Fiber Optic Communications Tutorials

Intoduction

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

There are two basic types of fiber used today and many different types of Fiber Optic Cable. The two types of
fiber are called SingleMode (SM) and MultiMode (MM), and SM fiber is more expensive but more efficient than MM
fiber. SingleMode fiber is generally used where the distances to be covered are greater. Cables come in a variety
of configurations determined by a variety of factors.
The following should give you a general overview of fiber optic cable and its features and benefits. But, because
of the variety of types of fiber optic cable, we recommend that you call us with a detailed description of your
application and allow us to recommend the cable best suited to meet your requirements.
While we recommend that you consult a fiber optical-cable specialist to determine the most cost effective cable
for your application, follow these pages for a few points to consider when specifying cable.

Fiber Optic Communications Tutorials Intoduction

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

There are two basic types of fiber used today and many different types of Fiber Optic Cable. The two types of
fiber are called SingleMode (SM) and MultiMode (MM), and SM fiber is more expensive but more efficient than MM
fiber. SingleMode fiber is generally used where the distances to be covered are greater. Cables come in a variety
of configurations determined by a variety of factors.
The following should give you a general overview of fiber optic cable and its features and benefits. But, because
of the variety of types of fiber optic cable, we recommend that you call us with a detailed description of your
application and allow us to recommend the cable best suited to meet your requirements.
While we recommend that you consult a fiber optical-cable specialist to determine the most cost effective cable
for your application, follow these pages for a few points to consider when specifying cable.

Tutorials Basic Cable Design

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information

Different Types of Cable

Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

1 - Two basic cable designs are:

Loose-tube cable, used in the majority of outside-plant installations in North America, and tight-buffered cable,
primarily used inside buildings.
The modular design of loose-tube cables typically holds up to 12 fibers per buffer tube with a maximum per cable
fiber count of more than 200 fibers. Loose-tube cables can be all-dielectric or optionally armored. The modular
buffer-tube design permits easy drop-off of groups of fibers at intermediate points, without interfering with other
protected buffer tubes being routed to other locations. The loose-tube design also helps in the identification and
administration of fibers in the system.
Single-fiber tight-buffered cables are used ase pigtails, patch cords and jumpers to terminate loose-tube cables
directly into opto-electronic transmitters, receivers and other active and passive components.
Multi-fiber tight-buffered cables also are available and are used primarily for alternative routing and handling
flexibility and ease within buildings.

2 - Loose-Tube Cable
In a loose-tube cable design, color-coded plastic buffer tubes house and protect optical fibers. A gel filling
compound impedes water penetration. Excess fiber length (relative to buffer tube length) insulates fibers from
stresses of installation and environmental loading. Buffer tubes are stranded around a dielectric or steel central
member, which serves as an anti-buckling element.
The cable core, typically surrounded by aramid yarn, is the primary tensile strength member. The outer
polyethylene jacket is extruded over the core. If armoring is required, a corrugated steel tape is formed around a
single jacketed cable with an additional jacket extruded over the armor.
Loose-tube cables typically are used for outside-plant installation in aerial, duct and direct-buried applications.

3 - Tight-Buffered Cable
With tight-buffered cable designs, the buffering material is in direct contat with the fiber. This design is suited for
"jumper cables" which connect outside plant cables to terminal equipment, and also for linking various devices in

a premises network.
Multi-fiber, tight-buffered cables often are used for intra-building, risers, general building and plenum
applications.
The tight-buffered design provides a rugged cable structure to protect individual fibers during handling, routing
and connectorization. Yarn strength members keep the tensile load away from the fiber.
As with loose-tube cables, optical specifications for tight-buffered cables also should include the maximum
performance of all fibers over the operating temperature range and life of the cable. Averages should not be
acceptable.

Tutorials General Cable Information

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

Coating

In the manufacturing process, a protective coating is applied to the glass fiber. The coating protects the glass
from dust and scratches which can affect a fiber's strength.

SingleMode

and

MultiMode

Fibers

There are two types of optical fiber: singlemode and multimode. MultiMode fiber has a much larger core than
SingleMode fiber, allowing hundreds of rays of light to propagate through the fiber simultaneously. Single mode
fiber, on the other hand, has a much smaller core that allows only one mode of light to propagate through the
core. While it might appear that MultiMode fibers have higher information carrying capacity, in fact the opposite is
true. Singlemode fibers retain the integrity of each light pulse over longer distances, allowing more information to
be transmitted. This high bandwidth has made SingleMode fiber the ideal transmission medium for many
applications. MulliMode fiber today is used primarily in premise applications, where transmission distances are
less than two kilometers.

