The Significance of Fused Couplers in the Optical World

Fused couplers are in use for several years now. They are generally meant for two actions- splitting optical signals between two fibers and to combine optical signals from two fibers into one fiber. Fused couplers are constructed by fusing and tapering two fibers together. This method provides a simple, rugged, and compact method of splitting and combining optical signals.

Fused Optic Couplers can be broadly classified into passive devices. For passive fiber optic couplers, there is no power required for operation. Fiber Optic Couplers can be of various types. For example, 1X N Singlemode couplers, PM Fiber Couplers, starsand trees coupler, etc. Let’s understand them in detail:-

  • 1X N Singlemode couplers: Splitters supply N outputs by using the single optical signal.
  • Tree Couplers: The Tree couplers are capable of executing both the functions, that of combiners as well as splitters, in just one device. This categorization is generally based upon the number of inputs and outputs ports. They are either multi-input with a single output or single input with a multi-output.
  • PM Couplers: PM coupler stands for Polarization Maintaining Fiber Coupler. It is a device that either splits the light rays from the input PM fiber into multiple outputs PM fibers or coalesces the luminosity signals from two PM fibers into a one PM fiber. The applications of PM couplers include signal monitoring in its systems, PM fiber interferometers, and also power sharing in polarization sensitive systems, etc.
  • Star Coupler: Star couplers distribute power from the inputs to the outputs.

Now coming to the benefits of these Fiber Optical Couplers, they are as follows:-

  • Low excess loss
  • High stability
  • High reliability
  • Low polarization dependent loss
  • Dual operating window
  • High directivity and Stumpy insertion loss.

There are several innovative and leading companies in the market that are providing supreme quality fiber optical components. These companies are containing teams of optical component engineers having tons of experience.. They provide cost effective solutions based on Fused Fiber Couplers, PLC, CWDM/DWDM Filters, Pump Combiners, PM Fiber Components, Isolators , and Integrated Modules technologies.

Learning the Different Coating Stripping Methods

The cladding power stripper also referred to as the multimode optical power stripper is designed for amplifier applications and high power fiber laser. It is an ideal device  for ASE, residual pump power stripping, core modes that have escaped from double cladding fibers inner cladding while ensuring preservation of single power minimal degradation and beam quality (M2). Single power that is reflected into the inner cladding may also be stripped out too.  The handling capability of the stripping power goes to 800W or at times may be even higher

Stripping the Coating

The fibers that most reputable companies supply all come with a standard  acrylate single layer coating or, in some such as the high power products, a coating that is high temperature enduring. In comparison to dual layer coatings, the coatings that are single layer are more brittle and smooth. The coating can be removed readily using the conventional tools for fiber stripping such as the Fitel S-210 Clauss or CFS-1 for 125 μm cladding diameter fiber or for larger cladding diameters the Clauss No Nik stripper is used. For fibers whose outer diameter is non-standard, it is recommended that an adjustable stripper is used.  Thermal strippers such as those that are attached to the Schleuniger FiberStrip 7030 or the Vytran FFS-2000 can be used for all fiber in a safe way.

Alternatively, chemical stripping of fibers can be done using an appropriate solvent. For example, the coating can be exposed for one minute to sulfuric acid at 120°C sulfuric acid. Before the fiber is dipped into the liquid, the tip should be sealed with a drop of glue of 2 mm in diameter or through the end fiber hole collapsing using a fusion splicer.  It is worth noting that most glue types are dissolved in this acid, but epoxies that are two-component such as the Epotek ND353 tends to dissolve in a slower manner than the coating.

It is also possible to obtain chemical stripping through application on the fiber tip, of paint stripper. The paint stripper is usually in the form of a gel so as to reduce the occurrence of out-gassing and can be applied easily using a small brush. After a minute or so, the coating becomes soft and is removed easily using a lens tissue. It is worth noting that paint stripper typically contains dichloromethane (CH2Cl2) and as such there may be restrictions by local regulations to use it. For lower quality and faster stripping, another option would be to use a normal cigarette lighter to burn the coating off. However, the fiber may end up becoming brittle hence not the best choice for stripping.

