When designing a backbone distribution system, you will need to include a telecommunications enclosure (TE). A TE can be defined as a:

A TE supports termination and cross-connection of both copper and fiber cabling, and is not limited to copper splice points only.

A telecommunications enclosure (TE), as defined in BICSI TDMM and ANSI/TIA standards, functions as the termination and cross-connect point where backbone cabling from the main or intermediate cross-connect meets horizontal cabling serving work area outlets. It can be deployed in place of a dedicated telecommunications room when building layout, size, or budget constraints make a full room impractical, allowing the distribution system to remain standards-compliant. This dual role as both a backbone-to-horizontal interface and a TR alternative is the defining functional characteristic that distinguishes a TE from other cabling infrastructure facilities.

A TE supports the backbone-to-horizontal cabling interface in addition to cross-connect functions, and is not restricted solely to building cross-connect cabling.

Transitioning cabling from outdoor to indoor environments is the function of an entrance facility (EF), not a telecommunications enclosure.

Storing slack cable is not a defined function of a TE; its purpose is to provide a cross-connect and interface point for active cabling infrastructure.