Knowledge about fiber media converter that you should know

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Fiber media converters is an indispensable network data transmission equipment, then what is optical media converter, it has what composition, what role does it play in the data dissemination process?

 

Fiber media converters include three basic functional modules: optical media conversion chip, optical signal interface (optical media converter module) and electrical interface (RJ45), if equipped with network management functions, including network management information processing unit. It is an Ethernet transmission Media conversion module that converts short distance twisted-pair signals and long distance optical signals to each other and is also called a fiber converter or Ethernet media converter. It generally applies to Ethernet cables that cannot be covered, it is necessary to use optical fiber to extend the actual network environment of transmission distance, and it is usually positioned in the access layer of broadband Metropolitan Area Network, and it also plays an important role in helping to connect the last kilometre of fiber line to the metropolitan area Network.

 

In some large-scale enterprises, the network construction directly using fiber for the transmission medium to establish the backbone network, and the internal LAN transmission medium is generally copper, how to achieve LAN connected with the fiber backbone network? This requires different ports, different Linear, different fiber between the conversion and to ensure the quality of the link.  The emergence of fiber-optic media converter, allows the twisted pair of electrical signals and optical signals to each other to ensure the smooth transmission of packets between the two networks while extending the network transmission distance from the copper wire from 100 meters to more than 160 kilometers (Single-mode fiber).

 

What are the basic features of a fiber media converter?

Fully transparent to the network protocol.

Provide ultra low delay data transmission.

Supports Ultra wide working temperature range.

 

Using ASIC chip to achieve data line speed forwarding. The programmable ASIC centralizes many functions on a chip, which has the advantages of simple design, high reliability, and low power consumption so that the equipment can get higher performance and lower cost.

 

Provide network management equipment to diagnose, upgrade, status report, abnormal Situation Report, and control function, can provide complete operation log and alarm log.

 

Rack-type equipment can provide hot-swappable functions for easy maintenance and uninterrupted upgrades.

Supports a variety of transmission distances (0~160 km).

 

The Media Converter Rack adopts the dual power supply design, supports the ultra wide power supply voltage, realizes the power protection.

 

What kinds of fiber media converters are available?

There is a wide range of fiber optic media converters that can be categorized in different ways.

 

According to the properties of an optical fiber can be divided into Multimode fiber media converter and Single-mode fiber media converter. Because of the use of different fiber, media converter can transmit the distance is not the same, Multimode fiber media converter general transmit distance between 0.5 km to 2 kilometers, and the single mode fiber media converter coverage can range from 20 km to 120 kilometers;

 

According to the number of optical fiber required can be divided into Single fiber (WDM) optic media converter, receiving data sent in a single strand fiber transmission; Dual Fiber optic media converter, receiving sent data on a pair of optical fiber transmission.

 

According to the work level/rate, can be divided into single 10M, 100M fiber media converter, 10/100M adaptive Fiber media converter, and 1000M fiber media converter.

 

According to the structure, can be divided into desktop (stand-alone) fiber media converter and card-type optical media converter. Stand-alone fiber media converter Suitable for a single user, such as a single switch in the corridor to meet the upper allied. Card-type (modular) optical media converter suitable for multi-user convergence, such as the central room of the community must meet all the switches in the upper allied.

According to network management can be divided into management type optical media converter and non-network management type Optical media converter.

 

According to the power type can be divided into: internal power optical media converter, the built-in switching power supply for the telecommunications application; external power supply Optical media converter, External transformer power is used in civilian equipment. The former advantage lies in the ability to support the ultra wide power supply voltage, to better achieve voltage regulator, filter, and equipment power protection, reduce the mechanical contact caused by external fault points; the latter has the advantage that the equipment is small and inexpensive.

 

Divided by the way of work: Full-duplex refers to when data is sent and received streaming, by two different transmission lines, respectively, the communication between the two sides can be sent and received at the same time operation, such a transmission is full duplex system, Full-duplex mode without the direction of the switch, therefore, there is no switching operation caused by the time delay; Half-duplex refers to the use of the same transmission line both as a receiving and sending, although the data can be transmitted in two directions, the communication between the two sides can not send and receive data, such a transmission is half duplex system. In a Half-duplex mode, the transmitter and receiver of each end of the communication system are transferred to the communication line by the receiving/sending switch, and the direction is switched, thus the time delay is generated.

 

These are some of the basic knowledge of optical media converter, we should have a basic understanding of fiber media converter in the application before fiber cabling to avoid any trouble.

What is industrial fiber optic transceiver

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Definition of Industrial Fiber Optic Transceiver

 

Industrial fiber optic transceiver also called as hardened fiber optic transceiver or hardened industrial grade fiber optic transceiver, it refers to the optic transceiver with rugged connectors and extended operation temperature of -40°C to 85°C in an harsh industrial environment, such as industrial fiber media converter or Ethernet Switches for the application of industrial and factory automation,outdoor applications,rail and intelligent transportation systems (ITSs),marine,oil and gas,mining etc. Unlike commercial grade fiber optic transceiver, this one must be designed with field-hardened components including two optical subassemblies, an electrical subassembly, and the housing, and tested to handle operating temperatures between -40°C and 85°C to avoid causing any premature failure of the product.

