Expanding Cell Coverage with DAS

The proliferation of smart devices in high-density urban areas like high-rises, sports arenas and university campuses is creating challenges to provide coverage to all users.

To expand wireless coverage and reduce infrastructure costs, Mobile Network Operators (MNO) are working with Neutral Host providers and facility owners to deploy Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet) and Cloud-RAN (C-RAN) networks that include Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS).  “Black holes” and “Not Spots” inside buildings and outside of cell tower coverage areas can be served with DAS.

Neutral Host operators can establish a DAS head end at a central location in the campus for connectivity to multiple MNOs with Base Band Units (BBU), or deploy multiple head ends in each DAS location.  The wireless services are distributed from the DAS head end to different indoor and outdoor DAS locations over DAS fronthaul fiber networks.

The technical challenges with DAS deployments are high equipment costs, and DAS fronthaul infrastructure costs associated with connecting multiple operators to DAS from the head end or BBU.  Omnitron’s CWDM Multiplexers expand fiber network capacity, and protocol transparent transponders enable connectivity between multiplexers most network equipment.

DAS Fronthaul Products

Expanding DAS Fronthaul Fiber Capacity with CWDM

This Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) application example illustrates how to overcome fiber capacity challenges by transporting four wireless services over a DAS fronthaul fiber link using Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM). Omnitron’s iConverter CWDM/X Multiplexers and xFF Transponders enable CWDM connectivity from a DAS head end to Remote Access Units (RAU).

 Reduce DAS deployment costs by transporting multiple data channels over fronthaul fiber links

The DAS head end or Base Band Unit is located at a Neutral Host location on the campus, as shown in the upper left of the diagram. The fiber ports on the line cards in the DAS head end support standard 1310 wavelengths. Each line card supports a different mobile operator.  Fiber patch cables connect the DAS head end line cards to iConverter xFF Transponders installed in a high-density 19-Module Chassis. The four xFF Transponders convert the fiber from standard wavelengths to CWDM wavelengths with Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers. Standard wavelength SFPs and CWDM wavelength SFPs are installed in each of the xFF Transponders. The CWDM SFPs support specific wavelengths to enable connectivity to the matching channel ports on the iConverter CWDM/X multiplexer with fiber patch cables (shown in different colors to represent the CWDM wavelengths). Omnitron’s CWDM transceivers have color-coded latch handles for easy identification. The CWDM/X multiplexes the four wavelengths over the CWDM Common Fiber Line that connects the Neutral Host location to the Outdoor DAS Radio Access Units (RAU) installed on light poles.

At the outdoor DAS remote end of the CWDM common fiber link, a 5-Module Chassis is populated with matching CWDM/X multiplexer and xFF Transponder modules that enable connectivity between the CWDM channel ports and the standard wavelength connectors on the RAU equipment that are deployed in the DAS.

This architecture enables multiple services to be transported to a DAS remote location over existing fiber infrastructure.

Expanding Fiber Capacity with CWDM for Indoor DAS Connectivity

This Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) application example illustrates how to overcome the fiber capacity challenge and transport eight wireless circuits for four mobile operators over a fiber link to two distinct Remote Access Units (RAU) using CWDM. Omnitron’s iConverter CWDM/X Multiplexers and xFF Transponders enable CWDM connectivity over existing fiber in the hi-rise building.

The DAS head or Base Band Unit end is located in the ground floor of the building (The Neutral Host location on the campus). The line cards in the DAS head end provide connectivity for the four mobile operators, each with a circuit connecting to two DAS Radio Access Units (RAU). The fiber ports on the line cards in the DAS head end support standard 1310 wavelengths. Fiber patch cables connect the DAS head end line cards to eight iConverter xFF Transponders installed in a high-density 19-Module Chassis.

The xFF Ttransponders convert the fiber with standard wavelengths to CWDM wavelengths with standard wavelength SFPs and CWDM wavelength SFPs. The CWDM SFPs support specific wavelengths to enable connectivity to the eight matching channel ports on the iConverter CWDM/X multiplexer with fiber patch cables (shown in different colors to represent the CWDM wavelengths).

The CWDM/X multiplexes the eight wavelengths over the CWDM Common Fiber Line that connects the Neutral Host location to the two distinct indoor DAS RAUs.