Optical

Fiber

Sizes

The international standard for the cladding diameter of optical fibers is 125 microns (um). This compatibility is
important in that it allows fibers to fit into standard connectors and splices, and allows standard tools to be used
throughout the industry. The differences among fibers lie in their core sizes the light-carrying region of the fiber.
Standard SingleMode fibers are manufactured with the smallest core size, approximately 810 um in diameter.
With its greater information-carrying capacity, singlemode fiber typically is used for longer distance and higherbandwidth applications. MultiMode fibers are available in several core sizes. The most widely used sizes are 50
um and 62.5 um. Larger core sizes generally have greater bandwidth and are easier to couple and interconnect.

SingleMode

Step

Index

SingleMode fiber is designed with a "slopindex" profile, which refers to the shape of its refractive index profile
over a cross section of fiber. The refractive index of a material is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum
(where it is fastest) to the speed of light in the specific material.
In a SingleMode fiber, light is concentrated in the core; however, some light travels in the inner part of the
cladding at normal operating wavelengths. The diameter of the spot of light as it travels through the fiber is
called the mode field diameter (MFD). MFD is an important parameter for determining splice loss and the fiber's
resistance to bendinduced loss.

Choosing

Cable

There are many different types of fiber optic cables. All of the cables are defined by the number of fibers in the
cable, the type of fibers (MM or SM), the size of the fiber (50, 62.5 or 125um) and the type of material used to
enclose the fibers. The material used to enclose the fibers have many names. Some of the names are generic and
others are names used by the cable manufacturer. To limit any confusion, you should begin with the following
questions.

What type of fiber do I need?

How many fibers do I need?
Do I need indoor or outdoor cable?

Will the cable be in a hazard environment and require rugged construction?

Will the cable be underground and require moisture and rodent protection?
Do you need Plenum, Tempest, NEC, UL, or CSA rated cables?

The remainder of your cable concerns should be finalized by your cable supplier after you have explained your
application in detail.

What

is

and

why

use

PLENUM

Cable

Most states and cities have adopted for their building codes the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommendations
regarding acceptable wiring methods for cable installed in the air handling or plenum spaces above suspended
ceilings. The NEC states that all cable installed in plenum spaces must be installed in metal conduit unless
classified by an approved agency as having fire resistant, low smoke producing characteristics.
Cables that are not classified by an approved agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as having fire resistant, low smoke characteristics must be installed in conduit. Conduit installation can increase the initial
installed cost of a cable system by an average of 100 percent, and rerouting cables in conduit to accommodate
moves, adds and changes is costly and disruptive.
Cables made with several different materials have the UL low smoke, low flame spread classification. However,
plenum cables insulated with TEFLON fluoropolymer resin provide superior electrical performance at a reasonable
cost for all computer, voice, data, video, control and life safety

Tutorials General Cable Information

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

Coating

In the manufacturing process, a protective coating is applied to the glass fiber. The coating protects the glass
from dust and scratches which can affect a fiber's strength.

SingleMode

and

MultiMode

Fibers

There are two types of optical fiber: singlemode and multimode. MultiMode fiber has a much larger core than
SingleMode fiber, allowing hundreds of rays of light to propagate through the fiber simultaneously. Single mode
fiber, on the other hand, has a much smaller core that allows only one mode of light to propagate through the
core. While it might appear that MultiMode fibers have higher information carrying capacity, in fact the opposite is
true. Singlemode fibers retain the integrity of each light pulse over longer distances, allowing more information to
be transmitted. This high bandwidth has made SingleMode fiber the ideal transmission medium for many
applications. MulliMode fiber today is used primarily in premise applications, where transmission distances are
less than two kilometers.

Optical

Fiber

Sizes

The international standard for the cladding diameter of optical fibers is 125 microns (um). This compatibility is
important in that it allows fibers to fit into standard connectors and splices, and allows standard tools to be used
throughout the industry. The differences among fibers lie in their core sizes the light-carrying region of the fiber.
Standard SingleMode fibers are manufactured with the smallest core size, approximately 810 um in diameter.
With its greater information-carrying capacity, singlemode fiber typically is used for longer distance and higherbandwidth applications. MultiMode fibers are available in several core sizes. The most widely used sizes are 50
um and 62.5 um. Larger core sizes generally have greater bandwidth and are easier to couple and interconnect.

SingleMode

Step

Index

SingleMode fiber is designed with a "slopindex" profile, which refers to the shape of its refractive index profile
over a cross section of fiber. The refractive index of a material is the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum
(where it is fastest) to the speed of light in the specific material.
In a SingleMode fiber, light is concentrated in the core; however, some light travels in the inner part of the
cladding at normal operating wavelengths. The diameter of the spot of light as it travels through the fiber is
called the mode field diameter (MFD). MFD is an important parameter for determining splice loss and the fiber's
resistance to bendinduced loss.