 

Types of Industrial Fiber Optic TransceiverRAD SFP-3H Compatible 100BASE-EX SMF 1310nm 40km Industrial SFP Transceiver

 

Industrial 1×9 SC/FC/ST Optic Transceiver

Industrial SFP Optic Transceiver

Industrial GBIC Optic Transceiver

Industrial XFP Optic Transceiver

Industrial SFP+ Optic Transceiver

Industrial SFF Optic Transceiver

Industrial XENAPK Optic Transceiver

Industrial X2 Optic Transceiver

Industrial CWDM/DWDM Optic Transceiver

 

Applications of Industrial Fiber Optic Transceiver

The industrial fiber optic transceiver is specified used for Industrial Ethernet networks such as Industrial fiber media converter, Industrial Ethernet Switches. The application environments include industrial and factory automation, outdoor applications, rail and intelligent transportation systems (ITS), power utility substations, marine, oil and gas, mining and health care delivery etc. This industrial fiber optic transceiver ensures the highest level of durability and adaptability of industrial Ethernet equipment under harsh environmental conditions.

What is XENPAK Transceiver ?

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XENPAK is a multi-source agreement (MSA) for a 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10GbE) transceiver package. It’s the oldest 10G fiber optic transceiver. XENPAK transceivers are designed with XAUI interface and Digital Diagnostic Monitor Interface, which comply with the XENPAK MSA protocol and satisfy the application of 802.3ae Ethernet protocol 10GB. XENPAK transceivers are supplied for physical layer interfaces supporting multi-mode and single mode fiber optic cables and InfiniBand copper cables with connectors like as CX4. Transmission distances vary from 100 meters (330 ft) to 80 kilometers (50 mi) on fiber and up to 15 meters (49 ft) on CX4 cable. Newer XENPAKs using the 10GBase-LX4 standard operated using multiple wavelengths on legacy multimode fibers at distances of up to 300 meters (980 ft), eliminating the need to reinstall cable in a building when upgrading certain 1 Gbit/s circuits to 10 Gbit/s.

 

The XENPAK form factor was initially supported by numerous network equipment manufacturers and transceiver optics vendors. However, advances in technology led to more compact form factors for 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications. Soon after the standard was introduced in 2001, two related standards emerged: XPAK and X2. These two standards have the same electrical interface as XENPAK (known as XAUI) but smaller mechanical properties. XENPAK was replaced by X2 or SFP+ transceiver that providing higher port density and most of the transceiver vendors stop to provide to the market. Nowadays, however, there is quite few Ethernet switch or routers with Xenpak port worked, a Xenpak to SFP+ converters was produced to meet the needs.

 

Types of XENPAK

Classified by Applications: XENPAK CWDM, XENPAK DWDM, Dual fiber XENPAK, XENPAK BIDI

Classified by Distance: CX4 for 15m on copper, SR for 300m, LRM for 220m, LR for 10km or 20km, ER for 40km, ZR for 80km.

Passive Optical Network (PON) Knowledge Introduction

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A Passive Optical Network (PON) is a system that transmits all or most of the fiber cabling and signals to end-users. Depending on where the PON terminal is located, the system can be described as fiber-to-the-curb (FTTC), fiber-to-the-building (FTTB), or fiber-to-the-home (FTTH).

 

The optical distribution network does not contain any electronic devices and electronic power supply, ODN splitter consist of the passive components, and other components do not require expensive active electronic devices. A passive optical network includes an optical line terminal (OLT) installed at a central control station and a set of optical network units (ONUs) installed at customer side. The Optical Distribution Network (ODN) between the OLT and the ONU contains optical fibers as well as passive optical splitters or couplers.

 

The structure of the PON system is mainly composed of an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) at the ca0rrier’s office, an Optical Distribution Network (ODN) including passive optical components, an ONU (Optical Network Unit / ONT (Optical Network Terminal). The difference is that the ONT is directly located at the user end, and there are other networks between the ONU and the user, such as Ethernet) and the network element management system (EMS), and usually adopts point-to-multipoint Tree topology.

 

Introduction

Fiber is so cheap and easy to use, so FTTx (Fiber To The X, fiber access) as a new generation of broadband solutions are widely used to provide users with high-bandwidth, full-service access platform. The FTTH (Fiber To The Home, FTTH, the fiber is directly connected to the user’s home) is also known as the best business transparent network, is the ultimate way of access network development.

 

The FTTx is how to work? In many kinds of schemes, P2MP optical access mode PON (Passive Optical Network, passive optical network) is the best choice. PON is an optical distribution network (ODN) which is applied to an access network, an OLT and a plurality of client devices (ONU / ONT) through passive optical cables, optical splitters/combiners, etc., Connected network. As shown on the right.

 

• OLT (Optical Line Terminal, optical line terminal)

• ONU (Optical Network Unit, optical network unit)

• ONT (Optical Network Terminal, optical network terminal)

• ODN (Optical Distribution Network, optical distribution network)

 

Both the ONU and the ONT belong to the user equipment. The difference between them lies in that the ONT is located directly on the user end, and there are other networks between the ONU and the user, such as Ethernet.

 

The key point of “passive” is that the ODN between the OLT and the ONU is an optical access network without any active electronic equipment. Because of this “passive” feature, the purely PON network can avoid electromagnetic Interference and lightning effects reduce line and external device failure rates, improve system reliability, and reduce maintenance costs.

 

PON technology began to develop in the 1990s, ITU (International Telecommunication Union) started from APON (155 M), developed BPON (622 M), and to GPON (2.5 G); meanwhile, in this century, due to Ethernet technology widespread application, IEEE also developed EPON technology in Ethernet technology. At present, PON technologies for broadband access mainly include EPON and GPON, and the two adopt different standards. The future development is higher bandwidth, such as EPON / GPON technology has developed 10G EPON / 10G GPON, the bandwidth has been a higher upgrade.

