Optical Fibre and Cable

This document will provide an understanding of optical fibre, optical fibre cable (OFC), application standards, and key considerations that one should make before selecting optical fibre products.

Typically, the first document shared with a user (Purchasing Manager, Technical Manager, and Installation Manager) is a technical datasheet. When several optical fibre cables are to be compared, as per the requirements of a project, a short list could be created based on the datasheets. However, all datasheets are not equivalent even if they look similar. One should know what the minimum relevant data are, how to find them, and how to compare them.

STL recognized by Gartner® as a Representative Supplier for Customer Management and Experience (CM&X) Solutions.

"Gartner consider the 20 suppliers listed in the report to be representative of the CSP CM&X solutions market as they represent a wide variety of solutions, offering different portfolios, deployment/ implementation approaches and focus areas for various segments of CSPs. However, there are many more suppliers with appropriate offerings for various CSP requirements".

Beyond the Human Threshold

As 5G network deployments continue to ramp up, communications service providers (CSPs) continue to look for new ways to extract value from their core networks and radio access networks (RANs). A vital element of this exercise will be how to achieve further service differentiation from previous mobile generations such as 4G. While this process will be gradual, the 5G core (5GC), which adopts a services-based architecture (SBA) that supports application programming interface (API) exposure, will drive the next wave of mobile service innovation. Two key components critical to the process of monetizing 5G innovative services are policy control and charging.

STL recognised by Gartner®

"Gartner has covered 13 vendors in this research which can be classified across three categories based on their background"

1. Large network equipment vendors: Ericsson, Huawei, Nokia, Samsung, ZTE

2. Specialist small cell and traditional digital adoption solution (DAS) vendors: Airspan, Baicells, Comba Telecom Systems Holdings, CommScope, Corning

3. New Open vRAN vendors: Mavenir, Radisys, STL (Sterlite Technologies)

BSS Cloud Transformation

As communications service providers (CSPs) continue to embrace cloud services, they must also look inward and assess how this shift will transform their existing operational processes. A key component of this assessment process is documenting the operational and design impact on business support systems (BSS) and their ability to support cloud key performance indicators (KPIs) and open application programming interfaces (APIs) in an Open Digital Architecture (ODA) environment.

STL recognized by Gartner® as an Enabler in Digital Marketplaces

STL has been recognized as an Enabler for enhanced partner ecosystem support in digital marketplaces in the 2021 Gartner® report, Market Trend: Expand CSPs' Monetization with 5G, AI, Edge Compute. The report also identifies STL as a BSS vendor offering 5G CHF, for developing and promoting new pricing levers for monetization.

Cloud-Native Marketplace for Telcos

In the first part of this whitepaper series, we discussed how an enterprise marketplace could prove to be a panacea for telcos' digital transformation woes. We also discussed, at length, numerous use cases that can be explored using the enterprise marketplace, such as, IoT-as-a-Service, SD-WAN-as-a-Service and virtualized RAN-as-a-Service.

RAN Intelligent Controller (RIC)

Mobile network operators (MNOs) throughout the world are experiencing an exponential growth of data traffic, mainly driven by an increase in the demand for video streaming services, peer to peer services such as video conferencing, OTT applications, as well as by tremendous proliferation of mobile devices.

Innovations in Optical Fiber: Enabling the Evolution of Next-Generation Telecom Networks

Users have been demanding higher bandwidth since the 24x7 availability of internet connectivity has become ubiquitous. The COVID-19 pandemic situation has further spurred the demand for higher bandwidth and stable broadband connectivity to support new lifestyle norms. People are required to stay at home due to COVID-19 lockdowns, and connectivity has given them the flexibility to continue with daily activities such as work, learning and entertainment from their homes.

Failover Management of SIP-based Multimedia Communication Sessions: Design Improvements for Call Continuity

With increasing digitization and proliferation of IP networks, use of SIP protocol to provide IP telephony services has seen a steady rise. In IP telephony networks, call continuity in the event of a failover is of primary importance.

Ribbon Fiber Cable A comparison with Non-Ribbon Cable

Substituting ribbons for individual fibers within an optical cable allows the fiber to be packed more compactly within the cable whether it is a multi-tube or central tube cable. Ribbon cables are smaller in size and weight and generally easier to handle than comparable individual fiber based cables. The net result is ribbon cables are easier for the installation crew to handle and place.

2020 BCG Tech Challengers

Boston Consulting Group partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities. BCG was the pioneer in business strategy when it was founded in 1963. Today, we help clients with total transformation�inspiring complex change, enabling organizations to grow, building competitive advantage, and driving bottom-line impact.

