Revolutionary Network Installation with a Hybrid Termination Box
While fiber used to be known as the go-to option to connect separate locations across long distances, it’s now moving closer to users, permeating buildings and enterprise networks. This concept is known as “fiber-deep” architecture.
From the user perspective, fiber deep improves service and performance: People can confidently use their devices without downtime or delays. They can download and upload faster, enjoy clear streaming and take part in immersive experiences.
From the perspective of those who install fiber, however, its permeation poses some deployment challenges.
Installation Requirements of Fiber-Deep Architecture
Because of fiber-deep architecture, infrastructure is expanding rapidly to support higher bandwidth and power requirements. The ability to scale on demand is the only way companies can support growth and new technology.
But bringing fiber closer to users requires more space—which many buildings don’t have in excess. Every square foot, horizontally and vertically, must be used to its full potential.
As more fiber is deployed, network managers and installers need to be able to add connections in small, tight and unique spaces. Density is critical to optimize square footage and keep operating costs in check.
Many of the systems that support user connections, such optical network terminals (ONTs) and distributed antenna systems (DAS), must now be deployed in new and remote locations. When they’re positioned in these locations to achieve optimal performance, local power may not be readily available or even accessible—even though it’s vital to ensure system functionality.
To overcome this challenge, installers often deploy hybrid cables, which combine fiber (data) and copper (remote power) in one cable so systems can be installed farther from telecom rooms and in spaces that offer no local power. When doing this, however, they have no choice but to install fiber and copper in an enclosure that puts exposed fiber at risk of damage when copper conductors are terminated in the same space.
Because cables come to the enclosure from any direction, density and termination are also difficult to manage.
Proper Termination of Fiber and Copper in the Same Box
Belden noticed a problem with this installation approach—and our customers did, too. There wasn’t an enclosure on the market that would allow them to properly terminate fiber and copper in the same box.
To come up with a solution, we started by talking to installers to learn what they wanted from a hybrid termination box. We heard comments like:
- “We need entry points from as many directions as possible.”
- “Density is a must. We see many deployments where eight fibers and eight copper conductors would be needed—and sometimes even more.”
- “We want copper to be on one side, and fiber on the other side.”
Then we went to work. The result is Belden’s new DuetConnect™ Hybrid Termination Box. It lets installers terminate fiber and copper in the same box without compromising performance—and while safeguarding against damage.
Meet the DuetConnect Hybrid Termination Box
The DuetConnect Hybrid Termination Box solves all the problems installers told us they had with existing termination boxes.
- It makes hybrid cable termination easy, clean and efficient.
- It maximizes protection and performance by separating fiber and copper.
- It supports installation flexibility with multiple cable entry points.
- It enables density, with each module supporting up to four fibers and four copper conductors.
Adding density to the network in the future is simple: Network managers can simply stack one DuetConnect Hybrid Termination Box on top of another for fast and easy expansion of their fiber infrastructure. By stacking three boxes, installers can achieve the highest density available on the market.
Fiber and copper are terminated in a single box while remaining separate, so rework becomes a thing of the past. Because exposed fibers are protected, installers and network managers don’t need to worry about addressing damage caused by copper conductors, saving time.
The two-in-one design of the DuetConnect Hybrid Termination Box also preserves valuable square footage. Walls can even be used as conduits for hybrid cable by installing directly onto a junction box or in plenum spaces.
For environments that rely on passive optical local area networks (POLANs), the enclosure can also act as a termination point for IoT devices.
If you need to carry your power and data farther, the DuetConnect Hybrid Termination Box is just one way we can help.
Learn more about the DuetConnect Hybrid Termination Box.
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About the Author
Sandra Imrazene joined Belden in 2022 as a product manager, bringing years of experience in leadership and technology positions. In this role, she helps manage Belden’s fiber solutions strategy and spur development of new ideas and concepts in fiber based on customer needs. She also helps spearhead Belden’s Enterprise Passive Optical Network Working Group to lead this ever-growing market.