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ABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

FS FHD series MPO/MTP cassettes have become a favorable choice for today’s high speed networks and cloud computing in data centers. They enable high bandwidth, high port density, security monitoring, easy cable management and future data rates migration. With the advent of 40/100G network, MPO/MTP cassettes play a more and more important role in fiber optic network. Their importance needs no further explanation. Today, we will unveil the product and learn some ABCs of FS FHD series MPO/MTP cassettes.

What Are FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes?

FS MPO/MTP fiber cassettes are available with FHX series and FHD series, which is used for our FHX and FHD fiber optic patch panel respectively. FHD series MPO/MTP cassettes are pre-terminated and pre-tested enclosed units. MTP modular cassettes serve to transmit small diameter ribbon cables terminated with MPO connectors to LC or SC interface used on the transceiver terminal equipment. The fan-outs incorporate LC, SC connectors insert into adapters on the front side of the cassette and MPO connectors plugged into MPO adapters mounted at the rear of the cassette. One or more MPO fan-out assemblies can be installed inside the cassette to connect up to 24 fibers. Alignment pins are pre-installed in the MPO connector located inside the cassette. These pins precisely align the mating fibers in the MPO connectors at either end of the array cables that plug into the cassettes. MPO/MTP cassettes can be deployed quickly and easily in high-density applications, leveraging rack space and fiber enclosure design flexibility. The cassette is interconnected with a high-density fiber optic cable assembly for quick connection to remote or data center applications.

altABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

Types of FHD MPO/MTP Cassettes

FS FHD MPO/MTP cassettes are available in different types. To sum it up, there are about 23 diverse products, which can be generally classified from three aspects: fiber count, connector type, polarity type.

Fiber Count

As a pre-terminated fiber product, FS FHD MPO/MTP cassettes are equipped with 8 fibers, 12 fibers or 24 fibers.

Base-8 MTP Fiber Cassette

Base-8 MTP fiber cassette is designed to upgrade existing LC links to SR4 parallel optics without wasting any of the fibers inside the cable. With respect to the Base-8 connectivity, LC port layout adhere to 1-12, 2-11, 3-10, 4-9 array connections. This Base-8 MTP fiber cassette is ideal to deploy a Base-8 connectivity solution for use in main, horizontal and equipment distribution areas.

altABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

Base-12 MTP Fiber Cassette

Base-12 MTP fiber cassette has 12-fiber MTP adapter on the rear of the units and duplex LC adapters on the front patch field. With respect to the Base-12 connectivity, LC port layout adhere to 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8 array connections. It’s designed to interconnect with high-density fiber cable assemblies for quick connection of remote or data center applications.

altABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

Base-24 MTP Fiber Cassette

Base-24 MTP fiber cassette is similar to Base-12 MTP fiber cassette, except it has 24-fiber MTP adapter on the rear of the units and duplex LC adapters on the front patch field. It has the same array connections from 1-2, 3-4 to 21-22, 23-24. And it’s also designed to interconnect with high-density fiber cable assemblies for quick connection of remote or data center applications.

altABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

Connector Type

MPO/MTP cassettes have several different front connectors and rear connectors. There are two kinds of front connectors, such as LC/SC duplex with UPC polished multimode front connector and LC/SC duplex with UPC/APC polished single mode front connector. And also two rear connectors, such as MTP/MPO adapter(s) with male ferrules (pins) and UPC polished multimode rear connector and MTP/MPO adapter(s) with male ferrules (pins) and APC polished single mode rear connector.

Polarity Type

Considering polarity type, there are four types of FHD MPO/MTP cassettes: type A, type AF, type B1 and type B2. Different types of MPO/MTP cassettes transmit different signals and connect with different receiver equipment.

Base-8 Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

The Base-8 series MPO/MTP cassette has no polarity. The specific fiber sequence structure is shown below.

altABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

Base-12 Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

There are four different 12/24 Fibers MTP/MPO cassette modules: Type A, AF(Pair Flipped), B1 and B2.

altABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

Base-24 Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

There are two different 24 Fibers MTP/MPO cassette modules: Type A, and AF(Pair Flipped).

altABCs of FS FHD Series MPO/MTP Cassettes

FHD MPO/MTP Cassettes Installation Steps

When we’re trying to install a FS FHD MPO/MTP cassette, we can follow the installation steps below to complete the equipment.

Insert the cassette through the mounting bracket and secure it by locking the plastic rivets.
Feed one end of the cassette patch cord through a desired grommet location and connect it to the rear port of the cassette.
Route and connect the free end of the cassette patch cord to the appropriate equipment.

