TP 03/BW-2012

OITDA Standard

TP
Technical Paper

Plastic Optical Fiber Distribution System for
Customer premises
Third Version
Published in June, 2012
Coordination Committee
Fiber Optics Standardization Committee

Sub-committee on In-house optical fiber distribution system

Published by:
Optoelectronic Industry and Technology Development Association (JAPAN)

NOTICE: This Technical Paper (TP) was initially numbered as TP-BW03, but changed to TP03/BW later.

FOREWORD
This is a technical paper (TP) on the standardization published by Optoelectronic Industry and Technology Development Association (OITDA).
TP is published to announce the proposed standards, provide technical materials on standardization, or to supplement the standards.
Currently, there are various network connections for the use of broadband service that include LAN, FTTx, xDSL, CATV, Wireless LAN, andmobile. The services provided by the network have also diversified such as the Triple Play service and a video distribution service in addition todata communications and phone services. Particularly, as FTTx using an optical distribution system can do the broadband transmission and isscalable to the Triple Play service and other various services in the future, its demand has increased in the access network.

For the optical distribution in FTTx, a telecommunication provider installs a silica-glass optical fiber to a building and a house, and thetelecommunication provider or a user installs silica-glass optical fibers, LAN cables, and coaxial cables within the premise as necessary.
However, as a LAN cable and a coaxial cable tend to be affected by noises generated by an electric facility within the premise, and thus, it islikely the performance is not sufficient to provide a service that requires broadband network such as video distribution.
As a Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) can provide sufficient performance that can replace a LAN cable and a coaxial cable within a premise,apartment houses and hospitals have started to adopt it. It is also expected to be used as an optical distribution item between rooms within adwelling unit.
This technical paper describes an optical cabling configuration and a cabling method of POF within a premise as well as cabling items and partsin a systematic manner. We expect that this technical paper can be a guideline for developers, designers, and constructors who intend to
introduce an optical distribution system of POF in a premise, as well as promote the dissemination of optical distribution facilities.
Please note that part of the TP may infringe the patent right, patent application after the announcement of application, utility model right, orutility model application after the announcement of application that have a technical nature. OITDA is not liable for confirming that the TP does
not infringe such patent right, patent application after the announcement of application, utility model right, or utility model application after theannouncement of application.

* Position of this TP- This TP is updated from time to time to meet the technical advancement in plastic optical distribution system.
- Please send your opinions and information to the following contact:
Contact: Standardization Office, Optoelectronic Industry and Technology Development Association (JAPAN)
e-mail : hyojun @oitda.or.jp

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Table of Contents
Introduction..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1. Scope ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Characteristics and Purpose of Use of Acrylic Resin-Type POF ................................................................................................................................4
1.2 Characteristics and Purpose of Use of Fluoropolymer-Type POF..............................................................................................................................4
1.3 Scope of each POF...............................................................................................................................................................................................................5
2. Definitions and Abbreviations..............................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.1 Definitions .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................5
2.2 Abbreviations........................................................................................................................................................................................................................6
3. Reference Standards...............................................................................................................................................................................................................7
4. Basic Configuration of POF Optical Distribution System POF.....................................................................................................................................7
4.1 Summary ...............................................................................................................................................................................................................................7
4.1.1 Optical Distribution Configuration of Acrylic Resin-Type POF for Detached Houses.......................................................................................8a) Newly Constructed Housesb) Existing Houses
4.1.2 Facility Conditions of Acrylic Resin POF..................................................................................................................................................................10a) Newly Constructed Housesb) Existing Houses
4.1.3 Basic Optical Distribution Configuration of Fluoropolymer-Type POF for Apartment Houses.....................................................................10
4.2 Summary of Cabling Items and Parts Consisting of Optical Distribution System .................................................................................................114.2.1 Optical Distribution Items and Parts of Acrylic Resin-Type POF for Detached Houses ..................................................................................11
4.2.2 Optical Distribution Items and Parts of Fluoropolymer-Type POF for Apartment Houses..............................................................................15
5. Cabling and Connection......................................................................................................................................................................................................17
5.1 Optical Distribution Works and Connection of Acrylic Resin POF for Detached Houses ..................................................................................175.1.1 Distribution of Optical Cords and Cables ...................................................................................................................................................................17
5.1.2 Setting of Optical Connector and Termination Treatment ......................................................................................................................................175.1.3 Extra Length Handling...................................................................................................................................................................................................18
5.2 Optical Distribution Works and Connection of Fluoropolymer-Type POF for Apartment Houses...................................................................195.2.1 Optical Cable Distribution.............................................................................................................................................................................................195.2.2 Setting of Optical Connector and Termination Treatment ......................................................................................................................................20
5.2.3 Extra Length Handling...................................................................................................................................................................................................20
6. Maintenance and Management..........................................................................................................................................................................................20
7. Test and Performance Standards .......................................................................................................................................................................................20
Reference....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................21
Annex
Annex A: Types and Major Characteristics of POF...........................................................................................................................................................22
Annex B: Blank specifications of POF duplex zip cord (separate type) for premise distribution ..............................................................................23
Annex C: Blank specifications of POF duplex cable for premise distribution...............................................................................................................24
Annex D: Blank specifications of POF duplex loose cable (flat) for premise distribution ..........................................................................................25
Description .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................26
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Plastic Optical Fiber Distribution System for Customer Premises

Introduction
Although a Plastic Optical Fiber (hereinafter referred to as “POF”) has a shorter transmissible distance compared with a silica-glass optical fiberthat is widely used for the telecommunication purposes, it has a larger diameter, is easy to be processed and handled, and is less damageable due
to bending. Thanks to the above advantages, POF is mainly used for equipment general users have many chances to touch an optical fiber suchas a digital audio equipment, factory automation, and data transmission in a mobile environment such as in a car. Furthermore, the above
characteristics, its easy-to-processing nature, and safety of plastics, POF is sometimes used for cabling item for premise network.
This TP describes technical information when POF is used for optical distribution system for customer premises.

