A passive optical network is a multi-premises point-to-multipoint network design that enables the providers of communication services to serve several consumers via the same connection. During the activities, no active components are required for conversion of electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical. There are a variety of optical passive components available in the market which include optical switches, optical isolators, optical couplers, optical circulators, optical connectors, optical splitters, optical filters, optical, and optical add/drop multiplexers. Optical passive components are found to be a viable answer for today’s telecommunication requirements.
But how are these optical passive components applied? Well, there are various applications of optical passive components. We have listed down the most common types of optical passive components and their application:
Optical coupler/splitter
The most common optical passive components used for multi-demultiplexing of the wavelength of optical signals are optical couplers/splitters. Optical splitters are utilized for splitting the light signals in multiple fibres whereas optical are meant for integrating the signals arrived from various fibers. The optical coupler and optical splitter are quite similar types of optical passive components. However, the basic difference in their functionality depends on the requirement of the connection and the end-use of the component in input or output.
Optical connector
Optical connectors, also known as fiber optic connectors, are generally used to link two optical fibers, cables, or devices temporarily. Manufacturers have developed a variety of optical connectors in optical passive components to fulfill a variety of communication requirements. LC, FC, SC, ST and MTRJ styles of connections are the most common types of optical connectors.
Optical filter
An optical filter is a device used for multiplexing/demultiplexing the wavelength with a thin dielectric layer that allows the user to add or subtract a specified wavelength throughout fiber communication. It is mostly used for filtering out a particular wavelength in the middle of fiber according to preset parameters.
We now have a quick and efficient way of data transport due to optical fiber networking. To achieve optimum durability, efficiency, and monetary effectiveness in an optical network, a variety of optical components are used. Optical passive components play a critical role in establishing successful fiber connections.
Optical Attenuator
Optical Attenuator is a term used to describe a device that reduces the intensity of light transmitted. It is employed in the following situations:
- Keep receivers from being saturated.
- Ensure that wavelength intensity is balanced.
- Equalize the strength of the nodes.
There are majorly four types of optical attenuators available in the market for balancing power in fiber communication, named fixed attenuators, variable attenuators, in-line attenuators, and plug-in attenuators.
Optical switch
These are devices used for governing the connection between ports meant for output and input. They’re mostly used for:
- Remote monitoring of an optical fiber network
- Multiplexing transplantation
- System for monitoring optical paths
- Sensory system based on optical fibers
- Testing of optical devices
Choose the best optical passive components for your fiber networks and ensure better results.