NEWSLETTER Issue 95

June/July 2010

THE FIBREOPTIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION

Tel: +44 (0)1763 273039 Fax: +44 (0)1763 273255

Email: fia@fiasec.demon.co.uk Head Office: The Manor House, BUNTINGFORD,

Hertfordshire SG9 9AB United Kingdom

FIBREOPTIC INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION The FIA is a Company Limited by Guarantee

Management Council Paul Bateson - Chairman

(Optical Test and Calibration Ltd.) Lee Funnell - Vice Chairman

(The Siemon Company) John Marson - Commercial Director

(Twistnet Communications Ltd.) Mike Gilmore - Technical Director and Treasurer

(The Cabling Partnership e-Ready Building Limited)

Industry Sector Directors Paul Bateson - Test & Measurement

John Colton - Training (Lucid Optical Services Ltd.) Lee Funnell - Qualifications

Ken Jones - Installation (EDS Systems (North Wales) Ltd.)

Phil Whitehead - Cross-media promotion (ACCL)

Index FIA Summer Seminar 1 FIA Project RGT gathers pace 2 FIA Product Sponsorship Scheme finally bears fruit 2 Modal launch conditions - measurement and control 3 FIA Extended Standards Service 4 New FIA Certified Trainer exams bring notable successes 5 J Brand attain FIA AIS status 6 2012 contract awarded to Electrastar 6

A warm welcome to the following

NEW MEMBERS Corporate

OPTICREACH LIMITED

Associate THE UNIVERSITY OF WARWICK

FIA Summer Seminar …

… and members networking event The FIA hosted its Summer Seminar and Networking Event at the Barcelo Hotel, Oxford, on the 9th and 10th June 2010. Not only did the attendance by FIA members and others exceed initial expectations – we also secured the commitment of sponsors for a similar event next year. The FIA Council would like to thank all our sponsors highlighted below for their support and Jane Morrison at the FIA Secretariat for all her hard and detailed work in the preparation and delivery of the event. The reaction of the attendees to the format of the event was very positive. The opening session on the afternoon of the first day followed by a drinks reception and dinner, which allowed attendees to meet up and network with other members, followed in the morning by another half day session seems to be a very attractive package. The small exhibition area was also well attended between and during seminar sessions and allowed members to see and discuss products and technologies that they would normally not have access to.

It is difficult to determine which aspect of the event – the seminars, the networking opportunities or the exhibition area -provided the greatest benefit to attendees. Nevertheless, as the FIA Council have already agreed to repeat the event next year, we will be undertaking extensive market research to try to maximise the benefits to all.

Carrie Higbie of The Siemon Company delivering the opening presentation

FIA

NEWSLETTER

Issue 95 June/July 2010

2

FIA Networking Event …

… more photos

The outcome of the event for the FIA was also very positive with applications from new members expected and a number of applications to become FIA Approved Installers under the FIA AIS - adding to the new groups mentioned later in this Newsletter.

Are you an FIA member? Have you got any NEWS?

This Newsletter is provided as a means of maintaining communication between and with our Members.

Articles, product information, news items etc. are always welcome. Please send the information via email (jpg illustrations) to Jane Morrison via the

FIA Secretariat

FIA Project RGT gathers pace The ability to measure, in a standardised and repeatable manner, low attenuation values for installed multimode cabling is critical to verification of cabling plant in support of high bit rate networks – and the demands of 40 Gigabit and 100 Gigabit Ethernet are going to increase the pressure in this area. Standards have been produced in an attempt to regularise the situation and both BS ISO/IEC 14763-3 and BS EN 61280-4-1 both call for control of launch conditions (see the article later in this Newsletter) and the use of special test cords. However, the detailed nature of these test cords is somewhat unclear as it depends on the user having a wide-reaching knowledge of connector standards which is well beyond the ability of an average installer. For special test cords to be accepted by the installer community, they have to be affordable and it is the role of the FIA to ensure that a procurement route is put in place. FIA Project RGT (Reference Grade Termination) is now underway to determine the true requirements of the multimode (and subsequently singlemode) test cords. The team, overseen by the FIA Technical Director includes experts from 3M Telecommunications, Arden Photonics, Brand-rex, Huber & Suhner, OTT, Ridgemount Technologies, Servicepower, The Siemon Company and Twistnet Communications. The outcome of this work will result in a detailed specification for the test cords, a major revision of the two existing FIA Technical Support Guides on testing installed cabling attenuation and, if necessary, a manufacturing specification providing a route by which such cords may be produced (which may involve a multi-process solution) at a reasonable cost.