The CWDM Common Fiber Line runs up the building to an iConverter 4-Channel CWDM/X MUX with an Expansion Port installed on the second floor. The CWDM/X drops off four channels at this location that transport 4G/LTE from four different mobile operators. The Expansion port passes the four other channels up to the CWDM/X MUX on the fourth floor, where four more services are handed off to the RAU, expanding coverage to the top two floors.

This demonstrates how iConverter CWDM/X Multiplexers and xFF Transponders can be deployed to transport eight different services over one fiber strand. This saves the cost of installing new fiber in the building, which can include boring through concrete, cutting fire stops and getting permits.

Expand the capacity of multi-tenant building fiber access networks with CWDM

The bandwidth requirements of multi-tenant buildings are stretching the capacity of fiber optic access networks.  Service Providers often run several fiber optic cables to multi-tenant buildings, tying up infrastructure that could be used to generate additional revenue. Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) technology enables Service Providers to expand the capacity of multi-tenant fiber access networks and deliver services to more subscribers.

CWDM transports multiple channels (wavelengths) over the same fiber cabling. Each channel carries data independently from each other, allowing network designers to transport different data rates and protocols (TDM, Ethernet, etc) for different customers or applications. CWDM supports up to 18 wavelengths, and each wavelength can transport up to 10G of data.

CWDM Products

>> Learn more about CWDM Multiplexers at the CWDM Resource Center

CWDM Multi-Tenant Riser Fiber Access Network

In this application example, multiple fiber runs are transporting Carrier Ethernet business services to different customers in a multi-tenant building. The fiber runs are handed off from the service provider at the demarcation point (network equipment or a fiber patch panel) in the basement of the building, and then the fiber is run up the building to each customer location. The fiber in the building may be owned by the building management company, a riser management company, and there may be one or more service providers involved in delivering services.

iConverter GM4 NIDs are providing gigabit Carrier Ethernet service demarcation at each customer location in the building. iConverter XM5 NIDs can be deployed to deliver 10G services. The service provider has eight fiber pairs running from the Central Office across town to the building, which limits the scalability to add new customers in the building or along the fiber route to the building.

To expand the capacity of the access network, an iConverter 8-Channel CWDM/X Multiplexer is installed at Central Office. CWDM SFPs are installed in the CO switch, and each SFP has a unique CWDM wavelength that corresponds with the appropriate channel port on the CWDM/X Multiplexer. Patch cables connect each port on the switch to the CWDM MUX, illustrated with different colors for each wavelength.

One CWDM Common Fiber access link transports the eight CWDM channels (wavelengths) to the building. Each CWDM channel is an independent data transport of up to 10G per channel. Another 8-Channel MUX is installed in the basement of the building to de-multiplex the wavelengths. The CWDM channels are run up the fiber links in the building to each customer office (also color coded for each wavelength).

CWDM SFPs are installed in the iConverter GM4 NIDs at each customer location to convert the CWDM wavelengths to a copper RJ-45 connections or standard wavelength fiber for connectivity to customer equipment.

By deploying two iConverter 8-Channel CWDM/X Multiplexers and Omnitron’s CWDM SFPs, the service provider can repurpose the other seven fiber strands to add new customers along the fiber route or in the building, and generate additional revenue from the existing fiber plant.

Note that if each service is 10g, the service provider can transport 80G over the CWDM Common line.

This is a similar application, but the service provider does not own the demarcation equipment, so CWDM SFPs cannot be installed in the NIDs. The solution is to install the iConverter 8-Channel CWDM/X Multiplexers along with iConverter xFF Transponder modules in a 19-Module Chassis in the basement.

The xFF Transponder convert the CWDM channels to standard 850nm or 1310nm wavelengths, which are transported up the riser fiber with to the iConverter GM4 NIDs that use standard wavelength SFPs.

The bandwidth requirements of business and residential subscribers are stretching the capacity of fiber optic access networks.  Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) technology enables service providers to expand the capacity of fiber access networks and deliver multiple services. CWDM transports multiple channels (wavelengths) over the same fiber cabling. Each channel carries data independently from each other, allowing network designers to transport different data rates and protocols (TDM, Ethernet, etc) for different customers or applications. CWDM supports up to 18 wavelengths, and each wavelength can transport up to 10G of data.

CWDM Products

CWDM Service Provider Fiber Access Network

The following diagram illustrates how the modular iConverter CWDM Multiplexers enables a CWDM point-to-point telecom access network incorporating different services multiplexed over one fiber link.

