Category: Fiber Transceivers

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

Brief Introduction of Fiber Optic Splitter

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Fiber optic splitters are quite important in today’s optical network. Splitters can help users maximize the functionality of optical network circuits. A fiber optical splitter is a passive optical device that can split, or separate, an incident light beam into two or more light beams. These beams may or may not have the same optical power as the original beam. The outputs of a splitter can have various degrees of throughput. And that is very useful to decide whether the splitter is used for network monitoring or for a loss budget in a passive optical network (PON) architecture when designing optical networks. This article will give brief introduction of fiber optical splitter.
Two Types of Fiber Optic Splitter
There are two kinds of the most commonly used fiber optical splitters. And they are planar lightwave circuit (PLC) and fused biconical taper (FBT). PLC splitters (as shown in the following picture), from the name, it’s easy to find out that PLC splitter is based on planar lightwave circuit technology. It uses an optical splitter chip to divide the incoming signal into multiple outputs. It consists of three layers including a substrate, the waveguide, and the lid. The waveguide layer accepts the incoming optical signal and passes it to the outputs. FBT splitter is fused with a heat source similar to a fusion splice. Fibers are aligned in a group to create a specific location and length and will be fused with heat to meet the desired parameters such as insertion loss. Fused fibers are put in a V-shaped groove and fixed in a silica tube with a mix of epoxy and silica powder to get the proper heat.
Fiber Optical Split Ratios
Fiber optical splitters vary in numbers of inputs and outputs. The split ratios are based on the network use of fiber optical splitters. In a PON architecture, it uses splitters to split a single fiber into multiple fibers to feed as many as 64 end users. A typical split ratio in PON application is 1:32, or one in coming fiber split into 32 outputs.
Large split ratios like 1:32 or 1:64 are often found in some kind of housing. That’s because with so many fibers related to these splitters, a platform should be used to manage the splitter modules, patch modules, patch cables, etc. Most often a high-density fiber bay is required so that the splitters can be all placed in a distribution site or a PON enclosure. The PON cabinet plays a significant role in today’s applications since the space is so limited. When it comes to a high-density frame with varying split ratios and large number of patch cords, the distribution frame is critical for a good cable management.
Cost Saving in FTTx/PON Applications
As the city grows and subscribers increase, the network architect must deal with multiple distribution points and backhaul. To meet so many subscribers’ requirements, the flexibility in head-end locations, distribution points and split ratios becomes more significant. To network service provider, saving capital and operational costs is important.
On one side, fiber optical splitters can save fiber cost by reducing the fiber usage and that’s why they are so important in FTTx/PON networks. Using a single fiber to feed as many as 64 end users significantly reduces the fiber quantity. On the other side, the long-term operation costs can’t be ignored either in optical network splitter applications. That’s one of PON’s advantages. For example, it can decrease the power consumption.
Another way to save cost is to ease maintenance and increase the flexibility for smaller split ratios, which lead to more bandwidth per subscriber. For example, a service provider would likely need to split the optical terminal line (OLT) with a 1:2 splitter, and adjust the split ratios from there based on delivery to residential (1:32). These multiple split ratios can create flexibility in the network as long as the utilization of transport electronics such as OLT is concerned. Loss budget can be greatly influenced by the use of multiple splitters.
Conclusion
From the above content, to run a network architecture, the network success and cost should be paid attention. And fiber optical splitter is such a good device to increase the efficiency of optical infrastructure and save the capital and future operational cost.

Introduction to Fiber Optic Splice Closure

Fiber optic splicing is important for fiber connections. Fiber Optic Splice Closure is a fiber management product typically used with outdoor fiber optical cables. It provides space and protection for the fiber optic cable splicing and joint. Fiber splice closure is used for aerial, strand-mount FTTH “tap” locations where drop cables are spliced to distribution cables.

Fiber optic splicing is important for fiber connections. Fiber Optic Splice Closure is a fiber management product typically used with outdoor fiber optical cables. It provides space and protection for the fiber optic cable splicing and joint. Fiber splice closure is used for aerial, strand-mount FTTH “tap” locations where drop cables are spliced to distribution cables.

What is a fiber Optic Splice Closure?

