Bandwidth in the Building...A New Approach

Bandwidth in the Building...A New Approach

Fiber-to-the-home (FTTH)has been around for many years now, and is in many aspects a very mature market and technology. The prices have of course come down over the years, and this technology is now attracting interest in a totally different market space.

Cabling of buildings has historically been accomplished using copper. But, what if new builds were to boast fiber instead of copper, being based on the mature, low-cost FTTH technology, i.e. , PON? In many cases, fiber is now less expensive and easier to install than similar copper infrastructures.

More and more, this is exactly what we are starting to see, and the practice is referred to as passive optical local area network (PO-LAN), or POL for short. This is of course fueled by the ever-increasing demand for highly cost-effective and high-quality voice, video and data in the enterprise space.

POL replaces aggregation electronics and copper cables with passive optical splitters and single-mode fibers. This creates an architecture with lower purchase, installation and maintenance costs, in addition to a far longer life span than traditional copper architectures. One of the incentives for POL is that it is a cost-effective fiber-to-the-desktop enterprise solution that is changing the network and the way that we think about designing, installing and maintaining the network. POL is referred to as passive, because there is no need for active electronics between the main equipment room and the work areas, but rather just passive optical splitters that distribute converged services directly from main switch to the terminals (without using electricity). This architecture promises to bring high performance (gigabit) broadband to the desktop at a fraction of the cost of typical copper-based Ethernet LAN configurations.

A second incentive is the technology’s proven track record - with its roots in FTTH, POL offers true carrier - class robustness and reliability. However, that doesn’t mean you should deploy FTTH technology designs into your LAN. FTTH infrastructure was designed to maximize splitter use for low-density, static environments like neighborhoods and apartment buildings. Enterprise environments like office buildings and campuses require cabling system infrastructures designed for higher density and ongoing moves, adds and changes (MACs).

A study titled “Transformation of the Enterprise Network using POL” carried out by Networks Strategy Partners mentions that if a single-building office were to replace its network with a POL, that office would end up cutting its CAPEX by 39% and its OPEX by 52%, for a total cost-of-ownership (TCO) saving amounting to 45%. If a multibuilding campus were to employ a POL, the savings would amount to 41% in terms of CAPEX and 71% in terms of OPEX, which represents a TCO of 54%.

The image below, which is pulled from the Association for Passive Optical LAN, highlights these differences:

From a testing standpoint, this remains a very-short reach PON architecture. As such, with technology offering such as the intelligent Optical Link Mapper(iOLM), EXFO is uniquely well-positioned as a testing partner. To learn more about these solutions, visit our Passive Optical LAN page.

View: www.fibercasa.com or www.fiber-optic-fusion-splicer.com

for more information

Comparison of Fujikura FSM-80S and FSM-60S

Comparison of Fujikura FSM-80S and FSM-60S

Fujikura fusion splicing machine, a world leader in manufacturing of optical splicer has released the latest unit with wind-protector from dust, moisture, and mechanical damager. Fujikura FSM-80S designed for speed, reliability and security, this Fujikura 80s replaces the previous model Fujikura – 60S.

The new design of automatic windproof cover and stove for heat shrinkage CRSS provides record levels: splicing for 7 seconds and shrinking in just 14 seconds. In the splicing apparatus Fujikura 80S (FSM-80S) uses a new Li-Ion battery, which has no memory effect and can be used at low temperatures.

The new design of the case, the operator can begin work on the optical splicing machine immediately after opening the lid.

The new mechanism allows for quick fastening of a cover to remove it and set aside. Large color LCD screen allows you to work in direct sunlight and protected from bumps and bruises special transparent plate. Built in the menu of the device user guide quickly prompt the user to proceed.

The new device, like fusion splice fujikura 60s is to align the fiber core (method PAS) and can splice all types of optical fibers, including and insensitive to bending fiber standard G657.

In addition to protecting against dust and moisture, Fujikura 80S (FSM-80S) is protected from bumps and falls on all six sides! Such a possibility does not have any more one welding machine in the world.

