As an acknowledgement that enterprise network managers now have more to worry about than local area networks (LANs), the Telecommunications Industry Association’s (TIA) Fiber Optics LAN Section (FOLS) has decided to rename itself the Fiber Optics Technology Consortium (FOTC).

Members of the FOLS, a group of vendors of fiber-optic network technology, in particular have noticed the growing opportunities for fiber-optic cable in data center environments and have been attempting to address this environment for some time.

“Our new name better reflects our evolving scope,” says Rodney Casteel, chairman of the FOTC. “There is so much opportunity now in the use of fiber-optic technology beyond the local area network that it made sense for our group to embrace those changes. Fiber-based solutions are now integral to campus environments, data centers, and other emerging applications. We are working to disseminate information about them all.”

The new FOTC website (www.tiafotc.org) builds on the foundation of the old FOLS home on the Internet. It offers whitepapers, FAQs on fiber, presentations, technology information, and the group’s interactive Network Architecture Model. The model enables users to compare and assess different standards-approved architectures – hierarchical star, centralized cabling, and fiber-to-the-telecom enclosure. The model includes information about both fiber and copper media. The FOTC hopes to release a new, updated version of the model later this year.

FOTC members include 3M; AFL; Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company; CommScope; Corning; Fluke Networks; General Cable; Leviton; OFS; Ortronics/Legrand; Panduit; Prysmian Group; Sumitomo Electric Lightwave; Superior Essex; and TE Connectivity. Companies interested in participating in the TIA’s FOTC should contact Ancilla Brady, TIA’s Director, Member Relations & Services, at [email protected].

For more information on fiber cable and suppliers, visit the Lightwave Buyer’s Guide.