For more installation methods, please check out the video below.

Conclusion

FHD series MPO/MTP cassettes are used for inter connector or cross connector connectivity when the distance between two devices is too long. They’re dominant in high-density data centers for their reliable interface, optimized performance and minimized server rack space. FS.COM provides various popular cassettes, such as 1xMTP (8-Fiber) to 4xLC duplex fiber cassettes, 3xMTP (8-Fiber) to 6xLC quad cassettes, 1xMTP (12-Fiber) to 6xLC duplex cassettes, 2xMTP (12-Fiber) to 12xLC duplex cassettes and 1xMTP (24-Fiber) to 12xLC duplex cassettes. I’m sure you can find one to satisfy your needs.

FS 42U Network & Server Cabinet: an Ideal Solution

With the urgent needs of computing power and space in data centers, network cabinet or server cabinet is always chosen as an ideal solution for enterprises from telecommunication industry. But one product alone can not fulfill the demands of all, so it’s necessary to find one that can perform both sides. At FS.COM, we succeed in finding 42U network & server cabinet, which provides the best performance. In this article, we will give an all-round introduction to FS 42U network & server cabinet.

What Is 42U Network & Server Cabinet?

42U network & server cabinet, as the name implies, is a multifunctional device. It can be both used as 42U network cabinet and 42U server cabinet. One part as the network cabinet, it is commonly used to house routers, network switches, patch panels and other similar networking equipment. Another part as the server cabinet, it’s applied to server installations, house UPSes and monitors as well as other similar equipment. So FS 42U network & server cabinet combines the advantages of both. It’s a distinctive, robust cabinet solution that supports and protects rack-mount servers, storage and network equipment in multi-tenant and enterprise data centers, computer rooms and network facilities.

altFS 42U Network Server Cabinet：an Ideal Solution

Components of FS 42U Network & Server Cabinet

Perforated doors: provide massive ventilation for servers and networking equipment.
Removable hinge system: hinge pins allow easy removal during maintenance.
Top panel: six brush-covered cable openings in the top panel provide easy access for overhead cabling.
Grounding system: utilize quick-release ground wires that detach from the front and rear doors.
Equipment support: can be adjusted in half-inch (12.5mm) increments.
Side panels: locking removable side panels keyed alike with doors.
PDU brackets: allow for easy integration of rack PDUs and cable managers.
Vertical cable managers: allow for easy organization and location of large cable bundles.
Casters & Leveling feet: casters & levelers are removable.

altFS 42U Network Server Cabinet：an Ideal Solution

FS 42U Network & Server Cabinet Highlights

It has adjustable depth mounting rails that support a wide range of equipment, even up to 1500kg (3307 lb) of equipment.
Cable and power management accessories create separate pathways for cables.
Heavy-duty cold-rolled steel construction with a black powder-coated finish for durability.
Server cabinet is able to provide a variety of air segregation strategies, such as cold aisle containment, hot aisle containment, cabinet-level containment.
The top panel is designed to maintain proper hot aisle or cold aisle flow. The split side panels are locking removable with half height. Thus, the size and weight can be both reduced for an easier operation and access to equipment.
The innovative frame design maximizes RU utilization. Each configuration accelerates deployment and promotes rapid upgrades without reconfiguration and downtime.
The cabinet can be locked, which might avoid visitors or other unauthorized people accessing the equipment.
With doors and side panels, the cables in the cabinet has much less access to outside air. So it helps to reduce the risk of getting damaged by contaminants.

Conclusion

From the above highlights, we can know that FS 42U network & server cabinet is beyond our expectation for combing both advantages of network cabinet and server cabinet. It simplifies rack equipment installations and rack equipment maintenance, serves as the ideal solution for secure, high-density server and networking applications in IT environments. It is also compliant with lots of standards such as, ANSI/EIA RS-310-D, IEC297-2, DIN 41491; PART1, DIN41494; PART 7, GB/T3047.2-92, ETSI Standard. Data, security, audio visual and telecommunication areas, you will find FS 42U network & server cabinet covers a wide range of applications. If you need one, you can contact us at FS.COM. Our business radiates globally, we are sure your demands can be satisfied.

Comparison of FS 1U Rack Mount Fiber Enclosure

Since the demands for high-density cabling increase, data center operators should look for devices that can provide higher performance without expanding physical space. Now as a necessary fiber cable management component, the 1U rack mount fiber enclosure is widely used in data centers to house, organize, manage and protect fiber optic cables. The 1U rack mount fiber enclosure comes in different types. Today we will make comparisons of two types of FS 1U rack mount fiber enclosures as an example to give you some professional buying guidance.