The main features of Fujikura 80S (in comparison with the FSM-60S)

-New Li-Ion battery now allows you to make up to 200 splicing cycles-shrinking

-High speed welding of fiber (7c for single-mode fiber)

-High speed shrink (14c CRSS 60mm)

-Increased lifetime of electrodes – up to 3000 splices

-Splicing with a length of just 5mm cleavage for use with any welded connectors or for micro-CRSS (20mm, 30mm)

-Review System without mirrors

-Automatic closing windproof lid when downloading and opening the fiber at the end of the welding

-The device is designed to operate in the most demanding conditions, has a high level of protection against dust and moisture, is not afraid of bumps and falls, ensures operation in temperatures ranging from -10 ° C to + 50 ° C.

The device is perfectly demonstrated in tests with the drops from six different positions from a height of 75 centimeters.

Thanks to the speed Fujikura 80S , with its use eliminates the need for additional stove for heat shrinkage CRSS, which is used in older welders. In addition, for special work in the laboratory and industrial conditions provided for connection to the welding machine or a second stove termostrippera.

If you are interested in FSM - 80S, 

view: www.fibercasa.com for more information.

Reducing friction in fiber microducts to speed blowing deployments

Reducing friction in fiber microducts to speed blowing deployments

When it comes to deploying fiber, network planners have the options of blowing, pulling or pushing the cable. Each of these methods has different strengths and weaknesses, as we've covered in previous blogs.

Generally, for the last drop pulling or pushing delivers the fastest, most efficient deployment -- without needing to spend time setting up expensive and potentially messy blowing machines.

However, as you move towards the network backbone and, consequently, have to cover longer distances, blowing becomes a more feasible option -- particularly if you have already invested in the equipment and skills needed to deploy it effectively.

How blowing works

When cable is blown through a microduct using compressed air, the propulsion comes from the pressure gradient caused when high pressure (in the blowing head) decays to atmospheric pressure at the route end. 

The force this imparts to the cable is related to the gradient of the pressure versus distance plot (as shown in the graph). The gradient has a very small magnitude at the start of the route but a much large magnitude at the route end.

Therefore, blowing distance is directly related to the weight of cable, the pressure used, and friction from the microduct liner. The first two of these are very visible -- you can feel the weight and see the pressure on the blowing machine's gauge. 

Often, the contribution of the microduct liner is overlooked as it is hidden away, but it would be wrong to assume that every liner is equal in performance. Factors such as static build up in the microduct, caused by the liner, can severely limit the distance cable can be blown -- and the speed that is achieved. 

Keeping it slick

We carried out a major project for a large incumbent European telco, where the liner properties were vital to its success. The operator was rolling out a fiber to the cabinet (FTTC) network, and had tight deadlines and budgets to meet.

It needed to deploy fiber over long distances, and wanted to optimize the use of its blowing machines and crews, so they could complete more work per day. The cable weight was fixed, and it knew the maximum pressure that its blowing machines could produce -- the only way to improve efficiency was to look at the microduct liner. 

Consequently, it ran a series of trials, looking at a range of liner materials and their properties. These included m2fx's patented low static, low friction DVC liner. By making the blowing (or pushing process) easier, DVC enables cables to travel further, or crews to use less pressure to get the same results, reducing strain on equipment.

The third party run trials were carried out around the operator's 1.5km (1 mile) and 2km test tracks, using an industry standard blowing machine. Liners were tested on 8 and 12 microducts, under real - world conditions, and the results were clear. Microducts from three different manufacturers, including m2fx, were used, in combination with fiber cables from two leading suppliers.

Using m2fx microducts, with the DVC liner, delivered better performance across every combination of microduct size and cable. Overall, it provided up to 50 per cent greater blowing distance than the nearest competitor and was also 35 per cent faster when it comes to installing fiber over specific distances. The design of several other microducts seemed to actually encourage static build up, harming their performance.

Some key results were:

• Using cable manufacturer number one, 8 fiber cable within m2fx microduct was blown 1,600 (1 mile) in under 60 minutes - compared to 68 minutes for the nearest competitor and 67 minutes for the third.

• Using cable manufacturer number two, 8 fiber cable within m2fx microduct was blown 2km in just under 70 minutes - compared to 1,100m in 78 minutes and 950m in 60 minutes for rivals. Essentially, the two competitors couldn't even complete the test as they didn't get to the end of the route.

