How to Reduce the Cost of FTTH Architecture

In our digital world, people increasingly require higher bandwidth to facilitate daily life, whether for leisure, work, education or keeping in contact with friends and family. The presence and speed of internet are regarded as the key factor that subscribers would take into account when buying a new house. Recently there are a growing number of independent companies offering full fiber to the home (FTTH) services, ranging from local cooperatives and community groups to new operators. Today’s article will pay special attention to the reasons why we should implement FTTH network and the methods to reduce the cost of FTTH network.

 

Why Should We Deploy FTTH Network?

 

No denying that the world is changing rapidly and becoming increasingly digital. People nowadays are knowledgeable workers who rely on fast connections to information stored in the cloud to do their jobs. Therefore, installing superfast FTTH broadband is an investment in equipping communities with the infrastructure they need to not just adapt to the present life, but to thrive in the future.

 

What’s more, the economic benefits of FTTH, for residents, businesses and the wider community are potentially enormous. While there are upfront costs in FTTH deployments, particularly around the last drop, equipment and methodologies are evolving to reduce these significantly. Fiber to the home is proven to increase customer satisfaction, and enables operators to offer new services, such as video on demand, 4K TV and smart home connectivity.

 

As well as bringing in economic benefits, FTTH broadband provides local businesses with the ability to expand, invest and seek new opportunities by providing rapid connections to major markets. All of this leads to increased investment in the rural economy, providing residents with more choice and stimulating growth.

 

What to Do?

 

Although deploying FTTH network might be similar cost as deploying copper network, there are some methods that you should know about reducing the costs of FTTH architecture. Adopting the following three principles helps achieve FTTH deployment, maximizing return on investment and dramatically reducing deployment times.

 

1. Reuse the Existing Equipment

 

Time and the total cost of FTTH deployment are typically relevant with the civil engineering side of the project, such as digging a new trench and burying a new duct within it. Where possible, crews should look to reuse existing infrastructure—often there are ducts or routes already in place that can be used for FTTH and in building deployments. These could be carrying other telecommunication cables, power lines, or gas/water/sewerage. Installing within these routes requires careful planning and use of cables and ducts that are small enough to fit through potentially crowded pathways. Figure 2 shows a generic point-multipoint architecture that fiber jumper plays an important part in it.

 

Additionally utilizing the push and pull cables in FTTH infrastructure simply reduce costs and install time as network installers can easily complete FTTH deployment by using pushing or pulling cables: pushing can be aided by simple, cost-effective handheld blowing machines, or pulled through the duct using a pre-attached pull cord. Even for more complex and longer environment, FTTH deployment can be quickly completed other than requiring expensive blowing equipment to propel the cable through duct.

 

2. Choose the Right Construction Techniques

 

If it is time to start digging, always make sure you use appropriate construction methods. The appropriate method will minimize cost and time by making construction work as fast and concentrated as possible, avoiding major disruption to customers or the local area. And remember to make sure you follow best practice and use the right fiber cable and duct that can fit into tight spaces and withstand the high temperatures of the sealant used to make roadways good.

 

The cable and duct used within FTTH implementations is crucial. Ensure that it meets the specific needs of deployments, and is tough, reliable and has a bend radius. It should be lightweight to aid installation and small enough to fit into small gaps and spaces in ducts. Also look to speed up installations with pre-connectorized cables that avoid the need to field fit or splice.

 

3. Minimize the Skills Required

 

Staff costs are one of the biggest elements of the implementation budget. Additionally, there are shortages of many fiber skills, such as splicing, which can delay the rate at which rollouts are completed. Operators, therefore, need to look at deskilling installations where possible, while increasing productivity and ensuring reliability. Using pre-connectorized fiber is central to this—it doesn’t require splicing and is proven to reduce the skill levels needed within implementations.

 

Conclusion

 

To cope with the digital world, the network is in constant need of enhancements and the increasingly stressed bandwidth and performance requires ongoing adjustment. Regardless of the FTTH architecture and the technology to the curb, the pressure is on for the network installer to deploy FTTH quickly and cost-effectively, while still ensuring a high quality, reliable installation that causes minimal disruption to customers and the local area. Fiberstore offers a variety of optical equipment that are suitable in telecom field. Our fiber optic cables are available in different optical connector, single-mode and multimode fiber as well as indoor or outdoor cables. For example, patch cord LC-LC are also provided.

How to Understand PoE and PoE+ Switches

Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) is the technology that allows network switches to transmit power and data through an Ethernet cable at the same time. PoE switch streamlines both of the processes of powering and providing data to the device, which makes it a straightforward and reliable device for home network and small enterprise application. This article describes two types of PoE (PoE and PoE+) that are commonly used and provides information on what types of PoE can be used according to different applications.