 

Click here to learn more about the difference and comparison between GPON and EPON 

 

PON Features

The complexity of PON lies in the signal processing technology. In the downlink direction, the switch sends the signal is broadcast to all users. In the uplink direction, each ONU must use some kinds of multiple access protocols such as TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) protocols to complete the shared transmission channel information access. Currently used for broadband access PON technologies are: EPON and GPON.

 

PON Standards

• ITU-T G.983

APON (Passive Optical Network), This is the first passive optical network standard, which is based on ATM and is mainly used in commercial applications. BPON (Broadband Passive Optical Network),  This is an APON-based standard that adds support for WDM, dynamic and high-speed uplink bandwidth allocation, and endurance. BPON also created a management interface standard OMCI, authorized between the OLT and ONU / ONT hybrid supplier network.

 

• IEEE 802.3ah

EPON or GEPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network), This is an IEEE / EFM standard for data using Ethernet packets. The 802.3ah standard is now part of the IEEE 802.3 standard and there are now about 15 million EPON ports in use. In 2008, China vigorously developed EPON technology. It is estimated that as of the end of 2008, China had a total of 2 million EPON installation users.

 

• ITU-T G.984

GPON (Gigabit PON, Gigabit Passive Optical Network), This is a BPON standard development. GPON supports higher rates, enhanced security and optional Layer 2 protocols (ATM, GEM, Ethernet). In mid-2008, 900,000 lines had been installed by the company, and British Telecom And AT & T are conducting advanced trials.

 

• IEEE P802.3av

10G-EPON (10 Gigabit Ethernet PON) is an IEEE dedicated project that is backward compatible with 802.3ah standard EPON in order to achieve 10 Gbit/s. 10Gig EPON will use separate wavelengths for 10G and 1G downstream. 802.3av will continue to be isolated using separate wavelength TDMA for uplink between 10G and 1G. 10G-EPON will also be WDM-PON compatible (as defined by WDM-PON).This allows multiple wavelengths to be used in both directions It is possible.

 

• SCTE IPS910

RFoG (RFoverGlass) is an SCTE interface practice subcommittee standard for point-to-multipoint (P2MP) operation with wavelength planning compatible data PON solutions such as EPON, GEPON or 10Gig EPON.

 

PON technology status

The traditional downlink data flow of PON system adopts a broadcasting technology, and the uplink data flow uses TDMA technology to solve the problem of multiplexing signals in each direction of multi-user. The traditional PON technology uses WDM technology to implement single-fiber bidirectional transmission on optical fibers and solve the multiplexing transmission of signals in two directions. PON generally by the optical line terminal (OLT), optical splitter (ODU), the user terminal (ONU) 3 parts. Currently, PON technologies widely used in the current network include two mainstream technologies, EPON and GPON. The bandwidth for EPON uplink and downlink is 1.25 Gbit / s, the downlink bandwidth for GPON is 2.5 Gbit / s, and the uplink bandwidth is 1.25 Gbit / s.

 

Currently, in the actual FTTx application scenario, most EPON / GPONs only have an Ethernet interface, and POTS and 2M interfaces are optional. However, from the technical standards, EPON / GPON can achieve multi-service access such as IP service and TDM service and realize QoS classification.

 

EPON / GPON can transmit the clock synchronization signal. The frequency synchronization signal can be extracted from the external line through the STM-1 interface or the GE interface of the OLT. In this case, the OLT needs to support synchronous Ethernet, and can also be input from the external BITS on the OLT device The clock signal, as a common clock source of the PON, is kept in frequency synchronization with the clock source.

 

PON Standards Development

Although 10G EPON and PON have not yet been commercialized on a large scale, the PON technology at a rate of more than 10 Gbit / s is the focus and hot point of the research of ITU-T and FSAN in the past two years. The relevant technical standards of XG-PON1 have become mature, NG-PON2 standard after XG-PON1 ITU-T related standards for GPON, XG-PON1, and NGPON2 The framework has basically been completed. The emphasis on recent multi-wavelength extensions is the focus of recent technical studies where FSAN has identified TWDM-PON as the technology of choice for NG-PON2 in the future, but the G. multi-standard that standardizes multiple technologies in ITU-T SG15 has also been largely completed.

 

PON Advantages

• Energy consumption

Imagine the ongoing costs of energy-inefficient equipment and equipment needed to operate in traditional Ethernet LANs and the additional energy costs to cool or heat the closet space. Achieving More Than 50% Savings by Eliminating Active Switches, Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) Devices, and Additional Power Demand is a year-by-year cost-effective annuity.

 

• Save space

The PON architecture requires a separate data center room, with splitters on each floor, usually hidden in a maintenance or electrical cabinet. Traditional Ethernet closets require more than 100 to 200 square feet of floor space per floor, and these spaces are returned to customers for functional or even potential revenue-generating space. Just reducing the weight of the ceiling wiring is amazing. BICSI announced that the traditional 114-port copper Ethernet design required 890 pounds of copper and fiber optic backbone; in contrast, the 114-port PON design required only 180 pounds of fiber optic cable, about one-fifth the size of a traditional design.

 

• Installation Savings

Which sounds easier? Installing and Terminating (5) Category 6A UTP cable to each hotel room, or (1) Fiber optic cable in each room … Each floor without cable tray, rack, and traditional cabinet. Few components require grounding and coding, and fire through holes are much smaller and less expensive.

 

• Safety

Passive optical networks LANs are naturally more secure than Ethernet LANs for the simple reason that optical fibers are not as conductive as copper. Unfortunately, electronic-based services are known as security risk points because copper emits electromagnetic radiation (EMR) signals. These signals contain all the information copper carries at the time and can be intercepted and reconstructed on nearby devices.

