In this blog, I would like to invite you to share your experience working with the equipment you have experience with and knowledge that you have gained from using those tools. One of the biggest problems that I come across is finding good documentation on the maintenance of the equipment. The information is hard to find and many of the products do not come with any maintenance information to help in repairing the equipment.  The only resort is to send it to the factory for repairs – which can take several weeks or longer.

I am hoping to mutually share tips on usage and repair information of the various pieces of equipment that you are using in the field. Some of this repair work can be done by you if you feel you are confident and have the right information.  Feel free to comment below or send an email to support@surpluseq.com and submit questions to me that you may have relating to the use, repair and maintenance of your equipment and I will do my best to get an answer for you.  I have found that you are the best source of information on the operation of the equipment.  We all have different ways of doing our work to get the job done.  Sharing your knowledge on this blog will let other members see how you do your process which might be a different way for them to do the same job.  You might also learn different ways to improve your processes.

-The EQ Engineer

First, we are excited to announce that in addition to providing you with an active blog, we can now connect with you using some of today’s popular social media and networking sites.

Facebook®. SurplusEQ.com can now be found on Facebook! But now we need your help in making it successful. Connect with us to stay up-to-date on what’s going on with SurplusEQ.com, industry news, specials, and more. Start discussions and get responses from people in your industry. Have questions? Ask us, and we’ll do everything to provide the best possible answers. Give us your feedback on ways SurplusEQ.com can provide better business and solutions for you. SurplusEQ.com: High Tech Equipment can be found within the Facebook Pages – become a fan!

Twitter. Follow us on Twitter for industry news, power hour specials, and exciting discussions. Twitter is all about conversation, so join ours today!

LinkedIn. You can also find and follow SurplusEQ.com on LinkedIn. By joining our SurplusEQ.com Fiber Optic & High-Tech Equipment group, you can comment on current discussions or start your own and connect with other professionals in your industry. Get answers to the questions you have. Also find jobs in the jobs section. LinkedIn offers another way to stay connected with us and keep up-to-date on industry news.

Since we are new to the social media and networking sites, the more feedback we receive, the better our pages will be and the better we can serve you! We are aiming to be more personable, more interactive, and a more useful resource for you.

We’ve also been working on several great improvements for our website and our blog. Here are just some of the exciting new things you can expect from us:

New Websites. Thanks to you, SurplusEQ.com has become the most successful source for used and refurbished fiber optic and high-tech equipment over the past 10 years. To expand our market even further, we’ve created eFiberTools.com. It will specialize in primarily new fiber optic equipment and supplies. To make your online shopping experience easier and more efficient, our new and improved websites are going to be cutting edge, more user friendly, and packed with great features. Our goal is to become your single source for all of your fiber optic and high-tech equipment needs. So stay tuned for these exciting changes!

Financing. To help make things a little easier on you, SurplusEQ.com will soon offer financing options! We want to help you get started on your project today. More details to come….

From the Tech Desk. We get a ton of good questions from you all regarding equipment, procedures, and other technical matters. So starting a couple times a month, one of our knowledgeable technicians will be answering YOUR questions right here on our blog. This informative blog series will be titled “From the Tech Desk” and we look forward to sharing with you soon. Send us your questions today by emailing blog@surpluseq.com! (All names will be kept anonymous.)

“How To” Videos. These days, online videos are an easy way of providing useful information. SurplusEQ.com is now aiming to bring you “How To” videos demonstrating procedures and functions when dealing with your equipment and related areas. If you have an idea for a video you’d like to see, let us know!

We’re really excited about the new changes and hope you will be too.  We want to be more than just a store, and more than just another blog on the web. We want to be a global provider for all of your high tech needs. Whether you’re a SurplusEQ.com customer or not, we want to be your source for news, information, and insight to the fiber optic, telecommunications, and high-tech industries.

And we want to send out a big THANK YOU to everyone who’s stuck around and continued to support us over the years. As we move forward we promise to continue staying committed to excellent customer service while providing competitive pricing and equipment to fulfill your project needs!  So spread the word and keep coming back as we have lots more in store for you.

First and foremost you could hire a broker to find the used test equipment for you. Great part about this is that they have many options and dealers that they can go through. Problem though they will sell the equipment for a marked up price so that they can receive some sort of money for playing the middle man.