In fact, except underground application, fiber optic splice closure is also used for aerial, strand-mount FTTH “tap” locations where drop cables are spliced to distribution cables. It is usally used with outdoor fiber optic cables which provides space for the outdoor fiber optic cables to be spliced together. The fiber optic splice closures and the fiber trays inside will protect the spliced fiber and the joint parts of the outdoor fiber cables.

Fiber optic splice enclosures are used to protect stripped fiber optic cable and fiber optic splices from the environment, and they are available for indoor as well as outdoor mounting.Outdoor fiber optic enclosures are usually weatherproof with watertight seals.In a typical wall-mounted splice enclosure, fiber optic cable is supported by cable ties, and the cable strenght member is securely fastened to the enclosure’s support. Metallic strenght members must be grounded securely.the cable jacket(sheath) stops at the splice enclosure’s cable ties. Optical fiber tubes, individual tight buffered fibers, or pigtails are supported by the tube brackets and continue to the splicing trays.

Key Features of Fiber Optic Splice Closures

Fiber splice closures are made from special industrial grade, high tension plastic with a reliable moisture barrier. They are also optimized to resist aging of the material due to factors in the natural environment such as ultraviolet light.

  • The box adds aging-resistant in imported high tensile construction plastic out-faster is made up of stainless steel
  •  Overlap structure in splicing tray is easy to install
  •  Suitable for ordinary fiber and ribbon fiber
  •  Perfect leak proofness
  •  Perfect and reliable sealing operations
  •  Fiber-bending radium guaranteed more than 40mm
  •  Full accessories for convenient operations
  •  Fiber optic splice closure can be used repeatedly
  •  For aerial, and direct buried applications

 

 

Generally the fiber optic splice closures are horizontal types and dome type (also called vertical type). Horizontal types are used more often than vertical type (dome type) closures.

Horizontal Types

Horizontal types splice closure look like a flat or cylindrical box which provide space and protection for fiber optic cable splicing and joint. They can be mounted aerial, buried, or for underground applications. Most horizontal fiber optic splice closure can fit hundreds of fiber connection. They are designed to be waterproof and dust proof. They can be used in temperature ranging from -40°C to 85°C, can accommodate 70 to 106 kpa pressure and the case are usually made of high tensile construction plastic.

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Vertical Types

Vertical type of fiber optic splice closure looks like a dome. This is why they are also called dome type. They meed the same specification as the horizontal types. They are usually designed for buried applications.

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Conclusion

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.Fiber splice tray, fiber distribution box and fiber optic enclosure are also offered in conjunction with the splice closures, promoting a safe and well-managed environment for fiber optic splices. Custom service is available according to your requirement.any question pls feel free to contact us at service@fiber-mart.com

How to Install Patch Panel and Switch?

