The Importance of Simulating PON Networks Before Deployment

Posted by John Kornegay on Fri, Jun 21, 2019 @ 12:06 PM

The fact that fiber optics are used in the transmission of light-signal data is widely known, as is the fact that separated ways are required to allow those signals to arrive at their intended destination. Typically speaking, there are two types of network that are employed to achieve this goal:

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Topics: PON

Fiber Optic Network and Latency Simulator Saves Significant Rack Space

Posted by John Kornegay on Fri, Apr 12, 2019 @ 10:04 AM

The versatile Fiber Lab 750 from M2 Optics offers multiple lengths of optical fiber in just 3RU, saving 50% or more rack space for engineers.

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Topics: latency, optical time delays

High-Density Optical Time Delay Platform for Fiber Optic Networks

Posted by John Kornegay on Fri, Mar 29, 2019 @ 17:03 PM

The customizable Fiber Lab 250HD from M2 Optics provides a versatile solution for communications service providers, test labs, and research institutions.

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Topics: optical time delays

Types of Optical Delay Lines: Passive and Active

Posted by Kevin Miller on Tue, Mar 5, 2019 @ 14:03 PM

 

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Topics: RFoF, optical time delays

Eliminate the “Dead Zone” With an OTDR Launch Box

Posted by John Kornegay on Wed, Jan 23, 2019 @ 16:01 PM
The Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) is a vital tool for fiber optic testing that can analyze the performance of fiber optic cabling through the use backscattering technologies, as well as identifying and locating connectors, splices, and breaks in fiber optic networks.

However, there is an unwanted phenomenon known as ‘dead zone’ that occurs when using an OTDR, which can cause improper readings if the right steps aren’t taken. This dead zone limitation can be avoided through the use of an OTDR Launch Box, which is what we review in more detail here.

The Launch Box Basics

The launch box, which is also known in the industry as a launch fiber, pulse suppressor, dead zone box or fiber ring, is a device that helps to eliminate the dead zone issue during fiber optic testing significantly. The dead zone is something that occurs when the pulse width changes and causes a high degree of reflection that can cover an area several hundred meters from where the OTDR is located. This results in the OTDR device not being able to detect events or issues in that area.

A term launch box is a box that contains a long spool of fiber that is placed in between the fiber being tested and the OTDR. This provides extra fiber on which the dead zone can occur. This enables the OTDR to now detect events at the beginning of the fiber being tested.

Using Your Launch Box

Launch boxes come in various shapes and sizes. However, all tend to have a robust outer casing to make them more durable. Each end of the fiber is terminated, with one to be attached to the OTDR and the other to the fiber being tested. Once connected to the relevant ports, the test can be run accordingly.

While using an OTDR box is a relatively simple process, you must be sure that it contains a sufficient length of fiber to take account of the entire dead zone or you still won’t achieve a proper reading on your trace and could miss events. Choosing the right OTDR launch box is important, as they can be customized to the specific application or device.



M2 Optics OTDR Sidekick Launch Box Solution



Choosing the Right One

When choosing the right OTDR launch box for your needs, you should approach it in the same way as you would choose a fiber patch cable. Box styles along with features such as connector type, fiber type, and fiber length should all be determined. Furthermore, some launch boxes are available with bulkhead adapters while others provide directly terminated fiber ends.

As mentioned before, a dead zone can cover several hundred meters, so your launch box spool should be long enough to cater for this. It is important to make sure you choose one that suits the job, and your OTDR user manual can provide guidance regarding the expected dead zones.

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If you would like to learn more about anything else relating to packaged optical fiber solutions, network simulation, and latency/time delays, please get in touch with us at M2 Optics by calling us on 919-342-5619 or, visit our website www.m2optics.com.


Contact M2 Optics For Your FREE Fiber Consultation!

Since 2001, M2 Optics has been an established manufacturer and innovator of professional optical fiber platforms for fiber network simulation, latency / optical time delay, training, and demonstration applications. Our customer base includes many of the world's most recognized communications service providers, equipment manufacturers, data centers, web service providers, financial institutions, research institutions, and government agencies.
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Topics: otdr

Reduce Truck Rolls With Fiber Monitoring

Posted by John Kornegay on Wed, Dec 19, 2018 @ 11:12 AM

When supporting high-usage services, there is always a chance for service disruption, which directly impacts the customers. When service outages arise, service providers and businesses are in a reactionary position while attempting to locate the system failure. Depending on the structure of the troubleshooting protocol for a service provider or business, there can be many steps taken before a technician is deployed. Once the technician is deployed, there still is a chance that challenged can arise for them locating the exact fault.

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Topics: fiber monitoring

Using OMI to Benchmark CATV Systems

Posted by Kevin Miller on Wed, Oct 31, 2018 @ 12:10 PM

Benchmarking is the evaluation of a performance in contrast to a standard, typically based on best processes and organizations in your industry. Typically bench marking revolves around key factors which are cost, time and quality. When considering communications systems of fiber optics, bench marking refers to the quality of performance of the information that is delivered. It is also a tremendously noteworthy impact on cost as well as time.

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Topics: omi

Benefits of Using Fiber Optic Attenuators with Doped Fiber

Posted by John Kornegay on Thu, Oct 18, 2018 @ 12:10 PM

Fiber optic attenuators are used in networking applications where an optical signal is too strong and needs to be reduced. There are many applications where this arises, such as needing to equalize the channel strength in a multi-wavelength system or reducing the signal level to meet the input specifications of an optical receiver. In both scenarios, reducing the optical signal strength is necessary or else system performance issues may arise.

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Topics: optical fiber

Four Benefits of Protecting Your Optical Fiber In A Test Environment

Posted by John Kornegay on Mon, Sep 10, 2018 @ 15:09 PM

If you are in the line of work where you are simulating networks using optical fiber, it is safe to assume that you have a few spools of bare fiber sitting in your test environment. The importance of ensuring your fiber-based network devices will work as envisioned before deployment in the field is vital. However, running simulations using unprotected or unsecured spools fiber can prevent you from producing the maximum results due to challenges that can arise.

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Topics: fiber optic testing

Sources of Latency in a Financial Communications Network

Posted by John Kornegay on Tue, Aug 14, 2018 @ 10:08 AM

The world’s financial communication networks are a paradigm of the modern world, and they operate at very high speeds through necessity, often using fiber optic technology. So fine are the lines between success and failure in today’s trading environment that just tiny fractions of seconds do matter. When financial institutions trade via these networks, shaving microseconds off network latency can result in a significant competitive advantage and millions of dollars annually. To reduce latency, one must understand the factors that can cause latency.

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Topics: latency