Category: Fiber Transceivers

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

introduction of GPON SFP Transceivers

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

GPON stands for Gigabit Passive Optical Network. GPON is one of the key technologies that are being used in fiber-based (FTTx) access networks, including fiber to the home (FTTH), fiber to the business (FTTB), fiber to the curb (FTTC), etc. GPON system contains two main active transmission components, namely optical line termination (OLT) and optical network termination (ONT) or optical network unit (ONU). Modern OLT and ONT/ONU use compact fiber optic modules to achieve the triple-play GPON services. These modules are known as GPON SFP transceivers. This post will give a comprehensive introduction to GPON SFP modules.
What Is GPON SFP?
GPON SFP is one type of gigabit optical transceivers that are used in GPON system, which is compliant with ITU-T G.984.2 standard. It is a bidirectional module that has SC receptacle and works over simplex single-mode fiber optic cable. A GPON SFP module transmits and receives signals of different wavelengths between the OLT at the Central Office side and the ONT at the end users side. GPON SFPs utilize both the upstream data and downstream data by means of Optical Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM).
GPON SFP: Class B+ vs. Class C+
GPON SFP transceivers are categorized into GPON OLT SFP and GPON ONT SFP or GPON ONU SFP depending on the devices they are used in. And there are Class B+ GPON SFP and Class C+ GPON SFP. The major differences between them are the transmit power and the receive sensitivity. The table below lists the Tx power and Rx sensitivity of Class B+ GPON SFP and Class C+ GPON SFP.
By using Class B+ or Class C+ GPON OLT SFP, it can support up to 32 or 64 ONTs at customer premises respectively. And a C+ OLT SFP can be used with B+ ONT SFP as long as the loss budget of the link is appropriate.
How’s the GPON SFP Different From Conventional BiDi SFP?
Although GPON SFP belongs to the gigabit BiDi SFP family, it differs from “normal” BiDi SFPs in some aspects. Here’s a comparison between GPON SFP transceiver and conventional BiDi SFP transceiver.
Signal Transmission Mode
In terms of conventional gigabit BiDi SFP transceivers that are mainly used in backbone network, the optical transmission mode is point to point (P2P), i.e., they must be used in matched pair. A BiDi usually has LC receptacle instead of SC receptacle. Here’s an illustration of P2P transmission mode.
The transmission mode of GPON SFP is point to multi-point (P2MP). One GPON OLT SFP at the Central Office communicates with multiple GPON ONT SFPs with the help of fiber optic splitters. This is why we usually see a GPON infrastructure is in a tree shape or a tee shape.
Transmission Distance
The transmission distance of conventional gigabit BiDi SFP can be up to 160 km over single-mode fiber cable when using 1590nm/1510nm and 1510nm/1590nm wavelengths. GPON OLT and ONT/ ONU SFP transceivers support a transmission distance up to 20 km with 1490nm/1310nm and 1310nm/1490nm wavelengths.
Benefits of Using GPON SFP
Using GPON SFP is considered a more convenient and cost-effective solution for the end customers. And it also reduces the devices that need to be provided by the Internet service provider (ISP). Before the GPON ONT SFP was released and used in GPON networks, the ISP usually needs to install at least an optical modem (a type of ONT with a fiber optic port) and an IP access router, and a Set-Top-Box or video recorder might also be needed if IPTV services are required. The separation of different devices inevitably increased the cost for GPON services.
The newly used GPON SFP is in smaller size and integrates the triple-play services. It has lower consumption as well. The ISP provides a GPON ONT SFP to the customer. This module is usually installed in the hub/router handed to the customer by the ISP. The customer is also able to unplug the fiber optic patch cable and the GPON ONT SFP from the ISP’s hub/router, and then plug them in his own router/switch that is white-listed by the ISP.
Conclusion
GPON SFP transceivers are typically used in the two main active transmission components OLT and ONT/ONU in GPON optical networks. They are essential in keeping the high-bandwidth communication between the service provider and the end users over a distance up to 20 km. GPON SFPs are classified into Class B+ and Class C+ and the main differences are their Tx power and Rx sensitivity. This module has simplified the implementation of GPON services. It benefits both the service providers and the end users to some degree.

What’s the Difference Between Fiber Optic Cabling and Others?

