Monday, December 18, 2017

A Season for Giving Back

The holidays are a good time to reflect on what you’ve accomplished, how you’ve impacted others, and where you can make a difference. At Comstar Supply, we took this time to recognize those that are less fortunate then us and give back to our community.
Left to Right: Chad, Mary (back), Lachelle (front), Rich, Bruce (back), and Andy helped deliver donated food to the local food pantry.

“Volunteering and having an impact on our local community is firmly rooted in our company culture,” said Comstar Supply President Chad Punchard. “For more than 20 years, giving back is something we’ve prided ourselves on, and the efforts of our employees this holiday season exceeded my expectations.”


In the month of November, the entire company participated in a team-building event created around the idea of giving back. The first phase of the event split the company into 3 teams of about 12 people where employees participated in a food drive. This effort resulted in an initial donation of more than 1,800 non-perishable food and household items.

Phase two of the team-building exercise included team competitions in a number of “Price Is Right” themed contest ranging from blackjack to plinko. Each team earned extra points for phase 3 – A “Supermarket Sweep” themed contest to spend a Comstar-matched donation of $500 and buy as many non-perishable food and household items as they could.



“As you can image, coordinated groups of 12 people running through local grocery stores provided some high comedy and funny looks from shoppers, but the mission of the teams really stood out,” said Lachelle Wilfong, HR Director for Comstar. “In total, we gathered more than 3,300 items before the Thanksgiving holiday, which equated to about 2 truckloads we unloaded at the Daily Bread Food Pantry, our local food bank.”

In addition, the company also participated in an Angel Tag - Give a Gift program. Employees were encouraged to donate toys this holiday season that were donated to the local Salvation Army for underprivileged children this week.



Lachelle added, “I think we all had fun playing the games and participating in the team building event, but enjoyed seeing the faces of those we impacted with our donations even more. I'm so proud of what we accomplish every day here at Comstar, and even more so when we give back to our community.”

Monday, November 20, 2017

Service Assured: No Broadbandits Here!

Providing Ethernet services is usually never easy, and configuring them can be a wild west shootout. Sometimes services don't always burn-in as intended. On other occasions, factory configurations become field modifications. Even if everything goes perfectly at installation, problems can occur when services are upgraded. Pushing the gas pedal on a 10G link to 40G and beyond may bring to light fiber characterization issues you weren't prepared to deal with. Back reflectance values in the network that were once tolerable, are now stealing your valuable packets.

Well, I have good news for you. New devices and applications make it easier to not only verify the speeds of an Ethernet link and check for packet stability, you can maintain SLAs with greater efficiency and visibility.

Let's take a look at three products that further simplify service assurance and verification testing.


The EX1 from EXFO is an elegantly simple device that should become to the telecom service technician what the Non-Contact Voltage Tester is to the electrician. Use the EX1 paired with an Android device to qualify broadband connections delivered to both resident and business Ethernet customers. This platform will soon be available for iOS as well, and it allows service providers to quickly validate delivery of full line rate Gigabit Ethernet speeds to their subscribers.

The on-board power of the EX1 is a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit that provides an open-platform. This is a critical feature that will help the EX1 keep pace and provide reliable results for years to come. This tester also features a partnership with the industry-leading Speedtest by Ookla, which provides a simple, easy-to-read interface you can share with your customers.

The EX1 is capable of hosting EXFO's Active Verifier Virtual Network Functions (VNF) to deliver a complete level 3 to level 7 service assurance solution. When activated, the Verifier VNF can offer a suite of more than 140 performance tests for the EX1 including Y.1564, IP connectivity, VoIP qualification, internet experience and more.

Furthermore, the EX1 can be left on site for temporary troubleshooting, or permanently deployed as a fixed performance endpoint that continuously reports on network and service performance. The cost of leaving the device behind might certainly be less than rolling a truck with a service technician qualified to troubleshoot Ethernet links.


