Testing of Fibers in an Existing Network for High Speed System (10 Gb/s or greater) Compatibility

摘要

With OC-192 communications systems now being commercially available and higher bit rate systems in development, prudent telecommunications network administrators are testing their installed fiber to determine if it can be successfully used at 10 Gb/s and higher. Together with NBTel, we have tested various installed fibers and cables for their losses at wavelengths of 1244, 1310, 1550 and 1625 nm, as well as for strain and polarization mode dispersion (PMD). Aging effects on different fiber types have been studied. Experimental data has been analyzed to determine the relationships, if any, between loss, strain, weather, fiber age, fiber type and PMD. The suitability of these fibers for high speed systems has been analyzed. Some of the results of this analysis are presented.