Test Links provide worst case performance simulation.

Delaire USA, Inc. Jan 14, 2005

Press Release Summary:

The 802.3ae Fiber Qualification Links are intended for use in qualification of transceivers designed to meet IEEE 802.3ae specifications for 10 Gb multimode links at 850 nm. Variable attenuation allows for compensation of variations in external connectors and jumper cables. Variations and inaccuracies due to cladding modes are eliminated. Links insure that length bandwidth product corresponds to specified length and OFL or EMB bandwidth.

Original Press Release:

Delaire USA Offers 802.3ae Fiber Qualification Test Link

Manasquan, New Jersey, October 1, 2004: Delaire USA, Inc. introduces the 802.3ae Fiber Qualification Link. The Delaire USA qualification test links are designed to act as worst-case links for bandwidth/dispersion and attenuation. These links are intended to be used in the qualification of transceivers designed to meet the IEEE 802.3ae specifications for 10GB
multimode links at 850nm. The links provided are not simply designed for the length requirements but are tailored to simulate the actual bandwidth defined by the length bandwidth
(OFL or EMB) product called out in the standard.

Since fiber manufacturers routinely supply fiber that far exceeds the minimum requirements, Delaire USA hand selects the actual measured bandwidth closest to the desired value. Since the measured values do not exactly correspond to the minimum bandwidth specs, the links are then constructed in such a way as to insure that the length bandwidth product does correspond to the specified length and the OFL or EMB bandwidth.

The addition of variable attenuators allows for variations in connector losses in the measurement system. Careful management of cladding modes in the link/attenuator configuration insures that the system will produce repeatable results.

Features of the Fiber Qualification Test Link:
o Worst case link performance simulation
o Variable attenuation to allow for the compensation of variations in external connectors and jumper cables.
o Variations and inaccuracies due to cladding modes are eliminated.

         802.3ae 850nm Multimode Test link Specs

Link            Fiber           Bandwidth          Method

1              62.5um           6.1 GHz             OFL

2               50um            6.08 GHz            OFL

3               50um            6.67 GHz            EMB



                 802.3ae Spec @ 850nm

Link            Length            Fiber Bandwidth

1                26m              160MHz/km (OFL)

1                33m              200 MHz/km (OFL)

2                66m              400 MHz/km (OFL)

2                82m              500 MHz/km (OFL)

3               300m              2000MHz/km (EMB)