New user requirements and a steady demand for more capacity have created new test challenges across the optical network spectrum. These articles explore some of the more salient challenges as well as solutions, including the benefits of the right monitoring system, strategies for successful multi-fiber connectorization, and evolving data center test requirements.
As we build out 5G infrastructure and applications, with more connected devices and data than ever before, we must all do everything we can to build and operate trusted, reliable networks that minimize our exposure to cyberattacks and espionage. The question, as ever, is how. TIA CEO Dave Stehlin calls for the use of industry-driven standards and programs to protect the security of the supply chain.
Ever since the invention of single mode fiber optic cable decades ago, the industry has continued to develop new ways of increasing the amount of data that can be transmitted over an optical fiber link. Two significant developments have improved fiber utilization: (1) the simultaneous transmission of multiple lasers of different wavelengths over a single fiber — a technique called wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), and (2) coherent transmission using digital signal processors (DSPs) to modulate and detect multi-levels in both phase and amplitude of laser light on two polarizations, resulting in increased spectral efficiency. This white paper reviews the technological advancements that have increased the capacity of information that can be transmitted over a single mode fiber link and discusses how parameters in coherent transmission such as modulation order, baud rate, and transmission shaping determine overall fiber capacity.
Active optical cables (AOCs) are used for short-range multi-lane data communication and interconnect applications. Usually, the wire transmission of optical communication should belong to passive part, but AOC is an exception. AOCs consist of multimode optical fiber, fiber optic transceivers, control chip and modules. They use electrical-to-optical conversion on the cable ends to improve speed and distance performance of the cable without sacrificing compatibility with standard electrical interfaces.
The demands of new and emerging technologies – things like 5G, BIoT and DAS – present both opportunities and challenges for enterprise fiber networks. Until recently, multimode transceivers were orders of magnitude less expensive than their single-mode counterparts, making multimode the fiber of choice for many enterprise network designers. Today, the cost of single-mode transceivers has come down significantly, making the increased bandwidth and longer distances made possible by single-mode fiber much more attractive. This presentation discusses why you may want to include single-mode fiber in your enterprise network.
Judging by the amount of traffic many people face on their morning commutes, anticipating demand and traffic flow is often the greatest stumbling block. My daily commute to work is a prime example: I’m stuck in the traffic on a six-lane highway where it converges into just two lanes ahead. As the car inches forward each time, I find myself repeating in my head “Who designed this highway?” Clearly, I didn’t think this was the most brilliant approach to improve traffic flow. Data center managers go through similar thinking processes when designing the network. The design stage is critical; it practically decides the outcome of a project, and most importantly, whether the investments are fully maximized.
The rollouts for 5G will be expensive, but analytics and machine learning can help operators plan their 5G rollouts in the most effective and customer-centric ways. Here are three ways how: Troubleshooting 5G network performance; Scheduling beamforming in massive MIMO networks to maximize capacity and coverage investments; and improving the positioning of indoor base stations.
In a mere four years, more than one billion users will rely on 5G. The emerging fifth-generation broadband network promises speeds at least seven times faster than the average 4G LTE browsing experience. While the average 4G browsing speeds run at an average of 56 Mbps, 5G would bump speeds up to 490 Mbps. That increased speed and powerful connection means big things for businesses seeking to pull off competitive digital transformations. But a broader, faster network also brings greater risk. Cybercriminals are always on the lookout for new, sophisticated ways to attack, so they’ll naturally take advantage of 5G’s promise.
For the electrical contractor, the promise of IoT could be fully unleashed with 5G. The real game changer will be sensor density, potential installation transmitters and supportive technologies such as 5G distributed antenna systems (DAS). The construction site could also be enhanced when 5G hot spots emerge. Think of how low latency and high bandwidth could upgrade the performance of AR goggles, perhaps working with BIM on site and back at the office, and other wireless and mobile tech.
Hargray Fiber will provide the critical infrastructure at Curiosity Lab at Peachtree Corners, a 5G Smart City incubator. Throughout Curiosity Lab, Hargray’s fiber optic-cable will serve as the key infrastructure backbone, with all services using or connected to the lab’s network benefiting from Hargray’s efficient, seamless transfer of data.