 

PoE Versus non-PoE Technology

 

Power over Ethernet technology facilitates powering a device (such as an IP phone, IP Surveillance Camera, or NVR recorder) over the same Ethernet cable as the data traffic. Figure 1 shows an Ethernet Network with IP camera, PoE Switch, NVR recorder and Wireless router. Compared to non-PoE devices, PoE devices feature with flexibility that allow you to easily place endpoints anywhere in the business, even places where it might be difficult to run a power outlet.

 

PoE Versus PoE+ Technology

 

PoE was first defined in the IEEE 802.3af standard. PoE devices utilize PoE standard, which can provide up to 15.4W of DC power to each port. A later standard, IEEE 802.3at, known as PoE+, increases the amount of power to 30 W. The major difference between 802.3af (PoE) and 802.3at (PoE+) is that PoE+ PSEs can provide almost twice as much power over a single Ethernet cable.

 

Can PoE+ devices work over PoE Ports, Or vice versa? The PoE+ standard provides support for legacy PoE devices, meaning that an IEEE 802.3af powered device (PD) can operate normally when connected to IEEE 802.3at (PoE+) power sourcing equipment (PSE). PoE+ PSEs can supply power to both PoE and PoE+ PDs. However, as PoE+ PDs require more power than PoE PSEs can provide, PoE PSEs can only supply power to PoE PDs.

 

PoE Switch Or PoE+ Switch

 

Whether to use PoE or PoE+ switch for your network, you need to calculate your required power budget carefully for all of the PDs you plan to connect. PoE+ IEEE 802.3at devices can supply a maximum of 30 watts per port, while PoE IEEE 802.3af devices can supply a maximum of 15.4 watts per port. However, some power is always lost over the length of the cable, and more power is lost over longer cable runs. The minimum guaranteed power available at the PD is 12.95 watts per port for PoE and 25.5 watts per port for PoE+.

 

For most endpoints, 802.3af is sufficient but there are devices, such as Video phones or Access Points with multiple radios, which have higher power needs. It’s important to point out that there are other PoE standards currently being developed that will deliver even high levels of power for future applications. Optical switches have a power budget set aside for running the switch itself, and also an amount of power dedicated for PoE endpoints.

 

fiber-mart.com PoE Switches

 

fiber-mart.com POE switches can supply power to network equipment such as weather-proof IP cameras, AP and IP telephones. They are featured with high flexibility, high stability and high resistance to electromagnetic interference. All fiber-mart.com PoE switches come with a one-year limited warranty, including any quality problems during the free maintenance. The following above shows 1G PoE Switch with 24 1000BASE-T and 4 SFP ports.

Various Applications of PLC Splitter

Various Applications of PLC Splitter

by Fiber-MART.COM

PLC splitter or planar lightwave circuit splitter is a passive component that has the special waveguide made of planar silica, quartz or other materials. It is employed to split a strand of optical signal into two or more strands. PLC splitter also has lots of split ratios, and the most common ones are 1:8, 1:16, 1:32, 1:64, 2:8, 2:16, 2:32 and 2:64. Products usually accord with Telcordia GR-1209-CORE, Telcordia GR-1221-CORE.YD/T1117-2001 standards. There are many types of PLC splitters to meet with different needs in OLT and ONT connection and splitting of optical signals over FTTH passive optical networks.

Importance of PLC Splitter

PLC splitter is especially important in FTTH networks, which shares a single PON network with many subscribers. Having no electronics and power in PLC splitter, it is very cost-effective to provide reliable light distribution solutions. Unlike FBT (fused biconical taper) splitter, PLC splitter has a better performance that offers accurate splits with minimal loss in an efficient package. Some typical types are widely used in optical network applications, i.e. bare fiber splitter, blockless splitter, ABS splitter, fan-out splitter, tray type splitter, rack-mount splitter, LGX splitter and mini plug-in type splitter.

 

Applications

Bare Fiber PLC Splitter

Bare fiber PLC splitter has no connector at the bare fiber ends. It can be spliced with other optical fibers in the pigtail cassette, test instrument and WDM system, which minimizes the space occupation. It is commonly used for FTTH, PON, LAN, CATV, test equipment and other applications.

 

Blockless PLC Splitter

Likewise, blockless PLC splitter has a similar appearance as bare PLC splitter. But it has a more compact stainless tube package which provides stronger fiber protection, and its fiber ends are all terminated with fiber optic connectors. Connectors are commonly available with SC, LC, FC and ST types. Thus, there is no need for fiber splicing during installation. Blockless PLC splitter is mainly used for different connections over distribution boxes or network cabinets.

 

ABS PLC Splitter

ABS PLC splitter has a plastic ABS box to protect the PLC splitter to adapt to different installation environments and requirements. Common splitter modules are 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32. It is widely used with outdoor fiber distribution box for PON, FTTH, FTTX, PON, GOPN networks.