What Is 1U Rack Mount Fiber Enclosure?

The rack mount fiber enclosure is generally made for 19 inch rack mounting and comes in rack units of 1U, 2U, 3U, 4U, or more rack units depending on the number of required connections. It offers full front and rear access with a drawer that slides forward and backward. FS 1U 19 inch rack mount fiber enclosure is generally loaded with four fiber optic patch panel, cassettes or modules. There are also two ways of pulling out the tray, cover removable type and slide-out type. The slide-out type is more expensive but is more convenient for high-density cabling deployment. The slide-out rack mount fiber enclosure features the pull-out sliding trays, so there is no need to remove the whole fiber enclosure from the rack to gain internal access.

Types of FS 1U Rack Mount Fiber Enclosure

There are two types of FS 1U rack mount fiber enclosures, FHZ premium fiber enclosure and FHD series fiber enclosure.

FHZ Series Fiber Enclosure

FS FHZ premium fiber enclosure provides solid fiber-optic-link protection and space-saving cable management. The highest fiber densities and port counts contribute to maximizing rack space utilization. FS FHZ series 1U rack mount premium ultra HD fiber enclosure use the FHZ cassette platform to provide a premium ultra high density solution for inter-connects or cross-connects between backbone horizontal cable and active equipment. It’s ideal for ultra high density fiber applications in data centers, equipment rooms, and central offices.

altComparison of FS 1U Rack Mount Fiber Enclosure FHZ Series Fiber Enclosure

FHD Series Fiber Enclosure

There are two different types of FS FHD fiber enclosures: FHD-1UFMT-N and FHD-1UFCE.

FHD-1UFMT-N

FHD-1UFMT-N can house 4 pcs FHD series MTP modular cassettes or fiber adapter panels. Equipped with a cover removable drawer, it provides a high-density flexible system for managing fiber terminations, connections, and patching in data center application to maximizing rack space utilization and minimizing floor space.

altComparison of FS 1U Rack Mount Fiber Enclosures FHZ Series Fiber Enclosure
FHD-1UFCE

FHD-1UFCE is designed to accept up to 4 series MTP modular cassettes or fiber adapter panels within a 1U space. It provides a modular system for managing fiber connections and offers best-in-class cable management for every installation. Equipped with a new-design parallel sliding drawer, FHD-1UFCE can be pushed or pulled more stably as well as faster. It also serves as a transition from backbone cabling to distribution switching, an interconnect to active equipment, or as a cross-connect or interconnect in a main or horizontal distribution area.

altComparison of FS 1U Rack Mount Fiber Enclosures FHZ Series Fiber Enclosure

Buyer’s Guide

Here we list three main factors for your consideration when purchasing a 1U rack mount fiber enclosure.

Scale Requirement

Firstly you should know the external specification you need, such as height, width, numbers of ports. Rack mount fiber enclosure usually comes in 48/96/144 ports. The more ports, the more expensive the enclosure will be. We suggest that you choose a bigger one for your existing requirements considering the near-future growth.

Accessibility Requirement

Secondly you should think about cover removable type or slide-out type enclosure to better suit your situation. Cover removable type enclosure can fit your current situation, but takes more energy and time to add, move or change cables without moving or disturbing active fibre cables in the future. While slide-out type provides larger adjustment space.

Budget

Most importantly, whether to choose a cost-effective one for current situation or a expensive one with high-quality for future. You should balance factors that matters to you and make the final decision.

Conclusion

Now that you have a comprehensive understanding of four different FS 1U rack mount fiber enclosures. I believe that you are able to choose the most suitable enclosure for yourself. If you have made the decision, you can visit FS.COM and bring your favourite enclosure home.

FS Powerful Enterprise PoE Switches

PoE (Power over Ethernet) technology brings a revolution in the wireless network by providing data and electricity over the same Ethernet cable. With the growing needs of the market, PoE switches with PoE technology are widely produced and applied in business, campus, hospitals and transportation. In this article we will take FS PoE switches for example and discuss what is PoE switch as well as types and usages of FS PoE switches.

What Is POE Switch?

PoE switch is a network switch with integrated power over Ethernet functionality. It contains multiple Ethernet ports to provide power and network communications. When connected with multiple network devices, PoE switch can simultaneously support both power and data transmission over one Ethernet cable, which significantly simplifies the cabling process and cuts down network cost. PoE switch can be divided into many types, such as managed and unmanagd switch, 8/12/24/48 port PoE switches.

FS PoE Switches Introduction

There are three kinds of FS PoE switches, 8-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch, 24-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch, 48-port Gigabit PoE+ managed switch.

