FS High-Density Rack-Mount PLC Splitters for PON Networks

Overview

In modern communication networks, PLC optical splitters are crucial for distributing optical signals and play an essential role in data transmission within passive optical networks (PON) like FTTx. Rack-mount PLC splitters have become widely used due to their high performance, easy installation, and versatile packaging, making them particularly suitable for high-density connectivity requirements. FS offers three types of rack-mount PLC splitters: 1U standard rack, LGX, and high-density FHD packaging, catering to various space and performance needs.

FS Rack-Mounted PLC Splitter Performance

The FS rack-mounted PLC splitters in all three formats provide wide wavelength coverage from 1260 to 1650 nm. Built with G.657.A1 bend-insensitive fiber and nano-zirconia ceramic ferrules, these splitters ensure low-loss transmission across different splitting configurations.

• The FS 1U Rack PLC Splitter features a standardized integrated design compatible with standard racks, allowing customers to install it directly without needing a separate chassis.

• The LGX series complies with general market size standards and works seamlessly with standard LGX racks, also available from FS, which support up to three LGX cassettes per layer. This provides flexible usage and straightforward installation.

• The FHD series, a compact, high-density PLC cartridge, offers performance similar to the LGX series but with the added benefit of a 1U rack that accommodates up to four FHD modules. Used with the FS FHD rack, it enables higher-density optical network deployments.

Understanding the specifications of each type can help you select the optimal splitter for your optical network deployment.

1U Rack Fiber Splitter

For large network deployments like data centers, FS offers integrated rack-mounted PLC splitters in 1×16 and 1×32 configurations. In addition, the PLC can also be customized with 1×8/2×16 splitter ratio and SC/LC interface type. These splitters use planar lightwave circuit technology, with optical waveguide paths etched into a quartz substrate, providing stable performance across a wide temperature range from -40°C to 85°C and excellent humidity stability.

LGX PLC Fiber Splitter

The FS LGX PLC splitter, manufactured with silicon photonics technology, is an integrated splitter that combines low insertion loss and uniform splitting. It supports various configurations from 1×2 to 1×16 split ratios. A 1U LGX rack can accommodate up to three LGX splitter cassettes. Specific parameters are as follows. In addition to the specifications mentioned in the table, FS can also provide other optical ratios and joint customization:

FHD PLC Fiber Splitter

Following the LGX PLC splitter, FS developed the FHD splitter with a smaller size and higher density. This splitter offers similar performance to the LGX, but with the frame, four splitter cassettes can be installed to achieve 64-channel splitter density, providing a larger scale splitter solution. You can also customize key parameters based on your network scale.

To ensure proper installation and efficient operation of each splitter type, FS has also developed a dedicated installation guide for these rack-mounted PLC splitters.

FS Rack-Mounted PLC Installation Guide

1U Rack PLC Installation

The 1U Rack PLC integrates optical splitter components within a high-strength aluminum frame, offering dust and heat resistance while fitting most standard cabinets. It is ideal for data centers, large enterprise networks, and wide area networks with high network demands, enabling flexible configuration and expansion.

LGX & FHD PLC Installation

Both LGX and FHD PLC can be installed in dedicated racks or combined with ODF sub racks, wall-mounted Boxes, and fiber distribution cabinets.

• LGX PLC: Each LGX PLC measures 1.14" x 5.12" x 5.00", with each rack fitting 3 LGX PLC cassettes. When fully populated, a 1U frame supports up to 48 fiber connections, meeting the 19-inch ANSI/EIA 310-D-1992 standard. This setup is ideal for small to medium FTTx networks.

  

• FHD PLC: The FHD PLC has a smaller, higher-density form factor, suitable for medium-to-large PON networks with a high number of terminations. The FHD rack supports up to 4 FHD PLC cassettes per layer, providing up to 64 splits, and a 4U rack can expand to 256 fiber connections. In installation mode, FS optimizes the installation design with push-lock rivets, allowing tool-free assembly.

  

Advantages of FS Rack-Mounted PLC Splitters

Rack-mounted PLC splitters offer various advantages in fiber optic communications, particularly in design, installation flexibility, performance, and applicability.

• 1. Stable and Reliable Performance: FS rack-mounted PLC splitters support a wide 1260-1650 nm wavelength range with low insertion and polarization-dependent losses (PDL), ensuring efficient data transmission and reduced signal loss, thus enhancing network stability. These features make them ideal for high-bandwidth, high-reliability PON networks, optimizing overall network performance.

• 2. Flexible Customization Options: FS rack-mounted splitters support a variety of split ratios and adapters, offering customizable options for both balanced and unbalanced split ratios, as well as SC and LC connector customization. This flexibility allows seamless integration of PLC splitters into existing networks, adapting to various FTTH, FTTB, FTTC, and other application scenarios, effectively enhancing the user experience and simplifying network upgrade processes.

• 3. Easy Management and Maintenance: Consolidating cables within a single rack facilitates monitoring and management, reducing cabling complexity and improving network maintainability. In high-density networking, rack-mounted PLCs provide significant cost efficiency.

• 4. High Space Efficiency: Designed to fit 19-inch standard racks, FS rack-mounted PLC splitters effectively utilize cabinet space, supporting large-scale deployments and improving data center utilization through centralized splitter management.

Conclusion