1. Scope
The TP mainly defines the facility structure, laying, connection, and test methods of POF about the optical distribution system for customer
premises (hereinafter referred to as “optical distribution for customer premises”) using POF. We assume that major users of the TP are
designers/users, and constructors of customer premises. The former uses the TP for collecting information on the optical distribution forcustomer premises using POF and designing houses based on such information, and the latter uses the execution of optical distribution work forcustomer premises using POF. There are two types of POF; an acrylic resin-type and a fluoropolymer-type. The purpose of use for each item isdifferent.

1.1 Characteristics and Purpose of Use of Acrylic Resin-Type POF
Although an acrylic resin-type POF has a wider diameter and a shorter transmission distance of 50 m compared with a silica-glass-type opticalfiber, it can be easily handled in terms of end face treatment. Additionally, its transmission loss is the same level (18 dB/100m @100 MHz) asthat of UTP CAT5e cable (≦22 dB/100 m @100 MHz) and CAT 6 cable (≦19.8 dB/100 m @100 MHz) both of which are widely used andunder the TIA/EIA-568-B standard. It also has less restriction on execution, as the cable is thin and can be installed at the same time when an
electric line is installed. Currently, the acrylic resin-type POF is used to replace existing UTP cables within a house. Its major light source wave
length is within a visible area of 650 mm and an optical connector specific to POF such as SMI shape or F 07 (PN) shape is used (please refer
to 5 of 4.2.1).
Product specifications of POF that meet the TP are as follows:a) Outer diameter of 1000 μm, step index (SI)1) Fiber standard: JIS C 6837 PSI-980/1000-B (IEC standard: 60793-2-40 A4d)2) Cord standard: JIS C 6836 OFC2.2 - # - PSI-980/1000-B(”#” is an alphabet indicating a buffer material)b) Outer diameter of 750 μm, graded index (GI)1) Fiber standard: JIS C 6837 PGI-500/750 (IEC standard: 60793-2-40 A4e)2) Cable standard: JIS C 6836 OFC2.2 - # - PGI-500/750(”#” is an alphabet indicating a buffer material)

1.2 Characteristics and Purpose of Use of Fluoropolymer-Type POF
Although the diameter of fluoropolymer-type POF is smaller than that of acrylic resin-type POF, its transmission loss is smaller and thus, used4

for a backbone cable for buildings. It can use the same light source wave length (850 nm and 1310 nm) and same optical connectors (SC, LC,etc.) as those of a silica-glass optical fiber.
Product specifications of POF that meet the TP are as follows:a) Outer diameter of 490 μm, GI
1) Fiber standard: JIS C 6837 PGI-120/490 (IEC standard: 60793-2-40 A4g)
2) Cable standard: not applicable
We can now see some products on the market of which core dimension is 55μm or 80 μm, that can be used for the transmission of 10 Gbps for
up to 100 m, and of which bending loss is significantly improved.

1.3 Scope of Each POF
The scope of the TP is in-house cabling from ONU within a generic cabling box in each dwelling unit to an information terminal located in eachroom in the case of acrylic resin-type POF. Regarding the introduction of optical cable to a house, please refer to the “Optical Distribution
System for Detached Houses in FTTH”.
Regarding a fluoropolymer-type POF, the scope is cabling from MDF to each dwelling unit. For the introduction of optical cable to a MDF
room, please refer to the “Optical Distribution System for Detached Houses in FTTH”.

2. Definitions and Abbreviations
2.1 Definitions
1) Cable
It is a product that is composed by one or more cable units in the same type and category within a sheath. It can house several
telecommunication lines and has a structure to be capable of cabling work and cabling distribution environment.
2) Optical fiber cable (optical cable)
It means a cable consisting of more than one optical cable element.
3) Optical cable with optical connector
It means an optical cable that has an optical connector in either end or both ends.
4) Optical cord with optical connector
It means an optical cord that has an optical connect in either end of both ends.
5) Backbone cable (vertical)
It is a cable that is installed in a vertical direction of the customer premise and connects between a self-PT board and a PD board. It can also be
used for the connection between PD boards within a premise.
6) Self PT Board
It means a distributor from which the main cable starts. It has a patch panel with optical connectors and a facility demarcation point of an opticalcable from a telecommunication service provider. It is usually placed in a MDF room. It is also called as a user termination cabinet or an opticaltermination box.
7) PD board
It means a distributor that connects the main cable with a horizontal cable. It is usually placed in an EPS in a common space of residential
premise. It is also called as a branching distributor or an optical connection box.
8) Horizontal cable (horizontal)
It means a cable connecting the PD board with an in-house generic cabling box or a telecommunication outlet. On the floor where the PD board5

