Choose the right fiber optic splitter types for passive optical network

What is Passive optical splitter?

PLC optical splitter is an integrated waveguide optical power distribution device based on quartz substrate. It is one of the most important passive devices in optical fiber links. It can split an optical signal into two or more. PLC splitters have a variety of splitting ratios, the most common ones are 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32 and 2×64. The products comply with GR-1209-CORE Telcordia GR-1221-CORE.YD/ T1117-2001 standards. There are many fiber optic splitter types, which can meet the connection and splitting needs of FTTH passive optical network OLT and ONT applications.

Importance of plc fiber splitter

In FTTH network, optical splitter plays an important role, which enables multiple users to share a PON. Passive fiber optic splitter adopts (plc) planar lightwave circuit technology and is a low-cost optical splitting solution. It can realize bidirectional conduction, reversible lightwave, and can realize equal and non-equal optical signal transmission. Unlike FBT (fused taper) splitter, PLC splitter has better performance and provides efficient packaging with accurate division with minimal loss.

This article mainly introduces the product differences and applications of different packaging methods of PLC optical splitter, such as: Bare fiber optical splitter, fiber optic tube splitter, abs box plc splitter, lgx splitter, plc splitter cassette type, rack mounted plc splitter, etc.

Optical splitter types

Bare fiber splitter

The bare splitter has no connector at the end of the bare fiber. It is small in size and can be spliced with other optical fibers in pigtail boxes, test instruments and WDM systems. It is commonly used in FTTH, PON, CATV, test equipment and other applications with limited space. The bare fiber splitter has a single-core bare fiber on one end and a ribbon fiber on the other end.

Since bare fiber 250 um is easy to break, it is usually used without a fiber connector. If you need, must add a 0.9mm loose tube longer around 10~20 mm to the end of the bare fiber, and then grind and add a head, which is also more convenient for testing.

Fiber optic tube splitter

fiber optic tube splitter also called blockless plc splitter or mini plc splitter. It looks similar to the bare fiber splitter. But it has a more compact stainless steel tube package to provide stronger fiber protection, and its fiber ends are terminated with fiber connectors. Common connectors are SC, LC, FC and ST types. Therefore, it is not necessary to fuse the fiber during installation. The miniature steel tube splitter is mainly used for different connections of distribution boxes or network cabinets. This is the most popular style currently chosen by European and American customers.

The size of stainless steel tube varies according to the different splitting ratio, but generally 1×8 and 2×8 or less channels use the same tube size of 60*7*4mm.

ABS Type PLC Fiber Optic Splitter

abs plc splitter has a plastic ABS box to protect the steel tube PLC splitter to adapt to different installation environments and requirements. Common plc splitter modules are 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32, etc. It is widely used in outdoor fiber distribution boxes for PON, FTTH, FTTX, PON, GOPN networks. This splitter module box is more commonly used in the Chinese market and Southeast Asian market.

1×16 abs splitter mini type     1×32 abs splitter     FAT-16B fibre access box with 1×8 abs module mini type

Planar lightwave circuit splitter with fanout kits

PLC optical splitter with fan out kit is mainly used for 0.9mm tight buffer fiber, where ribbon fiber can be converted into 0.9mm fiber through a breakout kit. fiber plc with fanout kit includes 1×2, 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, 2×2, 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32, 2×64. Fiber optic adapters can also be used at the input and output ends of this splitter to meet the needs of different sizes of splitters. At present, this type of splitter is basically not used much.

LGX plc splitter

LGX PLC splitter or splitter lgx has a hard metal box or high-strength plastic box outside to place the miniature steel tube splitter. It can be used alone or conveniently installed in a standard fiber adapter panel or fiber distribution box. The standard LGX splitter realizes plug-and-play integration in the network, avoiding various risks during the installation process. It can be operated without a fusion splicer and professional technicians, making it widely used in Southeast Asia and the Middle East market.

Cassette splitter

The input and output fibers of the cassette type splitter are pre-installed on the tray, which is usually directly installed in other optical fiber distribution equipment such as (fiber distribution frame), cross-connect cabinet, etc. FC, SC, ST and LC connectors are optional, and the optical splitting ratio can be 1×16, 1×32 2×32, etc. The cassette plc splitter is widely used in PON networks to realize the splitting of optical signal power.

Rack mount plc splitter

Rack mounted plc splitter can be used for indoor and outdoor applications in FTTX projects, CATV or data communication centers. Rack mount plc splitter are designed and manufactured for installation in standard cabinets, and their specifications fully comply with the requirements of 19 inch standard communication cabinets. Since the rack mounted splitter has a large internal space, it can accommodate steel tube splitter or ABS splitter, and can be customized according to customer needs.

Conclusion

The above types of optical splitters are widely used in PON and FTTH networks. 1xN and 2xN optical splitters are common splitting ratios in specific applications. You can choose the most suitable type according to the project from Yingda.