• In a further trial, looking at different size microducts, 8 fiber cable within m2fx microduct was blown 1,600m in 42 minutes. This was nearly twice as fast as the competition, which achieved the same distance in 80 minutes.

• 12 fiber cable within m2fx microduct was blown 1,600m in just 30 minutes, under 12 bar pressure.

Having then selected m2fx, the operator is benefiting from faster, longer, blown installs, which is directly leading to reduced deployment time and costs. There was no need for any additional training of crews or extra hardware, enabling the operator to maximize its existing investment in blowing machines.

The deployment is still ongoing, but has already successfully fibered up substantial parts of the country, bringing the power of fiber to millions of homes and businesses and enabling the operator to introduce new high speed services to its customers. This is all helped by the low friction liner, hidden within the microducts - demonstrating that not all liners are created equal, and that they can make an appreciable difference to performance, whatever cable you are using.

View: www.fibercasa.com or www.fiber-optic-fusion-splicer.com

for more information

Why Do We Need Optical Fiber to Get to the “Cloud” ?

Why Do We Need Optical Fiber to Get to the "Cloud" ?

In the past several decades, technologies have evolved almost immeasurably, certainly including the development of data storage. Humankind has always tried to find ways to store information. People have become accustomed to technological terminology, such as CD-ROM, USB Key, and DVD. But today, the most advanced storage solution may be the cloud computing. About how to achieve the "cloud", some people say that optical fiber is the key to cloud computing. So, what is cloud computing and why do we need optical fiber to get there? Today, we are going to the "Cloud" and find the out answer.

What Is Cloud Computing and Why Is It Called as "Cloud"?

Though the term "cloud computing" is everywhere and closely linked with our life, we do not really know what it is just like many terminologies that we don't know. However, unlike other terminologies, we are more interested in cloud computing because of its attractive features, applications or maybe the interesting name. Why is it called as "cloud" but not "rain" or "snow"? The most simple explanation is that we usually use "cloud" to represent the network. "Cloud" the term describes an image of the complex infrastructure, which cover all the technical details. Obviously, the cloud computing has nothing to do with the weather "cloud". It is just an analogy to give it a body to imagine. In fact, cloud computing is a model for computing transforming. In this model, data and computation are operated somewhere in a "cloud", which is some collection of data centers owned and maintained by a third party. This enables ubiquitous, convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool of configurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned and released with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.

There are public cloud, private cloud and hybrid cloud. When a cloud is made available in a pay-as-you-go manner to the general public, we call it a public cloud. And when the cloud infrastructure is operated solely for a business or an organization, it is called private cloud. A composition of public and private cloud is called hybrid cloud. A hybrid cloud integrates the advantages of public cloud and private cloud, where private cloud is able to maintain high service availability by scaling up their system with externally provisioned resources from a public cloud when there are rapid workload fluctuations or hardware failures.

Generally, cloud computing may be considered to include the following layers of service: IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service), PaaS (Platform as a Service) and SaaS (Software as a Service).

• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) - Offering web-based access to storage and computing power. Consumer can get service from a full computer infrastructure through the Internet.                                                     IaaS Examples: Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, Google Compute Engine (GCE), Joyent.

• PaaS (Platform as a Service) - Giving developers the tools to build and host web applications.                                                                       PaaS Examples: Apprend, Microsoft Azure.

• SaaS (Software as a Service) - Applications that are accessible from various client devices through a thin client interface such as a web browser.                                                                                             SaaS Examples: Google Apps, Salesforce, Workday, Concur, Citrix GoToMeeting, Cisco WebEx.

Optical Fiber Is the Key to the "Cloud"

The implementation of cloud computing depends on high bandwidth. If without an enough bandwidth, cloud computing is impossible. In the "cloud", users' terminals are simplified into a pure and single device with only input and output functions but meanwhile utilize the powerful computing and processing functions from the "cloud". This means that the terminal must have a very fast connection, because the simple terminal means fast network and powerful platform requirement, where "pipes" are put forward higher requirement. Thus, fiber is the ideal "pipe" for cloud computing.

