Everything You Need to Know About Fiber Optics Cable

by Fiber-MART.COM

In the recent years, fiber optics is steadily replacing copper wires. It is a better and apt means of transmitting communication signals. Today, fiber optics cable span across long distances between local phone systems. In addition, it also serves as the backbone for many networking systems including:

 

Cable TV services

University campus

Office buildings

Industrial plants

Electric utility companies

Internet connectivity

Stereo systems

Telephone systems

 

Fiber Optics Cable use pulses of light to transfer data using the event of total internal reflection. The cable has a coating of plastic. This protects the cable from exposure to heat, cold, and other weather atrocities. It also protects the cable from electromagnetic interference and ultraviolet rays of sun. These cables are the most reliable and fastest data transfer cables on the planet.

 

A fiber optics cable system is very similar to the metal wire system. The fiber optics is replacing the metal and copper wire system. The basic difference is that fiber optics uses light to transmit data; whereas metal wires do not. It sends the data down the fiber lines instead of using electronic pulses for transmitting data like in the metal wires.

 

Fiber Optics Cables serve the purpose of connecting and transferring data across continents. They are fast and they can carry large capacity. The signals have higher strength and need least maintenance.

 

Types Of Fiber Optics Cables

There are three types of fiber optic cable commonly in use. They are single mode, multimode, and plastic optical fiber or photonic fiber. Transparent glass or plastic fiber allows the guiding of light from one end to the other with minimal loss is the most efficient.

 

Single Mode

In a single mode fiber, the core diameter reduces to few wavelengths of the incoming light. For a beam with 0.55 μm of wavelength, the core diameter must be of the order of 4.5 μm.

 

Under this situation, the core is so small that only the primary mode can travel inside the fiber. Given the wave broadcast of the light inside the cavity, there is no other way for the light to take longer optical paths.

 

Multimode

In this fiber, the core diameter is much greater than the wavelength of the transmitted light. The transmission of number of modes is simultaneous. The possible ways in which, light travels inside the fiber is relative to the fiber modes. The primary mode travels parallel to the axis of the fiber. Therefore, it takes the minimum time to reach the end of the fiber.

 

When an incoming beam enters with an angle relative to the fiber axis, the light follows a longer path. Thus, it takes a little longer to reach the end. When you increase the core diameter, you can increase the transmission of number of modes.

 

Photonic Fibers

In photonic fibers, the number of cavities around the core guides the transmission of light. The core may be present in a glass or even an air cavity! These are new fiber optic cables available in the market. For the moment, their performances are still under the observation for astronomical applications.

 

Fiber Optics Cable Connectors

Fiber optics cable connectors make flexible connections possible. Fiber optics cable connectors are generally in use where flexibility is in need. Fiber optics cable connectors are also a necessity at termination points when an optical signal routes.

 

Polish And Epoxy Connectors

Polish and Epoxy style connectors were originally in use for termination. These are still under very high rate of extensive installation. These connectors offer a wide range of choices including SC, ST, LC, FC, SMA, D4, MT-RJ, and MU. Some of their advantages are present in the list below:

 

Sturdiness - skill to bear higher levels of environmental and mechanical stress

 

Cable size - Usability with cables of varying diameters, from big to small

 

Multiple Connectors - Can handle single and multiple cables (up to 24) in a single connector

 

Polish And No-Epoxy Or Pre-Loaded Epoxy Connectors

The main advantage of these connectors is that they are easy to install. This translates to lower skill levels in need to handle them. These connectors can have further division as follows:

 

Connectors without epoxy

Connectors with preloaded epoxy

The fiber has stabilization by an internal crimp mechanism and these connectors are available in SC, ST, and FC styles.

 

No Polish And No-Epoxy

Simple design and low cost are the hallmarks of these connectors. The result of training and installation is a higher cost reduction. Moreover, this also enables fast restorations. They are available in SC, ST, LC, FC, and MT-RJ connector styles.

 

Numerous connectors, both standard and proprietary, are in use in the field of telecommunication equipment, data lines, television, cable, and other industrial fields. The connectors described in this text are the ones that are under extensive use in the past. Many are still under use this very day.

Name Brands vs Third-Party Transceivers: Which Do You Prefer?

by Fiber-MART.COM

You may have a name brand network switch or a name brand router, but it doesn’t mean that you need to pay an expensive cost on name brand transceivers. Though many people still get confused on “third-party transceivers”, there is no doubt that the emergence of third-party transceivers really offers a more cost-effective option to users. Name brands or third-party, which do you prefer? After reading this paper, you can make a decision.