 

Fanout PLC Splitter

PLC splitter with fan-out is mainly used for 0.9mm optical fiber where the ribbon fiber can convert to 0.9mm optical fiber through fan-out. 1×2, 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32, 1×64, 2×2, 2×4, 2×8, 2×16, 2×32, 2×64 fanout types are all available with PLC splitters. Fiber adapters can also be used for the input and output ends of this kind of splitters to directly meet the demand on smaller size of splitters.

 

Tray Type PLC Splitter

Tray type PLC splitter can be regarded the fiber enclosure which contains PLC fiber splitter inside a enclosure. It is often directly installed in optical fiber distribution box or optical distribution frame. FC, SC, ST & LC connectors are selective for termination. Tray type PLC splitter is an ideal solution for splitting at the places that are near OLT or ONU.

 

Rack-mount PLC Splitter

Rack-mount PLC splitter can be used for both indoor and outdoor applications in FTTx projects, CATV or data communication centers. It uses the 19-inch rack unit standard to contain the PLC splitter inside a rack unit.

 

LGX PLC Splitter

LGX PLC splitter or LGX box PLC splitter has a strong metal box to house the PLC splitters. It can be used alone or be easily installed in standard fiber patch panel or fiber enclosure. The standard LGX mental box housing provides a plug-and-play method for integration in the network, which eliminates any risk during installation. No filed splicing or skilled personnel is required during deployment.

 

Mini Plug-in Type PLC Splitter

Similar to the LGX PLC splitter, mini plug-in PLC type splitter is its small version with a compact design. It is usually installed in the wall mount FTTH box for fiber optic signal distribution. Using the mini plug-in PLC type splitter saves time and space but still provides reliable protection for the fiber optic splitter.

 

Conclusion

These types of PLC splitters are typically installed to serve for PON and FTTH networks. 1xN and 2xN are the common splitter ratios for specific applications. You should choose the most suitable one according to your project. Hope this article provides some help.

PON – Passive Optical Networks / Passive optische Netze

PON – Passive Optical Networks / Passive optische Netze

by Fiber-MART.COM

Ein passives optisches Netz ist ein Glasfasernetz, welches zur Signalverteilung ohne aktive Komponenten auskommt. Es arbeitet mit optischen Splittern, die über keine elektrischen Vermittlungsfunktionen verfügen. Passive optische Netze sind im Bereich zwischen Vermittlungsstelle und Teilnehmeranschluss für Gigabit-Glasfaseranschlüsse installiert. Sie funktionieren als Zugangsnetze für die Teilnehmer zum weltweiten Daten- und Kommunikationsnetz.

Man unterscheidet zwischen passiven optischen Netzen, die auf einer Punkt-zu-Punkt-Architektur und einer Punkt-zu-Mehrpunkt-Architektur basieren.

Die Abkürzung PON für Passive Optical Networks (Passive optische Netze) hat sich als Synonym für PtMP-Topologien entwickelt, obwohl z. B. PtP-Ethernet auch ein passives optisches Netz ist. Das heißt, wenn von PON die Rede ist, dann ist damit ein passives optisches Netz mit PtMP-Topologie gemeint.

PtP – Point-to-Point

Bei einer Punkt-zu-Punkt-Architektur hat jeder Teilnehmer von der Vermittlungsstelle (OLT) aus gesehen seine eigene Glasfaser, die bei ihm in der Wohnung oder im Einfamilienhaus endet. Weil für jeden Teilnehmer eine eigene Glasfaser verlegt ist, lässt sich Leitung und Dienst für jeden Teilnehmer entbündeln. Somit ist eine PtP-Topologie technologieunabhängig. Jeder Teilnehmer kann auf seiner Glasfaser einen anderen Anbieter wählen und der seine eigene Technologie. Auch ein späteres Aufrüsten gestaltet sich einfach. Mit PtP können die Anbieter flexibler auf die Bedarfsentwicklung der Kunden reagieren.

Ein Nachteil ist die hohe Anzahl an Ports in den Netzknoten. Denn jeder Teilnehmer hat seine eigene Glasfaser, die gespeist werden muss. Dafür braucht man Platz im Splitter und auch inder Vermittlungsstelle (OLT).

PtMP – Point-to-Multipoint

Bei einer Punkt-zu-Mehrpunkt-Architektur hat jeder Teilnehmer seine eigene Glasfaser, aber nur bis zum nächsten Kabelverzweiger. Dort befindet sich ein passiver optischer Splitter, der das Signal von einer Glasfaser aus der Vermittlungsstelle (OLT), auf alle Teilnehmerglasfasern aufteilt. Der Vorteil, für PON (PtMP) braucht man weniger Ports in der Vermittlungsstelle und damit weniger Platz- und Energiebedarf für Switches. In einem PON-Netz ist dafür das Entbündeln von Leitung und Dienst schwieriger, weil sich hier mehrere Teilnehmer eine Leitung teilen. Auch die Einführung einer neuen Technologie ist schwierig, weil sie für mehrere Teilnehmer auf einen Rutsch erfolgen muss.