is not installed, it is allowed to directly connect the telecommunication outlet with a self PT board.
9) Optical Network Unit (ONU)
It means equipment to connect an optical cable with a LAN cable such as UTP and to mutually convert optical signals to/from the electric
signals in FTTH.
10) Generic cabling box
It means a distributor that centralizes the input and output information cabling from outside of the house (telephone, broadcasting, andtelecommunications, etc.). It houses not only the cabling but also a terminal component of cables, transmission equipment, and a splitter, andcan be used for checking, maintenance, update, and mutual switching of information and telecommunication facilities.
11) Router
It means equipment that relays and switches the packets in accordance with the protocol definition of the network layer.
12) Information outlet
It means cabling equipment that centralizes telecommunication and broadcasting systems and a power supply.
13) HUB
It means integration equipment to mutually connect LAN equipment.
14）Media converter
It means equipment to connect different transmission media and mutually convert signals received by media. In this TP, it is equipment toconnect a LAN cable such as UTP and POF and convert the optical signal to/from the electric signal.
15) Plastic optical fiber
It means an optical fiber of which core and clad materials are made of plastic.
16) Plastic optical fiber cord
It means a plastic optical fiber with tensile strength of which plastic optical fiber is buffered by resin. It is also called as a POF cord.
17）Telecommunication outlet
It means a optical outlet embedded within a wall of the house.
18) Optical outlet
It means an interface to connect an optical drop cable or an optical indoor cable introduced to a house with an in-house optical distribution cord.
In this TP, the telecommunication outlet and the optical jack are collectively referred to as an optical outlet which is used for POF cabling from
ONU to each dwelling unit as well as a connection with a POF cord within room.
19) Optical jackIt means an optical outlet exposed within a house.
20) Plug
It means a male-type optical connector part where an optical fiber is attached and jointed through an adopter.
21) Termination
It means a condition that the end of cable can be connected to a distributor.

2.2 Abbreviations
EPS

Electric Pipe Shaft

GI

Graded Index

IEC

International Electrotechnical Commission

LAN

Local Area Network

LC

Type LC optical connector
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M/C

Media Converter

MDF

Main Distributing Frame

ONU

Optical Network Unit

PD

Premise Distributor

PE

Polyethylene

PN

Type F07(PN) optical connector

POF

Plastic Optical Fiber

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride

SC

Type SC optical connector

SMI

Type SMI optical connector

UTP

Unshielded Twisted Pair

3. Reference Standards
The following standards constitute part of the provisions in this TP by referring to them in the TP. Among these standards, only the version of
the year that is clearly indicated constitutes the provisions of the TP, and their revised or supplemented versions do not apply.
(Regarding the reference standards that have no description of year version, the latest version (including the supplementary ones) shall apply)
JIS C 6824 Test methods for bandwidth of multimode optical fibers
JIS C 6836-1999*

All Plastic Multimode Optical Fiber Cords

JIS C 6837-2008

All plastic multimode optical fibers

JIS C 6861-1999

Test methods for mechanical characteristics of all plastic multimode optical fibers and cords

JIS C 6862-1991**

Test methods for structural parameters of all plastic multimode optical fibers

JIS C 6863-1990***

Test methods for attenuation of all plastic multimode optical fibers

JIS C 5976-2001

F07 Type connectors for optical fiber cables

IEC 60794-2-40 Ed.2.0 (2008)

Optical fibre cables - Part 2-40: Indoor optical fibre cables- Family specification for A4 fibre cables
IEC 60794-2-41 Ed.1.0 (2008)

Optical fibre cables - Part 2-41: Indoor cables – Product specification for simplex and duplex buffered A4

fibresIEC 60794-2-42 Ed.1.0 (2008)

Optical fibre cables - Part 2-42: Indoor optical fibre cables- Product specification for simplex and duplex cables with A4 fibres
IEC 61754-21 Ed.1.0 (2005)

Fiber optic connector interfaces - Part 21: Type smi connector family for plastic optical fiber*As the current version does not have a description on GI POF, it is planned to be revised to a new version to be consistent with the IEC
standards.
**It has been superseded by JIS C 6822, test methods for structural parameters of optical fibers.
***It has been superseded by JIS C 6823, measuring methods for attenuation of optical fibers.

4. Basic Configuration of POF Optical Distribution System
4.1 Summary
As the diameter of POF is large, it cannot directly be connected with a silica-glass optical fiber for FTTH. Therefore, the configuration is toconvert a signal to an electronic signal at ONU and to convert it again to an optical signal at a media converter to send it through POF. The
number of core fibers in an optical fiber is generally two for upstream and downstream. As the transmission distance is different; 50 m for an7acrylic resin-type POF and 200 m for a fluoropolymer-type POF, the application of these two types of POF is significantly different in a
premise. The following describes the optical distribution system and facility conditions using each type of POF.

4.1.1 Optical Distribution Configuration of Acrylic Resin-Type POF for Detached Houses
Although Acrylic resin-type POF has a shorter transmission distance, as its transmission speed reaches 1 Gbit/s, it is used for cabling from aplace where ONU is placed to each room in a house. We can provide a video distribution service if we use POF rather than a LAN cable or a
coaxial cable.
In the cabling to each room, a CD tube or a PF tube that is embedded on a wall is used for newly constructed houses. For existing houses, an
exposed cabling with Cable protectors is popular taking advantages of characteristics of POF cable such as thinness and flexibility.
The following are examples of cabling configuration for newly constructed houses and existing houses:a) Newly constructed houses
Figure 1 shows an example of cabling configuration of acrylic resin-type POF for newly constructed houses.
In this optical distribution system, a generic cabling box that concentrates ONU, a router, HUB and a media converter is placed near the
introduction point of optical drop cable, and POF is distributed from a media converter within the generic cabling box to a telecommunication
outlet in each room using a pre-installed conduit. The advantages of this configuration are that cabling and equipment installation can easily bechanged at the generic cabling box, which means that the system can be changed flexibly in response to the change of purpose of each room,and that it has large scalability. Disadvantages include that it is expensive, as this configuration requires placing conduits and a generic cablingbox when a house is constructed.
The following shows major components used for newly constructed detached houses and apartment houses:

Figure 1: An example of cabling configuration of acrylic resin-type POF for newly constructed houses
Major components• Generic cabling box
8• Conduit• HUB• POF cable and optical connector• Telecommunication outlet• Media converterb) Existing houses
Figure 2 shows an example of cabling configuration of acrylic resin-type POF for existing houses.
If it is difficult to install a generic cabling box in an existing house, an optical drop cable is introduced to a house and connected to ONU throughan optical outlet. After that, POF is distributed in an exposed form from HUB and a media converter to an optical jack in each room through arouter. Such configuration is easy to be introduced to existing houses that have various housing environment and facility conditions, and the costfor facilities is inexpensive. On the other hand, exterior beauty should be considered when adopting exposed cabling. If it is possible to use
existing tubes, the configuration shown in Figure 1 can be used except for a generic cabling box.
The following shows major components used for existing detached houses and apartment houses:

Figure 2: An example of cabling configuration of acrylic resin-type POF for existing houses
Major components• HUB• POF cable and optical connector• Optical jack• Media converter• Cable protectors

4.1.2 Facility conditions for Acrylic Resin-Type POF
9a) Newly constructed houses
1) There is a sufficient space to install ONU and a media converter in a generic cabling box, or there is a sufficient space to install a genericcabling box where ONU and a media converter can be placed.
2) There is an electric power supply near the generic cabling box in order to operate ONU, a router, and a media converter.
3) There is an electric power supply near the optical outlet in order to operate a media converter.
4) There is star-shaped tubing for POF from the generic cabling box to an optical outlet of each room. The diameter of the tube is generally 22
mm or16 mm.
b) Existing houses
1) There is an electric power supply near the place where ONU is placed to operate ONU, a router, and a media converter.
2) There is an electric power supply near the optical jack in order to operate a media converter.

4.1.3 Basic Optical Distribution Configuration of Fluoropolymer-Type POF for Apartment Houses
Figure 3 shows an example of basic configuration of fluoropolymer-type POF for apartment houses.
The optical distribution system of fluoropolymer-type POF consists of a MDF room, a backbone cable, a horizontal cable, each area (space) of
dwelling unit, and distribution equipment such as a self PT board, a PD board, optical cables, and optical outlets placed in each area (space). A
media converter is installed in the MDF room and each dwelling unit, and an optical cable is installed between them.
In the FTTH cabling using the distribution method of optical fiber direct connection, a fluoropolymer-type POFs with several cores is installedfrom the MDF room to each dwelling unit in accordance with the following rules:
1) One-to-one connection between the self PT board and an optical outlet of each dwelling unit;
2) It is allowed to install a connector connection as necessary between a self PT board and an optical outlet of each dwelling unit.
3) In the case where branching or amplification of optical signal, or separation of wave length of optical signal is required, such functional
element should be implemented in the upper cascade of the self PT board (in the primary side/telecommunication provider side), or the lower
side of the optical outlet (in the secondary side) or after. It is not allowed to install any functional element other than the connection point
between the self PT board and the optical outlet of each dwelling unit.

10Figure 3: An example of basic configuration of Fluoropolymer-type POF for apartment houses
The following shows major components of optical distribution system using fluoropolymer-type POF for apartment houses:
Major components• Optical cable and optical connector• Optical jack• Media converter• Cable rack
• Self PT board• PD board

4.2 Summary of Cabling Parts and Items Consisting of Optical Distribution System
4.2.1 Optical Distribution Items and Parts of Acrylic Resin-Type POF for Detached Houses
The following items and parts are used for optical distribution of acrylic resin-type POF for detached houses.
111) Optical cord and optical cable
It is general to use a single cord or duplex zip cord, both of which are POFs directly buffered by resin. A duplex zip cord or a duplex cableconsisting of two single-core cords buffered by resin is also used depending on the purpose of use.
The permissible tension of the duplex zip cord shown in Figure 4 (a) is from 90 N to 140 N depending on the type of products, and thepermissible tension of duplex cable shown in Figure 4 (b) is 195 N.

a) Duplex zip cord (2.2 x 4.4 mm)b) Duplex cable (4.0 x 5.5 mm)

Figure 4: Examples of acrylic resin-type duplex POF cord and cable [1]2) Generic cabling box
A generic cabling box is a cabling box that mainly concentrates an optical network line introduced from a transmission facility oftelecommunication service provider, a telephone line, and TV line from a receiving antenna, and distributes them through a star-shaped cablingto each room.
Within the generic cabling box, telecommunication equipment such as ONU, a router, and SW-HUB and TV receiving equipment such as abooster and a splitter are placed, and a media converter and POF cable for POF distribution are also placed and connected. An example ofgeneric cabling box is shown in Figure 5. In this example, ONU and a router are placed in a free space. A generic cabling box is placed byresidents and it is desirable that the box is installed in a place where maintenance staff can check the box easily. If there is no specific place for
installing a generic cabling box, it can be placed, for example, on a wall of the corridor, in a ceiling space, on a wall of the stairs, or within a shoecupboard.
10/100/1000M
SW-HUBTV signal booster

Phone terminals
TV signal distributor

LAN terminals

Free space

Optical jacks

AC poweroutlets

Figure 5: An example of generic cabling box [2]3) In-house ductwork
Tubes are installed within a wall in a house, within which a POF cable, a LAN cable, and a coaxial cable for TV are introduced. It is generally a
combined duct using a flexible CD tube. An inside diameter of the tube is generally 16 mm or 22 mm. The external appearance of CD tube is12shown in Figure 6.
While it is difficult to install tubes in an existing house, if tubes are placed to each room at the time of constructing a house, it not only enables toflexibly respond to any change due to the change of the purpose of room use, reform of the house, or re-installation of cables, but also does notdamage external beauty of the room by avoiding exposed cabling.
If there are many bending points in the tube, it is difficult to insert cables in the tube. Thus, the maximum right-angle bending points in one
section should be three or less, and a box should be installed if the number of right-angle bending points exceeds three. It is recommended thatthe radius of curvature should be six times or larger of the inside diameter of the tube.
<Reference>
There are two types of combined duct; a PF (Plastic Flexible Conduit) tube and a CD tube. While a PF tube has burning resistance(self-extinction ability), a CD does not have burning resistance (no self-extinction ability). To distinguish the type of tubes, a CD tube is usually
painted with orange.