Field-Terminated Fusion Splice-On Connector-North American Market Forecast

According to ElectroniCast, the quantity of field-terminated fiber optic splice-on connectors in North America will increase at an explosive annual rate of 41.9% …

ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market research & technology forecast consultancy addressing the fiber optics communications industry, today announced the release of a new market forecast of the consumption of field terminated fiber optic fusion splice-on connectors in North America.

Fusion_Splice_on_Connector

Field terminated fiber optic fusion Splice On Connectors (SOC) are installed for rapid repairs or for limited space situations where pre-terminated fiber cabling may be difficult, such as when the cable assembly needs to pass through small openings such as conduit.  The splice-on connectors are an option when the precise length of the optical fiber link is not pre-determined and a field-installed termination solution is required, such as in Fiber to the Home (FTTH) and other communication applications.

Last year, 306-thousand field-terminated fiber optic fusion splice-on connectors were installed in non-OEM applications in North America.  The number of connectors is forecast to increase at an explosive rate of 41.9% per year, reaching 2.49 million units in 2020.  Market forecast data in this study report refers to consumption (use) for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.

The Telecommunications application category is forecast to maintain the leadership in relative market share through the year 2018, until the Premises Networks application category is set to capture the lead.  Telecommunication use is forecast for 35.5% annual growth in quantity (2014-2020), mainly driven by access optical fiber deployment.  The Cable TV application is also driven by the use of connectors for FTTH (Home) and FTTB (Building/MDUs – Multiple Dwelling Units).

The market forecast segments the connectors by single-mode and multimode optical fiber, as well as into the following types: MPO, LC, FC, ST, SC, and other.  The use of single mode fiber optic field-terminated fusion splice-on connectors in North America is forecast to increase from 173.8-thousand units in 2014 to 1.49 million in 2020.  Multimode fiber is best suited for use in short lengths, such as those used in datacom and specialty networks and in 2020, multimode connectors are expected to reach 1-million units.

“In 2014 in North America, 4.3-thousand new fusion splicers were brought into Premises Datacom, and the use of field terminated fusion splice on connectors is a major market driver for the use of fiber optic fusion splicers used in premises network applications, the data center (DC) and longer link length datacom cable installations,” said Stephen Montgomery, Director of the ElectroniCast market study.

“The SOCs are emerging as a viable alternative to pre-terminated fiber optic cables (pigtail and cable assemblies/ patch cords).  Also, based on primary research interviews with network planners and installers, we are finding that field terminated fusion splice-on connectors are rapidly being accepted as a go-to solution.  With SOCs, communication network technicians can install reliable cable links with exact lengths, eliminating cable shortness or excess slack that is typically a result with the pre-terminated cable solution,” Montgomery added.

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The Modern Data Center – Modular Data Center

The modern data center is a complex place. The proliferation of mobile devices, like tablets and smartphones, place an ever-increasing pressure on the IT departments and data centers. End-user and customers’ expectation levels have never been higher and the demand for data shows no sign of slowing down. Data center managers must manage all of these elements while also remaining efficient and keeping costs under control. So where does the data center go from here?Modular Data Center

One thing I have noticed in the evolution of the modern data center is that the facilities are gaining importance; improving energy efficiency and IT management have come to the forefront. Maximizing the organization’s resources is vital, and that means delivering more to facilities and equipment without expending more on staffing. IDC forecasts that during the next two years, 25 percent of all large and mid-sized businesses will address the power and cooling facility mismatches in their data centers with new IT systems and put a 75 percent cap on data center space used. So there again is the crucial challenge of doing more and innovating while keeping budgets and spend under control.

Another key part of the next generation data center mix is automation. Today’s data center manager is engaged in sourcing the right automation tools that will help them manage energy consumption and add new technology without disrupting normal operations. These are a few of the key challenges in the modern data center—so data center managers and IT departments must find ways to address them.