You could go directly to auction houses to try and find the right type of used test equipment you are looking for. Great part about this is that you will possibly pick up a great piece of test equipment. Problem is that you are bidding against others and the condition of the equipment is in an as is form. It could work or it could not. Do you have a technician on staff that would be able to test the equipment? Do you have the budget to have someone take the time to do this?

The Best option that I feel as I am writing this is to go directly to a company who specializes in used test equipment. I know this sounds like a shameless plug for www.SurplusEQ.com , but let’s take a look at the advantages.

• We have a fully trained staff of technicians that test all of the equipment that comes into our warehouse.
• We have a sales staff that will be able to guide you in the right direction
• We have a catalog type website that is the most user friendly you will find.
• We offer warranties on all equipment that our clients purchase.

Now I’m not saying that you have to go to www.SurplusEQ.com and buy all of your used equipment. Although this site does have one of the largest selections of fiber optic test equipment, there are other quality sites out there that will offer the same for you. Here is a few of them:

eFiberTools.com they offer a wide array of fiber optic products mostly new but they can guide you to the used section is you call them or visit their website.

FiberOpticEQ.com another great used test equipment website that offers many used fiber optic test equipment products at discount prices.

ComputerEQ.com started out as a site that bought and sold used computers and networking equipment, however with the changing times decided to start buying and selling new and used test equipment.

Keep in mind with changing global economy used test equipment is in much higher demand. Companies cannot afford to pay the high prices for new equipment. Price, quality and availability are the driving factors for the small and larger fiber optic companies. You know the importance of FTTH and FTTx if you are a contractor or installer you know the importance of winning that bid. Now is the time to ask yourself if you have the right test equipment and supplies for the job. Do you?

Take advantage of this incredible opportunity of getting rid of your used fusion splicer and buy a newer model or just sell your used test equipment to us and put cash back into your company. We all know that fiber test equipment depreciates very quickly and there is always a newer and better model coming along. Perhaps it is time to replace your used fiber splicer with a better model or sell your no longer needed fiber splicer for cash.

Surpluseq.com provides a wide range of fiber

If you have used or surplus equipment that you would like to dispose of, you can always sell it to us. We are ready to pay cash, trade or credit towards a purchase for your used fusion splicer (or any other unused test equipment item) most times within 24 hours.

We all have unused equipment that we tend to forget about and we do not put value to it. However, here is your chance to get some of that cash back into your pocket for your optic fiber equipment that you rarely use or don’t use at all. So do not preserve your used fiber splicer. It is more advantageous to sell it or swap it for a newer model or some equipment you can use. Just look at all the newer models that you can get instead.

If you have a used fusion splicer or any other test equipment that you are no longer using, contact us and we will make a cash offer for it. Call SurplusEQ.com @ (623) 581-9777 or email us purchasing@surpluseq.com

Perhaps you a looking to upgrade from your existing fiber splicer. We have a variety of models from manufacturers such as Ericsson, Fujikura, Sumitomo, Fitel.

We buy used test equipment from Agilent, Anritsu, Wavetek, Tektronix just to name a few.

Visit our website www.surpluseq.com by categories and product type, in order to find the test equipment that you are searching for. Once you have purchased a product, you can rely on our customer service before and after the sale.

Our commitment for quality and total satisfaction of our customers has helped us to become number one Source for Test Equipment. We believe that our clients deserve the best services and that is exactly what we offer them. Just check our carefully selected electronic test equipment.

You could call a repair center that specializes in fiber optic test equipment, but repairs to test equipment easily hundreds if not thousands of dollars. You could buy new equipment, but any person in charge of  your budget might have other ideas.

That’s where a used test equipment website comes in. Better yet, a website that carries all the products that you are looking for in one spot. You can find good condition used fiber optic test equipment at these web sites for as little for deeply discounted prices!

Websites like SurplusEQ.com offer their customers discounted prices on all fiber optic test equipment. This takes the pressure off of you. Let’s say you go to a classified site and see a fusion splicer that you want. Who is going to test it for you? How do you know that the person you are buying from is a credible person? A company like SurplusEQ.com scours all the major auction sites and finds the best possible prices for the test equipment. They pay less and in turn you the customer does as well.

Perhaps you have surplus equipment and you need to get them out of your inventory so you can replace them with newer models or other test equipment. You can use a free membership at a classified Website to sell or trade your used equipment. This is not a bad option. However; one important question arises. Do you have the time to be nickel and dimed by a prospective buyer? Do you really want a new headache? Companies like SurplusEQ.com and FiberOpticEQ.com not only sell used test equipment but they also buy used fiber optic test equipment and electronic test equipment too!

