New fiber type could ease network deployment

Fiber-optic cabling systems are expensive not only because the actual cables cost plenty of money, but also because installation and maintenance fees can skyrocket. When you look at the big picture of fiber costs, the thought of finding a way to get the job done with copper could be tempting. However, optical network components are evolving and a new generation of cables has emerged that could resolve many major network deployment challenges, Lightwave reported.

One fiber format to meet diverse needs
In the past, fiber network deployment has been incredibly difficult because organizations had to carefully balance different types of loss resistant material to ensure the system performs properly, the report said. In some cases internal and external network conditions would put companies in a situation in which the potential for transmission loss was high, forcing them to invest in cabling solutions that offer solid transmission-loss performance. There are other scenarios, such as installing optical cables in building or radio signal towers, that are prone to signal loss because of bend in the fiber. Optical cables with a good rating for bend-loss performance are essential in such area.

In many networks, both attributes are necessary, forcing organizations to mix and match different types of optical cabling, creating installation challenges. The need to use multiple types of fiber also adds to the purchasing and deployment costs associated with a project. The news source explained that a new type of fiber is resolving these issues and could end up ushering in a new era of optical networking by making the technology more accessible. The recent release of standards for G.652.D optical fiber cables is creating an opportunity for this change in how fiber-based networks are developed.

According to Lightwave, G.652.D optical cables offer a combination of bend-loss performance and transmission-loss performance that fits within industry standards for both areas, making it an ideal option in many settings.

Dealing with optical network installation challenges
Getting the right fiber is only one of the network deployment issues facing businesses. Compatibility with copper-based Ethernet systems is another major problem facing organizations try to use fiber to improve network performance. Media converters provide a simple, cost-efficient solution to these problem by transforming optical signal into Ethernet without adversely impacting network performance. Some of the best media converter solutions on the market actually add performance functionality through a layer of management, such as quality of service capabilities, to the network.

Perle has an extensive range of Managed and Unmanaged Fiber Media Converters to extended copper-based Ethernet equipment over a fiber optic link, multimode to multimode and multimode to single mode fiber up to 160km.