Two iConverter xFF fiber-to-fiber transponders, a GM4 Network Interface Device  and a Modular T1 and Ethernet Multiplexer are installed in a high-density 19-module chassis. These modules are connected with fiber patch cables to a 4-channel CWDM/X MUX that multiplexes all four channels (wavelengths) over the common fiber link.

On the top left side of the illustration, the two xFF transponders convert standard 1310 wavelengths to CWDM wavelengths with CWDM Small Form Pluggable Transceivers (SFP). Fiber patch cables (color coordinated in the illustration for each CWDM wavelength) connect to the appropriate channel ports on the CWDM/X MUX. Carrier Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) are transported over the 1470nm and 1490nm channels and multiplexed over the common fiber line. At the other end of the CWDM common line, another CWDM/X MUX demultiplexes the channels, which are transported over fiber to customer locations. A GM4 NID at each customer location provides Carrier Ethernet service demarcation with fault management and performance monitoring.

On the top right side of the illustration, copper UTP transports T1 circuits from a Wireless Carrier’s TDM network, and Gigabit EVCs from a Wireless IP Network. One of the EVCs is connected to the Modular T1 and Ethernet MUX that is digitally multiplexing the T1s and Ethernet onto one fiber cable with a 1590nm channel (for a 3G backhaul service).

The other EVC is connected to a GM4 NID module that is converting the copper link to fiber with a 1610nm channel (a 4G/LTE backhaul service). At the other end of the CWDM common fiber line, a CWDM/X MUX de-multiplexes the channels, which are transported over fiber to cell towers. A standalone GM4 NID provides Carrier Ethernet demarcation with performance monitoring and 1588 timing synchronization for the 4G/LTE service. A fixed-configuration T1 and Ethernet MUX provides Carrier Ethernet demarcation and T1 circuits for the 3G backhaul service.

CWDM Cable HFC Fiber-to-the-Node Network

In this Cable MSO application example, CWDM data channels (wavelengths) are added to a Hybrid Fiber-Coaxial (HFC) network to deliver Carrier Ethernet and cell tower services.  Using iConverter CWDM Multiplexers, Network Interface Devices (NIDs) and CWDM SFP Transceivers, new revenue-generating commercial services are added to a fiber link connecting a Distribution Hub to an HFC Fiber Node.

An iConverter 19-Module Chassis is deployed at a Distribution Hub location.  iConverter GM4 NID and CWDM/X Multiplexer modules are installed in the high-density chassis.  The GM4 NIDs provide demarcation for commercial services at the edge of the Cable MSO IP/Ethernet network.  The NIDs also provide copper-to-fiber conversion with CWDM SFP Transceivers that provide the specific wavelengths required for connectivity to the channel ports on the CWDM/X multiplexer modules.  The NIDs are connected to the MUX modules with fiber patch cables (color coordinated to wavelengths in the illustration).  The CWDM/X MUX modules multiplex Gigabit Ethernet Virtual Connections (EVCs) with 1490nm and 1510nm channels over the existing 1310nm fiber that connects the Distribution Hub to the HFC Fiber Node. 

Add new services to HFC Fiber-to-the-Node networks with CWDM multiplexers

A standalone CWDM/X MUX demultiplexes the two EVC channels, which are connected via fiber to a business (Carrier Ethernet commercial service) and a cell tower (4G/LTE backhaul service).  Both services are terminated with iConverter GM4 NIDs that enable SLA assurance and advanced fault management.

Omnitron’s iConverter Multi-Service Platform consists of modular Ethernet Network Interface Devices (NIDs), intelligent media converters, T1 Multiplexers and CWDM Multiplexers.  All these modules can be combined in a variety of chassis configurations with CWDM SFP Transceivers to deliver multiple TDM and Ethernet services over existing HFC fiber infrastructure.

Migrating to Cloud RAN Fronthaul

Escalating bandwidth demand in the mobile network due to the proliferation of smart devices is driving upgrades to the Radio Access Network (RAN). The cost to build, operate and upgrade the RAN is increasing, while the revenue is not growing at the same rate.

Power and equipment space are expensive resources at cell sites, so Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) are looking to reduce these ongoing expenditures and maximize Return on Investment by enabling more dynamic use of network resources. To reduce infrastructure costs, MNOs are migrating from expensive, high-power base stations to the Heterogeneous Network (HetNet) that includes Femto cells, Pico cells, Metro cells, Distributed Antenna Systems (DAS) and Cloud-based Radio Access Networks (C-RAN).