Think about it! Wouldn’t it be less of a headache to contact companies like SurplusEQ.com. Companies like this take all the hassle of you having to post to classifieds wait for responses and then start the negotiating process.

When you use an Asset recovery service like SurplusEQ.com you start the process off by contacting them and sending in your products for sale list. Always be sure to include the manufacturer, model, price wanted and any pictures that you can of the item. The more information you send at the beginning will ensure that your process will be as efficient as possible.

Don’t get stuck with excess inventory and unwanted assets. Do your homework and find the best possible avenues to sell you used test equipment.

To sell your used test equipment contact one of SurplusEQs’ Asset Recovery Team Members at 623-581-9777, or email purchasing@surpluseq.com. For more information on Asset Recovery and Liquidation visit SurplusEQ.com.

Of the $7 billion, the National Telecommunications and Information Administrationwill get $4.7 billion to be distributed via grants aimed at increasing broadband adoption, improving broadband deployment in unserved and under-served areas, bettering access to broadband by public safety agencies. In addition, it will serve to stimulate the economy by creating IT-related jobs. The remaining $2.5 billion will go to the Rural Utilities Service that connects rural Americans to broadband.

An additional $350 million goes toward the Broadband Data Improvement Act for mapping and community initiatives, with a minimum of $250 million for various programs that stimulate broadband adoption, and at least $200 million to expand public computer center capacity in libraries and community colleges.

Last but not the least, the FCC is required to submit a report to Congress detailing how a national broadband plan will ensure broadband access for all Americans. Also, everyone can see how this money is being spent at the newly setup site Recovery.gov. It details federal spending state-by-state with more detailed information available over the coming weeks and months, as the funds start to go out. (Christian Zibreg).

What does this mean for Fiber Optic Installers and Fiber Optic Tools and Supplies Dealers? Its obvious it will increase business opportunity.

SurplusEQ.com has been around since 1999 it has seen the good times of the dot com days and it has now seen the downside of a weak economy.  With companies like SurplusEQ feeling the economic strain we have managed to stay one of the most respected sources for new, used and surplus fiber optic test equipment. This stimulus package will not only benefit our nation but will also benefit companies like SurplusEQ.com and eFiberTools.com. With more projects being bidded comes the need for quality fiber optic equipment. While we are not saying we are the only game in town, you can rest assured that through these tough economic times we have seen an increase in sales. This is due to the fact that companies are down sizing, we have a large surplus budget to help liquidate those companies, you the customer benefits by getting quality tested product for much less than buying new.

Visit SurplusEQ.com

For an entire list of our Fiber Optic Test Equipment

To contact us Directly call 623-581-9777 or email info@surpluseq.com

The OTDR is usually used by cable contractors who test and certify their cable installations. The OTDR measures the estimated length of the fiber and its overall attenuation and it can also be used to locate certain faults. This tool is quite expensive taken into consideration the fact that it is not used too often and in this case SurplusEQ suggests you look into buying a used OTDR. We do offer new OTDR at prices that beat most suppliers.

Other information provided by the OTDR, except the loss-length test is: the single-ended testing of fibers, the measurement of the distance to the end of the fiber, the checking of the quality of each piece of the fiber link, the documentation regarding the characteristics of the fiber link and troubleshooting faulty fiber links. The OTDRs are useful tools, whether you Buy Used OTDR or new OTDR, the difference between them being OTDR Price.

OTDRs are generally used in the testing of very long cable runs, when one cannot dig up or remove a cable that is kilometers long. These devices are indispensable for the preventive maintenance of the telecommunication lines. Moreover, OTDRs can even detect the existence and location of wire taps, being excellent surveillance countermeasures. These are even useful in the failure analysis of high-speed  printed circuit boards and in industrial environments, where the OTDR can test the integrated circuit packages in order to measure liquid levels. Whether you Buy a used OTDR or a new OTDR, you can be sure that it is worth every penny since it is a very efficient tool.

Nowadays, there are a lot of models of OTDR available on the market. OTDRs are complex fiber optic testing devices and due to the fact that their features and capabilities vary widely, it can be quite a problem to decide which fiber optic testing tool is best for you. Besides the OTDR Price you also have to take into consideration the features of a certain OTDR. If you are having problems choosing an OTDR or whether you are not sure if it is a good thing to Buy a new or used OTDR, we suggest you to check out our website or call one of our qualified sales associates. As you may already know we dont use answering services, when you call us with questions we answer them directly. 

