How to Install and Connect CWDM System?

CWDM system is able to provide optical networking support for high-speed data communication for metropolitan area networks (MANs). And in some previous articles, I have talked a lot about CWDM, such as the components used in CWDM system. In this article, I’d like to have an introduction to CWDM system installation and connection.

Procedures for CWDM System Installation

The CWDM system includes the system shelf, CWDM OADM, CWDM Mux/Demux and CWDM transceivers. You must first install the system shelf, then the CWDM OADM and CWDM Mux/Demux, followed by the CWDM transceivers you want to install.

Install the System Shelf

Follow the steps below to mount the system shelf on an equipment rack:

1. Align the mounting holes in the L brackets with the mounting holes in the equipment rack.

2.Secure the system shelf using four screws through the elongated holes in the L bracket and into the threaded holes in the mounting post.

 

3.Use a tape measure and level to ensure that the system shelf is mounted straight and level.

 

Install the CWDM OADM and CWDM Mux/Demux (Plug-in Module)

1.Loosen the captive screws on the blank plug-in module faceplate and remove the faceplate.

2.Align the plug-in module with the slot on the system shelf.

 

3.Gently push the plug-in module into the system shelf slot. Ensure that you line up the captive screws on the plug-in module with the screw holes on the shelf.

4.Tighten the captive screws.

Remove the CWDM OADM and CWDM Mux/Demux (Plug-in Module)

1.Loosen the captive screws on each side of the plug-in module using a screwdriver.

2.Gently pull on both captive screws to release the plug-in module from the shelf.

3.Pull the plug-in module out of the shelf.

4.Replace the blank plug-in module faceplate if you do not intend to install another plug-in module.

Install a CWDM Transceiver

1.Remove the CWDM transceiver from its protective packaging.

2.Verify that the CWDM transceiver is the correct model for your network configuration.

3.Remove the dust covers from the CWDM transceiver’s optical bores.

4.Grasp the sides of the CWDM transceiver with your thumb and forefinger.

5.Insert the CWDM transceiver into the correct slot on your switching module. You should hear a click when the transceiver has been properly seated into the slot.

Remove a CWDM Transceiver

1.Disconnect the fiber optic patch cable.

2.Release the CWDM transceiver from the slot by simultaneously squeezing the plastic tabs.

3.Pull the CWDM transceiver out of the slot.

4.Install the plug in the CWDM transceiver optical bores and place the CWDM transceiver in protective packaging.

Procedures for CWDM System Connection

This part tells how to connect the CWDM system to the switch.

Connect Cables to a CWDM OADM

1. Insert the CWDM transceivers into the appropriate connectors on your switch if you have not already done so.

2. Insert the CWDM transceivers (color code/wavelength specific) into their respective switching module ports.

3. Clean all fiber optic connectors on the cabling before inserting them into the CWDM Mux/Demux connectors.

4. Connect the single-mode fiber optic patch cable from the CWDM transceiver (TX/RX) to the OADM module equipment connectors (TX/RX).

5. If you are using both channels of the CWDM OADM, then repeat step 4 for the second channel.

6. Connect the west backbone single-mode fiber patch cable to the OADM network west connector and connect the east backbone single-mode fiber patch cable to the OADM network east connector.

 

Connect Cables to a CWDM Mux/Demux (8-Channel)

1.Insert the CWDM transceivers (color code/wavelength specific) into their respective switches.

2.Clean all fiber optic connectors on the cabling before inserting into them into the 8-channel CWDM Mux/Demux connectors.

3.Connect the single pair fiber optic cables from the CWDM transceivers (TX/RX; up to eight channels) to the OADM module equipment connectors (TX/RX; up to eight wavelengths).

4.Connect the backbone single pair fiber optic patch cables to the OADM network connector.

5.Connect the fiber optic patch cables from the CWDM transceivers (TX/RX) to the 8-channel Mux/Demux (TX/RX) connectors.

 

Summary

This article provides installation instructions for the CWDM system, which includes the system shelf installation, CWDM OADM and CWDM Mux/Demux installation and removal, CWDM transceivers installation and removal as well as connecting the CWDM OADM and CWDM Mux/Demux to the switch. The optical components used in this process are as follows.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/install-connect-cwdm-system.html

Introduction to the Components Used in CWDM System

CWDM system is a passive optical solution for increasing the flexibility and capacity of existing fiber lines in high-speed networks. It increases fiber capacity by placing widely spaced, separate wavelengths (between 1310 nm and 1610 nm) from multiple ports onto a single-mode fiber pair on the network. The CWDM system components are passive and require no power supplies. This article will introduce the components used in CWDM system.

