Long Haul Network Deployment

Long-haul optical networks play a crucial role in enabling high-capacity and long-distance communication. They are essential for connecting data centers, facilitating internet connectivity over large distances, and supporting the transmission of vast amounts of data for various sectors.

The CBM Network Deployment Team utilizes our turn-key services and proprietary Project Management Software to deliver a complete solution for overseeing the entire project lifecycle, specifically customized to meet the unique requirements of each customer. This comprehensive approach ensures that fiber networks operate according to design specifications and guarantees the integrity of the entire network infrastructure. Our expertise in this field provides essential services to organizations that rely on dependable and efficient optical communication infrastructure.

The CBM Fiber Optic Characterization Team specializes in testing and verifying the performance of long-haul high-speed networks. This team, led by CFCEs (Certified Fiber Characterization Engineers), has the expertise, equipment, and knowledge required for testing complex optical systems, including CWDM (Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing) and DWDM (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing) systems.

Our turn-key project deployment services are inclusive of:

Warehousing and Inventory Management	Managing and storing all equipment, materials, and components related to the deployment of fiber optic networks in CBM owned warehouses. CBM provides real time access and updates to all: inventory tracking, asset tracking, and in-house logistics services to stage materials across the US
Lab Pre Staging and Equipment Burn-in	Racking, stacking, staging, and configuring equipment in our AC/DC controlled laboratory environment before deployment. It involves testing and validating the equipment to ensure proper functionality and performance.
Loading Base Configurations	Configuring the initial settings and parameters of the network equipment to establish remote connectivity. This value add service allows for remote management and control of the equipment once deployed.
Full Route Simulation and Equipment Burn In	This pre-deployment route stress test allows CBM to verify the network's performance and integrity by simulating the entire network route using our pre-installed 50km+ fiber spools between racks. This helps identify any potential issues or limitations before actual deployment.
Custom Equipment Packaging	CBM custom crates and proprietary packaging enhances the protection of equipment for transportation and deployment. It ensures that the equipment is securely packaged to prevent damage during transit.
Site Survey	Before physical installation, a thorough site survey is conducted to assess the specific location where the fiber optic network and equipment will be deployed. This involves evaluating factors such as physical infrastructure, environmental conditions, and potential challenges or limitations.
Fiber Optic Characterization	Led by our in-house CFCE’s that understand the complexities to test extended wavelengths for CWDM and DWDM systems. This team evaluates the bidirectional results to ensure a clean path between all spans.
Network Deployment	CBM team performs the physical deployment and installing the fiber optic network equipment, including cables, connectors, chassis install, card slotting, and other necessary components connecting each span throughout the route.
Test and Turn-Up	After installation and continuity verification, the new network is thoroughly tested to ensure proper functionality and performance. This includes conducting tests such as Bit Error Rate (BER) testing to measure the quality of the transmitted signal end-to-end to verify that it meets the required standards.

FOC Tests performed

OTDR: Bi-Directional

Bi-Directional OTDR (BiDi) is a test utilizing an Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer. This tests the fiber strand in both directions (A -> B, then B -> A) to identify key characteristics of the glass provided by the vendor along with any faults in the route, such as dirty fibers, bad splicing or macro bends.

Chromatic Dispersion

Chromatic Dispersion (CD) is a result of different colors or wavelengths in a light beam that travel through glass at different rates of speed. This causes the waves to arrive at their destination at slightly different times and to disperse. Compensation may be required so the fiber can deliver its maximum capacity.

Polarized Mode Dispersion

Polarized Mode Dispersion (PMD) is a form of dispersion where two different polarizations of light in a wavelength travel at different speeds due to imperfections causing spreading of optical pulses.

Spectral Attenuation

Spectral Attenuation (SAP) also referred to as Attenuation Profile (AP) provides the overall attenuation of the fiber. This test helps identify that the power levels are set accordingly at each end of the span (TX and RX), for each channel, because attenuation is not the same across the wavelength spectrum. Using the attenuation profile network engineers can fine tune each channel pump setting in a DWDM network using amplifiers.

Insertion Loss

Insertion Loss (IL) measures the amount of light lost between two connection points, or a span. It will look at the DB loss levels at each connector, splice, and or equipment inside of that span to ensure that there are no events that need to be remediated.

Return Loss

Return Loss (RL) measures power reflected back to the source when signal is transmitted over a fiber optic link at every point the fiber connection breaks i.e. connecting to another system, connecting to patch panel, or any other connection point along the transmission line.

High Return Loss means less power was reflected back to the source. This is a desirable outcome.

Low Return Loss means more power was returned back to the source. Remediation may be required.

Visual Inspection

We perform an inspection of a connector end face at any given connection point. Our specialists use microscopes to ensure the fiber is clean of any debris, permanent scratches, mars or marks that could affect the performance of the fiber.

OTDR: Trace analysis

Visual representation or a graph with data about the measured span of fiber. Our team evaluates the results of all tests performed. We tailor all reports to the customer’s specifications and will make all remediation, attenuation, or dispersion recommendations in our final report.