 

• Speed and bandwidth

We have already mentioned the potential of speed and bandwidth, which is why in the 90s we wanted to achieve the “fiber to the desktop” dream. The reality now is that, for example, new hotels that have moved to PON are now gaining the benefits of improved high-speed Internet access (HSIA) performance from their guests, improving customer satisfaction surveys and increasing occupancy rates.

What is Fiber Optic Adapter

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What is Fiber Optic Adapter?

Fiber optic adapters (also known as Fiber couplers, Fiber Adapter ) are designed to connect two optic cables together. They have a single fiber connector (simplex), dual fiber connector (duplex) or sometimes four fiber connector (quad) versions. The optical fiber adapter can be inserted into different types of optical connectors at both ends of the optical fiber adapter to realize the conversion between different interfaces such as FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO and E2000, and is widely used in optical fiber distribution frames (ODFs) Instruments, providing superior, stable and reliable performance.

 

Features of Fiber Optic Adapter

The optical fibers are connected by an adapter through its internal open bushing to ensure the maximum connection between the optical connectors. In order to be fixed in a variety of panels, the industry also designed a variety of finely fixed flange.

 

Transformable optical adapters are available with fiber optic connectors of different interface types on both ends and provide a connection between APC faceplates. Duplex or multi-adapter adapts to increase installation density and save space.

 

Fiber Optic Adapter types

FC Fiber Optic Adapter

This fiber optic adapter was first developed by Japan NTT. FC is an acronym for FERRULE CONNECTOR, indicating that its external reinforcement is the use of the metal sleeve, fastening the way for the buckle. The earliest, FC type connector, the docking end of the ceramic pin. Such connectors are simple in structure, easy to operate and easy to manufacture. However, the fiber end face is more sensitive to dust, and it is easy to produce Fresnel reflection and it is difficult to improve the return loss performance. Later, this type of connector has been improved, the use of docking the spherical end of the pin (PC), while the external structure has not changed, making the insertion loss and return loss performance has been greatly improved.

 

SC Fiber Optic Adapter

This is a kind of optical fiber connector developed by Japan NTT Corporation. The shell is rectangular, the pin and the coupling sleeve used in the structure of the same size and FC type. One end of the pin to use more PC or APC grinding method; fastening method is the use of plug pin type, without rotation. Such connectors are inexpensive, easy to plug and unplug, low insertion loss variations, high compressive strength, and high installation density.

 

DIN47256 Fiber Optic Adapter

This is a connector developed by Germany. The pins and coupling sleeves used in this connector are the same size as the FC type and the PC process is used for the end face processing. Compared with the FC type connector, the structure is more complex, and the internal metal structure has a control pressure spring to prevent the end face from being damaged due to the excessive insertion pressure. In addition, this connector has higher mechanical accuracy and therefore smaller insertion loss values.

 

MT-RJ Fiber Optic Adapter

MT-RJ started with the MT connector developed by NTT with the same latching mechanism as the RJ-45 type LAN electrical connector. Alignment of the optical fiber with guide pins mounted on both sides of the small bushing made it easy to communicate with the optical transceiver Machine connected to the connector end of the optical fiber for the dual core (0.75MM spacing) array design is mainly used for data transmission next generation high-density fiber optic connectors.

 

LC Fiber Optic Adapter

The lc-type connector is a well-known BELL (Bell) Institute of research and development, the use of convenient modular jack (RJ) latch mechanism made. The pins and sleeves used are half the sizes used for normal SC, FC, etc., at 1.25mm. This will increase the density of fiber optic connectors in fiber distribution frames. Currently, in the single-mode SFF, LC type of connector has actually occupied the dominant position, the application of multi-mode is also growing rapidly.

 

MU Fiber Optic Adapter

The MINIATURE UNIT COUPLING connector is the world’s smallest single-core fiber optic connector developed by NTT based on the currently used SC-type connector. The connector uses a 1.25MM diameter sleeve and self-holding mechanism, the advantage is that it can achieve high-density installation. NTT has developed the MU connector family with MU’s L.25MM diameter bushings. They have socket type connectors for optical cable connections; backplane connectors with the self-holding mechanism and simplified sockets for connecting LD / PD modules and plugs Wait. Demand for MU-type connectors will also grow rapidly as fiber-optic networks become more capable of larger bandwidths and DWDM technologies are widely used.

 

MTP/MPO Fiber Optic Adapters

 

Unlike the single-core SC fiber optic adapters, the SC fiber optic adapters are internally equipped with a ceramic ferrule that is precisely aligned through the ferrule when the SC connector ferrule is connected, while the MPO / MTP adapter is connected using an MPO / MTP Precise connection of two guide holes with a diameter of 0.7mm and a guide pin on the left and right ends of the ferrule. MPO / MTP adapters are widely used in communication system base stations, optical fiber distribution frames (ODFs) in building rooms, MPO / MTP cassette module, and various test instruments.

Do you know the transceiver laser types?

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Lasers are the core devices of optical transceivers, which injecting current into semiconductor materials and injecting laser light through the photon oscillations and gains in the resonator. At present, the most commonly used lasers are VCSEL, FP, and DFB laser. The difference between them is that semiconductor materials and resonator structures. DFB lasers are more expensive than FP lasers. The optical modules of transmission distance within 40km generally use VCSEL, FP lasers; transmission distance ≥ 40km generally use DFB lasers. Do you know all the transceiver laser types? Let us learn this knowledge.