You will find that each OTDR has all the necessary information in order to help you make the right decision and buy the adequate OTDR which is right for what you do. Furthermore, our website will give you the OTDR specifications, interpretation and measurement methods.

SurplusEQ.com has a large selection of new and used OTDRs. Our  prices are greatly discounted and we carry all the major manufacturers.

View our selection of new and used OTDRs

The OTDR will help you determine in a very short period of time how healthy is your fiber LAN. Thus, you can see what needs to be improved and make the necessary changes. If you want to save some money, don’t hesitate to Buy a used OTDR but first make sure that the device is functional and that you purchase it from a reliable supplier like SurplusEQ.com. We test all of our equipment and  will give you some warranty regarding its functionality.

Call Chris with any questions and special savings on your next OTDR Purchase

602-867-1904 or email chris@surpluseq.com

We give fair market value for your equipment, we also have many asset recovery programs that will fit your needs

• Equipment Exchange
• Instant Cash Buyout
• Trade In Program
• Consignment

Equipment We are Always Purchasing

• Test Equipment
• Semiconductor Manufacturing
• Fiber Optic Products
• Robotics/Motion Control
• Networking/Servers
• Laboratory
• Microscopes
• Electronic Parts and Components
• Electrical Power Equipment
• Telecom Equipment
• High Tech Manufacturing
• Optoelectronics components
• Metrology
• UV light sources
• Network Analyzers
• Fusion Splicers
• Biotech Equipment
• Wireless Equipment

Contact One of Our Asset Recovery Team Members at 602-867-1904 or email purchasing@surpluseq.com

SurplusEQ.com stocks Spirent Wireline Simulators

The DLS 6200 series is a multiline production wireline simulator uses for production testing of xDSL modems.
Incorporating new technology and low line-to-line crosstalk, and built with Spirent’s proven quality, the DLS 6200 is the next generation multiple line production wireline simulator for testing Central Office equipment such as DSLAMs, NIDs and other high port density applications. Capable of simulating up to 24 lines of 26 AWG while producing less line-to-line crosstalk than CAT 5 cable, the DLS 6200 is perfect for production or load testing in a multiline environment.

Our Models Vary but many specifications include:

Wireline Modules: 8
Provides full line simulation of impedance, attenuation and phase to accurately represent cable.
Cost effective tester of DSLAM, NID and other multiport copper access devices.
Effective in any multi-modem environment.
Cable Type: 26 AWG.
Number of Lines: Between 4 and 24 (depending on configuration).
Individual Line Distance: 12 kft, variable in 500 foot increments for up to 24 lines.
24 kft, variable in 500 foot increments for up to 12 lines.
Frequency: DC to 1.5 MHz.
Attenuation Accuracy: ±(6.5% + 0.5 dB).
DC Characteristics: 100 mA, 300 V maximum DC.
Control: Computer control via IEEE 488 or RS-232C.
Connections: Side A ­ 1 RJ-21. Side B ­ 1 RJ-21.
AC Power: 100-130 VAC, 60 Hz 7.5 to 11 VDC (max 400 mA).
(AC to DC adapter) 230-240 VAC (+6/-10%) 50/60 Hz to 7.5 to 11 VDC (max 400 mA).
Fuses: Non-replaceable thermal fuse in supplied AC/DC adapter.

We have a few selections to choose from Starting at $1,995 call today for more information 602-867-1904

View our Spirent/DLS MPS 6200 TestWorks Wireline Simulators.

A perfect example is our selection of new fusion splicer electrodes! How much sense would it make if we sold used ones? The great part about buying fusion splicer electrodes from SurplusEQ.com is the price. We carry all fusion splicer electrodes for all major manufacturers like Fujikura, Fitel, and Sumitomo.

Our fusion splicer electrodes start at $45 dollars a pair!! With discounts when you buy 1o or more pairs! Check out our selection today! Fusion Splicer Electrodes.

Be Sure to check our new inventory arriving daily!!

1. Fibre Splicing
2. Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing
3. Fiber Splicing
4. Optical Fiber Fusion Splicing
5. Fusion Splicing and the list can go on for days. Bottom Line they mainly mean the same thing

Definition: Fusion Splicing is a welded joint formed between two optical fibers. Fusion splicing is a permanent, low-loss, high-strength joint compared with other temporary joint such as a mechanical splice. Optical fiber fusion splices play a crucial role in the optical network.

