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

'Passive’ technology does not use electricity and requires no cooling.
Significantly less energy is required to operate PON systems, lowering operating costs.
Fiber technology requires up to 90% less space by eliminating the need for electronic connection closets and cooling systems every 100 meters.
Fiber also has significantly smaller cable bundles in walls and ceilings.

Significant Reduction in Downtime

PON has an annual up-time rate known as 'six nines', or 99.9999% uptime.
This equates to a maximum downtime of 31.5 seconds per year, making PON an ideal solution in high-demand environments where 24/7/365 operation is required.

Lower Replacement Costs

With a life expectancy of 20+ years, PON is a sustainable solution that not only saves money but also reduces waste vs. traditional ethernet systems that need to be upgraded every 5-7 years.
That equates to wasted cables that can weigh 800 pounds or more in a typical building.

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

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Business Benefits

Reduced one-time capital costs with less cabling & hardware
Reduced reoccurring operating expenses for support, equipment power consumption, and HVAC costs
Reduced reoccurring 5-year costs by eliminating the need for an equipment refresh
Reduced reoccurring 7-year costs by eliminating a copper plant refresh

Network Benefits

Improved cost, size, weight, bend radius, pull-tension, & capacity vs. traditional copper infrastructure
Reduced cross-talk, interference, & heat
Easier to install & test
Greater distance & density enables campus-wide connectivity
Improved network availability and reliability with less than five minutes of downtime annually
Greater security with tighter network access controls and less human touch
One Big Switch with centralized intelligence and management
Fiber creates no interference and is difficult to tap (highly secure)
Optical Network Terminals (ONT) store NO user or network information

Sustainability Benefits

Lower power consumption
Fewer plastics & PVC
Less waste over time
Lower cooling requirements in closets

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