Researchers at Siemens sent a 1 Gbit/s signal via plastic optical fiber wiring. Photo: (c) Siemens AG
Siemens research findings on plastic optical fiber (POF) show great promise for the world of home automation. A Siemens lab successfully sent an IPTV signal at 1 Gbit/s, a significant transmission rate.
POF is an alternative to copper wire and the widely used glass fiber, which is more expensive to work with. POF has been limited in use due to a high “attenuation,” or loss in signal amplitude over longer distances.
Siemens’ research test was done over 100 meters without data compromise, indicating that the time for POF in wider application may soon come. This can include home automation/networking wiring.
Since POF is easier and cheaper to work with (glass fiber requires particular methods to splice fibers and connect to devices and equipment), one could hope that reliable POF technology used/installed for home automation or home networking purposes could come at a lower cost. Fiber optics is a consideration many homeowners have to make when thinking about structured wiring, particularly homeowners who are building new. The higher cost to install glass fiber optics (as compared to say Ethernet/Cat 5) serves as a deterrent. A reliable, fast, cheaper option would certainly be welcomed.
Between watching re-runs of the “The Jetsons” and convincing his Insteon and Z-Wave controls to get along, Ben Hardy is immersed in the world of home automation, home control, and home networking.
Hi Ben,
Here in Europe POF is starting to take hold in home networking applications. Most notably for transmission of error free HD IPTV streams. There is definitely extreme nervousness on the part of Telco’s now as they own the link and the content delivered right up to the flat screen - dropped packets are not an option . A dedicated medium such as POF passes what we call the “Wife Acceptance Factor” becauseof it’s ultra thin 1.5mm diameters. Self install is the holy grail for reduced roll out costs. Fell free to check out www.firecomms.com for our OptoLock POF Ethernet transceivers and let me know if you’re interested ....
Cheers
Hugh Hennessy
Firecomms
www.firecomms.com
hhennessy@firecomms.com
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In the UK the Building Regulations now require professional inspection (which may in practice mean professional installation) of even control wiring in “special locations” (kitchens, bathrooms, outdoors).
It would seem to me that there is an untapped market for the use of fibre optic controlled relays that could be controlled from outside the “special locations”. The relays might have to be installed profesionally, but it would allow “wired” control to be added by the user.
I’m thinking here, in terms of very simple protocols. Possibly as simple as lit for on, but pulse based ones would allow the use of battery powered controllers.
I’m assuming that the cables contain no conductors, not even as strength members.