The Path to Open and Disaggregated FTTx

Operators face continued increases in traffic, slow revenue growth, and competitive pressures to invest in and innovate for emerging cloud and 5G-related applications. As a result, they are increasingly looking to hyperscaler-led innovations, including softwaredefined networking (SDN), virtualization, and disaggregation. Due to size and complexity, fiber access networks have emerged as an area of particular interest and promise for driving lower network costs and delivering advanced services across the residential, business, and wholesale markets.

The Role of the RAN Intelligent Controller in Open RAN Systems

The RIC is more than a RAN controller, however. It is also an open platform that can host RAN control applications developed by specialist software suppliers that are external to the RIC vendor itself. These "xApps" (near-RT) and "rApps" (non-RT) are among the primary reasons why the RIC is a compelling component of the O-RAN architecture. XApps and rApps will enable innovation-in the form of RAN control algorithms-to enter the RAN at a pace that is orders of magnitude faster than is the case with today's vendor-proprietary systems or centralized SON methods. Such innovation will help operators create differentiated network experiences that offer performance adapted to particular service types, user groups, or locations.

Accelerating FTTx deployments for the new normal - A research paper

Data is the new �fuel�. With millions of people working from home and family members spending more time streaming TV shows and movies, doing live video chats and watching live news, a new situation of internet overload has emerged. Residential environments have emerged as the new hubs of data consumption. Consequentially, there has been a shift in peak hours of consumption along with an increase in demand variability. This has brought the urgent need for hyperscale fibre connectivity and more importantly, FTTx to the fore. In this paper, we dive deep into the challenges of deploying FTTx and explore solutions to achieve the desired scale while focusing on cost and time efficiencies.

Programmable FTTx

New digital use cases are shaping our lives in ways unimaginable. Users want more bandwidth, better speed, newer use cases and a great customer experience. This demands a massive change in the ecosystem. Service providers need to augment their networks to accommodate these needs as well as exert on-demand control over the entire network. Re-designing the last-mile network infrastructure will ensure convergence of network access technologies thereby making it easier to meet growing users demand.

The world is gravitating towards FTTx - A research paper

�The needs for FTTx networks have arrived earlier than our forecasting models have predicted. Consequently, the deployment of FTTH and FTTB networks have increased significantly. Setting up a fibre based broadband network, once considered a luxury affordable to the developed world, is poised to become mainstream all over the world. FTTx is evolving on multiple fronts, be it business models, execution methodologies, operating efficiency and strategic partnerships & alliances. Technological developments sit in the middle of it all, playing the role of the enabler.

Road to 5G built on Fibre

Launch of 5G is going to catapult data usage to a whole new level. 5G is all set to move beyond mobile, to the world of billions of connected devices and pave way for a new era of consumer-technology interactions.
Launch of 5G is going to catapult data usage to a whole new level. 5G is all set to move beyond mobile, to the world of billions of connected devices.
Today, every two days we create as much data as we have from the beginning of time till 2003. Connectivity is now as important as running water and electricity, and Smarter Networks are the new core infrastructure

5G-ready with next-gen programmable RAN | STL Tech

The exponential increase in mobile traffic just compounds the complexity posed by legacy networks. Networks of the future must become software-driven, virtualised, flexible and intelligent to tap the potential of 5G and IoT. With the added complexity of digitalisation that most network service providers face today, it is evident to see a surge in interest of programmable and virtualised networks. This is a natural progression since programmability radically increases the ability to launch innovative services with a high level of agility while also allowing to monetise new services with a level of speed not possible with legacy network infrastructure.

STL Sensron+ - A Whitepaper

Critical infrastructure systems and facilities are fundamental to driving modern society, providing the necessary basic services that form a foundation for nearly all other activities.
This paper seeks to highlight the effectiveness that can be brought about by infusing technology into security setups around the world. As we proceed, we will look at an overview of critical infrastructure and challenges. We will elaborate on the foundational components of a successful critical infrastructure security strategy. We intend to use this as a �best practice� primer for securing critical infrastructure.

FTTx Paradigm Change to Achieve Fibre to the Exponential

In the recent years, the world has realised the combined potential of ubiquitous data and disruptive technologies. Now we see, a new set of use cases, which are about to become a necessity for people across the world. Smart homes - replete with connected devices and using technologies like AR, VR, IoT, AI and block chain are just on the anvil. The next real estate boom might just be in this exciting milieu of smart, connected homes. We are already seeing connected cars in developed countries.All this is customer experience. While the time for this idea has come, how ready are we to actually deliver it?

