Category: Fiber Transceivers

Optical transceivers, Active Optic Cables, data center switches, and cable management in data centers.

WHAT DOES A FIBER OPTIC CONTINUITY TEST CAN TELL YOU?

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Before you install the fiber optic cables that are going to make up a network, you should perform the proper testing on them to ensure that they’re up for the task of transporting light. If there are any breaks in fiber optic cables, they won’t be able to transmit data effectively and will hurt your entire network. You can check to see if fiber optic cables are up for the task of carrying light by running a continuity test on them.
AN OVERVIEW OF FIBER OPTIC CONTINUITY TESTS
To run a continuity test on fiber optic cables, you’ll need to use a fiber optic tracer. A fiber optic tracer can be connected directly to the fiber optic cables that you’re testing so that light can be sent through the cables. If that light comes out the other end of the cables during a continuity test, it means that there aren’t any breaks in the fiber optic cables. You can feel free to use the fiber optic cables without worrying about encountering any issues with them.
However, if you run a continuity test and aren’t able to see light coming out the other end of your fiber optic cables, you have a problem on your hands. This suggests that there is probably a break somewhere in your cables or a connection within your fiber optic network that is off. Whatever the case, your continuity test will reveal that you need to use different fiber optic cables when creating your network. Otherwise, your cables aren’t going to be able to transmit data for you once you begin using the network.

HOW FREEZING WEATHER AFFECTS FIBER OPTIC CABLES

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There are so many advantages that come along with using fiber optic cables over traditional copper ones. Fiber optic cables can transmit data significantly faster than copper ones. They’re also able to carry data over longer distances without experiencing any disruptions. Nevertheless, over the years, companies have found that there is one challenge associated with using fiber optic cables as opposed to copper cables. Freezing-cold temperatures seem to take a toll on fiber optic cables and cause them to stop working suddenly in some cases.
WHY IT HAPPENS
So, why does this happen? There is quite a bit of research that has been done on it, and it appears as though fiber optic cables are affected by cold temperatures whenever water is able to make its way into the ducts carrying the cables and freeze. The ice that forms around the fiber optic cables often causes the cables to bend, which affects the signals sent through the cables. In some instances, the signals are simply slowed down and degraded, but in others, the signals aren’t able to pass through the fiber optic cables at all. It can lead to fiber optic networks going down unexpectedly.
HOW IT CAN BE PREVENTED
The good news is that there are steps that can be taken to limit the impact that freezing-cold weather has on fiber optic cables. For starters, those installing fiber optic cables can be careful about where and how they’re installed. Burying fiber optic cables below the frost line, for example, often eliminates the threat of ice. There are also many companies that are using antifreeze gels and other products to prevent water from freezing in ducts carrying fiber optic cables along bridges and other structures. These products have proven to be useful when it comes to protecting fiber optic cables from the elements.

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE LONGEVITY OF FIBER OPTIC CABLES

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Fiber optic cables are capable of transmitting data significantly faster than traditional copper cables. However, one thing that people have worried about when it comes to fiber optic cables taking the place of copper ones is durability. Fiber optic cables contain glass in them, which is why some people are concerned about how they’ll hold up over time.
The truth is that, when handled properly, fiber optic cables are a lot more durable than you might think. They’re designed to stand the test of time and should hold up for many years to come once they’re in place. Nevertheless, there are a few factors that can affect their longevity. Read about them below.
THE INITIAL STRENGTH OF FIBER OPTIC CABLES
One of the first things that can cut down on how long fiber optic cables last is the initial strength of the cables. There are some fiber optic cables that have tiny cracks in their surfaces when they’re first produced. It’s why it’s so important for fiber optic installers to test cables out at the beginning to make sure they’re in good shape.
THE INSTALLATION OF FIBER OPTIC CABLES
Another thing that can cut down on the longevity of fiber optic cables is the installation process that they go through. Fiber optic installers need to be careful about how they go about installing the cables. If they stretch them out too much while putting them into place, it can cause the cables to wear out quicker than they should.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS SURROUNDING FIBER OPTIC CABLES
No matter how strong fiber optic cables are or how careful fiber optic installers are about installing them, the environment surrounding the cables can take a toll on them. Extremely high and extremely low temperatures can both affect fiber optic cables and cause cracking. If moisture is able to make its way to areas where fiber optic cables are located, it can also cause the cables to break down quicker over time.

The Positive Impact of Using Optical Fibers on Cell Towers

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While fiber optic technology has been utilized for many years in the communications industry, consumers generally identify with the role that it plays in wired communications such as Cable TV, Fiber-To-The-Home, and the related networking equipment.  However, what most overlook or do not realize is the significant impact that deploying optical fibers has also had on something consumers use every day – mobile devices.  In order to achieve the high speed data levels that we have become accustomed to when using mobile devices, cell towers and their supporting networks had to be retrofitted with optical fiber cables.

