The next level of Automation
Gigacom developed a unique automated patching and testing solution – the SAODF – for fiber optical networks that grants a new way to manage the connections on a physical level. The advantages of network automation and “software defined networks” (SDN) have helped to improve the reliability and speed of global communications on the software-side. With this remotely managed Robot to handle the Layer-0, manual interactions are now not needed during the daily operation anymore.
The system is designed in a modular fashion. This allows the adaptation to a wide variety of different applications and deployment scenarios. There never is a one-fits-all solution and we will work close together with our partners to realize the most efficient solutions to the end-users challenges. From the smallest deployments of 144 fiber directly spliced into a street cabinet over to a colocation meet me room that controls 4,608 connections with MPO-cables fed into the rack to a multi-level deployment of over 30,000 cross-connections over several floors.
Gigacoms automated patching and testing solution is designed to adapt to different scenarios depending on the needed application in optical fiber networks. The main focus is to keep it simple to avoid complexities that could create additional points of failure. Therefore the passive layer of the solution is a traditional ODF (optical distribution frame) with all core functions and design, able to be run manually if needed. The active layer equipped with the automation technology is simply attached to the frame, and can be removed or maintained without any interruption of the physical network elements.
PASSIVE
The passive layer of the SAODF can grow with the application over time and maintains full functionality independent of any active components. It combines all the central features known to ODFs and provides a solid foundation for our robot. The system can accept incoming connections in basically all possible ways; from splicing them directly in the trays stored on the frame, via multi-fiber cables connectors like MPO or even connected to existing patch-panels with legacy support.
ACTIVE
The reliable robotics that can handle the connection and fiber-management across the whole passive layer are able to grow with the system. The sophisticated routing algorithm will make sure to always keep the frame clean and ready for the next connection. The test-probe attached on the robotic head can grant test-access to perform a wide variety of functions like VFL, ODTR or power-tests. An IP-Camera additionally allows us to observe every movement of the robot and perform vision-based security checks.
Applications
COLOCATION
The biggest innovations of the Internet take their origin in the inter-connectivity of the data center space. To enable the uninterrupted communication between different customers, ISPs and IXPs the meet me room (MMR) becomes the central point in the global network architecture. Our solution provides the flexibility and security needed to provide fast response times without remote hands or technicians to enter the data center. A new cross-connection can be established anytime from anywhere.
DARK FIBER
We rely on huge private and dark-fiber networks to be prepared for the future demand of new communication lines. These networks have a large amount of fibers and span across vast distances. To manage such a large decentralized network consisting of fibers that may be unused for months, our solution provides a perfect opportunity to reroute, provision and regularly test each fiber without the need of a truck-roll or army of technicians. Wtih the automation of the physical layer, new value comes to the network and troubleshooting becomes faster.
TELECOMMUNICATION
The need for high bandwidth and low latency internet for each home creates a huge challenge for service providers which are bound to be more pressing with the planned development of 5G mobile coverage. Our automated patching and testing solution can be directly deployed at the beginning of the access-network and reliably orchestrate timely connections. With the test-feature trouble-shooting becomes easier as the customer-service can analyze the physical fiber from remote.