Do You Know About Fiber Optic Splitter?

In today’s optical network topologies, the advent of fiber optic splitter is significant in helping users maximum the performance of optical network circuits. Fiber optic splitter, or sometimes called as beam splitter, is a passive optical component that can split an incident light beam into two or more light beams, and vice versa. The device contains multiple input and output ends. Whenever the light transmission in a network needs to be divided, fiber optic splitter can be implemented for the convenience of network interconnections.

How Does Fiber Optic Splitter Work?

As for the working principle of fiber optic splitter, it can be generally described in the following way. When the light signal transmits in a single-mode fiber, the light energy can not entirely concentrated in the fiber core. A small amount of energy will be spread through the cladding of fiber. That is to say, if two fibers are close enough to each other, the transmitting light in an optical fiber can enter into another optical fiber. Therefore, the reallocation technique of optical signal can be achieved in multiple fibers. And this is how fiber optic splitter comes into being.

Classification of Fiber Optic Splitter

At present, there are two types of fiber optic splitters. One is known as PLC (planar lightwave circuit) splitter, and another one is known as FBT (fused biconical taper) splitter.

1) PLC splitter divides the incoming signal into multiple outputs by using an optic splitter chip. One optic splitter chip is able to achieve at most 64 ends. PLC splitter is usually used for larger applications. The losses of PLC splitter are not sensitive to the wavelength, which satisfies the need for multiple wavelengths transmission. PLC splitter’s configuration is compact and its size is small, thus the installation space can be greatly saved.

2) FBT splitter is fused with a heat source similar to a one-to-one fusion splice. Fibers are stretched under a heating zone to form a double cone. The cost of FBT splitter is lower due to the commonly used materials, and the splitting ratio is adjustable. But the losses are sensitive to wavelengths. Device should be chosen according to wavelengths. And it is unable to offer the uniform spectroscopy.

Applications

1) Passive monitoring application of fiber optic splitter is used for the maintenance of long-haul network, cable TV ATM circuit or local area/metro area network. The splitter taps into a small percentage of optical traffic. Majority of the signal arrives its destination, but a small percentage is directed to a local access port. The application can be done by manual operation for troubleshooting purposes or by connecting the splitter to a network monitoring system for ongoing maintenance and performance assessment.

2) Fiber optic splitter can also be used for FTTx/PON application. This enables to reduce the physical fiber usage or the basic quantity of required fibers. A single fiber can be split into many branches to support multiple end users. The strain on the fiber backbone can be greatly decreased through the application.

Conclusion

To sum up, fiber optic splitter provides a solution for improving the efficiency of optical infrastructures. PLC splitter and FBT splitter are varied in different aspects, hence choosing the right type of splitter for your network is also important. FS.COM provides all the above fiber optic splitters. Please visit FS.COM for more information.

Article source: http://www.fiber-optical-networking.com/do-you-know-about-fiber-optic-splitter.html.

Comparison Between CWDM & DWDM Technology

For a better signal transmission in fiber-optic communication, different kinds of technologies are applied to the industry. Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) is one of the commonly used technologies which multiplexes a number of optical carrier signals onto a single optic fiber by using different wavelengths of laser light. That is to say, WDM enables two or more than two wavelength signals to transmit through different optical channels in the same optical fiber at the same time.

In the WDM system, there are two types of divisions - CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) and DWDM (dense wavelength division multiplexing). They are both using multiple wavelengths of laser light for signal transmission on a single fiber. However, from the aspects of channel spacing, transmission reach, modulation laser and cost, CWDM and DWDM still have a lot of differences. This article will focus on these distinctions and hope you can have a general understanding about CWDM and DWDM technology.

Channel Spacing

As their names suggest, the words “coarse” and “dense” reveal the difference in channel spacing. CWDM has a wider spacing than DWDM. It is able to transport up to 16 wavelengths with a channel spacing of 20 nm in the spectrum grid from 1270 nm to 1610 nm. But DWDM can carry 40, 80 or up to 160 wavelengths with a narrower spacing of 0.8 nm, 0.4 nm or 0.2 nm from the wavelengths of 1525 nm to 1565 nm (C band) or 1570 nm to 1610 nm (L band). It is no doubt that DWDM has a higher performance for transmitting a greater number of multiple wavelengths on a single fiber.

Transmission Reach

Since the wavelengths are highly integrated in the fiber during light transmission, DWDM is able to reach a longer distance than CWDM. The amplified wavelengths provide DWDM with the ability of suffering less interference over long-haul cables. Unlike DWDM system, CWDM is unable to travel unlimited distance. The maximum reach of CWDM is about 160 kilometers but an amplified DWDM system can go much further as the signal strength is boosted periodically throughout the run.

Modulation Laser

CWDM system uses the uncooled laser while DWDM system uses the cooling laser. Laser cooling refers to a number of techniques in which atomic and molecular samples are cooled down to near absolute zero through the interaction with one or more laser fields. Cooling laser adopts temperature tuning which ensures better performance, higher safety and longer life span of DWDM system. But it also consumes more power than the electronic tuning uncooled laser used by CWDM system.

Cost

Because the range of temperature distribution is nonuniform in a very wide wavelength, so the temperature tuning is very difficult to realize, thus using the cooling laser technique increases the cost of DWDM system. Typically, DWDM equipment is four or five times more expensive than CWDM equipment.

Conclusion

CWDM and DWDM are both coming from the WDM technology that is capable of conveying multiple wavelengths in a single fiber. But with different characteristics, people should think twice before choosing the CWDM or DWDM system. CWDM usually costs less but its performance is far behind DWDM. Both your requirements and budget need to be taken into consideration. Moreover, the WDM products including CWDM mux/demux module, DWDM mux/demux module and optical splitter are highly welcome in the market.

Article source: http://www.fiber-optic-cable-sale.com/comparison-between-cwdm-dwdm-technology.html.

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.