Optical Fiber: How About Fiber to YOUR Desk?

Presented by:Bob Ballard, RCDD

Registered Communications Distribution Designer

Certified Fiber Optics Installer

Sponsored by:P A R A G O NScientific Corporation

AgendaFiber to the Desk: Where Is It Cost -Effective Today?

• Technology Review• Expanded TIA Fiber Optics LAN Section Scope• Cabling market review & forecast• Comparing fiber installed first costs with copper• Costs Analysis Summary• Testimonials• Summary

Fiber Optics Technology Review

How is 50 µm different from 62.5 µm?* Same Cladding Diameter* Only core size differs* Numerical Aperture> 0.200 - 50 µm > 0.275 - 62.5 µm

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62.5 µm

50 µm

Core

TIA Fiber Optics LAN Section

• Formed in 1993 as part of TIA’s Fiber Optics Division• Expanded Mission: To create a resource where people

can learn about the technical advantages and affordability that optical transmission brings to customer-owned networks

• Members Include: 3M, ADC, CommScope, Corning, Fluke Networks, Leviton Voice & Data, OFS, Optek Technology, Ortronics, Panduit, Pearson Technologies, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, Tyco/AMP Electronics

Expanded FocusResult of Target Audience and Member Input?

• Fiber-based LANs• Storage Area Networks (SANS)• Data Centers• Industrial Applications• Building Automation Systems• Fiber In Security Systems• Fiber In The Home

Market TrendsCopper and Fiber Cable Shipment Forecast*

* Source: “US Building Fiber And Copper Cabling Systems” FTM Consulting, February 2003 ftm.consulting@gte.net

Selecting the Horizontal MediaUTP Copper or Multimode Fiber

UTP Copper• Perceived Lowest System Cost• The “easy” Choice• Universal Familiarity• Smooth Ethernet Upgrade Path• More Complex to Install and Test• Susceptible to EMI, RFI & Crosstalk• Limited Cable Pull Strength• 100 Meter Maximum at 1 Gbps• Shorter Useful Life• Not “Future Proof”

Multimode Fiber• Higher Bandwidth• Immunity to EMI, RFI & Crosstalk• Greatly Simplified Installation• Greatly Simplified Testing• Enables Centralized Cabling• Superior Cable Pull Strength• Lower Initial Installed Costs w/Centralized Architecture• Lower Life-Cycle Infrastructure Cost• Cost Effective Ethernet Migration• “Future Proof”• Perception of Complexity• Less Installer Familiarity• Electronics Still Priced Higher

Fiber - Copper Cable ShipmentsCable Product Value Shipments

* Source: “US Building Fiber And Copper Cabling Systems” FTM Consulting, February 2003 ftm.consulting@gte.net

So - Why Not More Fiber?Are Costs Really Higher?

• Perception: Fiber is still more expensive than copper Reality! Fiber is less expensive in many applications • Erroneous Assumption: Fiber networks should be designed and installed exactly like copper networks Reality! The installation is in fact much different

• Erroneous Assumption: Fiber is more difficult to install & test Reality! Fiber is much easier to install and test

• Finally: Designing fiber networks based upon its capabilities saves thousands of dollars compared to copper

Comparing Fiber - Copper CostsSeveral Comprehensive Studies

Tolly Group, August 2000• Migrating to Fiber-The Case for Centralized LAN Cabling• Still available for download #200505• http://www.tolly.com/UTS/UTS_home.aspx

TIA Fiber Optics LAN Section, November 2001• First Generation Cost Model• Very Popular Web Site Download

TIA Fiber Optics LAN Section, July 2003• Second Generation Cost Model• New Model Available For Download: www.fols.org• Also Visit Pearson Technologies Web Site: www.ptnowire.com

Second Generation Cost ModelSignificant Market Changes

• UTP Component Prices Have DECREASED• Fiber Component Prices Have DECREASED• Fiber Transciever Prices Have DECREASED

Long wavelength (1300 nm) substantial price decrease

Short wavelength (850 nm) have also decreased• Overall Network Costs Have DECREASED

UTP / Fiber NetworkAll Fiber Network

Model Assumptions - Installed First CostsHierarchlcal Star UTP vs. Centralized Fiber

• Building Model8 Story, 48 Ports Per FloorCosts Calculated on “Per Port”

BasisPort Utilization• Copper: 70%• Fiber: 90%• Riser SubsystemFiber Used in Riser Subsystem(Both Models)

• Horizontal SubsystemUTP: Cat 5e or Cat 6 UTPFiber: 62.5 or 50 µm Multimode Fiber

Comparing Installed First CostsAdditional Assumptions

• Labor Rate$60.00 Per Hour

• Telecom Room Construction Costs$150.00 Per Square Foot

• 5 - Year Power CostsLighting, Heating & CoolingNote: Does not apply to Centralized Fiber NetworkEstimated at $450.00 For 5 Years

• Cost Models Completely Interactive

See Chart at www.fols.org & Input Your Own Numbers

Telecommunications Room (TR) CostsSignificantly Less Expensive With Fiber

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