Goals of Fusion Splicing:

1. Create a joint with little dB loss
2. Form great mechanical strength
3. create bond between new fiber and existing fiber

Why is  fusion splicing is more efficient than fiber optic connectors and mechanical splicing?

Mechanical Splicing is a semi-permanent way of joining two fibers together. Usually with a metal or plastic crimp. This is not a permanent bond since you are using a connector to connect the two ends. Mechanical splicing doesn’t need costly capital equipment to work, but it does require higher consumable costs. So for organizations that don’t make a lot of splicing, mechanical splicing is the best choice. It is also best suited for emergency repairs.

Fusion Splicing we already spoke about the definition of this so lets jump into some major advantages!

1. Fusion splicing is very compact
2. Fusion splicing has the lowest insertion loss
3. Fusion splicing has the lowest back reflection (optical return loss ORL)
4. Fusion splicing has the highest mechanical strength
5. Fusion splicing is permanent
6. Fusion splicing can withstand extreme high temperature changes
7. Fusion splicing prevents dust and other contaminants from entering the optical path

Types of Fusion Splicing

Fusion splicing environment and applications can be roughly divided into three types: 1. Field splicing 2. Factory splicing and 3. Laboratory splicing.

An important example of field splicing is the assembly of undersea fiber cables aboard fiber deployment ships. The example of factory splicing could be the assembly of fiber optic passive devices such as a WDM. An example of laboratory splicing is done by researchers fusion splicing the newest developed fibers to test their compatibility with existing industry standard fibers.

Fiber fusion splicing involves concepts from many subjects including optical waveguide theory, heat transfer, material science, mechanical engineering, fluid mechanics and more.

Introduction to the Fusion Splicing Process

The major steps involved in optical fiber fusion splicing can be summarized as the following.

1. Optical fiber stripping

The fiber cable jacket is removed and then the fiber polymer coating is stripped with fiber optic strippers.

2. Fiber cleaving

The fiber is cleaved with specialized tool called fiber cleaver. Two types of fiber cleaver exist: high precision fiber cleaver for single mode applications and field cleaver for multimode applications. A mirror like almost perfect end face is achieved by this cleaving process.

3. Fiber alignment

The fibers are laterally aligned to each other by step motor in a fusion splicer. This may involve rotating the fibers in polarization maintaining fiber splicings.

4. Fiber welding

The fibers are then heated with electric arc or other methods to the fiber glass’s softening point and then both fibers are pressed together to form a solid joint.

5. Insertion loss estimation

The insertion loss is estimated based on the fusion quality and dimensions.

6. Pull tension strength testing

The fusion is pull proof tested when opening the fusion splicer cover.

7. Splice protection with fusion splice sleeve

The fusion splice joint is then protected with a heat shrink tube with a steel strength member inside to form a solid and reliable fiber joint.

Once again with our Blog if you have anything to add or contribute feel free.  We hope that this will help clear up or refresh your memory on the importance of fusion splicing. We are jumping into 2009 with alot of high hopes for the fiber optic community.

Fiber Optic Test Equipment

Fusion Splicers

Sell Us Your Used Test Equipment

Special thanks and a Happy New Year to Colin Yao for contributing to this Post!!  Since 1997  Colin Yao has accumulated extensive experience in the fiber optic industry and published over 200 excellent articles for the newcomers to the industry.

The FSM-60S fusion splicer sets the standard for core alignment fusion splicing by incorporating a user-friendly interface with enhanced features to provide the most rugged and reliable fusion splicer in the market today. The new rugged construction adds improved reliability by resisting shock, dust, and rain, and can withstand a 30 drop test.

The FSM-60S splices a fiber in 9 seconds and heats a 60mm splice sleeve in 30 seconds,for a total cycle time of only 39 seconds. New features, such as automatic tube heater operation, user-selectable clamping method (sheath clamp or fiber holder system), automated monitor image orientation, and battery charge capability during splicer operation provide the end user a productivity tool they can
count on.

New software included provides the ability to download splice data to a PC for splice data reporting, download splicer operating software via the internet to maintain peak performance, and download video images from the splicer to enhance technical support.