FIA Product Sponsorship Scheme finally bears fruit Those members with very good memories will remember that five years ago the FIA sponsored a project which that Council felt would lead to the development of products that would be of use to FIA members. The project that the FIA Council selected was for Mode Conditioning Cords that would allow a wide range of existing multimode test equipment to produce a standardised launch condition - which we knew would be necessary in the coming years to accurately measure installed cabling plant. Developing the product actually turned out to be the easy part - unfortunately a significant amount of time was required for the international standardisation community to define the required launch condition. This has now been completed and the FIA are now pleased to be able to honour its responsibilities by offering those products under a discounted arrangement with the suppliers (Arden Photonics and ICS). Details of the discount arrangements are available at www.fia-online.co.uk/etest-mcc.htm. Details of new test equipment that does not require mode conditioning cords (but achieves the required launch conditions in other ways) are included at www.fia-online.co.uk/etest-equipment.htm.

FIA

NEWSLETTER

Issue 95 June/July 2010

3

Modal launch conditions - measurement and control Article provided by David Robinson of Arden Photonics

Introduction It has been known for many years that modal launch conditions have a major affect on the attenuation and bandwidth measured in multimode cabling systems. As the bandwidth of local area networks is pushed ever higher to meet demand, loss budgets are squeezed ever tighter. This has led to an increasing amount of attention being paid to minimizing the insertion loss in multimode cables and connector components. For example, the IEEE 10Gbit/s short wave specification over 300m (10GBASE-S) specifies a maximum channel loss of 2.6dB, which includes 1.5dB for connector loss. So, for example, in a link with two connections the maximum allowed loss on each connection is 0.75dB. The biggest contributor to discrepancies in loss measurements is that different light sources may have very different modal launch conditions. The loss in a connection can vary by several tenths of a dB, depending on the modal distribution launched. Fortunately, standards bodies and equipment suppliers have responded to this challenge, providing launch specifications which can ensure that measurement accuracy to at least 0.08dB may be obtained, which is approximately one tenth of the maximum loss allowed per connector. Dealing with insertion loss Multimode fibre cable has a major advantage over singlemode in short haul applications, where its larger core diameter and higher NA mean it is much easier to get light in and out of the cable and it is much more tolerant to imperfect splicing, connectorization and general cleanliness and handling. There are also cost benefits in installing multimode networks instead of singlemode ones, although not in the cost of the cable itself but in system equipment. Insertion loss is arguably the most fundamental parameter of an optical fibre cable. It has been shown in a number of studies that controlling modal launch conditions is by far the most significant contributor to variations in insertion loss measurements in multimode fibre cables and connectors. If you measure the loss of a cable using two light sources with different modal launch conditions you will get a different answer. If the sources have the same launch conditions you will, within acceptable limits, get the same result. It is important to point out here that this says nothing about the ACCURACY of the insertion loss measurement. In a Light Source/Power Meter (LSPM) type measurement the accuracy is determined by a number of factors such as stability of the light source, wavelength accuracy, quality of reference patch cords, noise in the detector electronics, etc. If due care is taken, the measurement accuracy can be very good. The difference in loss measured here is real; the cable loss does actually depend on the modal distribution in the fibre. Modal distribution and standards So what exactly do we mean by “modal distribution"? Due to the electromagnetic properties of light, optical power travelling in a multimode fibre is restricted to certain discreet paths, or modes. In a typical multimode fibre with a 50µm core operating in the 850nm window, there are around 380 individual modes which can support light transmission. If every possible transmission mode in the fibre is occupied the fibre is referred to as “fully-filled”. However, in a practical fibre this never happens. In any practical fibre, light transmitting in so-called “high-order” modes is following a path which forces it close to the outside of the fibre core, making it susceptible to losses as the fibre is bent, or at small offsets such as at connectors or splices. By contrast, the “low-order” modes stay close to the centre of the fibre core and are much less lossy. So using this simple analysis, it is clear that if the light which is launched into the fibre contains a lot of power in the “high-order” modes, by the time the light exits the fibre it will have lost more power than a fibre where only “low-order” modes are present.

