What's fiber to the x (FTTx)

Fiber to the x (FTTx) is a collective term for various optical fiber delivery topologies that are categorized according to where the fiber terminates.

 

Optical fiber is already used for long-distance parts of the network, but metal cabling has traditionally been used for the stretches from the telecom facilities to the customer. FTTx deployments cover varying amounts of that last distance.

 

In an FTTN (fiber to the node or fiber to the neighbourhood) deployment, the optical fiber terminates in a cabinet which may be as much as a few miles from the customer premises. The cabling from the street cabinet to customer premises is usually copper.

 

 

In an FTTC (fiber to the curb or fiber to the cabinet) deployment, optical cabling usually terminates within 300 yards of the customer premises.

 

 

In an FTTB (fiber to the building or fiber to the basement) deployment, optical cabling terminates at the building, which is typically multi-unit. Delivery of service to individual units from the terminus may be through any of a number of methods.

 

 

In an FTTH (fiber to the home) deployment, optical cabling terminates at the individual home or business.

 

 

FTTP (fiber to the premises) is used to encompass both FTTH and FTTB deployments or is sometimes used to indicate that a particular fiber network includes both homes and businesses.

The FTTH Councils of Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific have agreed upon definitions for FTTH and FTTB. Standard definitions of the other terms have not yet been established.

 

The table below provides a graphical comparison of the most common FTTx topologies:

 

 

The table above was created by Wikipedia user Riick and is published under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike license.

Selection Guide on PoE Switch

Currently IP cameras are widely used for video surveillance due to the high requirements for security. Typically, the IP cameras are with PoE functions, then PoE switch is needed for the connection. But some users feel confused about the PoE switch and don’t know how to choose a suitable PoE switch. This article is going to introduce you some guides on PoE switch selection.

 

What Is PoE and PoE Switch?

PoE is short for power over Ethernet. With PoE technology, data and power can be transmitted over a single Cat5e cable. A PoE switch is a device that contains multiple Ethernet ports to provide power and network communications to IP cameras. PoE switch is an economical and reliable solution for small business networks to deploy wireless access points and IP surveillance cameras.

 

Fiberstore poe switch

 

Considerations for PoE Switch Selection

Numbers of Ports

The most important is to check whether the numbers of ports on PoE switch are enough to connect all your devices. Fiberstore offers PoE switches including 8 ports, 24 ports, and 48 ports. PoE ports are flexible to connect with Cat5e cable without additional settings. All of our PoE switches have 2 Gigabit uplink SFP ports or 4 SFP+ ports. Uplink ports allow long distance data transmission between switches. With these ports, you can easily expand your networks. (Check news about PoE switch from fiber-mart.COM: Build and Expand Your Network with fiber-mart.COM New Introduced PoE Switches) So if you need to link multiple switches, you need to select switches with enough Gigabit ports.

 

Power Supplies for Powered Device

PoE switch applies two standards: IEEE802.3af and 802.3at. Each one can offer power for IP cameras. Due to the different standards, the output power of PoE switch is also different. IEEE802.3af can provide 15.4watts DC power on each port. As some power dissipates in the cable, only 12.95watts power at most can be supplied to powered devices. This standard is enough to power VoIP phones, wireless access points and some cameras over standard Ethernet cabling. While, IEEE802.3at is updated PoE standard known as PoE+. It can provide up to 25.5watts power available for powered device which is nearly twice as many as that 802.3af supplies. The updated standard can support more devices with high-power functionality such as door controllers, cameras with zoom capacity, or wireless access points supporting 802.11n.

 

Total Power

PoE switch has a total power. As described before, under IEEE802.3af standard, each port on the PoE switch can get 15.4watts power. Thus, the total power of a 24-port switch must reach 370watts so that it can make sure each port get sufficient power. And make sure there is additional power beyond that required for PoE for its switching functions. As to the IEE802.3at standard, each port supports 30watts. Under this condition, the PoE switch with total power of 370watts can only provide power supply to 12 ports.