When you purchase through SurplusEQ.com your splicer kit will include the following:   Fujikura 60S Fusion Splicer, BTR-08 Battery, DCC-14 Battery Charge Cord, CT-30A Cleaver, ADC013 AC Adapter, ACC-14 AC Power Cord, Spare Pair of Electrodes, Sheath Clamp, USB Cable, Splicer Carrying Strap and Instruction Manual. We have Fujikura FSM-60S fusion splicer kits IN STOCK!

Purchase Fujikura FSM-60S Here

For More Information on the Fujikura FSM-60S and other Products:

Call Justin at 877-967-1904 or email sales@surpluseq.com 

SurplusEQ.com specializes in fiber optic splicing equipment with hundreds of new, surplus & refurbished fusion splicers in stock from Fujikura, Fitel, Ericsson, Sumitomo, Vytran, and other major manufacturers.

The AV6416 Palm -OTDR is the newest Optical Time Domain Reflectometer with integrated VFL (visual fault locator). The AV6416 Palm OTDR features a compact light weight design, extra long battery life, and some of the most user friendly software on the market. The AV6416 supports auto test, manual averaging, manual real time and dead zone test modes. Also the AV6416 Palm OTDR can save and transfer test and measurement data directly to your laptop or PC. The AV6416 has become an indispensable and ideal tool for today’s fiber network technician also for daily checks and routine maintenance for today’s FTTx applications.

TSH AV6416 Palm OTDR Key Features:

·         Portable Design, convenient for outdoor testing

·         Auto Measuring with high speed, one button operation

·         Visible fault locating (VFL)

·         Advanced TFT color LCD, visible in outdoor setting

·         High speed USB port for connectivity and data storage

·         Offers three wavelengths and VLF in one handheld unit

TSH AV6416 Palm OTDR Main Specifications:

·         Pulse Widths: 10ns to 10240ns

·         Central Wavelength: 1310±15nm, 1550±15nm

·         Distance Accuracy: ±(1m+sample space + measurement distance*0.003%)

·         Dynamic Range: 28/26/24dB

Click Here To Purchase This Item Right Now!

SurplusEQ.com, Inc. is a high-tech asset recovery & liquidation company. They Are a major reseller of fiber optic and optical test equipment, especially fusion splicers, optical time domain reflectometers (OTDR’s), fiber optic attenuators, switches & power meters, spectrum analyzers, light sources, opto-mechanical & motion control, laboratory, semiconductor, microscopes, metrology, UV spot curing light sources, heating/cooling, gas distribution & regulation, ovens, and much more for technology manufacturing and production.

                                                ###############

For More Information on the TSH AV6416 Palm OTDR and other Products:

            Chris Wood, 877-773-2423, sales@surpluseq.com

FiberLight LLC, provider of metro optical transport, is partnering with 1Vault Networks to provide optical transport capacity throughout the South Florida market by connecting diversely routed fiber between 1Vault Network’s Category 5 Data Center in Fort Lauderdale and global IP provider NTT America.

FiberLight says the agreement provides it with new partnership opportunities in Fort Lauderdale while meeting its core business strategy of supplying metro optical backbone between data centers and high-bandwidth user locations in growing metro markets.

“1Vault’s premier carrier-class data center in Fort Lauderdale offers FiberLight a great presence in the tri-county area,” notes FiberLight COO Kevin Coyne. “This is a good solution for our customers looking for disaster recovery options in South Florida but north of the downtown Miami area.”

1Vault Networks’ Data Center in Fort Lauderdale is built to withstand natural disasters, system failures, and human intervention through the construction of a fully redundant infrastructure of generator-backed utility fields, A/C chillers, and raised flooring. The Florida-based company says it selected FiberLight to provide fiber-optic connectivity, as its secure network complements 1Vault’s comprehensive plan of business continuity, disaster recovery, and high-speed IP connectivity.

“With its 287-mile diverse and redundant South Florida metro ring infrastructure, 24×7 fiber monitoring capability, and 5 9’s reliability SLA, FiberLight gives us the security and redundancy our customers require while eliminating the risk of network downtime,” contends Kevin Bly, vice president of business development for 1VaultINetworks. “1Vault Networks’ partnership with FiberLight enhances our core network infrastructure and adds another level to the diversity we provide our customer, enabling them to mitigate potential network interruptions.”

Story by Patrick J. Sims and Pat Thompson of ADC

Service providers need not look too far in the past to find examples
of networks built without consideration for future technologies. While
our telecommunications forefathers may not have predicted today’s
broadband revolution as they designed the copper telephone network,
this legacy infrastructure still enabled a rough deployment of xDSL
technologies.