In fact, increasingly more computer applications, software and even file storage now reside on the Internet or in the "cloud". Yet another driving force is mobile Internet traffic, which relies heavily on cloud computing. It is said that there is over 1 Exabyte (i.e. 1,073,741,824 Gigabytes) of data currently stored in the that will limit your ability to work seemlessly in the "cloud" is your Internet connection. Thus, to access the tremendous amounts data we need fiber networks that can carry Terabits - one trillion bits per second. Optical fiber can offer more available bandwidth and speed which meets the demands of the "cloud". Obviously, no technology is more effective at meeting that challenge than fiber at present.

FTTH and Cloud Computing

When talking about optical fiber, FTTH (Fiber to the Home) may be the hot topic. FTTH infrastructure is expected as a solution to the growing demands for high bandwidth. It brings fiber-optic connections directly into homes, allowing for delivery speeds up to a possible 100 Mbps, or even more. These speeds open the door to a variety of new services and applications for residential, business and public service markets. The relationship between FTTH and cloud computing is subtle. FTTH which will encourage growth in cloud computing with its benefits. And the growth of cloud computing may drive the development of FTTH.

The Future

Cloud computing is seen by many as the next generation of information technology. The abundant supply of information technology capabilities offers many benefits to our lives. However, like any new technology advancement, cloud computing also faces many challenges, e.g. cloud security. Though there are many unknown factors in the "cloud" waiting for us to explore, it is no doubt that we need optical fibers in order to better reach the "cloud". Now, with the benefits of optical fibers, the cloud computing is increasingly developing. Will it automatically work out better and cheaper for you in the long term? What's your opinion?

View: www.fibercasa.com or www.fiber-optic-fusion-splicer.com 

for more information.

Huawei MA5683T GEPON OLT FTTx Network Solution

Huawei MA5683T GEPON OLT FTTx Network Solution

    

As the first aggregation OLT in the industry, the SmartAX MA5600T series products integrate the aggregation and switching functions, provide the high-density GPON and Ethernet P2P access, abundant GE/10 GE ports, high precision clock and strong platform capacity, provide the basic voice, high-speed internet, fluent video, steady TDM and the Ethernet private line services, which can improve the network reliability, reduce the investment in network construction, and reduce the O&M costs.

The MA5600T series product includes the large-capacity MA5600T and the medium-capacity MA5603T. The hardware and software of these two models are fully compatible with each other to reduce the costs of spare parts and O&M costs. The difference of MA5600T and MA5603T is that MA5600T provides 16 service slots and MA5603T provides 6 service slots.

FEATURES

Large-capacity platform with Access and Aggregation Integration

• Developed based on the iMAP hardware platform and the IAS software platform of Huawei, the MA5600T series product takes on the advanced architecture and design.

• The switching capacity of the backplane is up to 3.2 Tbit/s, and the bidirectional switching capacity of the control board is up to 480 Gbit/s.

• High density GE/10GE interfaces for cascading, up to 36*10GE or 384*GE interfaces, no need for additional investment of aggregation switches.

• Each GPBD board supports eight GPON ports, based on the 1:128 split ratio, the single support GPON board which can supports 16K ONTs.

• Sharing the development platform with Huawei's broadband access devices, the MA5600T series product support the Layer 2 and Layer 3 features of the broadband access devices to provide user-oriented and future-oriented functions.

• GE/GPON/NGPON coexisting on the same platform.

• Aggregation switches.

Any Access

• Large capacity IPTV service provision, 8k multicast users and 4k multicast channels and 2k concurrent multicast channels.

• HQoS support 3-level QoS (Different ISP / service/user) guarantees OLT wholesale.

• Traditional E1 service access, Native TDM or CESop for traditional E1 service of enterprise and mobile base station access.

• E-LAN function for local traffic inter-connection, meet the requirements of enterprise and campus network.

Powerful integrated GPON access capability

• Supports high bandwidth. The downstream rate is up to 2.488 Gbit/s and the upstream rate is up to 1.244 Gbit/s.

• Supports long distance. The maximum physical transmission distance of the ONT is 60 km. The physical distance between the farthest ONT and the nearest ONT can be up to 20 km.

• Supports high split ratio. The 8-port GPON board supports 1:128 split ratio, which increases the access capacity and saves the optical fiber resources.

