MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. - A standards decision has been made that allows the use of small form-factor (SFF) fiber optic connectors throughout commercial and industrial premises, signifying the new ease of use and affordability of these connectors. This modification to the proposed TIA/EIA 568-B.1 standard allows network designers and end users the flexibility to choose which approved SSF connector to use as an interface for their cabling solutions.
The decision ends months of battling inside standards groups as leading SFF connector manufacturers, including members of the VF-45 Action Group, worked to have their interface included in the proposed standard.
The decision was made with strong support during a TIA TR42.1 standard committee meeting in Reno, Nev. The proposal will go out for ballot with the revised edition of TIA 568 expected to be published in August 2000. The standard also sets forth a definition of SFF connectors, and requires these connectors to meet industry performance requirements and comply with Fiber Optic Connector Intermateability standards.
"This brings an end to the connector war, letting end users decide which small form-factor connector to choose," said Vincent Wong of Gemflex Networks, chairman of the VF-45 Action Group. The Commercial and Industrial Cabling Standard follows the Residential Telecommunications Cabling Standard (TIA/EIA 570-A) approved by the TR42.2 subcommittee in May 1999 that allows SFF connectors at the outlet. The decision was also based on growing demand for fiber networking in the local area network (LAN) made easier and more affordable with the use of these smaller, duplex connector interfaces. Product support from numerous network interface card manufacturers also contributed to this revision in the standard.
"The widespread adoption of the VF-45 connector definitely indicates there is a tremendous market for small form-factor connectors in the LAN, so the standard is well-timed," Wong said. "It also provides some reassurance for IT [information technology] decision makers who are convinced that fiber makes sense, but were waiting on a standards consensus before making the move away from copper." According to Wong, in the past, fiber cost three to seven times more than copper cabling. Enabled by the VF-45 SSF connector and networking gear that uses this low-cost interface, fiber now commands only a 12 to 18 percent cost premium over copper cabling.