CWDM System Components

 

Generally, there are three basic components in a CWDM system, which are the multiplexer/demultiplexer (Mux/Demux), the drop/pass module and drop/insert module. CWDM applications are described in terms of an east-west connection. Different colors represent individual channels. Westbound traffic is represented by dashed lines, while eastbound traffic is shown with solid lines.

 

Mux/Demux

 

The Mux/Demux based on film filter is the most mature component used in CWDM system. It combines different channels onto a single outbound (TX) fiber. Simultaneously, the Mux/Demux receives the same channels from a single inbound (RX) fiber, separates them into individual wavelengths, and delivers each to the appropriate local interface. This process expand the capacity of the existing network fiber cable. The following is an example of four channel Mux/Demux.

 

The four-channel Mux/Demux can be configured to support additional channels through the expansion port. By cascading the modules in series, you can increase the total number of available network channels. The channels connecting to the expansion port must differ from those on the Mux/Demux to which they are being cascaded.

Drop/Pass Module

 

The drop/pass module removes one wavelength-specific channel from the east-bound fiber and allows the remaining channels to pass straight through to other nodes along the network. When the drop/pass module drops the channel from the network, it sends the data to a local interface. The local interface sends the same channel back to the drop/pass module for transmission in the westbound direction, thus completing the point-to-point connection between the local interface and another device located in the west. That other device may be a Mux/Demux, drop/pass, or drop/insert module.

 

Drop/Insert Module

 

The drop/insert module provides two local interface ports. One port removes a wavelength-specific channel from the network fiber in one direction, and the other port adds that same channel back onto the fiber in the opposite direction. Because the drop/insert module supports two separate pathways going in opposite directions, network viability in a ring topology is ensured even if there is a break in the network.

On the west side, the drop/insert module removes a wavelength-specific channel from the eastbound fiber and sends it to Local Interface A. To complete the westbound connection, the drop/insert module receives the same channel from Local Interface A and inserts it onto the westbound fiber. The same happens on the east side, except in the opposite direction. The drop/insert module removes the channel from the westbound fiber and sends it to Local Interface B. To complete the eastbound connection, the drop/insert module receives the same channel from Local Interface B and inserts it onto the east-bound fiber. The drop and insert completes the point-to-point connections between the two local interfaces and two other devices located in the east and west. The other device may be a Mux/Demux, drop/pass, or drop/insert module.

 

Summary

 

CWDM is a simple and affordable method to maximize existing fiber by decreasing the channel spacing between wavelengths. Since CWDM is a passive technology, it allows for any protocol to be transported over the link, as long as it is at a specific wavelength. Because the multiplexers simply refract light at any network speed, regardless of the protocol being deployed, CWDM can help to future proof the networking infrastructure. In all, CWDM is a low-cost and effortless technology to implement. FS.COM provides a whole series of WDM system components including CWDM and DWDM. If you need, you can visit www.fs.com for the details.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/introduction-components-used-cwdm-system.html

Related article: CWDM & DWDM Mux/Demux Overview

 

Related article: Traditional CWDM Mux/DeMux vs. FMU Series CWDM Mux/DeMux

Managed Media Converter and Unmanaged Media Converter Basics

As is known to all, fiber media converter is a simple networking device which can connect two dissimilar media types such as twisted pair cable with fiber optic cable. And it can support many different data communication protocols including Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Gigabit Ethernet, etc. According to the network to points, media converters can be divided into managed media converters and unmanaged media converters. This article will tell about these two kinds of media converters.

What Is Managed Media Converter?

 

Managed media converter supports carrier-grade network management. It is more costly than the unmanaged media converter, but it has the ability to provide additional network monitoring, fault detection and remote configuration functionality not available with an unmanaged media converter. Typically, managed media converters are equipped with remote Web / SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) interface, which enables network administrators to easily monitor and setup the converter, the transmission speed and duplex through web/SNMP browsers. The managed media converters are mostly suitable for those environments requiring a medium to large-scale deployment of media converters. Managed 10/100/1000 Ethernet media converter module is the smart choice for IT professionals.