8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

S1150-8T2F managed PoE+ Ethernet switch comes with 8x 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1x console port, and 2x Gigabit SFP slots. It can supply power to network equipment such as weather-proof IP cameras with windshield wiper and heater, high-performance AP and IP telephone. This managed PoE+ switch is highly flexible, the transmission distance of the SFP fiber port can be up to 120km, and with high resistance to electromagnetic interference. It also features superior performance in stability and environmental adaptability.

alt FS PoE Switches 8-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

S1400-24T4F managed PoE+ Ethernet switch comes with 24x 10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1x console port, and 4x Gigabit SFP slots. This L2+ managed PoE+ switch provides a reliable infrastructure for your business network. It delivers more intelligent features to improve the availability of critical business applications, protects the sensitive information, and optimizes the network bandwidth to deliver information and applications more effectively. It best fits for SMB or entry-level enterprise solution which demands industrial, surveillance, IP Phone, IP Camera or Wireless applications. All in all, the PoE switch provides security, performance, quality of services, centrally managed and other network control capabilities.

altFS PoE Switches 24-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

48-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

S1600-48T4S managed PoE+ Ethernet switch comes with 48×10/100/1000Base-T RJ45 Ethernet ports, 1x console port, 4x 10G SFP+ slots. It offers enterprise-class features like high-performance of both hardware and software, stable and reliable RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol), free configuration, strong network security, convenient management and maintenance. The switch can automatically identify the connected devices whether compatible with IEEE 802.3af or IEEE 802.3at standards, and then supply power for them. The PoE switch makes it easier to deploy wireless access point (AP) and IP-based terminal network equipment with PoE technology.

altFS PoE Switches 48-Port Gigabit PoE+ Managed Switch

How to Use FS POE Switch?

FS PoE switch is mainly used with IP cameras, VoIP phones and WAP (wireless access points).

IP camera

FS PoE switch offers power supply and data connection to PoE enabled IP camera system via network cables such as Cat5, Cat5e and Cat6. At present, regardless of industry or location, it is often necessary to use a PoE switch for IP security camera to ensure the safety of people and business.

altFS PoE Switches Used for IP Camera

VoIP Phone

VoIP phone is the most common and original PoE application with a single connection to a wall socket. It can be powered off remotely. With FS PoE switch, only data network cable is required. PoE switch has facilitated business communication and reduced deployment costs of VoIP.

altFS PoE Switches Used for VoIP Phone

Wireless AP

Wireless network is greatly promoted by the usage of PoE. When you use FS PoE switch, installation of controllers and access points is greatly simplified. It is considered to be the most widespread way to build enterprise wireless network.

altFS PoE Switches Used for Wireless AP

Benefits of Using FS POE Switch

Flexibility

FS PoE switch supplies power via an Ethernet cable and eliminates the demand for additional electrical wiring. Without it, the deployment will be more knotty. You have to either run a power cable to the area where you want to deploy a network device or deploy network devices based on where existing power outlets are available. Therefore, FS PoE switch gives freedom from fixed power outlets, provides more placement options and allows for deployment in complex environments.

Reliability

FS PoE switches offer high PoE power budget that is almost double which of the competitors, and they support the 802.3at standard to easily fulfill power hungry PD requirement. Additionally, FS PoE switches are made with high-quality components to ensure stability and durable connectivity essential to PoE applications such as IP surveillance and more.

Cost-efficient

Now that we have FS PoE switch, there is no need to purchase or install additional electrical wires and outlets. A single cable supports both data and power transmission. PoE solutions also require fewer power adapters. All these lead to dramatically savings on installation and maintenance costs.

Conclusion

From this article, you may better grasp of what is PoE switch and what is PoE switch used for. At present, PoE switch has become a better choice for connecting IP camera, VoIP phones and wireless APs. To get a high quality PoE switch with cheaper price, FS.COM is a good place to visit. In addition, FS.COM provides various gigabit switches for your network demands.

Things to Know About SFP+ DAC

Over the years, network cabling has undergone profound changes. 10GbE has successfully extended its coverage from enterprise data centers to medium network market. As the demands increase, it’s important to find an optimized solution for 10GbE applications. In this case, SFP+ DAC serves as a good option. This post will introduce basic information about SFP+ DAC.

What Is SFP+ DAC?

