Design Guidelines

for Jetted Fiber-OpticSystems

Keith I Smith, RCDD

Senior Sales Engineer - U.S./Canada

keith.smith@duraline.com

Rev – 4/26/17

• Definitions: Topologies, deployment options, etc

• Why Jetted?: Conventional vs Jetted deployment

• Design: 12 Steps - Top-down design strategies

• Options: Implementing the design in the field

• Summary: What did we learn?

Agenda

Disclaimer

New Technologies versus

Older Codes & Standards

We recognize that new technologies such as Jetted Fiber-Optic network systems will challenge the boundaries of older, still existing standards. Today’s

guidelines were primarily based upon limitations of copper.

Jetted fiber & pathways have the ability to go FAR beyond …

• Conduit fill-ratio density limitations

• More than 4 x 90° bends between vaults

• Go much farther between pull-points & vaults

It is your choice as an RCDD/Designer to either observe the older guidelines or

to go far beyond … in the effort to improve project design efficiency, better

ROI and to add many more end-user network features & benefits.

Definitions

Topologies

• STAR: Centrally fed from primary source location

• RING: Every node has 2 ‘neighbors’

• BUS: Common backbone

• TREE: Multiple ‘star’ topologies to a bus

• MESH: Multiple paths to connect all devices to each other

• HYBRID: Combination of 2 or more topologies

Definitions

Topologies

• Topologies: Physical vs Logical

• Physical – designates how the physical layer will be deployed

• Logical – designates how the physical layer will be connected

Note: One can easily deploy a physical

STAR topology, but connect it into

a logical RING topology …

This is important, because we are going to focus

on home-run fiber deployment as a cost-savings

model for a jetted fiber-optic system

Physical STAR /

Logical RING

• Duct banks are created because

the majority of conduits get filled

and are never cored back out.

• High fiber counts due to

uncertainty

• Many fiber strands are never

utilized (incorrect fiber or location)

What is REALLY needed?

6

Conventional Fiber Deployment

Typically multiple

technicians …

staging at every

manhole / vault.

Making sure that

fiber is not

compromised by

pulling with too

much tension

OSP to ISP - Transitional Splicing

OSP conventional

fiber cables must

be spliced to

flame-rated fiber

cables within 50

feet of entering the

building … even if

the strands will be

dark.

Accessing Conventional Fiber

Window cut / Buffer tube extraction

How much time does it take to

do an average window cut?

Onward fiber

is wasted

Window cut / Buffer tube extraction

Most fiber in the cut buffer

tube is never again used …

Accessing Conventional Fiber

Essentially, one must route the

conventional fiber in a daisy-

chain fashion … going from

location to location and then

extracting fiber as needed.

Conventional Fiber Connections

• With conventionalpulled fiber

systems, the fiber

is fed from a

central point,

dropping off

buffer tubes of

fiber to each IDF

or TC room.

• It looks similar to a daisy chain

logic, although

the strands are

not connected

as such.

Typical high-rise building with dual risers.

Jetted Fiber MicroDucts

Single or multiple

MicroDucts are

run from the main

DC to each &

every fiber drop

point …

independent,

dedicated

MicroDucts.

Jetted Fiber MicroDucts

• With jetted fiber systems, individual

MicroDuct pathways

are fed from a central

point, to each IDF or

TC room.

• This is done in the style

of STAR physical

topologies

Typical high-rise building with dual risers.

3 Innerducts vs MicroDucts

Generally

STATIC

DYNAMIC

[ JET In/Out ]

48 pathways

24-way +

2 x 12-ways x

96f/cell = 4,608 fibers

3 pathways

Standard:

3x 288f =

864 fibers

3 x 19-ways

x 96f/cell =

5,472 fibers

57 pathways

14

5 x 12-ways

x 96f/cell =5,760 fibers

60 pathways

Highest capacities for conduits

15

5 x 12-ways x

96f/duct = 5,760 fibers60 pathways

No Fiber Splices

Because the MicroCable fiber is

truly an INDOOR/OUTDOOR cable

(GR-409 / OFNR, ONFP, LSZH) …

There are NO FIBER SPLICES

between environments.

