Category: Fiber Optic News

What’s new in fiber optic, what’s happening or the hot topics that people are talking about.

Attaching More Importance to Fiber Optic Adapter

Fiber optic adapter is a small but critical, part of hardware in the fiber optic cabling system. Available for more than a decade, the fiber optic adapter has been a relatively stable device with no really revolutionary breakthrough in its technology, and its importance is often overshadowed by connectors, but product manufacturers continue to stress the significant role that these devices play in overall interconnection performance.

Getting to Know the Concept of Fiber Optic Adapter

Fiber optic adapter is often used to join two terminated fiber optic cable or pigtails together, or to form a fiber optic jack on a wall plate or panel for patching. Like the copper cable adapter, it creates a permanent mating point somewhere for users to plug into as needed. Fiber optic adapter is also called as fiber coupler, it allows fiber optic patch cables to be attached to each other singly or in a large network, which permits many devices to communicate at once.

Note: fiber optic adapter and fiber optic coupler shape a little differently—if the two fiber assemblies to be connected have different style connectors, then we always call adapter; on the contrast, the two patch cables have the same style connectors, we call adapter. This can be clearly distinguished in the following image.

How Do Fiber Optic Adapter Work?

Unlike a copper connection that two copper conductors can be joined directly by a solder or by connectors that have been crimped or soldered to the wires, the key to a fiber connection is the precise alignment of each fiber core. This alignment is achieved by two precision components: the ferrule within each connector and the alignment sleeve within each adapter as shown below. The alignment sleeve is the critical component in an interconnection, which is aimed to bring together the ferrules of the two connectors being mated within the adapter’s sleeve and at its approximate midpoint. The performance of the adapter, defined as how well it aligns two connector ferrules, is determined by the amount of spring force in, and the tolerance of, the split sleeve.

Three Common Fiber Optic Adapter Types

According to different shapes and structures, fiber optic adapters can be classified in several types, such as bare fiber optic adapter, mating sleeves and hybrid fiber optic adapters. The following text will introduce them respectively.

Bare Fiber Optic Adapter—Bare fiber optic adapter is structured with optical fibers on one side and the adapter on the other side, which is used to link the bare optical fiber cable to fiber optic equipment. The adapter side is a connector that can plug into the devices and enables a quick and easy termination for the optical fiber, making it widely used for emergency situation for fast and temporary fiber optic or urgent connection. According to the connector style on the fiber patch cable, there are LC, SC, FC bare fiber adapters available on the market as shown below.

Mating Sleeve—Mating sleeve means the fiber optic adapter is used to connect the same type of fiber optic connectors as shown in the image below. Bare fiber type and plug-in type are available for the mating sleeve. The LC, SC, FC fiber optic adapter are the common mating sleeve types that we often see in networking applications. LC adapter greatly increases the density of fiber optic connector, SC adapter enables a high precision alignment with a low insertion, return loss and back reflection, and FC adapter is easy to operate but sensitive to dust.

Hybrid Fiber Optic Adapter—Unlike mating sleeve, hybrid fiber optic adapter provides interconnections between two different fiber connector types as shown below. It includes male-female and female-female hybrid fiber adapter. Female-to-female hybrid adapter is with two different ends, which is bulk type hybrid fiber adapter, such as FC female at one end and ST female at the other end. Male-to-female hybrid adapter is built out type with a connector plug end and an adapter socket end. Hybrid fiber adapter is often with compact size and widely used for network environments, integrating different configurations and networks.

Conclusion

Don’t look down upon any components in telecommunication applications, since any small devices play an important role in connection, and improving work efficiency, like fiber optic adapter that we have mentioned above. Choosing the right fiber adapter type, you have to check the fiber optic patch cable you need to connect.

Is the Quality of Chinese Fiber Optic Products Low?

We frequently hear bad things about fiber optic products from China. It has become a trend to abuse Chinese quality. Here I am not going to justify the low-quality fiber optic products coming out of China. Of course, I know there are low-quality Chinese products. Are all the products coming out of China low in quality? Why there is a huge cry against Chinese quality?

It may be partially true in the case of commodity products, but is it possible to deliver low quality fiber optic products to the customers and survive in the market? I think it is almost impossible for a supplier to deliver low quality fiber optic products to dispatch to the customer and force him to use in the network. Fiber optic networks are tested to meet transmission requirements as per international standards. The products used in the fiber optic network need to possess certain minimum characteristics in order to carry optical signals. If a network component fails to carry optical signals, that can not be used in the network.