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Patch panel and Ethernet switch are commonly used to connect all devices in data centers. They are usually mounted on the sever rack to perform the revelent functions. Many people are distressed by the installation of patch panel and switch in their telecommunication room, and crazy about the cable spaghetti from the patch panel to switch. In practice, an ideal cable management system could deal with this embarrassing situation. Consequently, a well-designed structured cabling system is in place.
cable management for patch panel and switch
Patch Panel vs. Switch
From physical appearance, patch panel and switch look similar in that they present as rows of sockets in a rack. In fact, a patch panel is a passive device that has a row of ports, which is used for cable management to bundle multiple network ports together to connect incoming and outgoing cables. The ability to label individual cable runs in a patch panel creates a clean and organized way of identifying signal flow and troubleshooting technical problems. On the other hand, a network switch has a bunch of Ethernet ports, but it is an active device that connects devices together on a computer network by using packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. In the case of structured cabling, the switch ports can be connected with the ports on the patch panel, allowing the Ethernet devices to be networked together.
Installation Steps for Patch Panel and Switch
Step 1: Determine where to place the patch panel and switch.
The proper operating environment keeps the equipment operate and maintain well. The airflow and vents should be unrestricted.
Step 2: Make up the patch cables of desired length, and indicate how many cables you need.
The slack cables will increase the cost of material and installation, and not facilitate cable management.
Step 3: Map out which switch port is connected to which patch panel port. (How power cables are routed should be considered.)
This delicate movement will cut down the time of whole installation process.
Step 4: Attach the patch panel and switch to a rack-mounted floor stand in the wiring closet.
The rack should accommodate the size of the patch panel and switch (standard 19″ wide is often used.)
Step 5: Run the prepared cables to connect switch port to the patch panel port respectively.
These cables can be moved from port to port if needed to facilitate location changes to the network.
Step 6: Install horizontal and vertical cable management, and Velcro cable ties to bundle the cables together for easier access in the future.
Step7: Labeling each cable with the same tag on both ends.
You can match end-to-end connectivity when you run across all of the ports of the patch panel and switch, which can help you to identify the cables for troubleshooting.
Cable Management from Patch Panel to Switch
Horizontal cable management can be used to support a pathway for patch cables between the patch panel and switch. The horizontal cable management panel has various style for multiple applications: designed with lacing bar, D-rings, finger duct, brush strip, and end ring. They can be assembled randomly to simplify cabling efficiently. The following video shows the 1U horizontal cable manager with end rings manager to neat and clean the messy rack.
Vertical cable management also addresses today’s cable routing demands. 3” single D-ring vertical cable manager and 3” wide plastic vertical cable manager with bend radius fingers are most commonly used between the patch panel and switch. They help to provide proper bend radius support for cables. Come with cable ties, it provides users with a neat and organized cabling system.
Cable Ties & Cable Labels
Cable ties and cable labeling can also help make the installation efficient. When a network system is constructed, large amounts of cables are built into the rack and routed where they need to go with devices. The Velcro cable ties are the most common tools for holding cables together. Meanwhile, cable labels can provide facilities with many benefits that will help increase efficiency, eliminate waste, improve safety, and generally make everything run more smoothly.
Conclusion
Patch panel and switch allow for expansion of traceable access points, which provides a robust and reliable management solution. Therefore, a proper installation for patch panel and switch plays a decisive role in the whole cable management. From patch panel to switch, a comprehensive line of cable management tools is used for protecting and supporting cables. For more information, please visit http://www.fiber-mart.com.