 

What Is Unmanaged Media Converter?

 

Unmanaged media converter simply allows devices to communicate, and does not provide the same level of monitoring, fault detection and configuration as equivalent managed media converter. Connect the devices to the unmanaged media converter and they usually communicate automatically. With “plug and play” feature, unmanaged media converters are easy to install and troubleshoot. But the advantage is when a network issue is occurring, there is no way to access the media converter to see exactly what might be causing the issue. Unmanaged media converter is a great choice for newbies if you want a plug and play fiber network cable installation.

 

When and Where to Use?

 

The managed media converters are aimed at users that require a response time of milliseconds. They are especially suitable for organizations that need to manage and troubleshoot the network remotely and securely, allowing network managers to reach optimal network performance and reliability. They can be used on any segment of a network where the traffic has to be monitored and controlled as they enable complete control of data, bandwidth and traffic. The unmanaged media converters are mostly used to connect edge devices on network spurs, or on a small stand-alone network with only a few components. They are suitable for any network that wants to simplify the installation of access points.

Summary

 

This article describes some basic information about the managed media converters and unmanaged media converters as well as their usage. The information may not be comprehensive. It’s just a reference. As a leading supplier in optical communication industry, FS.COM provides a series of managed and unmanaged media converters with various configurations. For the details, you can visit www.fs.com or contact us over sales@fs.com.

Source: www.fiberopticshare.com/managed-media-converter-unmanaged-media-converter-basics.html

How Much Do You Know About PM Patch Cables?

When talking about fiber optic patch cables, you may know LC fiber patch cables or MTP/MPO fiber cables. Besides these cables, there are some special fiber patch cables, such as mode conditioning patch cables, which has been introduced in the previous article. Today we will introduce another special fiber patch cable—polarization maintaining (PM) fiber patch cables.

Definition of PM Patch Cables

 

At the very first beginning, let’s check the basic definition about the PM patch cables. PM patch cords are based on a high precision butt-style connection technique. The PM axis orientation is maintained by using male connectors with a positioning key and a bulkhead female receptacle with a tightly toleranced keyway, ensuring good repeatability in extinction ratios and insertion losses.

 

Why Need PM Patch Cables?

 

When a normal fiber is bent or twisted, stresses are induced in the fiber and the stresses will change the polarization state of light traveling through the fiber. If the fiber is subjected to any external perturbations, say changes in the fiber’s position or temperature, then the final output polarization will vary with the time. This is true for even short lengths of fiber, and is undesirable in many applications that require a constant output polarization from the fiber.

To solve this problem, PM fibers are developed. These fibers work by inducing a difference in the speed of light for two perpendicular polarizations traveling through the fiber. This birefringence creates two principal transmission axes within the fiber, known respectively as the fast and slow axes of the fiber. Provided the input light into a PM fiber is linearly polarized and orientated along one of these two axis, then the output light from the fiber will remain linearly polarized and aligned with that axis, even when subjected to external stresses. A one meter long connectorized patch cord constructed with PM fiber can typically maintain polarization to at least 30dB at 1550 nm when properly used. Naturally, how well a PM fiber maintains polarization depends on the input launch conditions into the fiber. Perhaps the most important factor is the alignment between the polarization axis of the light with the slow axis of the fiber.

Connectors of PM Patch Cables

 

Given the importance of the alignment of the PM axis across a connection, the choice of connector is especially important. The most common type of PM connector is FC connector which has a positioning key to preserve the angular orientation of the fiber. The industry standard is to align the slow axis of the fiber with the connector key. The tolerances between the key and keyway on standard FC connectors are too loose to accurately maintain angular alignment, so manufacturers have tightened the key dimension tolerances on PM connectors. The key dimensions being used are based on FC angle polished connector (APC) standards. Unfortunately, two APC standards are currently on the market, a narrow, or reduced key design, and a wide key design. The two dimensions are incompatible with one another, so it is important to know beforehand which design you are using. Besides the FC connectors, PM patch cables using other connector types are also available, such as SC connectors. In all cases, there must be a key or similar structure to act as a reference, and tight tolerances must be kept to ensure that the ferrules cannot rotate.

