ODN Solution

ODN Network & Quick ODN Solution: Reliable Pre-Terminated Fiber Deployment for FTTH

Explore ODN and Quick ODN Architectures, Including Fiber Optic Cable, PLC Splitters, and Fiber Distribution Boxes for Efficient FTTH Network Deployment

1. What is an Optical Distribution Network?

An Optical Distribution Network (ODN) is an important component within fiber access networks (FTTx). The ODN is responsible for carrying optical signals from the Optical Line Terminal (OLT) in the Central Office to the end-user's Optical Network Terminal (ONT). The ODN uses passive optical elements that facilitate the distribution of optical signals.

Traditional ODN solutions have utilized fiber splicing and equal ratio splitters for network builds. These traditional deployments have proven stable and highly adopted in Fiber to the Home (FTTH), Fiber to the Building (FTTB), and Fiber to the Curb (FTTC) scenarios.

ODN Components & Products

(1)Feeder Network Components

OLT： Converts electrical signals into optical signals.

ODF： Connects fiber from the OLT to other fiber cables, enabling network expansion and maintenance.

Fiber Optic Cable： Main transmission medium from OLT to OCC.

Optical Cross-Connect： Houses splitters and manages fiber connections.

PLC Splitter： Primary 1×2, 1×4, or 1×8 splitters to distribute optical signals.

Splice Closure： Protects fiber splicing points.

(2) Distribution Network Components

Distribution Fiber Cable： Transmits fiber signals from OCC to FAT.

Fiber Distribution Box (FDB)： Secondary distribution point for fiber.

PLC Splitter： Secondary splitters (1×8, 1×16) inside FDB.

(3) Drop Network Components

Drop Cable： Connects FAT to ONT.

Fiber Access Terminal (FAT)： Terminal point before ONT installation.

ONT： Converts optical signals to electrical signals for end-user devices.

2. Quick ODN: The Future of Optical Distribution Networks

What is Quick ODN?

Quick ODN is a more advanced, efficient alternative to ODN, specifically designed to allow for fast fiber deployment. Quick ODN uses prefabricated Modular pre-terminated fiber cables, modularity, and plug-and-play installation, which mitigates time-consuming splicing required in the field and network complexity. Quick ODN has drastically increased deployment speed, lowered labor costs, and made a more reliable network.

Traditional ODN vs Quick ODN (Pre-Terminated ODN)

Traditional ODN relies mostly on either manual fiber splicing or on using mechanical connectors, both of which have downsides:

Time-consuming installation – Fiber splicing needs skilled technicians.

More associated failures – Mechanical connectors corrode and fail over time, and fiber optic connections become disconnected and lose signals.

More maintenance issues – Regular opening of enclosures weakens waterproof sealing, leading to long-term reliability concerns.

Unequal Ratio Splitters: Optimizing Fiber Utilization & Reducing Costs

In conventional ODN networks, the splitters are often of an equal ratio (e.g., 1:2, 1:4, 1:8, 1:16) such that each user receives the same optical power. This can be wasteful since different areas may differ in user density and bandwidth requirements.

How Unequal Ratio Splitters Work

In contrast to standard equal splitters, unequal ratio splitters vary the distribution of optical power according to demand. For instance:

70% of the optical power is sent to users located further away.

30% of the optical power is shared locally before further splitting.

This greatly reduces fiber usage-for four splitters, only one fiber between unequal ratio splitters is required instead of four.

Advantages of Unequal Ratio Splitters

● Decreased fiber usage & cost savings – Cut fiber deployment costs by reducing cables.

● Better signal distribution – Provides reliable signal strength for users at longer distances and prevents waste.

● Flexible for various deployment models – Great for Low, Medium, and High density situations.

Quick ODN's Unequal Ratio Splitter Deployment Models

● Low density models (rural/suburban) – 4 port FAT

● Medium density models (residential/commercial) - 8 port FAT

● High density models (office/industrial) - 16 port FAT

Pre-Terminated ODN: Enhancing Stability & Reducing Failure Points

Studies show that 90% of ODN network failures occur at fiber connection points, especially in Fiber Access Terminal (FAT) boxes where splitters are installed. In traditional ODN setups, frequent opening of enclosures for maintenance leads to:

● Fiber damage – Frequent disconnection weakens fiber integrity.

● Reduced waterproofing – Constant exposure to weather conditions degrades seals.

● Higher maintenance costs – Increased labor and downtime for repairs.

How Quick ODN Pre-Terminated Solutions Solve These Issues

● Fully sealed enclosures – Pre-connected fibers mean no need to open boxes, preserving waterproof integrity.
● IP68-rated protection – Ensures durability in harsh environments.
● Plug-and-play fiber connections – Eliminates on-site splicing, reducing installation time and errors.
● Easier installation, lower labor costs – Standard workers can complete the deployment without advanced fiber splicing skills.