MULTIPROTOCOL LABEL SWITCHING AND OTHER SPECIAL SERVICES

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

MPLS is a way to create a logical (virtual) network on top of a physical one. This is presently used on fibe-mart.com. The virtual network functions as a separate network and may be used for private point-to-point links.
More and more universities start co-operations and merge with each other. One example is the Uppsala University that merged with the College of Gotland Island more than a year ago. The college became an internal institution in the University and because of this the University wanted the network at Campus Gotland to be on equal footing with their other institutions, with access to the intranet etc. That’s why fibe-mart.com has a virtual link between Uppsala and Gotland which makes Gotland look like it is behind the Uppsala firewalls. Other colleges in Sweden utilise the same service.
We do more or less the same for researchers who need a special connection out of Sweden, for some special research task. Some examples of this may be the Onsala radio telescope at Råö having their own wavelength in our fibres, and SP Technical Research Institute in Borås (those guys who fetch Swedish Mean Time to their atomic clocks from the Bureau of Weights and Measures in Paris).
fibe-mart.com will also take part in a service of great benefit to society as a whole. When the NTP Project is finished, fibe-mart.com will act as a link for Swedish Mean Time between a number of atomic clocks at various places in the country. The illustration above shows how a number of atomic clocks, likened to motors with thir own speed controls, will cooperate with the SP Technical Research Institute in Borås, likened to a large flywheel, to maintain Swedish Mean Time (sammanvägd tid UTC(SE)) with a high level of accuracy. This is needed if Sweden should loose connection with the BIPM in Paris for an extended time. The robustness and protection against denial of service attacks will be greatly improved, compared to the present situation.
As always, fibe-mart.com will henceforth attempt to satisfy any researcher’s need for connections between any two places in the country.
QUALITY OF SERVICE
– We do have Quality, and we have Service, but we don’t know what Quality of Service is, Börje says jokingly. We simply have enough bandwidth to not having to quality grade traffic. If so, who would get priority? No one is able to say whether KTH or Chalmers are more important than any other affiliate.
A curiosity: A long time ago, during the discussion about procuring firewalls for the KTH, someone put the clever question: Which way should the firewall work? Are we supposed to protect KTH from the world, or protect the world from KTH? We still have more or less the same problems.
NUMBER OF AFFILIATES
A whole lot of organisations are connected to fibe-mart.com today. There are a total of 34 universities and colleges, and some of them are big-time bandwidth users. Let’s just mention Chalmers, whose radio observatory, the Råö Telescope is part of several radio astronomical projects, requiring data streams in the order of 50 Gbps. Or one might mention another set of big-time users: the student housing networks. These networks are home to some very big data gobblers, consuming limitless amounts of gigabytes.
There are also art institutions of various types, such as the Museum of Architecture, The Army Museum, The Museum of Ethnography and The Air Force Museum. Another one is the open air museum Skansen, which will probably not up its bandwidth significantly within a foreseeable future.
Then there are 33 “other organisations” among which we find the real data cannons, which will require a lot of network uptime, real soon. One of them is the new neutron gun, the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund, which will need a massive link for data transmission to Europe. On the other hand, institutions like CERN in Switzerland will start sending massive amounts of data to Swedish universities and colleges, when the new search for dark matter starts in the LHC accelerator.
Sweden has a total of six supercomputing centres, commonly referred to as SNIC (Swedish National Infrastructure for Computing). Some of them are located in Linköping, Stockholm and Umeå. They carry out computation for a variety of projects, such as particle research at CERN, meteorology for SMHI and more. This makes them top consumers of bandwidth.
The SMHI Meteorological Institute is connected to its colleagues at MET in Norway, and they use fibe-mart.com, NORDUnet and Norwegian university Uninett to exchange meteorological data between their nodes.
WHAT’S HAPPENING?
– I’m not sleepless over the time schedule so far. Right now (May, 2015) we need to hurry and decide what endpoint equipment to use, finish that part of the design and make sure we stay within the economic limits, Börje continues. We have to place an order for hardware some time during the autumn, as the delivery time will be some three to four months.
FUTURE AND LOGISTICS
As the new fibe-mart.com C is airborne in the second half of 2016, everyone will get 100 Gbps. But 200 and 400 Gbps are beckoning at the horizon. Looking 15 years ahead, terabit speeds may be the norm. This will necessitate new endpoint equipment, whereas the in-line amplifiers may be retained. This is in itself a great cost saving. For the same reason, anyone will be able to change to 200 Gbps transponders where needed, without disrupting any other network activity.
Now the fibre contract has been signed, and Tele2 is driving the network expansion. The great logistical challenge will appear when the endpoint equipment arrives. We will have to install hardware at about 100 sites. fibe-mart.com will require help from many different organisations. Tele2 will have to help, because they own the sites. The hardware supplier will have to deliver to the proper places, and electricians must be allowed in to connect the power. Finally, technicians from fibe-mart.com need to get there to configure the hardware.
New users will be connected all the time. The EISCAT 3D is an ionospheric research project located in the north of Scandinavia, which is just starting up. The idea is to observe and image the ionosphere (aurorae, solar storms etc) in three dimensions, to increase understanding of space weather in general. The various EISCAT sites need network connections. In general, this means getting 10 Gbps to Karesuando, Porjus and Abisko. That is, fibre in the alpine world.
When the new fibe-mart.com C is finally up and running, all the equipment from the old Optofibe-mart.com must be removed, and may be sold off or disposed of in other ways. This will be a challenge, too, not least logistically.
What will the traffic patterns look like in the future? No one knows. We can try to look at what the patterns are today, but then suddenly someone will start a new bandwidth-sucking project which puts everything on its head. For this, we have no forecasts, Börje Josefsson concludes.

