Optical Distribution Frame Modular FLX 1U, 2U or 4U
- Technology
- Fibre optic cables, connectors and assemblies
- Partner
- Lightera (formerly OFS)
The FLX modular optical distribution frame is a versatile fibre optic patching system designed for reliable network termination and management. Available in 1U, 2U, and 4U sizes, it adapts to installations ranging from small equipment cabinets to large data centre racks. Each unit helps organise fibre optic cables and connectors neatly, maintaining proper bend radius and protecting connections from strain.
The modular design means users can start with a smaller frame and expand to larger units as network demands grow, ensuring long-term scalability. Built for 19-inch rack compatibility, the FLX frame suits standard telecom racks and cabinets, making installation straightforward for engineers. Its robust metal construction and professional finish lend durability for use in telecom exchanges, enterprise IT rooms, and other critical infrastructure. In short, the FLX series provides an efficient way to manage high-density fibre patching while simplifying maintenance and future upgrades.
Range features
A high level overview of what this range offers
The FLX modular optical distribution frame is a versatile fibre optic patching system designed for reliable network termination and management. Available in 1U, 2U, and 4U sizes, it adapts to installations ranging from small equipment cabinets to large data centre racks. Each unit helps organise fibre optic cables and connectors neatly, maintaining proper bend radius and protecting connections from strain. The modular design means users can start with a smaller frame and expand to larger units as network demands grow, ensuring long-term scalability.
Built for 19-inch rack compatibility, the FLX frame suits standard telecom racks and cabinets, making installation straightforward for engineers. Its robust metal construction and professional finish lend durability for use in telecom exchanges, enterprise IT rooms, and other critical infrastructure. In short, the FLX series provides an efficient way to manage high-density fibre patching while simplifying maintenance and future upgrades.
- Multiple size options (1U, 2U, 4U) – Choose the ideal frame height for any project, scaling from low to high fibre counts as needed.
- Modular design – Easily add or reconfigure components to expand capacity or adapt to changing network requirements over time.
- 19-inch rack compatible – Standard rack-mount format allows quick installation into telecommunication racks and data centre cabinets without special fittings.
- High-density fibre management – Organises a large number of fibre connections in an efficient layout, with bend-radius control to protect cables and minimise signal loss.
- Integrated splicing support – Accommodates splice trays within the chassis, enabling on-frame fibre splicing and secure slack storage for tidy and safe cable terminations.
- Front-access patching – All connectors and trays are serviceable from the front, simplifying fibre jumper changes and maintenance in space-constrained or wall-mounted setups.
- Durable metal chassis – Rigid steel/aluminium construction with a protective coating ensures long-term durability and shields delicate fibres from physical damage.
- Built-in cable management – Includes cable routing guides and tie-down points that keep patch cords organised, prevent tangles, and maintain proper fibre routing at all times.
Downloads
for Optical Distribution Frame Modular FLX 1U, 2U or 4U
Optical Distribution Frame – Modular FLX Series Datasheet
DownloadWhat’s in this range?
All the variants in the range and a comparison of what they offer
| Specification | 1U Variant | 2U Variant | 4U Variant |
|---|---|---|---|
Height (rack units) | 1U | 2U | 4U |
Maximum fibre connections | 12 fibres (ports) | 24 fibres (ports) | 72 fibres (ports) |
Max. 12-fibre splice trays | 1 tray | 2 trays | 6 trays |
Standard colour | Light grey | Light grey | Light grey |
Operating temperature | -10 to +60 °C | -10 to +60 °C | -10 to +60 °C |
Storage temperature | -25 to +85 °C | -25 to +85 °C | -25 to +85 °C |
Relative humidity (max) | ≤85% (at +30 °C) | ≤85% (at +30 °C) | ≤85% (at +30 °C) |
Atmospheric pressure | 70–106 kPa | 70–106 kPa | 70–106 kPa |
FAQs
for Optical Distribution Frame Modular FLX 1U, 2U or 4U
Each version differs in height and fibre capacity. The 1U frame is the smallest, suitable for up to about 12 fibre connections, ideal for compact installations or initial deployments. The 2U model doubles that capacity (around 24 connections) for medium-sized network hubs. The 4U variant is the largest, handling roughly 72 fibre connections, making it best for high-density applications. All three share the same width and depth for standard rack mounting, so choosing between them mainly depends on how many fibre ports are needed.
The FLX series is designed to handle both patching and splicing neatly within the same unit. Inside each frame, there are provisions to mount splice trays (for example, the 4U can hold up to six 12-fibre trays). This means you can fusion-splice fibre cables and secure the splices right inside the frame, eliminating the need for a separate splicing enclosure.
Additionally, built-in cable management features – such as routing guides and tie-down points – keep fibres organised and maintain proper bend radius, ensuring signal integrity and a tidy setup.
The FLX optical distribution frame accepts standard 19-inch rack mount adapter plates or cassettes, making it compatible with the most common fibre connector types. Typically, you can use adapter plates for LC, SC, ST, FC, or other standard connectors, depending on your network requirements.
The modular design lets you mix and match different adapter plates or pre-terminated cassettes, so you can configure each frame with the exact connector types and fibre counts needed. This flexibility makes it easy to integrate the frame into existing fibre infrastructure or upgrade it in the future by swapping panels.
Yes. The FLX modular ODF series is built to industry-standard dimensions and durability, so it’s suitable for a range of professional environments.
In telecom central office or exchange sites, these frames can manage incoming/outgoing fibre lines with proper organisation and splicing. In data centres, the FLX frames serve as high-density fibre patch panels, connecting equipment racks seamlessly while minimising cable clutter. The front-access design and clear layout are especially useful in data centre installations where space is limited and quick access is needed for moves, adds, and changes.
Overall, the frame’s neutral styling (light grey finish) and standard sizing allow it to blend into various settings from enterprise IT rooms to service provider facilities.
Each FLX distribution frame is delivered ready for rack installation and typically comes with the basic mounting hardware (rack screws or brackets) required to secure it in a 19-inch rack. The frame itself is engineered with integrated cable routing features – for instance, there are often cable entry ports and anchor points where you can attach cable ties or velcro straps to strain-relieve incoming fibre bundles. Most installations won’t require purchasing extra cable management parts, as the chassis provides support for organising patch cords and pigtails neatly.
However, for very specific configurations, optional accessories or additional splice trays (beyond the included ones) may be available from the manufacturer.
The FLX optical distribution frame is constructed from a sturdy metal alloy (commonly steel or aluminium) to ensure strength and rigidity. The chassis typically has a powder-coated light grey finish, which is scratch-resistant and corrosion-resistant for long-term durability. This robust build means the frame can support the weight of cables and adapters without bending, and it protects internal fibres from external impacts or mishandling.
In practice, the FLX frame is designed to withstand the day-to-day demands of network environments – from vibration and dust in telecom rooms to frequent patch cord rearrangements in busy data centres – all while safeguarding critical fibre connections.
The FLX series is primarily intended for indoor use (like climate-controlled rooms or indoor cabinets) rather than direct outdoor exposure. It operates reliably across a broad ambient temperature range (approximately -10 °C to +60 °C) and can handle typical indoor humidity levels (up to 85% relative humidity at 30 °C) without issues.
However, the frame is not a sealed enclosure and doesn’t have an IP-rated weatherproofing, so it’s not suited for wet outdoor conditions or extreme environments without additional protective measures. For outdoor deployments, you would normally place the FLX frame inside a weather-proof cabinet or enclosure that shields it from rain, dust, and temperature extremes.
