Blog posts of '2019' 'April'

Fiber optic cables play a pivotal role in our every day’s lives and particularly within the telecommunications industry. This is mainly due to the advantages they have over regular copper network cables in terms of bandwidth, distance, security and reliability.

The range of fiber optic cables can vary greatly depending on the type used and the applications hey are designed for.

Internet Connectivity

Simply put, fiber optic cables have a massive advantage over traditional copper cables in this sphere as they can carry much larger amounts of data at far greater speeds. Because of this they are used throughout the industry and online space.

Computer Networks

In recent years it has become far easier to transfer data between computers across a network by using fiber optic cables. This allows for massive time savings and improved efficiency within the work place. A notable example of the use of fiber optic cable within networks would be within modern stock exchanges as these require data transfers within the shortest times possible.

Telephone

Long gone are the days of telephone operators transferring customers calls. Over the last few decades fiber optics have become the standard in telephonic communication, replacing the now equally as dated copper based systems of the past. This has led to revolutions in our daily lives with everything from clearer telephone conversations to full on video chats that we make use of on a now regular basis.

Medical

Being light weight and flexible makes fiber optics ideal for use within medical applications. The need for minimally invasive surgery is a major component in the success of fiber optics, mainly in the area of small and compact medical instrumentation. These devices are primarily used within the aforementioned surgeries as well as in diagnosing patients.

Automotive

Within the automotive industry fiber optics primarily take on the function of providing lighting to both the interior and exterior of vehicles. That being said, fiber optic cables within cars can play a vital role in safety systems such as traction control and airbags by reducing the time it takes for these systems to kick-in.

Military, Defense and Space Exploration

It almost goes without saying that fiber optics play a vital role in modern military, defense and space exploration systems. They are deployed throughout these applications to reduce communication times for data transmissions as well as provide greater security and confidentiality.

Lighting and Decorating

While perhaps not being seem as ground breaking or vital as the previously mentioned applications, fiber optics have really cemented their place as a convenient and cost effect solution within many commercial industries. Everything from street lighting to birthday parties these days tends to make use of fiber optics.

In today's world there is an ever-increasing need for more data, at faster speeds. The new MXC™ optical fiber connector system, created by US Conec, makes use of advanced high-density interconnect technology allowing it to offer greater speeds within data centers and networks.

PRIZM MT™ Ferrule

Able to support up to 64 fibers each handling one wavelength at 25 Gbps, the main component of the MXC™ connector system is the hermaphroditic PRIZM MT™ ferrule (also known as a lensed or expanded beam MT ferrule). This allows for speeds of up 1.6 Tbit/s (800 Gpbs in each direction), at this speed an entire 2 hour HD movie (4 GB) could be downloaded in just under 2 seconds.

The dimensions of the MXC™ ferrule are the same as those of a MT ferrule used in MTP®/MPO connectors. The key difference being that the PRIZM MT™ ferrule tip supports 64 micro lenses within 4 rows, each row containing 16 lenses.

MXC™ Connector Applications

Being able to support greater bandwidth than traditional MT fiber optic connectors, MXC™ connectors are being rolled out wherever high-speed data transmission is a top priority. This includes primarily Telecommunication Hubs and Servers, Storage Facilities, Open-Compute Architectures and Cloud Data Centers.

Features and Benefits

• Quality Support up to 64 fibers per ferrule
• 1.6 Tbit/s per connector
• Standard MT-ferrule compatible
• Lower cost due to reduced components
• No polishing required for assembly
• LC-style latch for easy insertion and removal
• Easy installation
• Small size

The Next Big Thing

As technology marches forward the MXC™ optical fiber connector system is doing its bit to stay ahead of the pack. We can most likely expect to see a switch from older solutions, as faster data transfer rates become essential to big business around the globe and begin the adoption of newer and more advanced solutions such as the MXC™.

MXC™, MTP®, PRIZM™ are trademarks or registered trademarks of US Conec Ltd.

If you're in the market for a Network Rack Cabinet and are trying to decide on which is best for you this guide is for you. Here we will endeavor to give you some clarity on how they work and which ones are best suited for particular situations.

What is a Network Rack? 

Network Racks are essentially frame structures used for housing standard 19" rack-mount equipment-servers as well as other devices such as routers, UPS’ and audio/video gear. This allows for better organization as well as provides additional security and cable management all the while enabling better airflow to the mounted network devices.

Where are Network Racks Commonly Used?

Without question the majority are mainly found throughout company data centers and server rooms across the world. Additionally they can be found in audio/video installations, anywhere where there is a need to house telecoms equipment and in industrial environments such as factory floors.

What Size Do I Need?

The height of network racks is measured in what is known as “Rack Units” (1.75 inches, or 44.45mm). This means that typically when you are shopping for network rack you will see the Rack Unit amount displayed, as opposed to the actual height measurement. An example is shown below:

18U Network Server Rack Cabinet – 600mm X 600mm

In the example above the network rack is 18 Rack Units in height, this means it is approximately 31.5″ or 800mm tall. Always be sure to properly access amount of space you will require currently and in the future so as to avoid having to make additional purchases as your system expands.

Which Type of Network Rack Do I Need?

This is entirely dependent on the type of environment and networking situation you find yourself in. That said, here is a simple break-down of the types and the various applications they are best suited too.

Rack Enclosure – Floor Standing

These are great for organizing and secure networking, storage and telecom equipment within future or existing data centers, server rooms and network closets.

They are generally neater in appearance than Open Frames due to them being enclosed, devices are generally accessible via locked doors and panels around the enclosure.

Open Frame – Floor Standing

This is perhaps the most economical way in which to organize your network equipment. It’s open frame allows for the best possible airflow and for the easiest access your mounted devices.

The only downside is they may not appear as neat and provide no additional security due to their open nature.

Rack Enclosure – Wall Mount

A particular type of rack enclosure which is specifically designed to be mounted on walls as opposed the floor standing rack enclosures. This is great if you are looking to save on floor space as these usually considerably smaller.

They are primarily found in places with limited space, a good example of which would be classrooms or smaller offices.

Open Frame – Wall Mount

With the same features as the open frame – floor standing versions these wall mountable racks are ideally suited for areas with limited space where security is not essential (due to the lack of a lockable enclosure).

The advantage with these is the ease of access coupled with great airflow. 

As mentioned before, it is hugely important to plan ahead when it comes to your network storage needs as well as to identify potential growth needs. Be sure to check out out our Network Racks and Wall Mount Enclosures and remember you can also get in touch with Fibertronics either by phone (877) 320 3143 or email sales@fibertronics.com.

Designed as a miniature detachable connector the PRIZM® LightTurn® Connector provides passive alignment and novel retention features allowing multiple re-matings\perpendicular to the printed circuit board.

This 12-fiber connector is made up of a multi-fiber floating ferrule with a photonic TIR lens enclosed in a protective housing. The perpendicular mating capability saves vast amounts of space on already densely packed circuit boards.

Features & Applications

• TIR (Total Internal Reflection) lens
• Wavelength independent optical grade material
• Bidirectional components
• Integrated alignment pins
• Housing protects TIR lens array
• Ferrule float within the connector
• Pre-alignment latches on connector housing
• Keyed for proper mating orientation
• Quick termination, no polishing
• Less than 1 minute light cure for epoxy
• Collimated light at optical interface

Where It's Used

The PRIZM® LightTurn® Connector can be used across multiple applications which include telecommunications, datacoms and within the newly emerging high-speed computercom markets.