Drop Cable and Its Termination in FTTH

FTTH (fiber to the home) networks are installed in many areas covering indoor section, outdoor section, as well as the transition in between. To fulfill the cabling requirements from different areas, different types of fiber optic cables are well developed. Drop cable as an important part of FTTH network forms the final external link between the subscriber and the feeder cable. This blog post will focus on this special outdoor fiber optic cable.

The Basic of FTTH Drop Cable

Drop cables, as previously mentioned, are located on the subscriber end to connect the terminal of a distribution cable to a subscriber’s premises. They are typicality small diameter, low fiber count cables with limited unsupported span lengths, which can be installed aerially, underground or buried. As it is used in outdoor, drop cable shall have a minimum pull strength of 1335 Newtons according to the industry standard. Drop cables are available in many different types. The following part introduces three most commonly used drop cables divided according to the cable structure.

Flat Type Drop Cable, also known as flat drop cable, with a flat out-looking, usually consists of a polyethylene jacket, several fibers and two dielectric strength members to give high crush resistance. Drop cable usually contains one or two fibers, however, drop cable with fiber counts up to 12 or more is also available now. The following picture shows the cross section of a flat drop cable with 2 fibers.

Figure-8 Aerial Drop Cable is self-supporting cable, with the cable fixed to a steel wire, designed for easy and economical aerial installation for outdoor applications. This type of drop cable is fixed to a steel wire as showed in the following picture. Typical fiber counts of figure-8 Drop Cable are 2 to 48. Tensile load is typically 6000 Newtons.

Round Drop Cable usually contains a single bend-insensitive fiber buffered and surrounded by dielectric strength members and an outer jacket, which can provide durability and reliability in the drop segment of the network. The following shows the cross section of a round drop cable with one tight buffered optical fiber.

Drop Cable Connectivity Method: Splice or Connector?

It’s necessary to choose a right architecture for FTTH network from overall. However, drop cable as the final connection from the fiber optic network to customer premises also plays an important role. Thus, finding a flexible, efficient and economical drop cable connectivity method becomes a crucial part of broadband service. Whether to use a fiber optic connector, which can be easily mated and un-mated by hand or a splice, which is a permanent joint? The following will offer the answer and the solutions for your applications.

It is known that splice, which eliminates the possibility of the connection point becoming damaged or dirty with a permanent joint, has better optical performance than fiber optic connector. However, splice lack of operational flexibility compared with fiber optic connector. Fiber optic connector can provide an access point for networking testing which cannot be provided by splicing. Both methods have their own pros and cons.

Generally, splice is recommended for drop cables in the places where no future fiber rearrangement is necessary, like a greenfield, new construction application where the service provider can easily install all of the drop cables. Fiber optic connector is appropriate for applications which flexibility is required, like ONTs which have a connector interface.

Choosing the Right Splice Method

For splice, there are two methods, one is fusion splicing, the other is mechanical splicing. Fusion splicers have been proved to provide a high quality splice with low insertion loss and reflection. However, the initial capital expenditures, maintenance costs and slow installation speed of fusion splicing hinder its status as the preferred solution in many cases. Mechanical splicing are widely used in FTTH drop cable installation in countries, as a mechanical splice can be finished in the field by hand using simple hand tools and cheap mechanical splicer (showed in the following picture) within 2 minutes. It’s a commonly used method in many places, like China, Japan and Korea. However, in US mechanical splicing is not popular.

Choosing the Right Connector

For fiber optic connector, there are two types connector for drop cable connection. Field terminated connector, which contains fuse-on connector and mechanical connector, and pre-terminated drop cable, which is factory terminated with connector on the end of drop cable.

Fuse-on connector uses the same technology as fusion splicing to provide the high optical connection performance. However, it requires expensive equipment and highly trained technician, and more time like fusion splicing. Mechanical connector could be a replacement of fuse-on connector (showed in the following picture), if the conditions do not fit the mentioned ones. It could be a time-save and cost-save solution for drop cable termination.

If you have no limits in cost and want high performance termination in a time-save way, pre-terminated drop cable could be your choice. Many factories can provide you customized drop cables in various fiber types, fiber optic connector and lengths.

Conclusion

Customer demand for higher bandwidth will continue to drive the development of FTTH as well as its key component like drop cable. Choosing the right drop cable and drop cable termination method is as important as choosing the right network architecture in FTTH.