 

Cable Requirements

The DC power of IEEE 802.3af standard is 15.4watts. It can support 10BASE-T and 100BASE-T. Two of four twisted pairs of Cat3 cable or higher can support the power and data transmission. The PoE+ standard delivers power up to 30watts and supports 1000BASE-T. Cat5e or Cat6 cable is able to support the power transmission. Connecting PoE switch to the router or cameras with Cat5e or Cat6 cable, the maximum transmission length is up to 100 meters.

 

When buying Ethernet cables, find a reliable vendor who provides standard network cable meeting the strict requirement. PoE power supply must use oxygen-free copper material—standard network cable. Non-standard cable utilizes other materials such as copper clad steel, copper clad aluminum, copper coated iron, etc. These cables are not suitable for PoE power supply because of the big resistance.

 

Conclusion

PoE switch is a cost-effective solution to increase the reliability and security of networks by providing centralized backup power to all connected IP surveillance devices. Before purchasing PoE switches, try to know as more details about the switch specifications as possible and also your own needs. To get good quality PoE switches, please come to fiber-mart.COM.

How 5G Wireless Goes Hand in Hand With Fiber Optics

Wireless networks are getting better all the time. The most recent development is 5G, which stands for fifth generation, and it will cover a wide range of devices. It will cover fixed network infrastructure as well as mobile which makes people wonder if it will eliminate the need for fiber cables. It is actually quite the opposite. 5G will depend on fiber in order to be fully functional.

Why 5G Wireless Relies on Fiber Optics for Internet Connectivity

Fiber Allows for Increased Speed

5G promised increased speed and even though many people are accustomed to wireless networks, wireless infrastructures actually rely on a huge net of fiber optic cables. Even though it is available as wireless technology, about 90% of it is actually traveled via wireline fiber. If 5G actually plans on delivering what it promises, then fiber optic wires are the only way this can get done because it is the top choice for many mediums when looking towards the future.

Fiber Allows for Better Performance

In addition to the faster speed promise, there is also a goal of better performance. In order to meet this goal, there will need to be even more fiber used all over the globe. There needs to be a solid foundation in order to accomplish the availability and coverage. The idea is that there will be more smaller sites instead of a few large ones because it will allow for more users to utilize the capabilities in an area. Copper or air options will not be able to sustain this so fiber optic is the most viable option.

Fiber is Cost Effective

The last reason that 5G will rely on fiber is that it is very cost effective. Because of its affordability and how long it lasts before it needs to be replaced, it is the best all around option. More companies will be able to utilize it which will result in more people having access to 5G.

Fiber is the only option for 5G when you look at all of these factors. As you can see, fiber optic cables and the 5G network go hand in hand.

What Kind of Switches and Patch Cables Should I Choose for SFP Transceiver?

Gigabit Ethernet has supplanted Fast Ethernet in wired local networks and becomes ubiquitous throughout the world, serving as one of the most prevalent enterprise communication standard. The Gigabit Ethernet standard supports a maximum data rate of 1 gigabit per second (Gbps)(1000 Mbps), 10 times faster than Fast Ethernet, yet is compatible with existing Ethernet. To link your switches and routers to a Gigabit Ethernet network, you need a Gigabit Ethernet transceiver as a transmission medium. This article intends to introduce the most commonly used one—SFP transceivers.

What Is SFP Transceiver?

SFP, short for small form-factor pluggable is a compact, hot-pluggable transceiver used for both telecommunication and data communications applications. SFP transceiver can be regarded as the upgrade version of GBIC module. Unlike GBIC with SC fiber optic interface, SFP module is with LC interface and the main body size of SFP is only about half of GBIC so that it can save more space. SFP interfaces a network device mother board (for a router, switch, media converter or similar devices) to a fiber optic or copper networking cable. It is designed to support SONET, Gigabit Ethernet, Fibre Channel, and other communications standards.

