Joseph A. Hull and A. Glenn Hanson

Abstract:

The Federal Telecommunications Standards Committee, chaired by the Office of the Manager, National Communications System, has established a Fiber Optics Task Group, one purpose of which is to develop guidelines for Federal agencies planning to use fiber optics in on-premises communications upgrades. This report describes the key technical elements under consideration in the Task Group. These technical elements include local area networks (LANs), digital private automatic branch exchanges (PABXs), building-wiring distribu­tion architecture, and the application of optical fiber waveguides in the implementation of these on-premises systems. Each of these technical elements is undergoing rapid technological change.

This report develops some fundamental principles necessary to do tradeoff analyses required to make decisions regarding cost versus early technological obsolescence, Some examples of commercially available technology representing the present state of the art are included. Brief summaries of technology readiness, as presented by several key industry representatives to the Fiber Optics Task Group, are provided.

Keywords: digital PABXs; local area networks (LANs); fiber cost; OSI Reference Model; building-wiring distribution systems; fiber optics on-premises upgrades; office automation; optical fiber LANs; PBXs; private automatic branch exchange

Disclaimer: Certain commercial equipment, components, and software may be identified in this report to specify adequately the technical aspects of the reported results. In no case does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, nor does it imply that the equipment or software identified is necessarily the best available for the particular application or uses.

For questions or information on this or any other NTIA scientific publication, contact the ITS Publications Office at ITSinfo@ntia.gov or 303-497-3572.

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