Introduction à la fibre optique

Introduction à la fibre optique

by Fiber-MART.COM

Une fibre optique est un fil en verre ou en plastique très fin qui a la propriété d’être un conducteur de lumière et sert dans la transmission de données par la lumière. Elle offre un débit d’information nettement supérieur à celui des câbles coaxiaux et peut servir de support à un réseau « large bande » par lequel transitent aussi bien la télévision, le téléphone, la visioconférence ou les données informatiques. Le principe de la fibre optique a été développé au cours des années 1970 dans les laboratoires de l’entreprise américaine Corning Glass Works (actuelle Corning Incorporated).

Entourée d’une gaine protectrice, la fibre optique peut être utilisée pour conduire de la lumière entre deux lieux distants de plusieurs centaines, voire milliers, de kilomètres. Le signal lumineux codé par une variation d’intensité est capable de transmettre une grande quantité d’information. En permettant les communications à très longue distance et à des débits jusqu’alors impossibles, les fibres optiques ont constitué l’un des éléments clés de la révolution des télécommunications. Ses propriétés sont également exploitées dans le domaine des capteurs (température, pression, etc.), dans l’imagerie et dans l’éclairage.

Fibre Optique Monomode

Dans une fibre monomode, on obtient un seul mode grâce à la très faible dimension du coeur (diamètre de 10um et moins). Ainsi le chemin de la lumière est imposé, il n’y en a qu’un seul : celui du cœur.

C’est grâce à la fibre monomode qu’il est possible d’atteindre des taux d’atténuation très faibles sur de longues distances. En effet, par une propagation en ligne droite, il n’y a pas d’atténuation due à la réfraction du signal sur la gaine optique (problématique dans le cas d’une fibre multimode). De plus, il n’y a pas de phénomène de dispersion modale (étalement du spectre dû aux différents modes).

Les fibres monomodes sont le plus souvent en association avec des lasers dont la fenêtre centrale est située à 1310 nm et 1550 nm.

Fibre Optique Multimode

Les fibres multimodes (dites MMF, pour Multi Mode Fiber), ont été les premières sur le marché. Elles permettent de transporter plusieurs modes, ie que la lumière peut emprunter de nombreux chemins différents.

Néanmoins, du fait de la dispersion modale, on constate un étalement temporel du signal proportionnel à la longueur de la fibre. En conséquence, elles sont utilisées uniquement sur de courtes distances.

Une fibre multimode est généralement caractérisée par un cœur de fibre variant de 50 à 62,5um. Cependant, ce diamètre peut varier en fonction des constructeurs.

Dans une Fibre Optique multimode, ce sont les fenêtres spectrales de longueurs d’onde 850nm et 1300nm qui sont utilisées.

BiDi GBIC Transceiver Module

BiDi GBIC Transceiver Module

by Fiber-MART.COM

fiber-mart.com offers Single Fiber BiDi GBIC Transceiver Modules designed for optical communications up to 20km with data rates up to 1.25Gbps.

The BiDi GBIC transceiver modules operate on a single strand of standard SMF, and a 1000BASE-BX-D transceiver is always connected to a 1000BASE-BX-U transceiver with a single strand of standard SMF.

 

The communication over a single strand of fiber is achieved by separating the transmission wavelength of the two devices, for example, 1000BASE-BX-D transmits a 1550-nm channel and receives a 1310-nm signal, whereas 1000BASE-BX-U transmits at a 1310-nm wavelength and receives a 1550-nm signal. A wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) splitter will be integrated into the BiDi SFP to split the 1310-nm and 1550-nm light paths.

 

The 1.25Gbps Single Strand BiDirectional (BiDi) GBIC transceiver modules of fiber-mart.com will undergo strict qualifying tests. In order to ensure the compatibility with those brands such as Cisco, HP, Juniper, Huawei, etc, we will test the BiDi GBIC transceiver module in those related switches and routers. All fiber-mart.com BiDi GBIC transceiver modules are ROHS compliant, allow for real-time diagnostic monitoring as per SFF-8472 and designed to Multi-Source Agreement (MSA) standards.