Figure 6: Examples of CD tubes [3]4) Cable protector
A Cable protector is used for protecting and covering exposed fibers within a house. It consists of a base part fixed by an adhesive tape or ascrew, and a cover part, and has three types for wall, floor, and baseboard. In the case of duplex zip cord shown in Figure 4, it can be housed in
the thinnest No. 0 lace.

Figure 7: An example of cable protector for wall surface wiring

Figure 8: Cross section of a cable protector [4]5) Optical connector
Optical connectors used for acrylic resin-type POFs require less dimensional accuracy than those for silica-glass optical fibers, most of theconnectors are made of resin with combined ferrule and housing. Such structure enables to complete terminal processing and connection(between optical fibers and with equipment) easier and with a shorter time. Either type SMI or type PN optical connector is generally used for
duplex zip cord and duplex cable.

13(a) Type SMI optical plug(b) Type F07 (PN) optical plug

Figure 9: Optical plugs for acrylic resin-type POFs (unit: mm) [1]

6) Telecommunication outlet
A telecommunication outlet is embedded on a wall of a room like an electric outlet. A POF cord or a POF cable distributed within the wall are
introduced to a telecommunication outlet, and is connected and terminated at the backside of the telecommunication outlet. This
telecommunication outlet enables to connect the POF cord or the POF cable distributed within the wall with an in-house POF cord withconnector in a one step. Figure 10 shows an example of telecommunication outlet for acrylic resin-type POF.

Figure 10: An example of telecommunication outlet for acrylic resin-type POF [5]7) Media converter
A media converter is used for connecting a LAN cable such as UTP from ONU with POF, and connecting POF with a LAN terminal of an
information terminal. Figure 11 shows an example of media converter for acrylic resin-type POF.

(a) Example 1 [5](b) Example 2 [6]Figure 11: Media converters for acrylic resin-type POF
14(c) Example 3 [7]Additionally, as shown in Figure 12, media converter DIY kits for plug-less connection are available on the market that enables to connect POF
cord to the converter by cutting the cord with a small cutter

Duplex POF zip cord

AC adapter
Media converters

POF cutter
Media converters(a) DIY kit of media converter for plug-less connection(b) Plug-less connection

Figure 12: An example of POF media converter DIY kit [8]4.2.2 Optical Distribution Items and Parts of Fluoropolymer-Type POF for Apartment Houses
Optical distribution of fluoropolymer-type POF for apartment houses includes the following items and parts.
1) Optical cable
Generally, a duplex loose cable (flat type) with tension lines, or a duplex cable with aramid fiber is used. The permissible tension is 220 N and
200 N, respectively.

(a) Loose duplex flat cable(b) Loose duplex zip cable

Figure 13: Cross sections of typical duplex cables for of fluoropolymer-type POFs (unit: mm) [8]2) Cable rack
Please refer to Chapter 6 “Installation of Optical Cables and Distributor Equipment” of TS C 0017 “Optical Distribution System for Customer
Premise”.
3) Optical connector
Optical connectors generally used for fluoropolymer-type POFs are type SC and LC that are the same as those for silica-class optical fibers.
15

Figure 14: An example of duplex luoropolymer-type POF cable with Optical connectors Type SC and type LC [9]4) Telecommunication outlet
Figure 15 shows an example of telecommunication outlet for a duplex connector.

Figure 15: An example of telecommunication outlet for duplex fluoropolymer-type POF [9]5) Media converter
Figure 16 shows an example of media converter for fluoropolymer-type POF placed in a MDF room and each dwelling unit.

Figure 16: An example of media converter for fluoropolymer-type POF [10]16

5. Cabling and Connection
5.1 Optical Distribution Works and Connection of Acrylic Resin POF for Detached Houses
5.1.1 Distribution of Optical Cords and Cablesa) Newly constructed houses
An optical cord or cable is usually distributed from a generic cabling box to an optical outlet of each room through star-shaped in-house tubes.
When putting a cable in a tube, the tension should be lower than the tensile strength described in the specifications of optical cord or cable.

b) Existing houses
The standard is an exposed cabling using Cable protectors.
Figure 17 shows an example of distribution works for the actual premise distribution.

(a) An example of premises distribution(b) Installation of an optical jackFigure 17: Examples of optical distribution works of acrylic resin POF for existing houses

5.1.2 Setting of Optical Connector and Termination
Figure 18 shows an example of works to set an optical plug to an acrylic resin-type POF cord and cable. An acrylic resin-type POF cord andcable has a tight buffer structure and a primary cover is usually fixed on the plug with a latch.

(a) Separate zip cord,(b) Insert a plug cover(c) Fix the plug, and pre-cut
and strip the buffer
excess length of POFs
Figure 18: An example of setting and termination process of a POF connector [11]The hot-plate processing is mainly used for terminating the end of an acrylic resin-type POF. In this method, the end of optical fiber is soften bypressing it on a heated mirror board to transcript a mirror to the end of POF (Please refer to Figure 19). The polish processing that is used for asilica-glass optical fiber is also used (Please refer to Figure 20).
17

Figure 19: Hot-plate termination [11]Figure 20: Termination by polishing with a simple polishing disk [11]5.1.3 Extra Length Treatmenta) Summary
When connecting a POF cable with an optical outlet, 0.5 to 1 meter of extra length is required for terminal processing. Thus, the connection
items such as an optical outlet should have a function not only to fix the connection point but also properly houses the extra length.
b) Extra length housing method
Figure 20 shows an example method of housing an extra length in the backside of the telecommunication outlet. A coiling item that canmaintain the proper bend radius is installed in the wall side of the telecommunication outlet around which the extra length of the cable installedin the telecommunication outlet is coiled after the termination processing.
In the case that a telecommunication outlet is not used or the extra length of the cable is housed in a pull box, the extra length should be bundledwith a radius that is larger than the minimum bend radius designated on the specifications of the POF cord or cable.
c) Notes
1) Be careful not to nip a cable in the lid of housing equipment.
2) Be careful not to twist a cable when coiling it.