Tags: aerial figure 8 cable, drop cable, fast connector, FTTH, FTTH cable, FTTH drop cable, fuse-on connector, mechanical splicer

WHAT IS FTTX OR FIBER TO THE X?

by www.fiber-mart.com

“Fiber to the X” sounds like something really big, like to the “Nth degree.” It is one of the reasons that around 20,000 professionals plan to meet up at CommunicAsia June 26 – 28, 2018 in Singapore to gather info and develop business around it. FTTX is a situation in which all available optical fiber topologies from a telecommunications or cable carrier point to its customers. This is based on (not outside) the location of the fiber termination point. FTTC and FTTN (curb and neighborhood) are similar because the fiber ends outside the building.

 

Whereas, FTTC and FTTN (curb and neighborhood) are a little different. The fiber, in these cases, ends outside a building, not inside the building. FTTH and FTTP (home and premises) mean the same. FTTE (enclosure) refers to a junction box on a floor or in a department in a bigger facility.

 

FTTX, FTTH and FTTP are a must-have because of individuals’ and organizations’ increasing appetite for network, network and more network. The number of voice, image and video files shared on networks is bigger than ever and will continue to increase.

 

FTTx offers a huge amount of bandwidth to meet today’s needs better than ever. It lines up well with the triple play of voice, video and data and now people expect a converged multi-play services environment with huge bandwidth requirements. Apps and services like Hulu, Pluto, Amazon Alexa, WhatsApp, GoDaddy (web hosting, ISP, and DID number provider) and Zoom.us as well as, in general VOIP, RF video, online gaming that enables video and voice while playing, cyber security, and smart everything are depend upon FTTx networks.

fiber optics (optical fiber)

Fiber optics, or optical fiber, refers to the medium and the technology associated with the transmission of information as light pulses along a glass or plastic strand or fiber. A fiber optic cable can contain a varying number of these glass fibers -- from a few up to a couple hundred. Surrounding the glass fiber core is another glass layer called cladding. A layer known as a buffer tube protects the cladding, and a jacket layer acts as the final protective layer for the individual strand.

 

How fiber optics works

Fiber optics transmit data in the form of light particles -- or photons -- that pulse through a fiber optic cable. The glass fiber core and the cladding each have a different refractive index that bends incoming light at a certain angle. When light signals are sent through the fiber optic cable, they reflect off the core and cladding in a series of zig-zag bounces, adhering to a process called total internal reflection. The light signals do not travel at the speed of light because of the denser glass layers, instead traveling about 30% slower than the speed of light. To renew, or boost, the signal throughout its journey, fiber optics transmission sometimes requires repeaters at distant intervals to regenerate the optical signal by converting it to an electrical signal, processing that electrical signal and retransmitting the optical signal.

 

Types of fiber optic cables

Multimode fiber and single-mode fiber are the two primary types of fiber optic cable. Single-mode fiber is used for longer distances due to the smaller diameter of the glass fiber core, which lessens the possibility for attenuation -- the reduction in signal strength. The smaller opening isolates the light into a single beam, which offers a more direct route and allows the signal to travel a longer distance. Single-mode fiber also has a considerably higher bandwidth than multimode fiber. The light source used for single-mode fiber is typically a laser. Single-mode fiber is usually more expensive because it requires precise calculations to produce the laser light in a smaller opening.

 

Multimode fiber is used for shorter distances because the larger core opening allows light signals to bounce and reflect more along the way. The larger diameter permits multiple light pulses to be sent through the cable at one time, which results in more data transmission. This also means that there is more possibility for signal loss, reduction or interference, however. Multimode fiber optics typically use an LED to create the light pulse.

 

While copper wire cables were the traditional choice for telecommunication, networking and cable connections for years, fiber optics has become a common alternative. Most telephone company long-distance lines are now made of fiber optic cables. Optical fiber carries more information than conventional copper wire, due to its higher bandwidth and faster speeds. Because glass does not conduct electricity, fiber optics is not subject to electromagnetic interference and signal losses are minimized.

 

In addition, fiber optic cables can be submerged in water and are used in more at-risk environments like undersea cable. Fiber optic cables are also stronger, thinner and lighter than copper wire cables and do not need to be maintained or replaced as frequently. Copper wire is often cheaper than fiber optics, however, and is already installed in many areas where fiber optic cable hasn't been deployed. Glass fiber also requires more protection within an outer cable than copper, and installing new cabling is labor-intensive, as it typically is with any cable installation.

 

Fiber optics uses

Computer networking is a common fiber optics use case, due to optical fiber's ability to transmit data and provide high bandwidth. Similarly, fiber optics is frequently used in broadcasting and electronics to provide better connections and performance.

 

Military and space industries also make use of optical fiber as means of communication and signal transfer, in addition to its ability to provide temperature sensing. Fiber optic cables can be beneficial due to their lighter weight and smaller size.