The pathway does all

of the transitions

from OSP

to RISER

to PLENUM

16

Jetted Fiber Home-Run Technology vs Conventional

Window Cut / 12-Strand Buffer Tube Break-out

17

Labor Intensive

• Multiple technicians staged at every

manhole / pulling point

• Splices to flame-rated fiber when

entering a building

• Having to make window cuts

wherever fiber strands are needed

• Wasting those on-going strands from

the window-cut

18

• Buffer tube breakout essentially

discards those fibers that continue

on beyond the breakout

• Home-run fiber deployment allows

for a specific # of strands to be

jetted as needed … no waste

• Jetting fiber into a network of

home-run pathways, allows for

precise fiber-on-demand.

Jetted Fiber Home-Run Technology vs Conventional

Window Cut / 12-Strand Buffer Tube Break-out

19

The 12 Steps of

Designing a (Home-Run) Jetted Fiber-Optic System

Breaking Down the Steps

If this is an existing building/brown-field project …

• Detailed walk-through of building is mandatory

• Determine pathway / fiber distances / routing

• Determine segment materials

needed, based upon deployment

method and/or location

– HDPE or Outdoor UV protected

– RISER or PLENUM

– Aerial, trenched, directional bored

– Armored

First Things First

21

Step 1: Identify All Fiber End-points

1. Identify the ER/TR/MDF and/or all TR/IDF locations– Where does the fiber end & convert over to copper?

– Does it stop at each IDF?

– Or is it going to be horizontal FTTX or GPON?

– Are there edge or end devices that need their own fiber?

22

2. Identifying fiber cable sheath type & strand counts– What type & strand count of fiber is needed to each endpoint / where?

– Flame rating: RISER or PLENUM

– Run str. count: 2, 6, 12, 24, 48, 72, 96

23

Step 2: Identify All Fiber Types & Counts

3. Selecting MicroDuct counts to support fiber & growth– What pathways are needed to provide/support needed fiber & growth?

– Add up all of the MicroDucts in order to obtain your building total

In this particular

case, the average

minimum # of

MicroDucts would

be 2 per IDF x 9

floors = 18. So use

1 x 19 cell in both

risers.

24

Step 3: Quantify MicroDucts Needed

3. Selecting MicroDuct counts to support fiber & growth– If this is a campus environment, TOTAL up the number of MicroDucts

needed in EACH building

– The total number needed for ALL buildings will determine the overall feeding trunk count of MicroDucts

25

Step 3: Quantify MicroDucts Needed

4. Identifying Hazardous Areas– Are there clean or hazardous areas where precautions must be taken in

order to prevent gas, liquid or particle exchange must be blocked?

Bottom of Enclosure

Bare MicroDucts; Ends SealedWith End-Caps (Not Shown)

Epoxy Sealant Applied Between Inner MicroDucts

Epoxy Sealant Applied Around Outer Ring MicroDucts andOver MicroDuct Cable Jacket

MicroDuct Cable in PreferredVertical Installation

MicroDuct Cable Jacket

Epoxy Sealant Applied Minimum 1/4” – 3/8” Depth Over MicroDuct

Cable Jacket

Epoxy Sealant

(Dries Clear)

26

Step 4: Identifying Hazardous Areas

When transitioning from (OSP) to an (ISP) micro duct, it is important to

use gas block connectors with all micro ducts that have fiber installed

and use end caps on all unused micro ducts. It is also important to

seal the interstices between the micro ducts to prevent any

unwanted water or gases entering the building.

Gas Block Connector

OSP Duct

ENTRANCE

FACILITY

27

Step 4: Identifying Hazardous Areas

5. Selecting the best deployment method for MicroDuct

drops– There are 2 primary ways to distribute the MicroDuct pathways

Trunk Feeder Delivery

MicroDucts

1-4

MicroDucts

5-8

MicroDucts

9-12

MicroDucts

13-16

MicroDucts

17-20

MicroDucts

21-24

Step-Down Delivery

MicroDucts

1-4

MicroDucts

5-8

MicroDucts

9-12

MicroDucts

13-16

MicroDucts

17-20

MicroDucts

21-24

24 way

in between

12 way

in between24 way

in between

12 way

in between

4 way

in between24 way in

28

Step 5: Determine Deployment Method

5. Selecting the best deployment method

for MicroDuct drops

29

Step 5: Determine Deployment Method

6. Slack Planning - LOOPS

– Unlike conventional pulled fiber, leaving slack loops

for the purpose of splicing for growth or after

damage has occurred is NOT beneficial:

– Adding Pathway Loops• Slows down the jetting of fiber

• Does nothing to enhance repairs

– Adding Fiber Service Loops• Defeats the advantages of home-run jetted fiber-on-demand

30

Step 6: Slack Planning [Loops]

6. Slack Planning - REPAIRS

– Repairs to Damaged Fiber

• Damaged fiber is first jetted out

• Damaged section of pathway is quickly replaced

& coupled

• New fiber is jetted back in

• Cost of splicing conventional replacement fiber

creates more labor costs, additional splice

enclosure and longer downtime … far more than

above mentioned procedure

31

Step 6: Slack Planning [Repairs]

6. Slack Planning - MOVEMENT

– Slack footage for expansion/contraction,

MUST be accounted for in all jetted fiber

pathway designs & installations. There are

primary factors that can create issues if slack

is not taken into consideration:

• Movement

– Building sway

– Seismic / earthquake events

32

Step 6: Slack Planning [Movement]

7. Cable Support Details

• Supporting cables in order to reduce sag and minimalizing bend angles will always increase the overall jetting distance

• Take advantage of any & all horizontal pathway supports to eliminate potential sag

• Remove any cable ties that create tight angles

33

Step 7: Cable Support Guidelines

7. Cable Support Details• Horizontal mounting to wall, strut or tray

• Every 3’ to 4’ provide horizontal support

• Suggested every 3’ up to a 12-cell

• Suggested every 4’ for 19 – 24 cell

• Snap a chalk-line or mason’s line for pathway alignment

• Always maintain the minimum bend radius of the FuturePath.• A good rule of thumb is during the installation is

20 times the outside diameter of the product

• Once in place and supported where necessary, 10 times the outside diameter is acceptable

34

Step 7: Cable Support Guidelines

8. Routing Details – Walk-throughs tell it all …• MDF’s & IDF’s - ISP

• Riser & Plenum areas - ISP

• Between buildings - OSP

• Access points (manholes, handholes) - OSP

• Jetted fiber does not have the same limitations as conventional pulled fiber

• Because it is pushed & carried on a layer of air (or nitrogen), there are no limitations like that of conventional fiber cable

• Pathway distances are easily expanded from 1,000 to 1,500 feet, depending upon conduit route

• If pathway & access points are dedicated to fiber, traditional manhole & handhole distances can be expanded (significantly reducing costly vault and cabinet placements)

35

Step 8: Routing Guidelines – Walk-throughs

8. Routing Details – Bends

• The objective is always geared towards keeping ducts as

straight as possible, eliminating or reducing bends wherever

possible

• The QUANTITY of

bends is not as

important as the

QUALITY …

• Bigger sweeps will

always improve

overall jetting

performance

• Avoid “S” shaped

curves/waves in routing pathways

• Always design curves to maximize sweeping bends

36

Step 8: Routing Guidelines - Bends

9. Junctions – Enclosures, diverging, merging MicroDucts

• OSP Enclosures• Vaults / Manholes: Whenever possible, pull

straight through a vault. There is no reason to cut & couple unless it is necessary to split off some of the MicroDucts to feed different locations

• Splice cases: Could be called Coupling Cases because they are utilized for coupling MicroDucts … there is no splicing of fiber, at all

• Hand holes: When necessary, these are utilized as pull points for the pathway

37

Step 9: Pathway Junctions - OSP

9. Junctions – Enclosures, diverging, merging MicroDucts

• ISP (Inside Plant) Enclosures• Protection:The purpose of any enclosure is to

protect a cable or pathway that has the jacket removed. • If the area of coupling is in a fully secured room and

will not be accessible by unauthorized persons, the enclosure can often be replaced by a simple organizer

• If an enclosure is needed, choose the correct NEMA rating and one that is ample sized for the number of MicroDucts to be coupled & organized

38

Step 9: Pathway Junctions - ISP

9. Entry – Vaults and enclosures

Passable

Straight through

is always best …

39

Step 9: Pathway Junctions - Vaults

9. Entry – Hand holes• Pathway entry can be a show stopper

• Entering a hand hole needs to be slightly angled or straight through for best jetting performance.

• If the bend is to severe, the hand hole may become a jetting point, because fiber will ‘see’ too much friction as it tries to move through.

