What are fiber cassettes?

A fiber cassette is a small module that fits into a patch panel or enclosure. Patch panels are rack-mounted enclosures used for terminating and managing fiber optic cables in high-density environments, such as data centers and telecommunications networks. Other enclosures include wall-mount units and active and passive outdoor cabinets used in FTTH applications.

Fiber cassettes house multiple fiber optic adapters. The adapters connect fiber optic cables with different connector types, such as LC, SC, ST, and MPO. They may also include a splice area that may be configured with supplied fiber pigtails from the back side of the adapter panel, allowing for splicing to the network fiber. The adapters provide a standardized interface for connecting fiber optic cables and allow for efficient and organized fiber optic connectivity.

 

Types of fiber cassettes

There are several types of fiber cassettes available in the market, depending on the specific requirements of the network. Some common types include:

 

MTP/MPO Connector Fiber Cassettes

MTP/MPO fiber cassettes are designed for high-density fiber optic installations. Additionally, each cassette typically contains up to 12 or 24 MTP/MPO connectors. Therefore, these cassettes are ideal for data center applications that require a large number of fiber optic connections in a limited space. They typically provide a breakout interface to the MTP/MPO connectors to separate LC connections on the front side of the cassette to be used for an individual fiber interface to connect to the network

See similar cassettes here: Show Me Cables & Graybar

 

Splice Cassettes

Splice cassettes integrate splicing a network fiber within the cassette with supplied fiber pigtails attached to the back side of the adapter plate. Integrating the splicing and patching within one enclosed package reduces possible damage to exposed fibers. Additionally, this form factor often reduces the rack space required to terminate dozens or hundreds of fibers within a network, which frees up valuable rack space.

See similar cassettes here: All Data Resource & Provantage

 

LC Connector Fiber Cassettes

These cassettes feature LC adapters, which are small form factor (SFF) connectors widely used in high-density applications. Moreover, LC cassettes typically have a higher port density, allowing for more connections in a limited space.

 

See similar cassettes here: OneSource & CDW

 

SC Connector Fiber Cassettes

These cassettes feature SC adapters, which are also commonly used in fiber optic networks. SC cassettes, known for their simple and robust design, are suitable for various applications.

See similar cassettes here: OneSource & All Data Resource

 

What are the benefits of fiber cassettes?

Cable Management: Fiber cassettes provide a structured and organized way to manage fiber optic cables, reducing the risk of cable clutter and tangling. Traditional panels utilizing separate splice trays leave exposed fibers from the tray to the backside of the adapter panels, allowing exposed fibers to be pinched, pulled, or break. A splice cassette, on the other hand, eliminates exposed fibers, which may improve network performance and simplify troubleshooting efforts.

High-Density Connectivity: Fiber cassettes allow high-density connectivity by accommodating multiple fiber optic connections in a limited space. This is especially important in data centers and other high-density environments where space optimization is crucial.

Flexibility: Fiber cassettes easily replaceable or upgradable to accommodate changing network requirements. This allows for flexibility in network design and future-proofing the network for potential upgrades or changes.

Easy Installation and Maintenance: Fiber cassettes can feature a sliding or a rotating mechanism that allows easy installation, removal, or maintenance of adapters. As a result, this simplifies moves, adds, and changes (MACs) in the network, reducing downtime and disruption.

Performance and Reliability: Fiber cassettes protect fiber optic connectors and adapters from dust, dirt, and other contaminants. These pollutants can degrade the performance of the optical signal. This ensures reliable and high-performance fiber optic connectivity.

 

Considerations for choosing fiber cassettes 

When choosing fiber cassettes for a patch panel or enclosure, there are several factors to consider, including:

Connector Type: Consider the type of connectors used in your network, such as LC, SC, or MPO, and choose a fiber cassette that is compatible with those connectors.

Port Density: Determine the number of connections needed in your network and choose a fiber cassette with the appropriate port density, considering the available space in your patch panel.

Fiber Type: Ensure that the fiber type of the cassette matches the fiber type of the cables used in your network, such as single-mode or multimode fibers.

Adapter Polarity: Consider the polarity requirements of your network, such as straight-through, cross-over, or flipped polarity, and choose a fiber cassette that supports those requirements.

Ease of Installation and Maintenance: Look for fiber cassettes with features such as sliding or rotating mechanisms. These connections simplify installation and maintenance tasks.

Quality and Reliability: Choose fiber cassettes from reputable manufacturers. For instance, ones known for their quality and reliability, with durable materials and proper shielding for connectors and adapters.

Cost: Consider the cost of the fiber cassette and associated chassis or housing, along with labor costs, and ensure it fits within your budget, while prioritizing quality and performance for a reliable and efficient fiber optic network. Beyond the Installed First Cost (IFC), consider the Cost of Ownership (CoO). Will the cassette and chassis or enclosure meet your long-term needs? Should you plan on expanding the fiber capacity at the location? How easy will it be to add fiber capacity, and what would the incremental cost be?

 

Conclusion

To sum up, choosing the right fiber cassette for your network may take a little planning. Determining the fiber type, fiber count, and connector type should be the initial steps. Then, review the options. How will the cassettes be utilized in the network? Subsequently, who will use them? Input from all the stakeholders may be beneficial as everyone may have different levels of understanding, function, and expertise. In conclusion, a final decision with input from the entire team is likely to pay dividends in the long-term ownership and operation of the network.

 

Talk to a technical expert today to order the right cassette for your needs.