Optical Distribution Box (ODB) in FTTH Network

Optical Distribution Box (ODB) in FTTH Network: ODB used in FTTH network to provide an intermediate connection or interfacing point between telecom industry main fiber optic entrance cable facilities and the building's fiber optic cabling system on the customer side. ODB install in the customer building's main equipment room that is normally referred to as “telecom company equipment room”.

ODB also serve as the testing point for the telecom company incoming fiber cables and customer's in-building fiber optic cabling system facilities.The Customer’s ODB used for the termination of the customer's in-building fiber optic cabling system facilities and equipment.

ODB Installation

Optical distribution box ODB in FTTH network

Technical Requirement of ODB

The ODB equipment should suit the needs of the company. ODB equipment must be compatible with company installation standards and operation and maintenance practices. ODB equipment allow termination, splicing, storage and management of optical fibers within the system. Like FTB the ODB design and constructed suitable for indoor installations, either flush-mounted or surface-mounted on concrete walls.

Installation of the ODB equipment require only simple hand-tools. No heavy toolkit required for the installation of ODB. Generally all optical connectors and through-adapters are LC/APC type, single-mode.

ODB equipment employ a fiber management system such that all fibers are properly routed and secured. All points in the fiber path shall maintain a minimum bending radius of 30mm. ODB equipment shall be designed such that it can be installed and operated when only front access is available.

ODB equipment shall be of high quality design, workmanship and finish. All components of the ODB shall be free of sharp edges or other defects that may detract from the service requirements of the equipment.

All metal parts of the ODB equipment shall be protected against corrosion. ODB shall be protected against dust and water drip. In fact all material used in the ODB shall be non-toxic and dermatologically safe.

Design of Optical Distribution Box (ODB)

ODB equipment shall be designed according to the requirements specification details mentioned below-

Types of (ODB) Equipment: Configuration of ODB know as ODB Type-1,ODB Type-2,ODB Type-3,ODB Type-4,ODB Type-5. Termination capacity of ODB Type-1 is 12-position, ODB Type-2 is 24-Position, ODB Type-3 is 36 - Position, ODB Type-4 is 48 - Position and ODB Type-5 is 96 - Position.

ODB Housing:  Material used for ODB Metal boxes shall be 1.5 mm sheet steel, powder coated and an acceptable flammability rating.

Size of ODB: Generally ODB available in below size-

➥ODB Type 1 & 2; 250(H) x 300(W) x 100(D),
➥ODB Type 3 & 4; 300(H) x 350(W) x 120(D),
➥ODB Type 5; 400(H) x 400(W) x 150(D).
The OSB shall be suitably sized, corresponding to the number of fiber terminations or splices, to allow efficient fiber management and easy access to all components.

ODB has proper and suitable Entry & Exit holes for cables and patch cords. It has sufficient number of grommet entry holes or knock-out inserts shall be provided at top and bottom panels for the full complement of incoming cables. Used or unused entry holes shall be kept sealed to prevent ingress of dust & insects.

ODB has exit holes for sufficient number of grommet entry holes or knock-out inserts shall be provided at top and bottom panels for the full complement of patchcords. Used or unused entry holes shall be kept sealed to prevent ingress of dust & insects. It has also two lockable covers, one each for the patching side and splicing side.

Patch Panel for ODB

Type of patch panel used in ODB is the LC panel for mounting LC-type adapters. I have already mentioned above the termination capacity of the ODBs are 12, 24, 36, 48 or 96 fiber terminations.

Splice Tray of ODB made-up of high quality plastic or corrosion-free metal plate. Type of splice holder used in ODB are Snap-on type for heat-shrink splices protector and it has splice capacity each tray is 12 fusion-spliced fibers, minimum. Fiber bend radius can be consider inside the ODB tray is 30 mm, minimum.

Adapter or (Thru-Connector) for ODB

Type of adapter used in ODB is LC through-adapter, green in color (supplied with end caps).

Insertion loss is 0.1 dB (typical) to be considered in ODB..

Type of fiber compatibility-Single mode. Types of mounting used in ODB is LC coupling square flange, fixed by means of 2 screws. Adapter housing used durable plastic or other approved equivalent.

ODB Accessories

Accessories used in ODB are Pigtails-Pigtails with LC/APC connectors shall be provided as the followings to terminate the incoming drop cable:

➥12 units for ODB 12F.
➥24units for ODB 24F.
➥36 units for ODB 36F.
➥48 units for ODB 48F.
➥96 units for ODB 96F.

Pigtail shall be supplied conforming to the standard and requirements (Pigtail LC/APC, 0.9mm Diameter). Pigtails shall be number-labeled at both connector and splicing ends for easy identification.

Splice protection sleeve: Heat-shrinkable sleeve used in ODB, for fusion splice. Generally Splice protection sleeve length used 40 mm or 60 mm. Splice protection sleeve assembly Shall compose of stainless steel needle, hot-melt adhesive tube, and a cross linked polyethylene heat- shrinkable tube.

Protective tube set: Protective tube set type used spiral tube, white, 1m long, 15-17 mm inside diameter. It provide routing and protecting pigtails.

Other ODB Requirements

➤Each of the ODB components shall be packed such that they all form a complete unit, meeting the installation requirements.

➤ODB equipment and its accessories shall be covered with a protective material to prevent scratching or damage during shipping or storage, prior to placing the items into the packing carton.

➤The individual ODB equipment packages may be multi-packed in strong, weather resistant carton boxes suitable for shipping, handling and storage. The weight of each multi-packed carton shall not exceed 25 kg.

➤ODB equipment shall be completely assembled (ready to install) with mounting kits and the following components/parts:

➥Box type housing, equipped with base and cover.
➥Patch panel.
➥Splice trays, equipped with splice holders.
➥Adapters.
➥Number labels.
➥Cable clamp hardware.
➥Fiber guide rings or clips.

➤The accessories for the ODB equipment shall consist of the following items:

➥Number of required Pigtails, single mode, LC/APC connector.
➥Number of required fusion spliced protection sleeves.
➥Protective tube set.
➥Adapter caps.

➤Each unit of ODB equipment shall be supplied with complete installation instructions, in English, for the assembly of parts, the mounting methods, and the installation, routing and connections of pigtails, patch cords, loose tubes, and excess fibers.