 

What Does “Third-Party” Mean?

First of all, you should know that third-party suppliers exist in all sorts of industries and are typically companies that have a high degree of specialization in their field. “Third party” as a concept comes up most often in technical areas.

 

For example, software developers create programs that can be used on platforms created by another company, and often do so to fill a niche users may need but the platform developer cannot or will not address. A quick look at that description will also give you the basis for the term “third party”. It’s not the platform or OEM (original equipment manufacturers) (first party), or the user (second party), but another (third party) developer that brings a solution to the marketplace. Seems simple enough, right?

 

Some of the confusion arises in the telecom/datacom industry, where there are OEMs that really aren’t manufacturing anything. But rather, these OEMs have things built for them under contract by ODMs (original design manufacturers), and then “integrate” this solution under their own brand name. Then there are OEMs who continue to supply components to other OEMs, while establishing a brand of their own. They can also be considered third party for other OEMs, if they’ve not explicitly been brought into the fold as a vendor to that OEM. It is not quite so simple anymore when “third-party” are introduced to telecom / datacom industry. Thus, many users feel strange to third-party components, and are lack of confidence in them.

 

Name Brands vs Third Party Transceivers

If you still don’t understand what third-party means, now let us come back to our familiar environment, talking about the transceivers. All fiber optic transceivers have established Multi-Source Agreements (MSAs). These MSAs clearly define how fiber optic networking equipment is to function and establish de facto manufacturing standards that ensure networking components developed by different manufacturers are interoperable.

 

As long as a manufacturer complies to MSA guidelines, their transceiver modules will function and operate identically to any other manufacturer’s MSA-compliant transceivers. For example, fiber-mart’s 100% MSA compliant GLC-SX-MM transceiver will function identically to a Cisco brand GLC-SX-MM transceiver and will be 100% compatible with Cisco networking equipment.

 

So, how about the name brand transceiver? Why do they cost so much? Actually, the switch and router manufacturers do not build their own transceivers. Also take Cisco for example, they resell someone else’s. As described above, they have them built under contract by ODMs. The reason why Cisco transceivers are more expensive is because they have actually tested the transceivers they offer with their equipment to verify it works. Also they have revision control over the transceivers they sell so that if something were to change on the transceiver it would trigger them to retest it. Moreover, Cisco isn’t in the business of giving stuff away, so they mark up the price of the transceivers to cover their costs (to test/procure/stock etc.) and make a profit. In addition, many name brand vendors outsource the manufacturing of their OEM components to the exact same contract manufacturers used by third party vendors. So the source, quality, parts, and programming are exactly the same—only the labels and cost to the consumer are different.

 

Many users give their feedback on third-party transceivers. They say their third-party cannot work well one their name brand switch. Why? Switch and router manufacturers such as Cisco, HP ect. have set the encryption key which forbid the third-party transceivers to plug in their device. Thus, when you plug a third-party transceiver into the device, you’ll quickly stumble across an error warning. In fact, this is not a problem, because some hidden commands or 100% compatibility technology developed by some vendors can solve this problem.

 

Third Party Transceivers: An Ideal Solution

In fact, in addition to the low cost, there are many benefits of third-party transceivers. The following five obvious and proven reasons tell you why third-party transceivers are an ideal solution for your project.

 

Cost savings

Typically third-party transceivers cost substantially less than—sometimes up to 90 percent less — already discounted transceivers from OEM providers.

 

In-stock Availability

Since selling transceivers is the primary business for most third-party transceiver companies, most strive for immediate availability of product.

 

Carrier-Grade Quality

Some companies use the exact same ODMs the major switch OEMs use. However, since optical transceivers are the primary business for some third-party transceiver companies, they may understand which ODMs provide the highest quality part for a given data rate or transport protocol. It is not inconceivable for some third-party optics companies to provide more reliable components than those offered by the major switch OEM companies.

Reduced Inventory Cost Due To Interoperability

By definition third-party providers of optical transceivers are not tied to a specific switch or router platform. Therefore, their optics will typically interoperate across multiple platforms. This means one specific inventoried part number can be used in both a Cisco switch and a Juniper switch, as an example. Thus, this approach effectively reduces sparing inventory as well as the operational headaches associated with maintaining inventories for each switch platform.

Access to Innovative Optics

Third-party providers tend to have a much broader variety of pluggable optics from which to select. This can range from 10G Ethernet single fiber SFP+ or XFP optics to 120km XFP optics, as an example.

