Fiber Optic cabling (multi-mode and single-mode) is typically used as "communications backbone" and is installed between main telephone/computer rooms and TCs, between building floors, or when the distance between user stations and TCs is greater than 100 meters. GMT is an advocate of

"Fiber-to-the-Desktop" which provides extremely high speeds for bandwidth-hungry applications, such as CAD, Desktop Publishing, spreadsheets, and database development.

Note: All new fiber cables are identified at each end with computer-generated labels. Each fiber strand is tested to industry specifications with hard-copy test results provided. As-built CAD drawings identify cable numbering schemes, office room numbers, and computer equipment placement.

Do You Have THE NEED FOR DATA SPEED ?

The fastest computer-related components in the world will not help you satisfy your Need For Speed if the physical infrastructure is lacking. Premises cabling is the foundation upon which productivity and efficiency are built into operating systems and applications. Robust software and hardware components thrive on increased BANDWIDTH, thus opening the door for:

Fiber to the desktop!

The demand for bandwidth is not only growing on campus and intrabuilding backbones, but also directly to the desktop. This need for bandwidth has created an immediate requirement for gigabit & 10 gigabit transmission speeds. Products already are shipping, and demand for them is surpassing projections. In support of this bandwidth need, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) approved the 802.3z standard for Gigabit Ethernet over optical fiber in June 1998.*

Many companies can benefit by installing fiber optic cabling directly to the PC desktop location, along with the standard Category 5-type twisted pair copper cables normally used for telephone, fax, modem, printer, and low-speed network services. Fiber, which offers virtually unlimited bandwidth, greater distances and security, is being installed as the physical infrastructure of choice for many user applications, including:

Copper vs. Fiber

Fiber optic cabling is approximately the same price as Category 5-Enhanced and Category 6 copper cable. The installation methods are similar and terminations are becoming generic another example of how fiber optic technology is driving standards development.

The labor charge for an installed desktop fiber cable is nearly the same price as a standard copper cable. Gigabit Ethernet over fiber promises to offer the same network reliability, availability of management and troubleshooting tools, scalability, and low cost that the industry has experienced with 10 or 100 Mbps Ethernet. The fiber network interface card and switch connections are more expensive than traditional 10/100 copper Ethernet components but with intelligent planning, allocation of resources, and installation of fiber-to-the-appropriate-desktop, a company can properly leverage its Total Cost of Ownership and provide its users with super-highway bandwidth speeds