 

Ordering Information

Part Number	Description
Z-GBIC-GE-BX-U3155-20	1000Base-BX-U BiDi GBIC Module, 1310nm, SMF, 20KM
Z-GBIC-GE-BX-D5531-20	1000Base-BX-D BiDi GBIC Module, 1550nm, SMF, 20KM
Z-GBIC-GE-BX-U3149-20	1000Base-BX-U BiDi GBIC Module, 1310nm, SMF, 20KM
Z-GBIC-GE-BX-D4931-20	1000Base-BX-D BiDi GBIC Module, 1490nm, SMF, 20KM

Differences Between SFP, BiDi SFP and Compact SFP

Differences Between SFP, BiDi SFP and Compact SFP

by Fiber-MART.COM

As we know, a common SFP transceiver is generally with two ports, one is TX port which is used to transmit the signal, and the other one is RX port which is used to receive signals. Unlike common SFP transceiver, BiDi SFP transceiver is only with one port which uses an integral WDM coupler to transmit and receive signals over a single strand fiber. In fact, the compact SFP is a 2-channel BiDi SFP, which integrates two BiDi SFP in one SFP module. Therefore, a compact SFP is also with two ports as the common SFP.

SFP, BiDi SFP and Compact SFP Connection Methods

 

All SFP transceivers must be used in pairs. For common SFPs, we should connect the two SFPs which have the same wavelength together. For example, we use a 850nm SFP at one end, then we must use a 850nm SFP on the other end (shown in the figure below).

 

For BiDi SFP, since it transmits and receives signals with different wavelengths, we should connect the two BiDi SFPs which have the opposite wavelength together. For example, we use a 1310nm-TX/1490nm-RX BiDi SFP at one end, then we must use a 1490nm-TX/1310nm-RX BiDi SFP on the other end (shown in the figure below).

 

The compact SFP (GLC-2BX-D) usually uses 1490nm to transmit signal and the 1310nm to receive signal. Therefore, the compact SFP is always connected to two 1310nm-TX/1490nm-RX BiDi SFP over two single-mode fibers (shown in the figure below).

 

BiDi SFP and Compact SFP Applications

 

At present, the BiDi SFP is mostly used in FTTx deployment P2P (point-to-point) connection. A FTTH/FTTB active Ethernet network consists of a central office (CO) connecting to the customer premises equipment (CPE). Active Ethernet networks use a P2P architecture in which each end customer is connected to the CO on a dedicated fiber. BiDi SFP allows a bi-directional communication on a single fiber by using wavelength multiplexing (WDM), which makes CO and CPE connection more simple. Compact SFP enormously increases CO port density by combining two single fiber transceivers into one SFP form factor. In addition, the compact SFP will significantly reduce the overall power consumption at the CO side.

 

fiber-mart.com BiDi and Compact SFP Sloutions

fiber-mart.com provides a variety of BiDi SFPs. They can support different data rate and support transmission distance up to max 120 km that can meet the demands of today’s fiber services for carriers and enterprises.

FBT Multimode Dual Window Fiber Splitter with ABS Box

FBT Multimode Dual Window Fiber Splitter with ABS Box

by Fiber-MART.COM

FBT Multimode Dual Window Fiber Splitter with ABS Box

FM SKU#:SKU00241I
Model#:FM-MM-112ABSD

As one of the key components for GPON FTTx networks, optical splitters can be placed in the Central Office or in one of the distribution points (outdoor or indoor) because the FBT splitters are highly stable for multiport optical signal splitting with low insertion loss. FBT couplers are designed for power splitting and tapping in telecommunication equipment, CATV network, and test equipment

Fiber-Mart Fused Biconic Tapered (FBT) splitters are available with 1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x5, 1x6, 1x8, 1x12, 1x16, 1x18, 1x20 and 1x24, 2x2, 2x4, 3x3 configurations with single mode or multimode fiber and we offer all type connectors of pre-connectorized like SC, FC, ST, LC and E2000 etc.
The 1x12 Multimode Dual Window Fiber Splitter with ABS Box can splitter the optical signals into 12 parts, and the coupling ratio can be customized

Key Features

• Low insertion loss
• Low polarization dependent loss
• High Return Loss
• Optional Split Ratio 20/80, 40/60...(50/50 as default.)
• Compact for small application areas like in closure or splice trays
• Wide Operating Temperature and Wavelength
• Excellent Environmental & Mechanical Stability
• Qualified Under Telcordia GR-1221 and GR-1209
• High Quality Plastic ABS Box
• Multimode Type: 62.5um/125 as default
• Wavelength of Dual Window: 850nm/1310nm as default

Applications

• FTTX (FTTP, FTTH, FTTN, FTTC)
• Passive Optical Networks (PON)
• Local Area Networks (LAN)
• CATV Systems
• Amplifying, Monitoring System
• Test Equipments

Order Information

For FBT Splitters, Fiber-Mart provides a whole series of this kind customized for specific applications:
a. Different coupling ratio can be customized according to your requirement.
b. Two out of the 1310nm, 1490nm and 1550nm operating wavelength can be selected.
c.1x2, 1x3, 1x4, 1x5, 1x6, 1x8, 1x12, 1x16, 1x18, 1x20, 1x24, 2x2, 2x4, 3x3 configurations of splitters are available.
d. 2. 0mm or 3.0mm LSZH fiber cables can be selected.
e. The length of input or output fibers can be also customized; 1m length as default.
Welcome to contact us for customized solutions.

