What is Dark Fiber and why do we need it?

Have you ever heard about dark fiber? Traditionally, the term refers to a dark or unused network infrastructure. In fiber optic networks, when data is being transmitted, light is passed through the cables. If no data is being transported, there are no light waves traveling along the cable, therefore the fiber is dark. Simple, isn’t it?

In the beginning, many companies had the tendency to future-proof their fiber optic networks by installing more cabling than what was actually needed for their current requirements, just to be prepared in case they will face an exponential data growth. Because of this overestimation and some technological developments concerning the way data is being packed, many fiber optic networks are not used at their fullest capacities. Therefore, dark fibers were created to take advantage of this extra capacity.

At the moment, dark fiber can be leased from the network providers and operators. Clients will use the dark fiber lines to create their own privately-operated optical fiber network. Dark fiber networks are separated from the main network they and are controlled by the client.

Dark fiber provides high levels of performance, security and superfast speeds. They can be set up in multiple ways, including point-to-point or point-to-multipoint configurations, or even dark fiber rings.

Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing – DWDM (where multiple data signals are being transmitted at the same time over the same optical fiber) has been essential in the development of the dark fiber. Even if the signals are transmitted at the same time, they use different wavelengths to keep the data signals separate. DWDM helps in increasing the bandwidth and allows a bigger volume of data to be transported via optical fiber.

Because of the use of DWDM, the dark networks have a higher capacity, require less power and is generally more immune to interference than traditional networks.

*This post is part of the series ”PeakOptical Fiber Optic Definitions”. The articles that are to come have the purpose of explaining the general terms used in the field of fiber optics.

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5 Things You Should Know About Dark Fiber

1. It’s all about the money.

The primary reason why organizations begin investigating dark fiber is for the potential cost savings. “If your organization has a lot of data that they need to move around or if you happen to already have access to dark fibers for little or no cost, it will save you a lot of money to bring up your own dark fiber network as opposed to paying thousands or tens of thousands of dollars a month to CenturyLink or Comcast or some other Internet provider,” said Coenen.

2. Dark fiber can also improve latency.

Another benefit of dark fiber is the potential speed. Whenever an organization is using commercial Internet service, traffic gets bounced around to a lot of different points before arriving at its destination. But with dark fiber, organizations can get a straight line from point A to point B, which improves performance.

“For some applications, people really need to get the data really fast from one spot to another,” said Coenen. “And the best way to do that is to set up your own network where you don't have a lot of additional boxes sitting in between.”

3. Dark fiber can provide redundancy.

An even more important benefit for some organizations is the fact that dark fiber can provide physical redundancy for their existing systems. Coenen explained that enterprises often find that even if they are using two different providers as part of their disaster recovery/business continuity (DR/BC) plans, both providers may rely on some of the same physical infrastructure. So in the case of a natural disaster or even something as simple as a construction accident or burst water main, they may lose both their primary connectivity and their backup at the same time.

“If they find that they’re not really able to get good redundancy from their Internet provider, they will run their own fiber links to make sure that they’re getting this type of physical redundancy," he said.

4. Dark fiber does require some expertise.

When asked about the disadvantages of dark fiber, Coenen acknowledged that it does have some drawbacks. The upfront costs can be high. In addition, organizations will need trained personnel. “You need to keep people on staff who know how to manage the system, expand it when it needs to be expanded or repair it to something goes down. So that can be a lot of hidden costs,” he said.

5. You shouldn’t be afraid of dark fiber.

Despite the potential disadvantages, Coenen encourages organizations to investigate whether dark fiber might be right for their needs. “Don’t be afraid to do it,” he said. “People find the idea of dark fiber links or setting up a DWDM connection very intimidating, but lots and lots of other governments and enterprises have done this.”

He advised network architects managers interested in dark fiber to reach out to other colleagues and to transport vendors for tips and training. “There are lots of resources out there,” he added.

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Is your Business Prepared for a Dark Fiber System or Network?

How Does Dark Fiber Work?

When you set up a dark fiber arrange, you will essentially be enlisting fiber optic links from web access suppliers or telephone organizations. Rather than paying for the web access that they give utilizing the gear, you contract the hardware itself. The organization then never again controls the links, so it’s up to the individual or business that contracts them to give the framework to set up a web association.

The Advantages of Dark Fiber

Setting up a dark fiber system offers different advantages for organizations that need more from their system. In case you’re searching for improved execution, a dull fiber system gives only you the fiber optic links to utilize so you can get as much power and execution as you need. Better dependability and less possibility of gear disappointment are additionally key advantages on the grounds that everything is associated point-to-point and looked after underground. Outsider harm to foundation that causes blackouts can be kept away from. A progressively dependable system is basic if your business depends on cloud-based administrations.

Making a Dark Fiber System

You ought to have the option to set up a dark fiber organize in most real urban communities. The assistance of architects who realize what they’re doing will get your system ready for action and can keep up it as well. For a task, for example, setting up a system for your business, independent specialists are impeccable. They can assist you with carrying out the work that should be finished, and you won’t have to contract full-time staff to finish the undertaking for you. You will likewise increase some involvement with architects who you should use for future undertakings or who you may have help to keep up your system.

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3 Reasons Why Dark Fiber is the Way of the Future

The telecommunications rate is growing like wildfire, with new technologies and ways of interfacing with users springing up faster every year. In fact, over the past five years, the Fiber-Optic Cable Manufacturing Industry has exploded, growing by a staggering 11.8%. Industries are pushing to bring the latest and greatest to new markets such as Mexico. If you’re looking for a primer on some of the benefits of fiber optic services, check out this primer to help your business make the switch.

Greater Connectivity

Mexico’s ambitious plans for a backbone network aims to provide a national data transport network stretching more than 25,000 km. Illuminating the dark fiber will not only provide critical infrastructure to cities, but will allow for connectivity in areas with limited or no service.

More Options for Service Providers Means Greater Accessibility

In addition to the boom in fiber optic internet connectivity, Mexico’s backbone network has created space for a greater diversification of ISPs. While this may not mean as much for larger cities where healthy competition is thriving, this is especially important in areas where few providers means that consumers are beholden to rates and connectivity offered by their local provider. Simply put: more options is better for consumers at every level.

Higher Speeds and Capacity

Fiber optic services are the next step in telecommunications for many reasons, but it’s impossible to deny the greatest reason of all: as connectivity becomes a greater global necessity, internet services must rise to the occasion. Regardless of any of the other factors on this list, there’s no denying that internet services are boosted by the speed and heavy-lifting that fiber optic services are able to provide. With data transfer speeds topping 15 terabits per second, there’s no denying this technology’s speed. This ability to parse heavy loads at breakneck speeds is crucial when outfitting forward facing businesses, where staying connected with consumers can be the difference between maintaining and losing a relationship. As we discussed previously, this is also critically important when establishing larger infrastructures, where the connectivity that fiber optic communications provide can be the difference between flawless communication and being left in the dark.

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