Non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber and standard single-mode fiber - are they compatible when splicing and for use in fiber assemblies?

摘要

As non-zero dispersion-shifted fiber (NZ-DSF) becomes more prevalent in the marketplace, system designers' interests turn to compatibility with existing fiber plant, particularly regarding splicing conditions, procedures and compatibility with fiber assemblies such as pigtails and jumper cables. Corning Incorporated has initiated studies comparing the performance of NZ-DSF with large effective area, as well as standard NZ-DSF, with single-mode fiber (SMF). In this paper, the author will examine the use of NZ-DSF pigtails and jumper cables in NZ-DSF routes, compared with the use of SMF assemblies in the same routes. The data clearly indicates that using SMF assemblies in all Nz-DSF routes is superior in its system transmission results compared with using Nz-DSF assemblies. The data demonstrates that using SMF assemblies in NZ-DSF configurations results in added system margin, lower cost and lower complexity.