Overview of Active Optical Cable

In respond to the demand for a higher data bandwidth, active optical cable (AOC) has came into being to satisfy different cloud computing applications. Active optical cable is a term used to describe a cable that mates with standard electrical interfaces. The electrical-to-optical conversion on the cable ends is adopted to enhance the transmission speed and distance of the cable without sacrificing compatibility of standard electrical interfaces. This article will give a general introduction of active optical cable and its most popular product in the current market.

Structure of Active Optical Cable

Active optical cable mainly consists of two parts- the fiber optic connector and fiber cable. The connection between fiber cable and connectors is not separable. If the connector or cable needs to be changed, they should be removed together. The electrical and optical signal conversion can be achieved right through each ends of optical fiber.

Advantages of Active Optical Cable

However, people may wonder the reasons why choosing active optical cable over direct attach copper cable. Here are some advantages of using active optical cable:

1) Although both cables are used for short range data communication, active optical cable is able to provide a longer reach than direct attach copper cable among devices.

2) Active optical cable has a higher bandwidth because its signal transmits through optical fiber as optical signal which transmits faster than electrical signal in copper cable. The maximum throughput is up to 40 Gbps with QSFP+.

3) The weight of active optical cable is lighter than copper cable due to the optical fiber material. It is possible to achieve a simpler cable management with a lower weight.

4) EMI (electromagnetic interference) immunity is another benefit of active optical fiber. EMI is a disturbance generated by an external source that affects an electrical circuit by electromagnetic induction, electrostatic coupling or conduction. Since the optical fiber is a kind of dielectric which is unable to conduct electric current, active optical cable will not be affected by the electromagnetic energy.

Applications of Active Optical Cable

Active optical cable has been applied to different fields. The followings are the most typical applications for active optical cables:

1) Infiniband QDR, DDR and SDR interconnects

2) Data aggregation, backplane and proprietary density applications

3) PCI-Express, SAS/SATA, Fiber Channel compatible interconnect

4) 40GBE and 10GBE interconnects

5) 10G, 40G telecom connections

6) Hubs, switches, routers, servers

7) Ethernet 10G, 40G

8) Data centers

9) High performance computing clusters

Popularity of 40G Active Optical Cable

Nowadays 40G active optical cable has become one of the most popular products in the market. It is an active optical cable used for 40 GbE terminated with 40GBASE QSFP+. Particularly, 40G breakout active optical cables, such as 40GBASE QSFP+ to 4xSFP+ AOC or 40GBASE QSFP+ to 8xLC AOC, are cost-effective solutions for 40G to 10G migration.

Conclusion

Active optical cable has now taken a great share of the market and is still booming for further development. The interconnection in short range and high speed between devices makes it practical in data center. As the technology matures, the application of active optical cable will be migrated to higher speed transmission in the future.

The article originates from http://www.chinacablesbuy.com/overview-of-active-optical-cable.html.

Introduction of Fiber Splice Tray

Fiber splice tray is designed to provide a place to store the fiber cables and splices and prevent them from becoming damaged or being misplaced. It is also called as splice enclosure or splice organizer. This device does not contain any technical functions, and the design is simple. Also, it has a very low price for people to afford. However, the importance of fiber splice tray for protecting fibers is significant. And the skills needed for using fiber splice tray is not as simple as you think.

Function of Fiber Splice Tray

With such a simple structure, you may wonder how the fiber splice tray actually works. Here is the brief introduction of its working function: The incoming cable is brought into the splicing center where the outside jacket of the cable is stripped away. The fibers are then looped completely around the tray and into a splice holder. Different holders are available for different types of splices. The fibers are then spliced onto the outgoing cable if it is an intermediate point or on to pigtails if it is a termination point. These are also looped completely around the tray and then fed out of the tray.

Installation Procedures

The installation procedures can be divided into five steps:

Step one, route fibers into splice tray using spiral transportation or fiber furcation tubes and secure with cable ties.

Step two, splice fibers per local practice.

Step three, place spliced fibers into the sleeve holders arranged by color code.

Step four, carefully coil the outgoing fiber slack into the tray (coil 1).