Choosing

Cable

There are many different types of fiber optic cables. All of the cables are defined by the number of fibers in the
cable, the type of fibers (MM or SM), the size of the fiber (50, 62.5 or 125um) and the type of material used to
enclose the fibers. The material used to enclose the fibers have many names. Some of the names are generic and
others are names used by the cable manufacturer. To limit any confusion, you should begin with the following
questions.

What type of fiber do I need?

How many fibers do I need?
Do I need indoor or outdoor cable?

Will the cable be in a hazard environment and require rugged construction?

Will the cable be underground and require moisture and rodent protection?
Do you need Plenum, Tempest, NEC, UL, or CSA rated cables?

The remainder of your cable concerns should be finalized by your cable supplier after you have explained your
application in detail.

What

is

and

why

use

PLENUM

Cable

Most states and cities have adopted for their building codes the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommendations
regarding acceptable wiring methods for cable installed in the air handling or plenum spaces above suspended
ceilings. The NEC states that all cable installed in plenum spaces must be installed in metal conduit unless
classified by an approved agency as having fire resistant, low smoke producing characteristics.
Cables that are not classified by an approved agency, such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), as having fire resistant, low smoke characteristics must be installed in conduit. Conduit installation can increase the initial
installed cost of a cable system by an average of 100 percent, and rerouting cables in conduit to accommodate
moves, adds and changes is costly and disruptive.
Cables made with several different materials have the UL low smoke, low flame spread classification. However,
plenum cables insulated with TEFLON fluoropolymer resin provide superior electrical performance at a reasonable
cost for all computer, voice, data, video, control and life safety systems.

Tutorials Different Types of Cable

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

BREAKOUT CABLE
Breakout cables are designed with alldielectric construction to insure EMI immunity, and are available with
UL/CSA OFNR/FT4 or UL/CSA OFNP/FT6 listings. These cables are obtainable in a wide range of fiber counts and
can be used for routing within buildings, in riser shafts, and under computer room floors. The Breakout design
enables the individual routing, or "fanning", of individual fibers for termination and maintenance. In addition to
the standard duty 2.4 mm subunit design, a 2.9 mm heavy duty and a 2.0 mm lite duty design are also available.

INTERCONNECT CABLE
Cable for interconnecting equipment is available in singlemode and multimode fiber sizes and its all dielectric
construction provides EMI immunity . Available in oneand twofiber designs, these cables are optimized for ease of
connectorization and use as "jumpers" for intra-building distribution. Its small diameter and bend radius provide
easy installation in constrained areas. This cable can be ordered for plenum or riser environments. Products
include single fiber cable, twofiber Zipcord, and twofiber DIB Cable. Uncabled fiber, coated only with a
thermoplastic buffer, is also available for pigtail applications with inside equipment. All cables are available with
UL/CSA OFNR/FT4 or UL/CSA OFNP/FT6 listing.

LOOSE TUBE CABLE

Loose tube cables are for general purpose outdoor use. The loose tube design provides stable and highly reliable
transmission parameters for a variety of applications. The design also permits significant improvements in the
density of fibers contained in a given cable diameter while allowing flexibility to suit many system designs. These
cables are suitable for outdoor duct, aerial, and direct buried installations, and for indoor use when installed in
accordance with NEC Article 770.

FEATURES

Different fiber types available within a cable (hybrid construction).

Lowest losses at long distances, for use in duct aerial, and direct buried applications.
Wide range of fiber counts (up to 216).
Available with singlemode and multimode fiber types.
All dielectric or steel central member.
Loose Tube Cable is also available with armored construction for added protection.

LOW SMOKE, ZERO HALOGEN CABLE

HalexRTM is a low smoke, zero halogen fiber optic cable, designed to replace standard polyethylene jacketed fiber
optic cables in environments where public safety is of great concern. In addition to having low smoke properties,
HalexR cable meets the NEC requirements for risers, passes all U.S. flame requirements for UL 1666 and UL
1581, and is OFNR listed up to 156 fibers.
The Halex family of fire safe cables consists of HalexR for indoor riser requirements and HalexL for outdoor loosetube requirements. HalexL is the industry's first loosetube, gelfilled, lowsmoke zero halogenated optical cable that
is OFN listed with up to 144 fibers.
HalexR uses ChromaTek "L" jacketing to protect the optical fibers it surrounds. This special jacketing exceeds all
index requirements as stated in New York State article 15, U.S. Navy NES 711 and ASTME662 for smoke density.
Special compounds in HalexR also prolong cable life and reliability, making it highly resistant to flame, acids,
chemicals and oils.
HalexR cable is available with any optical fibers, both singlemode and multimode, in loose tube, tight buffer or
breakout constructions. Attenuations as low as 0.4 dB/km, and bandwidths as high as 1000 MHZ/km, can be
supplied.

