Front Access Fiber Distribution Frame

Front Access Fiber Distribution Frame

A front-access, open-frame optical distribution frame (ODF) for structured fiber patching or combined patching and splicing. Dedicated routing paths organize patch cords and slack while keeping the distribution interface accessible from the front.

THE DESIGN CHALLENGE

High fiber counts need a clear cable path.

In dense optical distribution areas, the frame must accommodate patching work, routing transitions and service loops without turning routine changes into cable-management problems.

The planning question

Where does each fiber go after it enters the rack?

Incoming fibers, patch cords and excess slack compete for space. When routing is not planned as a system, access and tracing become harder during installation or reconfiguration.

The Fibernet approach

Put the routing infrastructure around the frame.

Front-access distribution combines vertical management, an upper cable drop, side-entry routes and a bottom transfer duct for connections within and between frames.

Front-access workDedicated slack pathsInter-rack transfers
FIBER-MANAGEMENT ARCHITECTURE

Designed around the cable route.

Five documented design elements describe how the ODF handles entry, distribution, access and cross-frame routing.

01

Upper duct with controlled drop

Provides an upper cable path and a bend-conscious drop into the frame.

02

Vertical and side-entry management

Routes patch cords along the frame; the side duct includes rear and side openings for cable entry and access.

03

Patching and splicing interface

Supports patch-only or patch-and-splice arrangements using specified drawer accessories.

04

Bottom transfer duct

Allows patch cords to pass between frame sides or across adjoining frames in side-by-side and back-to-back arrangements.

05

Installation flexibility

An adjustable upper bracket supports planned wall or back-to-back rack mounting configurations.

The datasheet recommends 2 mm patch cords for its vertical cable-management arrangement. Cable selection should be confirmed for the intended fiber count and routing layout.
FRAME CONFIGURATIONS

Choose the footprint and drawer count.

Published frame heights, 3U drawer quantities and fiber capacities from the supplied product datasheet.

Frame height Overall height 3U drawers Fiber capacity listed
22U 1.2 m 6 Up to 864 fibers
42U 2.2 m 12 Up to 1,728 fibers
58U 2.6 m 16 Up to 2,304 fibers

Capacities are reproduced from the December 2015 datasheet and depend on the selected drawer/connection arrangement. Confirm the required fiber count and bill of materials before ordering.

Mechanical details

Physical specifications

  • Rack interface: 19-inch, EIA-310 format
  • Width with fiber management: 100 cm
  • Depth: 42 cm
  • Material: AL 5052-H32 aluminum, 2 mm thick
  • Finish: RAL 9005 black
Routing options

Vertical management section

  • Standard: 200 × 251 mm (W × D)
  • Option: 200 × 151 mm (W × D)
  • Option: 300 × 251 mm (W × D)
  • Project-specific selection of routing space
  • GR-449-CORE conformance stated in source datasheet
WHERE IT FITS

Three infrastructure planning scenarios.

The frame is suited to projects in which front-access optical distribution and organized cross-connect routing are part of the installation design.

01 / PATCH-ONLY

Optical cross-connect points

Organize front-facing connection panels and patch-cord paths for fiber distribution.

02 / PATCH + SPLICE

Consolidated fiber termination

Plan splice-and-patch drawers in a common frame with defined slack handling.

03 / MULTI-FRAME

Side-by-side or back-to-back layouts

Use specified bridge and lower transfer routes where adjacent distribution frames must interconnect.

SPECIFY THE CONFIGURATION

From rack height to cable-management format.

The manufacturer’s ordering syntax combines the frame-height code with the vertical cable-management option.

PUBLISHED ORDERING EXAMPLE

FDF-FA22G

42U frame (2.2 m) with 300 × 251 mm vertical cable-management section, as shown in the source datasheet.

Frame codes12 = 22U · 22 = 42U · 26 = 58U
Management codesS = 200 × 251 · T = 200 × 151 · G = 300 × 251 mm

Accessories to confirm in the project BOM

  • HD splice-and-patch drawers
  • Horizontal cable-management elements
  • Upper duct and vertical management sections
  • Bridge connection
  • Patch cords

These items appear under “Accessories” in the source document. Their inclusion in a specific order is not stated.