Author Archives

Liz Goldsmith

AFL Releases New Gel-Free Technology

AFL’s new gel-free, dry buffer tube technology makes installation cost-friendly and simple as there is no support or messenger wire. The cable features a specialized water-blocking binder that absorbs any moisture around the cable. This makes the technology not only time saving, but more convenient and efficient to access the fibers as there’s no need for gel cleanup.

Fiber Testers: What You Need to Know before you buy!

Whether it’s outside plant (OSP) infrastructure, links between equipment in the data center, or the backbone in a LAN, a light source and power meter (LSPM) test set is the most vital of all tools for testing an installed fiber plant. Most specifications require Tier 1 testing per TIA and ISO standards using an LSPM to calculate total insertion loss and length. And even if a specification calls for Tier 2 testing, which requires an
optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) for determining insertion loss and reflection of individual connection points, final insertion loss testing still needs to be done with an LSPM test set that provides the most accurate overall channel loss testing.

Choosing the Right Innerduct Type for Your Next Fiber Optic Project

Innerduct has long been used to protect and segregate fiber optic cables installed in conduit outside-plant and premise environments. It also protects and segregates fiber cables in cable tray throughout telecommunications spaces and pathways. But did you know that there are multiple types of innerduct available? Where, how, and to what distance you plan to deploy fiber cables will dictate what type of innerduct is right for your project. Let’s look at the options.

DC power distribution’s role in the race to net zero

While achieving net zero is a significant challenge, more smart buildings are hitting the milestone. In 2020, the New Building Institute verified 700 net-zero facilities in North America, and it expects the number to increase by as much as 50% every two years. One approach to net zero is with a direct current (DC) power distribution system that incorporates a renewable microgrid with energy storage to generate and deliver enough DC power to support building loads while eliminating the inefficiencies of traditional AC grid power. Incentives and technological advancements can facilitate the adoption of DC power distribution.

Data Center liquid cooling market set to rise to $31B by 2031

As service providers and hyperscale providers progress in advancing artificial intelligence, algorithms, 5G networks, and augmented and virtual reality, it is creating a greater demand for data center liquid cooling.
According to the latest research by InsightAce Analytic, the global data center liquid cooling market size was valued at $3.56 billion in 2022, and it is expected to reach $31 billion in 2031, recording a promising CAGR of 27.2% during the forecast period of 2023-2031.