Last month we proposed that the fiber optic industry again look at the idea of a "standard connector" - not a connector for every application, which is not realistic, but a small duplex connector for patch panel to equipment connnections. We have publicized the idea and gotten lots of interest.
What Is The Reaction To The
FOA Proposal?
Industry reaction to our
proposal has been much more positive than even our most optimistic
expectations. Sure, we got a couple of "you're nuts"
and " surely you are kidding" reactions, but the vast
majority of responses, even from connector manufacturers, are
like this one, "it has come to the time where a standard
connector should be established."
Within the networking equipment market, we heard opinions that
the duplex LC has already become dominant, with most transceivers
for 1, 4 and 10 gigabit networks now available in duplex LC format.
A simple duplex body that is LC plug-compatible but has a single
solid backshell for use with the new small cable designs to replace
the two LCs in a duplex configuration is a non-issue to the component
and equipment manufacturers, but they understand the appeal to
end users.
It has also been pointed out that our proposal is simply voicing
what industry insiders already know, that the duplex LC has become
the de facto industry standard already. Our proposal for a single
body version, while offering a more streamlined design, is perhaps
more a focal point for industry discussion of what has occurred
in the marketplace than a technical innovation. And our timing
is spot-on. The TIA TR 42.8 committee is currently considering
changes to the "C" revision of TIA-568, so let the discussions
begin!
What do you think? Send your comments to conn@thefoa.org
How Connected Are You?
In LA, One Wilshire claims to be the most connected space in the entire world. They call it a MMR (meet me room) but most people call them telecom hotels. Fiber, of course, is the preferred connection medium. Take a look at this one and see what you think: http://www.carrierhotels.com/properties/onewilshire/mmr.shtml
Slick New Polishing Puck
FOA Website Expands To Support Fiber Optic Educators
Instructors' Home Page And
New Online Train-The-Trainer Program
The FOA has always focused on creating better educational opportunities
in fiber optics - it's our charter: we're a non-profit educational
organization. We've done two things recently to expand that commitment
- both here on the FOA website.
We have over 120 schools and hundreds of instructors teaching at those organizations, and we'll notify them about these new web pages, but we invite any instructor interested in fiber optics to dig in and use these pages too.
First, we've created a home page for instructors where we'll cover topics just for them, like our TTT program and resources just for instructors. It's at http://www.thefoa.org/instructors/index.html
Secondly, we've put our TTT seminar online, in both PPT and PDF format at http://www.thefoa.org/instructors/index.html
KMI Reports on Fiber To The Home (Premise) Market
KMI, the Pennwell marketing research firm that focuses on fiber optics, has taken a new look at FTTH. The report highlights indicate their viewpoint of the importance of this developing market. Here's their description of their report:
This industry is starting to take off, almost 20 years after the first fiber-to-the-home tests. A new report from KMI Research shows why now, how much, and what it all means for the telecom industry. The report is Fiber to the Premises in the United States: The Promise of Universal Broadband Access.
The competition to provide broadband is heating up. More companies are getting involved, and more are turning to fiber, some in huge quantities. KMI,s report forecasts a $3 billion market for equipment, cable, and apparatus by 2009.
KMI, a specialist in fiberoptics
and communication, has tracked this market for decades, and brings
you a new look at the different fiber-in-the-loop architectures,
and the amount of equipment, cable, and related products that
will be needed. The report,s forecasts will benefit companies
making products from chips to backhoes.
Report highlights and key findings include:
a) Total FTTP market for equipment, cable/apparatus in 2009 will be $3.2 billion, a 54% CAGR increase from 2003 based on gradually stronger subscription rates during the forecast.
b) Forecast of cabled-fiber demand related to FTTP/FITL in the U.S. will contribute to a 19% CAGR for the total U.S. single-mode cable market from 2003 through 2009.
c) FITL related fiber deployments in 2003 were less than 10% of total U.S. single-mode cabled-fiber demand, but will account for more than 40% in 2009. Forecast provides fiber demand by loop segment (feeder, distribution and drop.)
d) Market forecast of LEC vs. municipalities/utilities, FTTP through 2009. The telco market contribution will grow from 3% of electronics and cable/apparatus market in 2003 to more than 70% through the forecast period.
To Purchase the report, contact
Kathleen Skelton, sales manager, KMI Research
Email: Kathleen@kmiresearch.com Voice 401.243.8114, Fax 401.351.0564
Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
Proposed Fiber Optic Cable Jacket Color Codes
The Effect Of Termination and Splicing on Bandwidth
FOCIS - Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability Standards
Specifications for Fiber Optic LANs and Links
EAI/TIA 568 B.3 For Fiber Optics
What Loss Should You Measure When Testing Fiber Optic Links?
Don't miss Eric Pearson's Newsletters - with some tests on connectors.
New sections of "Lennie Lightwave's Guide To Fiber Optics" covers loss testing of fiber optic cables and OTDRs.
Your Name, CFOT - It pays to advertise!
The FOA encourages CFOTs to use the logo on their business cards, letterhead, truck or van, etc. and provides logo files on this site for that purpose. But we are also asked about how to use the CFOT or CFOS certifications. Easy, you can refer to yourself as "Your Name, CFOT" or "Your Name, CFOS/T" for example.
Feel free to use the logo and designations to promote your achievements and professionalism!
Remember To Renew Your Certification !
Remember to renew your FOA certification. All current CFOTs have a ID Card with their certification data and we keep a database of current CFOTs to answer inquiries regarding your qualifications if needed. If you forgot to renew, use the online application form or the FOA online store to renew NOW!
Want To Get FOA Email?
We have been asked if we could send the FOA newsletter by email
or post it on the website. We are looking into that and will definitely
get one started soon. When you renew your certification, you will
be asked if you are interested in email newsletters and if so,
you will be asked to give your email address for us to use in
a mailing list. If you want to get started now, send an email
to info@thefoa.org with the
subject "eMail List"
Note that The FOA never releases its mailing lists for any
use! Your data is always safe with us.
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