Optical Cable Corporation (OCC) recently released a new UL-listed cabling solution for GPON networks. OCC's Slimline Hybrid cables combine GPON [Gigabit-capable passive optical network] fiber-optic cables with two copper conductors enclosed within the same jacket, allowing external power to essentially be “pushed” from a central location.
According to OCC, by including copper in same cable as GPON fiber, high bandwidth data and power can be supplied to numerous users with a single, lower-cost option. The company says its Slimline cabling is especially intended for commercial applications involving multiple, separated nodes or buildings or where new, data-hungry applications are continually being added to the network.
In its simplest description, GPON utilizes a single fiber-optic strand on which high speed, high-bandwidth data is transmitted in both directions (2.48 GB/s of downstream and 1.24 GB/s upstream). OCC's Slimline Hybrid cables can contain either one or two strands of single-mode fiber and are UL Plenum rated for use inside buildings, including above suspended ceilings. In addition, the cables have a very small bend radius and tensile strength almost three times that of traditional category 6 copper cable, as noted by the company.
Per an OCC press release, "For enterprise networks, the advantages of GPON are undeniable. These all-fiber networks cost less to implement than copper, provide unlimited bandwidth potential, and as a passive network, require much less power. In addition, single-mode passive optical LAN infrastructure will support 10G-PON networks and beyond. With the addition of power in the new hybrid fiber/copper Slimline cabling, the benefits of GPON networks have never been greater. It further simplifies installation and reduces costs by eliminating the need to run dedicated electric wiring. It can also be a significant benefit for aging buildings that experience frequent power outages."
For information visit www.occfiber.com.