Fiber-to-the-Telecom Enclosure (FTTE) and centralized cabling (or FTTD) are two new standards-based architectures that offer users the extended reach and performance advantages of optical fiber in a cost-effective manner. A new article from OFS explains how these fiber-based solutions can provide higher performance to the work area, utilize existing copper electronics for the remainder of their lifecycle, offer a migration with high reliability, and simplify and reduce the cost of moves, adds and changes.
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The industry recognizes that the most accurate measurement of actual splice loss is the average of a 2-way (bidirectional) test using an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). Because of the OTDR’s inherent benefit – the ability to measure a fiber optic link from one direction – there is a temptation to only do 1-way (unidirectional) measurements to certify a link, including splice losses. However, if certification is required, measurements should always be taken from both ends and results averaged (many OTDRs do the averaging for you). Even if certification is not explicitly required, true performance can only be verified by taking bidirectional readings.

As high-bandwidth and high-speed applications continue to place demands on enterprise networks, the data communications industry is moving to 40 and 100 Gb/s Ethernet transmission speeds. High-speed broadband services, the growth of data centers, and high-performance computing are just a few of the applications driving this trend. A recent presentation by OFS describes the applications and key network points driving the need for 40 and 100 Gb/s in the enterprise market. It also discusses the current status of the standards process, and what still needs to happen before a standard is written. Finally, it addresses the transceiver technologies and options being considered to meet 40 and 100 Gb/s speeds for OM3 multimode and single-mode fiber and provide some assumptions on likely cost differences between the two.
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Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) is a serious problem that can limit distances and data rates in an optical fiber system. PMD is a time varying quantity that degrades system bandwidth and is costly to mitigate. It affects network reliability and is becoming more evident as network speeds climb, to the point where it is now affecting some short haul (metro) transmissions. And as bit rates continue to increase, the impact on the reliability, reach, and bandwidth of single-mode fiber optic systems will be more pronounced. What is PMD? How it is measured? How can it affect your network? Get answers to these questions and more in the latest installment in our series. “Understanding Fiber Optics.”
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... OFS will exhibit its latest fiber optic solutions for high-speed data center networks at Data Center World Expo (booth 806) April 1-3 at the Las Vegas Convention Center

... See our advanced optical fiber products and technology for premises networks, including LANs, SANs and data centers at the BICSI Spring Conference (booth 405) at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center in Nashville, April 27-30.