 

LED Laser

Light-emitting diode referred to as LED. Made of a compound containing gallium (Ga), arsenic (As), phosphorus (P), nitrogen (N). Visible light is emitted when electrons recombine with holes and thus can be used to make light emitting diodes. In the circuit and equipment as a light, or composed of text or digital display. Gallium arsenide diode red, gallium phosphide diode green, silicon carbide diode yellow, gallium nitride diode blue. Due to the chemical nature of organic light-emitting diode OLED and inorganic light-emitting diode LED.

 

For optical fiber communication systems, LEDs are the best light source of choice if the multimode fiber is used and the bit rate is under 100-200Mb/s while only requiring input optical power of tens of microwatts. Compared with the semiconductor laser, because the LED does not need thermal stability and light stabilization circuit, so the LED drive circuit is relatively simple, its production cost is low, high yield LED emission spectrum line light, poor directivity, its own response speed Slow, so only for the lower speed communication system. The LED laser commonly used in 155M 1×9 multimode transceivers.

 

VCSEL Laser

Vertical-Cavity Surface-Emitting Laser (VCSEL) is a type of semiconductor laser whose laser is perpendicular to the top surface It is made of a separate chip that is generally cut with a slit, and the edge-emitting laser is different from the edge-emitting laser. VCSELs typically use 850nm wavelengths for short-range transmission of Gigabit Ethernet to 10GbE SR multimode fiber.

 

VCSEL laser has many advantages over edge-beam lasers in the production process. Edge-beam lasers cannot be tested after production. If an edge-emitting laser does not work, it is a waste of processing time and material processing time, either because of poor contact or poor material growth. However, VCSEL can be tested its quality and troubleshoot any manufacturing process. For example, if the paths between the dielectrics are not completely and cleanly connected, the top metal layer is not in contact with the test metal layer during the pre-packaged test and the test result is incorrect. Further, since the laser light emitted from the VCSEL is perpendicular to the reaction zone, and edge emitting laser light emitted in parallel to the reaction zone contrary, there can be tens of thousands of VCSEL to be processed on a three-inch large gallium arsenide chip simultaneously. In addition, even though VCSELs require more labor and finer material in the manufacturing process, more predictable production results can be controlled.

What is Power-over-Ethernet (PoE)?

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PoE Definition

Short for Power over Ethernet, PoE is a standard that allows Ethernet cables to simultaneously transmit data and power using a single network cable. This allows system integrators and network installers to deploy powered devices in locations that lack electrical circuitry. PoE eliminates the expense of installing additional electrical wiring which entails hiring professional electrical installers to ensure that strict conduit regulations are followed. Typical PoE users are businesses adding to their network or adding VoIP phones in buildings where new power lines would be expensive or inconvenient.

What are the advantages of Power over Ethernet?

Cost savings– PoE significantly reduces the need for electricians to install conduit, electrical wiring, and outlets throughout the enterprise.   With PoE, only one cable – a simple CAT-5 Ethernet – is required.
Quick Deployment– PoE simply requires plugging in networking cabling to the proper equipment in order to function correctly.
Flexibility– Network administrators can deploy powered devices at nearly any location. Shielded cabling can be used for outdoor environments. Industrial-grade powered devices can be used for industrial environments.
Safety– Because PoE utilizes a relatively low voltage, it presents low risks of electrical hazards.
Reliability– PoE falls under IEEE’s strict 802.3 standard umbrage.
Scalability– PoE makes it simple to add new equipment to a network.

PoE Applications

VoIP phones
IP cameras
Wireless Access Points
PoE lighting
ATM machines
IP Intercoms
Security Card Readers
IP Clocks
Vending Machines

802.3af and 802.3at PoE Standards

There are currently two PoE standards available. The 802.3af standard supports 15.44 watts of power. But even though 802.3af Powered Sourcing Equipment (PSE) are able to transmit 15.44 watts of power, powered devices (PDs) can only reliably receive 12.95 watts of power due to power dissipation. In 2009, IEEE introduced the higher powered 802.3at standard, also known as PoE+. The standard supports 30 watts of power, but in a similar fashion to the 802.3af standard, power dissipation causes powered devices to receive slightly lower amounts of power, specifically 25.5 watts of power.

IEEE is currently overseeing yet another higher powered PoE standard. As the utility of PoE expands beyond the networking sector, higher powered PoE will be able to support nurse call systems, the point of sale systems, IP turrets used by financial traders, and higher powered IP cameras such as PTZ Cameras, among many other applications. 802.3bt, also known as PoE++, the new standard is expected to be ratified in early 2017, will utilize all four twisted pairs to transmit power. The 802.3bt standard will be able to achieve 49-70 watts of power using this method. The new standard will essentially combine both Mode A and Mode B to achieve the higher voltage. Some sources even site that the standard will be able to supply up to 100 watts of DC power. This newer standard will not only allow for higher power but will also be able to support 10 Gbps connections. Type A specifies for 60W (50 watts of power) and Type B specifies for about 100 watts of power (approximately 80 watts of power with power dissipation).

40G & 100G Optical Transceivers Basics

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A recent report from market research company LightCounting talks about the 40G & 100G optical transceivers basics, here are the details.

