Passive Optical LAN Fiber Trends Testing and Updates –

Get the FactsThis presentation was part of a Pre-Conference seminar at the

2014 BICSI Winter Conference. The slides shown here were presented by

Loni Le Van-Etter, 3M

What Is A Passive Optical LAN ?

What is PON?• Passive Optical Network.

• Facilitates a higher bandwidth broadband access technology

• With a PON, optical fiber is deployed either all the way or almost all the way to the end user

• Passive because:

– network only consists of passive light transmission components (fiber links, splitters and couplers), with electronics only at the endpoints

– This creates great cost savings for the provider (more reliable and less costly to operate/troubleshoot)

• PONs use a Point-to-Multi-Point (P2MP) topology

– With a 1:n splitter

PON Types• APON

– Initial name for ATM based PON spec. Designed by Full Service Access Network (FSAN) group.

• BPON– Broadband PON standard specified in ITU G.983.1

through G.893.7– APON renamed– Supports 155 or 622 Mbps downstream, 155

Mbps upstream.

PON Types• GPON (Gigabit Passive Optical Network)

— ITU Standard G.984— Downstream 2.488Gbits/s, Upstream 1.244Gbits/s— Uses GPON Encapsulation Method (GEM), fragmented

packets or ATM — ITU Standard G.987 for 10Gbits

• Symmetrical 10GB• Asymmetric 10 GB downstream /2.488/10GB upstream • Commercial availability in 2014/2015 time frame

PON Types• EPON (Ethernet Passive Optical Network)

— Sometimes called GEPON (Gigabit Ethernet Passive Optical Network)

— IEEE 802.3 standard, ratified as 802.3ah-2004 for 1Gbits/s

— Symmetrical 1.25GB downstream and upstream— Uses standard 802.3 Ethernet data frames— IEEE 802.3av standard for 10Gbits/s

• Symmetrical 10GB• Asymmetric 10GB downstream / 1GB upstream• Commercially available today

How PON Works

Upstream TDM OperationONTs send information to the OLT in a

specific time window.

Upstream TDMA OperationONUs send information to the OLT in a

specific time window.

User 2

User 1

User 3

ONT

ONT

ONT

OLT User 2

User 1

User 3

ONU

ONU

ONU

OLT

Downstream BroadcastAll data goes to all ONTs, and the ONT address controls the downstream data.

Downstream BroadcastAll data goes to all ONUs, and the ONU address controls the downstream data.

User 2

User 1

User 3

ONT

ONT

ONT

OLT User 2

User 1

User 3

ONU

ONU

ONU

OLT

PON FTTx Architecture

What is POL?

Desktop ONT

Service Provider Network

EPON OLT

Desktop ONT

Splitter/interconnect

Splitter/interconnect • Data

• Video

• Voice

BASEMENT

1st FLOOR

2nd FLOOR

Enterprise Office Building

Interconnect to riser

equipment

cord (1

fiber)

riser

cable

(multi

fiber)

horizontal

cable (1

fiber)

horizontal

cable (1

fiber) Cu

patch

cord

s

equipment cord (1

fiber)

• Passive Optical LAN. Aka “Vertical PON”, “Optical LAN”

• Uses FTTx PON components in an indoor environment

• Again, optical fiber (single mode) is deployed almost all the way to the end user

• Point-to-multi-point

10

Passive Optical Network Overview

• POL is an Enterprise passive optical network based on legacy PON architecture– ITU-T G.984.x GPON– IEEE 802.3ah EPON

• Enterprise applications began around 2009– Vendors with new software features, new

hardware for indoor applications• Point to multi-point architecture• Utilizes singlemode fiber end-to-end

Copper-based LAN• Active Ethernet switches for LAN core,

aggregation and access functions• Cable infrastructure per service

o CATxo Coaxo Some Multi-mode Fiber (MMF)

Passive Optical LAN• Passive optical network (PON)

o Optical Line Terminal (OLT)o Optical distribution networko Optical Network terminations (ONT)

• Single mode fiber converges all building ICT services over single infrastructure

Over20km/12miDistance

PassiveNetwork

DistanceLimited –

MMF – 550mCopper – 100m

OLT

CentralizedProvisioning &Management

LocalProvisioning &

Management

Campus Aggregation

Building Aggregation

Communication Closet

End User

wirelessbuilding

automation

security

Benefits of Singlemode Fiber for the LAN

Superior Performance– Greater bandwidth and distance.– No cross-talk, interference

Easier Installation– No ladder rack required– Fiber is easier to test & certify– No shielding required for EMI and RFI

Pulling Tension – Fiber more robust than copper cables– Fiber typically has a 50/100 lb tension;

copper only 25 lb pull strength. Highly Secure

– Harder to tap than copper; not vulnerable to emissions

Easier to Upgrade– Future-ready for higher bandwidths– SM lasts for generations of electronics

Non-Heat Producing– Fiber is all-dielectric– Less likely to cause a fire than copper

Environmentally Friendly– Attenuates signal less than copper– Consumes far less raw materials

Much smaller– Smaller size and lighter weight but

more capacity than copper cables – Less an impact on environmental

sustainability

Which Standards Support It ?

