Primary Purposes of Using an In-Line Closure in Fiber Optics
Fiber optics offer amazing networking capabilities over incredibly long distances, powering everything from phone networks to CATV and LANs. They run underground, over aerial wiring and even in submarine applications. As such, they’re exposed to a host of conditions – dry, rocky or sandy; snowy, wet, dusty or hot; and all the environments in between. It’s no wonder that these cables need special protection if they’re going to survive their anticipated lifetimes. That’s where closures come in.
There are several types of Fiber optic in-line closure, and it’s important to choose the correct one for your network deployment. They all perform the same basic functions – they hold fiber cables and fusions – but there are also variations in design, capacity, mounting requirements and more. Choosing the right type of closure can save installers time by ensuring that they’re not carrying unnecessary weight around, supplying extra hardware or adapters that aren’t necessary and more.
A primary purpose of an in-line closure is to house the splice cassettes for a track (or in-line) connection. This can either be for the direct customer connection or to connect to a spur cable for a side or branch cable. A secondary function of an in-line closure is to provide a watertight seal for the splice cassettes and cables. Depending on the type of closure, this can include resistance to rodents and other pests, impact, the presence of water or dirt and more.
What Are the Primary Purposes of Using an In-Line Closure in Fiber Optics?
Closures may be mounted in an underground chamber, attached to a pole or, in some cases, installed with aesthetic considerations in a building porch. They must be able to protect the cables from damage and environmental influences, including mechanical stress and moisture. This means a robust outer casing and the ability to withstand relevant tensile loads imposed upon the body of the closure or the cable ports within it.
Another important consideration when choosing a fiber closure is the flexibility of access and management. Many designs require tight bends to move trays or access the ports, and this could add undue stress to the links and affect performance. Alternatively, some closures have hinged designs that eliminate the need for such tight bends and can avoid exposing cables to excessive stress or damage.
In addition to all of these factors, it’s worth considering the capacity required by the network. For example, the number of cable entry ports and splice cassettes is something that should be carefully considered to ensure the closure can support the expected network growth. It’s also worth checking how easy it will be to reenter the closure. If it’s installed at the beginning of a network distribution system, for instance, it’s unlikely that it will need to be accessed frequently. If, on the other hand, it’s being used as a drop point, frequent reentry will be a requirement. Choose a design that can meet these needs without compromise.