offer customized service for customers.

Manageability: high-density is the good but management is not easy. ODF should provide an easy management environment for technicians. The basic requirement is that ODF should allow for easy access to the connectors on the front and rear of those ports for insertion and removal. This requires that ODF should reserve enough space. In addition, the color of adapters installed on the ODF should be consistent with the color code of fiber optic connectors to avoid wrong connections.

Flexibility: as mentioned above, rack mount ODF is relatively flexible during applications with the modular design. The adapter port on ODF is also flexible to increase the flexibility. For example, an ODF with ports of duplex LC adapter can be installed with duplex LC, SC or MRTJ adapters. An ODF with ports of ST adapter can be installed with both ST adapters and FC adapters.

Protection: ODF integrates fiber connections in it. The fiber connections like splicing joint, fiber optic connectors are actually really sensitive in the whole transmission network and can directly influence the stability and reliability of the network. Thus, a good ODF should have protection device to prevent fiber optic connections from damages produced by dust or stress.

Conclusion

ODF is an important equipment to reduce the cost and increase the reliability and flexibility of fiber optic network during both deployment and maintenance especially for the high density network. To choose a right ODF you must consider the applications and management. And there are many factors like structure, fiber counts and protection to be considered when choosing a suitable ODF. What’s more, you should also consider the future needs for the network expansion to avoid the waste of original equipment.

Excellent Solution to Fiber Patch Cable Management

Recently I saw many people be in trouble in fiber patch cable management, usually see them stack the cables casually, many people will have the feeling of a mess and always envy other people can do it well, maybe today’s article can give you a lot of help and don’t have to be jealous of other people’s good work.

Fiber patch cords have the possibility to be the weakest link in the fiber optic network, usually in order the finish optimum performance and reliability we must observe true procedures in the administration of the fiber patch cords, the best solution will be the smallest cost and changes or moves. In the fiber patch cable management, the voice connection should be also careful. Well, let’s tell you detailed procedures.

patch cable management

When we receive the request from the administration, be sure that you know the introduction and design of the fiber cabling and you should also know that if you have fiber patch cords that can match to the stalled cabling, the reason is that fiber optic cables have different types and they should be distinguished. Then choose suitable length of fiber cable. The length depends on its points of connection. It is the shortest one that does not obstruct or interfere with other cords and connectors on the fiber patch panels, avoiding running cords and connectors on the panel. The next step is that tight the fiber patch cords, it will be pulled on connectors and too much slack complicates cable management, making the fiber patch panel more difficult to operate in. At the fiber patch panel, the patch cables equally toward both sides of the vertical cable management channels to prevent overloading one side. Be careful not to mix up cords of different core diameters. Additionally, cords must be of the same or higher bandwidth as the behind-the-wall cabling. Before the patching, there is a point we need to remember, it is cleaning the connector, the cleaning parts include connector ends on patch cords, connector ends on panels, connector ends on network equipment, as for how to clean different types of the fibre optic connector, such as fibre optic sc connector, fibre optic lc connector…We mentioned it in our Fiberstore’s blog, if you are interested in it, welcome to visit Fiberstore’s blog. For example, exceeding the bend radius can result in significant additional loss and adverse impact on channel performance. For example, mpo fiber cable, the minimum bend radius is ten times the core diameter. Take care not to use excessive force during the patching process. This can stress cords and connectors, reducing their performance. If you need to go to force in pulling a cord, something is wrong. If the existing core is the right length, it may be possible to re-use it. If this is the case, remove the cord completely and re-run it in through the cable pathways. This is the only guaranteed way to ensure there are no tangles, kinks or strains in the cord. The final step is to update the documentation of the as-built configuration and close the work order associated with the completed change request.

The above contents are the summary of fiber patch cable management steps, if there are some trouble when you are putting into the practice, welcome to discuss with us, and the related fiber optics that i mentioned in this page, such as various of fiber cables, fiber connectors, fiber adapters even fiber patch panels, you all can find from Fiberstore. Look forward to your coming.