What Do You Know More about Fiber Optic Patch Panel?

There are many people very confused about fiber patch panel, they usually ask me about it in my google+ (ada janie’s google+), so today’s article will give the detailed explanation about what fiber panel is and how it works in cable management.

What Is Fiber Panel?

First, we need to know, Fiber patch panel also called ODF (optical distribution frame), some people like to call as this. it is designed for fiber optic communications center room to develop fiber optic wiring devices, cable fixing and protection features fiber optic cable end of contract function, line control function, fiber optic cable core, and fiber optic pigtail protection function. In simple terms, fiber optic patch panel’s function is to terminate the fiber optic cable and provide access to the cable’s individual fibers for cross connection.

A basic fiber panel is typically made up of a metal frame that encloses the adapter panels, the connector coupler and a splice tray. The fiber optic cables connect to the panels through the coupler. One side of the panel is usually fixed, meaning the cables aren’t disconnected at any point. The other side of the panel is reserved for cables that can be connected and disconnected to arrange the wire circuits as needed. The splice tray allows cables to be neatly arranged in the fiber optic panel.

Uses of Fiber Panel

Fiber optic patch panels are commonly used in fiber optic management unit. When you install and manage the fiber optic links, you may encounter hundreds or even thousands of fiber optic cables and cable connections. There are two types of fiber-optic panels: wall-mounted and rack-mounted. Wall mount fiber optic patch panel use the inside fiber optic adapters and patch cables, fiber optic pigtails to realize the function of optical fiber distribution. They are also used for protective connections for the fiber cables and pigtails. Wall mount fiber patch panels are mainly used in fiber optic cabling and user terminal applications. Rack mount fiber optic patch panels are used to terminate and distribute optical fiber cables, they are convenient equipment to organize and connect the fiber optic links. Except this, Fiber optic patch cable also can be divided into different types according to different connectors, such as MTRJ patch panel, ST fiber patch panel, SC fiber patch panel, LC fiber patch panel… or can be divided to 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96 port fiber optic patch panel.

24 port fiber Panel

Not all fiber network cables use the same type of cables or connectors, so fiber optic panels usually have several adapter types to accommodate for this. If the fiber optic panel doesn’t provide the type of adapter, one will have to be added between the adapter on the panel and the cable with the different adapter type. This can be done using either a conversion cable or a hybrid adapter. A conversion cable is simply a cable with the two different types of adapters on either end, and the hybrid adapter is one piece that connects directly to the panel. Fiber optic panels usually have several adapter types built in, and higher-end panels often have the majority of the hybrid adapters already installed.

Conclusion

Fiber panel is a kind of important supplementary equipment in the optical transmission system, mainly used for the cable end of contract of the optical fiber blend splicing, the optical connector is mounted, the optical path adjusting pick excess pigtail storage and protection of the cable, which for the safe operation of the optical fiber communication network and the flexibility people plays an important role.Finally, if you still have some problems about it or you want to have a test about this product, there are Patch Panel Manufacturers I can provide to you, go to FS.COM and try to it.

Related Articles: 
Best Patch Panel Cable Management Techniques
How to Use Fiber Patch Panel for Better Cable Management
Fiber Patch Panels: Network Necessities
What Is a Patch Panel and Why Do We Need It?