25 years after we first came on the scene as pioneers in the fiber optic communication market, OCC continues to outperform our competitors. How do we do it? What sets us apart from the rest? How did we build our reputation as a one-source solution for our customers?

While our customers love our innovative products, they value something else even more: reliability and durability.

Reliable, and Durable Products

Cables are the lifeline of the broadcast industry. Things move fast, and industry leaders need to know that their cables will function when it matters most, AND they will stand the test of time. After all, when the average repair runs $325 per cable end, the fewer repairs a cable needs, the more you save.

Our SMPTE cables, enclosures, and custom-built assemblies aren’t just state-of-the-art, they are built to last. That’s what makes customers like Jason Friess, Director of Fiber Optic Engineering at the NEP Group, choose OCC SMPTE products. “OCC cables fail less often than their competitor’s products,” says Friess.

In fact, our product has made a positive impact on the NEP Group’s bottom line. Friess continues, “OCC’s Migration Control Technology has led to a substantial decrease in repair and restoration costs for our company. Because there is little-to-no migration in the copper components of the cable, we see fewer shorts that occur.”  

OCC’s Cables Don’t Let You Down

Live events are stressful under the best of circumstances, but when you have dependable products on your side, the potential for mishap decreases. Our SMPTE cable, enclosures, and custom-built assemblies ensure that your broadcast runs seamlessly. The NEP Group consistently uses OCC SMPTE products for their live events across the country. Why? They know that we provide reliable products quickly and consistently with every order.

Friess says, “I can count on OCC to always provide consistent products for NEP. Their cable has zero variation in the jacketing materials, coloring, and finish. I continue to choose OCC because I can count on their products always performing to my expectation.”

Depend On OCC 

At OCC, we pride ourselves on our innovation and our expertise. We’ve evolved from our role as forerunners in fiber optic communication to the second largest manufacturer of multimode fiber optic cable for the North American enterprise market. In fact, we’re not just the top choice for companies like NEP, but we’re the premier manufacturer of ground tactical fiber optic cable for the U.S. military and its allies.

Better yet, our technical support and customer service are second to none. Quality is a big deal at OCC. We’ve received many certifications, recognition, and awards from the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Department of Commerce, and the U.S. Patent Office as well as the Commonwealth of Virginia, Start-It Magazine, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, and more.  OCC is also committed to employing green manufacturing techniques and conscientious of our carbon footprint, too.

If you’re looking for a customized cable solution, let’s talk. 

With the exceedingly prevalent use of data, the growth of wireless access points, IP-enabled devices and building automation systems has jumped exponentially.  Cameras and other security equipment are now being connected to the network as these devices move from analog to digital or Ethernet based.

This growth has created a need to change the way typical horizontal links and channels are configured for these applications. Devices such as wireless access points mounted in non-traditional locations (in the ceiling or high up on the wall) are not attached to the network using standard faceplate, jack and patch cord configurations.  The traditional method is being replaced with direct attachment where the horizontal cable is terminated with a field installable plug and then plugged directly into the equipment.

Currently, installers in the field are utilizing modular plugs that are intended for patch cord construction to terminate Cat5e and Cat6 horizontal cabling. This practice is difficult, time consuming, yields unpredictable performance results and is not recommended by the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) 568 standards. Also, these plugs do not accommodate the larger conductors utilized in Cat6A cabling. The increasing data rates of wireless access points and other devices now require a Cat6A cabling link to support 10G Ethernet.

While the TIA-568 communications cabling standard does not currently support direct attach links, the growing demand for field installable plugs has many industry standards such as TIA-862-A, Building Automation Systems Cabling Standard looking to recognize the direct attach method of termination.   However, the need for a robust, easy to install field terminable plug for this market segment that provides true performance is imperative.

OCC has addressed this need with the introduction of a Category 6A Field Terminable Plug.   With OCC’s new plug, terminations are simple and require no specialized tools.  They support high-performance 10 Gigabit networks and meet the TIA-568-C.2 Category 6A component performance requirements.  In addition, they are supported by OCC’s 25-year MDIS Direct Attach System Performance Warranty when used as an end-to-end OCC copper cabling solution.

For more information about OCC’s Field Terminable Plug, click on the links below:

• Product Information

Typical applications for harsh environment fiber optic cable assemblies in the Oil and Gas market include above-surface (or “top-side”) monitoring and controls for oil and gas rigs, both land and sea based, as well as Geo-seismic exploration equipment. In all cases, the user needs a strong and dependable fiber connection that can be deployed quickly and reliably. Multi-pin hermaphroditic connectors, along with flexible and durable deployable cables manufactured by OCC can be deployed in the most extreme environments where rig operators or exploration teams are working, and all fiber connections can be mated and re-mated with relative ease because of the connectors’ design.