 

 

fiber-mart offers a variety of fiber optic transceivers at very economical prices which can satisfy your requirements from 1G to 100G Ethernet. In addition, we have a large inventory of the commonly used SFP optics, fixed-channel DWDM SFP+ optics, and whole seires of 40GBASE QSFP+ optics. So, why pay more for a name, when you can get the same high-quality, MSA compliant, 100% OEM compatible and in-stock transceivers from fiber-mart for a fraction of the cost?

OM4 vs. OM5: What’s the Difference?

As the demand for bandwidth, new transmission media must be developed to meet the requirements of users. The latest in optical transmission media is called OM5 fiber. To help you use this advanced fiber to its greatest advantage, this paper describes the basis of OM5 fiber, and highlights the key differences with OM4 fiber.

What Is OM5 Fiber?

According to the ISO/IEC 11801, OM5 fiber specifies a wider range of wavelengths between 850nm and 953nm. It was created to support short wavelength division multiplexing (SWDM), which is one of the many new technologies being developed for transmitting 40Gb/s and 100Gb/s. In June 2016, ANSI/TIA-492AAAE, the new wideband multimode fiber standard, was approved for publication. And in October of 2016, OM5 fiber was announced as the official designation for cabling containing WBMMF (Wide Band Multimode Fiber) by ISO/IEC 11801. From then on, OM5 may be a potential new option for data centers that require greater link distances and higher speeds.

What Is OM4 Fiber?

OM4 is laser-optimized 50um fiber having 4.7GHz*km EMB bandwidth designed for 10 Gb/s, 40 Gb/s, and 100 Gb/s transmission. OM4 fiber has been on the market since 2005, sold as premium OM3 or OM3 fiber. The OM4 cable designation standardizes the nomenclature across all manufacturers so that the customer has a clearer idea of the product that they are buying. OM4 fiber is completely backwards compatible with OM3 fiber and shares the same distinctive aqua jacket. OM4 was developed specifically for VSCEL laser transmission and allows 10 Gig/second link distances of up to 550 Meters (compared to 300M with OM3) and offers an Effective Modal Bandwidth (EMB) of 4700 MHz-km.

OM4 vs. OM5: What’s the Difference?

Since OM1 and OM2 fiber can not support 25Gbps and 40Gbps data transmission speeds, OM3 and OM4 were the main choices for multimode fiber to support 25G, 40G and 100G Ethernet. However, it’s becoming more costly for optical fiber cable to support next-generation Ethernet speed migration as bandwidth requirements increase. Against such a background, OM5 fiber was born to extend the benefits of multimode fiber in data centers.

The key difference between them is that EMB is specified only at 850 nm for OM4 fiber at 4700 MHz-km, while OM5 EMB values are specified at both 850 nm and 953 nm and the value at 850 nm is greater than that of OM4. Therefore, OM5 fiber offers users longer length distances and more choices in optical fiber. In addition, TIA has specified lime green as the official cable jacket color for OM5, while OM4 is aqua jacket. And OM4 is designed for 10Gb/s, 40Gb/s, and 100Gb/s transmission, but OM5 is designed for 40Gb/s, and 100Gb/s transmission which reduces the fiber counts for high speed transmissions.

What’s more, OM5 cable can support four SWDM channels, each carrying 25G of data to deliver 100G Ethernet using a single pair of multimode fibers. Besides, it is fully compatible with OM3 and OM4 fiber. OM5 is available globally for installations in multiple enterprise environments, from campuses to buildings to data centers. In a word, OM5 fiber is a better choice than OM4 on transmission distance, speed and cost.

Conclusion

OM5 fiber provides next-generation multimode fiber performance for today and tomorrow’s high speed applications. With its significantly higher bandwidth, it can be assured that multimode fiber will continue to provide the most cost effective solutions for short reach applications in data centers and LANs. OM5 precisely meets the demands, and it will be your preferable choice for your data centers.

Do You Know about SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?

Do You Know about SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?

by Fiber-MART.COM

There is a growing need in the data center for upgrading from 10G to 40G switch connections due to server consolidation, virtualization, and performance improvements. However, for many data center operators this upgrade and conversion is more challenging based on two primary factors. First, the potential for a reconfiguration of the physical layer of the network based on the reduced reach of the OM3/OM4 multimode optics from 10GBASE-SR (300/400 m) to 40GBASE-SR4 (100/150 m) and second, the existing fiber optic cabling plant may need to be upgraded based on the additional fiber count needed to support the IEEE-defined 40GBASE-SR4 parallel optics. These two factors bring the SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver to market.

What Is SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ Transceiver?