Conclusion

 

PM patch cables are widely used in polarization sensitive fiber optic systems for transmission of light that requires the PM state to be maintained. FS.COM provides polarization maintaining (PM) patch cables with various connector types. For the details, welcome to visit www.fs.com.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/much-know-pm-patch-cables.html

Mode Conditioning Patch Cables Overview

Fiber optic patch cables play an important role in fiber optic connection. There are numbers of fiber patch cables on the market, ranging from the standard fiber patch cables to special fiber patch cables, such as mode conditioning patch cables, bend insensitive patch cables, traceable fiber patch cables, etc. This article will not introduce all of these fiber jumpers, only focus on the mode conditioning patch cables.

 

Why Need Mode Conditioning Cables?

 

Transceiver optics used in Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-LX) launch only single-mode long wave signals (1310 nm). This poses a problem if an existing fiber network utilizes multimode cables. When a single-mode signal is launched into a multimode fiber, the phenomenon known as DMD (differential mode delay) can create multiple signals within the multimode fiber. This effect can confuse the receiver and produce errors. Mode conditioning cables utilize an offset between the single-mode fiber and multimode fiber to eliminate DMD and the resulting multiple signals allowing use of 1000BASE-LX over existing multimode fiber cable system.

What Are Mode Conditioning Fiber Patch Cables?

 

Mode conditioning patch cables are required when Gigabit 1000BASE-LX routers and switches are installed into existing multimode cable plants. They are used to adapt the single-mode output of Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-LX) transceivers to a multimode cable network. They are fully compliant with IEEE 802.3z application standards.

 

The conditioned channel of mode conditioning patch cables consists of a single-mode fiber which has been fusion spliced to a multimode fiber in an offset manner, with a precise core alignment and angle. The non-conditioned channel of mode conditioning patch cables consists of one length of multimode cable. Light is launched on to the multimode fiber of the conditioned channel at a specific angle, giving the patch cord its mode conditioning properties. The fusion splice is protected by a black over-wrap. The other side has both a multimode and single-mode cable end. This side of the cable connects to the Gigabit transceiver equipment with the single-mode leg connecting to the transmit side. The side has two multimode cable ends connecting to the cable plant.

Things You Should Know When Using Mode Conditioning Patch Cables

 

Use mode conditioning patch cables in pairs. It means that you will need a mode conditioning patch cable at each end to connect the equipment to the cable plant. So then these cables are usually ordered in even numbers. The only reason to order an odd number of mode conditioning cables is to have a spare on hand. Mode conditioning patch cables can only convert single-mode to multimode. If you want to convert multimode to single-mode, then a media converter will be required.

If your Gigabit LX switch is equipped with SC or LC connectors, please be sure to connect the yellow leg (single-mode) of the cable to the transmit side, and the orange leg (multimode) to the receive side of the equipment. It is imperative that this configuration be maintained on both ends. The swap of transmit and receive can only be done at the cable plant side.

 

If some customers remain reluctant to deploy MCP cables, and for customers using OM3 or OM4 cables, please measure the power level before plugging the fiber into the adjacent receiver. When the received power is measured above -3dBm (in 1000BASE-LX links), a 5-dB attenuator for 1300 nm should be used and plugged at the transmitter source of the optical module on each side of the link. Actually, OM3/OM4 MCP can also work in this event. While whether all multimode fiber types require mode conditioning, you can contact the manufacturer of your installed cable for the answer.

Summary

 

Mode conditioning patch cables are duplex multimode cords that have a small length of single-mode fiber at the start of the transmission leg. The basic principle behind the cords is that you launch your laser into the small section of single-mode fiber. The other end of the single-mode fiber is coupled to multimode section of the cable with the core offset from the center of the multimode fiber. FS.COM provides various types of mode conditioning patch cables with different connectors. All these mode conditioning patch cables are in high quality and low price. For more details, welcome to visit www.fs.com or contact us over sales@fs.com.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/mode-conditioning-patch-cables-overview.html

Introduction to the Components Used in DWDM System

DWDM is an innovation that enables multiple optical carriers to travel in parallel in a fiber. DWDM devices combine the output from several optical transmitters for transmission across a single fiber. At the receiving end, another DWDM device separates the combined optical signals and passes each channel to an optical receiver. Only one optical fiber is used between DWDM devices (per transmission direction). How DWDM system works, and what components are needed in DWDM system? Keep reading this article and you will find the answer.