SFP+ DAC (direct attach cable), also named SFP+ DAC twinax cable or SFP+ direct attach copper cable, is a fixed assembly with a fixed length, and the SFP+ connector modules permanently attaches to each end of the cable. By connecting two SFP+ slots directly, SFP+ DAC effectively eliminates the costly optical transceivers required by the device and significantly reduces power consumption, latency, and installation time. Meanwhile, it uses an enhanced SFP+ connector to send data up to 10Gbps through a pair of transmitters and receivers over a thin twinax cable. Thus SFP+ DAC has become an optimized choice for modern short-range, high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet applications.

SFP+ DAC

Types of SFP+ DAC

SFP+ DAC comes to two different types: passive SFP+ DAC and active SFP+ DAC.

Passive SFP+ DAC

Passive SFP+ DAC contains no electrical components, thus it requires little to no direct power to operate. So the host networking device must support the signal processing functions. When a SFP+ is inserted, networking gear compatible with passive SFP+ DAC reads the module type, and the signal conditioning is activated only when a passive SFP+ DAC is detected. Passive SFP+ DAC can afford the length ranging from 0.5m to7m, but it’s more susceptible to degradation due to attenuation and crosstalk.

Active SFP+ DAC

Active SFP+ DAC needs DC power to integrate signal processing circuitry into its built-in connectors. That’s one of the reasons why active SFP+ DAC is usually more expensive than passive SFP+ DAC. Active SFP+ DAC has a silicon chip to improve the performance of the cable. It allows cables to be smaller, thinner, longer, and transmit data faster. It affords the length ranging over 7m.

Passive SFP+ DAC vs Active SFP+ DAC

Passive SFP+ DAC Benefits

It has a lower cost and higher reliability.
It has fewer components (No Active Tx /Rx Components) and only has capacitors, resistors, EEPROM and cable.

Active SFP+ DAC Benefits

It improves signal integrity and allows longer cable lengths.
It provides Transmit Pre-emphasis and Active/Adaptive Receive Equalization.
It allows no worries about host Tx/Rx for Cu cables

From the above, we can come to the conclusion that passive SFP+ DAC is much less expensive but requires the host to do the work of driving it properly, while active SFP+ DAC offers added benefits but cost a lot. When the distance is no more than 7m, passive SFP+ DAC is recommended. As for link distance is beyond 7m, active SFP+ DAC would be required.

Conclusion

SFP+ DAC is a cost-effective option to traditional fiber and twisted-pair copper cables in data center deployments. It can provide better performance for high-density deployments and improve electrical characteristics for the most reliable signal transmission. It’s typically used for connections between in-rack and inter-rack. So if you are looking for one, FS.COM offers various of high quality SFP+ DAC with different lengths. And we also offer customized services to meet your special needs. If you’re interested, please contact us at FS.COM.

Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch

Speaking of today’s market of network switches, there are three main fiber switches having to be mentioned: unmanaged switch, managed switch and web smart switch. In the previous articles, we compared managed switch with unmanaged switch for home network. In this article, we will continue to make a contrast. So web smart switch vs managed switch, which one should you choose, the decision depends on the size of your network and how much control you need over that network.

alt Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch

What Is Web Smart Switch?

A web smart switch, also named smart switch or smart managed switch, is a popular option for mid-sized networks that require management. It provides features like QoS (Quality of Service), RSTP (Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol), SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), CLI (Command Line Interface), LACP, VLANs, redundancy capability, and so on. Web smart switch is managed via a web browser that provides intuitive guidance for users to manage their networks. It has limited selection of advanced management, poorer scope of configuration flexibility and little to no security features.

What Is Managed Switch?

Similar to web smart switch, a managed switch can be configured and managed correctly to provide a more tailored experience for users. It not only offers tools and means to monitor the network but also gives the network administrator greater control over managing and prioritizing LAN (local area network) traffic. Managed switch allows users in charge of setting everything up, but users have to take all the responsibility for the operation.

Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch: What’s the Difference?

The differences between web smart switch and managed switch have always been discussed. Here are some obvious differences between them.

Function

Web Smart Switch

It offers options like QoS, VLANs, and so on.
It’s ideal for VoIP phones, small VLANs, and working groups for places like labs.
It allows you to configure ports, basic settings and set up virtual networks.
It allows you to assign higher priority to critical traffic.
It can divide your network into multiple virtual networks for better traffic security and reliable connectivity.
It helps to allocate network bandwidth the way you work.

Managed Switch

It provides high-levels of network security, control and management.
It can limit access to specific devices, prioritize user traffic and partition a network.
It can use layer 3 routing capability to link smaller networks into much larger business-wide networks.
It can remotely monitor network performance, detect and repair network problems without having to physically check devices or requiring network services.
It can optimize a network’s speed and resource utilization.