However,
the unpredictable performance of xDSL over load coils, splices, varying
gauges and conditions of the legacy copper network produced costly
lessons in the importance of network flexibility. Fiber to the premises
(FTTP), by contrast, enables service providers to deploy new
subscribers with a "clean slate."

As
many sources predicted, GPON now promises to dominate the access market
by offering a bandwidth boost and enabling higher split ratios. GPON’s
entry as the "latest and greatest" PON flavor also coincides with
challenges service providers face in delivering high-speed,
high-bandwidth packaged services to business and residential customers.
The pressure is on for providers to make their networks GPON-ready from
the central office (CO) to the outside plant (OSP).

Migration-ready PONs 

There
are several critical parameters to consider when designing a PON for
ease of migration to GPON, including fiber-optic cable characteristics,
optics classes, and split ratio implications. When increasing split
ratios from 1×32 to 1×64 or even higher, for example, spectral
attenuation will become an important factor. Optical link budgets are
determined by the individual vendor’s active components—PON chips
within the electronics, lasers, and receivers. The loss range for each
class is as follows:

• Class A: Min. 5 dB to max. 20 dB
• Class B: Min. 10 dB to max. 25 dB
• Class B+: Min. 10 dB to max. 28 dB
• Class C: Min. 15 dB to max. 30 dB

Traditional
BPON equipment has typically used Class B optics, but it was determined
that some 20-km PON networks were actually stretching the limits of the
existing optical budget, forcing active equipment manufacturers to
increase budgets to 26.5 dB. These increased budgets, coupled with the
possibility of further increasing split ratios with GPON, have resulted
in an increase in the Class B receiver photodetectors to allow for a
28-dB loss budget, thus establishing the Class B+ optics category.

Connectorization
also plays a huge role in a migration-ready FTTP network. With the
addition of next-generation video requirements, GPON systems will
likely require higher power, necessitating the superior performance of
angled physical contact (APC) connectors—particularly in the PON
portion. The APC connector is the best choice for high-bandwidth
applications and long-haul links since it offers the lowest return loss
characteristics of any connector currently on the market.

In
an APC connector, the end-face of a termination is polished precisely
at an eight-degree angle to the fiber cladding to reflect most of the
return loss into the cladding where it cannot interfere with the
transmitted signal or damage the laser source. As a result, APC
connectors offer a superior return loss performance of –65 dB. For
nearly every application, APC connectors offer the optical return loss
performance that broadcasters require to maintain optimum signal
integrity.

Systems
should also ensure built-in laser safety features for use in networks
with Class B and C lasers. Laser safety must be considered with
high-power lasers typically used in the analog video optical line
terminal (OLT). Since infrared lasers are not visible to the human eye,
it’s important to take precautions when exposure is possible. Fiber
distribution frames need to have built-in laser eye safety
features—features that ensure connectors don’t point directly at
technicians. Designs that have connector ports contained within a tray
or other enclosure and pointing side to side—rather than straight out
of the panel—help protect technicians, regardless of their level of
training or awareness.

Advantage of centralized splitters 

The
ease of migration from earlier PON architectures to GPON will be
dependent on the design of the fiber distribution portion of the
network or the link between customers and the central office. This
refers mainly to the splitter configuration and how efficiently each
OLT card is used.

The
two common splitter approaches are centralized and distributed or
cascaded configurations. The centralized splitter approach uses 1×32
splitters in OSP enclosures, such as fiber distribution terminals. Each
splitter is connected to an OLT in the central office with 32 split
fibers routed from the optical splitter through distribution panels,
splice points, and/or access point connectors to the optical network
terminals (ONTs) at 32 homes.

The
distributed or cascaded splitter approach is typically configured with
a 1×4 splitter residing in the OSP enclosure and connected directly to
an OLT in the central office. Each of the four fibers leaving the 1×4
splitter is routed to an access terminal housing another splitter,
either a 1×4 or 1×8. Optimally, there would eventually be 32 fibers
reaching the ONTs of 32 homes.

A
centralized approach offers several advantages in terms of flexibility.
First, it maximizes the efficiency of expensive OLT cards. A cascaded
architecture will strand unused ports in areas of low take rates or
where customer premises are not grouped tightly together. Other
advantages to a centralized splitter architecture include easier access
for testing and troubleshooting (it’s very difficult for an OTDR to
"see" down individual fiber lengths through a series of splitters) and
a reduction in splitter signal loss by eliminating extra splices and/or
connectors in the distribution network.