Mechanical Drawing

Fiber-Mart offers cost-effective standards-based 1x12 FBT Splitter Multimode Dual Window Fiber Splitter with ABS Box. As a 3rd party OEM manufacturer, our 1x12 FBT Splitter Multimode Dual Window Fiber Splitter with ABS Box is delivered to worldwide from our factory directly, and they are all based on thin film filter technology and metal bonding micro optics packaging. What's more, our 1x12 FBT Splitter Multimode Dual Window Fiber Splitter with ABS Box are tested in-house prior to shipment to guarantee that they will arrive in perfect physical and working condition. Please contact us at sales@fiber-mart.com if you want to know more details.

OperatingWavelength(nm)	850nm/1310nm
Directivity(dB)	>55dB
OperatingTemperature	-20°C~+85°C
StorageTemperature	-40°C~+85°C
FiberType	CorningMultimodeSMF-28
FiberPigtailLength(m)	1morCustomonRequest

Why CPAK Transceiver is Different in 100G Solutions?

Why CPAK Transceiver is Different in 100G Solutions?

by Fiber-MART.COM

Nowadays, as the bandwidth, transmission speed and network traffic volumes continue to escalate, 100G transceiver market is booming and will be more popular in the future. At present, there are several types of 100G optical transceivers on the market: CFP, CFP2, CFP4, QSFP28 and 100G CPAK. All of them are playing a critical role in 100G networks. This post will give a detailed introduction of 100G CPAK module.

 

Overview of 100G CPAK Transceiver

CPAK transceiver is a hot-swappable I/O device that plugs into the 1-Port 100 Gigabit Ethernet EPA (EPA-1X100GE). It was launched by Cisco in 2013. The modules have a total of 82 pins (40 pins on the top row and 42 on the bottom row) on the electrical interface and either a duplex SC or 24-fibers MPO connector on the optical interface. CPAK is the first transceiver which is based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) photonics technology, aiming to provide industry-leading optical integration, performance, power savings, and scalability. Unlike other form factors like SFP+, QSFP and CFP family, 100G CPAK is totally Cisco propriety.

 

CPAK modules combine the greatest density and bandwidth with the lowest power consumption available in the market. And they are available in several IEEE-standard optical interface, which makes them well suit for connections in service provider data center, enterprise and edge networks.

 

What Makes CPAK Transceiver Different in 100G Networks?

 

As the increasing fierce competition between optical transceivers and the exploding demand for bandwidth on networks, many customers are eager to seek a solution to make 100G more cost-effective and significantly increase the density of 100G interfaces in networking equipment. Some vendors like fiber-mart.com have cut the price of 100G QSFP28 transceivers to offer big savings for their customers. Under this situation, what makes 100G CPAK module different?

 

COMS Based Technology

 

Although the data center and networks are struggling to keep up with the fast growth of data traffic, the limit of optical interconnect technologies is still a big problem. However, COMS technology offers an alternative for this matter. COMS photonics is a type of semiconductor technology controlling flow of photons in place of electrons. It integrates multiple circuit components in a highly efficient design, then printing entire circuits directly on silicon wafers to produce optical devices. This production method brings extremely efficient, low-power optical circuits. With the use of this technology, CPAK has smaller 100G footprint, which can offer higher port density.

 

Power Saving & High Density Port

 

In the past decades, even if the ASICs have developed rapidly, optical advanced come much more slowly. Although the optical interface reach 100 Gbps, the sheer physical size of the modules, excessive heat and power they dissipate are limiting the ability to scale networking and data center equipment to meet the increasing demand. Therefore, Cisco announced the 100G CPAK modules.

 

CPAK represents a significant advancement in optical networking, providing dramatic space and power efficiency. Compared with other alternative transceiver form factors such as CFP, Cisco CPAK modules can reduce space and power requirements by over 70 percent. And they can provide up to 20 percent greater port density and front-panel bandwidth than other competing products.

 

Summary

 

CPAK transceiver dramatically reduces space and power requirements, making 100Gbps network more widely deployable. Now, in order to maximize the benefits of our customers, fiber-mart.com has cut the price of QSFP 40G SR4 and QSFP28 100G SR4 modules. At the same time, fiber-mart.com will introduce 100G CPAK modules in the near future to provide more choices and better services for our clients. Welcome to visit our website www.fiber-mart.com for more detailed information.