• Support high density. The MA5600T series provides the 8-port and 16-port GPON board to increase the system capacity.

Powerful QoS capability

• Supports priority control (based on the port, MAC address, IP address, TCP port ID, or UDP port ID), priority mapping and modification based on the ToS field and 802.1p, and DSCP differentiated services.

• Supports bandwidth control (based on the port, MAC address, IP address, TCP port ID, or UDP port ID) with a control granularity of 64 kbit/s.

• Supports three queue scheduling modes: priority queue (PQ), weighted round robin (WRR), and PQ+WRR.

• Supports HQoS, which assures the multi-service bandwidth for multiple users: The first level assures the user bandwidth, and the second level assures the bandwidth for each service of each user. This ensures that the assured bandwidth is allocated absolutely and the burst bandwidth is allocated fairly.

Comprehensive security features

1.System security measure

• Protection against the DoS (denial of service) attack.
• MAC (media access control) address filtering.
• Anti-ICMP/IP packet attack.
• Source address routing filtering.
• Blacklist.

2. User security measure

• DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol ) Option 82 to enhance the DHCP security.

• Binding between MAC/IP addresses and ports.

• Anti-MAC spoofing and anti-IP spoofing.

• Authentication based on the serial number (SN) and password of the ONU/ONT.

• Triple churning encryption.

• Encrypted broadcast transmission in the GPON downstream direction for different users, such as AES (advanced encryption standard) 128-bit encryption.

• GPON type B OLT dual homing.

• Smart link and monitor link for the network with dual upstream channels.

High reliability design

• Adopts 1+1 redundancy backup for the control board and the upstream interface board.

• Provides the lighting-proof and anti-interference functions.

• Supports fault pre-warning on the exhaustive (consumed) units and parts, such as the fan, power supply, and battery.

• The 1+1 (type B) protection for the PON port and the 300 ms level service protection switchover for the backbone optical fiber are supported.

• Supports main control board in-service upgrade.

• Supports high temperature detection to ensure the system safety.

• The functions of querying the board temperature, setting the temperature threshold, and high temperature shutdown are supported.

• Supports hot swappable for all service boards and the control boards.

• Provides soft-start circuit, protective circuit, current-limit protection, and short circuit protection for the input power of the boards in the subrack to protect the boards against lighting strikes and surges.

• Supports GPON type C OLT dual homing.

• Supports smart link and monitor link for the network with dual upstream channels.

Green

• With Huawei self-developed GPON chipsets, the maximum power consumption of the 8-port GPON line card is only 51 W.
• Unique energy-saving bus, the idle service card can be powered off.

SPECIFICATIONS

System performance

• Backplane capacity: 3.2 Tbit/s; switching capacity: 960 Gbit/s; MAC address capacity: 512k.
• Layer 2/Layer 3 line rate forwarding.
• Static route/RIP/OSPF/MPLS.
• BITS/E1/STM-1/Ethernet clock synchronization mode and IEEE 1588v2 clock synchronization mode.

GPON access board

• Adopts the design of 8-port high-density GPON board and 16-port GPON in 2012.
• Supports the SFP pluggable optical module.
• Supports 4k GEM ports and 1k T-CONTs.
• Supports a maximum split ratio of 1:128 (class C+ power module is needed).
• Supports the detection and isolation of the ONT that works in the continuous mode.
• Supports the flexible DBA working mode, and the lowdelay or high-bandwidth efficiency mode.

Ethernet P2P access board

• Supports 48 FE or GE ports and the SFP pluggable optical module on each board.
• Supports the single-fiber bidirectional optical module.
• Supports the DHCP option 82 relay agent and the PPPoE relay agent.
• Supports Ethernet OAM.
• Supports Ethernet synchronization.

Subrack dimensions (Width x Depth x Height)

• MA5600T subrack: 490 mm x 275.8 mm x 447.2 mm.
• MA5603T subrack: 442 mm x 283.2 mm x 263.9 mm.

Running environment

• Operating ambient temperature: -25℃ to +55℃

Power input

• -48 VDC and dual power input ports (supported).
• Operating voltage range: -38.4 V to -72 V.