Application

A web smart switch is an entry-level managed switch. It’s especially suitable for a business network hosting less than 100 active users. If there is no advanced applications required, web smart switch is the best solution for simple applications such as small and midsize enterprise networks.
An managed switch is ideal for businesses that need to remotely and securely manage and troubleshoot their network. It enables network managers to monitor and control traffic to achieve optimal network performance and reliability. It allows the network to be expanded with flexibility.

Price

Considering the features and functions provided by web smart switch and managed switch, there is no doubt that managed switch is more expensive than web smart switch. Since managed switch allows the network to grow in the future, it worth the price over time.

Web Smart Switch vs Managed Switch: Which Is Best for You?

Web smart switch vs managed switch, the differences do exist. No matter which type to choose, you have to consider your demands first. If you have no limit of expenditure and want to have more control over the network, managed switch is the best choice. If you want to support one small company or colleague with a lower price, web smart switch is good enough. If you don’t know which one suits you best, FS.COM provides various switches to satisfy all your needs.

Review on Fiber Cable Connectors

Fiber cable connectors are designed to provide perfect alignment of the microscopic glass fibers that were used in fiber cables to transmit data. These kinds of connections must be highly accurate in order to facilitate high speed fiber optic networks. This article helps to review some common fiber cable connector types available on the market today.

What Is Fiber Cable Connector?

Fiber cable connector, also named fiber optic connector or optical fiber connector, is a hardware installed on fiber cable ends. It provides cable attachment to a transmitter, receiver or other cable. There are various fiber cable connectors, for which different connectors have different characteristics and functions. According to statistics, about 100 different types of fiber cable connectors have been introduced to the market.

Fiber Cable Connector Constructions

The most popular used ones are ST, SC, FC and LC style connectors, which vary differently from characteristics, applications and performances. But all the connectors have three major components: the ferrule, the connector body, and the coupling mechanism. Among those, the ferrule is used for protecting and aligning the stripped fiber end. The connector body holds the ferrule and attaches to the jacket and strengthens fiber cable. The coupling mechanism is a part of the connector body that keeps the connector in place when connected to other devices.

Common Fiber Cable Connectors and Their Differences

ST Connector

ST connector was developed by AT&T. It’s a high-performance fiber optic connector with cylindrical ceramic ferrules and bayonet locking features. Most ferrules are ceramic, but some are metal or plastic. ST connector is constructed with a metal housing and is nickel-plated, can be inserted into and removed from a fiber optic cable both quickly and easily. It’s commonly used in network environments such as campuses, corporate networks, industrial and military applications.

altST Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

SC Connector

SC connector is a snap-in connector with a round 2.5mm ferrule used to hold a single mode fiber (SMF). It sometimes refers to “square connector” because of its “square shaped” connector body. It’s intended for Gigabit Ethernet networking with features of low price and excellent performance. SC connector is ideal for data communication and telecommunications applications, and still popular over the years.

altSC Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

FC Connector

FC Connector is the first optical fiber connector to use a certain ferrule. It utilizes a round screw-type fitment made from nickel-plated or stainless steel. The end face relies on an alignment key for correct insertion and is then tightened into the adaptor/jack using a threaded collet. It’s commonly used in data communication, telecommunications, measurement equipment, and single-mode lasers. SC and LC connector deliver similar performance to FC connector but both of them have less expensive components, thus FC connector with screw-on collet performs effectively in high-vibration environments.

altFC Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

LC Connector

LC connector is featured with a ferrule of 1.25mm, which makes it perfect for high density cabling. It’s available in simplex and duplex versions. It has half the footprint of the SC connector, thus it becomes the most popular connector in data communication and other high-density patch applications. LC connector is ubiquitous nowadays, especially for connections with SFP and SFP+ fiber transceivers.

altLC Connector of Fiber Cable Connectors

Conclusion

There are about 100 fiber cable connectors introducing to the market, but only a few represent the majority of the market. Here is a brief review on fiber cable connectors that have been the leaders of the industry. If you’d like more information on different fiber cable connectors, FS.COM has a complete fiber cable connector guide for you.

Managed or Unmanaged Switch for Home Network

A network switch is a computer networking device, which uses packet switching to connect devices together on a computer network in order to receive, process and forward data to the destination device. There are two common types of switch: managed switch and unmanaged switch, both of which play an important role in home network. So should I use managed or unmanaged switch for home network?

Managed or Unmanaged Switch for Home Network

What Is a Managed Switch?

A managed switch can be configured and managed correctly to provide a more tailored experience for users. It not only offers tools and means to monitor the network but also gives the network administrator greater control over managing and prioritizing LAN (local area network) traffic. Managed switch allows users in charge of setting everything up, but users have to take all the responsibility for the operation.

