
White Paper: Understanding the Differences Between OM4 and OM5 Multimode Fiber

Multimode fiber is a staple of fiber-optic cable infrastructure in data centers and campus networks. The ISO/IEC 11801 standard defines five classes of multimode fiber: OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4 and OM5. In this white paper, we will review the basics of multimode fiber and the evolution of the different fiber standards. We’ll discuss the differences between OM4 and OM5 and clear up the misconceptions, discussing when OM5 is an appropriate choice and when OM4 will work just fine.
BLOG: Planning, Designing and Implementing a Cisco Catalyst Campus LAN Infrastructure

BLOG: Planning, Designing and Implementing a Cisco Catalyst Campus LAN Infrastructure

This article focuses on building a Cisco Catalyst Campus LAN infrastructure. We’ll explore planning, design, infrastructure, configuration, and implementation.
BLOG: Planning, Designing and Implementing a Cisco Catalyst Campus LAN Infrastructure

This article focuses on building a Cisco Catalyst Campus LAN infrastructure. We’ll explore planning, design, infrastructure, configuration, and implementation.
Is newer better? What you probably don’t know about OM5 multi-mode fiber (Part 2)

Learn about the optical fiber used for short reach connectivity in data center and campus networks. In part two of this two-part blog post, we describe a multi-mode fiber metric and when to use OM4 or OM5 type fiber.
Dell’Oro: Multi-gigabit to comprise only 10% of ports shipped through 2026

According to a new report by Dell’Oro Group, an analyst of the telecommunications, networks, and data center industries, more than $95 billion will be spent on campus switches over the next five years — whereas multi-gigabit switches (2.5/5/10 Gbps) are expected to comprise only about 10 percent of port shipments by 2026.
TIA Issues Edge Data Center Addendum to ANSI/TIA-942-B Data Center Infrastructure Standard.

TIA has released the Edge Data Center Addendum to the ANSI/TIA-942-B data center infrastructure standard which defines requirements for newer “edge” or “micro” data centers, which often come in prefabricated enclosures that are significantly smaller than the more traditional sprawling warehouses. The TIA-942-B-1 addendum is a significant step for the globally deployed standard because, as 5G services expand, new applications are emerging and the exponential growth of connected IoT devices are requiring more of the “intelligence” to be closer to the application end user and their devices. The more local processing of data helps applications to meet their latency and performance requirements as well as reduce the volume of raw data uploaded into the cloud.
Senko acquires optics-component manufacturer CudoForm

Senko Advanced Components has acquired CudoForm, a company that designs and manufactures high-precision micro-optic components with applications in data communications, consumer photonics, and biosafety. CudoForm’s CEO says the combined organization will ‘provide novel solutions that meet the demanding requirements of this tight-spaced packaging and difficult-to-integrate photonics ecosystem.
Poster-sized reference guide simplifies PON deployments

The newly released Passive Optical Network (PON) Reference Guide from AFL contains: A PON glossary Splitter specifications Information PON standards Applications and solutions information for FTTx fiber installation, verification, activation and troubleshooting.
Upon completion of a short form, the handy reference poster is now available for download in a complimentary 24 x 36 inch hard copy, sized to hang on any wall.
Ethernet Alliance re-ups Cisco, Amphenol fellows to lead board of directors

The Ethernet Alliance (EA) has announced the election of its 2022 officers slate and board of directors. Cisco’s Peter Jones and Amphenol’s Chris Lyon return to their respective seats as board chair and president.