 

40GBASE Universal QSFP+ Transceiver for SMF&MMFAs we all know, a fiber optic transceiver may either operate on multimode fiber (MMF) or single-mode fiber (SMF). However, a SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver can be used with both MMF and SMF without the need for any software/hardware changes to the transceiver module or any additional hardware in the network. Usually, this transceiver is based on IEEE defined 40GBASE-LR4 specifications and operates in the 1310 nm band. It uses a duplex LC connector and supports distances up to 150 m over OM3 or OM4 multimode fiber and up to 500 m over single-mode fiber (different vendor may have different specifications). This is usually accomplished by combining four 10G optical channels at different wavelengths (1270, 1290, 1310, and 1330 nm) inside the transceiver module to transmit and receive an aggregate 40G signal over a single pair of multimode or single-mode fibers. At present, there are two main SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver in the market. One is the Arista QSFP-40G-UNIV universal QSFP+ transceiver, and the other is the Juniper JNP-QSFP-40G-LX4 40GBASE-LX4 QSFP+ transceiver. These two types QSFP+ for both MMF and SMF are widely installed and used for upgrading from 10G to 40G networks without modification or expansion.

 

Advantages of SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ Transceiver

With the increase in data center bandwidth requirements, migration to 40G for switch to switch connections is in higher demand. SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver is designed to allow for seamless migrations from existing 10 to 40GbE networking without requiring a redesign or expansion of the fiber network. Besides, this transceiver also provides a cost-effective solution to migrate from multimode to single-mode fiber, allows a single-mode fiber infrastructure for distances up to 500m. The advantages of SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ are as following.

 

Cabling Migrating from 10G to 40G

Existing 40G transceivers for short reach, QSFP+ SR4 and the extended reach QSFP+ CSR4, utilize four independent 10G transmitters and receivers for an aggregate 40G link, which use an MPO-12 connector and require 8-fiber parallel multimode fiber (OM3 or OM4). However, a SMF&MMF QSFP+ uses duplex LC connector, which is consistent with the existing 10G connections, which are also commonly MMF cables with duplex LC connectors. Therefore, a SMF&MMF QSFP+ allows the same cables to be used for direct 10G connections to direct 40G connections, resulting in zero-cost cabling migration.

 

Increase Number of 40G Links in the Network

As existing MMF 40G solutions need the use of 8 fibers for a 40G link, customers have to add additional fiber to increase the number of 40G links. By deploying the SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver, customers increase the number of 40G links by 4 times without making any changes to their fiber infrastructure, which greatly expand network scale and performance.

 

Migrate from Multimode to Single-mode Fiber

As data rates increase from 40G to 100G and beyond to 400G, there is a strong desire for data centers to move to single-mode fiber for cost effectiveness. Due to the limitations of multimode transceivers to support existing distances with ever increasing data rates, migrating to 100G and 400G in the future will be simpler with single-mode fiber. However, the single-mode transceivers typically cost up to 4 times more compared to multimode transceivers. As SMF&MMF QSFP+ interoperates with 10km QSFP-LR4 optics, it s a cost effective solution for SM fiber infrastructure for distances up to 500 m.

 

Simplify the Data Centers with a Mix of MMF and SMF Deployments

The SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver offers the unique advantage of operating on both multimode and single-mode fiber without any requirement for additional hardware or software. Customers can consolidate their optics and use SMF&MMF QSFP +in their network irrespective of the fiber type, which makes full use of the existing cabling systems, reduces the cost of deployment and of support, and simplify purchasing and deployments.

 

Conclusion

The SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver enables data centers running at 10G today to seamlessly upgrade to 40G without having to re-design or modify the cable infrastructure, which allows organizations to migrate their existing 10G infrastructure to 40G at zero cost of fiber and to expand the infrastructure with low capital investment. It also offers a transition path for customer planning migrations to single-mode fiber in data centers with a single transceiver that bridges the gap between multi-mode and single-mode optics. With high-density 40G switches on hand, fiber-mart.com SMF&MMF 40G QSFP+ transceiver provides a cost-effective solution for migrating to next-generation 40G data center deployments.

Assemble & Operation Video of SUNMA AFCM-2000 Fiber Cable Cutting Machine by Fiber-MART.COM

Assemble & Operation Video of SUNMA AFCM-2000 Fiber Cable Cutting Machine by Fiber-MART.COM

How to Use Field Assembly Connector?

by Fiber-MART.COM

How to Use Field Assembly Connector?