Characteristics of both active and passive components are well defined and documented in international specifications such as ITU-T and IEEE. Network builders refer these specifications and build their networks based on these standards. A network except for some local area networks, can not stand alone. It somehow becomes part of a bigger network and must communicate with the outside network, which we can call the global network. And as we know, networks must follow certain protocols. If a network component can do the job well as per the defined standards and protocols, we say it is compatible. This compatibility is the minimum quality that is required for the component.

Now, I don’t think that any of the network operators, system integrators or contractors will choose a component that is not compatible with their network. When choosing compatible components one of his/her primary concern will be to reduce the cost of purchase. That is the duty of a good procurement team. Supplier’s intention would be to get more price to his product while the buyer’s intention would be to get a low-cost product. Buyer’s technical team should find a balance between quality and product cost. Considering technical requirements, compatibility, and cost, they decide the vendors. In this process, how a low-quality fiber optic network product supplier can win the supply contract?

Presence of plenty of manufacturers especially from China is one of the reasons for the availability of low-cost products. ‘Low Cost’ does not necessarily mean ‘Low Cost’. Low cost is the result of competition in the market and product manufacturing cost, which includes manpower costs. Low waged labor does not mean low quality and highly paid workers does not guarantee high-quality products. Mass production facilities and low wages are some of the major reasons for low-cost Chinese fiber optic products.

We need to understand the reason behind the cry against Chinese quality. There must be a vested interest group to stamp Chinese fiber optic products with the label of ‘Low quality’. They will be the beneficiaries if customers stop buying Chinese fiber optic products.

How Should You Plan For A Fiber Installation?

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

After a network is designed, installation teams are ready to move forward. Installing fiber networks can be overwhelming as there are many teams to coordinate and tasks to execute. It’s important to develop an organized installation process and ensure all those involved are clear on their responsibilities.
Master Task List
One of the best ways to stay on track during a fiber installation is to create a master task list of all activities that need to be completed. Every fiber development is unique, which is why the master task list will differ from project to project.
It’s important to recognize that not all tasks will be completed sequentially. Some can move forward in parallel while others must be done in a particular order.
Consult all parties involved in a development to ensure that every critical step is captured and recorded. Every task should be listed with clear descriptions, completion dates, and contact information for whoever is on point. Any component purchases should list vendors, prices, expected delivery dates, and delivery locations.
Project Manager
Every network development needs a project manager who is involved from start to finish. The project manager should be apprised on the overall goal of the development, the layout of the network, the technical requirements, and the key people or organizations involved. The project manager should also have a replacement who can step in should the need arise.
The project manager is responsible for ensuring the network installation is carried out successfully and safely. He or she can use the master task list and any other project management tools to keep teams organized and on track. Involving project managers as early as possible in the design process can be helpful for making sure they are fully equipped with all of the information and context they need to be successful.

Fiber Optic Splitter Termination Box for FTTH Applications

Fiber optic splitter termination box provides a cost-effective solution for FTTH applications. Nowadays some manufacturers provide this type of box with pre-installed fiber splitters, adapters, splice trays or pre-terminated pigtail assemblies, which help to reduce installation time and cost and satisfy different requirements of customers. Today, this post mainly focuses on the basics of splitter termination box .

 

Fiber Optic Splitter Termination Box Overview

Fiber optic termination box generally refer to the box shape fiber optic management products used to protect and distribute the optical fiber links in FTTH Network. Usually the fiber optic box includes the fiber optical patch panels and fiber optic terminal box. Fiber optic patch panel is bigger size, fiber optic termination box is smaller. Actually there are too many fiber optic boxes and fiber management devices, they are hard to count the types, many manufacturers will make the fiber optic boxes according to their own design and they may give the fiber optic boxes different names and model numbers.

The fiber optic boxes panels can be pre-installed with various kinds of fiber optic adapters, these adapters are the interface via which the fiber box will connect the external devices. Smaller size fiber optic box, the terminal box, is also used for fiber optic distribution and organization. Our typical fiber terminal box are with 12 ports or 24 ports, with a size of 270mm*137mm*45mm. the fiber optic box are made of cold rolling steel and the surface of the box use the technique of dim blowing plastic. This type fiber optic box is typically installed with FC or ST adapters on the panel. This fiber terminal box could be installed on the wall or put in horizontal line.

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Fiber Terminal Boxes

Besides fiber patch panels, one can also count on fiber terminal boxes for fiber distribution and organization. While typical fiber terminal boxes are with 12 ports or 24 ports, 8 ports, 36 ports, 48 ports and 96 ports fiber are available in the markets now. They are often installed with FC or ST adapters on the panel, either on the wall or put in horizontal line.

