When deploying fiber in the access network, operators have long valued systems that use each fiber strand bidirectionally. The reasons are simple. This approach reduces the number of fibers required by 50%, which saves the capital cost, as well as the installation, termination, and maintenance of those fibers. Bidirectional optics also help to reduce various operational troubles, such as misconnecting a two-fiber link (splitting the pair) and asymmetrical fiber failures.