Where does the Data Center Go Next?

At the heart of data center evolution is the information technology sector’s rapid rate of change. Many new products and services must be implemented with much less time to value, and data centers need to be agile enough to assess and accommodate them all. If you examine enterprise data centers, then you might observe the ways that cloud computing and hyperscale innovations are displacing traditional enterprise systems, with new paradigms pioneered by innovators like Amazon and Google. With new options being developed, enterprises now have to chart strategies for cloud computing, including public, private or hybrid cloud. Gauging where the technology will go next is difficult to tell. Will the traditional vendors, such as Cisco and EMC, prevail or will new paradigms from Nutanix or Simplivity disrupt and displace these traditional data center dominators?

The race is on to manage the rapid rate of change while also staying agile, meeting end-user expectations and managing costs. For example, data center managers must handle the level of capacity their data center requires while ensuring they don’t overspend on unused capacity. This is where the focus on data center design comes into play.

Taking the Data Center Forward

These specific needs and challenges that the modern data center faces require working with the right tools and solutions. Modular, purpose-built data center infrastructure allows organizations to develop data center services based on need—when capacity rises and where capacity is needed. For example, we’ve observed in Singapore that most data centers operate slightly above 2.1 Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE). This means that companies spend more on cooling their data center rather than on operating and powering the IT equipment. It is a simple challenge—drive efficiency without impacting operations. You want to drive PUE down to approximately 1.06, regardless of where you need to operate, and reap huge energy savings while better serving customers. If done right, there is a positive environmental impact.

Changing the paradigm of the traditional data center enables organizations to reap these rewards. Assessing and establishing business objectives that reflect what is possible, rather than what always has been or what is easier and more comfortable, has led to innovative services and new business models that reset the competitive standards for everyone. Better PUE is a mandatory step in this process. The PUE journey continues as evidenced by Amazon, which had recently taken to harnessing wind to power its data centers. Modular data centers will play a major part in this PUE journey, thanks to more efficient use of energy and greater flexible support for resiliency and compute density.

2015-Fiber Optic Sensors Global Market Forecast

According to ElectroniCast, the combined use of Continuous Distributed and Point fiber optics sensors reached $2.28 Billion in 2014…

Aptos, CA (USA) – February 18, 2015  — ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market/technology forecast consultancy, today announced the release of their market forecast and analysis of the global consumption selected Fiber Optic Point Sensors and Continuous Distributed Fiber Optics Sensor systems.

According to ElectroniCast, the consumption value of the combined use of Continuous Distributed and Point fiber optics sensors reached $2.28 Billion in 2014.

Continuous Distributed fiber optic sensor systems involve the optic fiber with the sensors embedded with the fiber.  ElectroniCast counts each Point fiber optic sensor as one unit; however, the volume of Distributed Continuous fiber optic sensors is based on a complete optical fiber line and associated other components, which are defined as a system.

“Since a distributed continuous optical fiber line (system) may have 100s of sensing elements in a continuous-line, it is important to note that ElectroniCast counts all of those sensing elements in a distributed continuous system as one (system) unit – only.  In the case of some applications, the price of the system may be several thousand dollars,” stated Stephen Montgomery, Director of the Fiber Optics Components group at ElectroniCast Consultants.

“POINT sensors are often used in Distributed fiber optic sensor systems (installed at multiple-points/ point-to-point); however, we count their use in the Point fiber optic sensor category and not in the continuous (non-stop) distributed sensor category,” Montgomery added.

DK Photonicswww.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as 1064nm High Power Isolator,1064nm Components, PM Components, (2+1)x1 Pump Combiner,Pump Laser Protector,Mini-size CWDM,100GHz DWDM,Optical Circulator,PM Circulator,PM Isolator,Fused Coupler,Mini Size Fused WDM.