What Is an Unmanaged Switch?

An unmanaged switch, on the contrary, is a plug-and-play switch that already has all the required program settled, and does not require user intervention, setup or configuration. Here’s one thing to note: the unmanaged switch is manufactured with a standard configuration that cannot be changed, you should think twice before you buy it.

Managed or Unmanaged Switch for Home Network?

Managed switch is able to be configured for more advanced functions while unmanaged switch can’t. Knowing the differences between the two will do a favor in selecting managed or unmanaged switch for home network.

Differences and Similarities Between Managed and Unmanaged Switch

Similarities

They allow multiple devices to connected to the network to communicate with each other.

Differences

An unmanaged switch is a “plug and play” switch, simply allows Ethernet devices to communicate with one another, such as a desktop PC or router.
A managed switch not only provides all the features of an unmanaged switch but also gives you the tools and means to monitor your LAN traffic for a stable and ideal network.
A managed switch prioritizes through configuration changes whereas an unmanaged switch is shipped with a fixed configuration and does not allow any changes to this configuration.

Managed Switch for Home Network

A managed switch offers high-levels of network security. It incorporates STP (Spanning Tree Protocol) to provide path redundancy to keep your network safe. So if you need to handle some sensitive information at home, we recommend going with managed switch. It is able to implement VLANs, which allow network administrators to group devices together without running new cables or changing the network infrastructure, to prioritize user traffic for a better performance in a network. A managed switch allows you to configure port mirroring to forward copies of traffic to a single port on the same switch for analysis by a network analyser. The benefit of using managed switch at home is you can diagnose and fix problems without taking the network out of service. In short, a managed switch is ideal for operations that require monitoring and control capabilities. It costs the most, but worth the price over time.

Unmanaged Switch for Home Network

However, an unmanaged switch will work in the most basic form. It can’t be modified or managed. It allows your devices to connect with one another, handles everything automatically. If you’re using unmanaged switch in your home or a small network of fewer than 5-10 computers, it provides ample support. To sum it up, an unmanaged switch is ideal for primary learners with cheaper price.

Conclusion

Now that you know the advantages of managed and unmanaged switches, also the differences between them, you should be able to decide managed or unmanaged switch for home network. For home network, managed switch is for configuring, managing, and monitoring, while unmanaged switch is for simple operating, low in cost. If you are still unsure about the features mentioned above or are confused about the problem confronted, please do not hesitate in getting in touch with FS.COM, we will be more than happy to help with your networking needs.

Getting to Know the DWDM Transceivers in DWDM Systems

To keep pace with the rapid growth of Internet traffic, service providers have been seeking to improve fiber capacity and wavelength spectrum efficiency in their networks. In response to this situation, DWDM technology is emerging. DWDW is an optical multiplexing technique for increasing the bandwidth of existing fiber networks. DWDM transceivers are important parts of DWDM network, which provide high-capacity and long-distance transmissions. Let’s take a closer look together.

dwdm transceivers

What are DWDM and DWDM Transceiver?

DWDM refers to dense wavelength division multiplexing, which is a technology that gathers data signals from different sources, enables them to share a single optical fiber pair while the separation of data streams is ensured. It supports up to 80 simultaneous wavelength channels, with each of the channels only 0.8nm apart. The technology creates multiple virtual fibers thus multiplies the capacity of the physical fiber cable. It is applied to increase bandwidth over existing fiber networks and transmit data for longer distances.

DWDM transceiver is a kind of fiber optic transceiver with its own features and functions. It is designed for single-mode fiber transmission and operates at a nominal DWDM wavelength from 1528.38 to 1563.86 nm (Channel 17 to Channel 61) as specified by the ITU-T. Like other transceivers, it converts the electrical signal to optical signal and vice versa. The transceiver can support up to 10 Gbps and span a distance up to 120 km, which makes itself stand out in high-capacity and long-distance transmissions.

Types of DWDM Transceivers for DWDM Networks

DWDM transceivers are available in different types, which can support transmission rate from 155 Mbit/s to 10 Gbit/s. Here are the common types of DWDM transceivers classified based on data rate, form factor and fixed or tunable wavelength.

From the Perspective of Data Rate

In the case of data rate, DWDM transceiver usually can be divided into two types: 1G DWDM transceiver and 10G DWDM transceiver. 1G DWDM transceiver includes DWDM SFP transceiver. 10G DWDM transceiver can be further divided into DWDM SFP+ transceiver, DWDM X2 transceiver, DWDM XFP transceiver and DWDM XENPAK transceiver. DWDM SFP transceiver provides a signal rate range from 100 Mbps to 2.5 Gbps, usually used as part of a DWDM optical network to provide high-capacity bandwidth. DWDM SFP+/X2/XFP/XENPAK transceivers support 10-Gigabit data rates from 9.9G to 11.25G (LAN, WAN, and OTU2/OTU2e) which are applied in different applications.