40G and 100G have two main types in the data center. Short reach (SR4) for ~100 meters transmission on multimode fiber and Long Reach (LR4) for 100 meters to 10km using single-mode fiber. We can use SR/LR transceivers to connect compute clusters and various switches layers in data centers. 40G transceivers are typically deployed as four 10G lanes in QSFP or CFP MSAs. 40G SR transceiver uses 8 multi-mode fibers, VCSEL lasers, and the QSFP MSA. Using edge-emitting lasers and multiplexes the four 10G lanes onto two single-mode fibers, 40G LR4 reach a 10km distance per CFP MSA, CFP/2 or QSFP28 MSAs. The 40G SR4 and LR4 transceivers can be used in the same QSFP switch port without any issues.

 

100G SR10 transceivers use 20 multi-mode fibers, VCSELs and the CXP MSA, the 100G LR4 transceivers uses CFP form and 2 single-mode fibers. The 100G SR10 CXP transceivers and AOCs are typically designed for the link of large aggregation and core switches at <50 meters. Since 2008, 40G QSFP transceivers and AOCs have been available, but until 2012, several transceiver companies announced CXP 100G SR transceivers.

The Top 5 structured fiber optic cabling faults

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1. Cause: Intermittent faults – Unidentified intermittent faults are amongst the most common and damaging issues that affect structured cabling networks. Faulty patch leads and broken or malfunctioning outlets are typical causes of this frustrating and puzzling problem, but identifying the lead or outlet that’s misfiring can be a headache in itself.

Effect: Valuable resources are wasted.

2. Cause: Wi-Fi problems – Wi-Fi can present a host of challenges when installed incorrectly – from poor coverage to intermittent connectivity. Connecting multiple devices that use conflicting Wi-Fi standards is a common cause of many problems. Equally, the Wi-Fi devices themselves may be faulty or installed in the wrong position. If neither of these factors are the cause of your issues, check if you’ve connected new Wi-Fi devices with outdated cabling.

Effect: Workforce efficiency and productivity plummet.

3. Cause: Disorganization and disorder – Structured cabling networks often become disorderly over time as multiple firms are called in to install, maintain and repair them, resulting in a confused and jumbled system. A disorganized structured cabling network can also be the result of sloppy workmanship, where engineers haven’t taken enough care during the implementation process. Untidy patching, inaccurate labelling and poor record keeping are all warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

Effect: Unnecessary expenditure.

4. Cause: Mismatched cabling – Even if your infrastructure is built on one category of cable, if two different manufacturers have supplied different elements of your network, you may encounter problems. A structured cabling network that isn’t consistent end-to-end can cause electrical mismatching between components and although this can be difficult to spot, the effects are plain to see.

Effect: Costly network challenges.

5. Cause: A lack of network redundancy – Organizations need a backup cabling network and an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) to ensure connectivity and power remain consistent when the lights go out unexpectedly. This is especially true of critical links and services that underpin crucial business operations, for example the structured cabling network that supports a bank’s trading floor. Despite the importance of these systems, we find that many organizations don’t consider installing them until after an incident has taken place.

Effect: A catastrophic loss of service.

Introduction to Active Optical Cable (AOC Cable)

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Data requirement is tremendous increase in year 2016 to year 2020, thus a high transmission media is required, Active Optical Cables (AOCs) could achieve high data transmission over distances, The AOC with electrical inputs as a traditional copper cable, and use optical fiber as transmission media, it is an ideal to streamlined installation for high-performance computing and storage applications with sacrificing compatibility of the existing standard electrical interfaces.

 

The AOC Cable generally composed  as follow:

 

The Active connectors are QSFP+, complied with SFF-8436 standard, could be hot-swappable in switch, router, etc.

 

The system with 4Tx and 4 Rx channels, could transmit data in parallel to reach duplex data transmission.

The AOC with O-E (Optical-Electronic) and E-O (Electronic – Optical) conversion module.

The ribbon optical fiber cable (generally yellow cable for SM (single mode) Cable, and Orange or Aqua for Multimode Cable).

 

 

Why Use Active Optical Cable (AOC)?

1. Compared to Copper Cables

 

Longer reach, using single mode fiber, could transmit over kilo meters

Lower weight and tighter bend radius, compared with traditional bulky  cooper cable, the cable is light weight and with small bending radius, easy for installation, as well as enable simpler cable management

Thinner cables, It allows better airflow for cooling

Lower power consumption

No need for power-hungry conditioning ICs on the host board

2. Compared to Optical Transceivers

 

Cost effective: Compatible with existing cooper interface, no need new investment

Data center/Consumer friendly: No need to worry about contamination on fiber connector

Disadvantage: Have to use extra cabinets for wiring, not able to use fiber optic patch panel

FAQ about 100G Ethernet Transmission

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What standard addresses 100G, and when will this standard be complete?
The IEEE 802.3ba technical requirements were ratified in the recent April 2010 sponsor ballot. The document has been forwarded for approval to RevCom and is expected to be released in June 2010.

When is customer implementation of 100G expected?
Early end-user adoption is expected in 2010. Industry adoption is anticipated in 2013.

Where will 100G be used (in what applications)?
Core networking applications will have a future need for bandwidth beyond existing capabilities. Switching, routing and aggregation in data centers, internet exchanges and service provider peering points, and high-bandwidth applications such as video-on-demand and high-performance computing environments will drive the need for 100 Gb/s Ethernet interfaces.

What parameters affect a product’s ability to support 100G? Which of these is the limiting factor?
Bandwidth and insertion loss each impact the ability to meet the standard’s transmission distance of at least 100 meters over OM3 fiber and 150 meters over OM4 fiber. The transceiver specifications impact distance, transceiver cost and the amount of loss allocated for the fiber and connectors in the system. For products that meet the bandwidth and the cable fiber skew performance criteria, system loss will be the limiting factor in transmission distance.

