The Fiber Optic Superhighway

Buildings contain an increasing number of interoperable, connected devices and systems. Each connected system consumes network bandwidth which can stretch or surpass the limits of standard, copper cable technology. A fiber optic-based network acts as a virtually limitless superhighway that connects all technology and enables the gathering of invaluable operational information.

Passive Optical Networks (PON) is ideal for design and integration into new building projects. PON can also replace existing, legacy copper cables without the need to change or modify existing building systems. Our experience with PON includes commercial, education, and hub airport-scale design and integration projects.

Our PON systems offer a scalable, future-proofed network infrastructure while creating new options for building design and operational efficiencies.

Learn about our AIA Accredited PON Course

Lower Energy Costs & Space Requirements

Because it is a "passive" network, it requires no additional power for the outside cable plant, providing power savings of up to 65% over traditional ethernet solutions. It also has much lower cooling needs, due to the absence of additional power.
Operating costs are lower, due to the lower energy needs of the network.
Centralized management, one place to protect the network, and one location for any network issues. Fewer connections and endpoints are less susceptible to connection errors and network redundancies. 90% less space required for PON versus traditional cabling, by eliminating the need for frequent connection closets and bulky cooling systems.
Less cable and overall material benefits budget and labor times. Fiber Optic has significantly smaller cable bundles in walls and ceilings.

Significant Reduction in Downtime

End-users have an average of 3.5 days of training needed to fully run the network. This training time is significantly less compared to the several weeks typically needed for a traditional Active Ethernet network.
Passive Optical LAN attains up to 99% bandwidth utilization efficiency, which means the network's average uptime is 99% of time it is running. Whereas traditional Active Ethernet suffers from efficiency rates as low as 69%.
We have found that it is a maximum downtime of 31.5 seconds per year for PON, making it an ideal solution in fast-paced environments where 24/7/365 operation is required.

Lower Replacement Costs

No need to replace wiring. Once it’s in, it’s in. Fiber Optic Networks have a life expectancy of 20 years, without needing the costly upgrades of traditional network cabling--which needs to be replaced every 5-7 years. This sustainable solution saves time, money, and resources in the long run.
Up to 800lbs. of wasted cables can be saved with utilizing a Fiber Optic Network, rather than a traditional structured cabling network.

How PON Works

Standard cable networks use electrical signals to transmit information. Electrical signals need to be boosted to cover the span of an entire building. PON infrastructure uses fiber optic cables and light splitters that don’t need electricity to operate, saving organizations money. Optically transmitted light signals can travel up to 18 miles across entire campuses, airports, or any large facility. Fiber technology offers four times (4X) higher bandwidth capabilities than traditional copper networks; handling gigabytes of information seamlessly.

Once a light signal reaches a destination, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) positioned at the network’s edge is capable of turning the light signal into the electrical signal used by connected devices. The system works in reverse; electrical device signals into light to connect all technology. This also means PON is compatible with existing in-building network systems for phased implementations.

Mechdyne represents Tellabs PON systems that provide a single point of system monitoring and control. From one location, adjustments can be made to the entire network.

PON for Demanding Environments Infographic

Want to learn more about Passive Optical Networks?

Want to learn more about Mechdyne’s solutions? Please fill out the form below. You can also contact Mechdyne by email (info@mechdyne.com) or by telephone (+1.641.754.4649)

Business Benefits

One investment upfront, with savings in the long-run due to reduced cabling, hardware, and needs for upgrades
Savings from
Reduced reoccurring 5 and 7-year costs by eliminating the need for an equipment and copper replacements and refreshments

Network Benefits

Easier to install & test, and improved cost, size, weight, bend radius, pull-tension, & capacity vs. traditional copper infrastructure
Reduced cross-talk, interference, & heat
Greater distance & density enables campus-wide connectivity, with one big switch for centralized intelligence and management.
Greater security with tighter network access controls and less human touch, and Optical Network Terminals store no user network information. Fiber creates no interference and is difficult to tap.

Sustainability Benefits