The next product fits a wider range of applications. Are you transitioning your network from legacy technologies over to Ethernet? We know a device that can replace up to 8 sleepy, older test sets with a new one capable of verifying up to 10G Ethernet. Utilities, municipalities, E911, data centers and service providers alike can benefit from the power packed into Greenlee's DataScout® 10G.

The 10G can test multiple services simultaneously including Ethernet, DS0 (TIMS), DS1, DS3, T1, DDS and more. There is a separate unit capable of DDS, but all other services can reign on one device with easily navigated menus on a 7 inch color touchscreen. The 10G is fast, and it powers up 3 times faster than competitive devices.

It is a tablet-based design that comes loaded with standard applications including a web browser, email, document viewer and more. You can control the DataScout® 10G remotely via bluetooth, or a standard web browser. This instrument is also proudly designed, manufactured and supported in the United States.

Finally, I would like to discuss a powerful application that can pay dividends for those who take advantage.

Technicians who maintain Service Level Agreements (SLAs) undergo significant amounts of training to understand ITU-U Y.1564 and RFC 6349. Not only for commissioning services, but monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) is a significant challenge in our industry. In a highly volatile world of mergers and acquisitions, lit service providers must juggle deployment standards when new networks come online. If the goal of a merger is continued sales growth, how can you ensure that your new technicians are fully trained in periods of explosive growth? Meet iSAM.


As a leader in test and verification equipment, EXFO is no stranger to designing simple GUIs and platforms that put time back into a technician's day. EXFO's iOLM interface revolutionized how OTDR traces are performed, and many competitors today offer link mapping integration. iSAM is another innovation for Ethernet Service Activation, and is available for multiple EXFO platforms.

Designed for end-to-end validation of layer-2/-3 and TCP layer-4 services, iSAM handles everything from GigE to 100 GigE in a simple 3-step process. That simplified process translates to a reduced test time of up to 10x, thus increasing the number of tests that can be done in a day's work. With service turn-ups and assurance testing that takes less time, service providers can take advantage of the greater revenues resulting from better service.

So don't forget, old singlemode fiber is out there. 100 GbE is going to find your macrobends and your high back reflectance that may not effect 10 Gig. Or are there issues with the networking equipment causing jitter? These problems are out there today to rob your network of valuable packets and performance. Find those hidden Broadbandits before they cause damage to your valuable services.


Wednesday, November 1, 2017

The #2 Pencil of Fiber Testing

Don't Take Fiber Launch Boxes For Granted

How often were we reminded to use only a #2 pencil when taking a standardized test? How ridiculous did it seem that instructors thought we would use anything but a #2 pencil? Not only would we bring our #2 pencils, but we would make sure we had at least one fully sharpened backup. Inevitably, the first circle would spell doom for a weak tip no matter how well you thought it was sharpened.

Many of us can still recite the litany of requirements for test taking. We've heard them so often, they're etched into our minds and our culture.



When I relate this to fiber testing, one question lingers in my mind. Where is our instructor to remind us the importance of fiber launch boxes? I am shocked by the stories I hear from the field where OTDR tests are performed with faulty or even without launch boxes. Two incidents I recently heard dealing with separate service providers encouraged me to write this blog.

The first situation caused quite a lot of havoc with a supplier who provided passive splitter cabinets for a large FTTP deployment. Tests were showing significant loss through splitter ports, but the results were inconsistent. Some ports tested fine while others were failing. Those results would not automatically cause you to question the launch cable you're testing with, but the end result proved that the launch cable used was faulty. Before the launch cable was called into question, additional replacement cabinets were shipped, many hours of resources utilized, and construction was delayed.

Another similar situation occurred with fiber access terminals on a FTTP project. Some hardened ports on the terminals were failing, but not every port or every terminal. It is reasonable to assume the product may be at fault due to the inconsistency of the tests. How could a launch cable be the issue when it is passing through the other ports? The connectors may still pass, but they may pass with higher insertion loss levels or back reflectance than they actually have. In this particular case, the launch cable used did not have the appropriate connector to mate with the hardened ports, therefore additional loss occurred due to air gaps.

