What is Bend Insensitive Singlemode Fibre?
Perhaps we have all heard of the term “Bend Insensitive” or “Reduced Bend Radius” as it relates to Optical Fibre Glass.
Perhaps we haven’t. Let’s see if we can de-mystify this for you.
All Fibre Optic Glass is manufactured to certain standards of compliance. In the Fibre Optic industry the organisation responsible is the ITU (International Telecommunications Union).The ITU is an agency of the United Nations that is specifically responsible for all issues, worldwide, that relate to the information and communication sectors.
ITU’s Telecommunication Standardisation Sector (ITU-T) assemble experts from around the world to develop international standards known as ITU-T Recommendations which act as defining elements in the global infrastructure of information and communication technologies (ICTs).
The ITU-T Recommendation for Bend Insensitive Singlemode Fibre is G657.
G657 is broken up into 2 main categories:
- Category A – Fibres for Access Networks
- Category B – Fibres for short distances at the end of Access Networks
Each Category A and B is broken up into 2 sub-categories:
- G657 A1 and G657 A2
- G657 B2 and G657 B3
These sub-categories have the following minimum specified bend radius
- G657 A1 10.0mm
- G657 A2 and G657 B2 7.5mm
- G657 B3 5.0mm
So what does this all mean when we compare the G657 products against the normal Singlemode Glass (G652)? The below diagram shows each of the bend radii of the G657 products as compared to the bend radius of the G652 standard singlemode glass.
Ok, so all of this is really good information, but why should I use G657 glass over G652 glass and what are the associated benefits?The ITU-T G657 Fibre Optic Cable offers flexible characteristics for easier deployment in streets, buildings and homes.In addition, the ITU-T G657 Fibre Optic Cable reduces the roll out costs for operators and the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an FTTH network as follows:
- Increased flexibility in Fibre Optic Cables, allowing improved installation in tight corners of buildings
- Smaller cabinets, enclosures and terminations which are important where space is a premium or simply more cables in less space thereby offering the ability for greater port density.
- More engineer friendly installation leading to less re-work
Anderson Bend Insensitive Singlemode Fibre Optic Patch Cables
The Anderson Bend Insensitive or Reduced Bend Radius Fibre Optic Patch Cables adhere to the ITU-T G657 Recommendation.
Whilst we have been making our product for a number of years now using the G657 A1 recommendation we have now released a product that adheres to the G657 B3 recommendation. Thereby providing a bend radius of 5mm.
Anderson has chosen Corning as the provider of all our G657 glasses. If you require 90 degree bends then the 5mm product will be required due to its ability to not only technical pass the G657 B3 recommendation, but it will do so with almost zero loss.
Anderson offers a Lifetime Warranty on all of its Fibre Optic Patch Cables and our complete range of Bend Insensitive products are no different also being offered with a Lifetime Warranty.
Provided with a Low Smoke Zero Halogen Jacket these products are of the highest standards in today’s market and are the leading edge technology that is required by todays users with particular emphasis on the FTTH market. LC, SC, a combination of both or you decide. We can make a product to your specifications. Whether this be boot colours, jacket colours or even different glasses – Anderson can be exceptionally flexible with our manufacturing.
Bend Insensitive Singlemode Optic Fibre – Call or contact us today for more details.