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

If you’re looking at high-speed internet options and find that fiber optic cable is available in your area, you may not understand the differences. fiber optic cablingAfter all, the cables look similar, and they install similarly from the lay-person’s perspective. Generally, that is where the similarities end.
Inside the Cable
Standard cable is known as coaxial cable. If you looked inside, you will find a central, copper core surrounded by insulation wrapped in twisted copper or metal wires before being covered in a plastic jacket. This is the same cable that comes into your house if you have cable television. It’s easy to run and shorten and connect to outlets and televisions. The cable is available in many different lengths and is nearly ubiquitous…plenty of homes have at least one coaxial cable sitting around.
Fiber optic cable, on the other hand, is built a bit differently, and high density fiber optic cables are very complex inside and can transmit a lot of data. High density fiber optic cables won’t come into your home, but if you have fiber optic internet, your home will connect to one of these cables. Fortunately, they work on the same principle…high density just has more protected cables inside, like lanes in a freeway.
The central core of a fiber optic cable is made of tiny strands of glass or plastic known as optical fibers. A single cable can have a few strands or as many as several hundred. Directly coating the strands is something known as cladding…which directs the signal down the strand to increase the distance of cabling that can be used before a repeater (a device that receives the signal on one end and retransmits it on the other to prevent data loss) is required. Then, just like coaxial cable, it contains insulation and a protective jacket.
The difference between these two cables is that one transmits an electromagnetic signal (coaxial) and one transmits light (generally LEDs or lasers).
What Does This Mean for the Consumer?
While standard, coaxial cable internet is available in nearly every urban and suburban area, fiber optics are just rolling out. It can be difficult to find a fiber optic internet provider if your city’s infrastructure or local cable provider hasn’t invested to have fiber optic cabling run to near your house.
Because fiber optics requires less repeaters and other equipment, and cost less to maintain, fiber optic cabling tends to cost less to the consumer than traditional cable internet does. Fiber optics are also much faster than traditional high speed internet because the optical threads have the capacity for greater bandwidth, and fiber optic cable weighs less because it requires less insulation and jacketing.
You can also feel good that fiber optics are more eco-friendly than traditional coaxial cables. Not only does it generate less heat at data centers to use fiber optic cable, but fiber optic cables require less insulation and jacketing, which often involve heavy metals, which can leach into the environment.
Fiber optics are also more secure than traditional coaxial cables. It’s more difficult to tap fiber optic cables because it requires special tools and receivers. Attempting to tap into the system is more likely to just disrupt the system, providing no benefit. Also important to note that information transmitted via pulses of light do not transmit electricity, which makes it harder to “listen” and intercept data from fiber optic cabling systems.

Why true full fibre is the only future for MDU property

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

We believe passionately that infrastructure built using fibre optic cable technology is the only way to deliver the growing capacity and speeds that the market demands. So what exactly is a fibre optic cable and why is it superior?
The history of fibre optic cables for telecommunications stretches as far back to the early days of the telephone. In 1880 Alexander Graham Bell created a very early precursor to fibre-optic communications, the Photophone. The device allowed for the transmission of sound on a beam of light, however, it would not prove practical until advances in laser and optical fibre technologies. It wasn’t until the mid 1970’s that the first optical fibre cables were produced capable of delivering long distance communication, but costs remained high and adoption low. The growth of the internet and the demand for voice and data traffic demonstrated the need for new more capacity and higher speeds were needed. This revolution really kick started the demand for the technology.
Historically most telecommunications infrastructure in the UK has relied on copper cables delivered to a property either underground or by overhead pole. This legacy network has been upgraded in recent years via schemes such as Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the Home (FTTH). However these methods continue to use copper cabling either from the cabinet to the property or throughout the property itself. This method seriously compromises the gains made by using fibre throughout the rest of the journey, meaning the network is slower and has less capacity than if fibre had been used throughout.
PCCW Global likes to do things differently. The growing demand for MDU property (apartments) provides the perfect opportunity to deliver True Full Fibre to these customers. The fibre cable doesn’t stop when it reaches a cabinet or the building itself but instead continues to every apartment in that building. This forward thinking approach means decades will pass before any cabling upgrades will need to be made. Today commercially, speeds of 1Gbps are possible but 10Gbps and beyond are not far away.
This super capacity, high speed, True Full Fibre infrastructure is also the perfect foundation on which to add other smart technology to a building. We’re leading the way in increasing compliance and security and delivering operating cost reductions to building owners and managers as well as improving the experience for residents.

What Makes Fiber Optic Cables Future Proof?