Components Used in DWDM System

 

Typically, the components used in a DWDM system include optical transmitters and receivers, DWDM mux/demux, OADM (optical add/drop multiplexers), optical amplifiers and transponders (wavelength converters). Following part will introduce these devices respectively.

Optical Transmitters and Receivers

 

Transmitters are described as DWDM components because they provide the source signals which are then multiplexed. The characteristics of optical transmitters used in DWDM systems is highly important to system design. Multiple optical transmitters are used as the light sources in a DWDM system which requires very precise wavelengths of light to operate without interchannel distortion or crosstalk. Several individual lasers are typically used to create the individual channels of a DWDM system. Each laser operates at a slightly different wavelength.

DWDM Mux/DeMux

 

The DWDM Mux (multiplexer) combines multiple wavelengths created by multiple transmitters and operating on different fibers. The output signal of an multiplexer is referred to as a composite signal. At the receiving end, the DeMux (demultiplexer) separates all of the individual wavelengths of the composite signal out to individual fibers. The individual fibers pass the demultiplexed wavelengths to as many optical receivers. Generally, Mux and DeMux components are contained in a single enclosure. Optical Mux/DeMux devices can be passive. Component signals are multiplexed and demultiplexed optically, not electronically, therefore no external power source is required.

 

The picture above shows the bidirectional DWDM operation. N light pulses of N different wavelengths carried by N different fibers are combined by a DWDM Mux. The N signals are multiplexed onto a pair of optical fibers. A DWDM demultiplexer receives the composite signal and separates each of the N component signals and passes each to a fiber. The transmit and receive signal arrows represent client-side equipment. This requires the use of a pair of optical fibers—one for transmit and the other for receive.

OADM

 

OADM is often a device found in WDM systems for multiplexing and routing different channels of fiber into or out of a single-mode fiber (SMF). It is created to optically add/drop one or multiple CWDM/DWDM channels into a few fibers, providing the power to add or drop a single wavelength or multi-wavelengths from a fully multiplexed optical signal. This permits intermediate locations between remote sites gain access to the regular, point-to-point fiber segment linking them. Wavelengths not dropped pass-through the OADM and carry on towards the remote site. Additional selected wavelengths may be added or dropped by successive OADMs if required.

 

The picture above demonstrates the operation of a one-channel OADM. This OADM is designed to only add or drop optical signals with a particular wavelength. From left to right, an incoming composite signal is broken into two components, drop and pass-through. The OADM drops only the red optical signal stream. The dropped signal stream is passed to the receiver of a client device. The remaining optical signals that pass through the OADM are multiplexed with a new add signal stream. The OADM adds a new red optical signal stream, which operates at the same wavelength as the dropped signal. The new optical signal stream is combined with the pass-through signals to form a new composite signal.

Optical Amplifiers

 

Optical amplifiers boost the amplitude or add gain to optical signals passing on a fiber by directly stimulating the photons of the signal with extra energy. They are “in-fiber” devices. Optical amplifiers amplify optical signals across a broad range of wavelengths, which is very important for DWDM system application.

 

Transponders (Wavelengths Converters)

 

Transponders convert optical signals from one incoming wavelength to another outgoing wavelength suitable for DWDM applications. Transponders are optical-electrical-optical (O-E-O) wavelength converters. A transponder performs an O-E-O operation to convert wavelengths of light. Within the DWDM system, a transponder converts the client optical signal back to an electrical signal (O-E) and then performs either 2R (reamplify, reshape) or 3R (reamplify, reshape and retime) functions.

 

The picture above shows bi-directional transponder operation. A transponder is located between a client device and a DWDM system. From left to right, the transponder receives an optical bit stream operating at one particular wavelength (1310 nm). The transponder converts the operating wavelength of the incoming bit stream to an ITU-compliant wavelength. It transmits its output into a DWDM system. On the receive side (right to left), the process is reversed. The transponder receives an ITU-compliant bit stream and converts the signals back to the wavelength used by the client device.