14

Industry Support

• APOLAN Global industry association formed (www.APOLANglobal.org)– Association for Passive Optical LAN industry organization– Member companies consisting of

• Distributors• Active and passive equipment manufacturers• IT integrators• Consultants, and other affiliations

– Advocates the education and global adoption of passive optical networks for the LAN marketplace

15

BICSI Support

• BICSI TDMM (Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual) 13th Edition published January 2014

• Includes PON chapter in the Horizontal Distribution Section

• Contains special consideration topics for PON design in a commercial environment

• Developed by multiple vendors participation

TIA Passive Optical LAN Support –August 2012

• TIA-568-C.0-2-2012 Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premise – Addendum 2, General Updates

• Table 9 Single-mode Fiber Application support for PON

technologies– Maximum supportable distances for GPON & EPON applications– Minimum and maximum channel attenuation including couplers

and splitters for PON

TIA Standards Applicable to Passive Optical LAN Design

• TIA establishes and maintains standards for the premise wiring industry

• Applicable standards include:– ANSI/TIA-568-C.0, Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises – ANSI/TIA-568-C.1, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard– ANSI/TIA-568-C.2, Commercial Building Telecommunications Cabling Standard; Part 2:

Balanced Twisted Pair Cabling Components– ANSI/TIA-568-C.3, Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard– TIA-569-C, Commercial Building Standard for Telecommunications Pathways and

Spaces– ANSI/TIA/EIA-606-B, Administration Standard for Commercial Telecommunications– ANSI-J-STD-607-A, Commercial Building Grounding (Earthing) AND Bonding

Requirements for Telecommunications– ANSI/TIA-578-B, Customer Owned Outside Plant Telecommunications Infrastructure

Standard

When Should It Be Used ?

When to Consider• Suitable and advantageous for many LAN scenarios

– Large number of switch ports– Higher security inherent to fiber optics is required– Longer distances needed (over 20km supported)– No emissions and EFI/RFI (industrial applications)– Bandwidth demands are flexible– To minimize energy consumption– Congested conduits or tight spaces (much less material

required for PON)– Non-centralized access switches (ONU/T) are acceptable– Infrastructure lifecycle duration optimized– Wireless and PoE not primary focus

Building Owner’s Architectural Considerations

• New building construction/architecture– Freedom offered by distance of single-mode fiber– Less space and cabling materials required– Less in cabling support systems (ladder rack)– Less fire load– Less distributor/telecom room spacing (sqft) required

• Less floor distributor HVAC, UPS, copper patch panels, support systems, etc.

– Consolidation of systems supporting converged services– Consolidation of multiple cabling infrastructures all over one

single-mode fiber

• Passive Optical LANs lend easily to Green & Sustainability initiatives– Reduction of electronics power consumption/per Ethernet port (vendor

specific)– Reduced physical cabling materials & new construction support systems– Longevity of the fiber infrastructure– Converged services support for voice, video, data, security, WiFi, BAS …

• LEED® - Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) rating system by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC)

• STEP - Sustainable Technology Environments Program– Ratings plan that will bring sustainability to technology systems– TIA TR-42.10 Standard for Sustainable Information Communications

Technology (TR-42 TIA standard development in process) – Key goals of STEP include:

– Minimize energy, Reduce waste, Optimizing infrastructure design, Provide scalability, & Reduce construction materials

GREEN Buildings

22

Today’s Market Adoption • Real deployment examples

– San Diego Library– USDA, Dept. Homeland

Security– University of Mary

Washington– Russell Investments– Deltek Headquarters– Canon Headquarters– Marriott Hotel– Pardubice Hospital

• Applicable to most verticals– Military– Government– Higher education– Financial– Enterprise offices– Hospitality– Healthcare

How Do I Design It ?