COTS-83526 fiber optic assemblies are widely utilized in the market because multiple manufacturers produce various versions. Often used in deployable military applications, they offer up to 12-channel connectivity with robust and reliable connections in the field for multiple mating cycles. OCC’s COTS-83526 connectors are easily mated to competitor versions, but they offer superior Kevlar retention for better strain relief. OCC’s COTS-83526 connectors can also capture ground wires and cable braids, which are often used by drilling companies for cut resistance, at the receptacle.

EZ-Mate fiber optic cable assemblies offer users up to 24-channel connectivity, and because of their unique design, they can be “blind-mated,” meaning the user can simply twist each end together until they feel the plug mate.  Mini Hermaphroditic (MHC-II) fiber optic assemblies offer a similar ease of deployment, but because of their smaller footprint, they can be used in higher-density applications.

Each OCC harsh environment connector utilizes a “physical contact” method of mating fiber channels between termini, and is environmentally sealed for superior mechanical and environmental performance. Their IP-68 rating gives these systems the ability to operate in dirty and wet environments for extended periods of time, and they can easily be cleaned and prepared for re-use if the termini become contaminated in the field. In fact, just like OCC tight-buffered cables, these connectors are designed for use specifically in the dirtiest and wettest of environments and to perform consistently for their users as expected. These connectors are designed to be exposed and survive the oils and chemicals that are likely to be found in oil and gas extraction sites.

Many competitor’s offer expanded beam connectors that mate fiber channels without using a physical contact between termini. Instead, a lens inside the connector expands the light from each fiber channel and sends it over to the corresponding channel on the mated plug or receptacle, where it is refocused and sent into the fiber core. Competitors typically claim these connector systems are better to use in the oil and gas industry because they are easier to clean when they become contaminated. While expanded beam connections are perhaps somewhat easier to clean, they are not very tolerant of dirt or water, including vapor from condensation, rain or fog, being present during operation. In addition, they must be completely dried prior to being placed back in service. In fact, the presence of dirt on a typical expanded beam connection can cause much higher attenuation than similar amounts of dirt on “physical contact” connections like EZ-Mate or COTS-83526. Oily films, constantly present in oil and gas areas, are often difficult to remove from expanded beam lenses. Even fingerprints on lenses can have a negative impact on expanded beam performance. Finally, we have found that expanded beam connectors may not hold up to physical abuse as well as other “physical contact” connectors and are much more susceptible to loss due to shock and vibration, a likely occurrence in seismic exploration applications. Also to note, higher channel counts that allow many fiber links to be connected in one operation generally become very expensive when attempting to use expanded beam.

OCC’s line of hermaphroditic, environmentally sealed connectors and rugged fiber optic cable are ideal for the harsh rigors that fiber optic cable assemblies will experience in the oil and gas industry. Perhaps most important is the fact that OCC offers a vertically integrated solution of cable and connector assemblies for these applications, which means the entire solution can be tailored particularly to an operator’s specific needs.

For more information about OCC harsh environment cable and connectors specifically designed for the Oil & Gas market, contact an OCC Sales Team member – click here.

OCC’s MARS cable reels are the industry’s first lightweight cable deployment reel system designed specifically for the demanding needs of harsh-environment fiber optic installations. The MARS reel is a lightweight, modular system constructed of an impact modified polymer that is easily transported and is ideal for applications where cable needs to be deployed and retrieved quickly and stored efficiently.

The MARS reel system has recently been issued National Stock Numbers (NSN’s) from the United States Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). The NSN indicates a review and approval for use within the military’s logistics supply chain. US military services, the Department of Defense (DoD), disposition services, federal agencies (such as GSA, FAA, DHS, etc.), the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and many governments around the world use NSNs. To achieve this status, the MARS reels underwent strict qualification testing to the U.S. Army CECOM Specification A336463A, resulting in the following:

• Performance: The cable reel stores and allows for the deployment and retrieval of fiber optic cable assemblies in a variety of environmental and mechanical conditions without damaging or affecting performance of these assemblies.
• Materials: The reel flanges are made from light-weight, durable, and non-porous material that meets the fiber optic cable assembly requirements specified in CECOM drawings A3159863, A3159864, and A3302584. The flanges and handles, excluding the attached
hardware and drum, are fabricated from non-conductive materials. All parts are non-rusting.
• Finish: Colors include, but not limited to, Black, (Desert) Tan 33446 and Olive Drab 34088 as identified in table 3 of FED-STD-595. The finish is lusterless, non-reflective, and fade-resistant.
• Field Transportable: The reel is designed to enable ease of transport by grasping the flange frame at multiple points with a single bare or gloved hand.
• Connector Storage: The reel is capable of securely storing fiber optic connectors within the drum of the reel without need for tools for removal or storage of the connectors.
• Operation: The reel design easily supports deployment or retrieval of fiber optic cable in either manual or automated modes. A folding handle is available for manual cable retrieval. The modular design allows operation on a simple axle or with any number of cable reel accessories. MARS accommodates either round or square drive acles and reeling machines.
• Stacking: The reels are capable of being vertically stacked securely to a height of 5 feet without deforming, distorting or damaging any of the reels.
• Testing: Operating Temperature, Storage Temperature, Temperature – Humidity Cycling, Cold Drop Test, Flammability and Vibration

