The DC48™ Standard
FibrePoint Ltd has developed a new type of combined Optical Data, Power and Control network that can be installed by either a professional installer or a home owner.
This system is now being rolled in to the new DC48™ Standard.
Optical Data
Using POF (Plastic Optical Fibre) to transmit data, a DC48™ system is immune from Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) providing the ideal medium for a streaming data infrastructure needed for the IPTV and VOIP networks.
Just a few lost Ethernet packets can cause major problems to IPTV services. Copper Ethernet systems were not designed for streaming in modern compact homes. Devices like Microwaves, Washing Machines and Hair Dryers all produce interference that can wipe out a normal copper network.
Unlike glass networks, the light used is eye safe, and the media requires no specialist handling during installation or maintenance.
Power
With mains power being the domain of the professional electrician, a DC48™ system can provide power where it is needed at a safe 48V DC level. It is designed to comply with “Separated Extra-Low Voltage (SELV) standard.
The power provided over the network can come from either the mains or from green energy sources including micro generation systems.
A battery backup can be installed so that some of the parts of the network are maintained and can provide emergency power for systems like the telephone system, that with the adoption of “fibre to the home” now use domestic power.
100W or more can be provided on each branch of the network, enough to power TV’s, Computers, charge phones and many other pieces of equipment. This is much more that is available from POE (Power Over Ethernet) based systems. However with minimal changes POE devices can be used directly on the DC48™ system.
Power out is provided by using a RJ50 connector. This provides legacy compatibility with devices that use the RJ45 Ethernet connector while isolating them from the power connections.
Control
The copper conductors in the system provide a medium for sending control signals to devices that do not need the speed and complexity of Ethernet. Each branch of the network is isolated from the others so different control protocols can be used on each if required.
Devices can use this to monitor the environment, control heating, lighting, or even act as a baby monitors. The options are completely open to your imagination.
The Network Topology
The System uses a standard star topology for all the services, so that services can be controlled on each branch of the network, this also means that the maximum network speed between devices can be maintained and high quality of service provided to sensitive or demanding devices.
Parts of the system
PDX (Power Data eXchange)
The PDX is the central control device that manages the network, providing power and services to devices connecting to the network. This part of the system has been designed to be flexible so that as more power or higher speeds are required, it can be upgraded and new features added. It can also provide power to devices further back up the network such as the service providers ONT (Optical Network Termination device).
Cable
The network cable is a specially developed hybrid cable with two plastic optical fibres and two copper conductors. It has been developed to be flexible in all directions and it is coated with a LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) jacket that reduces the amount of toxic and corrosive gas emitted during combustion, making it safe for domestic and office use.
The cable uses individually jacketed 1.5mm POF.
The standard cable uses 0.5mm diameter copper conductors, but a high power version with 1mm conductors will soon be available for high power requirements.
WallPort
fibrepoint WallPort
Some WallPorts can provide for daisy chaining, where a second WallPort can be linked to the first one to provide more outlets in the same room without the need for an additional cable run.
Future WallPorts designs will include room WIFI services, temperature monitoring, movement alarms and optical outlets. The WallPort also supports external plug in devices that use the systems power, networking and control interfaces. With a system like this in every home, the intelligent home is starting to become a real opportunity.
DC48 Connector
With the help of the UK’s Technology Strategy Board, FibrePoint has developed a connector that bring together the best parts of the RJ45’s simplicity of design and installation with the Power, Control and Optical data capability of the DC48 standard.
The DC48 Connector is designed to use the same size profile as the RJ45 so it can be built in to current devices with the minimum of rework to mouldings.It can accommodate Optical, Power and Control signals in a simple push fit locking connection that consumers are already used to with the RJ45 connector.