How To Choose A Fiber Transceiver

Fiber transceiver used in the Ethernet cable cann’t be overwritten, you must use the fiber to extend transmission distance of the actual network environment, help fiber last-km line to connect to the metro and the outer layer of the network playa huge role. With fiber optic transceivers, also need to upgrade from copper to fiber optic, but lack of funds, manpower or time the user provides an inexpensive program.
In order to ensure fully compatible with the NICs, repeaters, hubs and switches and other network equipment of other manufacturers, fiber optic transceiver products must strictly comply with 10Base-T, 100Base-TX, 100Base-FX, IEEE802.3 and IEEE802.3u Ethernet standard. In addition, EMC anti-electromagnetic radiation shall comply with FCC Part15. Nowadays, the major domestic carriers are great efforts to build the residential network, campus and enterprise networks, so the amount of fiber-optic transceiver products are constantly improved to better meet the access network construction needs.
How to choose a fiber transceiver? Due to fiber converter is one of the LAN connection device, it is necessary to consider the mutual compatibility with the surrounding environment, and product stability, reliability, and vice versa: the prices were lower, cann’t get customer all like!
1. Whether to support full-duplex and half duplex?
Some chips on the market currently only use full-duplex environment, can not support half-duplex, such as the receipt of other brands of switches or HUB and it is using half-duplex mode, will cause serious conflict and loss.
2. Whether and other optical transceiver done connection test?
An increasing number of currently available fiber optic transceivers, transceivers, such as the mutual compatibility of different brands of transceivers in advance didn’t make the test will produce loss, the transfer time is too long, suddenly fast and slow phenomena such as.
3. Whether there is a safety device to prevent packet loss?
Some vendors in the manufacture of fiber optic transceivers, transceiver, in order to reduce costs, often the data transfer mode register, this approach is the biggest drawback is instability in the transmission, packet loss, and the best is to use the buffer line. can be safe and to avoid data loss.
4. Temperature adaptability?
Fiber optic transceivers, when used, will produce high fever, high temperature (not greater than 85C), fiber optic transceiver is working properly? Is very worthy of the factors that customers consider!
5. Whether conforming to the IEEE802.3u standard?
Such as fiber optic transceivers comply with IEEE802.3 standard, that the delay time control in 46bit, it means that the transmission distance of fiber-optic transceiver will be shortened if more than 46bit!

Check Your Fiber Optic Connectors Like A Professional Installer

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

What are Fiber Optic Inspection Microscopes?
Fiber optic inspection microscopes are used to inspect the end face of a optical connector or cleaved fiber.
Two types of fiber optic microscopes are popular on the market: fiber optic connector termination inspection and fiber patch panel ferrule inspection.
Magnification levels of fiber scope are available at 200X or 400X for single mode fiber applications, 100X low cost type for multimode applications. The latter is often included in many fiber optic termination tool kits.
What types of flaws or contamination can the microscope see?
With at least 200X magnification you can clearly see scratches, dig, dirt deposit, debris and other contamination on a fiber optic connector.
Desktop video fiber microscope
The typical desktop fiber optic video inspection microscope has a 9″ black and white monitor attached to the scope with a 4 feet video cable. So you can place the monitor where it is convenient. Because of its bulk volume, this type of fiber microscope is typically used in production environments and labs. Both 200X and 400X versions are available.
Portable optical fiber scope
This type of microscope with universal adapter is a versatile instrument to inspect fiber optic connectors. They can be used for both multimode and single mode applications. Connectors slide into scope adapter, providing ease of use with or without tripod. 8 degree angle adapter can be used for inspecting angled connectors such as FC/APC, SC/APC, etc. Both 200X and 400X versions are available.
Coaxial Illuminated handheld fiber inspection scope
These low cost microscopes are available in 200x or 400x magnification, and utilize white LED light to provide coaxial illumination to connector end-faces. This method of illumination produces high resolution detail of end face scratches, defects and contamination. It is provided with a universal 2.5mm adapter, with other common connector styles available. These are the natural choice for fiber installation contractors.
Ferrule inspection microscopes
All aforementioned four types of microscopes are for standalone fiber connector inspection. But what about the connectors already installed on patch panels and hardware devices? The ferrule inspection microscopes are the solution.
These video fiber optic microscopes include a handheld LCD display unit and a small, lightweight probe that contains a long-life LED light source and CCD video camera. The probe adapter tip mates with the connector and projects a crisp, clear image of microscopic debris and end-face damage on the LCD display.
Zoom levels of different optical fiber optic microscopes
* 100X
* 150X
* 200X
* 400X
Warnings
* Do not look into a fiber while the system laser is on
* Do not connect a fiberscope while the system laser is on
* Do not touch the end face of the fiber connector
* Lasers used in telecommunication systems are powerful enough to burn contaminants into the fiber end face. Always ensure the laser is turned off while performing the cleaning procedure.
Other special features of popular handheld fiber micrscopes
1. 100X magnification for viewing multimode connectors
2. Includes 2.5 mm connector “Universal Adapter” for FC, ST and SC style connectors
3. Oblique illumination provides good view of ferrule cleanliness and core condition
4. White LED illumination delivers long working life