Improved Optical Network Performance Using Stellar Fibre

The Fibre Optics network infrastructure is highly immune to electromagnetic waves and provides unlimited bandwidth to transport data and voice signals at a very high rate, over extremely long distances. [ref. 1]. This makes it a suitable communication channel to support a large number of network architectures: FTTH, FTTx, Data centre interconnect, Access/Metro/Long distance networks, smart cities infrastructure and wireless backhauling for 4G and 5G networks.

Digital Marketplace A Panacea for digital transformation woes?

Analysing the role of digital marketplace solutions in helping CSPs compete effectively and create true differentiators in a dynamic industry that�s being steered by digital transformations. The need for communication service providers (CSPs) to look beyond traditional voice and data services have become more urgent and imminent than ever before. To stay relevant and compete effectively, they would need to diversify and take the plunge into new age digital services and explore relatively under penetrated customer segments, such as the enterprise segment.

Analytics on the edge

Intelligent edge refers to the analysis of data and development of solutions at the site where the data is generated. Rather than constantly delivering data back to the central server, edge-enabled devices or nodes can gather and process data in real-time, allowing them to respond faster and more effectively. This technology reduces latency, costs, and security risks, thus making the associated business more efficient.

The impact of FTTH network architectures on the efficient use of active equipment

I did touch this subject about 5 years ago but I felt the subject needed an update based on newer experiences but above all, price points mentioned in a previous version did evolve dramatically and it has an impact on the overall result. Read: prices of OLT cards have dropped so why would you still save on active equipment? Well today you might install GPON line cards whose prices have decreased over the last few years but tomorrow one might want to upgrade directly to the latest generation like NG-PON2 line cards which come at a higher price.

Data Centres and the art of accelerated value

2020 needs to be the time for cultural shifts driven by technology; and investment in new network technologies is only a part of the whole answer. While we see disruptive trends in technology, big and small, design-led innovations will drive these changes. This paper highlights the paradigm shifts in design and execution philosophies which will redefine the data centre ecosystem

Defining the role of convergence in Policy and Charging

Over the past few decades, charging has been a critical element of telecom operations. With the evolution of mobile internet and high data usage, policy control has also become equally important. Although network operators and telecom vendors have always treated these two functions (Policy Control and Charging) differently, if you look closely, they are meant to complement each other and hence be aware of each other.

Fibre speed limiters � the history and latest disruption

While optical fibre is a fantastic means of transportation of data it does have its limitations. There are a range of optical parameters that limit how far a given transmission system can transmit a signal before optical-electrical-optical regeneration is required. As transmission systems and fibres have developed over the last 25 years, we have also seen those limitations shift amongst the fibre parameters.

Measurement Of Multipth Interference For Bend Insensitive Fibers: Broadband Source/Osa Technique

We investigated the multipath interference (MPI) characteristics of short length bend insensitive optical fibers using broadband source/OSA technique. It is found that MPI is negligible for fibers with lengths as short as 2 m with worst case splice conditions. As the fiber reaches near or into houses for FTTH applications, it needs to have very high bend resistance [1].

Lora network advantageous as key IOT enabling technology

A scalable and low cost IoT network is the cornerstone of a Smart City program, and LoRa-based devices and the LoRaWAN specification provide high-capacity, low power networks that form the basis of successful smart city solutions

Kiosk Deployment at Jaipur

In Smart City Projects, KIOSK plays a major role. As a move towards an �approachable city administration�, these city kiosks are expected to act as an extended arm of city administration departments and help in connecting with citizens while promoting �anytime services� complementing the mobile platform based service delivery.

Emerging Information & Communication Technologies : Changing Data Cable Physical Layer Needs

Changing enterprise business requirements ultimately drives network market shift. We are entering into a very exciting time of new applications need and related data cable business opportunities. emerging applications demands higher bandwidth and these bandwidth intensive applications requires speed beyond 1 GB/s in existing Local area network (Lan) infrastructures.

Bend insensitive 200 micron optical fiber

Deployment of optical fiber cable in limited space and in tight bend conditions demands reduced diameter optical fiber and cable with bend insensitive fiber. To address this need, optical fiber with 200 micron outer coating diameter instead of 250 micron for conventional fiber has been developed.

Decoding MPLS-TP and the deployment possibilities

Over the past few years, leading communications service providers and a number of NE (network element) suppliers have supported the development of an MPLS Transport profile (MPLS-TP) that will enable the technology to be operated in a similar manner to existing transport technologies and give it the capability to support packet transport services with a degree of predictability that is found in existing transport networks.