Best Patch Panel Cable Management Techniques

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In the structured cabling system, a complete connectivity comprises of cable, patch panel, wall outlet and patch cord supporting all LAN applications. Numbers of cables come into or go out, in this situation where easily causes cable spaghetti. A patch panel not only performs the function of acting as the connectors, but also helps to arrange the cables in organized orders. Consequently, the well-organized patch panel cable management provides a reliable cabling system for all of today’s network applications and future-proofing networks.
Why Need Patch Panel Cable Management?
The most part is that a patch panel provides a centralized location to manage network connections. When it comes to making a move, add, or change (MAC), the patch panel cable management would effectively reduce the time and cost to perform physical changes at a patch panel in a wiring closet. Except that, it provides physical security for sensitive network connections (such as fiber links), and minimizes network downtime by allowing easy access during routine maintenance. As a last point, it provides the scalability to increase density when you need to connect a large number of devices.
patch panel cable management
High-Density Cable Management Solutions Based on Patch Panel
Patch panel cable management is involved in many components: fiber optic enclosures (wall mount or rack mount enclosure), fiber optic patch panel (LC, SC, ST, MTP, MPO), fiber optic cassette, horizontal or vertical cable management panel or cable manager. Different kinds of combinations meet the demand to effectively manage high-density structured cabling in different applications.
(1) Rack Mount Enclosure + Fiber Patch Panel
The rack mount enclosure is always loaded with LC, SC, ST, MTP/MPO fiber adapter panel to provide a pathway to connect backbone-to-backbone or backbone-to-horizontal fiber cabling. According to the application demands, different units of fiber enclosure can be selected. Generally, 1U rack enclosure can allow for 4 FAPs up to 96 fibers, 2U up to 192 fibers, and 4U up to 288 fibers. For higher cabling density, the combination of fiber enclosure and fiber patch panel provides an efficient, flexible and easy way for fiber cable management in the data center.
Rack Mount Enclosure + Fiber Patch Panel
(2) Rack Mount Enclosure + Fiber Optic Cassette
In addition to mounting with fiber optic patch panel, rack mount enclosure can also hold MTP-8, MTP-12, or MTP-24 fiber cassette to provide the interface between the MTP connector on the trunk and the LC duplex jumpers for quick connection of remote or data center applications. This mounting option is suitable for 10G to 40G or 25G to 100G application.
 Rack Mount Enclosure + Fiber Optic Cassette
(Note: Wall mount patch panel performs the similar work principles as rack mount patch panel, mounting fiber adapter panel and cassette.)
(3) Blank Rack Mount Modular Panel + Fiber Optic Cassette
The blank modular panel has multiple functions to provide a complete solution for routing network cabling and protecting patch cords. When 1U rack mount modular fiber enclosure panel is mounted with 4 MTP/MPO cassette, it can house the total fiber capacity up to 96 fibers. It is uniquely designed for both front and rear-mounting capabilities with easy-access cable management.
Blank Rack Mount Modular Panel + Fiber Optic Cassette
(4) Blank Rack Mount Modular Panel + Fiber Patch Panel
Except for fiber cassette, the blank rack mount modular panel with lacing bar can also hold 1U fiber patch panel to efficiently manage high-density structured cabling in data centers.
Blank Rack Mount Modular Panel + Fiber Patch Panel
(5) MTP/MPO-LC Enclosure + Cable Management Panel
The MTP/MPO-LC enclosure is designed to connect 40/100G equipment with the existing 10G equipment in a cost-effective way. The breakout panel integrates the benefits of MPO pre-terminated breakout cabling and compact patch panels, and several groups links are dispatched in the distribution box that ensures a high-performance and reliable straight connection from 10 GbE to 40/100 GbE. The cable management panel with D-rings is used for horizontal cable management in the front of 40/100G breakout panel. This solution is perfect for 40/100G migrations in a high-density data center.
MTP MPO-LC Enclosure + Cable Management Panel
(6) Blank Multimedia Adapter Patch Panel + Cable Management Panel
Blank multimedia adapter patch panel allows customization of installation for multimedia applications requiring integration of fiber patch cables and copper cables. The inserted keystone jacks or couplers can be Cat6a, Cat6, Cat5e or Cat5. And the fiber optic adapters can be standard LC duplex, SC simplex, and MTP/MPO. So it can aggregate up to six different types of ports on demand at one time. The cable management panel with D-rings is a kind of cable organizer to keep the cables in an acceptable condition and satisfy the functional requirements of high-density network cabling.
Blank Multimedia Adapter Patch Panel + Cable Management Panel
(7) Ethernet Patch Panel + Horizontal Cable Manager with D-rings
Ethernet patch panel includes Cat5e, Cat6, or Cat7 patch panel. They are an ideal method to create a flexible, reliable and tidy cabling system for Ethernet cables. The horizontal cable manager is often used to arrange small bundles of patch cables from network switches and patch panels. It provides an economical and superior cable management solution for organizing patch cords and maintaining required bend radius.
Ethernet Patch Panel + Horizontal Cable Manager with D-rings
Conclusion
Today’s data centers require a reliable, scalable, and manageable cabling infrastructure, and then the patch panel cable management solutions address these trends and facilitate the efficiency of high-density data center cabling. By the way, when purchasing the cabling infrastructure, there is no single solution that will meet all of the cable management needs. Hope this article provides you with the comprehensive patch panel cable management techniques for the successful cabling deployment in your data center.

How To Repair the Accidentally Cut Fiber Optic Cable?

