Fibre Optic Break Out Trays (FOBOTs) are an essential part of a telecommunications network. They are a central component that allow optical fibres to be safely secured, managed and distributed. This guide aims to cover FOBOTs comprehensively, including their functions, tips for use and the various types that are available. With this information, you will be able to choose the right FOBOT for your business’ telecommunication infrastructure.

A FOBOT vs Patch Panel: What’s the Difference is a type of organisational hardware that manages and protects the terminals of fibre optic cables. FOBOTs contain the delicate splices where individual fibres are joined together, and structures the overall cable management of the network. They protect the optical fibres in the cabling, improving the strength and reliability of connections.

FOBOTs and fibre optic patch panels both manage fibre connections, but they are used for different purposes in a network. A patch panel is a static switchboard that connects optical fibres. Patch panels enable you to reroute the path of optical fibres, whether that involves performing interconnections or cross-connections.

A FOBOT protects and organises spliced fibre connections. FOBOTs are usually located where cables terminate and require splicing to other cables or to reach equipment. They are used to secure and protect delicate splices, allowing the fibres to be branched out to a range of destinations.

The main aim of a FOBOT is to organise, distribute and protect fibre optic cables in a network. To help achieve this, FOBOTs feature:

• Protective sleeves to ensure the safety of spliced fibre optic cables
• Routing guides to prevent damage to the fibres through acute bending
• Fibre management trays to organise the cabling
• Various connectors and adaptors that allow them to house a variety of fibre optic splices.

There are several different types of FOBOTs, each catering to different needs for fibre optic cable protection, management and distribution.

Fixed tray FOBOTs are the simplest way to manage fibre optic cables. The management tray is fixed in place, meaning the splices inside are completely protected. However, this restricts fixed tray FOBOTs to uses where there is little need to frequently change or maintain the fibre optic splices.

Swing out FOBOTs feature a swinging tray that allows separation from the rack for easier access to the fibres. This suits an application where changes to the splices are frequent, or the splices being performed require more access.

Slide-out FOBOTs feature a sliding tray, providing the best possible access to the fibre optic cables. They are ideal for networks where space is limited and regular access is necessary.

There are a number of things to take into consideration when choosing a FOBOT for your telecommunications network. Choose the right solution for your business by considering:

• The frequency and the type of access that you require. If regular access is required to perform complicated maintenance, a slide-out FOBOT may be for you.
• The budget you have for a FOBOT system
• The number of cables and connectors that will be running through the FOBOT
• Whether you need a front- or rear-mounted rack
• The level of dust in the area
• The bend radius of your cables, to avoid damaging them when they are spliced in the FOBOT

4Cabling stocks a wide range of fibre FOBOTs to suit a variety of applications. Our FOBOTs range in size from 2-port to 96-port, meaning you’ll be able to find a FOBOT to suit your fibre network. Contact us today for more information on our products, or to place an order.