In addition to meeting the specification requirements in CECOM’s A336463A, the MARS reels underwent user evaluation by the U.S. Army Signal School at Fort Gordon, Georgia in 2012 to determine if the product could withstand day-to-day use. Signal classes utilized the reel for communications exercises as well as conducted their own endurance and confidence testing. The Signal School evaluators offered high praise for significant weight reduction and increased ruggedness and durability over standard steel reels. The MARS reels are currently specified on multiple U.S. Army and Marine Corps cable assembly drawings and specifications. With the assignment of NSN’s to the MARS family of reels, U.S. and allied defense agencies will be able to specify and acquire the specific model of reel or reels required to satisfy their mission requirements.

Increased demand for data to support streaming media and the increased usage of mobile broadband communications has resulted in dramatic advances in network switching infrastructure over the past 10 years. Furthermore, this demand is predicted to continue at a record pace. Technology development has seen two clear trends.

1. The transition from copper to fiber as the defacto standard for high performance data communications has become evident.
2. The number of fibers used to support emerging standards, such as 100GBit/s Ethernet, for the individual connection has increased.

Thus, the need for higher density fiber connectivity is certainly innate. Currently network switching products are available with port line cards that use more than 1,000 OM3/OM4 fibers per chassis switch for 10G duplex fiber applications. Future 40/100Gb switches are projected to use more than 4,000 fibers per chassis where parallel optics is used. These high fiber count requirements demand high-density cable and hardware solutions that will reduce the overall footprint and simplify cable management and connections to the electronics.

OCC’s new RTC/RTS-HD Series product allows customers to migrate from a standard RTC/RTS 2U fiber enclosure that will house 3 adapter panels for a maximum of 72 LC connectors to our new RTC\RTS-HD enclosures that will hold 4 adapter panels in a 1U space allowing a maximum of 96 LC connectors! This gives users 33% (or 24 more) more LC connections in a 1U enclosure versus a 2U enclosure.

The Procyon product allows for even more density by utilizing our MPO/MTP to LC cassette module for maximum port density. Procyon can deploy 144 LC fibers in a 1U footprint.  And the Procyon 1U enclosures can be mounted vertically so you can match every blade in the switch to each enclosure.

With the rise in demand for higher bandwidth and faster download speeds, OCC’s high-density options were designed to keep pace with these requirements.  In addition, both of these unique product lines offer installers easy terminations, and performance-driven connectivity.  Couple that with OCC’s proven fiber optic cable, in particular our HD and HC cables, customers can expect an exceptional solution to fit their high-density needs.

OCC recently debuted our newly redesigned fiber termination enclosures with a fresh look and features that make them easier to work with. The updated enclosures allow for easier terminations, greater capacity, and new ways to manage cable within the enclosure.

Designed with features that benefit both the end user and the installer, OCC’s enclosures feature the following:

• Fixed (RTC) and sliding (RTS) versions
• 1RU, 2RU, and 4RU configurations
• Sliding (RTS) version can be accessed from the front or back of the enclosure
• The RTS shelf can be removed entirely
• Enclosures accept OCC standard 600 series adapter plates
• RTC-HD and RTS-HD enclosures accept new HD adapter plates
• New modular strain relief brackets reduce fiber stress and provides
• Fiber hoops are stackable and allow for segregation of fiber cables
• Fiber retention teeth on the hoops retain the fiber within the hoop
• Slam latches on the front and rear of the enclosures
• Transparent cover for inspection of ports and defined labeling field for TIA 606A compliance
• Hardware for 19” or 23” rack mounting
• Numerous internal locations to secure slack cable

The RTC and RTS enclosures will be on display at the 2014 BICSI Winter Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, FL in February.

This week’s blog comes from Jamey Calloway, Product Management Specialist

The growth of wireless access points and other IP-enable devices, such as surveillance cameras and building automation devices has created a need to change the way typical horizontal links and channels are configured for these applications. Devices such as wireless access points mounted in non-traditional locations (in the ceiling or high up on the wall) are not attached to the network using standard faceplate/jack and patch cord. The traditional method is being replaced with direct attachment where the horizontal cable is terminated with a field installable plug and then plugged directly into the equipment (See Figure 1).