LXE LIGHT GUIDE EXPRESS ENTRY CABLE

The LXE (Lightguide Express Entry) sheath system is designed with the loop distribution market in mind, where
express entry (accessing fibers in the middle of a cable span) is a common practice.
The LXE sheath system achieves a 600 pound (2670 N) tensile rating through the use of linearly applied strength
members placed 180 degrees opposite each other.
High density polyethylene (HDPE) is used for the cable jacket to provide both faster installation, through a lower
coefficient of friction, and optimum cable core protection in hostile environments.
FEATURES

Strength members in cable sheath (not in cable core).

Nonmetallic cable core.

LIGHTPACK CABLE
Lightpack Cable consists of fiber "bundles" held together with color coded yarn binders. Cable can hold up to 144
fibers and still maintain a large clearance in the core tube. A waterblocking compound, specifically designed for
LIGHTPACK Cable, adds extra flexibility, protects the fiber and virtually eliminates microbending losses. Lightpack
cable is compact size, rugged design, contains a high density polyethylene sheath and has a high strength toweight ratio.

INDOOR/OUTDOOR LOOSE TUBE CABLES

The RLT Series of loose tube fiber optic cables is designed for installation both outdoors and indoors in areas
required by the (NEC) to be riser rated Type OFNR. They meet or exceed Article 770 of the NEC and UL Subject
1666 (Type OFNR). They also meet CSA C22.2 No. 232M1988 Type OFNFT4.
All of the RLT products utilize a proprietary ChromaTek 3 jacketing system that is designed for resistance to
moisture, sunlight and flame for use both indoors and outdoors. These cables are loose tube, gel filled
constructions for excellent resistance to moisture. They are available with singlemode or multimode fibers with up
to a maximum of 72 fibers.
Because these outdoor cables are riser rated, they eliminate the need for a separate point of demarcation, i.e.,
splicing to a riser rated cable within 50 feet of the point where the outdoor cable enters the building as required
by the NEC. These cables may be run through risers directly to a convenient network hub or splicing closet for
interconnection to the electro-optical hardware or other horizontal distribution cables as desired.
No extra splice or termination hardware is required at the entrance to the facility, and cable management is made
easier by the use of just one cable. This installation ease is especially useful in Campus type installations where
buildings are interconnected with outdoor fiber optic cables.

TACTICAL/MILITARY CABLE
Tactical cable utilizes a tight buffer configuration in an all dielectric construction. The tight buffer design offers
increased ruggedness, ease of handling and connectorization. The absence of metallic components decreases the
possibility of detection and minimizes system problems associated with electromagnetic interference.
FEATURES

Proven compatibility with existing ruggedized connectors.

Lightweight and flexible: no antibuckling elements required.
Available in connectorized cable assemblies.
Available with 50, 62.5 and 100 micron multimode fibers, as well as singlemode and radiationhardened
fibers.

TEMPEST CABLE DESCRIPTION

For use where secure communications are a major consideration, and Tempest requirements must be met. The
Tempest rated cable is available in a variety of cable constructions.
Tempest relates to government requirements for shielding communications equipment and environments.
One common application is the use of fiber optic cable in conjunction with RF shielded enclosures. These
enclosures have been specially constructed to suppress the emission of RF signals, and must meet the Transient
Electro-magnet, Pulse Emanation Standard (TEMPEST).
For a system to be TEMPEST qualified, it must be tested in accordance with MIL-STD 285, and it must also meet
the requirements stated in NSA 656. All elements of the system, individually and combined, must meet the
TEMPEST standard. In the case of fiber optics, the "system" consists of the cable (which is dielectric and nonconductive), and the tube through which the cable passes.

Tutorials Connectors

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF CONNECTORS. THE ONE YOU USE DEPENDS UPON THE EQUIPMENT YOU ARE USING
IT WITH AND THE APPLICATION YOU ARE USING IT ON. THE TWO WORDS TO REMEMBER ARE:

"COMPATIBILITY" AND "RELIABILITY."

Except for special applications, the most commonly used, readily available and cost effective connector is the
"ST" connector. Because of the general compatibility of the ST connector with most equipment, it is always a
good place to start when deciding upon the connector you may need.
When deciding upon the proper cable
Is
it
compatible
Will
I
be
using
it
Does it require special clearance?

to

use,
in

there are only

with
extremely

three issues
my
hazardous

REVIEW THE PICTURE BELOW FOR A FEW OTHER TYPES OF CONNECTORS.

to

consider.
equipment?
conditions?

