The Internet is a necessity today. Fiber-to-the-home solutions are the norm for the Internet and data across the streets and public areas. Even residential and commercial are already using it for the data supply and storage systems.
At the residential levels, there is a need for the splitting of one output into required numbers. PLC optical fiber splitters are used to split one output into multiple and provide internet to multiple homes. But insertion loss is the problem here. If you want to know the solutions, SDGI cables are here to solve it all. Today we will talk about the role of PLC splitters in data distribution across far areas. Let’s talk!
A PLC or planar lightwave circuit splitter is a device that feeds one input but provides multiple outputs. It helps divide the supply to multiple homes and systems.
A PLC optical fiber splitter uses photolithographic techniques to guide light through waveguides embedded in the silica glass substrate.
There are two fundamental functions of the PLC optical fiber splitters.
● Signal Distribution. PLC splitters distribute the single input to multiple outputs. It is essential in Passive Optical Networks (PON) used in FTTH deployments.
● Uniform Power Split. There is an equal or near-equal signal portion splitting. It ensures a balanced service delivery to end-users.
You can come across two types of optical fiber splitters. One is the PLC and the other one is the FBT. However, there is a significant difference between the two types of splitters listed as:
PLC Splitters are ideal for large-scale deployments with better uniformity. Meanwhile, FBT (Fused biconic taper) splitters are cost-effective for low split ratios. However, they are less stable and precise over wide temperature ranges.
Insertion loss defines the loss of signals when a device, such as an optical fiber splitter, is inserted into the fiber system. If the loss is less, the device performs better and maintains signal integrity. Otherwise, a high loss can decrease the signal strength and transmission.
The simple formula to calculate the insertion loss is:
Insertion Loss (dB) = -10 × log₁₀ (Output Power / Input Power)
Split ratio gives an idea about the typical signal losses, but the values are theoretical, not actual. Here is the guessed loss.
● 1x2: ~3.5 dB
● 1x4: ~7.0 dB
● 1x8: ~10.5 dB
● 1x16: ~13.5 dB
● 1x32: ~17.0 dB
● 1x64: ~20.5 dB
Material quality can increase losses. Therefore, consider the following cases in which loss can either increase or decrease based on the design and quality of the material.
● Material Quality. High-grade silica and precision waveguides minimize losses.
● Design Accuracy. Superior photolithography causes lower waveguide curvature losses and ensures uniformity.
● Connector and Pigtail Quality. Poorly polished or low-grade pigtails can also decrease the additional loss.
Several factors can increase or decrease optical fiber splitter losses. We have discussed the crucial factors that have a greater impact on fiber splitter loss.
A higher split ratio means a higher loss. Why? Because of the increasing length and ratio, signals can be distributed ineffectively. Similarly, the loss is less than a spread design if the waveguide design is excellent and helps scatter the light.
Alignment matters a lot. Misalignment is always a toxin for signal integrity. If there is a misalignment, losses are pretty exceptional. A proper setup can kill the losses in no time. Moreover, you have to consider the connector precision.
A precise connector is compatible and levels up the signals. A higher loss is possible if the connector is poor and doesn't match.
Environmental conditions are notorious for their fiber splitter losses. Here are a few environmental conditions associated with the loss.
● Temperature Variations. Excessive heat or cold changes material properties and increases loss.
● Humidity and Dust deteriorate connectors or cause contamination, so losses are more than estimated.
● Installation Errors. Bending fibers too tightly or using low-quality enclosures can degrade performance.
Quality means the system components are robust and withstand all conditions. It offers robust signal quality and decreases the fiber splitter loss when operating under stress conditions.
Here are a few things to know.
● ISO and Telcordia Compliance promise standardized testing, which reduces losses and ensures reliable performance.
● Inspection and Testing. High-end manufacturers like SDGI Cable conduct 100% IL testing before shipping
Fiber splitter loss means the death of the FTTH project if you have a limited budget and need timely results. There are a few impacts with real-time examples.
Excessive fiber splitter loss causes this.
● Slower speeds because of signal loss and interruptions.
● Higher latency due to signal pauses and downtime.
● Frequent disconnections because of low quality signals.
Operational costs are a big problem if you want to have seamless operation. Here are the effects.
● More site visits to troubleshoot poor performance
● Network redesign to replace low quality splitters
● Higher power at the central office to compensate for losses
A service provider didn’t do a survey to measure the signal strength and splitters required. When he deployed a 1x32 PLC splitter, it failed miserably because:
● Splitter was an overkill and caused more fiber splitter loss, resulting to poor signal quality.
● More network delays and higher downtime, resulting to poor internet supply across the domain.
● Budget increased because of continuous operational losses and lower signal quality.
Here’s what the service provider has to do:
● Redesign the network with 1x16 splitters
● Reinstall fiber
● Absorb unexpected labor and material costs
If you don't measure the situation before deployment, it is a blind situation. You can either win or fail, but your business is at stake.
How an accurate budget can be your savior:
● Map out the total expected loss (including splitter IL, connector loss, splice loss)
● Ensure the power budget of the optical transmitter accommodates the total loss
Choosing the right PLC splitter can avoid fiber splitter loss and provide reliable signal integrity and transmission across the required distance. Here are a few tips for selecting PLC optical fiber splitters.
Signal quality relies heavily on the split ratio. Going higher or lower ratios can underkill or overkill the signals. So, you should choose:
● 1x2 or 1x4 for low-density deployments or early-stage rollouts
● 1x8 or 1x16 for medium-sized networks
● 1x32 or 1x64 for urban areas with high subscriber density
Indoor is safer but comes with moisture and a few more challenges. Outdoor is more dangerous due to weather and temperature fluctuations.
Here’s what to choose based on indoor or outdoor environment.
● Usually require simple casings or rack mounts
● Must be waterproof, temperature resistant and UV protected
Before you deploy your optical fiber splitters, testing can help determine if they are qualified for the situation. Here’s how to check:
● For Insertion Loss Testing, measure IL across all outputs to ensure uniformity.
● Return Loss Testing helps determine minimal signal reflection.
● Environmental Testing for thermal and humidity cycles.
SDGI is the kingmaker in optical fiber industry. The innovative solutions and signal transmission across the areas help maintain data supply to far areas and produce quality results.
You should consider SDGI for your PLC optical fiber splitters.
SDGI is a well known name in optical fiber industry. Its FTTH solutions provide quality data supply across commercial and residential sectors. A wide range of applications and satisfied customers is a proof of this brand.
SDGI produces only quality products. You can get the following:
● Insertion loss control through strict quality checks
● Uniformity across all ports for balanced service
● Telcordia GR-1209/1221 compliant
Whether you need compact splitters or special connector types, better customized solutions exist. You can get:
● OEM/ODM options
● Flexible product formats
● Custom labeling and packaging
Whether you are in Africa or Asia, we ship products to your location. Also get:
● CE, ISO9001, RoHS certifications
● Worldwide shipping capability
● Trusted by telecom operators, ISPs and infrastructure contractors
PLC fiber splitter loss is no joke. It’s a make or break situation for your FTTH deployment. If the loss is higher, your system output fails and the internet can’t reach the required speed to far areas. Whenever choosing PLC optical fiber splitters, focus on quality. During installation, choose the right place with minimal interference.
Do you want better prices and premium quality? Look no further when the SDGI cable is here. We have a premium range of optical fiber products and ensure a durable material composition. What you get is 100% qualitative material with premium content and quality.