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

Internet connectivity over an optical cord has become a precious standard for fast and high-quality data transmission. This technology is relatively new. This new nature of it can leave some in a dilemma. Some would even be unwilling to invest in it. Some would still prefer go old school and use convention network cables.
Over the years, with the technical progress, even conventional cable has risen to new horizons. But, which technology is better? Both copper and glass or optical cords have their benefits. Both have unique features. If something is better for others does not necessarily make it better for you. So, the right question to ask is which means would suit your business?
Fiber Optics Cable
The conventional copper wires transmit data via electricity. Fiber wire relies on light. It does not transmit data through the flow of electrons. This enables much faster internet connection. In fact, it also enables handling of a higher bandwidth. Sometimes, even during the peak demand, the performance of fiber wire stands out.
The cost of optical deployment has seen a dramatic reduction recently. Moreover, the fiber optic cable is future proof. This gives it an edge over the use of copper cables. It surely has a better prospect in the world market. Let us compare fiber and copper on these five determinants to decide which one is better and suits your purpose.
Cost
As mentioned above, the cost of fiber components has seen a decrease recently. Once, the cost of optical cord was twice that of a copper wire. Now the cost difference is minimal. In fact, if we consider the overall cost, copper cable can get costlier. This is if we consider the cost of wiring closet. This includes cost of uninterrupted power source, data ground and HAVC (Hybrid Automatic Voltage Control). Overall, an all fiber LAN is more cost efficient than a copper-based network.
Bandwidth
Copper is sufficient for voice signals. Even though it has a limited bandwidth of up to 60Gbps. Fiber cords are capable to provide 1000 times as much bandwidth as copper. It can also travel for a longer distance in lesser time. In simple terms, a 500-meter fiber wire can transmit 1GHz. Whereas, a twisted pair copper wire (Cat 6) can transmit 500Mhz just up to 100 meters. Moreover, the signal loss is negligible in an optical cable. Copper has higher losses at higher frequencies. It is also noisy.
Transmission Speed & Distance
This is literally the battle between photons and electrons! Photons do not achieve 100% efficiency in achieving the speed of light. But, even with 31% slow speed, it is much faster than the speed of electrons. You cannot overlook the significant difference which exists between fiber and copper. Moreover, copper wires also have the limitation of 100 meters. This is not the case with fiber cables. In optics, the distance can range from 550 meters for 10 Gbps single mode and up to 40 Kms for multi-mode!
Reliability
Fiber optics is not susceptible to damages from the surrounding environment. Copper has the trait of losing quality over certain distance under conditions. In fact, if we use a fiber optic cable over the same distance, under the same condition, it would provide you reliable data transmission. Moreover, fiber is immune to environmental and climatic factors. Temperature variation or any electromagnetic variation will not tarnish its performance. Copper is sensitive to these factors. You can deploy fiber optic cables near industrial equipment without worry. Likewise, you can also lay down fiber into deep oceans.
Security
One can trap the electrical signals from the copper cable. In addition, it also radiates signals. If someone traps the signals, the entire system can fail. On damages, it gets difficult to identify the leakages. In case of a fiber wire, detection of a broken wire is easier. This is because several monitoring techniques are in practice for detecting its flaws. Copper wire can cause a short circuit which can even result in a fire.
Conclusion
The usage of fiber cable with its ever reducing cost and other advantages is making it future proof. Increase in bandwidth, ridiculous increase in transmission speed and many more features make it better and reliable medium for networking. It is one of the most significant mediums for innovative installations and upgrades.

Properly Terminate Fiber Optic Cables for a Smooth Connection

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

In the optical network deployment, fiber optic termination should be an unavoidable and vitally important procedure that enables fiber cross connection and light wave signal distribution. Only when the fiber optic cables in the network are terminated properly can they be protected from dirt or damage so as to achieve a smooth and steady network. Meanwhile, proper fiber optic termination can efficiently avoid the excessive loss of light when the network runs, which strengthens the smooth connection. But how to properly terminate fiber optic cables to ensure a smooth connection? Let’s talk about this topic and find the most suitable method to terminate fiber optic cables for your network.
Proper Methods for Fiber Optic Termination
There are two methods for terminating fiber optic cables, using connectors and splicing, each of which allows for a smooth connection with low light loss and back reflection in a proper manner. We can learn these two methods in the following figure. The method of using connectors to terminate fiber optic cables is shown in the top right corner that is able to mate two fibers for a temporary joint, while the other method is splicing which has the ability to create a permanent joint between the two fibers. As for the step-by-step instructions of these two methods, it will be introduced detailedly in the following text.
fiber optic termination methods
Using Connectors to Terminate Fiber Optic Cables
You may often hear about the descriptions like LC to LC patch cord, LC to SC patch cord and LC to FC patch cord when choosing fiber patch cords to deploy your network. Do you understand what do the words “LC” “SC” and ”FC” mean? In fact, they stand for three kinds of connectors that are to terminate the ends of fiber optic cables, with the aim of connecting and disconnecting two fibers for many times without affecting the optical performance of the fiber circuit. To get a smooth fiber circuit, the following will illustrate how to use the connectors to properly terminate fiber optic cables.
Take out the fiber optic cable that you want to terminate and prepare a fiber cleaver for the termination.
Strip away the outer jacket, buffer and cladding of the fiber optic cable and cut away the excess aramid yarn.
Lightly score the fiber by pressing the fiber cleaver. Don’t use the cleaver more than once to score the fiber, so that the fiber will not be broken by unexpected, additional notch.
Along the score, bend the fiber and the tongue of the cleaver together to break the fiber.
Use the scale on the cleaver for measuring the bare fiber to ensure that it is long enough, so that it can reach the fiber inside the connector and make the termination work finally.
Utilize alcohol wipes with at least 90% isopropyl alcohol content and lint-free material to clean the fiber.
Carefully insert the bare fiber into the connector and crimp the connector onto the buffer.
Notices: Please check and confirm the right types of connectors and their polishing styles before making the termination to avoid non-corresponding installation. Moreover, test periodically during the installation, rather than testing them all after the job is completed to eliminate the possibility of repeating the same errors throughout the installation.
Splicing to Terminate Fiber Optic Cables
When the fiber cable is too long or there are various fiber cables that needs to be mixed, the splicing is strongly recommended to do the fiber optic termination. For instance, splicing a 48-fiber cable and six 8-fiber cables together. Meanwhile, if a buried finer cable is accidentally severed, you are also suggested to use the splicing method to restore the fiber optic cable. The following will introduce the procedures of fusion splicing which may be useful for you to make a proper fiber optic termination.
Prepare the two fiber ends that need to be spliced together.
Strip the protective coating, jackets, tubes, strength members, etc, and only leave the bare fiber showing.
Clean the fiber cables and use score-and-break method to score the fibers, for the sake of proper splicing.
Properly align the cleaved end-faces of the two fibers, and then utilize an electrical arc to melt them. Hence, the two fiber ends can be permanently welded together.
Finally use the heat shrink tubing, silicone gel and mechanical crimp protector to protect the splice from outside elements and breakage.
Conclusion
From the mentioned above information, we can easily acquire two proper methods for fiber optic termination, using connectors and splicing, both of which are the useful and effective solutions to achieve smooth connections. Using these two methods to terminate fiber optic cables can protect the fibers from being damaged, avoid the excessive loss of light and keep a stable performance for your network.