Types & Applications of SFP transceivers

SFP transceivers are available with various transmitter and receiver types, which facilitates users to select the appropriate optical transceiver for different optical reach and optical fiber type (single-mode fiber or multimode fiber) required by different link. SFP transceiver modules can be divided into several different categories.

SFP transceivers are found in Ethernet switches, routers, firewalls and network interface cards. Storage interface cards, also called HBAs or Fibre Channel storage switches, also make use of these modules. Because of their low cost, low profile, and ability to provide a connection to different types of optical fiber, SFP transceiver provides such equipment with enhanced flexibility.

fiber-mart.COM offers a full range of SFP transceivers compatible with major brands, such as Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Brocade, HPE, etc. All of these cost-effective compatible SFPs have been strictly tested to make sure 100% compatibility. The table below listed a small part of compatible SFPs supported on major branded switches.

fiber-mart.COM offers comprehensive fiber patch cables for common and special types of SFPs, including singlemode & multimode, simplex & duplex, UPC & APC, lengths from 1 meter to 30 meters in large stocks. We also provides Cat 5e patch cables for 10/100/1000BASE-T SFPs.

Summary

This article offers switch and fiber patch cabling solution for SFP transceivers. Besides the major brands mentioned above, we also provide SFP transceivers compatible with other brands, such as Dell, Extreme, H3C, Huawei, Intel, IBM, Netgear, Ciena, D-Link, Avago, and so on. As to special requirements, please contact Sales@fiber-mart.com for suggestion.

MU to MU Duplex 10G OM3 50/125

Fiber Patch Cord (Fiber Patch Cable or Fiber jumper) is an fiber cable that has fiber connectors installed on one or both ends. General use of these cable assemblies includes the interconnection of fiber cable systems and optics-to-electronic equipment. If the fiber connectors are attached to only one end of a cable, it is known as a fiber pigtail, if the fiber connectors are attached to both ends. it is known as a fiber jumper or fiber patch cord. There are various kinds of Fiber cable material for different environment and applications, PVC, Riser, Plenum, OFNR, OFNP, LSZH, 10 Gig Aqua. Typical Fiber cable diameter can be 0.25mm, 0.9mm, 2.0mm, 3.0mm. 

10G fiber optic patch cables provide 10 gigabit data transfer speeds in high bandwidth applications 5 times faster than standard 50um fiber cable. Works with both VCSEL laser and LED sources. Our 10G fiber optic patch cables are 100% optically tested for maximum performance. We have all lengths and connectors available.

Key Features a variety of custom Simplex, Duplex and Mini Zip, single mode (SM) and multi mode (MM) Fiber Patch Cords and Fiber pigtail assemblies with various types of Fiber Connectors including ST, FC, SC, LC, MU, MTRJ, E2000 …etc.,. that could be built to your specification. Our Fiber Patch Cord and Fiber Pigtail range offers choices of any length, connector types and either PVC or LSZH sheath, All of our cable assemblies are composed of our top quality Ceramic Ferrules and Fiber Connectors housings ensuring a stable performance at a high quality level.

MUJ-MU ConnectorsMultimode duplex fiber optic cable Complete with Lucent Technologies aqua jacket Bandwidth transmitting rates up to 10 gigabits All of our fiber optic patch cables feature the high degree connectors 100% optically tested to ensure high performance

Specifications

Connectors: MU to MU Micron: 50/125um Insertion Loss: <0.75dB maximum Return Loss: >35dB Operating Temperature: -40℃ to 80℃ Fiber Patch cord assemblies consist of optical fiber terminated with various types of Fiber Connectors, such as the ST, FC, SC, LC, MU, MTRJ, E2000 Connector types. Our polishing process can ensure certain optical properties with a low insertion loss and return loss. We supply high quality fiber optic pigtails, patch cords and pre-assembled installation cable (indoor / outdoor / breakout cable) for singlemode and multimode applications (SM and MM). This find optical connectors, and fiber / cable from the leading manufacturers of their application. The offer includes a wide variety of connector types, cable types and cable lengths Length: 25 meter Color: Aqua

OFNP, OFNR, OFNG: Which to Use?