 

Fiber optics is frequently used in a variety of medical instruments to provide precise illumination. It also increasingly enables biomedical sensors that aid in minimally invasive medical procedures. Because optical fiber is not subject to electromagnetic interference, it is ideal for various tests like MRI scans. Other medical applications for fiber optics include X-ray imaging, endoscopy, light therapy and surgical microscopy.

Why Use POE?

Specifying Power over Ethernet brings many advantages to an installation:

 

Time and cost savings – by reducing the time and expense of having electrical power cabling installed. Network cables do not require a qualified electrician to fit them, and can be located anywhere.

 

Flexibility – without being tethered to an electrical outlet, devices such as IP cameras and wireless access points can be located wherever they are needed most, and repositioned easily if required.

 

Safety – POE delivery is intelligent, and designed to protect network equipment from overload, underpowering, or incorrect installation.

 

Reliability – POE power comes from a central and universally compatible source, rather than a collection of distributed wall adapters. It can be backed-up by an uninterruptible power supply, or controlled to easily disable or reset devices.

 

Scalability – having power available on the network means that installation and distribution of network connections is simple and effective.

What is FTTx Network?

Since the customers have demanded for a more intensive bandwidth, the telecommunication carriers must seek to offer a matured network convergence and enable the revolution of consumer media device interaction. Hence, the emergence of FTTx technology is significant for people all over the world. FTTx, also called as fiber to the x, is a collective term for any broadband network architecture using optical fiber to provide all or part of the local loop used for last mile telecommunications. With different network destinations, FTTx can be categorized into several terminologies, such as FTTH, FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, FTTP, etc. The following parts will introduce the above terms at length.

FTTH

FTTx is commonly associated with residential FTTH (fiber to the home) services, and FTTH is certainly one of the fastest growing applications worldwide. In an FTTH deployment, optical cabling terminates at the boundary of the living space so as to reach the individual home and business office where families and officers can both utilize the network in an easier way.

 

FTTN

In a FTTN (fiber to the node) deployment, the optical fiber terminates in a cabinet which may be as much as a few miles from the customer premises. And the final connection from street cabinet to customer premises usually uses copper. FTTN is often an interim step toward full FTTH and is typically used to deliver advanced triple-play telecommunications services.

 

FTTC

In a FTTC (fiber to the curb) deployment, optical cabling usually terminates within 300 yards of the customer premises. Fiber cables are installed or utilized along the roadside from the central office to home or office. Using the FTTC technique, the last connection between the curb and home or office can use the coaxial cable. It replaces the old telephone service and enables the different communication services through a single line.

 

FTTB

In a FTTB (fiber to the building) deployment, optical cabling terminates at the buildings. Unlike FTTH which runs the fiber inside the subscriber’s apartment unit, FTTB only reaches the apartment building’s electrical room. The signal is conveyed to the final distance using any non-optical means, including twisted pair, coaxial cable, wireless, or power line communication. FTTB applies the dedicated access, thus the client can conveniently enjoy the 24-hour high speed Internet by installing a network card on the computer.

 

FTTP

FTTP (fiber to the premise) is a North American term used to include both FTTH and FTTB deployments. Optical fiber is used for an optical distribution network from the central office all the way to the premises occupied by the subscriber. Since the optical fiber cable can provide a higher bandwidth than copper cable over the last kilometer, operators usually use FTTP to provide voice, video and data services.

 

FTTx Network Applications

With its high bandwidth potential, FTTx has been closely coupled with triple play of voice, video and data services. And the world has now evolved beyond triple play to a converged multi-play services environment with a high bandwidth requirement. Applications like IPTV, VOIP, RF video, interactive online gaming, security, Internet web hosting, traditional Internet and even smart grid or smart home are widely used in FTTx network.

 

Conclusion

FTTx technology plays an important part in providing higher bandwidth for global networks. According to different network architectures, FTTx is divided into FTTH, FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, FTTP, etc. FIBER-MART.COM provides FTTx solutions and tutorials for your project, please visit FIBER-MART.COM for more information.

Why Does FTTH Develop So Rapidly?

Why Does FTTH Develop So Rapidly?

by Fiber-MART.COM

FTTH (Fiber to the Home) is a form of fiber optic communication delivery in which the optical fiber reached the end users home or office space from the local exchange (service provider). FTTH was first introduced in 1999 and Japan was the first country to launch a major FTTH program. Now the deployment of FTTH is increasing rapidly. There are more than 100 million consumers use direct fiber optic connections worldwide. Why does FTTH develop so rapidly?

FTTH is a reliable and efficient technology which holds many advantages such as high bandwidth, low cost, fast speed and so on. This is why it is so popular with people and develops so rapidly. Now, let’s take a look at its advantages in the following.