From the Perspective of Form Factor

In terms of form factor, DWDM transceiver can be classified into DWDM SFP transceiver, DWDM SFP+ transceiver, DWDM X2 transceiver, DWDM XFP transceiver and DWDM XENPAK transceiver. Among those transceivers, DWDM SFP and SFP+ transceivers are the most commonly used ones, based on the SFP form factor which is an MSA standard build. DWDM X2 transceiver is based on the X2 form factor, designed for high speed data transmission for data center networking. It’s an ideal choice for data communications and telecommunications switches and routers. DWDM XFP transceiver is based on the XFP form factor which is also an MSA standard build. DWDM XENPAK transceiver is SC duplex receptacle module and is designed for backbone Ethernet transmission systems, which is the first 10GbE transceiver that supports DWDM. It can support 32 different channels for transmission distance up to 200 km with the aid of EDFAs.

From the Perspective of Fixed or Tunable Wavelength

Considering fixed or tunable wavelength, DWDM transceiver can be divided into fixed wavelength DWDM transceiver and DWDM tunable transceiver. Fixed wavelength DWDM transceiver, as the name implies, the wavelength is fixed. It can only transmit a certain number of wavelength, regular fixed wavelength transceiver transmits wavelength at 1310nm and 1550nm for 10G data transmission applications. The Tunable DWDM transceiver is a unique product which enables you to set the channel or “color” that the laser emits. Typically these tunable optics are for the C-Band 50GHz. Around 88 different channels can be set with intervals of 0.4nm. Tunable transceivers are typically used as “spare-optics”, in case of emergency.

Conclusion

In DWDM systems, a large number of DWDM transceivers with different wavelengths, data rates and form factors are required to satisfy network flexibility in optical network. Now that you know all the types of DWDM transceivers, you can compare them with each other and find the one you need. FS.COM provides a variety of transceivers including those mentioned above. High-quality and cost-effective products, intimate service only at FS.COM. You won’t want to miss it.

Ethernet Cable Management Solutions

Ethernet cable management, also called network cable management, has been a necessary part for any structured cabling system. However, do you know why Ethernet cable management is needed and how many wire management ways can be exerted, and what their differences are? To know the answers, you can follow this post.

Why Need Ethernet Cable Management?

With a large number of input and output patch cords in racks or cabinets, the patch cord management can effectively provide a stable cabling system for applications of the data center. It can help to prevent unnecessary cable damages and dust, improve cooling and airflow, reduce signal interference and downtime, save space and cost, etc. In most cases, the solution to Ethernet cable managing relies on organizing devices, like patch panels and cable organizers.

Figure 1: Ethernet Cable Management Solutions

Ethernet Cable Management Ways

Customarily, based on how you use network cable organizing devices, the way to manage network cables can be divided into two types: horizontal cable management and vertical cable management. Surely, depending on specified network conditions and special needs, you are allowed to choose the matching type. Sometimes, it’s still possible for you to apply these two types together in cabling.

Horizontal Cable Management

In Ethernet cabling, horizontal cable management is often applied as the 1U cable management. 1U, the acronym of one unit, stands for the height of the racks or cabinets, usually 1.75 inches. The size has been officially set as the standard vertically usable space for 1U. As its name shows, this type of management requires you to place proper managing devices on front racks or cabinets and manage Ethernet cables in a horizontal way. For the 1U horizontal cable managers, the plastic single sided horizontal cable manager with finger duct and the metal horizontal cable manager with five D-rings are the most popular types. While considering Ethernet patch panels, Cat5e patch panels, Cat6 patch panels, and blank keystone patch panels are the commonly used types.

Figure 2：Horizontal Cable Management Devices

Vertical Cable Management

Comparing with the horizontal type, the vertical cable management requires you to place organizing devices, usually the cable organizers, at both sides of the racks and secure them in a vertical way. For vertical cable managers, single D-ring vertical cable manager and 5U plastic vertical manger with bend radius finger are the top two types in the market.

Figure 3：Vertical Cable Management Managers

Summary

In networking cabling, no matter in your homes or office buildings, the Ethernet cable management has been an irreplaceable solution to deal with messy network cables. Choosing what kind of managing method, horizontal cable management, vertical cable management, or the combination of the two types totally depends on your needs.