Taking Multimode Fiber into the Future

OFS recently showcased technology developments in multimode fiber transmission at OFC 2015. Our live demonstrations showcased future advances in short-reach data center interconnects and “illustrated a paradigm shift in how multimode transceivers are standardized,” according to Systems & Technology Strategy Director Robert Lingle.

Looking forward, the most far-reaching impact will come from the trend of applying Wavelength-Division Multiplexing (WDM) to the multimode space with more than one wavelength per fiber. In fact, a new standard for wideband multimode fiber that supports four WDM wavelengths is now in process with the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), endorsed by the fiber, structured cabling and transceiver communities. (more…)

Considering Next-Generation Outside Plant Optical Fibers

Over time, the design of outside plant (OSP) single-mode optical fibers has evolved. Originally, these fibers operated only in the 1310 nm and 1550 nm wavelengths. Then, in the 1990’s, single-mode fibers migrated to full-spectrum performance. Today, end users value fibers that offer improved macrobend performance, backward compatibility and low attenuation.

As OSP single-mode fibers continue to change, Technical Manager Dave Mazzarese believes there are five key things you should know about the performance and reliability of these fibers. To learn more and access Dave’s complete analysis, please go here.

OFS Proposes Defining New Multimode Optical Fiber

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At the most recent TIA 42.11 Subcommittee meeting, Dave Mazzarese of OFS proposed defining a new, next-generation multimode optical fiber. This new fiber would facilitate the use of low-cost, coarse wavelength division multiplexing (CWDM) equipment on multimode fiber. The proposed fiber would not only provide up to four times the information carrying capacity of current OM4 fiber, but also offer the potential for even higher capacity solutions in the future, while maintaining the backward compatibility to current 850 nm based systems.

This new fiber would continue to maintain the low system cost advantage that multimode fiber links have over single-mode fiber systems. The wide-band fiber is expected to initially support four wavelengths at speeds up to 28 Gb/s, providing 100+ Gb/s fiber capacity. This capability would significantly reduce the amount of fiber required to carry 400 Gb/s signals, the next-generation Ethernet speed.

Dave notes that defining a new fiber has the support of key players in the industry, including Avago, CommScope, Finisar and Panduit.

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop voluntary, consensus-based industry standards for a wide variety of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) products, and currently represents nearly 400 companies. Within TIA, the 42.11 Subcommittee helps develop and maintain voluntary standards for optical fiber used in telecommunications cabling infrastructure in premises.

The “Halo Effect”

Performance Under Tight Bends
Performance Under Tight Bends

It’s not unusual these days for optical fiber to be installed under bends as low as 15 mm in diameter. But even under these demanding conditions, signal quality cannot be sacrificed. Therefore, manufacturers are continuously innovating new methods to improve fiber bend performance. Read More…

Standards Update: Bend-Insensitive Multimode Fiber

Enterprise Networks
Enterprise Networks

Standardization of bend-insensitive multimode fiber (BIMMF) has been a very active area within the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). Since the start of the year, more than a dozen contributions on the topic have been reviewed in the TIA working group TR-42.12 “Optical Fiber and Cable.” Read More