What are the distances and insertion loss budgets for 100 GbE?
For multimode systems, 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet specify a minimum distance of 100 meters over OM3 fiber and 150 meters over OM4 fiber. OM3 and OM4 are the only multimode fiber types included in the standard. The OM3 and OM4 channel loss budgets are 1.9 dB that includes a 1.5 dB total connector loss and 1.5 dB that includes a 1.0 dB total connector loss, respectively.

What transmission method will be used for 40G and 100G?
Parallel optics transmission has been adopted for 40 and 100 Gigabit Ethernet over OM3 and OM4 fibers. Parallel optics transmission, compared to traditional serial transmission, uses a parallel optical interface where data is simultaneously transmitted and received over multiple fibers. The 40 Gigabit interface utilizes 4 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet channels on four fibers per direction. The 100 Gigabit interface utilizes 10 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet channels on 10 fibers per direction.

What is skew?
Skew is the difference in time of flight between light signals traveling on different fibers. This is relevant to the 100 Gigabit Ethernet standard that uses parallel optics. In parallel optic systems, one data stream is divided into multiple data streams and transmitted over different optical fibers to enable lower-cost transceivers to be used.

The IEEE 802.3ba standard has a cabling skew of 79 ns. Corning Cable Systems has done internal skew testing on 100G Ready Products that demonstrated compliance to a strict 0.75 ns skew requirement as defined in the InfiniBand Standard. Deployment of a connectivity solution with strict skew performance ensures compatibility of the cabling infrastructure across a variety of applications. When evaluating optical cabling infrastructure solutions for 40/100G applications, selecting one that meets the 0.75 ns skew requirement ensures performance not only for 40/100G, but for InfiniBand and future Fibre Channel data rates of 32G and beyond. Additionally, low-skew connectivity solutions validate the quality and consistency of cable designs and terminations to provide long-term reliable operation.

How will polarity work for 100G?
The CXP transceiver will be utilized for 100G transmission. The CXP transceiver has 10 transmit and 10 receive optical lane positions as depicted in Figure 1. The CXP transceiver contains 24 total positions arranged in two rows of 10 or 12 positions. One row is dedicated to transmit optical lanes and the other row to receive optical lanes. A 24-fiber MTP® Connector interfaces with the CXP transceiver. Plug & Play™ Universal Systems trunks are compatible with the CXP transceiver polarity requirements.

What about 40G transmission?
The IEEE standard addresses both 40G and 100G Ethernet transmission, so similar parameters apply. 100G Ready solutions are backwards-compatible with 40G.

Introduction to OSFP Optical Transceiver

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OSFP is short for Octal Small Form Factor Pluggable. it is being designed to use eight electrical lanes and each lane for 50GBE to deliver 400GbE. compared with QSFP transceiver, It is slightly wider and deeper, but it still supports 36 OSFP ports per 1U front panel, enabling 14.4 Tbps per 1U.

 

OSFP is a conventional style of electrical interconnect, leveraging best practices that the industry has learned in the past from SFP and QSFP connectors. The electrical connector in OSFP has a single row of contacts on both top and bottom, and it provides robust electrical and signal-integrity performance. Because it’s faceplate pluggable and eld replaceable, it has a single-receptacle electrical connector.

 

One of the nontraditional aspects of OSFP is that it integrates thermal management (heat sinking) directly into the form factor to help cool the module, similar to the microQSFP form factor that predates it. An OSFP integrated heat sink is intended to enable modules with up to 15 W of power in a switch chassis with conventional front-to-back air ow. This accomplishes two things over a more conventional riding heat sink: It eliminates the high thermal resistance between the module and the heat sink, and, secondarily, once the air exits the back of the module form factor, it is available for cooling the silicon switch or compute chips that are downstream inside the equipment enclosure.

 

The OSFP receptacle does not offer backwards intermate-ability to existing modules since it favors optimizing the electrical, packaging, and thermal aspects over legacy application support.

 

There are multiple type of connectors supported by OSFP; Duplex LC, MPO/MTP, CS, and copper.

Cable Management Procedures

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Sound cable management practices help data centers function smoothly and reliably. Managers can implement a variety of procedures to minimize data center inefficiencies, such as slow troubleshooting and interruptions due to the unplugging the wrong equipment.) Well managed cable supports server performance and throughput, minimizes disruptions and downtime, and safeguards the integrity of cables and ports.

 

One solution for complex networks is the use cable management systems (CMSs). There are many products and services available that managers can use to document cable sub-systems and paths, plan migrations and expansions, and track moves, adds and changes (MACs). The software requires manual entry of cable connections and types, and users must make updates for each move or change to keep documentation accurate. Some CMSs can model data center equipment and migrations and generate task lists for migration.

 

Horizontal and Vertical Management

Where Main Distribution Areas (MDAs) connect to Horizontal Distribution Areas (HDAs) and then to Equipment Distribution Areas (EDAs), managers need to deploy sturdy, reliable components that support high density, are easy to install, provide adequate spacing between ports, and can handle heavy cable bundles. The horizontal cable manager units are made of metal or heavy plastic. Choose pieces that are best-suited for the cable types and quantities within each rack. Dust covers are appropriate if there is little likelihood of MACs but can get in the way during re-cabling.

 

When choosing vertical management components, plan for ease of access and allow room for both patch cable slack and future increases in cable density. Use vertical and horizon- tal components that allow for acceptable bend radiuses, so that cables and ports are not damaged over time.

