Furthermore, last spring 3M announced its participation in a Taiwanese industry initiative that expects to drive market demand by lowering the cost of fiber optic LANs by as much as 50 percent. The initiative is made up of 14 of Taiwan's leading networking manufacturers, representing approximately 25 percent of the world's production of workstation and desktop LAN hardware. Progress slowed in 2000 due to a shortage of fiber optic components. Until the Taiwanese correct the component shortage, they can't raise production volumes high enough for regional and worldwide distribution. In addition, Radiantech also said they'd lower the price of their transceivers by 20 to 40 percent over the next three to four years.
Fiber optic is more difficult to terminate than copper.
Technicians still have to ground down the ends to a properly focusing lens, either onsite or at the manufacturing plant. While preground cable is easier to work with onsite, it generates more advance requirements in the installation plan. Several vendors are working towards advancing fiber optic connectors, including 3M, AMP, Corning, Fujikura, Lucent, Panduit, Siecor, Siemens, and Usconec. It can withstand a high amount of cable deflection. This multisource connector combines two fibers into a single molded ferrule, reducing port real estate by half. VF-45, or Volition, from 3M, Corning, and Siemens, is known for its durability and ability to withstand a high amount of cable deflection.