Another market driving the direct attach method is IP surveillance and building automation systems. Total building automation and controls system is expected to be a $50 billion market by 2018.  Cameras and other security devices are also connecting to the network without the standard faceplate/jack connection point.  The security market is experiencing significant growth as more security devices are migrating from analog to digital (Ethernet based).  These security devices are even being added to the network via the direct attach method in existing commercial space where the computer network is not growing.

Currently, installers in the field are utilizing modular plugs that are intended for patch cord construction to terminate Cat5e and Cat6 cabling. This practice is difficult, time consuming, yields unpredictable performance results and is not recommended by the TIA-568 standards. Also, these plugs do not accommodate the larger conductors utilized in Cat6A cabling. The increasing data rates of wireless access points and other devices now require a Cat6A cabling link to support 10G Ethernet. The latest IEEE 802.11ac wireless standard under development supports a theoretical data throughput of 6.9Gbps.

Clearly, the best method is to utilize Field Terminable Plugs designed specifically for field installation and to support Cat5e, 6, and 6A cabling infrastructure.  These plugs feature a robust design for field installation, require no specialized tooling and the termination procedures are very similar to many tool-less modular jacks in the market. Due to growing demand and emergence of field installable plugs, industry standards such as TIA-862-A, Building Automation Systems Cabling Standard and BICSI-005D, Electronic Safety and Security (ESS) System Design now recognize the direct attach method of termination.

As the global PC market continues to decline (3.5% global market decline in 2012) and wireless-only devices, such as tablets (expected to grow 70% in 2013) and smart phones continue to grow, the demand for direct attached connectivity will also expand in order to support the wireless infrastructure for these devices. It is undeniable that the future enterprise networks will be a combination of wired and wireless connectivity.  It is imperative that industry standards and practices keep pace with a changing market.

To keep pace, OCC plans to release a Field Terminable Plug this coming fall 2013. While these products are still in development, it is important to recognize the growing demand for field terminable hardware and the applications where our pending product line will fit.

The oil and gas industry has seen explosive growth in the technology they implore to find, drill, extract, and process these fossil fuels; which makes for a multitude of opportunities for OCC products. If you have questions about specific applications or products to meet the oil and gas industry, please contact us today for assistance!

Becoming a registered user on OCC’s website can give you several great benefits you won’t receive by just perusing our website.  Even though all of our product brochures, industry brochures and other forms of literature are available on our website for anyone to see, did you know that you have to be a registered user in order to download or print any of those documents?  That means as a customer, you can get the information that you need faster and with little hassle– and more importantly, without having to contact your sales rep!

Another feature of becoming a registered user is having access to the OCC’s Events Page.  As many of you know, OCC exhibits at several major trade shows each year.  By becoming a registered user, you can see all the upcoming shows that OCC will be exhibiting at during the course of the year and can take advantage of visiting us at these venues

Lastly, after you go through the process of becoming a registered user and is approved, every time you log-in to the OCC website you will see a personalized screen with the current ISR and OSR for your particular region—making contacting your rep simpler than ever!

More access to OCC’s content, information on where OCC will be throughout the year, and a personalized ‘Contact Us’ page are just some of the reasons why you should become a registered user with OCC.  Our Marketing Department is also constantly updating and expanding the information that is available to our registered users and has many new features that will be added over the next couple of months.  Check back soon for more information!

This week OCC is wrapping up the recent Fall BICSI 2012 Conference in Anaheim, CA. While this show tends to be the smaller of the two conferences that BICSI hosts each year, it did not go without OCC gaining significant attention to the new products we were showcasing.

The first product we showcased was our new Procyon copper solution. The biggest draw to the Procyon copper solution at the conference was its simplistic approach to high-density connectivity. With 48 ports in one rack unit coupled with pre-terminated cable assemblies, the Procyon copper solution was viewed as the simplest copper system to deploy in the data center. Every time we opened the Procyon cabinet, we reinforced OCC’s value to the customer: providing high performing products, reduced labor costs and ease of installation and access.

Our second featured product constantly drew a lot of attention and kept our sales team busy. The new 4G Cellular Distribution system (CDS) certainly brought a lot of people to the booth. It was perfect timing to introduce our new Distributed Antenna System (DAS) product. This was the first BICSI conference where DAS has taken center stage including a technical forum where the audience filled the room beyond capacity. OCC focused on selling the simplicity of our CDS kit, which consists of the CDS unit, antennas and surge suppression. A single customer summed up the general response from the attendees…’I did not know OCC could so easily solve our coverage problems’. In addition, we can supply the cable assemblies, making OCC a one-stop shop for the entire system. Similar to the Procyon solution, OCC promoted the value of the CDS product and how effectively it works within most environments.

Overall, while the show was less attended than most BICSI conferences, the overwhelming response to the products OCC showcased can be easily recognized.

-Submitted by Stephen Porach, Business Development Manager, Enterprise