 

The expansion of FTTH application has brought prosperity to the manufacturing of field assembly connectors for fast field termination. This type of connector gains its popularity due to the applicability to cable wiring and compact bodies which are easily stored in optical fiber housings. With excellent features of stability and low loss, field assembly connector has now become a reliable and durable solution for fiber optic systems. However, do you really know the field assembly process of the connector? This article provides an easy guide to show you the way of using field assembly connector.

 

Introduction to Field Assembly Connector

 

Before getting to know the instruction process, let’s have a look at the basic knowledge about field assembly connector. Field assembly connector or fast connector is an innovative field installable optical fiber connector designed for simple and fast field termination of single fibers. Without using additional assembling tools, field assembly connector can be quickly and easily connected to the drop cable and indoor cable, which saves a lot of required termination time. It is specially designed with the patented mechanical splice body that includes a factory-mounted fiber stub and a pre-polished ceramic ferrule. Field assembly connector is usually available for 250 µm, 900 µm, 2.0 mm and 3.0 mm diameter single-mode and multimode fiber types. The whole installation process only takes about 2 minutes which greatly improves the working efficiency.

 

Internal Structure of Field Assembly Connector

 

From the following figure, we can see the specific internal structure of field assembly connector. The ferrule end face of the connector is pre-polished in a factory for later connection with the fiber. A mechanical splice is also formed at the end of the ferrule for mechanical fixation of optical fiber. The mechanical splice consists two plates, one with a V groove, another with flat surface above the V groove, and a clamp for the insertion of the two plates. When inserting the fiber, a wedge clip will keep the V groove open for easier installation. After the fiber insertion, the wedge clip can be extracted from the V groove.

 

Features and Applications

 

Key Features

Field-installable, cost-effective, user-friendly

No requirement for epoxy and polishing

Quick and easy fiber termination in the field

No need for fusion splicer, power source and tool for pressure

Visual indication of proper termination

Applications

Fiber optic telecommunication

Fiber distribution frame

FTTH outlets

Optical cable interconnection

Cable television

 

Conclusion

Fiber assembly connector enables quick termination to improve reliable and high connector performance in FTTH wiring and LAN cabling systems. All the above solutions provided by fiber-mart.com are available to meet your requirements. Please visit the website for more information.

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.

FIber-mart Useful Fiber Optic Termination Tools

FIber-mart Useful Fiber Optic Termination Tools

by Fiber-MART.COM

As you can see, fiber-mart.com is a worldwide leading manufacturer & supplier of fiber optic products. We now can provide a plenty of fiber optic components and network equipment there. And even for fiber optic tools, we can provide lots of that kind of products. Here today I would like to introduce our fiber optic termination tool to you.

What is termination? According to the Wikippedia, you can find nearly 20 different uses and meanings of this word. But here in the fiber optic termination tool which used in fiber cabling, the termination is the preparation of the end of a fiber so that it may be connected to another fiber or device. And a fiber optic termination tool can be used for varying purposes, and it can be used in the following process: First, using a chemical solvents or mechanical strippers to strip the buffer and coating material from fiber before being cleaned with alcohol, second, we have to using a metal or diamond blade to nick the fiber before the tension which applied causing it to break, the third procedure is using grit abrasive paper to polish the fiber until the fiber end is smooth, and the four procedure comes to using a microscope (be better with high power pixel, so you can see it clearly) to inspect the end of fiber which to insure that the end of fiber is really smooth, then let’s come to last step, we have to attach the connectors to the fibers or splicing them to make them joined together.

 

Btw, as there are so many types of fiber optic termination tools, so we come up with an idea that put some models of this tool in a kit, that is what call the Optical Fiber Termination Tool Kits or Fiber Optic Termination Tool Kits, which may helps the electrical personnel a lot, because it is more convenient for them to carry and save their time of searching different kind of termination tools. fiber-mart.com provides various types of Fiber optic tools Kits which are very important in the fiber optic installation and maintenance works, and these tool kits contains the latest popular fiber optic tools and consumable material necessary for splicing, test fiber, cleaning, polishing, termination and so on. Welcome to our website for further consideration.

Optical Solutions for HP 5820 Switch Series

Optical Solutions for HP 5820 Switch Series

by Fiber-MART.COM

HP 5820 switch series, namely HP FlexFabric 5820 switch series, is designed to support 1 and 10 Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) networks. The extensible embedded application capabilities enable these switches to integrate services into the network, consolidating devices and appliances to simplify deployment and reduce power consumption and rack space. Also, using the right optical components will facilitate the high performance of the switches. And this article will provide the optical solutions such as fiber optic transceivers and direct attach cables that are supported by HP 5820 switch series.