More
importantly, however, a centralized splitter configuration provides the
best means to futureproof the network by offering the flexibility to
migrate to next-generation PON technologies, such as GPON, particularly
with the likelihood of increasing split ratios from 32 to 64 or higher.

Implications of split ratios 

Since
much of the GPON standard already revolves around centralized 1×32
splitter architectures in the OSP, GPON’s ability to enable 1×64 splits
is a huge benefit—servicing twice the homes from a single splitter.
However, upgrading a cascaded architecture to a 1×64 centralized
architecture will involve significant investment and deployment of
additional fiber to take advantage of the full capabilities of GPON.

A
network built with the minimum number of connections, including
splitter ports, will minimize optical loss while maintaining the
flexibility necessary to ensure that equipment and customer churn can
be quickly and cost-effectively accomplished. Splitter loss depends
mainly on the number of output ports. Each splitter configuration is
assigned a particular maximum split ratio loss, including connectors,
defined by the ITU G.671 standard and Telcordia GR-1209.

Since
the GPON standards have not yet defined the current split ratio maximum
for 1×64 splitters, network designers must use a single 1×2 splitter
interfacing two 1×32 splitters to make up the 1×64 configuration.
Although this is allowable with today’s packaging, using Class B optics
leaves only 5.35 dB of "head room." Therefore, even with the best fiber
manufactured, where the spectral attenuation is 0.31 dB per km, only a
17.25-km PON network is achievable without including any of the
connectors within the CO or the splices in the OSP.

Still,
the design engineer does have some options. In designing the network,
premium splitters and low-loss connectors can be deployed, and fusion
splices must be kept well below 0.05 dB of loss per splice. These and
other techniques will be used until the standards line up with the
technology for 1×64 and higher split ratios. In any case, it is easy to
see that moving to a 1×64 split ratio from an existing centralized
configuration will offer the best flexibility, easier test access, and
the greatest overall cost efficiencies in most FTTP applications.

GPON-ready: From CO to OSP 

Within
the CO, flexibility is the key. A network should never be built for a
single application. Rather, it should be built as a flexible long-term
network that can adapt to changes in equipment and technology. A
crossconnect network offers excellent flexibility for configuration
points. The output connector side is an important consideration and
should include high-quality connectors that can accommodate higher
power. Again, as optical output levels increase, APC will offer both
flexibility and adaptability in a migration to GPON technology.

Cable
management is critical in the CO, particularly bend radius protection.
Serving more and more subscribers requires careful consideration of
loss budgets and physical fiber management methods that protect the
optical signal from any degradation. The CO considerations for GPON can
be summarized in three words: flexibility, quality, and protection.

The
same architectural principles for the CO can be applied to the OSP
portion of the network to ensure a smooth migration to GPON; the
emphasis should be on centralized splitting. As described earlier, it’s
much easier to upgrade to a higher split ratio from a centralized
approach than a cascaded approach. There is some serious doubt as to
whether cascaded systems can even be converted to GPON without
significant expense and overhaul.

The
selection of connectors in the OSP is another important element to GPON
upgrades. Some vendors may tell customers that APCs are too expensive
and not necessary for GPON networks. That may have been true at the
onset, but the economies of scale in recent years have resulted in
SC/APC becoming more cost effective.

The
trend toward pushing fiber all the way to the customer premise has
established the need for high-performance hardened APCs that can
withstand the rigors associated with OSP implementation. Connectors
must perform in severe environments and varying temperature extremes.
Today, cost-effective APCs are available and specifically designed to
meet the highest OSP performance standards—minimizing loss budgets and
mitigating reliability issues such as endface geometry and temperature
variation.

While
service providers strive to meet the challenges of upgrading their FTTP
networks to GPON, equipment vendors should seek to make any migration
as seamless as possible. Flexibility is always the key to achieving
upgrades as easily, quickly, and painlessly as possible.

Patrick J. Sims, RCDD, is a senior principal systems engineer for ADC
and serves as a board member of the FTTH Council. He is responsible for
project management and operations of network design and systems
integration for ADC’s OmniReach fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) solutions.
Pat Thompson is
program manager for central office fiber products in ADC’s Global
Connectivity Solutions Group. He has worked with service providers
around the world to design, engineer, and manage fiber-optic networks.