The evolution and advancement of High Density Fibre Optic infrastructure networks

The demand for high-density solutions has been driven primarily by Data Centre and Telecom Carrier environments striving to minimise floor space requirements, better utilise cable duct space, and improve fibre optic cable management, protection, and security. Cable construction methods have evolved, leading to increased cable densities, which present further challenges for network operators and necessitate enhanced cable management solutions.

The miniaturisation of components and connector types, including connector interfaces such as LC/UPC and LC/APC, as well as multi-fibre push-on connectors (MPO/MTP), has also fuelled the need for high-density solutions.

Recent increases in density within Data Centre and Telecommunications networks place significant importance on the quality and design features of the Optical Distribution Frame (ODF). The ODF can make or break the network’s ability to handle a large volume of connections while providing the essential level of scalability.

As such, a key piece of infrastructure in a high-density fibre optic network is the ODF. An ODF allows for simplified troubleshooting, cable management, and the redirection of services in an effective and efficient manner. Deploying an ODF with the appropriate high-density Optical Fibre Termination Panels (FTPs) will significantly increase density and allow the network to scale effectively.

Important considerations for selecting a leading fibre management solution incorporating the ODF, associated FTPs and hardware are:

• Understanding the end-to-end solution and its potential scalability
• Line cable entry and break-out/management of tubes to various FTPs
• Patch cord management, routing and storage
• Segregation and management of different cable types (stranded, flexible ribbon, pre-terminated distribution)
• Ease of fibre management, splicing and/or patching and selection of FTPs
• Overall density requirements for beginning and end of life of the network
• Mounting and securing the ODF and understanding the physical environment
• Distribution and management of fibre cables within the Data Centre & Telecommunication environments
   

When designing an end-to-end solution and selecting a product mix, it is important to consider every aspect of the active equipment and passive network cabling infrastructure, including the following:

• Line cable type being used: loose tube, flat ribbon, rollable ribbon, riser/distribution; cable capacity, construction type, etc.
• Whether it’s a splice/patch solution, pre-terminated patch-only requirement, or a combination of both
• Connector interface requirements — LC, SC/A, MTP^®/MPO (other high-density connector types are also available)
• Physical security requirements
• Network configuration and terminations to internal distribution cable or top-of-rack infrastructure
   

The answers to these questions will then determine the requirements for the following product sets:

• Optical Distribution Frames (ODFs)
• Fibre Termination Panels (FTPs)
• Top and/or bottom cable entry
• Cable breakout devices
• Slack storage and management
• Patching and cabling distribution systems
• Trunk cabling
• Patch leads and accessories
   

For instance, understanding the incoming line cable construction type and capacity will help determine and select the correct method for breaking out/dividing cable sub-units and how to effectively manage this cable within an ODF. For example, a 1728-fibre cable may vary between manufacturers, which might require a different ODF entry point and cable breakout and management device.

In addition to terminating incoming line cable, an ODF may also be used to distribute internal tie cabling, including microcore fibre cable, which can be either spliced into pigtails or form part of a pre-terminated MTP/MPO cabling solution. These functions may be performed within a single ODF, or they may be performed in an adjacent or nearby ODF.

An ODF should be able to terminate, manage and distribute low/medium/high/ultra high density cable types from the outside plant and manage the transition to patch cords or internal distribution cable, including tight buffered or microcore fibre optic cable. For larger core count cables (>144F), incoming line cable needs to be generally broken out into smaller sub-units in the ODF to allow for transitioning to transport tubes.

The following high-density fibre capacities are generally available and most common:

• Loose tube/stranded fibre — 72 fibres, 144 fibres, 288 fibres, 360 fibres, 576 fibres, 720 fibres, 864 fibres
• Flat Ribbon — 144 fibres, 288 fibres, 432 fibres, 576 fibres, 864 fibres
• Spider Web/Flexible ribbon — 864 fibres, 1728 fibres, 3456 fibres, 6912 fibres
• Pre-terminated microcore cable (MPO/MTP) — 12 fibres, 24 fibres, 36 fibres, 48 fibres, 72 fibres, 96 fibres, 144 fibres
   

Ensuring the ODF has the capacity to not only accommodate high-density cables but also to break out and safely manage each tube is crucial. Another critical consideration is the type of FTPs used in an ODF or rack, as this will significantly impact the overall density of the solution.

There are numerous factors to consider when designing and building these types of networks, and the team at WBT can assist you every step of the way. To learn more, please contact our friendly sales team at sales@wbt.com.au for a free product demonstration or trial.