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• Outdoor Fiber Optic Cables

Common Passive Fiber Optical Splitters

Common Passive Fiber Optical Splitters

by Fiber-MART.COM

Fiber optic splitter, also named fiber optic coupler or beam splitter, is a device that can distribute the optical signal (or power) from one fiber among two or more fibers. Fiber optic splitter is different from WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) technology. WDM can divide the different wavelength fiber optic light into different channels, but fiber optic splitter divides the light power and sends it to different channels.

 

Work Theory of Optical Splitters

Optical splitters “split” the input optical signal that received by them between two optical outputs, simultaneously, in a pre-specified ratio 90:10 or 80:20. The most common type of fiber optic splitter splits the output evenly, with half the signal going to one leg of the output and half going to the other. It is possible to get splitters that use a different split ratio, putting a larger amount of the signal to one side of the splitter than the other. Splitters are identified with a number that represents the signal division, such as 50/50 if the split is even, or 80/20 if 80% of the signal goes to one side and only 20% to the other.

 

Some types of the fiber optic splitter are actually able to work in either direction. This means that if the device is installed in one way, it acts as a splitter and divides the incoming signal into two parts, sending out two separate outputs. If it is installed in reverse, it acts as a coupler, taking two incoming signals and combing them into a single output. Not every fiber optic splitter can be used this way, but those that can be labeled as reversible or as coupler/splitters.

 

Passive and Active Splitters Overview

 

Fiber optic splitters can be divided into active and passive devices. The difference between active and passive couplers is that a passive coupler redistributes the optical signal without optical-to-electrical conversion. Active couplers are electronic devices that split or combine the signal electrically and use fiber optic detectors and sources for input and output.

 

Passive splitters play an important role in FTTH (Fiber To The Home) networks by permitting a single PON (Passive Optical Network) network interface to be shared among many subscribers. Splitters include no electronics and use no power. They’re the community parts that put the passive splitter in PON network and are available in a wide range of break up ratios, including 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32.

 

Common Types of Passive Fiber Optic Splitter

 

Optical splitters are available in configurations from 1×2 to 1×64, such as 1:8, 1:16, and 1:32. There are two basic technologies for building passive optical network splitters: Fused Biconical Taper (FBT) splitter and Planar Lightwave Circuit (PLC) splitter. FBT coupler is an older technology and generally introduces more loss than the newer PLC Splitter. But both are used in PON network. Here is a brief introduction to them.

 

FBT Splitter

 

FBT coupler is a traditional technology with which fiber optic products can be made at a low cost but high-performance way. As this technology has developed over time, the quality of FBT splitters is good and they can be implemented in a cost-effective manner. Now FBT splitter is widely used in passive networks, especially where the split configuration is relatively smaller such as 1×2, 1×4, 2×2, etc. The following is a FBT splitter with ABS box.

 

PLC Splitter

 

PLC splitter offers a better solution for applications where larger split configurations are required. It uses an optical splitter chip to divide the incoming signal into multiple outputs. As the wide use of PLC splitter, there are various types of PLC splitter on the market. For example, blockless PLC splitters, fanout PLC splitter, bare PLC splitter, tray type PLC splitter, ABS PLC splitter, mini-plug in type PLC splitter, etc. Here is a 1×4 PLC splitter.

 

Summary

 

Enabling a single fiber interface to be shared among many subscribers, fiber optic splitter plays an increasingly significant role in many of today’s optical networks. As a professional optical products supplier, Fiberstore offers different types of high-quality splitters for your applications. If you want to know more details, please visit fiber-mart.com.

Requirements and Challenges for 100G Metro Network

Requirements and Challenges for 100G Metro Network

by Fiber-MART.COM

Requirements and Challenges for 100G Metro Network

 

With the rapid increase of data traffic by about 40% each year, the dominant 10Gb/s optical networks were soon saturated. 40G was also complemented in existing WDM networks with cost-effective 40G equipment. Yet 40G isn’t enough. Several providers have deployed 100G in long-haul (LH) backbone applications in recent years by using novel fibers and advanced optical components, but overlaying 100G in metro network is still facing many challenges. This post will discuss the requirements for 100G metro network and the challenges faced during this change.

Requirements for 100G Metro Network

 

Similar to 10G metro, 100G networks begin with the use of 100G transceivers and dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) multiplexers/de-multiplexers. For some applications, optical amplifiers and dispersion compensation modules are needed.

 

The metro segment covers a broad range of distances. It can generally be divided to three subcategories: metro access (40 to 100 km), metro core (100 to 500 km) and metro regional (500 to 1000 km). The metro core and the metro regional typically include a large number of reconfigurable-optical-add/drop-multiplexer (ROADM) nodes. The metro access links are generally point-to-point connections.