According to the design, FTB can be further divided into wall mount type and rack mount type.

The wall mount fiber termination boxes are designed for either pre-connectorized cables, field installation of connectors, or field splicing of pigtails. They offer an ideal solution for building entrance terminals, telecommunication closets, main cross-connects, computer rooms and other controlled environments.

 

Fiber Terminal Boxes

Besides fiber patch panels, one can also count on fiber terminal boxes for fiber distribution and organization. While typical fiber terminal boxes are with 12 ports or 24 ports, 8 ports, 36 ports, 48 ports and 96 ports fiber are available in the markets now. They are often installed with FC or ST adapters on the panel, either on the wall or put in horizontal line.

According to the design, FTB can be further divided into wall mount type and rack mount type.The wall mount fiber termination boxes are designed for either pre-connectorized cables, field installation of connectors, or field splicing of pigtails. They offer an ideal solution for building entrance terminals, telecommunication closets, main cross-connects, computer rooms and other controlled environments.

Moreover, in terms of installation environment, there are indoor FTB and outdoor FTB.

Indoor fiber termination box acts as the transition point between the risen cable and the horizontal cable, in this way, it provides operators much more flexibility when managing cables. Besides, indoor FTB makes it possible to leave space for overlength and terminated fibers, as well as for fiber splicing.

The outdoor fiber terminal boxes are environmentally sealed enclosures to distribute fibers for FTTX networks. They are also designed for fiber splicing, termination, and cable management.

Features and Benefits

Fiber optic splitter termination box enables service providers to accelerate their deployments more effectively and is an ideal solution when deploying networks in FTTH applications. And it offers increased efficiency within distinct FTTX network applications. Featuring a compact solution for wall mounting, these termination boxes provide a significant space savings while maintaining hand access to connectors. Following are the features and benefits of deploying fiber optic splitter termination box.

  • Provide a small footprint for splitting, splicing and terminating and are environmentally rated for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Available in several types, each box can equip with splice tray allowing for an input splicing option.
  • Accept standard splitters and splitters can be easily added after the termination box has been installed. And it can accommodate 1×4, 1×8, 1×16, 1×32 fibers, up to 64 fibers.
  • Its small size and flexible mounting options offer easy integration into cell sites and huts, providing on-demand capacity for wireless back haul applications.
  • Offer an economical solution for applications where larger sized FDHs (fiber distribution hubs) may be unfeasible.

Conclusion

Fiber termination box nowadays plays an indispensable role in the field of communication network with greater reliability and flexibility. The continual expansion of broadband networks and the resulting set up of fiber to the home (FTTH) infrastructures make network organizers adopt powerful management and planning systems. Fiber optic splitter termination box is a small part of this system. Fiber -MART can provides comprehensive solutions, any question pls do not hesitate to contact me at service@fiber-mart.com

Fiber Optic Enclosures In Cabling Systems

Fiber-optic cabling systems have a few specialized components, including fiber optic enclosures and connectors.

Fiber-optic cabling systems have a few specialized components, including fiber optic enclosures and connectors.

Fiber optic enclosure is a box to load fiber optic patch panel/fiber optic cassettes and other accessories in to provide a cable management solution for fiber cabling. Fiber enclosure ensures a tidy cabling environment and protects fragile fibers from outside damage. Also, the elaborate design of various types of fiber optic enclosures allows different deployment scenarios and better caters for specific requirements. Fiber enclosure rack mount or fiber enclosure wall mount enclosure provides optional mount applications.

 

 

What Is Fiber Optic Enclosure?

Fiber enclosure/fiber spice box may refer to an empty box or an intact unit after installation. A loaded fiber optic box contains installed assembly units to connect and separate various fiber optic cables. Usually fiber optic enclosure unloaded comes with 1U/2U/4U available, which can house corresponding quantity of fiber optic cassettes or fiber patch panels. Some people mention fiber optic enclosure and fiber optic patch panel as the same thing since they are matching devices.

 

What to Benefit From Fiber Optic Enclosure?

Cable Management Function

  • In general, fiber enclosure functions cable management in data centers for a clean and tidy cabling environment.
  • It houses and fix fiber optic patch panel or fiber optic cassettes in a box for better management and protection.
  • Fiber optic enclosure inside accessories such as fiber slack management spool provides a proper bend radius for cables and helps to route, manage and store fibers.
  • Different types of adapters installed-in enable various incoming fibers to be terminated in high density and protected them from damage.