Step five, carefully coil incoming fiber slack into the tray (coil 2).

Applications

Fiber splice trays are usually placed in the middle of a route where cables are required to be joined or at the termination and patch panel points at the end of the cable runs. Also, splices can be placed in a splice tray which is then placed inside a splice closure for OSP (outside plant) installations or a patch panel box for premises applications. As for indoor application, fiber splice trays are often integrated into patch panels to provide for connections to the fibers.

Conclusion

As a protection for fiber splices, fiber splice tray is no doubt the most cost-effective device. This simple design solves a lot of problems during fiber cables installation. Fiberstore provides different shaped splice trays with different fiber capacities in a competitive price. If you are interested, FS.COM is a good place to go.

The article originates from http://www.fiber-optical-networking.com/introduction-of-fiber-splice-tray.html.

Guide to Fusion Splicer Selection

Optic fiber is now widely applied to networks around the globe. When it comes to actual operation, connecting fibers is a necessary task. And fusion splicer is an effective tool for fiber optic splicing. But choosing the right type of fusion splicer is still a challenge. In this article, we will talk about how to find the most matching fusion splicer.

Before discussing about different types of fusion splicer, let’s first have a look at the working principle and specific function of a fusion splicer. The fusion splicer is the device that uses heat to melt the ends of two optic fibers and combines them together into one fiber. By using the fusion splicer, the joint is permanent so that light signals can pass from one fiber to another with little link loss. The heating source of a fusion splicer can be a laser, a gas flame, a tungsten filament or a electric arc. And the most popular heating source at present is electric arc.

Nowadays, there are two types of fusion splicer according to different aligning systems. One is called the core alignment fusion splicer, the other is cladding alignment fusion splicer. If you can figure out the differences between these two types of fusion splicer, finding a right fusion splicer is no longer a problem.

Core Alignment Fusion Splicer

Core alignment is the most welcome fusion splicing technology at present. The splicer combines the image and light detection systems which can view the fibers cores in order to measure and monitor core position. Fiber cores are put in V-grooves and are aligned horizontally (X-axis), vertically (Y-axis) and in/out (Z-axis). The type of fusion splicer is adaptable for all kinds of fibers, such as single-mode or multimode fiber, good or bad fiber and splicing old fiber to new fiber. It is much more expensive but provides a more precised alignment.

Cladding Alignment Fusion Splicer

Cladding alignment is also called as passive alignment or fixed V-groove type. This type of fusion splicer relies on the accurate pre-alignment of fiber V-grooves that grip the outer surface or cladding of the fiber. Fiber cores are adjusted inwards and outwards. This type of fusion splicer is only available for multimode fiber or good single-mode fibers. As to cladding alignment fusion splicer, the cost is lower and alignment is faster, but its demand for the quality of fiber is higher or else will cause a lot of losses.

Suggestions For Fiber Optic Splicing

Though the two types of fiber optic splicing are different, the methods for better splicing are common. Here are some suggestions for fiber optic splicing:

1. Clean the fusion splicer before splicing. Any invisible contamination will cause tremendous problems when splicing the fibers.

2. In order to increase the alignment speed for fusion splicer, it is important to maintain and operate other tools, such fiber cleaver. A good cleaving will save time for splicing and decrease fiber loss.

3. Make sure the fusion parameters are adjusted minimally and methodically. The changes of parameters will also generate problems for your desired setting.

Conclusion

Selecting a suitable fusion splicer is beneficial to the splicing process. You may consider your needs and affordable cost to find the right fusion splicer. Core alignment fusion splicer has a better performance but a higher price than cladding alignment fusion splicer. Please choose your ideal fusion splicer wisely and do not forget to follow the normative operation for your splicing.

The article originates from http://www.fiber-optic-cable-sale.com/guide-to-fusion-splicer-selection.html.

Introduction to Fiber Optic Splicing

During the actual operation of fiber cables, fiber optic splicing is often needed to achieve the connection between optic fibers. To be specific, fiber optic splicing is a process to combine the ends of optic fibers together. And only one end of each individual fiber is required. There are mainly two types splicing methods: the mechanical splicing and the fusion splicing. The article will introduce these two splicing methods and their particular steps of splicing.