 

Cabinet Selection

Network or telecommunications cabinets can simplify monitoring and troubleshooting by making switches and patch panels easy to view. Cabinets come in different heights (typically 6U to 15U) to accommodate multiple layers of 19-inch equipment and are wall-mounted to support heavy equipment. They typically include the wall-mount section and the cabinet itself, which is attached to the wall mount and has a Plexiglas front that allows monitoring without opening the cabinet. Doors are reversible to improve usability in tight spaces.

 

When setting up a cabinet, installers should populate the bottom sections first and add panels upwards from there. There should be sufficient openings to enable airflow, and fans should be added as needed. Locking options are available for secure installations, and there are options to add shelves and/or drawers.

WDM, Mux/Demux and OADM Over view

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CWDM Mux/Demux
The Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing-CWDM Mux/Demux is often a flexible plug-and-play network solution, which helps insurers and enterprise companies to affordably implement denote point or ring based WDM optical networks. CWDM Mux/demux is perfectly created for transport PDH, SDH / SONET, ETHERNET services over WWDM, CWDM and DWDM in optical metro edge and access networks. CWDM products are popular in less precision optics and lower cost, un-cooled lasers with lower maintenance requirements. Weighed against DWDM and Conventional WDM, CWDM is much more economical and less power consumption of laser devices. CWDM Multiplexer Modules can be found in 4, 8 and 16 channel configurations. These modules passively multiplex the optical signal outputs from 4 too much electronic products, send on them someone optical fiber and after that de-multiplex the signals into separate, distinct signals for input into gadgets across the opposite end for your fiber optic link.

DWDM Mux/Demux
The Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing-DWDM Mux/Demux Modules are made to multiplex multiple DWDM channels into one or two fibers. Based on type CWDM Mux/Demux unit, with optional expansion, can transmit and receive as much as 4, 8, 16 or 32 connections of various standards, data rates or protocols over one single fiber optic link without disturbing one another. DWDM MUX/DEMUX modules offers the most robust and low-cost bandwidth upgrade on your current fiber optic communication networks.

OADM Add/Drop Multiplexer

WDM OADM Add/Drop Multiplexer is designed to organize the signal output at a predetermined wavelength from an optical line in the WDM system. These devices are called Add/Drop modules — WDM OADM (Optical Add/Drop Multiplexer).

The OADM module, extracting the desired signal, passes the rest of the emission unchanged. OADM modules are passive devices. Single-sided and dual-sided modules have a fundamental difference. Single-sided OADM can seize and add a signal in the line towards one multiplexer. Dual-sided OADM can establish a connection with two multiplexers, and the line will have no idle channels.

Overview of 100G QSFP28 Optical Transceivers

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QSFP28 fiber optic module has become the dominant form factor for 100G high-speed networks. The interconnect offers multiple channels of high-speed differential signals with data rates ranging from 25Gbps up to potentially 40Gbps, and meets 100Gbps Ethernet (4×25Gbps) and 100Gbps 4X InfiniBand Enhanced Data Rate (EDR) requirements. Fiber-mart 100G QSFP28 optical transceiver including SR4, LR4, PSM4, CWDM4 and AOCs, complied with IEEE 802.3bm and SFF-8636, compatible with network device from different vendors, designed for applications of 100G Data Center Internal Network, Data Center Interconnection and Metro Network.

 

The following list is QSFP28 fiber optic transceivers form Fiber-mart.com, it is able to compatible with the main network device provider like Cisco, HPE, Huawei, etc.

 

QSFP28 SR4: The QSFP28-SR4 optical module supports links of 70m over OM3 MMF and 100m over OM4 MMF with MPO-12 or MTP-12 connectors. This transceiver is a parallel 100G QSFP28 optical module with 4 independent transmit and receive channels each capable of 25Gb/s operation. The 100G QSFP28-SR4 modules are ideal for rack to rack connections in the datacenter and short reach telecom applications.The QSFP28-100G-eSR4 is extended version of QSFP for transmit over 300m.

 

QSFP28 PSM4: The 100G PSM4 specification defines requirements for a point-to-point 100 Gbps link over eight single mode fibers (4 transmit and 4 receive) of at least 500m, each transmitting at 25Gbps. Four identical and independent lanes are used for each signal direction. PSM4 does not need a MUX/DEMUX for each laser but it does need either a directly modulated DFB laser (DML) or an external modulator for each fiber. With an MTP interface, PSM4 modules can bus 100Gbps point-to-point over 2km or can be broken out into dual 50Gbps or quad 25Gbps links for linking to servers, storage and other subsystems.

 

QSFP28 CWDM4: The CWDM4 module uses Mux/Demux technologies with 4 lanes of 25 Gbps optically multiplexed onto and demultiplexed from duplex single-mode fiber. It is centered around the 1310nm band with 20nm channel spacing as defined by the ITU standard. With a reach of 2km, QSFP28 CWDM4 transmits 100G optical signals via a duplex LC interface.

 

QSFP28 LR4: This module is for longer span 100GbE deployment, such as connectivity between two buildings, QSFP28-LR4 with duplex LC fiber interface and transmitted over single-mode fiber cable. This LR4 module uses WDM technologies to achieve 100G transmission over four different wavelengths around 1310nm. It can support distances up to 10km.

 

QSFP28 ER4 Lite: QSFP28-ER4 Lite is a 100Gbps transceiver designed for optical communication applications compliant to Ethernet 100GBASE-ER4 Lite standard. The high performance cooled LAN WDM EA-DFB transmitters and high sensitivity APD receivers provide superior performance for 100Gigabit Ethernet applications up to 25km links without FEC and 32km links with FEC.