Tutorials A Cross Section of Various Cable Types

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers
A
OUTSIDE
PLANT
CABLE
B
PREMIS
DISTRIBUTION
CABLE
C
SIMPLEX,
DUPLEX
AND
TWO
FIBER
ROUND
CABLE
D
BREAKOUT
CABLE
E
LOOSE
TUBE
RISER
CABLE
F
SINGLE
ARMOR
LOOSE
TUBE
CABLE
G - DOUBLE ARMOR LOOSE TUBE CABLE

Tutorials Wave Division Multiplexers

Introduction
Fiber Optic Basics
Basic Cable Design
General Cable Information
Different Types of Cable
Connectors
A Cross Section of Various Cable Types
Wave Division Multiplexers

Wavelength Division Multiplexing An Alternative To Leased Fiber Lines

Fiber-optic systems are now the key solution to linking high-speed LAN and WAN networks within and among
buildings. The number of high-speed networking applications using fiber as the physical-layer backbone continues
to grow, such as:

Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), running at 100Mbps

Synchronous Optical Network (SONET), running at 155Mbps and 622Mbps
ESCON, running at 200Mbps
Gigabit Ethernet, running at 1,000Mbps
Fibre Channel, running at 1,062Mbps and below
High-Performance Parallel Interface (HIPPI), running at 1,200Mbps.

Optical fiber provides the backbone speed and distance capability to support all these applications and more.

The Problem With Fiber

Mainframe systems capable of supporting ESCON are some of the most fiber-intensive applications in wide-scale
deployment today. These enterprise systems generally run on multimode 62.5/125 micron (m, .001 millimeter)
fiber for connecting devices within 3 km or on single-mode 9/125 m for distances of up to 20 km. Although
these fibers easily handle the 200Mbps data streams, each channel or device interface requires dedicated use of
fiber connections. For applications such as on-line remote transaction processing and disaster recovery - which
often run at full speed 24 hours per day, seven days per week - the fibers are dedicated exclusively. The net
result is that an ESCON network requires from a few pairs to a few hundred pairs of fibers among facilities to
deliver the necessary performance and connectivity.
The cost and availability of this fiber are key issues in planning connectivity between facilities. Mainframe
applications continue to grow. Transaction processing is expanding beyond current system capabilities, requiring
more devices and more connections. The new role of the mainframe as an Internet server also has a dramatic
effect on device and fiber demand.

Wave Of The Future

Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) is a new option for adding applications or expanding existing
applications over currently available fiber links. WDM offers a cost avoidance in that existing fiber can support
multiple applications over the same link without any performance penalty. In addition, WDM technology requires
fewer links to support the performance needs of a new application.
Multiplexing techniques have a long history and are now widely used in communications. Frequency Division
Multiplexing (FDM) is the standard technique used in analog transmission systems, such as cable television. Each
communications channel uses a separate frequency. Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) is standard for digital
transmission systems. Data communications and long-haul telecommunications systems use TDM to combine
multiple low-speed channels in specific time slots of a higher-speed channel.
A much newer technology, WDM is already a critical tool for many high-speed communications systems. WDM
works on the same principles as FDM and TDM, except the channel discriminator is wavelength instead of
frequency or time. Since light waves of different lengths do not interfere with each other, multiple wavelength

signals can be transmitted through the same optical fiber without error. By allowing multiple high-speed
communications applications to share the same fiber simultaneously, WDM unlocks optical fiber's tremendous
bandwidth capability: more than one terabit per second.
The telecommunications industry is investing heavily in WDM technologies. Communications service providers,
such as AT&T, MCI and US Sprint, are running out of bandwidth capacity and are looking for more cost-effective,
time-sensitive alternatives to installing more dedicated fiber lines. Industry standards are now being created
around high-speed WDM systems. Although these systems present excellent capacity expansion alternatives for
central-office telecommunications, they don't meet the speed and cost requirements of the data communications
industry.
New optical multiplexers employ WDM to increase existing fiber capacity for data communications environments.
The WDM equipment converts each input data stream into separate wavelengths (colors) and simultaneously
transmits these channels through the same optical fiber. Since each wavelength is completely isolated from the
others, creating a discrete channel, and since the WDM unit never processes the data, protocols can be mixed
within the same link. Essentially the unit creates "virtual fibers" from one fiber. As a result, existing fiber can be
leveraged to add new applications within a metropolitan area.

Many critical components combine to produce this performance.