DATA FIGURE

According to ElectroniCast, The EMEA region held a slight lead in the worldwide consumption value of fiber optic sensors last year (2014)…

Fiber Optic Sensor Global Consumption Regional Market Forecast

($2.28 Billion in 2014)

Source: ElectroniCast Consultants

fiber optic coupler

Testing Fiber Optic Splitters Or Other Passive Devices

A fiber optic splitter is a device that splits the fiber optic light into several parts by a certain ratio. For example, when a beam of fiber optic light transmitted from a 1X4 equal ratio splitter, it will be divided into 4-fiber optic light by equal ratio that is each beam is 1/4 or 25% of the original source one. A Optical Splitter is different from WDM. WDM can divide the different wavelength fiber optic light into different channels. fiber optic splitter divide the light power and send it to different channels.

Most Splitters available in 900µm loose tube and 250µm bare fiber. 1×2 and 2×2 couplers come standard with a protective metal sleeve to cover the split. Higher output counts are built with a box to protect the splitting components.

Testing a coupler or splitter (both names are used for the same device) or other passive fiber optic devices like switches is little different from testing a patchcord or cable plant using the two industry standard tests, OFSTP-14 for double-ended loss (connectors on both ends) or FOTP-171 for single-ended testing.

First we should define what these passive devices are. An optical coupler is a passive device that can split or combine signals in optical fibers. They are named by the number of inputs and outputs, so a splitter with one input and 2 outputs is a 1×2 fiber splitter, and a PON splitter with one input and 32 outputs is 1×32 splitter. Some PON splitters have two inputs so it would be a 2X32. Here is a table of typical losses for splitters.

Splitter-Ratio

Important Note! Mode Conditioning can be very important to testing couplers. Some of the ways they are manufactured make them very sensitive to mode conditioning, especially multimode but even singlemode couplers. Singlemode couplers should always be tested with a small loop in the launch cable (tied down so it does not change and set the 0dB reference with the loop.) Multimode couplers should be mode conditioned by a mandrel wrap or similar to ensure consistency.

Let’s start with the simplest type. Shown below is a simple 1X2 splitter with one input and two outputs. Basically, in one direction it splits the signal into 2 parts to couple to two fibers. If the split is equal, each fiber will carry a signal that is 3dB less than the input (3dB being a factor of two) plus some excess loss in the coupler and perhaps the connectors on the splitter module. Going the other direction, signals in either fiber will be combined into the one fiber on the other side. The loss is this direction is a function of how the coupler is made. Some couplers are made by twisting two fibers together and fusing them in high heat, so the coupler is really a 2X2 coupler in which case the loss is the same (3dB plus excess loss) in either direction. Some splitters use optical integrated components, so they can be true splitters and the loss in each direction may different.

optical coupler

So for this simple 1X2 splitter, how do we test it? Simply follow the same directions for a double-ended loss test. Attach a launch reference cable to the test source of the proper wavelength (some splitters are wavelength dependent), calibrate the output of the launch cable with the meter to set the 0dB reference, attach to the source launch to the splitter, attach a receive launch cable to the output and the meter and measure loss. What you are measuring is the loss of the splitter due to the split ratio, excess loss from the manufacturing process used to make the splitter and the input and output connectors. So the loss you measure is the loss you can expect when you plug the splitter into a cable plant.

To test the loss to the second port, simply move the receive cable to the other port and read the loss from the meter. This same method works with typical PON splitters that are 1 input and 32 outputs. Set the source up on the input and use the meter and reference cable to test each output port in turn.

What about the other direction from all the output ports? (In PON terms, we call that upstream and the other way from the 1 to 32 ports direction downstream.) Simply reverse the direction of the test. If you are tesing a 1X2 splitter, there is just one other port to test, but with a 1X32, you have to move the source 32 times and record the results on the meter.

fiber-splitter

What about multiple input and outputs, for example a 2X2 coupler? You would need to test from one input port to the two outputs, then from the other input port to each of the two outputs. This involves a lot of data sometimes but it needs to be tested.

