What does "splice tray" refer to?

A splice tray is an essential component in fiber optic installations used to organize and protect fiber splices. When fiber optic cables are spliced together, this can introduce vulnerabilities if not managed properly. The splice tray serves to securely hold those splices in place, preventing damage from environmental factors or handling. It typically has designated channels or compartments that keep the fibers secured and orderly, facilitating maintenance and future access if needed.

In contrast, connectors serve a different purpose by joining two fiber optic cables end-to-end, enabling the signal to flow between them, which is why they are not referred to as splice trays. Signal boosting devices are used to amplify the optical signal over long distances in a network, rather than serving a protective or organizational role. Tools designed for cutting fiber optic cables are vital during installation but focus solely on the preparation process, rather than the ongoing management of splices. Therefore, the definition of a splice tray aligns perfectly with the need to maintain organized and protected splices within a fiber optic setup.