What Is Mechanical Splicing?

Mechanical splicing is using the alignment devices to hold two fiber ends in a precisely aligned position. This enables the light to pass freely through one fiber to another fiber. In this method, the joint is not permanent. Two fibers can still be split after the signal transmission. Mechanical splicing has a low initial investment but costs more for each splice.

What Is Fusion Splicing?

Fusion splicing is using the professional machine to joint two optical fibers ends together. The splicing machine will hold the fibers to align them in a precised position, then using heat or electric arc to fuse or weld glass ends together. This enables the permanent connection between two optic fibers for a continuous light transmission. Fusion splicing needs a much higher initial investment but costs less for each splice than mechanical splicing. In addition, this method is more precised than mechanical splicing, which produces lower loss and less back reflection due to the seamless fusion splice points.

Four Steps of Mechanical Splicing:

1. You need to prepare the fiber by peeling off the outer coatings, jackets, tubes, etc. to just expose the bare fiber. And you much keep the cleanliness of fiber in case of failing the later transmission.

2. You need to cleave the fiber.

3. You need to joint the fibers mechanically with no heat. Just connecting the ends of fiber together inside the mechanical splice unit and the device will help couple the light between two fibers.

4. You need to protect the fiber during the light transmission. Typically, the completed mechanical has its own protection for the splice.

Four Steps of Fusion Splicing:

1. The same as mechanical splicing, you need to strip the outer materials to show the bare fiber. And cleanliness is also required as an important preparation.

2. You need to cleave the fiber. A much more precised cleave is essential to the fusion splice. The cleaved end must be smooth and perpendicular to the fiber axis for a proper splice.

3. You need to splice the fiber with heat. Manual or automatic alignment can be chosen according to the device you are using. A more accurate splice can be achieved if you use a more expensive equipment. Once properly align the fusion splicer unit then you can use an electrical arc to melt the fibers, and permanently weld the two fiber ends together.

4. You need to protect the fiber from bending and tensile forces. By adopting the heat shrink tubing, silicone gel and mechanical crimp protectors can prevent the fiber from breakage.

Conclusion

Fiber optic splicing is important for fiber connections. Two different methods of mechanical splicing and fusion splicing are usually used for splicing. In order to complete the splicing process, many professional tools are required. For example, fiber optic cleavers is deployed for the cleaving step. Fusion splicers is deployed for the fusion splicing method to connect the fibers and optical fiber aligners is deployed for the alignment to enable the light transmission. Fiberstore provides all the above equipment. For more information, please visit the official website at FS.COM.

The article originates from http://www.chinacablesbuy.com/introduction-to-fiber-optic-splicing.html.

What is FTTx Network?

Since the customers have demanded for a more intensive bandwidth, the telecommunication carriers must seek to offer a matured network convergence and enable the revolution of consumer media device interaction. Hence, the emergence of FTTx technology is significant for people all over the world. FTTx, also called as fiber to the x, is a collective term for any broadband network architecture using optical fiber to provide all or part of the local loop used for last mile telecommunications. With different network destinations, FTTx can be categorized into several terminologies, such as FTTH, FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, FTTP, etc. The following parts will introduce the above terms at length.

FTTH

FTTx is commonly associated with residential FTTH (fiber to the home) services, and FTTH is certainly one of the fastest growing applications worldwide. In an FTTH deployment, optical cabling terminates at the boundary of the living space so as to reach the individual home and business office where families and officers can both utilize the network in an easier way.

FTTN

In a FTTN (fiber to the node) deployment, the optical fiber terminates in a cabinet which may be as much as a few miles from the customer premises. And the final connection from street cabinet to customer premises usually uses copper. FTTN is often an interim step toward full FTTH and is typically used to deliver advanced triple-play telecommunications services.

FTTC

In a FTTC (fiber to the curb) deployment, optical cabling usually terminates within 300 yards of the customer premises. Fiber cables are installed or utilized along the roadside from the central office to home or office. Using the FTTC technique, the last connection between the curb and home or office can use the coaxial cable. It replaces the old telephone service and enables the different communication services through a single line.