There are other tests that can be performed, including wavelength variations (test at several wavelengths), variations among outputs (compare outputs) and even crosstalk (put a signal on one output and look for signal on other outputs.)

Once installed, the splitter simply becomes one source of loss in the cable plant and is tested as part of that cable plant loss for insertion loss testing. Testing splitters with an OTDR is not the same in each direction.

Other Passive Devices

There are other passive devices that require testing, but the test methods are similar.

Fiber optic switches are devices that can switch an input to one of several outputs under electronic control. Test as you would the splitter as shown above. Switches may be designed for use in only one direction, so check the device specifications to ensure you test in the proper direction. Switches may also need testing for consistency after multiple switch cycles and crosstalk.

Attenuators are used to reduce signal levels at the receiver to prevent overloading the receiver. There is a page on using attenuators that you should read. If you need to test an attenuator alone, not part of a system, use the test for splitters above by using the attenuator to connect the launch and receive cables to see if the loss is as expected.

Wavelength-division multiplexers can be tricky to test because they require sources at a precise wavelenth and spectral width, but otherwise the test procedures are similar to other passive components.

Fiber optic couplers or splitters are available in a wide range of styles and sizes to split or combine light with minimal loss. All couplers are manufactured using a very simple proprietary process that produces reliable, low-cost devices. They are physically rugged and insensitive to operating temperatures. Couplers can be fabricated in custom fiber lengths and/or with terminations of any type.

DK Photonicswww.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as PLC Splitter, WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.

Can I use single mode equipment over multimode cable and vice versa?

This is a question we get many times from our customers. Especially common is a situation, in older installations, back to the times when multimode cable was cheaper than single mode, and inside buildings, and some last mile installations were planned so, that multimode cables were laid.

Answer is not that easy, to answer simply yes or no. Let’s delve in a details.

Definitions:

  • SONET – Synchronous Optical Network
  • SMF – SingleMode Fiber
  • MMF – MultiMode Fiber
  • LED – Light Emitting Diode
  • DMD – Differential Mode Delay
  • Mode –
  1. light rays entering the fiber at the particular angle;
  2. paths of different length and transmission delays that travel through the cable.

SMF is using laser as a source for the light and therefore light beam is very concentrated. It allows higher bandwidth compared to MMF, while having greater transmission distance.

MMF is typically using LEDs for transmission of the optical signal. It is clear from the name, that it uses multiple modes of light at the same time. Entry angles differ for each mode of the light resulting in different speeds and distances that signal can travel.

single-mode-vs-multimode

Single mode vs Multimode

  1. It is possible to interconnect two devices using SMF interface at one end and MMF receiver at another one. But here, many depends also on devices. Like for example ,more sophisticated routers, like Huawei, Alcatel or Cisco while supporting that at physical layer, will not support it at TA. Problem is in DMD that may occur when two different modes are directly coupled. Degradation of the bandwidth also decreases the distance supported for transmission. Also, SMF transmitter should be calibrated in a way so the SMF signal would not overdrive MMF receiver.

Solution: Using the intermediate switch with SMF and MMF interfaces that is able to convert the signals is a good alternative.

  1. If you use simple devices, such as video over fiber, or media converters, then it depends, what wavelength are used for your equipment. The trick here is that as we know, single-mode fibers used in telecommunications operate at 1310 or 1550 nm and require bit (now only a little bit) more expensive laser sources, and in older equipment MMF wavelength used were 850 nm.

And if you have this kind of transceivers, then it won’t work over your single mode cable. If you have a newer generation media converters, which use 1300 nm lasers, it will most likely work.

Most common wavelengths

Table 1. Most common wavelengths (non WDM, CWDM or DWDM) used in optical transmission systems.

DK Photonicswww.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as PLC Splitter, WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator, Optical Switch and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.

