Passive Optical LAN (POL) is a new way to structure a telecommunications network, replacing traditional structured cabling, which consisted of multiple levels of switch and router aggregation.

In the traditional model, data was transmitted and dispersed to the desktop through layers of switches, cables and routers. Expanding structured cabling over long distances requires installation of additional switches and routers to carry the signal. This means lots of expensive cable, support infrastructure and labor time.

POL is a more cost effective and energy efficient alternative. POL uses a different architecture with single-mode fiber extended closer to the user and electronic devices that flatten the Local Area Network, eliminating distance constraints and reducing the quantity of cable to the workstations.

A POL consists of an optical line terminal (OLT), an optical splitter, and optical network terminals (ONTs) to transmit voice. An optical splitter splits downstream signals and combines upstream signals to and from the connected devices, all on a single strand of singlemode fiber. Additionally, since the ONTs can support multiple devices, Passive Optical LANs require less cable (and the labor to install it) to support the network.

Benefits of POL:

• Cost savings
• Energy efficient
• Easy install and maintain
• Eliminates need for telecommunications rooms
• Simplifies network moves, adds and changes
• Increased security

OCC has always been known for its tough components and rest assured, the POL Solutions are no different. OCC’s standard multi-fiber and simplex cables provide noteworthy mechanical and environmental performance with greater pull strength, greater impact and crush resistance and bend insensitive fibers. The POL connectivity components are the most resilient on the market

Specifically designed components for the POL easily integrate with all OCC structured cabling fiber optic components providing for a simple installation. OCC offers the best cabling in the industry coupled with service and tailored options, making your choice for a Passive Optical LAN simpler.

One of the biggest challenges that colleges and universities face is the ever-increasing demand for bandwidth. With the BYOD mentality that most campuses face today,

the ability to provide easy access to information and to communicate no matter where you are is essential. Campus life no longer dictates reliable Internet service just in the classroom. Now it is required everywhere. As the amount of data and file sizes increase, as well as the need for real-time video and OTA capabilities, the need for increased bandwidth becomes critical. Not to mention the growing need for network and campus security to protect people and property. These increased demands are driving the need for innovative copper and optical fiber cabling technologies that are able to ensure reliable performance and faster data rates.

By implementing a Passive Optical LAN system, higher education facilities can reap the benefits of a streamlined, high-bandwidth network architecture while saving both time and money. Universities cannot afford the downtime associated with rewiring in order to provide greater bandwidth to their students.  Passive Optical LAN systems utilize single-mode fiber optic cable.  Single-mode fiber optic cable provides the greatest bandwidth compared to any other communications medium available on the market today.  At a very economical cost compared to a traditional network infrastructure, Passive Optical LANs minimize the need for future cabling upgrades.

Not only can Passive Optical LANs support telephone, data and video services but they can also service security, building automation systems and wireless services.   Other structured cabling solutions necessitate more cables and/or electronics to support the services now required on a modern campus.   The added savings of not having to install the necessary plethora of cables to support these additional electronics, shows that Passive Optical LANs are a much more inexpensive solution (both in capital and operational costs), saving the college both up front and year over year costs. And because of the utilization of single-mode fiber, they can expect their investment to payoff for years to come.

OCC’s newly developed Passive Optical LAN takes all those benefits and amplifies them to provide a reliable system that allows for effortless installations. Easy to install and manage, OCC’s POL offers a versatile system that affords substantial improvements in overall CAPEX and OPEX savings as well as streamlines current and future upgrades.

To learn more about OCC’s Passive Optical LAN system, watch this short 2 minute video on all the unique benefits POL has to offer: Click here.

SOLVING COMPLEX PROBLEMS WITH INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS.

AT OCC, IT’S HOW WE THINK.

In the world of military product development, one thing is certain – no one knows more about what new products are needed than the soldiers themselves. When the U.S. Military asked us to take a look at the old RL-31, you can bet we were up to the task. The RL-31 (the military nomenclature for the older style steel reel stand) weighs in at around 60 pounds; they asked us, “Can you do something to make that lighter?”

The soldiers told the OCC team that they often have to carry the RL-31 up rugged terrain in Afghanistan and other places that are not vehicle friendly. Carrying the 60-pound RL-31, along with the extra weight of body armor, backpacks, and weapons is both challenging and risky. The task is hard to perform with much, if any, speed and exposure to enemy fire is always a concern in forward operating areas.

Using modern materials, the initial design prototype weighed in at just 19 pounds – an astounding sixty-six percent reduction in weight. The question was, would it be strong enough and durable enough to perform the mission day in and day out? OCC worked hard to develop realistic environmental and mechanical performance and test requirements that accurately reflected the needs of the modern warfighter. After some initial failures that required strengthening the design, the new reel stand withstood all the punishment that the OCC team could dish out. It was ready to test with the soldiers.

The evaluation team reported that the reel stands performed well in every mission scenario. The team requested a few minor design improvements, which were anticipated. Perhaps the most telling comment of all the feedback was when the team offered to take the evaluation units back with them. The NCO’s smiled and said, “No, we really want to continue training with these.” And of course, we agreed.

TODAY’S OCC. STRONG. INNOVATIVE. SOLUTIONS™.

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

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.

As network infrastructures grow to encompass increased building automation, IP devices, and wireless access points, the need for communications components that meet these demands also grows. OCC’s Cat 6A Shielded Solution can provide 10-Gig performance and mitigate the EMI issues that come with running large amounts of cables for higher bandwidth applications. Our high performance cabling and connectivity products ensure the data within the cable will be protected from EMI, resulting in higher speeds and better data transmission.

Features & Benefits:

• OCC Cat 6A shielded jacks, patch panels, UFTP cable, and shielded cable assemblies provide a tuned system that guarantees ISO and TIA Category 6A compliance
• OCC’s new shielded modular jack with tool-less design is easy to terminate and provides reliable field terminations
• OCC shielded Cat 6A patch panels are an all-steel construction that ensures panel rigidity and offer high density configurations
• OCC UFTP Cat 6A cable offers individual shielding for all four twisted pairs ensuring EMI and RF mitigation with guaranteed 10GBASE-T performance
• OCC K6AS jacks and patch panels combined with OCC Cat6A U/FTP copper cabling and Cat 6A shielded patch cords form an end-to-end Cat 6A channel backed by OCC’s 25-year MDIS system performance warranty.

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!

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