Optical Cable Fire Rating Comparison

Typically, there are four levels of fire resistance for both non-conductive and conductive cables. The fire resistance levels are outlined below from most stringent to least. The ratings are hierarchical, i.e., from a fire resistance standpoint, a higher rating can be substituted for any lower rating, but not vice versa (OFNG and OFN are interchangeable for NEC purposes). Also, non-conductive may be substituted for conductive, but not vice versa.

OFNP/OFCP – OFNP refers to Optical Fiber Non-conductive Plenum Cable and OFCP refers to Optical Fiber Conductive Plenum Cable. OFNP and OFCP cables must have resistance to flame spread and reduced smoke generating properties. These cables are approved for placement in air handling ducts and chambers (Plenums) without the use of fireproof conduit. The purpose of the rating is to lessen the transmission of fire and visible smoke to unaffected parts of the building. Toxic or corrosive elements of the smoke are not measured. OFNP/OFCP Plenum cables are held to the most stringent testing of any of the cables rated by NEC, rated for both flammability and smoke generation. And they have the highest cable fire rating and no other cable types can be used as substitutes. This cable type can be marked as “FT-6” by Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

OFNR/OFCR – OFNR refers to Optical Fiber Non-conductive Riser Cable and OFCR refers to Optical Fiber Conductive Riser Cable. These cables must not transmit flame from one floor to another when placed vertically in a building shaft (riser). OFNR/OFCR Riser cables are subjected to flame tests only, and are not held to as high of a standard as Plenum rated cables. Plenum cables may be substituted for Riser.

OFNG/OFCG – OFNG refers to Optical Fiber Non-conductive General-Purpose Cable and OFCG refers to Optical Fiber Conductive General-Purpose Cable. These cables may not transmit flame for more than 4 ft, 11 in. They shall not penetrate floors or ceilings, i.e., may only be used within a single floor. OFNG/OFCG cables can be used anywhere in commercial buildings other than areas where Plenum or Riser cables are required. They are flame tested and held to a lower standard than either Plenum or Riser cables. Both Plenum and Riser rated cables are acceptable substitutes for General Purpose rated cables.

OFN/OFC – OFN refers to Optical Fiber Non-conductive and OFC refers to Optical Fiber Conductive. These cables may not transmit flame to the top of the tray. They shall not penetrate floors or ceilings, i.e., may only be used within a single floor.

Note: Apart from the four flame resistance levels specified by NEC, there is another commonly used cable—LSZH. Required in many situations by European standards (RoHS), LSZH cables have been developed to eliminate toxic gasses produced when water interacts with substances released when a cable’s jacket burns. They are recommended for use in enclosed areas with little ventilation or in areas where sensitive equipment could be damaged. In addition to designated as LSZH, it may be rated Riser or General Purpose.

FS Plenum Cables Solution

From the comparison above, we can see that OFNP plenum cables have the most excellent capacity for fire resistance. FS provides various types of OFNP plenum cables including patch cables, MTP plenum trunk cables and MTP-LC plenum harness cables, among which the MTP plenum cables are the most desirable product for addressing the problems of unfortunate fire incident and high bandwidth demands in a restricted data center space. As they not only meet the high density cabling with higher port density MTP connector, but also protect equipment and people during a fire.

In addition, our MTP cables provide highest performance and lowest insertion loss. MTP fiber connectors are directly sourced from U.S. Conec® and are tested and guaranteed by 3D interferometer. Moreover, the insertion loss of MTP connectors is kept at no more than 0.35 dB ensuring good physical connection and clean signal. They are genuine MTP high quality cables made of Corning® fibers. For the details, please visit www.fiber-mart.com.