24

Fiber Optic Splitters

Planar Lightwave Circuit

• What is a fiber optic splitter?– Key enabling technology for

passive optical signal distribution– Contains no electronics – Uses no electricity (high reliability)– Signal attenuation is the same in

both directions– Non-wavelength selective

OLT

Facility and/or equipment redundancy options supported by dual-input splitters 2x32, 2x16…

Optical splitter dual inputs

TIA Compliant Design RequirementsTIA-568-C.0-2009 Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premise

• Single-mode fiber for backbone & horizontal (performance specs per TIA-568-C.3)

• Requires generic structured cabling in a hierarchical star

• Splitters allowed in distributor spaces A, B, C— In a distributor telecom room— In a distributor enclosure (zone area)— Not allowed within cabling subsystem 1

• Two fiber or higher to each work area recommended— Although only one fiber needed two

can be installed for growth/spare

Distributors A and B are optional (centralized fiber approach).

Source: TIA-568-C.0-2009

TIA Performance Criteria

Single-mode fiber• Attenuation

– Indoor/Outdoor, Outdoor < .5 dB/km– Indoor < 1.0 dB/km

• Inside plant– Pull strength 50 lbf min– Bend radius (<= 4 fibers 1 inch, 2

inches under load) (> 4 fibers 10x outer dia., 20x outer dia. under load)

TIA-568-C.3 Optical Fiber Cabling Components Standard

Connector Performance• Attenuation (insertion loss)

– Fiber connectors < .75 dB– Fiber splices < .3 dB

• Return Loss– 26 dB, 55 dB analog video

• Other: temperature, humidity, impact, coupling strength, ….

Enhanced products offered from manufacturers today - • Single-mode bend insensitive fiber:

— 5mm bend radius (G.657.B3) , indoor/outdoor attenuation < .4 dB/km • Easy installable mechanical connectivity:

— Connectors IL < .2-.3 dB typical & RL >55-60 dB; Splices < .1 dB typical

Infrastructure Fundamentals

• Simplex Single-mode fiber— Polarity not a concern for Tx/Rx signals— Multimode cannot support the extended reach of

PON

• Connector type— Typically all simplex SC/APC type— Some exceptions (check with equipment vendors)

• Heavy duty ladder rack not required— Fiber is light weight & tiny compared to copper

• Longevity, reliability of the fiber plant— Choose quality splitters, connectors — Choose vendors who offer most flexibility

J-hook

Other Design Considerations

• PON Equipment Vendor Options:– Some ONT’s support Power over Ethernet (WAPs, VoIP

phones,…) IEEE802.3af, at– Some ONTs support copper horizontal distances (100 m)– Redundancy options for fiber facility and/or added

equipment redundancy– Options for remote powering &/or battery reserve at ONT

• Passive infrastructure choices:– Splitters– Interconnect vs. Cross-connect– Fiber connectivity

Fiber Optic Splitters• Various product formats• Both single and dual-input• All pre-connectorized

– Pre-tested, ease of install & use

• Various split ratios– 1 or 2 x 32, 16, 8, 4, 2

Inputs Outputs

30

Common Enterprise PON Configurations

SPLITTERS IN

TR/Closet

Telecom Room (TR)/Closet

PC, VoIP phone, printer,

WAP, etc.

Fiber patch panels –

OLT to Riser/ backbone

Optical Line Terminal (OLT) Equip.

Room (ER)

Configuration 2 – Zone Distributor A

Floors 1-n

Cat x cords

OLT

Telecom Enclosure

Backbone Cross-connect

Backbone & Horizontal

Cross-connect

SPLITTERS IN ZONE

DISTRIBUTOR

Back

bone

ONT

ONT

ONT

Fiber patchcords

1

Optical Network Terminals (ONT)

2

Optical splitter(s)

Optical splitter(s)

Cabling Subsystem 1

MC

Configuration 1 – TR Distributor A

Wall outlet

Backbone

Considerations–Ease of test and MACs w/o

unplugging horizontal or splitter legs–Are all splitter outputs going

to be used?–Adds 1 connector pair (IL)

where implemented

Interconnect vs. Cross-connect

Fiber from backbone to splitter input on front

Horizontal cabling plugs into front splitter output ports

I)Faceplate Module Interconnect

Solution

3-slot wide 1x32 way splitter module

Attached input(s) and output legs

Horizontal cabling plugs into back of adapter plate

II)Pigtail Splitter Module Interconnect Solution

adapter plate

32 pre-terminated output legs

Added adapter plates between splitter and horizontal cabling complete this interconnect solution.

Output legs of the splitter plug into front of adapter plate

Fiber from backbone to splitter input on front

Added adapter plate and fiber patch cords facilitate full cross-connect/ patching between splitter and horizontal

Horizontal cabling plugs into back of adapter plate

III) Splitter Module Cross-connect Solution

Standard simplex fiber patch cord

1x32 way splitter module

32 port adapter plate

An interconnect choice is the most dense and cost-effective solution.

