KAREN supports optical connections to the core network equipment located in the KAREN POPs.  The KAREN switches utilise either LX or ZX GBIC’s depending on the distance involved between the connecting organisation's edge equipment and the POP.

The following standards are applicable when considering a connection into a KAREN POP:

• Single mode fibre (ITU-TG.652) is the only type of fibre optic cable that is suitable for use with KAREN.  It is recommended that high quality fibre optic cable (e.g. Corning) be used

• Organisations with edge devices located more than 10km from the KAREN POP should contact REANNZ to discuss their access circuit build and the optical standards required

• When a fibre optic access circuit is being ordered the following information should be requested from the vendor:
  

• Fibre Provider contact Name/Phone
• Fibre Positions at KAREN POP OFDF/Fibre tray
• Fibre Positions at KAREN POP labelled as
• Test Result @ 1310nm (LX) or 1550nm (ZX) Fibre 1 between Site A and Site B
• Test Result @ 1310nm (LX) or 1550nm (ZX) Fibre 2 between Site A and Site B
• Fibre length Site A to Site B (approx)

• Each access provider needs to install a dedicated OFDF/Fibre tray into the KAREN rack within the POP.  REANNZ will facilitate the placement of the OFDF/Fibre tray:
  

• OFDF/Fibre Tray will present angled SC (SC/APC) connectors only
• KAREN contractors will make the physical connection between the OFDF and the KAREN equipment
• A patch cable will be required to connect from the OFDF to the KAREN equipment.  Download Optical connections within the POP (pdf, 40KB) for further information

Updated 21 October 2009