Summary

 

This article provides some basic information about the components used in a DWDM system. All of the components compose the integrated DWDM system. And they are indispensable. Hope the information in this article is helpful when building your DWDM system.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/introduction-components-used-dwdm-system.html

Understanding the Split Ratios and Splitting Level of Optical Splitters

Optical splitters play an important role in FTTH PON networks where a single optical input is split into multiple output, thus allowing a single PON interface to be shared among many subscribers. The optical splitters have no active electronics and don’t require any power to operate. They are typically installed in each optical network between the PON OLT (optical line terminal) and ONTs (optical network terminals) that the OLT serves. Generally, two kinds of fiber optic splitters are popular, which are FBT splitters and PLC splitters. The differences between the two have been stated in another article—FBT Splitters vs. PLC Splitters: What Are the Differences? So it is unnecessary to go into the details here. Besides these, what other information do you know about optical splitters? Keep reading this article, you may get more about 

it.

 

Split Ratios

 

There are a multitude of split ratios available. The most common splitters deployed in a PON system is a uniform power splitter with a 1:N or 2:N splitter ratio, where N is the number of output ports. The optical input power is distributed uniformly across all output ports. Splitters with non-uniform power distribution is also available but such splitters are usually custom made and command a premium. Generally, the 1:N splitters are deployed in star networks, while 2:N splitters are deployed in ring networks to provide physical network redundancy.

 

The use of optical splitters in PON allows the service provider to conserve fibers in the backbone, essentially using one fiber to feed as many as 64 end users. A typical split ratio in a PON application is 1:32, meaning one incoming fiber split into 32 outputs. And the qualified fiber optic signal can be transmitted over 20 km. If the distance between the OLT and ONT is small (in 5 km), you can consider about 1:64. With higher split ratios, the PON network has both advantages and disadvantages. Fiber optic splitters with higher split ratios can share the OLT optics and electronics costs as well as share feeder fiber costs and potential new install costs. In addition, larger splits allow more flexibility and fiber management at head end is simpler. At the same time, higher split ratio splitters reduce bandwidth per ONU (optical network unit). And there will be increased optics cost either at OLT or ONU or both to achieve large optical power budgets.

Splitting Level

 

In the PON network, there are two common splitter configurations—centralized approach and cascaded approach.

Centralized Approach

 

The centralized splitter approach typically uses a 1x32 splitter in an outside plant (OSP) enclosure, such as a fiber distribution terminal. The 1x32 splitter is directly connected via a single fiber to an OLT in the central office. On the other side of the splitter, 32 fibers are routed through distribution panels, splice ports or access point connectors to 32 customers’ homes, where it is connected to an ONT. Thus, the PON network connects one OLT port to 32 ONTs.

 

Cascaded Approach

 

The cascaded approach may use a 1x4 splitter residing in an outside plant enclosure. This is directly connected to an OLT port in the central office. Each of the four fibers leaving this stage 1 splitter is routed to an access terminal that houses a 1x8, stage 2 splitter. In this scenario, there would be a total of 32 fibers (4x8) reaching 32 homes. It is possible to have more than two splitting stages in a cascaded system, and the overall split ratio may vary (1x16=4x4, 1x32=4x8, 1x64=4x4x4).

 

Which to Choose?

 

It is important to understand both architectures in detail and weigh the trade-offs when deciding on the best approach. For most applications, the centralized approach is recommended.

First and foremost, the centralized approach maximizes the highest efficiency of expensive OLT cards. As each home in this approach is fiber-connected directly back to a central hub, there are no unused ports on the OLT card and 100% efficiency is achieved. This also allows a much wider physical distribution of the OLT ports—extremely important when initial “take rates” are projected to be low to moderate. Secondly, centralized approach is able to provide easy testing and troubleshooting access. The centralized 1x32 splitter with distribution ports enables OTDR trace development upstream to the central office and downstream to the access terminal. Also the connector ports available at the distribution hub enable qualification testing of the distribution cabling. Thirdly, loss will occur when splitters are cascaded together. The combined loss effect can reduce the distance a signal can travel, imposing distance limitations on fiber runs. The centralized splitter minimizes that signal loss by eliminating extra splices or connectors from the distribution network.

In general, the centralized architecture typically offers greater flexibility, lower operational costs and easier access for technicians, while the cascaded approach may yield a faster return-on-investment, lower first-in costs and lower fiber costs.

Summary

 

This article has reviewed some information about the split ratios and splitting level of fiber optic splitters. It is very essential to make clear all these different configurations, or the network performance will be influenced if misunderstanding or misusing the optical splitters. Hope the information in this article can help when needed.

Originally published: www.fiberopticshare.com/understanding-split-ratios-splitting-level-optical-splitters.html