 

 

Types of Fiber Optic Enclosures

 

Patch panels come in many shapes and sizes. Some are mounted on a wall and are known as surface-mount patch panels. Others are mounted in a rack and are called rack mount patch panels. Each type has its own benefits. Surface mount panels are cheaper and easier to work with, but they can’t hold as many cables and ports. Surface-mount patch panels make good choices for smaller (fewer than 50 drops) cabling installation. Rack-mount panels are more flexible, but they are more expensive. Rack mount patch panels make better choices for larger installations. Patch panels are the main products used in LAN installations today because they are extremely cost-effective and allow great flexibility when connecting workstations.

 

In addition to the standard fiber patch panels, a fiber-optic installation may have one or more fiber distribution panels, which are very similar to patch panels in that many cables interconnect them. However, in a distribution panel, the connections are more permanent. Distributions panels usually have a lock and key to prevent end users from making unauthorized changes. Generally speaking, a patch panel is found wherever fiber optic equipment hubs, switches, and routers are found. Distribution panels are found wherever multifiber cables are split out into individual cables. Here is the example of 24 port patch panel.

 

Conclusion

Wall-mount available unloaded, as well as having the capability to become a full-splice enclosure with mechanical terminations. Fiber-MART supplies two types of fiber splice closures which are the horizontal (inline) type and the vertical (dome) type. Both are made of excellent engineering plastics to be waterproof and dust proof. And with various ports types, they can fit different fiber optic core numbers. More details about splice closure. Any question pls feel free to contact me at service@fiber-mart.com

Why Should You Choose a Wall Mount Rack & Cabinet ?

Network racks are essential for storing your equipment in an organized, safe and efficient manner.

Network racks are essential for storing your equipment in an organized, safe and efficient manner.

 

Rack solutions allow you to house many IT components in a smaller amount of space, helping you use storage area more efficiently, while also protecting network equipment and maintaining an organized environment. Network racks organize IT equipment into standard-sized server rack cabinets for greater efficiency throughout the data center. Rack styles range from open-frame racks consisting of two or four mounting rails (called posts) without sides or doors to lockable rack cabinets with rails, front and rear doors and side panels.

  • The height of a network equipment rack is measured in units designated by the letter U (each rack unit is 1.75 inches/44.45 mm) high; server cabinets are available with capacities ranging from 2U to 58U.
  • Choose floor-standing racks with rolling casters or wall-mount racks for applications where floor space is limited or extra security is important

 

 

Why are Network Racks required?

Network Racks are an important component of the structured cabling system.Network racks are required for neatly, efficiently and safely holding all the networking equipments. If there are no network racks/ patch panels, then the cabling would look cluttered. Network racks can hold many components in a relatively smaller space, which enables one to utilize the available storage space very efficiently. Network racks are required for the physical safety of all the equipments kept within, as most of them could be locked and access denied for unauthorized personnel.Network racks are also required for improving the health of the networking equipments stored inside. For example, when the cables are taken carefully and neatly through the cable managers in the racks, there is little chance of data loss due to excessive cable bends. Also, the cooling fans in the network racks provide additional cooling to prevent any damage to the networking equipments kept inside them, due to over heating.

 

The benefits of a wall mount rack

 

These racks do not take up space on the floor.

Though this benefit may seem obvious, it is important. When you are working in a small space, you need to use the space that you do have as efficiently as possible. Wall mount racks allow you to optimize your work space by keeping IT equipment off of floors and desks.

 

They are easier to setup and install than other types of rack solutions.

Most small or home-based businesses do not have in-house IT solutions and may choose to install network racks on their own. With a basic understanding of how these racks work, you can setup and install wall mount racks yourself.

 

Wall mount server racks and cabinets save floor space and are ideal for smaller installations or to house system distribution points.Open-frame “rack” styles are great for controlled spaces such as utility rooms. Fully enclosed “cabinet” style models provide security to protect equipment in more open spaces from tampering, dust, and other hazards.Looking for enhanced rear access to equipment and wiring; select from styles that have hinged, or swing, center sections vs. being affixed directly to the wall.

 

Conclusion

No matter what rack solution you choose, it is important that you maintain network security and proper cable management. Fiber-Mart provides comprehensive solutions for both Wall and Floor applications as well as buried directly underground. And Fiber-Mart Cable Management are suitable for specific layout requirements and provides ideal solution for the distribution of cables and access to power, data and communication services on the wall and under the floor and for pole.any question pls feel free to contact me at service@fiber-mart.com

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