 

The most important benefit to FTTH is that it delivers high bandwidth and is a reliable and efficient technology. In a network, bandwidth is the ability to carry information. The more bandwidth, the more information can be carried in a given amount of time. Experts from FTTH Council say that FTTH is the only technology to meet consumers’ high bandwidth demands.

 

Even though FTTH can provide the greatly enhanced bandwidth, the cost is not very high. According to the FTTH Council, cable companies spent $84 billion to pass almost 100 million households a decade ago with lower bandwidth and lower reliability. But it costs much less in today’s dollars to wire these households with FTTH technology.

 

FTTH can provide faster connection speeds and larger carrying capacity than twisted pair conductors. For example, a single copper pair conductor can only carry six phone calls, while a single fiber pair can carry more than 2.5 million phone calls simultaneously. More and more companies from different business areas are installing it in thousands of locations all over the world.

 

FTTH is also the only technology that can handle the futuristic internet uses when 3D “holographic” high-definition television and games (products already in use in industry, and on the drawing boards at big consumer electronics firms) will be in everyday use in households around the world. Think 20 to 30 Gigabits per second in a decade. No current technologies can reach this purpose.

 

The FTTH broadband connection will bring about the creation of new products as they open new possibilities for data transmission rate. Just as some items that now may seem very common were not even on the drawing board 5 or 10 years ago, such as mobile video, iPods, HDTV, telemedicine, remote pet monitoring and thousands of other products. FTTH broadband connections will inspire new products and services and could open entire new sectors in the business world, experts at the FTTH Council say.

 

FTTH broadband connections will also allow consumers to “bundle” their communications services. For example, a consumer could receive telephone, video, audio, television and just about any other kind of digital data stream using a simple FTTH broadband connection. This arrangement would more cost-effective and simpler than receiving those services via different lines.

 

As the demand for broadband capacity continues to grow, it’s likely governments and private developers will do more to bring FTTH broadband connections to more homes. According to a report, Asian countries tend to outpace the rest of the world in FTTH market penetration. Because governments of Asia Pacific countries have made FTTH broadband connections an important strategic consideration in building their infrastructure. South Korea, one of Asian countries, is a world leader with more than 31 percent of its households boasting FTTH broadband connections. Other countries like Japan, the United States, and some western countries are also building their FTTH broadband connections network largely. It’s an inevitable trend that FTTH will continue to grow worldwide.

Comparison Between CWDM & DWDM Technology

Comparison Between CWDM & DWDM Technology

by Fiber-MART.COM

For a better signal transmission in fiber-optic communication, different kinds of technologies are applied to the industry. Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is one of the commonly used technologies which multiplexes a number of optical carrier signals onto a single optic fiber by using different wavelengths of laser light. That is to say, WDM enables two or more than two wavelength signals to transmit through different optical channels in the same optical fiber at the same time.

In the WDM system, there are two types of divisions – CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) and DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing). They are both using multiple wavelengths of laser light for signal transmission on a single fiber. However, from the aspects of channel spacing, transmission reach, modulation laser and cost, CWDM and DWDM still have a lot of differences. This article will focus on these distinctions and hope you can have a general understanding about CWDM and DWDM technology.

 

Channel Spacing

As their names suggest, the words “coarse” and “dense” reveal the difference in channel spacing. CWDM has a wider spacing than DWDM. It is able to transport up to 16 wavelengths with a channel spacing of 20 nm in the spectrum grid from 1270 nm to 1610 nm. But DWDM can carry 40, 80 or up to 160 wavelengths with a narrower spacing of 0.8 nm, 0.4 nm or 0.2 nm from the wavelengths of 1525 nm to 1565 nm (C band) or 1570 nm to 1610 nm (L band). It is no doubt that DWDM has a higher performance for transmitting a greater number of multiple wavelengths on a single fiber.

 

Transmission Reach

Since the wavelengths are highly integrated in the fiber during light transmission, DWDM is able to reach a longer distance than CWDM. The amplified wavelengths provide DWDM with the ability of suffering less interference over long-haul cables. Unlike DWDM system, CWDM is unable to travel unlimited distance. The maximum reach of CWDM is about 160 kilometers but an amplified DWDM system can go much further as the signal strength is boosted periodically throughout the run.

 

Modulation Laser

CWDM system uses the uncooled laser while DWDM system uses the cooling laser. Laser cooling refers to a number of techniques in which atomic and molecular samples are cooled down to near absolute zero through the interaction with one or more laser fields. Cooling laser adopts temperature tuning which ensures better performance, higher safety and longer life span of DWDM system. But it also consumes more power than the electronic tuning uncooled laser used by CWDM system.