 

Overview of HP 5820 Switch Series

The HP 5820 switch series provides a versatile, high-performance and 1/10GbE top-of-rack (ToR) data center switch architecture with deployment flexibility. It supports advanced features by delivering a unique combination of unmatched 10 GbE, high-availability architecture, full layer 2/3 dual-stack IPv4/IPv6 and line-rate, low-latency performance on all ports. HP 5820 switches can be used in high-performance and high-density building or department cores as a part of a consolidated network, or be used in campus and data center networks for the high-performance layer 3, 10 GbE aggregation. The total switching capacity of HP 5820 switch series can reach up to 488 Gbps supporting as much as 363mpps throughput. The models offer 14 or 24 ports for high-performance applications with RJ45, SFP+ server connectivity and expansion slot.

 

Models of HP 5820 Switch Series

 

There are three models of HP 5820 switch series including HP 5820-14XG-SFP+ switch (JC106B), HP 5820-24XG-SFP+ switch (JC102B) and HP 5820AF-24XG switch (JG219B). These switch models are hot-swappable and support cut-through switching for very low latency. The biggest difference is their disposition of I/O ports.

 

Optical Solutions for HP 5820 Switch Series

HP 5820 switch series is available with 1 GbE and 10 GbE data links. The following tables provide the optical solutions of SFP transceivers, SFP+ transceivers, 10G SFP+ to SFP+ direct attach copper cables and 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ direct attach copper breakout cables supported by the switch series.

 

Conclusion

The flexible and high-performance HPH 5820 switch series is a good option for 1 GbE and 10 GbE networks over buildings, campus and data centers. The optics listed in the tables are all provided by fiber-mart.com with 100% compatibility. If you want to purchase these high-quality fiber optic transceivers and direct attach cables at a reasonable price, fiber-mart.com is the right place to go.

Fiber-mart's Most Popular LC Connector

Fiber-mart's Most Popular LC Connector

by Fiber-MART.COM

The LC Connector Product is a robust optical connector designed to support Telecom and Datacom networks. The connector family includes but not limited to Jumper Connectors, Behind the Wall connectors (BTW), Adapters, Attenuators, Jumpers and an assortment of connector modules and panels. LC connector applications include Telecommunications networks, Local area networks, Data processing networks, Cable television, Fiber-to-the-home, and Premises distribution.

 

The fiber optic connector is defined as the plug portion equipped with a tunable cylindrical ferrule while incorporating unique trigger and latch features. Better connectors lose very little light due to reflection or misalignment of the fibers. The LC Connector is established because of its small size and its very reliable connecting quality. In the last five years it has become the most popular connector in the world. LC stands for Lucent Connector and it was developed by Lucent Technologies. The LC connector has good performance and is highly favored for single-mode.

Features of LC Connectors：

 

Half the dimension of regular connectors;

 

Push & pull mechanism like RJ connectors;

 

Single set design;

 

Polarized;

 

Complies with industry standards;

 

Detachable clips for simplex as well as duplex connectors.

 

LC connector utilizes traditional components of a SC duplex connector having independent ceramic ferrules and housings with the overall size scaled down by one half. They make things easier for movements, additions, and modifications, thus preventing additional expenses. The LC Connector uses an enhanced edition of the well-known, user friendly RJ-style telephone connector that offers a reassuring clear click when connected. The latest single set design improves the connector’s strength and complies with side-load requirements of standard 2.5 mm connectors. Jumper LC connectors are equipped with detachable clips, making it easier to rectify polarity inaccuracies during termination or while duplexing simplex connectors in the field.

 

LC connectors have replaced SC connectors in corporate networking environments due to their smaller size; they are often found on small form-factor pluggable transceivers. LC connectors reduce space requirements by 50%, over 2.50mm ferrule connectors, without sacrificing performance. LC connectors are available in industry standard beige (multimode), blue (singlemode) and green (angle polish) colors, and will accommodate 900μm buffered fiber, 1.60mm, 2.00mm, or 3.00mm jacketed cable. With its six-position tuning feature, the connector may be used to achieve unprecedented insertion loss performance by optimizing the alignment of the fiber cores. Additionally, 45° and 90° boot options are available for 1.60mm and 2.00mm jacketed cable.

 

As we know, fiber optic connector is an important fiber optic component used to link two fiber optic lines together. Beside connector, there is also another item, which is Fiber optic adapter with panels to connecting multi fiber optic line. Specifically, the fiber optic adapter is a small device that used to terminate or link the fiber optic cables or fiber optic connectors between two fiber optic lines.