These scenarios deal with inspecting and cleaning connectors as well as using the proper connections to ensure the best results. Let's take a look at the role of launch cables as well as highlight suppliers that make the extra effort to provide a superior launch box.

The launch cable (aka pulse suppressor) covers what is known as the dead zone of an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR). Due to the high power pulse coming from the OTDR, the initial pulse plus a few meters is the length of cable where events are not seen--hence the dead zone. Using a launch cable and a receive cable allows you to see the first and last connections of the fiber under test. The image below shows an OTDR trace with launch and receive cables attached.



How long does a launch cable need to be? That is determined by the maximum pulse width of the OTDR, and the cable should be longer than the pulse dead zone used for the tests. For instance, a 1 μs pulse is approximately 100 m long. Therefore selecting a 150 m - 300 m pulse suppressor box or launch test cable would be appropriate.

Several OTDR manufacturers claim to have pulsewidths today as small as 3 nanoseconds, which is great for added visibility in shorter access network links. First of all, buyer beware if you source an OTDR in search of the short pulsewidth. Tests have shown that several equipment manufacturers are closer to 5ns when the gear is on the lowest setting. Second, it becomes even more critical to use a long launch cable to ensure you can accurately test the leading connector in the short run.

Nothing more than a jumper in a rugged enclosure, fiber test cords are made by a multitude of suppliers with a wide array of optical fiber types inside. Simply saying you would like a "Singlemode launch cable with an SC-APC connector" does not mean that you'll get a G.652.D singlemode OS2 fiber in the box. The popular mini launch coils might feature a bend-insensitive G.657.A1 singlemode fiber, while your fiber under test is G.652.x.

The case of mixed singlemode types is very common, but it is important to be aware of the TIA-526-14B standard (IEC 61280-4-1). This standard dictates that if you cannot validate the fiber characteristics between the test cords and fiber under test are the same, you must do a bi-directional fiber test. Optical Loss Test Sets accomplish this task, but it is less common for OTDR testing.

In order to test to this standard properly with an OTDR, the test cords may not move. It requires 3 test cables: a launch fiber, loopback fiber and a receive fiber. Bi-directional tests average the absolute values in each direction over a single strand or fiber pair.  This approach simplifies the test because the OTDR operator stays at one end of the fiber under test, and only moves the OTDR from the launch cable to the receive fiber.

Based on these requirements, it is only logical to require a high quality test cord that is rugged and reliable. It's important to make sure the test cords are supplied with the highest quality factory polished and terminated connectors. Those connections will be used more than any jumper in the network, so let's make sure they have low insertion loss, return loss and are prepared for the abuse.

Over the years, Fiber Plus International became a name that our customers associated with high quality launch cables. Service providers offering the highest speed and bandwidth service recognized the consistently low reflectance and insertion loss values. Fiber Plus' Dead Zone Eliminators are available in traditional pelican cases as well as small launch coils. Fiber Plus also manufactures bare fiber adapters that make testing fiber reels and non-terminated fiber a snap.

Another supplier of distinction for test cords is Megladon. Their patented Hardened Lens Contact (HLC) process changes the physical properties of the glass at the connector endface. HLC creates a higher performance connector endface as well as a scratch resistant surface that significantly increases the number of insertions per connector. Every assembly that Megladon manufactures features the HLC technology, so you can insist on the highest quality jumpers and test cords.

No matter how durable the endface of your test cords and jumpers may be, you still need to inspect and clean them. Comstar Supply carries a wide array of hybrid and dry cleaning solutions to keep your test cables performing consistently and reliably.

So the next time you break out the OTDR or loss test set, don't forget you're #2 pencil! Make sure they are sharpened (clean), and make sure you have enough of them to complete your test without having to leave your desk.

Monday, October 2, 2017

What's New With ADSS?

While All Dielectric Self-Supporting (ADSS) Fiber Optic Cable saw a boon from 2008-2011, we still come across customers who may not be familiar with this type of cable. It became a hot product as an alternative to traditional lashed aerial cable in the telco market. Prior to that, it was primarily used by utilities in their own SCADA networks, but long-haul telco providers found value in the reduced make-ready that resulted by placing cable in the less congested secondary power space.