Unacceptable

Correct

40

Step 9: Pathway Junctions – Hand holes

10.Connectivity & Enclosures• Fiber connectors

• Fusion or Mechanical: With the bandwidth & speed requirements constantly increasing, it makes little sense to use mechanical connectors when fusion splice machines are becoming more affordable. Plus the connector yield is maximum while connector loss is almost zero.

• Single or Multiple: Most popular connectivity options are still individual, for flexibility. But MPO’s or MTP’s are becoming increasingly popular for faster installation on fusion splicers.

• Cassettes: Cassette style devices are compact and generally eliminate splice trays, as the splices are contained within the body.

• Fiber enclosures• Rack or Wall mount: Generally chosen based upon location and

available space

41

Step 10: Determining Connectivity

11.Miscellaneous

• Tips• Pathway: Always specify the reel size & segments footage

• Fiber: Keep your counts down to just what you need

• Jetting Unit: Choose the right sized jetting unit

42

Step 11: Miscellaneous – Jetting Units

11.Miscellaneous Parts

• Accessories• Couplers:

• Mostly need straight-through couplers, but transitional couplers are available when MicroDuct size changes.

• Gas-blocking couplers can be used as vertical fiber strain reliefs, condensation blockers as well as for hazardous areas.

• End-caps: Very important to seal unused MicroDucts

• Enclosures & Seals: Needed for protection and/or organization of coupled MicroDucts

43

Step 11: Miscellaneous – Accessories

11.Miscellaneous Parts

• Tools & Consumables• Consumables: Extra lube, testing balls, sponges

• Tools: Cutters, slitters, locking wrenches

44

Step 11: Miscellaneous – Tools

Delrin® Acetal

Balls

12. Documentation & Testing

• Documents

• Details: Routing, Segments, Distances, Counts, Photos

• As-Built: Finalized As-Built for end-user

• Test Info: All tests for pathway & fiber must be presented

45

Step 12: Administration - Documents

12. Documentation & Testing

• Testing

• Continuity: Installer must assure that the correct MicroDuct is in hand for testing

• Pressure: All MicroDucts must be tested at 100 PSI for leaks and tight coupling connections

• BB Test: All MicroDucts must be tested for pinched or compromised MicroDucts

• Fiber: Each fiber run must be fully tested with OTDR

• Info: All tests for pathway & fiber must be presented

46

Step 12: Administration - Testing

Campus Deployment Options

Home-run

deployment

Home-run

deployment

Campus Deployment Options

Diverse

Redundancy

Ring

Segment Identification

• Environment

identification:• OSP

• RISER

• PLENUM

• Aerial

• Hazardous

• UV protection

• Armored

• Routing• Manholes / Vaults

• Handholes

• Pull Points

Jetted Fiber Home Run Summary

• Home Runs: Means that you will have a direct pathway to

every point that will someday need fiber

• Reduced Fiber: Means that you can deploy ONLY the

minimum strands needed for a specific run

• Fast deployment: Means that you can rapidly jet fiber to

any end-point in minutes

• Hot cuts: Means that you can jet in a new run of fiber, hot

cut it and then easily remove the old fiber in minutes

• On Demand:Means that you can re-deploy fiber on demand …

without disrupting the local environment

• Green: Means that you have a green solution …

changeable, removable, splice-free environment with minimal

labor costs

• Changes: Rapid changes in pathway routing … just

uncouple and recouple to diverge into new end-points.

Summary of Project Deployment

• Legacy / Brown Field: Because existing structures were never

planned for jetting fiber optic cables, there are numerous points of

planning required to assure an efficient & compliant deployment.

•Walk-Through: Very important to have a detailed examination of

route by an individual that is knowledgeable of the standards (e.g.:

bends, pathway ratings, conduit sizes, etc.)

•Design & BOM: Only after a walk-through, can an accurate plan be

created. Distances must be known as well

•Pathway: Important that the installing contractor be trained on

bends, tensile strengths and general pathway limitations.

• Testing: Pathway MicroDucts must be 100% tested with both

pressure and BB, before jetting.

•Jetting: Lube is spread through the MicroDuct before jetting.

Then the fiber is deployed … in minutes.

•Fiber: Fiber must be connectorized and tested.

7- CEC’sDesign & Estimatingfor Jetted Fiber Optic

Systems Course

52

Jetted fiber allows you to Install

WHAT you need,

WHEN you need it,

WHERE you need it.

THANK YOU for your attention!