32

• Link and Channel definitions updated to accommodate PONs

• “Link attenuation does not include any active devices or passive devices other than cable, connectors, and splices (i.e., does not include splitters).”

• “Channel attenuation includes the attenuation of the constituent links, patch cords, and other passive devices such as by-pass switches, couplers and splitters.”

ANSI/TIA-568-C.0-2-2012 Generic Telecommunications Cabling for Customer Premises-Addendum 2,

General Updates, published August 2012

Optical Link Budget Allowance

→The attenuation measurement results for the link or channel should always be less than the designed optical budget attenuation allowance.

The optical link budget allowance is a calculated attenuation/ loss expectancy based on the end-to-end components incorporated within the link or channel design.

OLT ONT

Connectors

Example: Singlemode Fiber GPON Channel

Splices Splitter

Example Optical Budget• Optical power budget criteria is specified for the Channel per EIA/TIA 568-C.0-2

– GPON Class B Min = 10dB, Max = 25dB over 20 km distance– EPON Min = 10dB, Max = 24dB over 20 km distance

• Channel = Constituent links + fiber cords + splitters between OLT and ONT

Calculating Optical Loss Budget Allowance (TIA)Step 1 – calculate fiber loss

• .5 dB/km for outside plant• 1.0 dB/km for inside plant

Step 2 – calculate the connector loss• .75 dB max/connector pair

Step 3 – calculate any splice loss• .3 dB max per splice

Step 4 – calculate the splitter(s) loss

Step 5 - Include the loss of the connector at the end of the channel (fiber patch point)

Step 6 -Add all losses

Item Qty Loss (dB) Total Loss (dB)Total Channel Link Distance (km): 1 1 1Total Fiber Splices 0 0.3 0Total Fiber Connector pairs 7 0.75 5.25Passive 2x32 Splitter 1 17.4 17.4

Total Channel Link Loss: 23.65

Example PON Channel Link Budget (TIA)

Item Qty Loss (dB) Total Loss (dB)Total Channel Link Distance (km): 1 0.4 0.4Total Fiber Splices 0 0.1 0Total Fiber Connector pairs 7 0.2 1.4Passive 2x32 Splitter 1 17.4 17.4

Total Channel Link Loss: 19.2

Example PON Channel Link Budget (vendor specs)

• Tier 1 Testing is Required – Per TIA/EIA & IEC standards, Link segments should simply be tested visually and tested for loss. – Visual Inspections

Visually verify installed length as well as minimum end face scratches/debris and the polarity of any multi-fiber links

– Power meter/Light Source (PMLS) PM/LS testing measures the end-to-end loss of the link If attenuation is under the TIA optical budget allowance, it passes for

commissioning Use ANSI/TIA/EIA-526-7, Method A.1, One Reference Jumper method

- Test Cabling Subsystem 1 links at 1310 nm.- Test Cabling Subsystem 2 or 3 backbone links at 1310 and 1550 nm.- Test channel at 1310 and 1490 nm (Per TIA-568-C.0-2 Table 9 which states min and max channel attenuation for singlemode fiber PON applications)

Singlemode Fiber Field Testing - Certification for Passive Optical LANs

Summary• Passive Optical Network technology has many benefits for

the Enterprise environment and may be a viable alternative• The environment will typically dictate which architecture will

be most advantageous. Retro-fit environments may not be as conducive to a PON design, but new construction will certainly gain the most benefits from a PON

• Design & testing of PONS should be done in compliance with TIA cabling industry standards

• Remember, the best architecture may be a mixture of designs.

Testing PON in the LAN

Tyler Vander Ploeg, RCDD (JDSU)

Testing PON in the LAN • Testing Overview

– Special Considerations for PON Testing– Tier 1 / Tier 2 Certification

• PON Test Solutions• PON Testing scenarios

– Construction / Turn-Up– Troubleshooting

Special considerations for PON testing

• Connections are Simplex not duplex• Bidirectional transmission on the same fiber• Testing with Optical Splitters• Tighter Loss Budgets• Many contaminated connections to deal with• All Singlemode APC connectors• Different operational wavelengths than "normal”

– 1270, 1310, 1490, 1577

• Special Tools may be needed– PON selective power meters for construction and troubleshooting– In-line because ONT does not transmit unless there is a signal from the OLT

Tier 1 Certification Testing• What is Tier 1 Fiber Certification Testing?