18

Figure 21: An example of extra length housing in the backside of the telecommunication outlet [12]5.2 Optical Distribution Works and Connection of Fluoropolymer-Type POF for Apartment Houses
5.2.1 Optical Cable Distribution
When distributing fluoropolymer-type POF, the cable is distributed in a premise with the protection by a tube, distributed using a metal duct, or
installed in a cable rack. When using a tube, it is desirable to choose a tube with an inner diameter of 22 mm to consider the bend radius of
optical cable and future additions. Figure 21 shows an example of introduction works using a cable rack and EPS.

(a) Wiring with cable rack(b) Fixing with cable tie(c) Introducing into EPS(d) Wiring to the generic cabling box

Figure 22: An example of optical distribution works of fluoropolymer-Type POF [9]195.2.2 Setting of Optical Connector and Termination Treatment
The polishing method is used for terminating the end of the optical connector for fluoropolymer-type POF. Figure 23 shows an example oftermination works.

Polishing disk

plug
Lapping film

Figure 23: Termination by polishing with a simple [9]5.2.3 Extra Length Treatment
An extra length of fluoropolymer-type POF within a distributor should be processed pursuant to Section 7.3 of TS C 0017 “Optical Distribution
System for Customer Premise”. The extra length treatment in the case of connecting to a telecommunication outlet should be done inaccordance with Section 5.1.3 of this TP.

6. Maintenance and Management
The following should be noted when distributing cables in a premise:
1) Do not touch the connecter terminal of optical outlet by hands;
2) Be careful not to damage (cut) optical cables due to stamping when moving furniture and other items in a house;
3) When distributing an optical cable in a tube, pulling the cable with less than the permissible tension.

7. Test and Performance Standards
The optical fiber transmission test is conducted to measure the optical loss in a testing distance using an optical power meter after installing an
optical cable and completing the termination treatment.
In this method, the value measured is a total of loss from the optical fiber itself and that from the optical connector. In the performance standards,
it should be provided that the measured loss is less than the performance standard value.
The testing procedures (simple method) are as follows:
1) Turning on the light source and maintaining it for approximately 10 minutes for warming up to stabilize the output power.
2) After the light source is stabilized, connecting a launching optical fiber to the light source;3) Connecting the outgoing tail of launching optical fiber to the optical power meter to measure the standard value of incident wave (Pin);
4) Plugging off the outgoing tail of the launching optical fiber from the optical power mater and connecting it to the end of the measured opticalfiber;
5) The outgoing tail of the measured optical fiber to the optical power meter to measure the outgoing wave strength (Pout);6) Calculating the loss value in accordance with the formula below:
Loss (dB) = Pin (dBm) – Pout (dBm)
where
Pin is the input optical power to the cable under test;
Pout is the output optical power of the cable under test.
20

Figure 24: Procedure of optical loss measurement
The testing method and the performance standards are different depending on the system configuration and individual transmission standards.

Reference(1)”Basic Execution Specifications for In-house Information-Communication Distribution (version 2)” by In-house
information-communication/broadcasting advancement forum:(2) Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd “Hybrid Cabling System”
http://www.hybrid-system.jp/ (2009.3.25)(3) Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. “Electric Facility Material Guide: 2008 - 2009”:
http://www.furukawa.co.jp/tukuru/pdf/densetu/densetu_index.htm (2009.3.25)(4) Masaru Industries Ltd. “General Catalogue of Telecommunication and Electric Facility Items and Parts: 2008 – 2009”:
http://www.masarukk.jp/catalog/ (2009.3.25)(5) Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd. “Plastic Optical Fiber System for Apartment Houses”:
http://g-dive.jp/about/tech.html (2009.3.25)(6) R&M Product Catalogue (The Year 2008 version)(7) Firecomms Ltd. “MCE300T Product Material” (2008)(8) Aisan Electric Co., Ltd. “Product information/optical telecommunication products” on its website
http://www.aisan.co.jp/products/index-products-main.html(9) Asahi Glass Co., Ltd. Supplementary Materials for “Lucina -Simplified SC Connector” (2007)(10) Telegärtner Japan Limited “Palm Type Media Converter”:
http://www.telegaertner.co.jp/seihin/D02-01/D02-01-01.htm（2009.3.25）(11) Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd. “Optical Fiber and Information Transmission Products”:
http://www.pofeska.com/pofeska.htm（2009.3.25）(12) Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. Supplementary Materials for Embedded Optical Outlet (2007)21

Annex A Classification and major characteristics of POFs

Structure
JIS classification

PSI-980/1000 - A

Characeristics

Cladding
diameter(m)Core diameter (m)

NA*1

1,000

See Note 1

IEC
category

Attenuation

Bandwidth(dB/100 m)(MHz @100 m)

0.50≤ 30*2

≥ 10

A4a

*2

PSI-735/750

750

See Note 1

0.50

≤ 30

≥ 10

A4b

PSI-485/500

500

See Note 1

0.50≤ 30*2

≥ 10

A4c

0.30

≤ 18

*3

0.25

≤ 18

*3

0.19

*4

PSI-980/1000 - B
PGI-500/750
PGI-200/490

1,000
750
490

See Note 1
≥ 500
200

≤4

*4

PGI-120/490

490

120

0.19

≤ 3.3

PGI-62.5/245

245

62.5

0.19

≤ 3.3 *4

Note 1: Typically 15 m to 35 m smaller than the cladding diameter*1: Theoretical NA for PSI-XX, effective NA for PGI-XX*2: At 650 nm, under equilibrium mode launch condition*3: At 650 nm, launch NA = 0.3*4: At 850 nm

