Splitter Packaging

By Johnny Hill, Vice President of Product Management

There are two splitters widely deployed in today’s networks; Planar (PLC) and Fused Biconic Taper (FBT). While FBT is a more mature technology and proven in OSP when packaged properly, key metrics such as uniformity and polarization dependent loss (PDL), along with proven performance and reliability, validate the planar manufacturers’ claim as the “technology of choice” by you—the service provider.

Performance and reliability specs of the optical components and the splitter module itself can be addressed with Telcordia GR-1209/1221 for the optical component, GR-326 for the connector/termination and one could go a step further with these standards and apply the rules of fiber management with GR449.

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Mapping Your Network—Don't Learn the Hard Way

By Gary Bender, Broadband Application Engineer

As-built mapping is something that is sometimes overlooked when discussions around planning a project take place. In the past, outdated maps have turned what I thought would be an easy phase of construction into a nightmare. One experience I had taught me a valuable lesson:

I had been tasked to oversee a project in a very rural area. Equipped with a project plan and as-built maps, I set the budget and ordered the fiber needed for the project.

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Fiber Optics Cross-Connect Systems (FOCS)—What Can They Offer Today?

By Jim Pilgrim, Broadband Technology Market Manager

Recently I’ve begun to hear more buzz around the emergence of Fiber Optic Cross-Connect Systems (FOCS) for traditional Telco networks. Some say, “Manufacturing breakthroughs enable FOCS to be price-competitive with Manual Fiber Cross-Connect Panels.” I was a Central Office Supervisor for US WEST in the early ‘90s when Digital Cross-Connect System (DCS) were being deployed into a huge percentage of their Central Offices (CO). I’ve discovered there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of cross-connects (DCS and FOCS) and when compared, they are nearly identical.

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Take a visual tour of the products we offer and better understand how we build your solution using "a personal approach" (APA). Learn more...

In the News

January 2007—APA Cables & Networks Future-Proofs FTTP Deployments: Cross-Connect Upgrade Kit for its OSP Cabinet Platform. Read more...

2007 Upcoming Events

Stop by our display at the following shows:

GTA Showcase—Macon, GA
February 21-22

MN Telecom Alliance Convention and Trade Show— Minneapolis, MN
February 26-March 1

ITA Showcase— Portland, OR
March 6-7

RIITA Expo—Des Moines, IA
March 6-8

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