Lantronix E-100BTX-HT Series Single Fiber Applications - Page 1

Single Fiber Applications The extensive growth in metro Ethernet networks has increased the range of metro Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM) product offerings. One derivative of this is single strand fiber products. Single strand fiber allows the user to simultaneously send and receive data on one strand of fiber. It provides full duplex operation without the cost of a secondary fiber cable. The majority of optical networks require a pair of fibers to achieve full duplex operation. However, single strand fiber allows a full duplex transmission over a single (bi-directional) fiber. This provides options for network managers with limited fiber capacity and limited budgets. Single fiber is an important consideration for new installations as well. Example: If you have a 12-strand bundle of fiber, using single strand fiber would result in 12 lines available for communication. Using the traditional method of transmitting and receiving on separate fibers would only give you six available lines of communication Benefits of single strand fiber: Instantly doubles network capacity Single strand fiber increases the capacity of the fiber by simultaneously operating at more than one wavelength, transmitting and receiving on a single strand. Increases reliability By decreasing the number of connections or end points in a network, the number of potential issues is decreased. A customer may also choose to use single fiber to increase redundancy in the network. Decreases cost The costs associated with installation and maintenance of the fiber are reduced. Decreasing the total amount of fiber results in a reduction of overall labor costs. Construction costs are avoided since you are increasing the capacity of existing fiber versus installing additional fiber.