The traditional cellular network architecture is illustrated in Figure 1. The Backhaul RAN connects to the Base Station Transceivers (BTS) / nodeB with RF, Baseband and Transport Layer functions located at each cell tower. The BTS/nodeB is connected to the antennae with coax cabling.

Figure 1: Traditional Mobile Backhaul RAN Architecture

In the C-RAN architecture shown in Figure 2, the Base Band Unit (BBU) with Baseband and Transport Layer functionality is deployed with a Base Station Controller (BSC) at a consolidated location like a Central Office or BBU hotel.  The BBUs are connected to the Remote Radio Head (RRH) with fiber instead of coax, and this link is commonly referred to as fronthaul.  The fronthaul from the BBU to the RRH uses a Digital Radio over Fiber (D-RoF) protocol such as Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) or Open Base Station Architecture Initiative (OBSAI). The RRH is collocated with the antenna at the top of the cell tower.

Figure 2: C-RAN Architecture with Fronthaul

The BBU functionality can also be consolidated at a nodeB macro tower, with fronthaul links distributed from the nodeB location to other macro towers in a hub and spoke or ring architecture.

Consolidating equipment at the BSC or at the central office lowers deployment costs and operations expenses by reducing the power requirements and the space constraints at the cell site. The collocated BBUs also simplify the X2 interface and improve the performance with no transmission delay among the BBUs. The C-RAN architecture also reduces the equipment costs at the DAS location.

CPRI Fronthaul over CWDM Products

CPRI over CWDM Fronthaul to Cell Towers

This C-RAN application example illustrates how to transport four Common Public Radio Interface (CPRI) channels over one fiber fronthaul link using Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM).

Omnitron’s iConverter CWDM/X Multiplexers, CWDM/AD Add+Drop Multiplexers and xFF Transponders enable CWDM connectivity in a C-RAN over a fronthaul fiber link between Base Band Units (BBU) and Remote Radio Heads (RRH) located at two different cell towers.

The BBU is located at a BBU hotel or at a Central Office location. The fiber ports on line cards in the BBU support standard 1310 wavelengths.  Fiber patch cables connect the BBU line cards to iConverter xFF transponders installed in a high-density 19-Module Chassis.  The four xFF transponders convert the fiber with standard wavelengths to CWDM wavelengths (channels) with Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers. Standard wavelength SFPs and CWDM wavelength SFPs are installed in each of the xFF transponders.  The CWDM SFPs support specific wavelengths to enable connectivity to the matching channel ports on the iConverter CWDM/X multiplexer with fiber patch cables (shown in different colors to represent the CWDM wavelengths).  Omnitron’s CWDM transceivers have color-coded latch handles for easy identification. The CWDM/X multiplexes the wavelengths that transport the four CPRI channels over the CWDM Common Fiber Line (fronthaul).

At the first cell tower, a 5-Module Chassis with a two-channel CWDM/AD Add+Drop Multiplexer and xFF Transponders is deployed. The CWDM/AD Add+Drop Multiplexer filters out the 1510nm and 1530nm CWDM channels for the CPRI data connecting to the Remote Radio Heads in the cell tower. Fiber patch cables (shown in purple and green to represent the CWDM wavelengths) connect the channel ports on the iConverter CWDM/AD multiplexer to iConverter xFF Transponders that convert the fiber with CWDM wavelengths back to standard 1310 wavelengths. The standard wavelength fiber connects to the two Remote Radio Heads at the cell tower.

The 1550nm and 1570nm CWDM channels pass through the Add+Drop MUX and travel over the CWDM Common Line to the second cell tower.

At the second cell tower, another 5-Module Chassis with a two-channel CWDM/AD Add+Drop Multiplexer and xFF Transponders is deployed. The CWDM/AD Add+Drop Multiplexer drop off the 1550nm and 1570nm CWDM channels and connect the CPRI data to the Remote Radio Heads at the cell tower.