Market Forecast–MPO Connectors in 40/100GbE – DK Photonics

MPO fiber optic connectors used in North American 40/100GbE communication links are forecast to increase at a rate of 49.8% per year through 2018…

MPO

Aptos, CA (USA) – August 20, 2014 —ElectroniCast Consultants, a leading market & technology forecast consultancy addressing the fiber optics communications industry, today announced the release of their market forecast and analysis of the use of MPO fiber optic connectors in 40 gigabit Ethernet (GbE) and 100GbE Standard communication network links.  MPO is the industry acronym for “multi-fiber push on.”

“Applications such as video, virtualization, cloud computing, switching/routing and convergence are driving the need for bandwidth expansion in data centers, 4G/LTE (wireless) networks, and other deployments.  We continue on the path of gradually migrating from 1G to 10G to 40G and 100G and eventually beyond; and the MPO connector is a key component in 40/100GbE network links, ” said Stephen Montgomery, director of the fiber optics components group at ElectroniCast.

The use of MPO fiber optic connectors in North American 40GbE and 100GbE networks is expected to reach $28 million in 2014, an increase of 84% over last year (2013). The use of 40/100GbE MPO connectors in North American is forecast to increase at annual rate of 49.8% per year over the 2013-20189 timeframe covered in the ElectroniCast market forecast. Market forecast data in the market study refers to consumption (use) for a particular calendar year; therefore, this data is not cumulative data.

The market forecast is segment by the use of single-mode and multimode 12-fiber and 24-fiber MPO connectors, and further broken-out by the use of connectors in 40G and the connectors used in 100G.

According to the market study, the North American 40/100GbE MPO connector market expansion will be dominated by the 12-fiber multimode MPO connectors, increasing at an average annual growth rate of 48.5 percent during the forecast period.

DK Photonicswww.dkphotonics.com  specializes in designing and manufacturing of high quality optical passive components mainly for telecommunication, fiber sensor and fiber laser applications,such as PLC Splitter, WDM, FWDM, CWDM, DWDM, OADM,Optical Circulator, Isolator, PM Circulator, PM Isolator, Fused Coupler, Fused WDM, Collimator, Optical Switch and Polarization Maintaining Components, Pump Combiner, High power isolator, Patch Cord and all kinds of connectors.

62.5/125 um Vs. 50/125um Multimode fiber Information

We have created this page to illustrate the very basic differences between 62.5 and 50/125 multimode fiber in selecting a patch cable for your existing cable plant.

62.5/125 um Vs. 50/125um Multimode fiber
62.5/125 um Vs. 50/125um Multimode fiber

 

62.5/125 um Vs. 50/125um Multimode fiber
62.5/125 um Vs. 50/125um Multimode fiber

The key thing to remember is to always use a patch cable of the same type as the cable that you are connecting to. It is virtually impossible to tell the difference between the two fiber types (62.5 and 50/125) by looking at the bare fiber* or the connectors*. Usually, this information will be written on the cable’s jacket.

The photos above illustrate that the outer diameters of the two fiber types are the same. What is different is the size of the center light carrying core of the fiber. You cannot see the fiber’s core without a microscope*. Therefore, you must rely on the writing that is on the fibers jacket to determine what type is.

Severe losses of light can occur when you try to match 50/125 and 62.5/125 fiber, as the illustration on the left shows.

62.5/125 um Vs. 50/125um Multimode fiber

* CAUTION: Never look directly into a fiber cable’s end face or into the ferrule of a connector (with fiber present) as there may be dangerous laser light present.

NOTE: This page was designed to help you know the difference between 62.5 and 50/125 fiber for the purpose of purchasing patch cables and products to connect to existing installed cabling. This page was not designed to provide information on choosing between the two types fiber for new installations.

