Originally designed for 3-mm cable, the re-designed singlemode SC connectors meet the requirements and objectives Telcordia GR-326 to optimize performance on 1.6- to 2-mm cable. Using components similar to other small-form-factor connectors, they also incorporate six-position tuning to optimize fiber alignment. Complete testing was performed at Intertek Testing Services NA, an independent laboratory. Supplemental data was collected at 1490- and 1625-nm wavelengths for fiber to the home, optical service channels, and other L-band applications. The configuration tested was a simplex SC connector, which was terminated to 1.6-mm simplex cordage that contained standard, matched-cladding fiber. Use of this fiber, instead of a bend-insensitive type, confirms that the connector’s design performs reliably, even when external loads are applied.
Tyco Electronics, Harrisburg, PA, www.tycoelectronics.com/fiberoptics
For outside plant crews installing and maintaining optical-fiber cables in broadband, metro, access, and FTTH networks, the OFL 200 handheld OTDR combines full/semi-automation mode for operators not familiar with OTDRs with the ease of use of manual mode for experienced users. It provides an integrated 650-nm visual fault locator with a universal adapter for short-distance troubleshooting and fiber tracing. The fast-change switchable adapter allows the OTDR to interface launch cables with a variety of connector styles. The rugged, lightweight 1550-nm singlemode tester locates reflective and non-reflective breaks and provides a wide temperature range (−10° to +50°C). It also features a large LCD with backlight; Windows-compatible software to view, print, and archive test records; cursor and zoom controls to measure event loss, reflectance, and location; rechargeable NiMH battery pack, AC adapter, or AA alkaline; switchable OTDR port adapter; and >70-km effective range.
AFL Telecommunications, Franklin, TN, www.afltele.com
The GainMaster highly sophisticated EDFA design and simulation software package enables users to evaluate the company’s IsoGain and MetroGain products in their own EDFA designs, without wasting increasingly scarce engineering resources. Users can design custom gain-flattening filters (GFFs) and perform cost-benefit analyses on all critical components, including isolators, pump WDMs, and tap couplers. The software is licensed to buyers of IsoGain and MetroGain products at no additional cost.
Fibercore, Hampshire, UK, www.fibercore.com
For splicing fiber into distribution frames, FIS Snap Packs are adapter panels pre-terminated with fiber-optic pigtails. Color-coded with standard industry colors, they come in 6- or 12- fiber bundles. Custom assemblies are available with choice of adapter panel, fiber length, endface polish, etc.
Fiber Instrument Sales, www.fiberinstrumentsales.com, Oriskany, NY
The enhanced ONS 15530 DWDM platform with high-density storage and multiprotocol service aggregation capabilities provides users the flexibility to meet a broad range of disaster recovery and business continuity requirements, from the core of enterprise data centers to remote branch offices. The comprehensive SAN extension portfolio includes metro DWDM, storage over SONET/SDH, and Fibre Channel (FC) over IP solutions. Two new line cards provide four-port 1- or 2-Gbit/sec FC/Ficon aggregation for higher service density over extended distances and a eight-port multiservice muxponder to support storage, data, voice, and video services over a highly available DWDM network. This protocol and data-rate flexibility meets the service requirements of managed service providers and enterprises through a single, scalable platform that supports low-speed, legacy services such as T1/E1 or Fast Ethernet as well as high-speed newer services.
Cisco Systems, San Jose, CA, www.cisco.com
Based on the new LAN/PHY architecture for video on demand networks, the PLEXiS GXTX-9180 transmitter, GXRX-9182 receiver, and GXTR-9184 transceiver use 10-Gbit/sec short-reach XFP pluggable optics for LAN side connection. The WAN side link is provided by ITU grid DWDM optics, which offer link distances exceeding 600 km. Extensive monitoring capability for Ethernet statistics is available for the transmitter, receiver, and transceiver.
C-COR, State College, PA, www.c-cor.net
Designed to comply with the SFP multisource agreement (MSA), the SFP-155E electrical transceiver delivers full-duplex STM-1 electrical (155-Mbit/sec) SDH transport over coaxial cables. The hot-pluggable module is fully interchangeable with STM-1 optical SFP modules, delivering instant STM-1 electrical support-any system that already supports STM-1 optical can now support STM-1 electrical. Additionally, a single card can support both optical and electrical STM-1 interfaces. The electrical interface is fully compliant with ITU-T G.703 (ES1) recommendations and can be connected using standard DIN 1.0/2.3 75-Ω cable connectors. Serial identification (EEPROM) in accordance with the SFP MSA is available. Typical applications include next generation SDH add/drop multiplexers, optical edge devices, multiservice provisioning platforms, and switching systems. The transceiver was designed under a development partnership agreement with AimBridges.
ITT Industries, Cannon, Newton, MA, www.ittcannon.com