Figure 1 - Typical Encircled Flux plot showing IEC 61280-4-1 limits

(in green) Figure 2 - Commercially available Encircled Flux tester

FIA

NEWSLETTER

Issue 95 June/July 2010

4

Therefore the solution is really quite simple. The loss measured depends on the balance of low and high order modes present at the input to the cable. So, if all parties use the same launch distribution, loss measurements immediately become much more consistent. This leads to fewer discussions between fibre makers, cable makers and system installers, and fewer problems at the user's premises. Measuring Modal Launch Conditions Of course, to standardise modal distributions we need to be able to accurately measure it. There are a number of ways to define and measure modal distribution but over the last few years the telecoms industry has moved towards a parameter called “Encircled flux”. Encircled Flux has been used for several years for the characterisation of fibre-pigtailed VCSELs and is described by IEEE standards such as IEEE802.3aq. More recently, the US TIA (TIA/EIA-455-203) and IEC (IEC 61280-1-4) have described the measurement technique in some detail. As the name suggests, the method involves measuring the light intensity at a planar surface parallel to the optical axis of the fibre, for example at the surface of a connector. This 2D-map of the optical power is processed to calculate the optical power, or flux, contained in circles of increasing diameter, starting from the optical centre of the fibre. To successfully implement this technique, high quality imaging optics and light detection equipment is needed, as well as traceable calibration of the optical magnification. Fortunately, standards compliant equipment is now commercially available, which enables accurate, real-time, measurements of Encircled Flux to be made Conclusion International standards are now in place which define the modal launch requirements for measuring multimode cable plant. For example, IEC recently introduced a new version of IEC 61280-4-1 (published in the UK as BS EN 61280-4-1), which defines in detail the Encircled Flux required in the measurement of cable systems. It defines the modal launch conditions as a series of upper and lower limits at various radial positions. Whilst cable system makers and test equipment makers work hard to make their measurement equipment compliant, at the sharp end installers and users need quick and easy ways to ensure they are doing the right thing when testing and commissioning installed systems. To take care of this, services are available which can measure the Encircled Flux of test sources. If the sources aren’t compliant, mandrels may help or commercially available modal controllers, which will produce the right launch conditions from any source. So, in summary, a major step has been taken by the industry to ensure that multimode fibre based systems can continue to provide cost-effective solutions in short-haul, high bandwidth applications. An international effort over a number of years has resulted in the release of appropriate standards, and commercially available equipment for the measurement and control of modal launch conditions is now available. This will lead to much improved agreement between loss measured in different locations and using different equipment.

FIA Standards Forum - documents available for download and comment NOW The Standards Forum offers FIA Members the opportunity to comment on standards in development by the fibre optics and cabling committees in ISO/IEC, IEC, CENELEC and BSI. These standards cover a wide range of optical fibre products such as optical fibres, cables, connectors and system components together with the design, installation and commissioning standards for cabling. To get involved - go to the members-only area of the FIA web-site area, go to Standards Forum and follow the instructions. Why not bookmark this page for easy access - it is always easier to influence standards in development than fix them later.

FIA Extended Standards Service The FIA funds involvement in a wide range of national and international standards activity, primarily to address the fibre optic aspects of data/telecommunications infrastructure design and implementation. However, by the very virtue of its presence on these standards bodies, the FIA also becomes involved in, and aware of, key issues in other technology areas. A new service from the FIA, the “Extended Standards Service”, allows FIA members to benefit from this wider range of work by providing them with an independent source of information covering the background to the work of each of the standards groups that the FIA supports, together with an up-to-date review of progress in specific areas and indications of future plans. The FIA web-site shows a list of areas covered by the ESS together with demonstrations of the type of information provided based on specific standard committees and standards they produce.

This type of service is normally only available to organisations via private arrangements. The FIA believes that simultaneous provision of accurate, unbiased, information to multiple ESS members represents a useful service at a fraction of the costs of such private arrangements. The Extended Standards Service is an optional service available at additional cost to all UK Corporate Members of Category B (£300 + VAT per annum) and C (£500 + VAT per annum). The fees are separate from the FIA membership fees and are billed on an annual basis following application for ESS membership.

NOTE: The ESS is not available to Corporate A members or to Overseas Corporate members.

If you are interested in using the ESS please do not hesitate to contact the FIA Secretariat who will be pleased to assist with your application.

FIA

NEWSLETTER

Issue 95 June/July 2010

5

Happy driving - FIA van stickers! Recently every corporate member received two van stickers indicating that they were FIA members. This resurrects a practice that, for reasons, unknown, had fallen into abeyance. Members wanting more can order them for £3.99 each (including VAT) The stickers have provided so popular that we may have to order a new batch.

… what else can we do to make you stand out in a crowd? If you have any other ideas for corporate image improvement please contact the FIA Secretariat or John Marson the FIA Commercial Director via the web-site.