Comparation Between EPON and GPON

With the continuous progress of science and technology, the Internet has gradually gone into the homes of the ordinary people, and the speed of broadband has increasingly become the topic of people in the entertainment and work often, from narrowband dial-up to broadband Internet, and then the fiber access Internet, broadband network, the rapid pace of PON technology gradually come to the front. Currently, there are two quite compelling PON standard has been officially released, which are GPON standard developed by the ITU / FSAN and EPON standard developed by IEEE 802.3ah working group. PON technology has been no doubt the ultimate solution for the future FTTH era. EPON and GPON who will the dominant FTTH tide has become a new hot debate. What’s the difference between EPON and GPON?

GPON and EPON Differences

Perhaps the most dramatic distinction between the two protocols is a marked difference in architectural approach. GPON provides three Layer 2 networks: ATM for voice, Ethernet for data, and proprietary encapsulation for voice. EPON, on the other hand, employs a single Layer 2 network that uses IP to carry data, voice, and video.

A multiprotocol transport solution supports the GPON structure (Figure 1). Using ATM technology, virtual circuits are provisioned for different types of services sent from a central office location primarily to business end users. This type of transport provides high-quality service, but involves significant overhead because virtual circuits need to be provisioned for each type of service. Additionally, GPON equipment requires multiple protocol conversions, segmentation and reassembly (SAR), virtual channel (VC) termination and point-to-point protocol (PPP).

Figure 1: Diagram showing a typical GPON network.
Figure 1: Diagram showing a typical GPON network.

EPON provides seamless connectivity for any type of IP-based or other “packetized” “communications” (Figure 2). Since Ethernet devices are ubiquitous from the home network all the way through to regional, national and worldwide backbone networks, implementation of EPONs can be highly cost-effective. Furthermore, based on continuing advances in the transfer rate of Ethernet-based transport — now up to 10 Gigabit Ethernet — EPON service levels for customers are scalable from T1 (1.5 Mbit/s) up through 1 Gbit/s.

Figure 2: Diagram showing a typical EPON network.
Figure 2: Diagram showing a typical EPON network.

Upstream Bandwidth

Subtracting the various system run overhead from the total bandwidth of the system uplink transmission is the upstream available bandwidth. It has a great relationship with the number of the ONU contained in the system, DBA (Dynamic Bandwidth Allocation) algorithm polling cycle, the type of bearer services, as well as the various business proportion. EPON and GPON are broadband access technology, hosted business IP data services. Below we will calculate the uplink the beared pure IP services available bandwidth of EPON and GPON that contain 32 ONUs, fiber optic coupler,the case of polling period 750s.

EPON

EPON upstream rate is 1.25 Gbit/s. Because the 8B/10B line coding, each 10bit are 8bit valid data, so its effective upstream transmission bandwidth is 1 Gbit/s. EPON upstream overhead of running the system and its proportion of the total bandwidth are as following:

1. Used for the the burst reception of physical layer overhead: about 3.5%;

2. Ethernet frame encapsulation overhead: about 7.4%;

3. MPCP (Multi-Point Control Protocol) and OAM operation and management of maintenance protocol overhead: about 2.9%;

4. DBA algorithm resulting in the remaining time slots (that is not sufficient to transfer a complete Ethernet frame time slot) wasted: about 0.6%;

5. EPON upstream total overhead is all of the above about 144 Mbit/s, the available bandwidth is about 856 Mbit/s.

GPON

GPON supports a variety of rate levels, has asymmetric rate that downlink is 2.5Gbps or 1.25Gbps, the upgoing is 1.25Gbps or 622 Mbps. NRZ encoding the uplink total bandwidth for 1.244 Gbit/s, GPON upstream overhead of running the system as following:

1. The proportion of its total bandwidth is used for the the burst reception of physical layer overhead: about 2.0%;

2. GEM (GPON encapsulation method) frame and the Ethernet frame encapsulation overhead: about 5.8%;

3. The PLOAM (physical layer operation, management and maintenance) protocol overhead: about 2.1%;

4. Remaining slots of the DBA algorithm introduced the additional encapsulation overhead: about 0.8%.

5. GPON upstream total overhead is all of the above about 133 Mbit/s, the available bandwidth about 1111 Mbit/s.