FTTB

In a FTTB (fiber to the building) deployment, optical cabling terminates at the buildings. Unlike FTTH which runs the fiber inside the subscriber’s apartment unit, FTTB only reaches the apartment building’s electrical room. The signal is conveyed to the final distance using any non-optical means, including twisted pair, coaxial cable, wireless, or power line communication. FTTB applies the dedicated access, thus the client can conveniently enjoy the 24-hour high speed Internet by installing a network card on the computer.

FTTP

FTTP (fiber to the premise) is a North American term used to include both FTTH and FTTB deployments. Optical fiber is used for an optical distribution network from the central office all the way to the premises occupied by the subscriber. Since the optical fiber cable can provide a higher bandwidth than copper cable over the last kilometer, operators usually use FTTP to provide voice, video and data services.

FTTx Network Applications

With its high bandwidth potential, FTTx has been closely coupled with triple play of voice, video and data services. And the world has now evolved beyond triple play to a converged multi-play services environment with a high bandwidth requirement. Applications like IPTV, VOIP, RF video, interactive online gaming, security, Internet web hosting, traditional Internet and even smart grid or smart home are widely used in FTTx network.

Conclusion

FTTx technology plays an important part in providing higher bandwidth for global networks. According to different network architectures, FTTx is divided into FTTH, FTTN, FTTC, FTTB, FTTP, etc. FS.COM provides FTTx solutions and tutorials for your project, please visit FS.COM for more information.

The article originates from http://www.fiber-optic-cable-sale.com/what-is-fttx-network.html.

Things You Should Know Before Transceiver Selection

Fiber optic transceiver is an indispensable component for fiber optical transmission. With the popularization of Ethernet networks, there is an increasing demand for transceiver modules in the market. However, when it comes to transceiver selection, you may be confused about whether you have chosen the matching transceiver. Don’t worry, this article will introduce some essential issues for you to consider before buying the product.

Transmission Distance

According to the length of transmission distance, transceivers are varied for either long range or short range. This leads to a decision between single-mode or multimode transceiver. Single-mode transceiver is used for long reach transmission and multimode transceiver for short reach. Typically, if the reach is under 1 km, multimode transceiver is more suitable for the application. And for longer distance, single-mode transceiver is the better choice.

Data Rate

In telecommunication, data signaling rate, also known as gross bit rate, is the aggregate rate at which data pass a point in the transmission path of a data transmission system. It is clear to see the transmission speed through data rate. Commonly used data rates are 100 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 10 Gbps, 40 Gbps and 100 Gbps. The choices for optical transceivers can range from the small form-factor pluggable (SFP) module at 1 Gbps up to the CFP transceiver at 100 Gbps.

Transmission Media

There are two types of transmission media for data communication. One is the copper and the other is optic fiber. Transceivers can used on different media due to different requirements. For instance, in the Gigabit Ethernet, 1000BASE-T SFP can operate on standard Category 5 copper wiring. And 1000BASE-LX can operate on single-mode or multimode fiber.

Compatibility

Although transceivers are designed by a multi-vendor consortium with open specifications, it is usually preferable to match your SFP to your switch vendor. Therefore, compatible transceivers are created to support products from different brands. Make sure you pick up the right transceiver that can link to your device, otherwise the transmission may be failed. By the way, you can buy these compatible transceivers from third party dealers with a relatively lower price. For example, FS.COM might be a good online shopping website where you can buy cost-effective compatible transceivers.

Cost

The cost limit will definitely affect the quality of transceiver you purchase. Typically, single-mode transceiver costs higher than the multimode. And transceivers with higher data rate cost much more than the low speed transceivers. Also, using fibers is more expensive than using coppers. But if your device doesn’t require much about the performance of transceivers, choosing a low-cost transceiver can save you a few bucks.

Conclusion

By considering different specifications of transceivers, such as distance, data rate, media, compatibility, cost, etc., choosing a suitable transceiver is really not an easy task. All the aspects much be properly evaluated to specify the right one for your project. But after your careful selection, I’m sure you will be satisfied with your transceiver.

