OFS AllWave+ fiber complies with ITU-T G.652.D, G.657.A1

OFS has added AllWave+ zero water peak (ZWP) singlemode fiber to is AllWave fiber roster. The new fiber complies with both ITU-T G.652.D and G.657.A1 to provide improved bending performance for FTTx, metro, and mobile backhaul applications.

Bend-tolerant fibers have become a mainstay of FTTx networks (watch the video “Ultra Bend-Insensitive Fiber”). However, several trends now make this capability attractive for other applications in the outside plant says John George, director, OFS Global Technical Marketing. The drive for smaller enclosures and interest in extending transmission into the L-Band are two, he says. Meanwhile, in FTTH networks, any use of 10G PON technology means transmitting at wavelengths more susceptible to bending losses, George adds.

AllWave+ fiber supports a 40% smaller bend radius (to 10 mm) and 50% lower bend loss than standard AllWave, and provides the added benefit for metro and mobile backhaul applications of offering 33% improvement in resistance to polarization mode dispersion (PMD), George says. The fact that the new fiber maintains a mode field diameter of 9.2 microns means it maintains compatibility with other singlemode fibers, making splicing very efficient. The wide range of potential applications also reduces the number of different fiber types carriers must maintain, George says as well.

"Service providers are deploying more applications such as FTTx, FTTH, mobile backhaul, and metro CWDM, operating at longer bend-sensitive wavelengths between 1490 to 1625 nm to meet higher bandwidth demands and grow revenues,” said Peter Spehr, executive director sales and marketing, EMEA Cable & Connectivity for OFS via a company press release announcing the new fiber. “As bending sensitivity increases, AllWave+ fiber increases reliability by helping to prevent bend-induced service outages, and enabling faster, more compact installations by helping to further shrink micro-cables and enclosures."

The fiber is available internationally; George says OFS has already received orders for it from U.S. customers.

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