 

Cost

Because the range of temperature distribution is nonuniform in a very wide wavelength, so the temperature tuning is very difficult to realize, thus using the cooling laser technique increases the cost of DWDM system. Typically, DWDM equipment is four or five times more expensive than CWDM equipment.

 

Conclusion

CWDM and DWDM are both coming from the WDM technology that is capable of conveying multiple wavelengths in a single fiber. But with different characteristics, people should think twice before choosing the CWDM or DWDM system. CWDM usually costs less but its performance is far behind DWDM. Both your requirements and budget need to be taken into consideration. Moreover, the WDM products including CWDM mux/demux module, DWDM mux/demux module and optical splitter are highly welcome in the market.

FTTx PON Insertion Loss Tests

FTTx PON Insertion Loss Tests

by Fiber-MART.COM

Insertion loss tests are primarily used to test FTTx PONs (Passive Optical network) during installation. Insertion loss testing may be performed on individual fiber segments as they’re installed (e.g. test feeder fiber from Central Office  (CO) to Fiber Distribution Hub (FDH), test distribution fiber from FDH to AP, or test drop fiber from AP to subscriber’s home). An end-to-end insertion loss test may also be performed on the FTTx PON after it is partially or fully installed (from CO through feeder fiber, passive splitter, distribution and drop cable to the AP or customer’s premise).

 

A stable optical light source and an optical power meter are required to measure insertion loss. Access to both ends of the fiber-under-test is required. Consequently, this is typically an out-of-service test. To measure loss, received power at the far end of the fiber-under-test must be compared to transmit power injected into the fiber at the near end of the fiber under-test.

 

To simplify loss measurements, the power meter is initially connected to the source with a short patch cable and the source power level is measured and stored as the 0 dB reference level for that wavelength. Since the source’s output power levels and the power meter’s detector response are different at each wavelength, the power meter must be referenced to the source at each test wavelength.

 

Once the source and power meter have been referenced at each of the test wavelengths, the source—with the reference jumper still attached—is connected to one end of the fiber under test. The power meter is connected to the other end of the fiber-under-test. Received power level is measured and displayed. More conveniently, the power meter can compare the received power level to the stored reference, directly displaying optical loss in dB.

 

Simple power meters measure power at only one wavelength at a time. To make loss measurements at multiple wavelengths, the source must be configured for each test wavelength in turn. At the same time, the power meter operator must select the appropriate wavelength at the power meter so the correct detector calibration factor and reference level are applied. This is both time-consuming and error prone, as it requires coordination between the source operator on one end and the power meter user at the other end of the fiber-under-test.

 

To reduce test time and eliminate this potential for errors, FPM3 support twin function, it includes Wave ID. A Wave ID source alternately transmits light at each wavelength. A Wave ID power meter automatically synchronizes to the received wavelengths, eliminating the need for source and power meter to be manually switched between wavelengths.

Pluggable Fiber Optic Transceivers

Pluggable Fiber Optic Transceivers

by Fiber-MART.COM

An optical transceiver can best be described as a device that converts high-speed data from a cable source to an optical signal for communication over optical fiber. Optical transceivers are used to update the communications networks to manage broadband, to update the data center networks to make them manage traffic with higher speeds, to implement the backbone network for mobile communications.

 

For transceivers that plugs into Gigabit Ethernet and links to a fiber optic network, the Gigabit Interface Convertor is the standard and SFP is for small form factor pluggable transceiver. The GBIC transceiver operates as an input and output transceiver and is linked with the fiber optic network generally through the optic patch cords. GBIC transceivers are deemed to be ideal for any interconnections over the Gigabit Ethernet centers and for switches environment. The converters are virtually intended for high performance and continuing interactions that have need of gigabit or fiber channel interconnections. From SFP, users are able to generate connections utilizing the multi or single mode fiber optic ports along with the copper wiring.

The GBIC transceiver and the Cisco SFP offer companies with the opportunity to set up a Fiber Channel and Gigabit Ethernet connection effortlessly within their network. However, many Cisco GBIC transceivers would be the Cisco GLC-SX-MM, GLC-T, GLC-LH-SM, GLC-ZX-SM, and so much more. There are also 155M/622M/1.25G/2.125G/4.25G/8G/10G SFP optical transceivers, among which 155M and 1.25G are used widely on the market.