Opportunities in building Smart Cities in India

Smart is a relevant word and has an altogether different interpretation when it comes to the Indian context. The recent proposals of 20 Smart Cities predominantly captures the creation of basic civil infra, security, transport, connectivity and e-governance services, which has nevertheless brough.

Optical fibre breaks collection procedure for break source analysis

This application note briefly introduces optical fiber break source analysis (BSA) and explains procedure for collecting fiber break ends and other relevant information for BSA.

Pole Foundation Design

Pole installation is a common requirement of all the smart city development projects. Installation of WiFi Hotspots and access points, Smart lighting systems, CCTV surveillance camera and various types of sensors make use of poles for installations. To make the process of pole installation easy and optimized in terms of cost of installation and time taken for installation of the same, the white paper is written to give details of various options and the finalize the optimum design for smart city applications

Internet of Things (IoT) based smart agriculture

India is predominantly an agrarian economy.Farming contributes about 16% of India's GP and about 60% of the country's rural households are dependent on agriculture and its related industries.The current practices are based on guesswork and there is little emphasis on improving decisions using data. The question then is,how can we develop better agriculture practices,develop solutions for climate controlled agriculture,reduce resource usage, avoid post-harvest waste, reduce reouce usage,....

IWCS White Paper on Best Installation Practices

Deployment of new applications over local area network (LAN) cable technologies is moving forward at a lightning pace. With the emerging applications demand it has become very critical to select the right design of cable meeting current and upcoming applications needs. Structured cabling installations with lesser control and aggressive execution schedule, many times results in poorly installed systems. Structured cabling design planning includes pathways, containments and other necessary best practices which are very critical to achieve better headroom results in installed SCS (Structured Cabling System).

IWCS White Paper on Cabling Complexities in Datacentre

Deployment of new applications over datacentre is moving forward at a lightning pace and connectivity requirements becoming more complex in data canter. With the emerging applications demand it has become very critical to select the right design of cable meeting current and upcoming applications needs. Structured cabling installations with lesser control and low design valued infrastructure many times results in poorly installed systems. Structured cabling design planning includes pathways, containments and other necessary best practices which are very critical to achieve better performance and avoid the maintenance issues in future.

IWCS USA White Paper: Alien CrossTalk Testing

The new cabling structure network and standards demand the higher speed and low latency network Datacom copper cables which requires compliance of the Alien crosstalk. The Power Sum Alien Crosstalk has been introduced to international standards ISO/IEC 11801 Ed. 2.2, ANSI/TIA 568C.2 and it is mandatory parameter for Category 6A and above copper LAN Cables. Alien Crosstalk is the interference caused by a pair of insulated copper conductors in one cable inducing noise into other pairs of insulated conductors in adjacent cables.

IWCS China White Paper: Correlation Study

The technology demands the higher speed and low latency network Datacom copper cables which requires compliance of the Alien cross talk. The Power Sum Alien Cross Talk has been introduced to international standards ISO/IEC 11801 Ed. 2.2, ANSI/TIA 568C.2 and it is mandatory parameter for Category 6A and above copper LAN Cables. Alien Crosstalk is the interference caused by a pair of insulated copper conductors in one cable inducing noise into other pairs of insulated conductors in adjacent cables. Power Sum Alien Cross Talk (PSANEXT) is an unwanted disturbing signal transferred from one balanced twisted pair of cable to twisted pair of another cable.

PoE: Adding Power to (IoT)

In the past decade, PoE and PoE+ has helped in creating a simple and convenient recourse for powering devices such as IP phones and low-power cameras. Evolving structured and converged cabling techniques are being used to support devices which even exceed the PoE+ standards. This paper provides insights into an innovative approach to cable architecture, recent PoE++ standards and PoE evolution in the IoT landscape. Further discussion on LiFi and its uses cases have been provided. This paper provides insights on the new applications of PoE with Cat 6A onwards cables.

World's slimmest 432F Micro Cable

Getting slimmer can be tough: with fibre cables it is tougher. Introducing the world's slimmest 432F microcable with next gen 200 micron bend insensitive fibre.

Road to 5G built on Fibre

Launch of 5G is going to catapult data usage to a whole new level. 5G is all set to move beyond mobile, to the world of billions of connected devices and pave way for a new era of consumer-technology interactions.

A2 200 micron whitepaper

Deployment of optical fibre cable in limited space and in tight bend conditions demands reduced diameter optical fibre and cable with bend insensitive fibre. To address this need, optical fibre with 200 micron outer coating diameter instead of 250 micron for conventional fibre has been developed. This application note outlines various advantages of 200 micron fibre and its backward compatibility with conventional fibre.