NOTES:

• The two channels dropped off at each tower can be for different services. One channel can transport 3G, and the other channel can transport 4G/LTE to the tower.
• Up to eight CWDM channels can be transported over a single-fiber CWDM fronthaul link (or sixteen channels over dual fiber) using iConverter CWDM/X multiplexers.
• Remote Radio Heads support multiple fiber ports, enabling Wireless Carriers to connect multiple channels to each RRH at the tower.
• For rural applications where coverage is more important than capacity, iConverter 2-Module Chassis can be deployed at each tower with a one-channel CWDM/AD add drop multiplexer and an xFF transponder to drop off one CPRI channel.

iConverter® Network Interface Devices (NIDs) provide MEF Carrier Ethernet 2.0 certified service demarcation that enables rapid service activation, higher revenues with Service Level Agreement assurance, and lower operating costs.

iConverter NIDs conform to carrier-class Service Ethernet OAM standards that provide the efficient detection and rapid isolation of potential service problems, and performance monitoring that enables SLA assurance across one or more operator networks.

Carrier Ethernet Demarcation Products

iConverter® Carrier Ethernet 2.0 Network Interface Devices

iConverter NIDs provide MEF Carrier Ethernet 2.0 Certified demarcation for business services and cloud services. These state-of-the-art NIDs enable business services with advanced service assurance, and reduce operating costs with automated service provisioning and testing. 

iConverter GM4 Gigabit NIDs

iConverter GM4 Gigabit NIDs with PoE

iConverter XM5 10G NIDs

iConverter XM5 10G Demarcation and Aggregation NIDs

iConverter Tiered NID Products

iConverter NIDs are available with different feature sets, form factors and price points to match functions and cost to service types and revenue. 

Carrier Ethernet Service Demarcation

In this application diagram, a Service Provider is delivering Carrier Ethernet 2.0 E-Line (point-to-point) and E-LAN (multi-point to multi-point) services to business subscribers. The Service Provider deploys iConverter 10G and Gigabit Network Interface Devices (NIDs) for demarcation and aggregation of the business services, and to provide crucial traffic management and performance assurance functions throughout the life cycle of the Carrier Ethernet service.

The fiber metro network consists of a 10G resilient ring with ITU-T G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS). An iConverter XM5 Demarcation and Aggregation NID is deployed at a hub location for connectivity to the 10G G.8032 ring and to provide up to 12 Gigabit fiber access links. Each of the Gigabit fiber access links are terminated with compact two-port iConverter GM4 NIDs to provide Gigabit service demarcation at subscriber locations.

A Gigabit fiber ring is connected to the 10G fiber ring with an XM5 NID that provides connectivity to the 10G G.8032 ring and connectivity to the Gigabit G.8032 ring and supports G.8032 resiliency on both rings. Compact five-port iConverter GM4 NIDs are deployed as nodes on the Gigabit ring that provide up to three 1000Mbps copper or fiber access links.

The iConverter NIDs on the metro network and customer premises locations provide traffic management for the subscriber traffic across the network. The advanced Traffic Management features enable the Service Provider to offer MEF-certified Carrier Ethernet 2.0 services with Multiple Classes of Service (Multi-CoS), granular rate-limiting, and 802.1ad Provider Bridge VLAN stacking (Q-in-Q) for service multiplexing. GM4 NIDs filter the subscriber traffic, assign the traffic to different Classes of Services, enforce rate-limiting for each CoS, and forward the allowed traffic to the other subscriber locations. Support for per-flow service mapping, traffic policing and shaping transports nearly any type of subscriber traffic as an EVC or CoS flow. In a multi-point E-LAN service, the NIDs also manage traffic delivered to each customer location, monitoring and enforcing the total delivered utilization rate (for billing purposes).

Service activation and testing tools include Zero-Touch Provisioning, and ITU-T Y.1564 and RFC 2544 test heads allow the NIDs to perform tests with synthetic subscriber traffic, and eliminates the need for service personnel and test equipment at the customer premises. Service testing ensures proper service provisioning, validates the Service Level Agreement (SLA) parameters, and helps troubleshoot any service issues. These features shorten time to market and reduce operating costs by simplifying service provisioning and testing.

During operation, the iConverter NIDs constantly communicate with each other, ensuring the service paths between the subscriber locations are uninterrupted. Advanced fault management features include support for IEEE 802.1ag Connectivity Fault Management (CFM) for proactive fault monitoring and isolation, and G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) for resilient rings with sub-50ms failover.

iConverter NIDs provide comprehensive support of the ITU-T Y.1731 Performance Monitoring standard, ensuring the delay, delay variation, loss and availability of the service are meeting the SLA. Support for third-party SLA Portals enable customers access to performance monitoring metrics through the Service Provider’s existing OSS/BSS.