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Fiber optic cable can be accidentally damaged, cut or smashed. According to the Electronic Technicians Association, one of the main cause of optical fiber failure is “backhoe fade” , during which the optical fiber cable is cut or damaged while digging. For this occasion, you can easily look for backhoe and get the cut cable. However, if it is caused by moles, it will likely be difficult to troubleshoot it. On the flip side, it means that the cost to repair fiber optic cable might be a little bit expensive because of the equipment involved. Here are a few tools and steps suggested for you to repair broken fiber optic cable.
(1) OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer)
The OTDR is widely used for the measurement of fiber length, transmission attenuation, joint attenuation and fault location. For more information about OTDR, please refer to Working Principle and Characteristics of OTDR.
OTDR
(2) Fiber Optic Cutter / Stripper
Fiber optic cable cutter and fiber optic stripper are important tools in the fiber optic splicing and some other fiber optic cable cutting applications.
Fiber optic cable cutter and fiber optic stripper
(3) High Precision Fiber Optic Cleaver
Fiber optic cleaver is used to cut the fiberglass for fusion splicing, also ideal for preparing fiber for pre-polished connectors to make a good end face. So it is very important in the fiber splicing process, and it usually works together with the fusion splicer to meet the end needs.
High Precision Fiber Optic Cleaver
(4) Fusion Splicer
Fiber optic fusion splicer may be the act of joining two optical fibers end-to-end using heat. The machine is to fuse both the fibers together in such a way that light passing with the fibers is not scattered or reflected back from the splice.
Fusion Splicer
Steps to Repair Fiber Optic Cable
Step 1: Use OTDR to Identify the Break in Fiber Optic Cable
The first thing you need to do is to look for the break in your fiber optic cables. Commonly, the fiber-optic technicians utilize a device which is known as an OTDR. With the ability to work like radar which sends a light pulse right down to the optical fiber cable. It will be deflected to your device when it encounters break. It helps technician know the position of the break.
Step 2: Use Fiber Optic Cutter to Cut Out the Damaged Fiber Optic Cable
After knowing the location of the break, you should dig up the fiber optic cables with the break. The fiber optic cutter is used to cut out the damaged section.
Step 3: Strip the Fiber Optic Cable by Fiber Optic Stripper
You should use fiber optic stripper to strip the fiber on the both end and peel the jacket gently to expose the fiber-optic tube inside. Then, cut any sheath and yarn by fiber optic cutting tools.
Strip the Fiber Optic Cable by Fiber Optic Stripper
Step 4: Trim Any Damage on the Optical Fiber Ends by High Precision Fiber Cleaver
The following picture lists the main 6 steps for fiber cleaving by high precision fiber cleaver.
6 steps for fiber cleaving by high precision fiber cleaver
Step 5: Clean the Striped Fiber Optic Cable
This step is crucial to ensure that your terminal will get a clean wire strip. You have to clean the stripped fiber with alcohol and lint-free wipes. Ensure that the fiber doesn’t touch anything.
Step 6: Splice the Fiber Optic Cable
Generally, there are two methods to splice optical fiber cable: (1) mechanical splicing; (2) fusion splicing.
(1) Mechanical Splicing
If you want to produce a mechanical connection, you need to put inline splice quick-connect fiber-optic connectors to the fiber. Hold the two fiber ends in a precisely aligned position thus enabling light to pass from one fiber into the other. (Typical loss: 0.3 dB)
(2) Fusion Splicing
In fusion splicing, a fusion splicer is used to precisely align the two fiber ends. You have to convey a fusion splice protector to the fiber, and place the fibers which is spliced within the fusion splicer. Then, the fiber ends are “fused” or “welded” together using some type of heat or electric arc. This produces a continuous connection between the fibers enabling very low loss light transmission. (Typical loss: 0.1 dB)
Step 7: Perform the Connection Test of Fiber Optic Cable with OTDR
The very last thing would be to see the connection of fiber-optic using the OTDR. Then put back those splices into the splice enclosure. Close the enclosure after which rebury the fiber optic cables.

What are MTP / MPO Fiber Cables?

