John Struhar has been named chair of the Fiber Optics LAN Section of Telecommunications Industry Association (www.fols.org) for 2002.
Now in its ninth year, the section offers companies involved with optical fiber components for LANs a forum to work together on programs that expand the implementation of enterprise fiber technology. The section also serves as a resource for users who want to learn more about the benefits and application of enterprise optical fiber, providing technical information and expertise, resource directories, case histories and information on evolving standards.
"I am excited to have this opportunity to work with my colleagues in the industry to further expand the use of optical fiber in LANs," says Struhar, an optical fiber application engineer at OFS in Norcross, GA. "Last year's challenges in the optical fiber business have brought us new opportunities in 2002.
"Although the economy has caused all network planners to think carefully about any upgrades, optical fiber is an excellent choice for companies that are looking at the long-term costs of their networks as fiber offers easy upgrades, low maintenance and extremely high reliability," Struhar continues. "Initial installed costs are also coming close to parity with those of copper as users turn to new technologies such as media converters, or take advantage of new standards like TIA/EIA-785."
In addition to publishing and presenting frequently, Struhar was a driving force in the development and ultimate ratification of TIA/EIA-785, 100BASE-SX fiber standard for short wavelength Fast Ethernet.
Other members of the section include vice chair Robert Lopes, Micro Linear Corp.; Communications Subcommittee chair Louise Bryant, OFS; Membership Subcommittee chair Cindy Montstream, Ortronics; and Standards Subcommittee chair Herb Congdon, AMP/Tyco Electronics.
