Why choose FTTO – optical local area networking – DCI Solutions Ltd.
Fiber-To-The-Office FTTO, Fiber-To-The-Room FTTR or Fiber-To-The-Machine FTTM, all in all, it is a concept that does away with copper cabling and creates a fixed local area network using fiber optical cables. Fiber optics has several advantages over copper cabling and here are a few things to consider when choosing a new network.
In copper cabling, the maximum length of links is 90 meters, which inevitably limits the implementation options and, in large properties, increases the number of distribution frames. In fiber optics, on the other hand, distance is not a constraint. Optical fiber allows for long links and is a very flexible way of implementing a fixed network.
Fiber is the safest solution. It is not sensitive to interference and does not cause disruption. No crosstalk between pairs, or other electromagnetic interference.
The idea of FTTO is that fiber goes very close to the terminal. The traditional network’s working group switches in distribution substations are being replaced by micro-switches in the premises, which are connected to each other and to the trunk switches by optical fiber. The terminals are in turn connected to the micro-switches using standard RJ45 patch cables and the micro-switch provides PoE power to the required terminals. The topology can be star, ring, or hybrid.
The fiber-optic network is also very ecological compared to a copper network. One thin fiber optic cable (pair) and one micro switch replaces at least four copper cables, or many more, depending on the network topology used. Not only does the network require considerably less material to implement, but the carbon footprint of fiber optic cables is significantly lower than that of copper cables. Savings result from the reduction in the number of distribution substations and smaller conductors. The energy consumption during operation of a fiber-based network is lower than that of a conventional network solution. Savings come from multiple streams. In FTTO, no cooling distribution frames are needed, fiber optics transfers data with less energy, and PoE feeder cables are short, resulting in very low losses.
Microsens FTTO system is very well suited for all high availability environments and is therefore used not only in offices but also in many hospitals, airports, and other critical environments.