Measurements in fiber optic systems - transmission method.

This article summarizes the knowledge for the installer who faces the task of verifying the correctness of a fiber optic system. The article describes in detail all aspects related to the idea and procedures of measurement by the transmission method.

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A series of ULTIMODE devices for testing and measuring fiber optic installations.

A short presentation of the new series of ULTIMODE devices for testing and measuring fiber optic installations.

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Fiber optic TV/SAT systems in multi-family buildings

Fiber optic systems play an increasingly important role in the transmission of TV/SAT signals. They guarantee low signal loss and very high immunity to interference. DIPOL offers new TERRA solution for SMATV systems based on optical fibers.

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Fiber optic system for cameras installed on poles.

The main problem faced by installers implementing a fiber-optic video surveillance system in open areas is to choose the right way to install and connect IP cameras.

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Attenuation of a splice made with Signal Fire splicer – test

The market of fiber optic splicers has changed significantly over the last few years. Japanese splicers of renown brands (Fujikura, Sumitomo, Fitel) and Korean equipment (e.g. Inno), keeping pace in many aspects, have been joined by cheap Chinese ones.

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Fiber optic cables guide

This article gathers basic information about fiber-optic cables offered by DIPOL. The short guide is designed to help you choose the best cable for your needs resulting from the requirements for your installation.

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Fiber optic measurements

The article contains general information on performing measurements in fiber optic installations. The transmission method and reflectometric measurements are described.

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Signal Fire AI-8/AI-8C/AI-9 - how to begin fusion splicing?

Signal Fire is a dynamically developing company specializing in the manufacture of fiber optic splicers. Headquartered in Chengdu, it employs nearly 200 professionals. The devices are built with top-of-the-line components from renown manufacturers (including European ones), and based on technological solutions protected by numerous patents. The characteristic feature of splicing machines from Signal Fire is the use of smartphones for their configuration, archiving of operation data and for diagnostics. Products of this company have gained recognition in the markets of the whole world. The high quality of the offered devices is confirmed by the warranty policy providing a replacement after 50,000 splices.

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Cleaving optical fibers without secrets – blade adjustment.

Proper preparation of the ends of optical fibers is the basis for successful fiber splicing. Even the best and most expensive splicing machine will not be able to properly connect dirty or improperly cleft fibers. For this reason, care for the cleanliness of fiber optic tools is extremely important.

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Fiber-optic technology in CCTV systems - practical issues

The main problem faced by the installer implementing video monitoring system is the choice of the appropriate type of fiber optic cable and wiring topology for the particular installation. Because the most common questions relate to installations where cameras are deployed on poles or lampposts, all the examples refer to this type of implementations, however the information is relevant to other types of installations, as well.

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Fiber-optic TV systems

Under EU rules, by 2020 each citizen of the European Union is to have the technical ability to access the Internet with download speed at least 20 Mbps. In this respect, some EU countries introduced regulations aimed at accelerating this process. In some of them, each newly built residential building should be equipped with fiber-optic infrastructure. This type of cabling can be used not only in the implementation of access to high-speed Internet, but also proves to be an excellent medium for other services, including distribution of TV/SAT programming. Multiswitch systems providing access to digital terrestrial television (DVB-T) and satellite TV platforms are the perfect complement or an alternative to cable TV networks in multifamily buildings. The use of fiber optic solutions for such SMATV systems can have both technical and economical advantages.

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FTTH - installation of a distribution frame/box

Implementations of FTTH installations based on fiber optic subscriber lines arranged in a star topology are currently the most popular way of deploying fiber optics in multi-family buildings. The main advantages of the solution include a relatively low cost and a simple installation.

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FTTH - distribution methods in buildings

FTTH networks make an important part of modern telecommunication installations in residential buildings and other multi-dwelling units. The growing popularity of fiber optic systems "in the last mile" is the consequence both of legislation adopted in many countries and a growing awareness of investors. Fast and reliable access to the Internet and multimedia services has become a priority. The popularization of optical fibers is also possible due to cheap and effective technological solutions. Internet service providers have noticed the advantages of passive optical networks (xPON).