View: www.fibercasa.com or www.fiber-optic-fusion-splicer.com

for more information

A Comparison between GPON and EPON

A Comparison between GPON and EPON

The access layer network is a fundamental platform for the delivery and termination of various services. As subscribers to broadband access services continue to grow rapidly, there is an ever-increasing demand for broadband access bandwidth. As an ideal medium, optical fiber provides high-speed and high-bandwidth multi-service transmission. Fiber access, which offers many advantages in delivering next generation services, has become one of the key technologies of Next Generation Network (NGN). 

Fiber to the home (FTTH) is the ultimate target in the access networks. It is based on two passive optical network (PON) technologies: Ethernet PON (EPON) and gigabit PON (GPON). Fiber-based approaches promise an attractive way to deliver high bandwidth. In fact, FTTH solutions based on EPON/GPON technology are becoming more and more popular all over the world, improving end users' experience by delivering high-speed triple play services.

FTTx Deployments

Many carriers are already deploying PON FTTx network architectures to eliminate the last mile bottleneck when providing high bandwidth services to end users.

Asia is the major action point for EPON, accounting for 80% of worldwide PON subscribers. In Japan, there are more than 7 million FTTx subscribers at the end of 2006, and is projected to grow to more than 17 million by the end of 2010. By the end of 2006, EPON deployments represent about 80 percent of the worldwide FTTH market. The remaining 20 percent of the FTTH market is based on GPON, BPON, which are opted by North American carriers such as Verizon and SBC, and point to point (P2P), which is favored by France.

EPON has massive deployment while GPON, as the next leading technology, is still in its early stage of development. As fiber access is poised for strong growth, carriers can choose between the two main PON standards: EPON and GPON.

EPON vs. GPON

Technology comparison

Both are accepted as international standards. They cover the same network topology methods and FTTx applications such as FTTH/FTTB/FTTO/FTTB; incorporate the same WDM technology, delivering the same wavelength both upstream and downstream together with a third party wavelength; and provide triple-play, Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) and cable TV (CATV) video services.

There are also many differences between EPON and GPON. EPON, based on Ethernet technology, is compliant with the IEEE 802.3ah Ethernet in the First Mile standard that is now merged into the IEEE Standard 802.3-2005. It is a solution for the "first mile" optical access network. GPON, on the other hand, is an important approach to enable full service access network. Its requirements were set force by the Full Service Access Network (FASN) group, which was later adopted by ITU-T as the G.984.x standards-an addition to ITU-T recommendation, G.983, which details broadband PON (BPON).

Costs comparison

xPON, as a FTTH technology, is an ideal solution to deliver last-mile broadband access. The optical line terminal (OLT), optical network unit (ONU) and optical distribution network (ODN), which comprise a PON system, decide the costs of GPON and EPON deployments.

An ODN consists of fiber cable, cabinet, optical splitter, connector, and etc. For the same number of users, the cost for the fiber and cabinet with EPON is similar to that with GPON. The cost of OLT and ONT is decided by the ASIC and optic module. The GPON chipsets available in the market are mostly based on FPGA, which is more expensive than the EPON MAC layer ASIC. There are noly several chipset vendors who can provide GPON chipsets, and it is not likely that the price of GPON equipment can decline rapidly. The optical module of GPON is also more expensive than EPON. When GPON reaches deployment stage, the estimated cost of a GPON OLT is 1.5 to 2 times higher than an EPON OLT, and the estimated cost of a GPON ONT will be 1.2 to 1.5 times higher than an EPON ONT.

ZTE's View on GPON and EPON 

EPON is the dominant FTTH solution in Japan, Korea, China and other Asia-Pacific countries, meeting the demand for services such as high-speed Internet access, VoD, IPTV, and etc. In other countries, especially in America, GPON is the preferred choice, as BPON and ATM infrastructure is more prevalent in this area, and GPON can coexist with the legacy PON systems. That explains why EPON appears to gain an upper hand in the Asian market where BPON is not widely used.

As such, ZTE thinks that EPON and GPON will take their own shares in the growing market in the next few years, and it is hard to say which technology will replace the other in the near future.

ZTE, with its deep insight into network evolution, has launched both EPON and GPON systems. The ZTE EPON and GPON systems support high quality multicast and dynamic bandwidth allocation (DBA), and provide VoIP, IPTV, CATV SDTV, L2 VPN and TDM leased line services.