The article originates from http://www.sfp-transceiver-modules.com/wiki/a/107/Things-You-Should-Know-Before-Transceiver-Selection.

How Much Do You Know About OTDR?

OTDR is short for optical time-domain reflectometer. It has gone through three stages of development. The first stage was in the 1980s. Optical fibers were just put into the market on a large scale. At that time, people still used the original way of fiber testing, and hand-held OTDR device or OTDR inspection technique were adopted to detect optical communication network. The second stage was from the late 1980s to the late 1990s. Fiber optics detection technology has been evolved to achieve real-time monitoring of optical network. The third stage is from the late 20th century to the early 21st century. OTDR has been combined with WDM (wavelength-division multiplexing) based on the advanced optical signal processing technology and all-optical communication devices.

To be specific, OTDR is an optoelectronic instrument used to characterize an optical fiber. It locates defects and faults, and determines the amount of signal loss at any point in an optical fiber. By injecting a series of optical pulses into the fiber, the light that is scattered or reflected will be back from points along the fiber at the same end. The scattered or reflected light that is gathered back is used to characterize the optical fiber. The strength of the return pulses is measured and integrated as a function of time, and plotted as a function of fiber length.

If you want to learn something about OTDR, these specifications are important for you to know:

Dynamic Range

The dynamic range of an OTDR determines the length of a fiber to be measured. The test pulse needs to be strong enough to get to the end of the fiber, and the sensor has to be good enough to measure the weakest backscatter signals which come from the end of a long fiber. Therefore, the pulse power of laser source and the sensitivity of sensor combine to decide whether the dynamic range is large or small. Sufficient dynamic range will produce a clear and smooth indication of the backscatter level at the far end of the fiber.

Dead Zone

Dead zone refers to the space on a fiber trace following a Fresnel reflection in which the high return level of the reflection covers up the lower level of backscatter. It is significant in determining the OTDR’s ability of detecting and measuring two closely spaced events on fiber links. Dead zone occurs in a fiber trace wherever there is a fiber connector. The space is directly related to the pulse width of the laser source. And high quality sensors recover quicker than cheaper ones to achieve shorter dead zones.

Resolution

OTDR includes two resolutions. One is loss resolution and the other is spatial resolution. Loss resolution is the ability of the sensor to distinguish the power levels it receives. Spatial resolution is how close the individual data points that make up a trace are spaced in time and corresponding distance.

Loss Accuracy

Loss accuracy of the OTDR sensor is measured in the same way as optical power meters and photodetectors. The accuracy depends on how closely the electrical current output corresponds to the input optical power.

Distance Accuracy

Clock stability, data point spacing and index of refraction (IOR) uncertainty are three components that may affect distance accuracy. Clock accuracy is stated as a percentage, which relates to percentage of distance measured. If the clock runs too fast or too slow, then the time measurements will be shorter or longer than the actual value. Also, if data point spacing is closer, data points are likely to fall closer to a fault in the fiber. Moreover, IOR is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in a particular fiber. It is critical in accurate measurement of distance. If the IOR is wrong, then the distance will be wrong.

Applications

OTDR has been applied to various aspects of a fiber system. It is typically used to measure overall loss for system acceptance and commissioning, incoming inspection and verification of specifications on fiber reels. As for installation, construction and restoration, OTDR is deployed to measure splice loss in fusion and mechanical splices. When it comes to CATV, SONET and other analog or high-speed digital systems where reflections must be kept down, OTDR is used to measure reflectance or optical return loss of connectors and mechanical splices. Apart from these, it can also be applied to locate fiber breaks and defects, and detects the gradual or sudden degradation of fibers.

Conclusion

In other words, OTDR is a fiber optic tester for the characterization of optical networks that support telecommunications. It is applied to detect, locate, and measure elements at any location on a fiber optic link. And specifications like dynamic range, dead zone, resolution, loss and distance accuracy will influence the OTDR testing results. Thus, you should think twice before selecting an OTDR. Applications of what the instrument will be used for and the specifications of a suitable OTDR must be taken into consideration.

The article originates from http://www.chinacablesbuy.com/how-much-do-you-know-about-otdr.html.