The Cheater’s Guide To Choosing Fiber Optic Patch Cables

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

What is a fiber optic patch cable
Fiber optic patch cable, often called fiber optic patch cord or fiber jumper cable, is a optical cable terminated with connectors on both ends. It has two major application areas: computer work station to outlet and patch panels or optical cross connect distribution center. They are for indoor applications only.
Common types
Fiber patch cables can be divided into different types based on cable mode, cable structure, connector types, connector polishing types and cable sizes.
Cable Mode:
1. Single mode:
Single mode patch cables use 9/125 micron bulk cable and single mode connectors on both ends. Single mode fiber jacket is usually yellow.
2. Multimode:
Multimode patch cables use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron bulk multimode fiber and are terminated with multimode connectors on both ends. Multimode fiber jacket is usually orange.
3. 10gig multimode:
10Gig multimode fibers are specially designed 50/125 micron fibers optimized for 850nm VCSEL laser based 10Gig Ethernet. They are backward compatible with existing network equipment and provide close to three times the bandwidth of traditional 62.5/125 multimode fibers. 10Gig fiber cable jacket is usually aqua.
Cable Structure:
1. Simplex patch cables:
Simplex patch cable has one fiber and one connector on each end.
2. Duplex patch cables:
Duplex patch cable has two fibers and two connectors on each end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity.
3. Ribbon fan-out cable assembly:
For ribbon fan-out cable assembly, one end is ribbon fiber and ribbon connector such as MTP connector (12 fibers), the other end are multiple fibers with connectors such as ST, SC, LC, etc.
Connector Types:
1. Same connector type:
This type has the same type of connector on both ends, such as ST, SC, LC, FC, etc.
2. Hybrid:
This type has different connectors on each end. One end can be SC and the other end can be LC, ST, FC, etc.
Connector Polishing Types
Optical connectors are designed and polished to different shapes to minimize back reflection. This is particularly important in single mode applications. Typical back reflection grades are -30dB, -40dB, -50dB and -60dB.
1. PC (Physical Contact): Typical back reflection is less than -40dB, for single mode and multimode applications.
2. UPC (Ultra Physical Contact): Typical back reflection is less than -50dB, for single mode applications.
3. APC (Angled Physical Contact): Typical back reflection is less than -60dB, for single mode applications.
Special types of patch cables
1. Mode conditioning patch cable
In some cases such as for long wave laser modules used in Gigabit Ethernet, modules need to operate for both single mode and multimode fibers, the mode conditioning fiber optic patch cables will fit for such situations.
By allowing the single mode laser launch to be offset away from the center of the multi mode fiber the mode conditioning fiber optic patch cable reduces the effect of such differential mode delay.These cables are usually duplex type.
2. Polarization maintaining patch cable
Polarization maintaining fiber optic cables are made with a special fiber that maintains the polarization of light waves. They are used where high stability is required, not withstanding fiber and stress movements.