 

A fiber optic connector terminates at the end of a fiber optic cable and is used when you need a means to connect and disconnect the fiber cable quickly. A fiber splice would be used in a more permanent application. The connectors provide a mechanical connection for the two fiber cables and align both cores precisely so the light can pass through with little loss. LC connectors look much like miniature SC connectors. LC connector also has the same push/pull snap-in type locking mechanism. The distinctive mixture of small sizes and the click of connectivity make the LC Connector a perfect pick for today’s high performance networks.

How Fiber Optics applicated in communication systems

How Fiber Optics applicated in communication systems

by Fiber-MART.COM

The use of fiber optic systems is expanding at a amazing rate. Only in the past Ten years, fiber optic communications systems have replaced just about all coaxial and twisted pair cables particularly in network backbones. This is also true in almost any long distance communication links.

 

This can be explained simply. Optical fiber cable is easier to set up, lighter than traditional copper cable, and much smaller than its electronic counterpart. The most crucial factor is it has much more bandwidth. Because fiber optic cables are lighter, they are simpler to survive existing ducts and cable raceways. There are other big benefits of fiber optic cables including their immunity to electromagnetic interference, longer repeater distances, lower power requirements, and better flexibility.

All the above pros make fiber optic cables very attractive and most important of all, very economical. The unstoppable trend for fiber optic applications would be the change from the long haul (long distance) to our desk, our house, and our office. The terms include FTTC ( fiber towards the curb), FTTD (fiber towards the desk), FTTH (fiber towards the home) and FTTB( fiber to the building). Fiber optic cables enable our imagine integrating all our phone, Internet and TV services. Fiber’s wide bandwidth makes this possible. It offers more than enough ability to meet all our voice, data and video requirements.

 

The transformation from copper to fiber is greatly accelerated through the invention of optical fiber amplifier. Optical fiber amplifiers enable optical signal transmission over very long distances without the expensive procedure for conversion to electronic signals, electronic amplification and the conversion to optical signal again as in traditional regenerators.

 

Today most of the network traffic switching continue to be done by electronic switches such as those from Cisco. But tremendous interest and effort of utilizing all-optical devices for those network switching are accumulating in the industry. The most important sign of all-optical switching lies in its almost unlimited transmission capacity. However, it is still within the prototype stage for controlling light with light, so optical swith circuits continue to be controlled by electronic circuits now. The switching matrix may be optical circuits but the control are still done by electronic circuits.

 

Optical fiber is nearly the perfect medium for signal transmission available today and in the foreseeable future. The excellent sign of optical fiber is its immunity to electromagnetic interference. Optical circuits can be crossed inside a common space without cross interference among them. But you will find problems which are impeding the rate of all-optical system development. The most obvious and basic reason may be the compatibility requirements with legacy fiber optic systems.

 

Another huge advantage of optical fiber is based on the opportunity to multiplex its capacity via WDM (wavelength division multiplexer). WDM modulates each of several data streams right into a different part of the light spectrum. WDM is the optical equivalent of FDM (frequency division multiplexer). The use of WDM can increase the capacity of merely one channel fiber optic communication system by countless times.

 

In additional to optical communication systems, fiber optic technology is also widely used in medicine, illumination, sensing, endoscopy, industry control and more.

 

About the writer:

 

fiber-mart is experienced on fiber optic communication technologies and merchandise. Learn more about fiber optic networks on www.fiber-mart.com.

THE INS AND OUTS OF HDMI SPLITTERS

THE INS AND OUTS OF HDMI SPLITTERS

by Fiber-MART.COM

The topic today is going to be HDMI splitters. I guess we should start with the basics. An HDMI splitter allows you to split one HDMI source signal to two or more outputs. Most HDMI splitters are 1:2, meaning you start with one source and can split the signal into two. We offer other configurations that will support just about any situation. Including even things like sports bars with many displays. You might use an HDMI splitter to duplicate the signal from your cable box so you can watch it on two televisions. An HDMI splitter is not to be confused with an HDMI switch. The most popular question I get on a day to day basis would be just that. The difference between an HDMI splitter and an HDMI switch. Again, an HDMI splitter allows you to send a signal from 1 source to multiple displays and an HDMI switch allows you to plug in multiple HDMI sources (Blueray, Cable/Sat box, etc.) to a display. Using a switch is common for people who run out of HDMI inputs on their TV.

