For many years, communications network equipment manufacturers performed most of the lab testing efforts when designing and certifying their gear for use in the field by their customers.  Now that fiber optic systems are the norm around the world for driving communications, many of the equipment users themselves are testing potential devices before deployment to determine the best solution for their own unique needs.  Financial service providers, utilities, local governments, and smaller regional internet providers have recognized that having even a small and efficient lab setup where they can simulate their network and train technicians can go a long way in optimizing their operations.

Topics: fiber optic training, optical fiber spools, test lab, fiber optic network simulator, optical time delay

Simulating real-world fiber optic links and time delays in the lab environment is both a frequent and necessary task for engineers performing R&D and equipment certification testing processes.  With the evolution to more advanced network architecture, increasing speeds of 400G and beyond, and latency always being a key element, replicating the field network as closely as possible in the lab is critical to ensure systems will perform as expected post-deployment. 

Topics: optical fiber spools, fiber latency, fiber optic network simulator, optical time delay, latency simulator

This year’s OFC conference in San Diego will be another showcase of innovative new and future technologies.  With fiber optic communication and networking equipment continuing to evolve, testing procedures and setups must also grow and change as part of the process.  Engineers are then often faced with a challenge - how can they continue to add and integrate new systems and the appropriate connectivity infrastructure in a finite amount of lab space?  While some may benefit from new facility expansions, the luxury of additional square footage and rack space isn't often the case for most.

Topics: optical fiber spools, fiber optic network simulator, optical time delay

Using Fiber Network Simulation to Certify New Optical Equipment 

Topics: fiber optic testing, optical fiber spools, fiber network simulation

It is well known that fiber optics are at the heart of data-focused industries such as telecommunications, cable, and enterprise networking.  But fiber optic technology also plays a critical role for utility providers such as electric, gas, and water. Simulating the network and testing for latency are keys to successfully deploying fiber networks in the utilities industry.

Topics: optical fiber spools, fiber optic network simulator, simulate latency, utilities

If your company is like most that are involved with building or utilizing fiber optic systems, chances are you have a few spools of bare optical fiber laying around the lab.  Since it is critical to ensure fiber-based equipment works as intended prior to deployment in the field, it is a recommended and common practice for engineers to simulate networks using spools of bare optical fiber.  Because there have been a variety of different fibers available over the years, engineers can end up with fair amount of spools at their disposal.

Topics: optical fiber, optical fibers, fiber spools, optical fiber spools, bare optical fiber

This new, free whitepaper from M2 Optics Inc. discusses the importance of simulating a physical fiber optic network in the laboratory and best practices for achieving maximum results.
 

Topics: optical fiber, m2 optics, optical fiber spools, 100G, network simulation, fiber optic network simulator

Topics: optical fiber, optical network, optical fibers, optical fiber spools, fiber optic network simulation, fiber optic equipment