IBM 8285 Nways, Installation And User Manual

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Optical Power Loss Through Patch Panels
In fiber optic networks, patch panels are often used to allow for network expansion and topological
changes. In an ATM network, a patch panel consists of a pair of female-to-female bulkhead barrel
connectors which connect to the male fiber connectors from workgroup switch 155Mbps ports.
The optical power loss through a patch panel includes the loss resulting from the two connectors and the
bulkhead. Table 16 shows the ranges and typical amounts of power loss for different types of patch
panels.
When calculating the total power loss for an ATM connection, be sure to use the highest value in the
range given in the Power Loss column. In this way, your calculation covers a "worst case" scenario.
Table 16. Optical Power Loss per Patch Panel
Type of Patch Panel Power Loss Typical Loss
SC to MIC 0.1 to 1.0 dB 0.6 dB
ST to SC 0.1 to 1.0 dB 0.6 dB
SC to SC 0.1 to 1.0 dB 0.6 dB
Appendix B. Cables, Pins and Connectors
205