– Fiber Inspection– Measure Optical Loss– Check Polarity– Measure Length*

• Tier 1 Challenges when testing PON architectures– Polarity is not applicable for PON…but Continuity is

• ie: …make sure fiber 2 of the splitter is going to WS24

– Measuring length in a simplex architecture– Optical Return Loss more of an issue with PON

Tier 2 Certification Testing• How TIA-568-C defines Tier 2 Testing

– Using an Optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) – “Optional” per international standards bodies, it is not required and

does not substitute for PMLS test– Recommended for testing the outside plant and/or for

troubleshooting– Further details uniformity of cable attenuation, connector losses,

connector/splice or trouble locations– May be requested by the customer

Tier 2 Advantages for testing PON With an OTDR you can Measure… Both Multimode & Single mode Links Optical Distance and Fiber Continuity

To Events – splices, connectors Faults, end of fiber

Optical loss (dB) Splices, connectors Fiber loss (dB/km)

Reflectance or ORL Return loss of link or section Reflectance of connectors

Allows comparison to a baseline reference Easily isolate problem areas

Multiple schematic views Trace View Graphical representations of link Easier to understand

Contamination and Signal Performance

Fiber Contamination and Its Affect on Signal PerformanceCLEAN CONNECTION

Back Reflection = -67.5 dBTotal Loss = 0.250 dB

1

DIRTY CONNECTION

Back Reflection = -32.5 dBTotal Loss = 4.87 dB

3

Clean Connection vs. Dirty Connection

The typical budgeted loss for a mated connector pair is 0.5dBThis dirty connector wasted ~10X the budgeted connector lossThis dirty connector caused ~4.9dB which is a 68% power drop

Tools to Qualify and Maintain Enterprise PON Networks

Measurement / Test Tool FunctionType of

Test

Connector Inspection Video Inspection ScopeInspect to ensure connector endfaces are pristine prior to mating

Basic

Visual Fault Location VFLID fibers, broken patchcords, find loss inducing bends in closets, risers

Basic

Optical Power Levels Power Meter Check power levels(verification, troubleshooting)

Basic

Insertion Loss Optical Loss Test Set Measure Overall Loss Tier 1

Distance (fiber length) Optical Loss Test Set (w/ distance function)

Measure Overall Length Tier 1

Fiber loss (sectional) OTDRMeasure dB/km of fiber, total or sectional

Tier 2

Connector/ splice loss OTDREvaluate event losses,ID/ locate mxcrobends

Tier 2

Reflectance OTDREvaluate reflective events/ troubleshoot source of bad ORL

Tier 2

Optical Return Loss (ORL) ORL meter or OTDRDetermine ORL link compliance (pass/fail/measure)

Tier 2

Tool requirements for Fiber Technicians

Drive behavior for best practices• Improve technician performance

• Prevent forming of bad habits

• Equips technicians follow best practices from day 1

Optimize workflow for essential tasks• Inspection / Power Measurement / Cleaning / Fault Location

• When your Techs work smarter – You save money!

• Goal = FINISH THE JOB FAST

Use it anywhere• Datacenters, Overhead Cable Raceways, Under-Floor pathways

and spaces, Demarcation Points, etc

• Keep hands free to access equipment, route cable, etc.

Prove the quality of your work• Store your data on the device

• Generate certification reports

Test Solutions for PON in LAN• Inspection Microscope

– Pass/Fail Connector Inspection• OLS + PON Selective Power Meter

– Simultaneous Testing of Multiple Wavelengths

– Through-Mode Testing– Pass/Fail Connector Inspection

• OTDR– Ideal for all phases of PON tests– Detects faults– Tests through connectors, splices, and

splitters– Fiber loss (dB/km) and Event loss– Multiple schematic views

Enterprise PON: Construction Testing

OPTION 1: Overall Link Loss Measurement Only

Advantages• Inexpensive

Disadvantages• Not True Tier 1• Don’t know length• Unidirectional loss• No ORL/Reflectance

Tools• Optical Light Source• PON Optical Power Meter• Microscope

Test Feeder/Backbone link Test Distribution link

Enterprise PON: Construction Testing

OPTION 2: Per Event Loss Measurement + Length

Advantages• See loss per event• Know your distance

Disadvantages• More Expensive• Uni-directional• More Complex to use

(perceived)

Tools• OTDR• Microscope

Test Feeder/Backbone link Test Distribution link

Enterprise PON: Construction Testing

OPTION 2: Fiber Complete

Advantages• Tier 1 & 2 Test• See loss per event• Know your distance• Bi-Directional Loss

Disadvantages• Need 2 Testers• Uni-directional• More Complex to use

(perceived)

Tools• Fiber Complete (x2)

• IL• ORL• OTDR• Microscope

Test Feeder/Backbone link Test Distribution link