How about sponsoring a Newsletter? As we have had enquiries from members regarding long-term sponsorship of the Newsletter, the FIA Council agreed that details of the fee structure should be announced both here and on the FIA web-site. Details are shown on the right. Only one sponsor is allowed per issue so if you are interested please contact Jane Morrison via the FIA Secretariat.

Sponsorship rates are:

� Long-term sponsorship – limited to 3 issues per annum - £500 plus VAT

� Single issue - £200 plus VAT

New FIA Certified Trainer exams bring notable successes When the FIA Certified Trainer qualification was initiated a few years ago, those trainers already recognised under the previous scheme retained their Certified Trainer status under a “grandfather” rights system. While this initially speeded the conversion from the old to the new system, it was recognised that our technology is subject to continual change and that at some stage the knowledge base of those “grandfathered” trainers would have to be examined in the same way as any new trainers seeking certification. The FIA Council announced its intention to revoke the grandfather rights scheme at the end of last year and the re-certification process is now underway.

The FIA Summer Seminar and Networking Event provided an opportunity for the first two such examinations to take place. John Colton of Lucid Optical Services attained an astonishing 99 % mark and Mike Harrop of Exfo was close behind with 93 %. More of the existing Certified Trainers are to undergo examination over the coming two months. It gives the FIA confidence in its training scheme to know that trainers knowledge is not only in-depth but also up-to-date.

A new FIA service - 3rd Party White Paper Pages The FIA Council have in the past received a number of requests to establish a series of pages on the FIA web-site for members to insert their own White Papers. The first two of these 3rd Party White Paper pages have been provided to Diamond SA and to Arden Photonics. These pages allow members to both sponsor their own pages and to list, on those pages, a limited number of their own White Papers. Each of these 3rd Party pages will include a disclaimer on each page to clearly differentiate them from the FIA White Papers. The fee for such a page is to be set at £250 plus VAT per annum for up to 5 White Papers. This covers the cost of page sponsorship and the management fee for uploading and maintenance of the White Papers and other information on the page. If you are interested please contact Jane Morrison via the FIA Secretariat.

FIA-online.co.uk – new members access details Visit the site and familiarise yourselves with its content – to access member-only pages you will need both your FIA membership number and the membership password as issued in January 2010. If you do not know these then contact your FIA Principal Contact – failing that contact the FIA Secretariat.

FIA

NEWSLETTER

Issue 95 June/July 2010

6

J Brand attain FIA AIS status J Brand are the first in a new group of installers who are able to claim Approved Installer status under the FIA AIS. This group includes those that are already approved installers under the ECA-ITEC scheme – representing the growing liaison between the FIA and the ECA-ITEC under the banner of the .

In addition, a number of major consultancies companies are now beginning to use the following text in their tender documents “It is a requirement of this technical specification that the installation and testing of optical fibre cabling is undertaken by an FIA Approved Installer (a full list is available at

www.fia-online.co.uk). This requirement seeks to minimise contractual risk by using a supplier employing experienced, competent and qualified staff using recognised techniques in accordance with published standards and applying suitably calibrated test and inspection equipment.”

The revision of BS 6701, published in March 2010, is forcing an update of Online Assistance provided to the FIA Approved Installers Scheme. The 300 separate installation risk elements contained in the online assistance pages were fully updated in July 2009 to take account of the publication of BS EN 50174-1 and BS EN 50174-2. Now they are being updated again to reflect the revision of BS 6701. Mike Gilmore, FIA Technical Director, said “the update is a resource-intensive process but is a very necessary one”. Ken Jones, Installation Sector Director added “the level of support offered to Approved Installers and their clients by the FIA Approved Installer Scheme is unparalleled by any other organisation and the commitment to keeping the information current is critical in maintaining that leading position”.

2012 contract awarded to Electrastar Electrastar have been awarded a contract to provide fibre optic termination and testing services for the CCTV network on the new £80m Docklands Light Railway (DLR) extension project. This investment by London 2012 will provide an essential link to Olympic games venues including the Olympic Park. New railcars, stations and extensions of the existing line have been invested in. The investment will boost capacity and benefit the city way beyond the 2012 Olympics. Electrastar's involvement is with the new line from Canning Town to Stratford International Airport which is due to open sometime in Autumn 2010. The new extension is 6 km in length with four new stations complete with state of the art CCTV systems all controlled via a fibre optic infrastructure.

David Fleming of Lowca, Whitehaven, Cumbria, has joined the FIA Qualification Scheme as a Certified Cabling Technician. The FIA Council takes this opportunity to welcome David to the group of individuals with recognised FIA Qualifications. For more details of the scheme go the FIA web-site at www.fia-online.co.uk.