 

GBIC, SFP, SFP+, SFP, 1×9 covers low rate to 10G products, and is fully compatible with the global mainstream vendor equipment. And 10G SFP+ technology is becoming mature, with rising trend development of demand. 10G SFP optical module has been through development of 300Pin, XENPAK, X2, XFP, ultimately achieving to transmit 10G signals by the same size with SFP, and this is SFP+. SFP+, by its virtue of small size and low cost, meets the high-density requirements of devices to optic modules. Since 2010, it has replaced XFP and become the main stream in 10G market.

 

The SFP+ modules support digital diagnostics and monitoring functions, which are accessed through a 2-pin serial bus and provide calibrated, absolute real-time measurements of the laser bias current, transmitted optical power, received optical power, internal QSFP transceivers temperature, and the supply voltage. Digital diagnostic functionality allows telecommunication and data communications companies to implement reliable performance monitoring of the optical link in an accurate and cost-effective way.

 

Optical transceiver market driving forces relate to the increased traffic coming from the Internet. The optical transceiver signal market is intensely competitive. There is increasing demand optical transceivers as communications markets grow in response to more use of smart phones and more Internet transmission of data. The global optical transceiver market will grow to $6.7 billion by 2019 driven by the availability of 100 Gbps devices and the vast increases in Internet data traffic.

 

A palette of pluggable optical transceivers includes GBIC, SFP, XFP, SFP+, X2, CFP form factors are available at FiberStore. These are able to accommodate a wide range of link spans. The 10Gbps optical transceivers can be used in telecom and datacom (SONET/SDH/DWDM/Gigabit Ethernet) applications to change an electrical signal into an optical signal and vice versa.

Armored Fiber Cable for Robust and Flexible Network

Armored Fiber Cable for Robust and Flexible Network

Armored Fiber Cable for Robust and Flexible Network

 

Fiber optic failures in telecommunication industry can cause a lot of problems and loss. Thus, protection of the fragile optical fibers is always an important factor to be considered during fiber cable installation. Harsh environment that might meet and impact or crushing from other objects in the future use of fiber optic cables should all be considered.

 

Why Do We Need Armored Fiber Cables?

 

Traditionally, outside fiber optic cables are deployed in conduit which is like a strong and robust jacket protecting fiber cables from the outside impact. However, adding conduit for fiber optic cable installation increases the costs for both time and money. The deploy process is complex and required a lot of labor. So adding a build-in robust shield—metal armor for the fiber optic cable could be an ideal alternative to decrease costs and installation time. The deployment and cabling of fiber optic cable with armor are more flexible. Thus, armored fiber optic cables are being widely deployed in telecommunication network.

Structure of Armored Fiber Cables

 

The biggest difference from armored fiber cable and other fiber cable is the build in metal tube inside the armored fiber cable. There is a wide range of armored fiber cable according to the structure, fiber count, jacket type, fiber type, etc. Here offers the example of a commonly used 12-fiber armored cable for indoor and outdoor applications. This armored fiber cable has 12 fibers and two layers of jacket one outside jacket and one inner jacket. A steel tube armor is between the inner jacket and outside jacket. Between the steel tube and outside jacket, there is a layer of aramid yarn as shown in the following picture.

 

Types of Armored Fiber Cables

 

As the metal tube of armored fiber cable is used to protect the optical fibers, there are also different types of armors which are used for different applications. The most commonly used metal tube of armored fiber cables usually has interlock structure or corrugated structure. The interlock armored fiber cables are generally used for indoor and indoor/outdoor applications. The corrugated armored fiber cables are usually used for outdoor applications. The following picture shows two armored fiber cables using interlock armor and corrugated armor separately.

 

Armored fiber optic cables might use armors made from different material. For now, there are two popular materials adopted by armored fiber cable—steel and aluminum. Both indoor and outdoor armored fiber cables use steel or aluminum materials for armor. But most fiber patch cables provided in the market use steel tubes.

 

Applications of Armored Fiber Cables

 

Armored fiber cable can be used for indoor, indoor/outdoor and outside plant applications. According to different installation environments, tight-buffered armored fiber cables and loose-buffered armored cables are available. For outdoor applications, loose-buffer armored fiber cables are usually used. Both loose-buffered and tight-buffered armored fiber cable can be used for indoor and indoor/outdoor applications. The following pictures illustrate three commonly used armored fiber cables for the above mentioned three applications.

 

Indoor armored fiber cables usually use interlock armors. Riser jackets or LSZH jackets are usually selected for the consideration of safety. This one shows the structure of an indoor distribution armored fiber cable.

 

Indoor/outdoor armored fiber cable is very popular in today’s telecommunication network, which allows links from building to building eliminating the transition from indoor cable to outside plant cable. The following picture shows the structure of commonly used multi-fiber I/O armored fiber cable.