22

≥ 100

*3

≥ 200

*3

A4d
A4e

1,500 to 4,000

*4

A4f

1,880 to 5,000

*4

A4g

1,880 to 5,000 *4A4hAnnex B Blank details of duplex POF zip cord for premises wiring
1. Structure and dimension
Attributes

Specification

Test conditions

Core diameter

m

Refer to JIS C 6837

Cladding diametermm

Refer to JIS C 6837

Cable structure

Duplex zip cord

Refer to JIS C 6836

Dimensionmm

Refer to JIS C 6836

Weightg/mBuffer color
Length
2. Characteristics
AttributesmSpecification

Test conditions

AttenuationdB/km

Refer to JIS C 6863

Bandwidth

MHz over 100m

Refer to JIS C 6824

NA

Refer to JIS C 6862

Buffer strip force
Tearing forceN
N min,

N max.

Minimum bend radius(temporaly)mm

Minimum bend radius(permanent)

mm

Duration: 10 seconds，Maximum residual loss
increment: dB
Duration: 5 minutes，Maximum residual loss
increment: dB
Refer to JIS C 6851
Duration: 10 seconds，Maximum residual loss
increment: dB
Duration: 5 minutes，Maximum residual loss
increment: dB
Refer to JIS C 6861

Kink
Permissible tensile strength(temporaly)

N

Permissible tensile strength(permanent)

N

TorsionCrush

N/100mm

Refer to JIS C 6861

ImpactJ

Refer to JIS C 6861

Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Fire performance23Annex C
1. Structure and dimension
Attributes

Blank details of duplex POF cable for premises wiring
Specification

ReferenceCore diameter

m

Refer to JIS C 6837

Cladding diametermm

Refer to JIS C 6837

Cable structure

Duplex cable

Dimensionmm

Weightg/mSheath color
Length
2. Characteristics
AttributesmSpecification

Test conditions

AttenuationdB/km

Refer to JIS C 6863

Bandwidth

MHz over 100m

Refer to JIS C 6824

NA

Refer to JIS C 6862

Buffer strip force
Tearing force (in the case zip
cord is used)N
N min,

N max.

Minimum bend radius(temporaly)mm

Minimum bend radius(permanent)

mm

Duration: 10 seconds，Maximum residual loss increment:dB
Duration: 5 minutes，Maximum residual loss increment:dB
Refer to JIS C 6851
Duration: 10 seconds，Maximum residual loss increment:dB
Duration: 5 minutes，Maximum residual loss increment:dB
Refer to JIS C 6861

Kink
Permissible tensile strength(temporaly)

N

Permissible tensile strength(permanent)

N

TorsionCrush

N/100mm

Refer to JIS C 6861

ImpactJ

Refer to JIS C 6861

Operating temperature
Storage temperature
Fire performance24Annex D

Blank details of fluoropolymer-type POF loose duplex flat cable for premises wiring

1. Structure and dimension
Attributes

Specification

ReferenceCore diameter

m

Refer to JIS C 6837

Cladding diametermm

Refer to JIS C 6837

Cable structure

Duplex cable

Dimensionmm

Weightg/mSheath color
Length
2. Characteristics
AttributesmSpecification

Test conditions

AttenuationdB/km

Refer to JIS C 6863

Bandwidth

MHz over 100m

Refer to JIS C 6824

NA

Refer to JIS C 6862

Buffer strip force
Tearing force (in the case zip
cord is used)N
N min,

N max.

Minimum bend radius(temporaly)mm

Minimum bend radius(permanent)

mm

Duration: 10 seconds，Maximum residual loss increment:dB
Duration: 5 minutes，Maximum residual loss increment:
dB

Kink

Refer to JIS C 6851

Permissible tensile strength(temporaly)

N

Permissible tensile strength(permanent)

N

Duration: 10 seconds，Maximum residual loss increment:dB
Duration: 5 minutes，Maximum residual loss increment:dB
Refer to JIS C 6861

TorsionCrush

N/100mm

Refer to JIS C 6861

ImpactJ

Refer to JIS C 6861

Operating temperature

25

Description of Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) Distribution System for Customer PremisesThis description is to explain matters that are described in the body text and Annex and other relevant matters, and not a part of the technicalpaper (TP).

I. History
Although a plastic optical fiber (hereinafter referred to as “POF”) has a shorter transmissible distance compared with a silica-glass optical fiber, it
has a larger diameter, is flexible, and easy to be processed and handled. Due to the above advantages, POF is mainly used for digital audio
interface, factory automation, and data transmission in a mobile environment such as in a train and a car.
Currently, the broadband access network has sharply developed and new houses have started installing an in-house network. As POF hasvarious characteristics such as easy terminal processing and safer handling even if a fiber is exposed due to a broken cable, we have heard somecases that it is used in hospitals, large apartment houses, small- and middle-sized apartment houses, and detached houses.
Sub-committee on In-house optical fiber distribution system under Fiber Optics Standardization Committee of Optoelectronic Industry andTechnology Development Association (JAPAN) started the investigation of detached house structure, examination of silica glass/plastic opticalfiber and peripheral technology, collection of execution example of optical cabling, and identification of problems in FYE 2004.
In FYE 2005, for the purpose of preparing the guideline for promoting the optical fiber introduction to detached houses, the sub-committee
examined the current condition and the latest technical trend, and discussed about the summary of guideline.
In FYE 2006 and 2006, the sub-committee prepared the technical paper entitled “Plastic Optical Fiber Distribution System for Customer
Premise” and published the first version of “Plastic Optical Fiber Distribution System for Customer Premises”.
In FYE 2009, the sub-committee revised the first version based on opinions given to the first version, and published the second version after
changing the following points:a) A document structure is changed to be consistent with other technical papers.
b) Regarding the optical distribution system for detached houses, the description was divided into the case of newly constructed houses and thatof existing houses.
c) Blank specifications of duplex POF cord and cable are added.
Additionally, based on opinions obtained from domestic POF makers and in response to the changes of products available on the market after
the release of the second edition, we started the preparation of the third edition in FY ended March 2011.
The major changes on the third edition are the descriptions of product specifications and connectors for fluoropolymer-type POF. Particularly,
the product specifications of fluoropolymer-type POF are significantly different from that in the second edition. Additionally, as our description
in the second edition does not conform to the POF product specifications in the current JIS and IEC, we will carefully check the market
movement and the revision of product specifications in the future, and appropriately reflect such changes and revisions on this technical paper.

