BCM450 and Fiber modules - Max distance? 1

[SNSSMIS]

Can these be extended via fiber a kilometer? More than a K?
I would like to add some station modules over fiber offsite if possible.

Fiber Expansion Media Bay Module (FEM)
Six fiber ports
Connects up to six Norstar* fiber-based trunk or station modules
Two LEDs: Power, Status
Utilizes 1 DS-30 for each Norstar fiber trunk or station module
connected (up to 6)

 

[telcodog]

I'm pretty sure it will work, but you will need 2 dark fiber strands per module (they cannot be shared) and you need to put on the correct type of connectors (and match TX and RX). If you can do that, I don't see why it wouldn't work.

There is a lot more to consider if you're planning on connecting in this manner. Each one of those fiber ports on the module takes up one full bus, so on a 2/6 split, if you connect 6 modules you cannot add other modules to your system. I will assume that you have an existing system (not a 50) and that there are an appropriate number of buses available.

If you have a network connection between the locations, why wouldn't you consider a new BCM there and use voip trunking between them. I can certainly understand re-using as much older equipment as possible, but the cost of doing that can outweigh the benefits.

One thing I've always wanted to try is putting an expansion unit off site somewhere and make the connection to the main unit over a fiber network. This might be an option to consider as well. This would allow you to use the Norstar modules at the local site and move the BCM modules to the remote site in an expansion cabinet and only use 1 fiber strand (I wouldn't move the PRI there though).

Just a few thoughts. Whatever you decide, please keep us posted on how you're doing.

Good Luck.

 

[SNSSMIS]

Thanks for the reply.
Looks like we are maxed out with an expansion already and unable to add a Fiber Module. So, the next step is getting the system IP ready and buying a BCM50 or BCM200 for the other sites.
I am really interested in the BCM50 with DSL too since I do not have fiber to those locations. Like fire stations, boat patrol, etc... Can that be done?

 

[telcodog]

How many phones are you trying to get working at the remote site? IP sets may be the way to go if there aren't too many. With R6 now available, the Remote Teleworker might just do the trick, especially if you already have a network connection over there.

 

[SNSSMIS]

Remote stations and boat house has only has two POTS lines. 1 voice 1 FAX.
They all have Broadband (cable company)
2 computers and use Cisco VPN and Terminal Server for Applications.
Would realy be cool to get rid of the 2 POTS if there is a IP based FAX machine too.

 

[oldestgeek]

I've extended these modules a few hundred feet, maybe 500-600 and for the most part they worked well. SOmetimes the module would "go to sleep" and I would have to reboot the system or the module to awaken it so I think I may have been pushing the distance. I think the normal max for multi-mode fiber which these modules use is 700 feet. Beyond that you may need to use mode-transitioning cables and connect them to single-mode fiber, which of course can be transmitted many kilometers.

Have you ever connected anything to a FEM? There are some weird wiring changes you'll have to consider. For instance, even though the fiber station module port count on a Norstar would have been simply 1-16 on whichever bus it was connected it will change on a FEM. It will be something like ports 5-8,1-4,13-16, then 9-12 on the programmed bus. I think that's right but it would be good to look it up. Kind of shock to discover that in the middle of a cutover!

 

[SNSSMIS]

That is very helpful. We have Single-Mode fiber. I have never added a FEM to the BCM and it does not look like I will be able to since all slots are filled up on both cabinets.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge on the product.