What brought ADSS back down to earth for telcos were a couple of factors: the cost of the cable and its availability. Nearly every ADSS cable has to be pre-engineered per National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) specifications, which created additional lead time and made it difficult for distributors to stock because there wasn't a single product available to fit all applications. Furthermore, the cost of the aramid (Kevlar) in the cable increases your material costs on the project, especially for longer span and higher fiber count applications. In addition to these factors, contractors needed to train and wear special protective equipment to access the power space for installations and maintenance.

I would like to make some additional clarifications on ADSS, since I have heard some confusion from customers on what the product actually is. As the name implies, "All Dielectric" means that there are no conductive elements in the cable. This is the key to placing within the power space, because the NESC requirements mandate you use a system that is non-conductive. Traditional self-supporting fiber optic or copper cables with a steel messenger or copper conductors do not qualify as all dielectric, so "Figure 8" cables and duct are out.

So how does the cable self-support without an integrated messenger? There are one of two ways:
Fiberglass Reinforced Polymer (FRP) strength members, or Aramid (Kevlar). FRPs are common with service drop or flat drop type cables with lower fiber counts. The Aramid designs are most typically used with long-haul routes, and they offer higher fiber counts. These designs allow for dead end and tangent attachments to be applied directly to the cable sheath. Traditional fiber optic cable designs do not allow for attachments directly to the jacket.

Especially for Aramid cable types, the dielectric materials must be designed to support the cable up to it's Maximum Rated Cable Load (MRCL) and Installation Tension. Fiber counts and cable diameter also factor into application criteria used to calculate a cable design. When you are looking for price and availability on aramid ADSS cable, be prepared to provide the key information required to produce a quote. That information includes:

  • Fiber Count and Type
  • Maximum Span Distance
  • Weather Loading (NESC Light, Medium, Heavy or other)
  • Line Voltage (kV) if transmission lines are used
  • Installation sag (1.5% typical)


There are still applications for ADSS in telecom networks today, and even more is still being deployed. For some routes, ADSS is your best option. There have been some new products to the market since the boon several years ago, and I would like to highlight those here.

Hubbell Power Systems launched their ADSS hardware line that includes traditional formed wire dead ends, but they also have a couple of products aimed at reducing material costs and installation time.

Hubbell's new ADSS suspension clamps only consist of 2 part numbers that cover spans up to 600 feet with cable diameters ranging from 0.394" to 0.787". Instead of managing multiple SKUs for a build with multiple fiber counts for backbone and laterals, you can count on 2 part numbers at the most for your tangents. This simple design allows for installation in just a few seconds, and it can be bolted or banded to the pole. If a loose tangent is required, you can even mount this clamp with a J-Hook.

The other innovative product that Hubbell launched was their ADSS Wedge Deadend. Installation takes seconds with no special tools required, and these deadends will support spans up to 325 feet. The flexible bail provides extra protection to the cable against Aeolian vibrations, which would require you to purchase additional vibration dampers if using traditional formed wire grips. These are also safe for installations up to 11kV.

In dealing with service cables we often get requests for flat drop cable with more than 12 fibers. The only options were to run multiple 12 count drops, or lash a traditional cable. With the arrival of PPC Broadband's Miniflex ADSS cable, we can offer a round cable with strength members to accomplish this task while still using J-Hook attachments. In a 7mm jacket, PPC can squeeze up to 48 fibers in a dry package that is easy to strip and access. This product enables operators greater flexibility in their access networks to deploy higher fiber counts without the need for surveys, planning and remedial civil works, thereby facilitating rapid and cost effective aerial network deployment. As FTTH and cellular backhaul/fronthaul projects continue to rise in the United States, this cable is worth a look! You can download the data sheet on PPC Miniflex here.

For further information on ADSS and these new products, please contact your Comstar Supply sales representative today.

