An Open Debate About Bend-Insensitive Multimode Fiber—That Is Exactly What We Need

In late November, I blogged about the limited need for a bend-insensitive multimode fiber (BIMMF) within today’s data center and enterprise environment. At the same time, CommScope and other cablers, as well as a glass manufacturer, provided the industry with white papers and presentations (such as at IWCS) that were even more cautionary, detailing the potential risks of using this untested product. On the opposite side, there has been discussion from others about the benefits of BIMMF that downplayed some of the risks.

It is great to have an open debate about a new product type.

Before the industry adopts or rejects a new technology, it is important that all of the information is available to make the right decision. Cabling and Installation Maintenance has announced on their blog that there will be a discussion of this topic in their January 2011 issue.

We at CommScope are excited to see that the industry will have a discussion about this technology to fully understand the potential risks and rewards. Furthermore, we look forward to contributing to the discussions of the new fiber type within standards committees to bring forward and possibly alleviate some of the risks inherit with the non-standard BIMMF solutions currently available.