Remote wavelength conversion: The converter board houses the critical elements to change the local channel into
the remote wavelength necessary for the long-distance WDM signal. Each converter board receives the local
device signal into an electrooptic receiver. This signal is directly forwarded to drive the remote single-mode laser,
which is specific for each channel. This process is similar to conventional multimode-to-single-mode conversion,
except the single-mode laser is wavelength specific. This example is a four-channel system - remote channel 1
operates at 1300 nanometers (nm), while channels 2 through n are widely spread wavelengths around the 1550
nm band. The remote link can support distances up to 16 km and greater. Where a single-mode long-distance
device is already running over a single-mode remote fiber, removing the channel 1 converter allows the addition
of three new applications onto the existing fiber.
Passive WDM: The heart of the unit, the WDM passively (no power required) combines and separates the specific
wavelengths on one remote fiber. The WDM uses an interference film technology developed more than 20 years
ago by the optics and photography industry for reflective and antireflective lenses. Now dramatically refined, the
technology allows wavelength-selective reflection through roughly 100 layers of the film with nanometer
precision.
The WDM combiner uses the interference technology with fused optical fiber couplers to combine all wavelengths
onto one remote "transmit" fiber. The WDM splitter is a duplicate device that operates in the opposite direction. It
receives the combined wavelengths on the single remote "receive" fiber and splits them onto separate fibers.
Local signal regeneration: Once the passive WDM element separates the remote signals, each signal is routed
back to the converter board, which reconverts it to the original 1300 nm wavelength. The output power to the
local devices is between -14 dBm (decibel relative to 1 milliwatt) and -21 dBm and matches the protocol input on
the other side of the WDM link.

Practical Benefits
Compared with dedicated fiber alternatives, WDM technology offers many key benefits, including:

Leveraging of existing fiber capacity

Lower cost
Elimination of long-distance single-mode converters
Faster access to new channels
Protocol independence.

Leverage: WDM can leverage existing fiber to provide new fully operational channels immediately. For example, a
four-channel WDM system can create three new application paths for every fiber pair. The economic advantages
for distances beyond 4 km are significant. The ability to leverage fibers also benefits private fiber installations on
a campus. Although high-fiber-count cables can be less expensive to install in short-distance runs (less than 2

km) than WDM equipment, the long lead time for fiber cable and installation crews can exceed several months.
Lower cost: WDM provides a more economical solution for high-speed data communications applications. Its cost
advantages come from two main points:
1) WDM equipment is often less expensive than private cable and leased-line alternatives for distances longer
than 2 km.
2) WDM equipment provides a granular or incremental growth solution for adding new applications among
facilities. WDM equipment is added as needed, as opposed to the installation of additional private cable, which
requires a substantial up-front investment.
The cost of installing dedicated cable varies significantly by location, accessibility, right of way and total length.
Regardless of these variables, the cost to add fiber capacity always includes a large initial investment. This
investment must be justified on the basis of immediate applications and longer-term projections of application
growth to amortize the cost of the new cable over all these applications. However, a WDM solution is a more
granular choice for adding capacity, since it can be justified by only a few applications and capacity can be
increased at any time. WDM thus incurs added capacity costs only as needed and eliminates the need for
guesswork in future growth projections.
Most WAN applications do not provide the option of installing private fiber cable. Instead, a private fiber service
can be leased on a per-pair basis. Although a much more granular solution than the large initial capital outlay of
purchased and installed cable, leased fiber services are generally expensive; the cost can vary from $100 to
$1,000 per fiber per mile per month, depending on region, availability, distance and number of fiber pairs
needed. Service providers often demand a 10-year to 20-year commitment for leased fiber, limiting the flexibility
for running a business (for example, data center relocation). WDM minimizes the impact of such commitment
because fewer fibers are required and the equipment is re-deployable at any place and time.
No long-distance converters: WDM technology uses single-mode remote lasers to create the separate
wavelengths for the WDM system. This feature incorporates a multimode-to-single-mode conversion process
required to interface the local input (usually multimode) with most long-distance fiber communications systems,
saving the space and cost of converters or long-distance laser cards.
Faster access to new channels: As the base of installed fibers fills up and most service providers move toward
specialization, dedicated fiber is becoming harder to obtain in most metropolitan areas. Even when fiber can be
procured, it often takes four to 12 months to have complete point-to-point service connected.
Protocol independence: WDM systems create completely independent, fully transparent paths over each fiber.
This allows the combination of multiple application protocols over the same fiber without any issues of latency,
speed, proprietorship, software setup, etc. A multi-channel WDM link will behave as multiple "virtual" fiber pairs,
letting users mix and reconfigure protocols as needed.

Summary
WDM systems present a new alternative for network connectivity in the enterprise. They offer cost advantages,
flexibility and quick response to application growth. Business managers can show reduced costs and improved
investment returns. Data communications managers have the flexibility to add a variety of applications and
reconfigure devices as needed immediately, with no penalty on performance. Capacity planners can be more
accurate and ensure availability of resources when needed. In new LAN and WAN applications, WDM systems are
an excellent choice for network connectivity.