8 Advantages to choosing fiber over copper cable

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

Fiber optic cable is one of the fastest-growing transmission mediums for both new cabling installations and upgrades, including backbone, horizontal, and even desktop applications. Fiber offers a number of advantages over copper.
1. Greater bandwidth
Fiber provides far greater bandwidth than copper and has standardized performance up to 10 Gbps. While not currently a standard, these speeds could become a reality in future proposals and ratifications. Keep in mind that fiber speeds are dependent on the type of cable used. Single-mode cable offers far greater distance than either 62.5- or 50-micron multimode cable. In addition, fiber optic cable can carry more information with greater fidelity than copper wire. That’s why telephone and CATV companies are converting to fiber.
2. Low attenuation and greater distance
Because the fiber optic signal is made of light, very little signal loss occurs during transmission, and data can move at higher speeds and greater distances. Fiber does not have the 100-meter (9328-ft.) distance limitation of unshielded twisted pair copper (without a booster). Fiber distances can range from 300 meters (984.2 ft.) to 40 kilometers (24.8 mi.), depending on the style of cable, wavelength, and network. Because fiber signals need less boosting than copper ones do, the cable performs better.
3. Security
Your data is safe with fiber cable. It doesn’t radiate signals and is extremely difficult to tap. If the cable is tapped, it’s very easy to monitor because the cable leaks light, causing the entire system to fail. If an attempt is made to break the physical security of your fiber system, you’ll know it.
Fiber networks also enable you to put all your electronics and hardware in one central location, instead of having wiring closets with equipment throughout the building.
4. Immunity and reliability
Fiber provides extremely reliable data transmission. It’s completely immune to many environmental factors that affect copper cable. The core is made of glass, which is an insulator, so no electric current can flow through. It’s immune to electrometric interference and radio-frequency interference (EM/RFI), crosstalk, impedance problems, and more. You can run fiber cable next to industrial equipment without worry. Fiber is also less susceptible to temperature fluctuations than copper and can be submerged in water.
5.  Design
Fiber is lightweight, thin, and more durable than copper cable. Plus, fiber optic cable has pulling specifications that are up to 10 times greater than copper cable’s. Its small size makes it easier to handle, and it takes up much less space in cabling ducts. Although fiber is still more difficult to terminate than copper, advancements in connectors are making termination easier. In addition, fiber is actually easier to test than copper cable.
6. Migration
The proliferation and lower costs of media converters are making copper to fiber migration much easier. The converters provide seamless links and enable the use of existing hardware. Fiber can be incorporated into network in planned upgrades.
7.  Standards
TIA/EIA-785, ratified in 2001, provides a cost-effective migration path from 10-Mbps Ethernet to 100-Mbps Fast Ethernet over fiber (100BASE-SX). An addendum to the standard eliminates limitations in transceiver designs. In addition, in June 2002, the IEEE approved a 10-Gigabit Ethernet (10-GbE) standard.
8. Cost
The cost for fiber cable, components, and hardware is steadily decreasing. Installation costs for fiber are higher than copper because of the skill needed for terminations. Overall, fiber is more expensive than copper in the short run, but it may actually be less expensive in the long run. Fiber typically costs less to maintain, has less much less downtime, and requires less networking hardware. And fiber eliminates the need to recable for higher network performance.

The Best High Speed Networking Cable for your House

Connect your Ethernet, telephone services, computer networking and security systems with the help of Category 6 or Cat6 Snagless patch cable. This one standard is compatible across most categories of other cable standards that include Cat 5, 5E and 3. With feasible transmission frequencies of up to 550 MHz, the Cat 6 cable has the potential of voice and data transmission up to a speed of 155 mega bits per second. Used for carrying the cabling infrastructure networks of an Ethernet of 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX, 1000BASE-T, 10GBASE-T, the Cat6 Snagless patch cable comes with tight technical specifications made for other purposes as well including cross-talk and system noise.
CAT6 patch cable
Constructed out of large 23 gauge copper, it has four twisted copper wire pairs while the earlier Cat5 used copper wires of 24 gauges. A large number implies a smaller wire when it comes to wire gauges.  Terminals constructed of RJ-45 electrical connectors, the Cat6 cable segment is maximum 220 meters long.
A repeater is generally installed for long distance data transmission to avoid glitches and snags. Systems running over Cat6 cabling will encounter few errors due to its faster and enhanced transmission performance with high quality immunity from peripheral noise. Cat6 Networking Patch Cables will handle bandwidth intensive applications up to 550 Mhz and beyond.
Installation of CAT6 Snagless Patch Cable
Splitting is a difficult task when it comes to installation of Cat 6 cable as the conductors are entwined more tightly than any of its earlier categories. Apart from this one feature, everything else is similar to the installation of Cat6 cables.
You will be provided with the panels and jacks with chiselled teeth that will aid you in separating the conductors apart in pairs for a hassle free installation of your Cat6 cable. It is advisable to take a while in going through the instruction and install the CAT6 high speed networking cable avoiding hurting your fingers.
The Future of Cat 6 Snagless Patch Cable
Technical experts are of the opinion that Cat 6 cables will overpower the usage of CAT 5E cables in the days ahead. The fact that CAT6 cables are compatible with its earlier standards specifically with the CAT5, as it holds a wider scope of usability.
This CAT6 Snagless cable upgrades your whole system functioning like when you remove that one blockage in your plumbing channel that ultimately provides with an increased flow. The data transmission hence becomes more fluid and effortless with its incorporation.