I thought communication via fiber optic would require two cores-one for transmit and one for receive. Then I heard about simplex which would only require one core. Does anyone here has an experience using simplex device? How did it work? Are there no consequences in using it (speed, etc.)? If it's working well, then it could give us a huge savings in terms of fiber optic cable length.

Please help.

Thanks,
zarah

 

Most likely you are referring to Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM), which uses different wavelengths of light to carry bidirectional data over a single strand of optical fiber. See the following link for more details

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wavelength-division_multiplexing

The only disadvantage is increased cost of the transceivers, but this is easily offset by reduced fiber costs, since only one strand is required.

Paul Wacker
Product Manager (ICOM)
Advantech Corp.

 

Thanks Paul! Will it be a good idea to use simplex operation for Process Control Network? Will the speed be the same as in full duplex?

 

WDM is full duplex, since transmit and receive are done simultaneously on different wavelengths of light. Given the wide bandwidth capabilities of optical fiber, there is no reason for transmission speed to be any slower than dual-fiber configuration. Again, the only caveat here is the increased complexity/cost of the media converters.

Here is an example of an industrial media converter with RJ45/copper to WDM fiber.

www.advantech.com/products/ADAM-6542/mod_1-2MLEJ1.aspx


</b>Paul Wacker
Product Manager (ICOM)
Advantech Corp.