Business Service Demarcation with Tiered NIDs

Omnitron provides a tiered product offering of iConverter Network Interface Devices (NIDs) which align features and costs with the different types of Ethernet services.  Service Providers can deploy iConverter NIDs that match the appropriate service tier to save equipment costs and deliver profitable services.

• Different service levels of Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum
• Different of MEF-defined services such as E-Line, E-LAN, E-Tree and E-Access (both VLAN-based or multiplexed)
• Different types of network applications, including business, cloud, and HetNet wireless backhaul

iConverter NIDs are available with different configurations, feature sets and price points to match the different types of services, service tiers and demarcation needs.

>> Learn more about the tiers of iConverter NIDs.

In this application, Carrier Ethernet 2.0 NIDs are deployed in a Metro Ethernet network with a 10G resilient ring. An iConverter XM5 Demarcation and Aggregation NID that supports ITU-T G.8032 Ethernet Ring Protection Switching (ERPS) is deployed at a hub location on left side of the ring and provides up to 12 Gigabit fiber access links. On the right side of the ring, an iConverter XM5 NID provides 10G G.8032 ring connectivity and Gigabit ITU-T G.8031 Ethernet Linear Protection Switching fiber links that connect to a Gigabit 5-Port GM4 NID.  The GM4 NID also supports G.8031, and provides up to three copper or fiber ports for connectivity to Customer Premises Equipment at different subscriber locations.

Another GM4 NID is connected to the XM5 NID via a Gigabit access link and terminated with a compact 2-Port GM4 NID.

iConverter CE 2.0 NIDs are MEF Carrier Ethernet 2.0 Certified Compliant to provide advanced traffic management and service assurance.

Service OAM NIDs are deployed at customer premises locations to provide cost-effective demarcation that supports SLAs with performance monitoring and fault management.  Traffic management and Policing is performed by the XM5 Aggregation NID at the 10G ring hub location. 

An SFP NID™ is installed directly into an SFP port in the subscribers switch or router, and saves Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) by eliminating the need for a standalone demarcation device. The SFP-NID enables low-latency, SLA-guaranteed services with real time OAM Y.1731 and TWAMP Performance Monitoring, and 802.1ag Connectivity Fault Management. Integrated ITU-T Y.1564 and RFC 2544 test heads provide multi-flow Service Activation Testing (SAT) of throughput, latency, jitter and frame loss at full wire speed.

A microNID™  is deployed at the second customer location.  The microNID is a low-cost, standalone demarcation device that provides an RJ-45 copper hand off from a fiber access link, and supports the same features as the SFP-NID.

A GM3 NID is deployed at the third customer location.  The GM3 NID is cost-effective and feature rich demarcation device that supports Service OAM standards along with traffic management, policing and shaping.  The GM3 NID also supports Zero-Touch Provisioning and port redundancy.

CWDM Single-Fiber Connectivity for Satellite Uplinks

This military fiber network application diagram shows how to add new data channels to an existing single-fiber link that connects a communications room and a satellite uplink antenna without installing new fiber.  At the communications room at the left of the diagram, four Gigabit fiber links from Ethernet switches are connected to an iConverter 4-Channel Single-Fiber CWDM Multiplexer installed in an iConverter 1-Module Passive Chassis.  CWDM Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers are installed in the switches, and each of the four CWDM SFPs are connected to the corresponding wavelength Channel Ports on the CWDM Mux using fiber patch cables (as shown in different colors to represent the different wavelengths).  All four wavelengths are transported over the CWDM Common Line, or the single-fiber link, and each wavelength is an independent data channel.  With single-fiber, each two-way data channel is two wavelengths, so with CWDM over single-fiber, each CWDM Channel is also two wavelengths; one transmit and one receive.

At the other end of the CWDM Common Line, another iConverter Single-Fiber CWDM Mux is installed in an iConverter 5-Module Chassis with four iConverter GX/T2 Gigabit copper to fiber media converters. This configuration enables connectivity between the fiber channel ports on the CWDM Mux, and the copper RJ-45 ports on the satellite uplink.  CWDM Small Form Pluggable (SFP) transceivers are installed in the fiber ports of the GX/T2 media converters and are connected with fiber patch cables to the Channel Ports on the Single-Fiber CWDM Mux. Each GX/T2 media converts the CWDM wavelength fiber to Gigabit copper, and UTP cables connect to the satellite uplink. 

iConverter CWDM Multiplexers support up to 16 channels, and each channel can transport up to 10G per channel. 