Outdoor armored fiber cable usually uses corrugated armor and very durable jacket to protect optical fibers extra crush-resistance and rodent protection. The following picture shows the structure an outdoor armored fiber cable.

 

Conclusion

 

Armored fiber cable can provide cost-effective and reliable solution for optical fiber protection and installation. There is a wide selection of armored fiber cable available in the market, for applications like indoor, outdoor plant, and indoor/outdoor. There is also specially designed armored fiber cable for special applications like armored GYFTZA53 double armored fiber cable for mining application. For data center and server room applications, armored fiber patch cables can also be used. Kind contact sales@fiber-mart.com or visit fiber-mart.com for more details about armored fiber cables.

Understand Ports On CWDM and DWDM MUX/DEMUX

Understand Ports On CWDM and DWDM MUX/DEMUX

The Must-Have Ports on CWDM and DWDM MUX/DEMUX

 

The basic function of the CWDM and DWDM MUX/DEMUX is combining data rate of different wavelengths over the same fiber cable to increase the network capacity. Thus, channel ports supporting different wavelengths and Line port used to connect the WDM MUX/DEMUX are the must-have ports for these devices.

 

Channel Port

CWDM uses 18 wavelengths ranging from 1270nm to 1610nm with a channel space of 20nm. Channel port count on CWDM MUX/DEMUX is usually ranging from 2 to 18. The following picture shows a full-channel CWDM MUX/DEMUX with all the 18 CWDM wavelengths: 1270nm, 1290nm, 1310nm, 1330nm, 1350nm, 1370nm, 1390nm, 1410nm, 1430nm, 1450nm, 1470nm, 1490nm, 1510nm, 1530nm, 1550nm, 1570nm, 1590nm, 1610nm.

 

DWDM uses the wavelength ranging from 1470nm to 1625nm usually with channel space of 0.8nm (100GHz) or 0.4nm (50GHz). DWDM MUX/DEMUX can support much more wavelengths that of CWDM MUX/DEMUX. The channel port of a DWDM MUX/DEMUX is usually ranging from 4 to 96.

 

Line Port

 

There are two types of line port available for CWDM and DWDM MUX/DEMUX. One is dual fiber line port, and the other is single fiber line port. The selection of the line port depends on applications. The WDM MUX/DEMUX with a single fiber line port is very different from the WDM MUX/DEMUX with a dual fiber line port on the using of wavelengths.

 

Dual-fiber MUX/DEMUX uses the same wavelength for dual-way transmission, which means the TX port and RX port of every duplex channel port supporting the same wavelength. The WDM MUX/DEMUXs with dual fiber line ports installed on the two ends of the network could be the same.

 

For single-fiber WDM MUX/DEMUX, all the wavelengths just flow in one direction. And the TX port and RX port of every duplex channel port supporting two different wavelengths. The above picture shows the front panel of an 8-channel DWDM MUX/DEMUX with single-fiber line port. As it is clearly marked the TX port and RX port use different wavelengths. If you choose a single-fiber WDM MUX/DEMUX on one side of the network, there should be a single-fiber WDM MUX/DEMUX which supports the same wavelengths but has the reverse order on the TX port and RX port of every duplex channel port. Please note, the line port of some  single-fiber CWDM MUX/DEMUXs is made into a duplex port, but one one port is function. Here takes the example of fiber-mart.com FMU CWDM MUX/DEMUX as an example, as shown in the following picture, the single-fiber CWDM MUX/DEMUX has a duplex port, but one of the port marked as “N/A” is not in use.

 

The Functioning Ports on CWDM and DWDM MUX/DEMUX

Except the above mentioned must-have channel ports and line port, WDM MUX/DEMUX can also be added with other ports which bring more profits to the existing WDM network. The following will introduce these special ports that are often added on CWDM and DWDM MUX/DEMUX.

Expansion Port

 

Expansion port added on WDM MUX/DEMUX is really useful. If you installed a CWDM network which just using several of the CWDM wavelengths, you can use this expansion port to increase the network capacity by connecting the expansion port with the line port of another CWDM MUX/DEMUX supporting different wavelengths. Then the network of this CWDM network can be increased easily. Both CWDM MUX/DEMUX and DWDM MUX/DEMUX support this expansion port. Kindly click the following picture for details of how to use expansion port.

 

1310nm Port and 1550nm Port

 

The 1310nm and 1550nm are actually WDM wavelengths. How could these two wavelengths become special? It can be recognized that many fiber optic signals for are transmitted over 1310nm and 1550nm. Many fiber optic transceivers support long distances use these two wavelengths. However, the standard channel port on WDM MUX/DEMUX can only be connected to color coded fiber optic transceiver like CWDM SFP/SFP+ and DWDM SFP/SFP+. With these special designed 1310nm port and 1550nm port, the signal running through ordinary fiber optic transceivers can be combined together with other CWDM wavelengths.

