Practical Aspects of Access Network Indoor Extensions Using Multimode Glass and Plastic Optical Fibers

Abstract

Low-cost multimode glass and plastic optical fibers are attractive for high-capacity indoor telecom networks. Many existing buildings already have glass multimode fibers installed for local area network applications. Future indoor applications will use combinations of glass multimode fibers with plastic optical fibers that have low losses in the 850-nm-1,310-nm range. This article examines real-world link losses when randomly interconnecting glass and plastic fiber segments having factory-installed connectors. Potential interconnection issues include large variations in connector losses among randomly selected fiber segments, asymmetric link losses in bidirectional links, and variations in bandwidths among different types of fibers.

Network implementation trade-offs in existing homes

“…It is relatively easy to cut, splice, and attach connectors to these plastic fibers, even for untrained people. In addition, it is straightforward to connect multimode glass and plastic fibers that have the same core diameters [10].…”

Performance evaluation of OFDM and SC-QAM backhaul provision on FTTH optical access networks including multi-core fiber riser

“…Moreover, the European Union aims to foster competition of incumbent and emerging operators by enabling actual sharing of the on-the-field optical infrastructure, as indicated by latest telecom directives [2]. In order to satisfy these requirements, this paper proposes the use of multicore fiber (MCF) in the in-building network, including the optical riser which connects the on-the-street FTTH fiber to the in-premises optical network terminal (ONT) through the building [3]. The riser fiber is commonly implemented by a thick and heavy multi-fiber cable with up to 288 single-mode fibers [4], each one connecting an individual home.…”

“…The riser fiber is commonly implemented by a thick and heavy multi-fiber cable with up to 288 single-mode fibers [4], each one connecting an individual home. Some buildings already have multimode fibers installed for local area network applications [1], [3]. However, multimode and plastic fiber networks usually require 850 or 1300 nm wavelength transmission [3], which differs from the 1550 nm transmission employed in the access network, thus requiring a residential gateway interface between the FTTH and the in-building network [1].…”

“…Some buildings already have multimode fibers installed for local area network applications [1], [3]. However, multimode and plastic fiber networks usually require 850 or 1300 nm wavelength transmission [3], which differs from the 1550 nm transmission employed in the access network, thus requiring a residential gateway interface between the FTTH and the in-building network [1]. Moreover, the requirements may differ for each operator or subscribed service, which makes the in-building dimensioning even more difficult.…”