Fiber Optic Data Communications Multiplexers MODEL LT8116

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MODEL LT8116

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16 Channel Multiple Interface Multiplexer

16 Async Channels
Speeds Up to 38.4 Kbps
Power Redundancy & Fiber Optic Redundancy
LEDs for "Tx," "Rx," "Alarm" & "PWR"
Field Interchangeable Interfaces: RS232, RS-422, Dry Contact Relays
Local & Remote Loopback Single Mode & Multimode Rack Mount or
Standalone

Applications
The LT8116 provides a particularly inexpensive method for connecting large
numbers of async terminals, printers and status collecting devices. It is also used
in harsh environments where EMI/RFI interference and lightning conditions may
exist.

Description
The LT8116 is an affordable 16-channel fiber optic multiplexer with interchangeable interfaces and optional
power/optical redundancy. It supports data rates up to 38.4Kbps with no controls. Because the electrical
interfaces are modular, they are interchangeable in 4-channel increments at any time--before or after
installation. Available interfaces include RS-232 or RS-422. Fiber optic connectors are ST (FC or SMA are
optional); electrical connectors are RJ11. Power is 9 to 12VDC or 115/230VAC with an external power cube.

Specifications
Data Rates

Async

up to 38.4 Kbps per channel

Channels

Capacity

16 Async Channels

Optical

Transmitter

LED/ELED

Receiver

PIN

Wavelength

850nm/1300nm multimode
1300nm single mode

Fiber Optic
connectors

*ST (FC or SMA optional)

Loss Budget

Electrical

15 dB multimode

850nm/1300nm @50 um

15 dB multimode

850nm/1300nm @62.5um

20 dB single mode

1300nm @9 um

Connector

RJ-11

Interface

RS-232, RS-422, Dry Contact Relay

(check factory for other kinds)

System

Power

Bit error rate

1 in 10X9 or better

Visual indicator

"Tx", "Rx", "Alarm", "Sync", "Power

Diagnostic

Local Loopback

Dure power source

12 VDC @400ma

optional:

115 or 230 VAC with external power cube

Temperature Operating

Physical

-10"C to 50 C

Storage

-40 C to 901'C

Humidity

95% non-condensing

Height

(6.5 cm) 2.60"

Width

(18 cm) 7.20"

Depth

(25 cm) 9.75"

Weight

(1 .36 kg) 3 lb

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Multimode-Single mode Fiber Optic

Converter/Repeater

MODEL LT3000

Converts Multimode to Single Mode

Converts Single Mode to Multimode
Reads Opto-Digital Data up to 165 Mbps
Increases Distance Between Nodes
Cross Connects Fiber Types
Performs Optical Repeater Function

Applications

Ethernet, Token Ring, FDDI & SONET

Extend Transmission Distance
Fiber Optic Repeater

Description
The LT3005/3020 Fiber Optic Mode converters give users the unique ability to convert multimode format to
single mode format or single mode to multimode for data transmission.
Lascomm's mode converters are intended for Ethernet, FDDI & SONET environments and support data rates up
to 165 Mbps.
These conversions can benefit users by extending transmission distances and/or enabling different fiber types
to be used with dissimilar installed fiber.
The LT3020 takes multimode optical-digital information and converts it to single mode for transmission over
duplex single mode fiber optic cablefor speeds up to 5Mbps. Model LT3005 takes in multimode optical digital
information and convert it to single mode format for transmission of speeds up to 165/200Mbps.
Lascomm's mode converters are available with ST and FC type connectors. Power can be either 115/230 VAC or
-48VDC.

Specifications
Data Rates
Optical

Loss Budgets

System

LT3020

Up to 5 Mbps

LT3005

Up to 165/200 Mbps

Transmitter

LED/ELED/LASER

Receiver

PIN

Wavelength

850nm/1300nm multimode
1300nm single mode

Fiber Optic Connectors

STor FC

LT3050

16dB 1300nm SM @9/125 um

LT3005-05

16dB 1300nm SM @9/125 um

LT3005-25

25dB 1300nm SM @9/125 um

LT3005-35

34dB 1300nm SM @9/125 um

Bit error rate

1 in 10X9 or better

Visual Indicators
Power

(Green)

SM REC

Single Mode IN (Green)

Lights at -33+-1dBm

MM REC

Multimode IN (Green)
Lights at -33+-1dBm

XMT

Laser output OK (Green) - Lights

when laser is transmitting properly

Power

Temperature

Physical

Power source

12VDC @ 300ma

optional:

115 or 230 VAC w/ext. power cube

optional:

-48 VDC

Operating

0 C to 50 deg. C

Storage

-40 C to 90 deg. C

Storage

-40 C to 90 deg. C

Humidity

95% non-condensing

Height

(1.75 cm) 1.75"

width

(24.7 cm) 9.75"

Depth

(31.5 cm) 12.5"

Weight

(2.27 kg) 5 lb

Fiber Optic Data Communications WDM MODEL LT4001

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MODEL LT4001

Channel Fiber Optic Multiplexer

(Wave Division Multiplexer)

Doubles Use of Existing Fiber Optic Cable

Transparent to Data Format
Passive Device - No External Power Needed
Stand Alone or Rackmount

Applications
The LT4001 is ideal for situations where existing fiber optic cable capacity is limited. Because it doubles existing
cable capacity by transmitting bi-directional signals over a single fiber, it eliminates the need to install additional
fiber
optic
cable.

