Optical Connectors
I have opened this thread
to continue the discussion on optical connectors. So far (what has come into my
reader), we have the following comments:
-----------------------
"Bill Wiedemann: Regarding
850CWDM we are planning to make first implementations with duplex SC moving to
LC with small form factors. Our expectation is that small form factor with LC
could be available a year from today. "
-----------------------
"Jim Tatum: I would assume
that 802.3ae would do the same as 802.3z, and NOT specify conectors.
"
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"Ed Chang: There are so
many different form factors, and connectors, which even the GbE and Fibre
Channel market can not get consensus."
-----------------------
If we review the 802.3
Ethernet specification, we see that we have identified connectors for each
variant (I don't remember an exception). For example:
7.6.2 AUI Configuration
cable
9.9.5.2 Optical for
repeaters
...
38.11.3 MDI = Duplex SC for
GigE Optics
39.5.1 MDI = Style 1 (DB9)
and Style 2 for GigE Cu
While I remember no rules
that require us to do so, it seems obvious that there exists a precedent which
should guide our decision.
In 802.3z, we specifically
took a vote to avoid connector discussions ("connector wars")**. We could do the
same in 802.3ae. If we did, I would argue that we would, effectively, be
retaining the duplex SC optical connector specified in clause
38.
My PERSONAL preference
would be to specify the LC connector. Rationale:
1. There seems to be an
overall inclination to move in that direction.
2. It sets the stage for
some kind of "Small Form Factor" 10 Gig transceiver.
3. I don't think that it
would negatively impact the cost of the transceiver in the 2002 (standard
completion time frame).
As CHAIR, I don't want to
use up any cycles on this. If there isn't sufficient consensus to agree on an
alternative to the SC, we should just adopt the SC and move
on.
jonathan
** In reality, this was
bumped up to 802.3 because neither I (sub-chair for PMD) nor Howard (802.3z
chair) wanted to use precious committee time for the
discussion.
Jonathan Thatcher,
Chair, IEEE 802.3ae (10 Gigabit
Ethernet)
Principal Engineer, World Wide Packets
PO BOX 141719, Suite B;
12720 E. Nora, Spokane, WA 99214
509-242-9000 X228; Fax 509-242-9001;
jonathan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx