Passive Optical Network (PON) infrastructures deployed in fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks require numerous fiber connections to achieve the distribution of services to multiple homes. Although splicing has its place in these systems, use of reliable anglepolished connectors (APCs) provides numerous advantages in terms of overall network flexibility, testing and troubleshooting. | 30 X L4T 7 7 S3 Challenges of Deploying APCs Challenges of Deploying APCs Passive Optical Network PON infrastructures deployed in fiber-to-the-premises FTTP networks require numerous fiber connections to achieve the distribution of services to multiple homes. Although splicing has its place in these systems use of reliable angle-polished connectors APCs provides numerous advantages in terms of overall network flexibility testing and troubleshooting. Fiber-optic connector return-loss performance is dependent on maintaining good physical contact between the fiber core endfaces. Any air gap created between the fiber cores causes significant reflectance and degrades connector performance. The endface geometry on APC connectors however has traditionally been difficult for manufacturers to control since it is dependent on the outcome of the endface polishing process and requires very tight tolerances in the manufacturing process. ADC has made huge strides in the manufacturing process for its APCs making them an outstanding choice for the OSP performance and specifications dictated by PON architectures. In particular ADC has employed unique characteristics that enable the control of end face geometry parameters. The critical parameters include apex offset radius of curvature and fiber height. Endface Geometry s Big Three Controlling each of the big three - radius of curvature apex offset and fiber recess - is critical to ensuring core-to-core contact is maintained under all operating conditions for both inside and outside plant environments. Radius of curvature is the curvature of the ferrule endface measured immediately around the fiber core. The apex offset is defined as the offset distance between the fiber core axis and the apex of the radius of curvature. This measurement is critical to the performance of APC connectors to ensure glass-to-glass contact is maintained. Preventing ferrule rotation within the connector is the key to achieving consistently optimal .
