In this context, modernizing telecommunications infrastructure using fiber optic technologies, replacing copper, can mean significant savings in energy consumption and in the control of recyclable products.
According to Lucas Samyn, Technical Coordinator for the Southern Cone at Furukawa Electric LatAm, the use of optical technologies provides various benefits in terms of energy efficiency.
“Fiber optic networks, in addition to increasing performance, offer several energy efficiency benefits. Given their light-based transmission technology, they consume significantly less electricity than copper-camera networks. This reduction translates to a consumption of 1 watt (per 300 meters), compared to 3.5 watts in copper networks (per 100 meters), which is nine times less,” explains the engineer from the company, part of the Japanese industrial group Furukawa.
There are also savings in cabling, since a single fiber, with the help of optical splitters, can distribute the signal to up to 64 users, achieving an approximate savings of 80% in cabling, since the only fully dedicated cable is the "last mile", which reaches a length of between 50m and 150m.
Furthermore, fiber optic cables are immune to electromagnetic interference, unlike their copper counterparts, which means that the latter must use signal regeneration equipment that increases the network's energy consumption.
In addition, another advantage of using optical solutions is related to the durability of their materials. The glass fibers that make up the interior of the cable, despite being only as thin as a human hair, have a lifespan of several years, while copper cables are susceptible to oxidation and overheating due to the temperature changes that this metal undergoes.
Laserway : ecology and energy efficiency
One of the innovations developed in Furukawa Electric LatAm's R&D labs, which stands out for its eco-friendly approach and energy-saving benefits, is Laserway. Using it can achieve optimizations of up to 70% savings in cables; 35% savings in racks; 95% savings in ports; 70% savings in space; 80% savings in plastic; and 70% energy savings. In short, it can generate savings of up to 50% in CAPEX and 70% in OPEX.
“For the development and production of Laserway connectivity technologies, we have prioritized environmentally friendly standards, which are essential to meet the incentive programs for the efficient use of resources; contributing to the reduction of energy consumption, in cooling systems and in the amount of material used in cabling,” adds Engineer Lucas Samyn.
In short, the use of optical networks, in addition to increasing performance and speed in data transmission, provides telecommunications providers with an efficient and sustainable solution to reduce costs associated with energy consumption.
Belonging to the Japanese group Furukawa Electric with more than 137 years of history, Furukawa is a manufacturer of innovative communication and energy network solutions.
With a portfolio spanning from external to internal networks, Furukawa has three main product and solution lines: Furukawa Broadband System: FTTx technology and solutions for applications and services in optical networks for telecommunications operators, Internet and Service providers, and Energy Concessionaires; Furukawa Connectivity System : complete connectivity solutions for corporate networks ; and Furukawa IoT for Industry System : IoT communication solutions in mission-critical environments.
For more information, visit: http://www.furukawalatam.com