Monday, August 21, 2017

Damage in the Name of Prevention

Examining the Costs of Fiber Tracing Material

by Matt Brice
This article originally appeared in the Summer 2017 issue of Damage Prevention Professional magazine. It is being reprinted here with permission. You can read the original printing in the digital issue of the magazine: https://view.joomag.com/damage-prevention-professional-2017-q3/0055544001498760415?short
 Selecting armored fiber optic cable for direct burial or a tracer wire element to install with your next underground build might allow you to “check the box” that your plant can be found. However, are you creating an effective system to do so for the life of the network? Today I ask network operators to reflect on how you specify and order materials based not just on capex, but some of the hidden operating costs with toning options on the market today.

I recently compiled one mile worth of connected cost data for the several types of toning options associated with fiber builds. These figures only include materials, and they do not include any labor estimates. We will look at the implications of using cable armor versus a tracer wire element. While this article applies to telecom networks, it does include valuable cost comparisons for locating products used for all utilities.

Friday, July 21, 2017

Overriding Issues with a Fiber Overbuild

What to Know: Fiber Overbuilds

As original fiber routes are now coming due on their life expectancy, we've found out a lot about how cables age in their environments. That discussion alone could fill multiple blogs and whitepapers. The improvements in optical fiber design are pushing back the cabled fiber retirement age past 40 years. But, what if you need to bite the bullet and overbuild an existing route to maintain your QoS?

The cost of new excavation or boring can be detrimental to your balance sheets, so what can you offer them? Cable jetting in an override application can be a feather in  your cap, but you should proceed carefully before going down this route. Here are some things to consider.

Duct Depending

A thorough inspection of the quality of the existing pathway should be conducted. If the duct integrity is good, and it can hold pressure, you should have good results. A good pressure test alone may not guarantee success, however.

Going the Distance




Don't count on the claims of your cable blowing equipment to get you there. Due to the additional air chamber in your Y-Block, there is more potential for air to leak out of even the best system. The parachute style carrier used for overrides isn't as effective at sealing the air in front of the cable, which will slow you down as well. Not to mention the added friction of the cable running against what's inside the duct, try not to be overzealous with distance claims.

If your runs are 1000 - 2000 feet, and you have good duct integrity, you should see success. The equipment manufacturers will still make no guarantee as every job is different.


How did the first cable go in?

If you know the existing cable was blown in originally over longer spans, you could be up for a significant override challenge. Since cable blowers push the cable through a pressurized duct, a cable may not lay flat inside the duct towards the end of the run. Picture a wet noodle with peaks and valleys. If a cable was pulled in, it should be laying flat. Ultimately you would want a cable to be laying flat at the bottom for you, but that doesn't always work out.


Microduct First

You can pressurize a microduct and send it through your existing pathway if the room allows for it. We have run simulations of this at our Collegeville facility for customers interested in trying this method. This will also insure that the cable could easily be reclaimed and the pathway re-used if necessary.

Go Smaller

New microduct cable technologies are pushing the envelope on how many optical fibers you can cram into a space. Do not expect this trend to change. The most recent development from AFL is their LM200-Series OSP Microcore cable that is the smallest thing yet to be Telcordia GR-20 compliant. That being said, it's not the product you'd want to lead with in a greenfield. But this is your answer if you originally wanted to go with a 432 fiber count, and you could only get 96 strand using traditional microduct cable. Fair warning: your splicers may throw objects at you for specifying 72f per tube cables.

Get a Guru

Comstar, as well as our suppliers, have experience assisting with overrides in the past. We all want your job to run smoothly, and we are glad when we can champion another success story. We would certainly like to offer our advice and expertise along the way.

The costs for override installations certainly justify themselves, but it may not work for every situation. If you've already done an override, we would love to hear about the pitfalls and successes of the project. If you're considering an override, please don't hesitate to contact us to see how we might be of service to you or your contractor.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Hunting Season Never Ends


Construction seasons may ebb and flow, but for operators the hunting season never ends. Networks are constantly in the cross-hairs of many natural enemies including lightning, high winds, floods, fires and earthquakes to name a few. While these natural incidents are difficult to predict, the results are immediate and conspicuous. One group of natural adversaries is much more subtle and random. Rodents and other animals may strike at any time, and their effects aren't always noticed immediately.