EPON and GPON may be applied in different situations, and each offers its own advantages in subscriber access networks. EPON focuses on FTTH applications while GPON focuses on full service support, including both new services and existing traditional services such as ATM and TDM. 

The ZTE xPON solution provides a uniform platform for both EPON and GPON standards, supporting EPON and GPON mixed inserts in one frame and enabling flexible networking applications.

The ZTE EPON/GPON system includes the ZXA10 C200/C220 OLT and D/F series terminals. The ZXA10 C200 features small-to-medium capacity, compact structure, high-density, high bandwidth and scalability; the ZXA10 C220 delivers medium-to-large capacity. With various kinds of ONTs, ZTE can meet the access demands of different users.

PON technologies provide the basis for advanced service delivery. With complete solutions, ZTE is well positioned to meet the high-capacity demands in different fiber broadband access markets.

Why is Cable Management Necessary for Data Center Cabling?

Why is Cable Management Necessary for Data Center Cabling?

In the communication world, whether data center or field cabling, there are many excellent cabling which make us feel amazing. They look like the art works of a great master, and show the beauty of the cabling world thoroughly. However, if you have experience in data center or serve room, you may find that the cabling state near large switches or routers is very horrible. Cables, both Ethernet cables or fibers, are a nightmare if they aren't carefully organized, not only because they look bad, but also they are not easy to management, or even exist potential safety problems. Thus, cable management is of great importance and necessity. Of course, you will get the appropriate return - efficient cable management and maintenance as well as clever piece of modern art, if you have a good cable management solution. This is why many large data center operators are strict with their cabling for better maintenance or further extension.

The following examples show how easily server room cabling can turn into a nightmare without an organized methodology to the madness.

One workstation. One giant mess. I really can't imagine how people work in such situation.

This server looks like it ate something that didn't agree with it. I know, servers don't eat, but you know what I mean.

A big yellow spiderweb. Masterpiece of Spider-Man?

Where is the port on the switch?

Let’s play and find the bad yellow cable.

So tired of cable messes? Want to get rid of nightmare and headache? No shortcuts, Cable Management is necessary.

Adding cable management is often seen as a "would be nice if" type of scenario. However, some operators may consider it as an extra cost and are not willing to do it. In fact, the cost of cable management, including cable management products and labor, is just a drop in the bucket. But you will find the value of cable management soon during your maintenance as it makes ongoing maintenance much, much easier. And there is another fact that the cabling work won't stop with the initial installation. More cables will be added, and things will be changed. Thus, labeling appropriate cables, color-code cables and other processes to make easier to identify cables are also necessary.

Though individually labeling over a thousand cables may be a very time-consuming process, it is certainly worthy. Every network engineer will thank themselves for labeling each cable when there is an issue with a specific cable, as the individual can immediately pinpoint and pick out the affected cable by looking at its label. Leaving cables unlabeled is a disaster as the operator can not know which the affected cable is and he or she has to waste time and energy to find the source of the problem. In addition, engineers should also tie a pack of cables together depending on their component. For example, ten Ethernet cables connected to a router should be tied up, preventing them to be mixed up with another pack of Ethernet cables that are connected to another router.

The commonly used cable management products include open frame rack, rack cabinet shelves, network cabinet, patch panel, cable ties, cable markers/labels, wire loom and so on. They are necessary to use for a good cable management. In addition, the most important factor to achieve good cable management is the skilled cabling installers. They know how to get the best performance of your cabling and even can create arts of cabling.

Here is a few pictures which I think show how cabling can be works of art. Yes, it is all in the eye of the beholder, cabling is beautiful!

A beautiful planar cable arrangement, no racks, just using clamps.

Unbelievable! It is a real art, not cabling, right?

Can also be colorful, just like the rainbow.

To draw a big tree between two racks is also a good idea.

Cabling also can be so unbelievably sexy, with S-shape body.

Of course, a good cable management is not used for ornamental, it is a method to make our cabling more easier to manage. If cable management were easy, there would be no need for superior cabling solutions. But the fact is that cables of data centers will be more and more, a cable management solution is always necessary.