 

Please note that DWDM MUX/DEMUX can only add special 1310nm port. For CWDM MUX/DEMUX, not all the wavelengths can be added, if you add special 1310nm or 1550nm port on the device. There is a simple rule for how to add the special ports and other standard channel ports on CWDM MUX/DEMUX. If you want to add 1310nm or 1550nm ports on your CWDM MUX/DEMUX, wavelengths which are 0-40nm higher or lower than 1310nm or 1550nm cannot be added to the MUX. The following table shows the specific details.

 

Monitor Port

 

Many technicians will add a monitor port on CWDM or DWDM MUX/DEMUX for better network monitoring and management. If you choose a single-fiber WDM MUX/DEMUX, the monitor port should be a simplex fiber optic port. For dual-fiber WDM MUX/DEMUX, you can add a duplex monitor port for the whole network monitoring, or just add a simplex port for MUX or DEMUX monitoring.

 

fiber-mart.com WDM CWDM and DWDM Solution

 

The above mentioned ports are the most commonly used in WDM MUX/DEMUX. All these ports can be customized in fiber-mart.com where affordable complete solutions for CWDM, DWDM and DWDM over CWDM network are available. Kindly contact sales@fiber-mart.com for more details if you are interested.

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 Fiber Optic Cables Are The First Option For Data Transmission?

by Fiber-MART.COM

Fiber Optical Cable has brought a revolution to the data transmission system. As the earlier Electrical Wire System was difficult to manage and was sometimes also hazardous to life. With the emergence of Fiber Optical Cable, data transmission is no more an irksome job. It is now simplified, providing much more convenient than ever imagined.

Following Are The Reasons For Choosing Optical Cables For Network Cabling:

 

Safe To Use: Fiber Cable is far better than copper cable from the safety point of view. Copper and Aluminum Wire are good conductors of electricity and carry electric current. But when their outer insulated coating gets damaged, one can experience electric shock that can be dangerous to life. In this regard, Fiber Cables are safer to use because they do not transmit current but rather light waves.

 

Withstand Rough Conditions: Fiber Cable is capable of resisting tough conditions that co-axial or any other such cable cannot do. The reason is that other cables are usually made up of one or the other metal and are prone to corrosion, while Fiber Cable is covered with protective plastic coating with glass inside and transmits light impulses in spite of electric current, which make it resistant towards corrosion.

 

Long Distance Data Transmission: There cannot be any comparison in terms of data carrying capacity of Fiber Optical Cable and Copper Cable. Fiber Cable can transmit signals 50 times longer than Copper Cable.

 

Moreover, signal loss rate of Fiber Optical Wire is also very less, and thus does not need any kind of reminder in transmitting the signals at same pace. Fiber Cable has higher bandwidth that is amount of data communication resources available or consumed – this is the reason how Fiber Cable can transmit data at longer distances.

 

Easy Installation: Ethernet Cable is long and thin with intact cables inside. It is also light in weight which makes its installation at almost every place easier as compared to other wires.

 

No Electrical Interference: Fiber Optical Cable neither carries electric current nor need earthing. Therefore, it does not get affected by the electrical interferences. Fiber Cable is immune to moisture and lighting, which makes it ideal to be fitted inside the soil or an area where there is high Electromagnetic Interference (EMI).

 

Durable and Long Lasting: Fiber Optical Cable is durable and lasts longer than any other cable such as Co-Axial Cable, Copper Cable, etc. It is perfect for network cabling.

 

Data Security: Extra security can be provided with Fiber Optical Cable as it can be tapped easily and data transmitted through it remains secure, while in case of the Copper Cable there is no surety of data security and any loss of data cannot be obtained back.

 

There are various types of optical fiber cables available on the market, including 250um Bare Fiber, 900um Tight Buffer Fiber, Large Core Glass Fiber, Simplex Fiber Cable, Duplex Fiber Optic Cable, OM4 OM3 10G Fiber Cable, Indoor Distribution Cable, Indoor & Outdoor Cable, Outdoor Loose Tube Cable, Fiber Breakout Cable, Ribbon Fiber Cable, LSZH Fiber Optic Cable, Armored Fiber Optic Cable, FTTH Fiber Optic Cable, Figure 8 Aerial Cable, Plastic Optical Fiber, PM fiber & Special Fiber, etc. They are used for different applications, one must do a thorough research before buying fiber cables for network cabling.