Description
The "Channel Surfer," Model LT4001 Fiber Optic Wavelength Division Multiplexer, enables 1300nm and 1550nm
wavelengths to be transmitted simultaneously on the same fiber optic cable. The direction of the optical signals
can be in the same direction or oppo-site directions.

Transparent to incoming data, the LT4001 effectively doubles exist-ing cable capacity by multiplexing two
separate channels over one single mode fiber. Dual two-channel units are also available. Each LT4001 unit
separates incoming optical signals between 1300nm and 1550nm. Thus, a user needs to connect the TC4001 to a
device (transceiver, modem, etc.) with a 1300nm single mode trans-mitter at one end and a 1550nm single mode
transmitter at the other end.
The LT4001 fiber optic connectors are ST or FC. Because it is a passive device, it requires no power.

Specifications
Bandwidth

1310/1550nm

15nm

Optic Ports

1310nm

1550nm

1310nm+1550nm

connector

*ST (FC optional)

Standard

<0.6dB

High Isolation

<0.6dB

Standard

>16dB

High Isolation

>30dB

Directivity

(Return Loss)

>55dB

Wavelengths

Single Mode

>1310 & 1550nm

Typical Polarization
Sensitivity

PSD

<0.2dB

Insertion Loss
Isolation

Typical Thermal
Stability
Temperature

Physical
(Stand Alone)

<0.2dB
operating

-10 C to 50 C

storage

-40 C to 90 C

humidity

95% non condensing

height

(3.5cm) 1.40"

width

(18.10cm) 7.25"

depth

(25.25cm) 9.85"

weight

(786gm) 1.85 lbs

Fiber Optic Data Communications Multiplexers MODEL LTRM19X

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Model LTRM191 /192

/ 195/ 196

1U High (1.75") - LTRM195/196

Universal Switching Power Supply Accepts 90

to 264VAC (47 to 63 Hz)

4U High (7") - LTRM191/192

Dual Power Capability with Automatic
Switchover in the Event of Failure (currently
available on LTRM191/192)

Optional 24VDC and -48VDC Power Supply

Overload & Short-Circuit Protection

Application

Universal 19" Rackmount Card Cages

The LTRM19 Card Cages are designed with sturdy construction to house TC products in standard 19" racks.

Description
The LTRM191/192 Universal Rack Mount Card Cages can hold up to 10 single multiplexer or modem type cards,
or up to 5 double-mux or double-modem type cards. In general, the LTRM191 is used for multiplexers and the
LTRM192
for
modems.
The LTRM195/196 Universal Rack Mount Card Cages can hold up to 2 single multiplexer or modem type cards,
or 1 double-mux or double-modem type cards. In general, the LTRM195 is used for multiplexers and the
LTRM196
for
modems.
The LTRM191/192 can operate with one power supply or dual load sharing power supplies. The AC power
supply automatically adjusts for 90 to 264 VAC input and 47 to 63 Hz operation. The DC power supplies accepts
-48VDC or 24VDC input. The AC and DC power supplies can be mixed in the same unit. The dual load-sharing
power supplies feature automatic switchover in the event of a power failure. The Power switch and its LED are
located on the front panel. The chart below shows the dimensions and power supplies of each card cage:

Specifications
Model

Width

Height

LTRM191

19 in.
(48.26 cm)

7 in. (4U)
(17.78 cm)

9 in.
(22.86 cm)

Depth

Power Supply
Single or Dual 115/240VAC, 24VDC, -48VDC

LTRM192

19 in.
(48.26 cm)

7 in. (4U)
(17.78 cm)

5.25 in.
(13.34 cm)

Single or Dual 115/240VAC, 24VDC, -48VDC

LTRM195

19 in.
(48.26 cm)

1.75 in. (1U)

(4.45 cm)

9 in.
(22.86 cm)

Single 115/240VAC, 24VDC, -48VDC

LTRM196

19 in.
(48.26 cm)

1.75 in. (1U)

(4.45 cm)

5.25 in.
(13.34 cm)

Single 115/240VAC, 24VDC, -48VDC