There are also products out there called HDMI repeaters that will boost a signal when running long HDMI cables typically starting around the 50ft marker. But the repeaters and switches can be covered at another time. It just seems I get lots of customers asking about those three items and their differences. So hopefully that clears things up for everyone.

 

Now back on track with the main reason for today's writing. HDMI splitters and how to choose. HDMI splitter styles, types and prices can vary. A couple things to look at would be the resolution support the switch offers. The output source (such as your Blueray) cannot always match the display devices resolution capabilities. Fortunately, the configuration and design of many of the HDMI splitters make it possible for high quality signal to be sent to each and every output. The HDMI cables that you use can make a difference as well. A general rule of thumb is getting your hands on a thicker gauge cable or something with some high speeds. Length is a big deciding factor here as well. The thicker gauge cable such as 26 AWG are recommended for lengths of 3 to 15ft and for anything longer try getting into the 22 AWG range. This will ensure the best possible connection with little to no resistance. Luckily most of our splitters are powered and can boost signals up to 50ft. Resolution is another topic to cover briefly.

 

Your picture quality is limited to resolution that BOTH TVs support - no matter how great your cables are, or how amazing your splitter is. If your running full 1080p out of a Blu-Ray player and into one 720p TV and one 1080p, you will be limited to the 720p.  I hope some of this information was found useful. It was just a basic rundown of questions and topics that come up through my day with customers. If you have questions or concerns feel free to call or email our techs.

What Is an Ethernet Cable?

What Is an Ethernet Cable?

by Fiber-MART.COM

An Ethernet cable is one of the most popular forms of network cable used on wired networks. Ethernet cables connect devices together within a local area network, like PCs, routers, and switches.

 

Given that these are physical cables, they do have their limitations, both in the distance that they can stretch and still carry proper signals, and their durability. This is one reason there are different types of Ethernet cables; to perform certain tasks in particular situations.

 

What an Ethernet Cable Looks Like

 

There's a picture of a few Ethernet cable ends on this page. It resembles a phone cable but is larger and has more wires.

 

Both cables share a similar shape and plug but an Ethernet cable has eight wires and a larger plug than the four wires found in phone cables.

 

Ethernet cables of course plug into Ethernet ports, which again, are larger than phone cable ports. An Ethernet port on a computer is accessible through the Ethernet card on the motherboard.

 

Ethernet cables come in different colors but phone cables are usually just grey.

 

Types of Ethernet Cables

 

Ethernet cables normally support one or more industry standards including Category 5 (CAT5) and Category 6 (CAT6).

 

A crossover cable is a special type of Ethernet cable specially designed for connecting two computers to each other. By contrast, most Ethernet cables are designed to connect one computer to a router or switch.

 

Ethernet cables are physically manufactured in two basic forms called solid and stranded.

 

Solid Ethernet cables offer slightly better performance and improved protection against electrical interference. They're also more commonly used on business networks, wiring inside office walls, or under lab floors to fixed locations

 

 

Stranded Ethernet cables are less prone to physical cracks and breaks, making them more suitable for travelers or in home networking setups.

 

Limitations of Ethernet Cables

 

A single Ethernet cable, like an electric power cord, has a limited maximum distance capacity, meaning they have an upper limit to how long they can be before signal loss (called attenuation) happens. This is due to their electrical transmission characteristics and is directly affected by interference around the cable.

 

Both ends of the cable should be close enough to each other to receive signals quickly, but far enough away from electrical interferences to avoid interruptions. However, this alone doesn't limit the size of a network because hardware like routers or hubs can be used to join multiple Ethernet cables together within the same network. This distance between two devices is called the network diameter.

 

The maximum length of a single CAT5 cable, before attenuation occurs, is 324 feet. CAT6 can go up to around 700 feet. Keep in mind that Ethernet cables can be longer but they might suffer from signal loss, especially if there are other electrical appliances that the cable passes by.

 

Note: Ethernet cable length is a little different if you're talking about thin, 10 base 2, or thick, 10 base 5 cables.

 

 

The former should be no longer than 600 feet while the latter cable type should be able to reach lengths of around 1,640 feet.

 

Also consider that a short cable may suffer from reflection. However, some users have reported no problems with cable lengths as low as even 4 inches.

 

Several different types of RJ-45 connectors exist. One type, designed for use with stranded cables, generally is incompatible with solid cables. Other types of RJ-45 connectors may work with both stranded and solid cables.

 

See Is It Safe to Run Ethernet Cables Outdoors? if you're wanting to do that.

 

Alternatives to Ethernet Cables for Computer Networking

 

Wireless technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth have replaced Ethernet on many home and business networks.