CONTENTS
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Industry News
The image projected by the fibre optic communications industry, and indeed much of the media, is one of a bright future, characterised by data flying along fibre optic cables at previously unimaginable speeds. The fact is however, the fibres are only one part of the jigsaw. Transceivers for instance, are plugged into the switches and are often left for years at a time and largely taken for granted – until they break down, that is. In this issue, Ellen Manning looks at the tough testing regimes that transceivers are put through to minimise the likelihood of developing a fault. Meanwhile, Antony Savvas takes a look at the progress of PAM4 and the test and measurement challenges that modulation scheme is presenting as the technology develops. This is not to say, of course, that fibre optic cables are immune from failure. Although most cables have a nominal life of around 25 years, they are subject to temperature cycles due to the changing seasons, vibration from traffic and the inevitable damage from utility companies digging up roads or installing new plant. All these things are constants and are taken into account when designing fibre optic cables for external use, and rarely present problems on a regular basis. Damage to or dirt upon the fibre ends and connectors is an ongoing issue however, and as John Williamson explains, the adoption of multi-fibre MPO/MPT technology has complicated the test and inspection process. With the conference season in full swing, Optical Connections ‘inside man’ Per Danielsen reports from OFC on everything from self-driving cars to sub-sea cables and everything in between. We also take a look at the major issues that came out of the FTTH Europe Conference and Expo, not the least of which was the formulation of strategies for switching of copper networks and getting full fibre to every home and business in Europe. We are also looking forward, in both senses of the phrase, to the likes of ANGA COM, which this year promises to be bigger and better than ever. Connected Britain in London, UK is happening at a particularly interesting time. The government has made a commitment to support full fibre roll-out across the nation by 2033, for which it has promised a £200 million fund to kick start the programme. However, full fibre infrastructure providers are keen to ensure that rural businesses aren’t left behind. Evan Weinburg, CEO of rural full fibre provider Truespeed, expresses his concerns in this issue. Finally, we take in Laser World of Photonics in Munich, which will be showcasing the latest developments in light-based technologies. It promises to be a very busy summer! TESTING TO THE LIMIT
Evan Weinburg Full Fibre in the UK
10 Ellen Manning 13 François Couny
Testing Transceivers
Optical Component Testing For 5G
16 Peter Dykes
The View from Prysmian
18 Brandon Collings Global ROADM Deployments 20 Antony Savvas 22 John Williamson Doing It Right 24 Per Danielsen OLC Wrap 27 Peter Dykes FTTH Council Wrap 29 Peter Dykes ANGA COM Preview 31 Peter Dykes
Adapting to a PAM4 World
Connected Britain Preview
32 Peter Dykes
Peter Dykes Contributing Editor, Optical Connections
Laser World of Photonics Preview
33 Event Focus 34 Product Focus
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ISSUE 17 | Q2 2019
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