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MTP/MPO — High-Density Fiber Optic Cabling
The quantity of data transmitted worldwide is growing exponentially and the need for ever-greater bandwidths is unrelenting. Though the current data volumes demanded in backbone cabling can still be handled with 10 GbE, the forecast trends will require the introduction of the next technologies, 40 GbE and 100 GbE. As a result, data centers must respond to provide sufficient capacities and plan for upcoming requirements. To meet this demand, 40G QSFP+ transceivers, MTP/MPO cables and other related products are now in the market. MTP/MPO cables in the data centers play an important role in ultra-high density cabling.
Why are MTP/MPO Cables Used?
The number of network connections in data centers is rising rapidly. Traditional fiber cables can make the data center crammed and difficult to manage. To solve this problem, data centers have to achieve ultra-high density in cabling to accommodate all of the cabling required. The MTP/MPO cables, which bring together 8, 12 or 24 fibers in a single interface have been proven to be a practical solution. Incorporating to meet the 40GBASE-SR4 and 100GBASE-SR10 standard, The MTP/MPO multi-fiber connector of MTP/MPO cables is about the same size as a SC connector but can accommodate 8, 12 or 24 fibers, thus offering savings in circuit card and rack space.
Details of MTP/MPO Cables
MTP/MPO cables are composed of MTP/MPO connectors and fiber optic cables, other connectors such as LC may also be found in some kinds of MTP/MPO cables. The fiber cables used are generally OM3 and OM4, which are laser optimized multi-mode optical fibers. It is important to have an overall understanding of MTP/MPO connectors (known as multi-fiber push-on and also as multi-path push-on).
MPO connectors are available in a female version (without pins), or a male version (with pins) as shown in the following picture. The pins ensure the exact alignment of the fronts of the connectors, and also they ensure the end faces of the fibers are not offset.
Noses and guide grooves (key) on the top side are the two other clearly visible features, which ensures the adapter hold the connector with the correct ends aligned with each other. Based on the placement of the key, two types of MPO adapters are available. One is “key-up to key-down”. It means the key is up on one side and down on the other. The two connectors are connected turned 180° in relation to each other. The other one is “key-up to key-up”. It means both keys are up. The two connectors are connected while in the same position in relation to each other.
Connection Rule
Always use one male connector and one female connector plus one MPO adapter when creating a MPO connection.
Never connect a female to a female or a male to a male. It should be connected with a male and a female as stated above. With a female-to-female connection, the fiber cores of the two connectors will not be at the exact same height because the guide pins are missing. That will lead to losses in performance. A male-to-male connection has even more disastrous results. There the guide pins hit against guide pins so no contact is established. This can also damage the connectors.
Never dismantle a MPO connector. The pins are difficult to detach from a MPO connector and the fibers might break in the process. In addition, the warranty becomes null and void if you open the connector housing.
MTP/MPO Cables
MTP/MPO Cable has the advantages of shorter installation times, tested and guaranteed quality and greater reliability. It has several different kinds of types.
Trunk Cables: trunk cables serve as a permanent link connecting the MTP/MPO modules to each other. They are available with 12, 24, 48 and 72 fibers. Their ends are terminated with 12-fiber or 24-fiber MTP/MPO connectors according to customer’s choice. These trunk cables like 12 fibers MPO trunk cable could help to create a simple, cost-effective 40G networking by installing a structured cabling system. MTP/MPO trunk cable requires greater care in planning but has a number of advantages, such as higher quality, minimal skew, shorter installation time, better protection, smaller volume of cable and lower total costs.
Harness Cables: harness cables provide a transition from multifiber cables to individual fibers or duplex connectors. For instance, 8 fibers 12 strands MTP/MPO harness cable has eight LC high fiber density connectors and a MPO connector, which is convenient for wiring and management system in 40G network with stable performance.
Y Cables: Y cables are generally used in the 2-to-1 version. A typical application is to join two 12-fiber trunk cables to a 24-fiber patch cord as part of a migration to 100 GbE. The rather rare version of 1 to 3 allows three eight-fiber MTP/MPO connectors to be joined to a 24-fiber permanent link, e.g. for migration to 40 GbE.
MTP/MPO Solutions for 40 Gigabit Ethernet Cabling
OM3 and OM4 fiber optic cables put in a parallel optical connection, terminated with MTP/MPO connectors. These are the ingredients for 40 GbE technology in a structured cabling environment. Parallel optical channels with multifiber multimode optical fibers of the categories OM3 and OM4 are used for implementing 40 GbE. The small diameter of the optical fibers poses no problems in laying the lines, but the ports suddenly have to accommodate four or even ten times the number of connectors. This large number of connectors can no longer be covered with conventional individual connectors. So the 802.3ba standard incorporated the MPO connector for 40GBASE-SR4.
Summary
MTP/MPO connectors and cables are the central components of a 40G parallel optical link. This connection decides whether the insertion loss exceeds the attenuation budget and whether the return loss is high enough. In the end, the desired bandwidth can only be reached if all components in a parallel optical link satisfy the highest requirements.