II. Description of Major Items
1．Scope
The scope of this technical paper is in-house distribution in detached houses and apartment houses using POF from ONU of generic cablingbox in each house to an information terminal of each room.
For the introduction of optical cable to a detached house, please refer to the TP entitled “Optical Fiber Distribution System for Detached Houses
in FTTH”.

2．Definitions and Abbreviations
26

The terminologies of major components for optical distribution system such as distributor, generic cabling box, optical cable, and optical
network unit are defined.

3．Referenced Standards
This TP indicates the standards of product specifications and testing methods for POF and POF connectors.

4．Basic Configuration of Optical Distribution System
The basic configuration of POF optical distribution system is from ONU of generic cabling box in each house to an information terminal ofeach room. The number of core wires of the optical fiber is two. As the form of cable and execution method are different between an acrylic
resin-type POF and a fluoropolymer-type POF, the cabling configuration and cabling items and parts are described for each type of POF.
In any cabling configuration, the optical signal is converted into the electric signal in ONU which is connected to a router or SW-HUB througha LAN cable such as UTP. For the distribution to each room, the signal is currently converted into optical signal again by a media converter for
POF and distributed to an optical outlet of each room through a star-shaped cabling. Within a room, the optical signal from the optical outlet isconverted into the electric signal by the media converter for POF and sent to an information terminal connected using a LAN cable.

5．Termination of Cable, Extra Length Treatment, Maintenance and Management, Testing and Performance Standards
The current examples are shown about the termination, extra length treatment, maintenance and management, and test of POF cables. In thecase of POF, as there may be a case that a constructor or a user conducts the termination, a summary of connector types, the termination
methods, and the extra length treatment methods are described.

III. Standardization Progress of In-house POF Optical Distribution in Foreign Countries and Other Domestic Organizations
Regarding the standardization of distribution in premises, the international standardization process is in progress at ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 25/WG,
and ISO/IEC 11801 “Generic Cabling for Customer Premises” was established in 2002. Regarding the POF distribution system, ISO/IEC
24702 “Generic cabling Industrial premises”(2006), IEC 61158 “Fieldbus specifications” (2007) and IEC 61918 “Installation ofcommunication networks in industrial premises” (2007) have some descriptions as an industrial distribution standards.
However, as no information on cabling and execution works is included, these are not sufficient to use a reference for in-house optical
distribution. Especially, the standards of in-house distribution using POF which is a major subject of this TP has not been sufficiently developed
both domestically and overseas.
In ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 25/WG3 mentioned above, ISO/IEC 24702 “Generic cabling -- Industrial premises” is now under the revising process,and in conjunction with the above revision, IEC SC86A/WG1 had a discussion and add a new category about POF on IEC 60793-2-40 Ed.3.0
as fragmentation of existing categories. This revision is expected to be reflected on JIS.

IV. Reference
In addition to the reference set forth in the TP, the following is also used as a reference.
(1) “Ubiquitous Technology Home Network and Information Electric Appliances” supervised by Yasuo Ni, edited by In-house
information-communication/broadcasting advancement forum, published by Ohmsha, Ltd. (on September 25, 2004)27

V. Draft Preparation Committee
The draft of this technical paper (TP) was prepared by Sub-committee on In-house optical fiber distribution system of Fiber Optics
Standardization Committee at the end of FYE 2009. The members participated in preparing the draft are as follows:
ChairmanToshihiko Sekiguchi

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation

MemberShin-ichi Furukawa

Yazaki Corporation

MemberKatsuyuki Ishibashi

Kinden Corporation

MemberDaisuke Iwakura

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (from June 2008)

MemberYukitoshi Kudo

Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd. (from April 2011)

MemberAkihiro Kimura

Nippon Comsys Corporation

Member

Hideo Kikuchi

Fujikura Ltd. (from April 2010)

MemberTaku Yoshida

Fujikura Ltd. (from April 2010)

MemberYoko Nakamura

Japan Standards Association (from May 2010)

MemberTeruo Koyama

Mitsubishi Cable Industries Ltd.

MemberSatoshi Takahashi

Japan Science and Technology Agency

MemberTeruyuki Taniguchi

Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.

MemberKoji Yoshida

Kyowa Exeo Corporation

MemberToshiaki Takahashi

Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.

MemberShinichi Harada

Yokogawa Electric Corporation (from April 2008)

MemberKatsunori Tanaka

Urban Renaissance Agency (until July 2010)

MemberKazuhiko Tana-ami

Urban Renaissance Agency (until March 2011)

Member

Shoichi Saito

Urban Renaissance Agency (from April 2011)

MemberAtsushi Kanaegami

Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry (until March 2011)

MemberShigeyasu Hatsuyama

Industrial Science and Technology Policy and Environment Bureau, Ministry of
Economy, Trade and Industry (from April 2011)

ObserverTakeo Masuda

OITDA

Secretariat

Takashi InadaOITDA

Secretariat

Tomoyuki Miyamoto

OITDA (from April 2011)28