Fiber optics has long been touted as the next big thing. After 30 years of expectation, is that reality finally here? Fiber optics has long been defined as a technology that will become mainstream within five years…for at least the last 30 years. That may finally be changing. We don’t see fiber replacing copper toRead More
Top-of-rack switching has become the norm in data centers. What does that mean for data center connectivity solutions? With the advent of top-of-rack (ToR) switching and SFP+ direct-attach copper cables, more data centers are able to quickly implement cost-effective 10G-and-beyond connections. ToR designs originally popped up because data center managers ran out of roomRead More
One solution to the signal integrity and reach issues in copper cabling is the use of active copper cable assemblies. Bob Hult takes a look at today’s technology and where it could lead the industry. The long predicted demise of high-speed copper cables continues to be delayed/frustrated by continuing improvements in the technology of data transmission.Read More
Recently we spoke with Ward Williams, chief commercial officer at ProLabs, to learn more about the compatible product market. Q: What are compatible network products? A: Compatible products can include transceivers, direct-attach cables (DAC), active optical cables (AOC), and media converters, among others. Compatibles are designed to work with all manufacturers’ equipment and can beRead More
FCI SFP+ Active Optical Cable is a new generation of low-power AOC that is compliant with 10Gb Ethernet and Fiber Channel signal transmission protocols. FCI has introduced its SFP+ Active Optical Cable (AOC). This new generation of low-power AOC is fully compatible with the SFF-8431 industry standard, plug-compatible with SFP+ hardware ports, and compliant with 10Gb Ethernet andRead More
The railway industry still hesitates to make systematic use of fiber optic technology on board rolling stock. HUBER+SUHNER explains how recent advances in cable and connectors have made on-train fiber optic connectivity a reality. Over the past few years, the emergence of Ethernet as an industry standard for communication on board trains has moved from conceptRead More
Molex Hermetic-Sealed Multi-Fiber Circular MT Optical Assemblies ensure extreme sealing and long-term reliability for applications in harsh environments. Molex Incorporated has launched its Hermetic-Sealed Multi-Fiber Circular MT Optical Assemblies, which deliver extreme sealing performance in the industry’s smallest footprint. The new MT Optical Assemblies provide system reliability in extreme environments, including severe weather conditions, high altitudes,Read More
By Bob Hult and John MacWilliams, Bishop & Associates [hr] Advances in photonics, signal integrity, chip integration, and high-performance materials are enabling entirely new classes of electronic equipment. Bob Hult and John MacWilliams kick off the new year with a look at connector technologies to watch in 2015. The pace of change in theRead More
With more airline passengers demanding in-flight Wi-Fi, system designers need to find a smart solution for converting on-board systems to fiber optics. One of the hottest technology trends relating to cabin electronics in civil aircraft is creating designs that accommodate all the passengers that now want to use their smartphones, tablets, and laptops on board.Read More
Offering substantial savings in energy consumption and installation costs, the OCC Passive Optical LAN system installs for life and is easily upgradeable for the future. Optical Cable Corporation‘s newly developed passive optical LAN solution (POL) is designed from the ground up for GPON, EPON, or other passive networks. OCC provides a complete system with intuitive components that makeRead More
Fiber optic cable no longer stops at the base of the cell tower, and as mobile communication network operators deploy advanced 3G LTE/4G networks, it’s time to take a closer look at fiber management solutions to the cell tower. This white paper excerpt was provided by 3M. Fiber optic cable no longer stops at theRead More
Minimize signal transmission failures and costly downtime with Molex Expanded-Beam Ruggedized Optical Cable Assemblies. Molex announced availability of its Expanded-Beam Ruggedized Optical Cable Assemblies, delivering highly reliable interconnects for use in harsh environments including aerospace and defense tactical communications, security communications, outside broadcast, petrochemical plant, mining, and offshore systems. These highly ruggedized, easy-to-use connectors requireRead More
