A fiber connection box, also known as a fiber optic junction box, termination box, or distribution box, is a crucial component in fiber optic networks. It houses and protects the connections and terminations of fiber optic cables, providing a central point for managing and organizing the fiber optic lines. These boxes come in various forms, designed for both indoor and outdoor use.
Types of Fiber Connection Boxes
Several types of fiber connection boxes exist, each serving a specific purpose:
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Optical Network Terminals (ONTs): Often called "fiber boxes," ONTs are located inside homes and connect the fiber optic cable to the internal network. They receive the optical signal from the external fiber optic cable and convert it into a usable signal for home networking equipment.
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Outdoor Fiber Distribution Boxes: These are designed for external use, protecting the fiber optic connections from the elements. They're often mounted on walls or poles and used to distribute fiber signals to multiple locations.
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Fiber Termination Boxes: These boxes provide a secure and organized way to terminate the ends of fiber optic cables, often including splice points for joining different fiber optic strands.
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Junction Boxes: Junction boxes serve as connection points within a fiber optic network, allowing for branching or splicing of fiber optic cables.
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Wall-Mounted Boxes: These indoor boxes are designed for easy installation and provide a neat way to manage fiber connections within a building.
Functionality and Uses
Fiber connection boxes are essential for several reasons:
- Protection: They shield fiber optic connections from environmental factors like moisture, dust, and physical damage.
- Organization: They provide a structured and organized way to manage and maintain fiber optic cables.
- Distribution: They facilitate the distribution of fiber optic signals to multiple locations or devices.
- Termination: They allow for the safe and reliable termination of fiber optic cables.
- Splicing: Some boxes allow for the splicing of fiber optic cables, making repairs or extending networks easier.
Examples include Delock's 86543 Optical Fiber Connection Box, which can accommodate up to four SC Simplex or LC Duplex fiber optical cables. Google Fiber also uses a network box as part of its self-installation process. Various companies like Fiber Savvy and GAO Tek also offer a range of outdoor and indoor fiber distribution units and termination boxes.