Comparing Fiber Optic vs. Cable Internet

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

If you’re wondering whether fiber or cable internet are right for you, here’s a quick breakdown of how both services line up across a few main areas of consideration.
Are There Differences in Speed?
At their peak, cable internet download speeds range up to about 300 megabits per second (Mbps), and upload speeds fall much lower than that. However, cable internet shares bandwidth among all customers within the same service area, so users may see a reduction in speed during busy hours.
The laws of physics mean that fiber-optic cable wins hands-down in terms of speed. Download speeds for fiber-optic internet can clock in up to 1,000 Mbps, with upload speeds that far surpass those of cable. Although fiber-optic cables don’t send data at the speed of light, they are only about one-third slower. Comparatively, the electrons in copper wire travel much slower than the light particles in fiber.
In terms of internet bandwidth, single-mode fiber is unlimited while multi-mode optical fiber has a more limited capacity to carry information. But both single-mode or multi-mode optical fiber have a clear advantage over copper cable when it comes to speed and bandwidth.
What does all that mean? Simply that the faster speeds afforded by fiber mean it’s easier and smoother to perform data-heavy tasks like video streaming or file uploading. However, for moderate data use, cable internet is still a solid option.
Which Internet Medium Is More Reliable?
Cable internet is a reliable medium that doesn’t drop out during bad weather like satellite communications. Copper wire is susceptible to electromagnetic interference and variations in temperature, though, which means customers might experience interruptions or outages in their internet.
Since glass doesn’t conduct electricity, optical fiber isn’t susceptible to those issues. Lightning damage or interruptions from high-voltage electrical equipment won’t disrupt internet connections transmitting via fiber-optic cabling.
Furthermore, while coaxial cable internet connection can lose speed and quality over long distances, fiber optic cable still provides speedy, reliable transmission of data even over great lengths.
Are They Equally Available Everywhere?
Copper cable has been a communications standard for decades, and with 89% coverage nationally, it has an edge in terms of internet availability.
Access to fiber-optic internet service, on the other hand, is growing rapidly. As availability and installation of new light-carrying fiber optic cabling expands to more areas, it is worthwhile to check what is available in your area.
What’s the Most Economic Choice?
Because copper cable networks already cover a good portion of the United States, it’s generally easy to set up a reliable internet connection that transmits internet data at an acceptable speed for an affordable monthly price. Plans vary widely, but you can find offerings under $100 in most areas.
Fiber optic internet plans can cost slightly more and possibly additional installation costs to support equipment but you will gain higher reliability and speed.
What’s the Future of Internet Connectivity?
There are multiple players in the marketplace for internet service. The industry is moving in the direction of internet technology that offers high speeds and increased reliability like fiber optics. Cable can provide adequate speed for standard internet usage, but it may be worth upgrading if fiber is available near you.
Watch for the next two articles in this series to learn more about fiber optic vs. wireless internet and fiber optic vs. DSL internet. Once you’ve done the research, you can check out Frontier Business internet services in your area to select which will best meet your needs.