CONTENTS
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Industry News
Detailed investigation
12 Andy Extance 14 Matthew Peach – High Fibre Diet 16 Antony Savvas – Optical Cloud Expansion 18 Ellen Manning 20 Matthew Peach 26 John Williamson – C-Ran Networks 28 John McMillan – Optimised Splicing 30 John Williamson – Virtual Reality 33 Event Focus 34 Product Focus 22 Ana Pesovic 25 Joost Grillaert – LC Strikes Back
– Redefining the Limits
One of the benefits of the increased frequency of Optical Connections is the extra space available that we can devote to more detailed coverage of this diverse technology and market sector. So this issue has two key themes, covered in greater depth: network infrastructure developments and real-world deployments. These topics also complement the extra distribution the magazine will have at key upcoming events AngaCom (30 May – 1 June, in Cologne) and Next Generation Optical Networking Europe (20 – 22 June in Nice). New contributor and semiconductor technology specialist Andy Extance investigates how optical fibre developers are using new materials and designs to redefine the limits of optical fibre. He argues that while fundamental physics could pose a threat to the internet’s continued expansion new fibre formats could extend previous limits. OC regular John Williamson looks at how smart network management developments such as C-RAN (Cloud-Radio Access Networks) are reducing data bottlenecks at the optical network-mobile interface. He also reports on how recent management buzzwords software defined networks, all-optical switching and network functions virtualisation are helping operators cope with the incessant growth in data demands. An interview with next-gen passive optical networks specialist Nokia details three di erent approaches o ered by the company – XG-PON1, XGS-PON and TWDM-PON – and which one could best meet particular operators’ needs in relation to tra c demands and budget. New deployments are described in two features looking at KCOM’s recent broadband upgrade in Hull, this year’s UK City of Culture, and the UK-wide activities of CityFibre, which has been rolling out new networks in a host of conurbations over the past several years. Focusing on the fibre and boxes upon which every network depends, writer Ellen Manning takes a fresh look at the fundamental issues of selecting the right components, connecting them properly and keeping the whole lot pristine despite the challenging down hole environments. Data centre design and evolution is also examined with reports on the latest innovations by some of the industry’s key suppliers. Besides this we present a selection of some of the latest and most interesting product innovations, as well as the usual mix of business and technology stories. If you are involved in a development in this industry whether in manufacturing or deployment, please get in touch. We look forward to meeting you at the next industry exhibition and conference.
– Network Optimisation
– Data Centre Design
– The Need for Speed
Matthew Peach Contributing Editor, Optical Connections
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ISSUE 9 | Q2 2017
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