 

Although DWDM metro distances are shorter than long-haul links, the transmission requirements for 100G metro are quite challenging with a large number of ROADMs and the fact that the metro fiber is often older and can include many interconnected parts that cause higher loss. In addition, it is likely that 100G metro wavelengths will coexist with existing 10G wavelengths. The coexistence of brownfield and greenfield deployments requires the support of links with and without in-line dispersion compensation. It is essential to use the available fiber bandwidth since installation of new fiber is high cost in a metro environment. Since metro is two or three times larger in size, it is more cost-sensitive and has higher requirements on the space for line-card density than LH networks in achieving the same capacity.

 

Challenges in Deploying 100G Metro

 

In long-haul networks, coherent transceivers are successfully used. But the size, power consumption and cost of today’s coherent transceivers are not suitable for metro networks where port-density is important. Designing a performance-, size- and cost-optimized single-wavelength coherent 100G metro transceiver is very desirable but quite challenging. To achieve this, C-form factor pluggable (CFP) coherent modules are taking into consideration. CFP coherent modules supporting 10 x 10G and 4 x 25G, and smaller size CFP2 and CFP4 coherent modules supporting 4 x 25G are considered good choices for 100G metro. Another choice is the nonpluggable 4 x 5-inch multisource agreement (MSA) module based on Optical Internetworking Forum (OIF) standards.

 

Though the 100G metro schemes with coherent modules seem to be clear, there are still questions about pluggable modules. Pluggable slot is generally designed as “universal slot” that could be flexibly used for client- or network-slide optics, but as the client side is moving from CFP to CFP2/CFP4, the ability of such universal slot will be lost unless the coherent modules keep pace.

 

As mentioned before, unlike LH links, metro consists of a lot of ROADMs. To achieve 100G performance, the metro needs to handle the increased loss created by growing number of ROADMs. Also it has to deal with the higher loss in old fiber to ensure desired transmission quality.

 

Also there are many challenges in satisfying requirements for low power consumption, high port density, low latency, and standardized data-rate and modulation formats for 100G metro network.

 

Conclusion

 

There is still a long way to go for the implementation of cost-effective and high-performance 100G metro network. However, the challenges in network and optical areas will finally turn to reasons for the achievements in metro network development. The cost will be driven down and the applications of 100G metro will be prevalent. fiber-mart.com provides major brands compatible QSFP28, CFP and CFP2 modules and generic CFP4 modules for your upgrading to 100G infrastructures. If you are in need of other fiber optic modules, you can also visit our web site for more information.

Tools used in fiber optic cable splicing process

Tools used in fiber optic cable splicing process

by Fiber-MART.COM

Fiber optic cable splicing process needs some important tools.

 

First, a Fusion Splicer is essential. fiber-mart.com recommend swift f1 fusion splicer –New Ilsintech Swift-F1 All in One Fusion Splicer. Swift F1 is the highly sophisticated and integrated clad alignment fusion splicer, which has been designed to perform the major 5 multifunctional features systematically: heating, stripping, cleaning, cleaving, splicing and sleeving. The Swift F1 has been designed for fusion splicing and splice-on connector (Swift Connector) of FTTH network applications. The structural and complementary features of Swift F1 have been applied to the design of Swift Connectors to resolve the problems of mechanical connectors in past: low quality, weak durability and high maintenance cost. Swift F1 has turned around the way that the connector users, who were used to thinking previously, as from the installation and maintenance costs of splice-on connector, had been more expensive than a mechanical connector to more cost effective than mechanical connector purchasing cost of splice-on connector. Swift F1 is a versatile fusion splicer which can perform all kinds of FTTH fusion splicing for the ordinary 0.25mm, 0.9mm, 2mm~3mm cable, indoor cable and others splicing connectors. All in all, this Swift-F1 is a revolution of a splicer.

Second,a Fiber Cable Stripper is indeed needed. fiber-mart.com supply many types of fiber strippers. The fibre optic strippers play an important role in fiber optic cable splicing process. A good quality fiber stripper will safely and efficiently remove the outside jacket from an optical fiber cable, and can help you speed up the process of performing fiber network maintenance work and avoid excessive network downtime. Only with a properly strip of the fiber cable jacket can make an undamaged exposed fiber which is also a must for successful splicing of two optical fibers. Explore the stripping tools below to find exactly what you need. For more information, please contact our sales representative right now. Save your time & money for your business or project !

 

At last, fiber adapters will be used in the connection of the two parts. A fiber adapter (also called as flange) is a fiber connection component. It includes many varieties such as FC, SC, ST, LC and MTRJ. Fiber adapters are widely used in ODF, fiber transmission equipment and instrument etc. All of them, FC to FC fiber adapters are used very ofen. We supply LC, FC, SC, ST and MTRJ fiber optic adapters, including simplex, duplex and quad types; these Simplex or Duplex Multimode or Single-mode or 10G OM3 Adapter come with flange and are Zirconia. You can buy fiber optic connection products on our store with your confidence. All of fiber optics supplies with high quality but low price.