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Dear Trish,
It's a new year; there's one resolution I'd like you to keep - Consider air blown fiber as a method for deploying fiber on your next project. In many applications the lifetime benefit of an air blown fiber network proves to be more cost effective than a conventional fiber infrastructure. If you're dealing with uncertain future network requirements, Blolite and MicroBlo systems provide an infrastructure that is easily and economically up-gradable and adaptable.
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Blolite and Multi Dwelling Units (MDUs): Its a Perfect Match |
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As fiber to the premise comes closer to wide scale deployment, savvy developers of apartment buildings of other multiple dwelling units (MDUs) are interested in ensuring they are capable of providing the bandwidth capabilities that their tenants will demand for their Internet, security and entertainment needs. However, with lots of competing technologies and network designs, it's difficult for them to guess exactly how much and what type of fiber will need to be deployed to each housing unit.
One solution is to install empty Blolite microduct tubing to each unit now, then add fiber, as needed, either to individual units or to the entire complex when an upgrade to fiber is required. For new construction projects, Blolite microduct can be pulled in along with today's communication cables - copper and coax, for little added expense. In the future, fiber can be quickly and easily blown into these microducts with no disruption to tenants, and low installation costs.
Roseland Property Co., an urban redeveloper of luxury apartments and homes in the Northeast has already installed Blolite at one of its new developments and has standardized on this technology for all new properties moving forward.
Read more details about the use of Blolite in MDUs in an article that appeared in the December 2004 issue of UNITS.
"A Healthy Dose of Fiber" |
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Planning ahead - 10gbit ready or not |
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More end users are considering the need to guaranty that the optical performance of their networks will be able to handle 10gbit transmission rates, either immediately or in the future. With this in mind, there are two viable choices to consider for your cabling plant. If your 10gbit performance requirements are imminent, choose 10gbit laser optimized 50/125 multimode fiber when you install blown or conventional fiber optic cable now. 50/125 fiber with 10gbit performance at 850nm is a standard fiber performance option.
However, if 10gbit transmission speeds are beyond your current requirement, you can easily and economically be 10gbit ready with a blown fiber network. You'll incur installation costs initially, with the placement of sufficient microduct to support both your current requirements and with extra capacity to add 10gbit fiber in the future. Blow in the fiber you need today and add 10gbit fiber only when you need it, with minimal additional installation costs. Fiber blowing is fast, easy and non-disruptive AND you'll ensure the 10gbit fiber you eventually install has been manufactured to meet evolving state- of -the-art specifications, whatever they may be.
Network transmission rates will continue to increase. The optimum performance of your requirements needs to be made on a case by case basis, with consideration given to current requirements, evolving standards and economic considerations. Air blown fiber offers an economical way to ensure that your network can continue to grow to 10gbit and beyond. |
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Academic Strength Cabling - Products for all campus applications |
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Sure Blolite and MicroBlo are great solutions for many campus applications, but air blown fiber isn't necessarily the best way to go in every situation. The typical campus cabling infrastructure is a combination of fiber optic and copper cabling solutions strategically selected to provide ample bandwidth to handle today's and tomorrow's applications across all facets of the network. Cable installed during each upgrade or new build should be carefully chosen to optimize performance and minimize cost over the networks expected lifecycle.
General Cable/NextGen is the only manufacturer in the industry that can provide all cabling solutions - blown optical fiber, conventional fiber and conventional copper. Request a copy of our "Academic Strength" brochure to better understand how General Cable/NextGen's family of cable products delivers flexibility, expandability and reliability, essential elements for all campus applications.
"Academic Strength" brochure |
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New Certified Installers |
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In the past few months we've added to our growing list of Certified Blolite Installers. Each of these contractors has completed the Blolite training program and also has successfully completed at least one Blolite installation.
• Integrated TeleCom Systems, Stuart FL
• Mountain States Data Tel, Northglenn, CO
• RJE Allentown, Allentown, PA
• KCI Technologies, Laurel MD
If you or a contractor you know is interested in becoming a Blolite Certified Installer, fill out this form and e-mail it to pdawson@nextgenfiberoptics.com
Click here for a complete listing of Blolite Certified Installers |
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ABF Installation Tip |
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One key to a trouble free blown fiber installation is proper handling and installation of the microducts. Remember, microducts are hollow tubes. They therefore need to be handled with a bit more care than conventional fiber or copper cables. Rough handling practices, too tight bend radii or excessive pulling tension can crush, kink or deform microducts, creating damage that can make fiber blowing more difficult or impossible, depending on the extent of the damage.
Ensure a trouble free installation by remembering the following:
• Microducts crush easily, don't stand on them or place heavy objects on them
• Do not exceed the maximum pulling load which is typically less than what is specified for conventional cables
• Do not violate minimum bend radius specifications, typically 20x the Multiduct OD during installation and 10x the OD as installed
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See Us At The Show |
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• January 24-27, BICSI Winter Conference, Orlando, FL
• February 2-3, West 2005, San Diego, CA
• March 8-9, Famous Telephone Expo, Cleveland, OH
• April 5-7, FOSE, Washington DC
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Surf's Up - Resolutions you definitely CAN keep |
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Here's a look at some other resolutions for 2005. While some of them may be are just as easy to accomplish as deploying a Blolite or MicroBlo network, they may not be quite as good for you!
Take a break for some fun.. |
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