The transition from copper to fiber first started when 3G mobile technology was first introduced, but when 4G LTE technology was deployed, the service providers’ equipment in almost every cell tower had to be upgraded.  The primary reason for this was to support the need for the higher frequencies and faster speeds that the existing 1 5/8 ” coax cables on most cell towers could not handle. Since the primary feed line to most cell towers had been upgraded already, connecting the cell systems in the towers with fiber was the next step.
So what positive changes occurred when transitioning to optical fiber in the cell tower?
First, engineers could now design systems with fiber that run solely off of DC power.  The result was that a very small (less than a ½” in diameter) 16-pair optical fiber cable and two small multi-strand DC cables could replace as many as 12 to 18, 1 5/8” coax cables which are sometimes called “hard lines”.  As you can see, this is a significant improvement.
Secondly, after the hard lines are taken off and replaced with optical fiber cables, both the weight and wind drag are drastically reduced on the cell tower.  The amount of weight and wind drag that is reduced when swapping coax for a fiber-based system is almost unbelievable.  Thousands of pounds of materials are removed and space on the tower is dramatically increased.  In addition to amount of material, a lot of time is saved in comparison to having to add 12 to 18 more hard lines to each system.
By upgrading to incorporate optical fiber cables into the infrastructure, today’s cell towers have realized significant improvements not only in mobile network performance, but also from an architectural standpoint.

Benefits of Using Fiber Optic Attenuators with Doped Fiber

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Fiber optic attenuators are used in networking applications where an optical signal is too strong and needs to be reduced. There are many applications where this arises, such as needing to equalize the channel strength in a multi-wavelength system or reducing the signal level to meet the input specifications of an optical receiver. In both scenarios, reducing the optical signal strength is necessary or else system performance issues may arise.
Types of Fiber Optic Attenuators
There are many forms which can be taken by optical attenuators, but the two basic types of fiber optic attenuators are fixed and
variable. In this article, we will focus on the fixed type.
Fixed Attenuators
The further classification of fixed attenuators is
Build – out style
In-line patch cord
The size of the build out attenuator is approximately 1.25 inch. Many have a male interface connector at one end and a female interface connector at the other end but female to female interface connectors are also available. The fabrication of the build-out style is typically accomplished using with air gap attenuation or doped fiber attenuation.
What are Air Gap Attenuators?
Air gap attenuators accomplish the loss of optical power with the help of two fibers that are separated by air to yield the loss.
These attenuators can be fixed or variable, but a downside is that they can be vulnerable to dust contamination and are also vulnerable to changing temperatures and moisture. One must also be cautious where they are used. For example, multi-channel analog systems, like ones used by CATV, this attenuator can create second order distortions that reduce the performance of the system.
What are doped Fiber Attenuators?
As the name suggests, doped fiber attenuators consist of a small fiber piece along with metal ion doping which provides the exact attenuation and interfaces in between female and male connections on the attenuators. These types can be wavelength sensitive because of their fabrication. The primary reasons why these doped fiber attenuators are preferred include:
Not susceptible to dirt, moisture, or temperature variations
Provide a stable performance over wide wavelength variations and band passes.
M2 Optics has been an established manufacturer and innovator of professional optical fiber platforms for fiber network simulation, latency / optical time delay, training, and demonstration applications. Our customer base includes many of the world’s most
recognized communications service providers, equipment manufacturers, data centers, web service providers, financial institutions, research institutions, and government agencies.

Fusion or Mechanical: Which Is the Best Splicing Method?

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When splicing together two lengths of fiber optic cabling, you have to choose between the two known methods – fusion splicing and mechanical splicing – which both essentially produce the same result – a secure connection between two formerly separate lengths of fiber.
However, how do you choose between them? Is one method better than the other? Well, in this article, we take a closer look at both, to provide some clarity on the subject. By reading to the end, you’ll know what the pros and cons are of each, how each connection is created and you’ll be in a better position to make a considered decision.
So, without any further delay, let’s begin.
Defining Mechanical & Fusion Splicing
The ultimate goal of cable splicing is to create a secure connection between two or more sections of fiber in a way that allows the optical signal to pass through with minimal loss. As we mentioned already, both mechanical and fusion splicing achieve this goal, but they do so in very different ways.
Fusion Splicing
Firstly, fusion splicing involves melting the two sections of fiber permanently together. This is achieved with an electrical device aptly known as a fusion splicer, and it’s something that not only melts the two parts together with an electric arc, but it is also able to align the fiber to create a good connection precisely.
Mechanical Splicing
One of the main differences with mechanical splicing is that it doesn’t permanently join the fibers together, instead of locking and aligning the pieces together with a screw mechanism. This method requires no heat or electricity at all.
The Fusion Splicing Steps
Figure 2: fusion splicer showing fiber positioning
With both mechanical and fusion splicing techniques, there are four distinct steps to the process. The first two steps for each are almost identical, but the final two are where the differences lie.
Fusion Splicing Step 1 – Preparation
To prepare the fiber for splicing, you need to strip away the jacket or sheath that surrounds the internal glass fiber. You’ll be left with bare glass when you’re finished, which should then be cleaned with an alcoholic wipe.
Fusion Splicing Step 2 – Cleaving
The next step involves cleaving the fiber, which shouldn’t be confused with cutting. Cleaving means that the fiber should be lightly scored and then flexed until it naturally breaks. To create a sound connection, you need a good, clean, smooth cleave that’s perpendicular to the fiber it’s being connected to in the fusion splicer.