View: www.fibercasa.com or www.fiber-optic-fusion-splicer.com

for more information.

How FTTH Broadband Works?

How FTTH Broadband Works?

Stop and think how your Internet usage has evolved during the last few years. If you're like most people, you will do, and looking forward to more online interaction, such as increasing rich media and upload and download images and video.

More large files are moving across the cyberspace network these days, and experts expect that trend will only increase. In January 2008, the study by the Discovery Institute estimates new technologies will drive Internet traffic up by 50 times its current rate within the next 10 years.

The pressure for better connectivity is one of the main reasons providers and users to view its fiber to the home broadband connections as a potential solution.

FTTH broadband connections, refer to optical fiber cable connection for individual residences. Such optical based system can provide large amounts of digital information, telephone, video, data, and so on, more efficiently than traditional copper coaxial cable for about the same price. FTTH premises depend on both active and passive optical networks to function.

FTTH network cables connection is a reality of more than 1 million consumers in the United States, and more than 6 million Japanese and 10 million global to enjoy its benefits, broadband property according to the magazine. Many people think that the FTTH technology standard to predict network connection can solve traffic congestion.

More than 10 million homes worldwide already have fiber to the home broadband connections because the technology holds many advantages over current technologies.

What are the advantages to FTTH broadband connections?

A key advantage to FTTH - also called FTTP, for "fiber to the premises" broadband - is that it provides for far faster connection speeds and carrying capacity than twisted pair conductors, DSL or coaxial cable. Experts at the FTTH Council say fiber-to-the-home connections are the only technology with enough bandwidth to handle projected consumer demands during the next decade reliably and cost effectively. The technology is already, affordable, as businesses around the world are demonstrating by getting into the business as they speculate on consumer demand.

Fiber has a virtually unlimited bandwidth coupled with a long reach, making it "future safe" , or a standard medium that will be in place for a long time to come.

However, greatly improving the bandwidth cost and current technology. According to the FTTH Council, cable companies spent about $84 billion to line family ten years ago, but it costs less in today's dollars line those houses with FTTH technology.

FTTH will be able to handle even the future Internet use some experts see the future. Technologies such as 3D holographic high definition television and games will one day become daily necessities of families all over the world. FTTH will be able to handle estimated 30-gigabyte-per-second needs of such equipment.

Active and Passive Optical Networks

There are two important types of systems that make FTTH broadband connections possible. These are active optical networks and passive optical networks. Each offers ways to separate data and route it to the proper place, and each has advantages and disadvantages as compared to the other.

An active optical system uses electrically powered switching equipment, such as a router or a switch aggregator, to manage signal distribution and direct signals to specific customers. This switch opens and closes in various ways to direct the incoming and outgoing signals to the proper place. In such a system, a customer may have a dedicated fiber running to his or her house.

A passive optical network, on the other hand, does not include electrically powered switching equipment and instead uses optical splitters to separate and  collect optical signals as they move through the network. A passive optical network shares fiber optic strands for portions of the network. Powered equipment is required only at the source and receiving ends of the signal.

Active and Passive Optical Networks of the advantages and disadvantages

Passive optical networks, or PONs, have some distinct advantages. They're efficient, in that each fiber optic strand can serve up to 32 users. PONs have a low building cost relative to active optical networks along with lower maintenance costs. Because there are few moving or electrical parts, there's simply less that can go wrong in a PON.

Passive optical networks also have some disadvantages. They have less range than an active optical network, meaning subscribers must be geographically closer to the central source of the data. PONs also make it difficult to isolate a failure when they occur. Also, because the bandwidth in a PON is not dedicated to individual subscribers, data transmission speed may slow down during peak usage times in an effect known as latency. Latency quickly degrades services such as audio and video, which need a smooth rate to maintain quality.

Active optical networks offer certain advantages, as well. Their reliance on Ethernet technology makes interoperability among vendors easy. Subscribers can select hardware that delivers an appropriate data transmission rate and scale up as their needs increase without having to restructure the network.

Active optical networks, however, also have their disadvantages. They require at least one switch aggregator for every 48 subscribers. Because it requires power, an active optical network inherently is less reliable than a passive optical network.

View: www.fibercasa.com or www.fiber-optic-fusion-splicer.com
for more information