More CWDM Application Examples

Fiber Connectivity for Missile Systems

This application example shows how to connect a single fiber link to a copper RJ-45 port on a missile system.  Fiber is run from a fiber switch in a control room to missile system, where a miConverter Miniature Media Converter provides copper to fiber conversion.  The miConverter has a compact form factor that can easily be integrated into other systems, and is temperature hardened for outdoor deployments.

Extend Serial Communications Distances to Radar Installations

The iConverter X21 serial to fiber converter enables controlling radar installations from remote distances by extending X21 and serial 530 Crypto Circuits over Fiber to SATCOM Antennas and Radar Installations. The iConverter X21 supports fiber links of up to 120km over single-mode fiber, and is wide temperature hardened for extreme environments.

Extend Distances to Targets in Digital Training Ranges

This application example illustrates how Omnitron Copper-to-Fiber Media Converters enable fiber connectivity to targets in a digital training range. The network can be Fast or Gigabit Ethernet, the fiber can be dual or single-fiber.

A high-density chassis of media converters enables up to 18 fiber runs from an Ethernet switch with RJ-45 ports in the control tower to digital target sensors on a training range.

At the end of each fiber run a standalone media converter converts the fiber to copper for connectivity to the digital target. The NEMA enclosure provides weather-proof durability, and Omnitron media converters are hardened with an operating temperature range of -40 to +85^oC for deployments in severe environments.

Omnitron’s iConverter Managed Media Converters, FlexPoint Unmanaged Media Converters, or miConverter Miniature Media Converters can be deployed in this application.

Omnitron Systems works with all major Federal Government Departments and Government Contractors to provide fiber connectivity solutions for Civilian, DOD, Defense, and Intel agencies. Omnitron ruggedized products are deployed in many extreme environments for the US NAVY, US Army, USAF, and other Department of Defense projects.

Federal Government Clients

Federal Civilian Department Clients (Partial List)

Department of Defense Clients (Partial List)

Government Contractors

Omnitron is a recipient of the Raytheon IDS Supplier Excellence Award for Quality, Performance and On-time Delivery, and a Lockheed Martin Platinum Vendor Reliability Rating (Perfect Score of 100).

Certifications and Compliance

Omnitron’s fiber connectivity products comply with rigorous quality standards. This quality is achieved and continually improved through rigorous quality control policies and procedures. Omnitron implements and maintains documented procedures for contract review and for the coordination of related manufacturing and customer support activities.

• Made in the USA compliant to the Trade Agreements Act (TAA 19 U.S.C. & 2501-2581)
• NEBS Level 3, UL, CE and FCC certified compliant
• Environmental compliance with RoHS and WEEE
• Metro Ethernet Forum (MEF) 9, 14, 21 and Carrier Ethernet 2.0 Certified Compliant
• iConverter NIDs are compliant with IEEE and ITU-T Carrier Ethernet standards

Omnitron holds a NASA SEWP IV (Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement)
multi-award Government-Wide Acquisition Contract

Riser Management is part of a building’s internal network infrastructure and typically starts at the MPoE (Minimum Point of Entry) where the local access provider or ILEC drops the local loop off at the building.  Network cabling is distributed vertically from the MPoE to Telecom Rooms (Telecom Closets or Building Telco Rooms) on each floor, and then to equipment owned by tenants in the building located in Equipment Rooms (Server Rooms, Data Closets, or Intermediate Data Frames). 

Telecom Rooms also house equipment for DAS networks such as Remote Access Units (RAU), and provide network connectivity to a variety of Building Automation devices such as access control devices, security surveillance and intelligent LED lighting.

Riser management companies provide riser management network design, installation and maintenance for building owners and property management companies. 

Omnitron System’s iConverter® Multi-Service Platform provides Riser Management companies with a variety vertical and horizontal fiber connectivity solutions.

Associated Application Examples:

>> Demarcation Extension of T1 and Carrier Ethernet services

>> Building Automation and connecting PoE devices

>> Increase Wireless DAS Fiber Capacity with CWDM

>> Security Surveillance Networks

Riser Management Products