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Easy access cable - installation of distribution frame/box (example)

The article presents an example of terminating FTTH network based on the so-called easy access cable. Currently, the use of easy access cables is the optimal solution for installing fiber-optic cabling in buildings.

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Fiber optics in homes in a few simple steps

After many years of the presence of optical fibers in the telecommunications market, it's about time they got settled in houses and apartments. It is forced by the rate of technological progress of consumer electronics that increasingly offers its services on the basis of network connections and online applications.

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ABC of working with fiber optics for beginners

The transition from copper to fiber-optic technology means the need for new tools and skills. Aside from acquiring some theoretical knowledge, installers must improve their manual skills as the work with optical fibers requires a different, more careful approach.

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SignalNET - telecommunications and RF distribution systems in multi-dwelling units

The article presents proposals for the comprehensive implementation of telecommunications systems in multi-family buildings, in accordance with the Regulation of the Ministry of Transport, Construction and Maritime Economy on the technical conditions to be met by buildings and their location of 06.11.2012.

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Fiber-optic SMATV systems

Optical RF signal transmission allows for long-range distribution of digital terrestrial and satellite television, DAB radio, security video etc. Fiber-optic SMATV systems provide much more flexibility compared to those based only on coaxial cable.

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Optical fiber standards

With the great popularity of optical links in the last few years, the main part of them is currently based on modern single-mode fibers. However, both single-mode and multimode fibers are divided into many types/categories that comply with established standards and factory specifications.

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How to terminate fiber with ULTIMODE FAST connectors

ULTIMODE FAST quick assembly connectors allow fiber termination with SC connectors without time-consuming gluing and polishing. The procedure does no require "sterile" conditions, because the end face of the built-in fiber fragment has been glued and polished by the manufacturer. The low loss at the level of 0.25 dB is obtained thanks to advanced positioning of the inserted fiber end by V-shaped grooves. The optical gel that is also used in the connectors reduces the effects of an imprecise cut and a possible gap between the end faces of the fibers.

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CCTV over fiber - simple, cheap and reliable technology

Many installers believe that fiber optics is an expensive and difficult to implement solution and don't think about it as an alternative to copper cables. They avoid to use fiber optics even in situations where application of this transmission medium seems obvious. Sometimes the investor leaves no choice - as in the case of the installer who appeared in one of our branches, obligated to install a 350-meter-long fiber optic link. After selecting the appropriate converters, we prepared the suitable optical cable with connectors. The final installation (except laying the cable) took about 5 minutes - just inserting the appropriate connectors and connecting power supply.

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Mechanical splicing of optical fibers - ULTIMODE FAST-MS1

Mechanical splices ULTIMODE FAST-MS1 are used for permanent connections of optical fibers without the need of employing fusion splicers. Low loss at the level of 0.1 dB is obtained thanks to advanced positioning of the fiber end faces by V-shaped grooves.

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Multimode and single mode fiber-optic cables

One of the basic criteria of optical equipment classification is the type of the fiber optics with which it works. It is connected with the type of transmission of light in the fiber core - single-mode or multimode. Transmission of light in optical fibers is based on the phenomenon of total internal reflection. The core, usually made of doped glass, is the center through which light travels along, while the fiber cladding is made of pure glass. Such combination of materials is dictated by their refraction indexes. To achieve total internal reflection, the refraction index of the cladding (pure glass) must be lower than the refractive index of the core (doped glass). The buffer coating surrounding the cladding is a cover layer usually made from a thermoplastic material and special gels, which protects the fiber from mechanical damage.

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Optical power budget in a fiber-optic communication link

The most important task in the design of fiber optic link is to determine the maximum range of the optical transmission path, being in fact the balance of optical power in the link. Balance of power is a comparison of the power at the input of the optical link with the losses in fiber optic cables and other path components. This will help to find the optimal parameters of transmitting and receiving devices to ensure proper signal transmission.

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