These animal strikes on power grids and telecom networks are gaining attention thanks to the website cybersquirrel1.com. While most of the documented cases on this site are on the power grid, we know network outages by squirrels are common and cumbersome.

There are multiple measures you can take to safeguard your network from compromises caused by animals, and many of these measures are product related. Obviously there are additional costs associated with these product remedies. If you follow the one percent doctrine, whereby "you must employ 100 percent of our resources to prevent something that has even a one percent chance of occurring," the economics are no longer justified. It would seem that a threat analysis of your network based on the proximity to various habitats would be a good place to start.

Just as a plumber doesn't show up to fix your leaky sink with just a wrench, network operators should place multiple tools in their toolbox to account for rodent infestations. Let's look at some of the products dedicated to minimizing the threat of squirrel and other animal infestations.



SquirrelGuard™ by Osmose: SquirrelGuard™ seems like a natural choice for this problem. These barriers are V-shaped, which helps act as a roof for your cables that will shield them from many different elements. They help avoid squirrel chews because they create a void between the top of the guard and the cable. Squirrels chew into various materials to grind down their teeth, not for food. So if a squirrel reaches a hollow point, they are further deterred from chewing.

Pedfloor™ by Polywater®: Cabinet and pedestal manufacturers have done their best to maintain a sealed exterior enclosure designed to withstand the elements. The bottom of these cabinets is up to you, but what is an effective way to seal around cables that you may also want to re-enter?

Pedfloor™ is a closed-cell foam product that creates an impermeable barrier that maintains its seal through the seasons. It prevents mice, rats snakes, insects and other animals from entering the pedestal or cabinet underground.

If ducts are not properly sealed, creatures could follow cables right up to the warm cabinet. Remember to seal with duct plugs and Pedfloor™ sealant.

Alternative Cable Jacket by Commscope: For fiber and coaxial cable, Commscope offers an Alternative Cable Jacket that combines years of study to design a jacket that is repulsive to many different rodents. The
jacket is a mixture of capsaicin and Bitrex® to produce a mixture that tastes 45 times hotter than Scotch bonnet peppers, one of the hottest peppers in the world. All that heat, and yet this jacket will deter the creatures without harm.

In this blog from Commscope, Doug Wells goes into further detail on how their cable can stem the tide of rodents attacking cables.

Sometimes it has more to do with knowing your enemy. Admittedly, often a terrible taste on the cable jacket is not enough to slow down a squirrel. They have a natural instinct to grind down their teeth, and studies have shown how similar cables were still compromised. Some cable designs are made with several layers of armor protection with their own studies to show how effective they are at thwarting creature attacks.

Nevertheless, it is worth careful consideration on how you plan to prevent and respond to such attacks. Your IT department hopefully already has a well developed and tested plan to defeat cyber security threats. How is your war on squirrels coming along?

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

The Need for Fiber Allocation


Major wireless carriers are prepping for 5G rollouts by forecasting network construction needs over the next 2-3 years. They are announcing partnerships with major manufactures and they have access to all of the materials for installation. If you think about this agreement from a glass production standpoint – domestic yearly production is 50 million FKM – and this deal alone takes up 20 million FKM for each of the next three years. The easy prediction is that carriers purchasing direct will get turned off, and the market is going to get significantly tighter as we move forward – not only from a production standpoint, but also in terms of price and availability.

Communication remains the key – not only internally between your sales, engineering and operations groups, but also with your major suppliers and distribution partners. All broadband providers must already be thinking about their fiber needs not only this year but next year, so that they can ensure their ability to serve customers.

domestic yearly production is 50 million FKM – and this deal alone takes up 20 million FKM
And 5G is only one market mover impacting the insatiable need for fiber optic cable. From fiber-to-the-home players, to the Internet of Things (IoT), municipal builds and traditional bandwidth projects, the telecommunications industry remains in a hyper-build phase. The key to combat any mitigating factors for carriers and contractors alike is to be planning for your fiber needs 12-18 months in advance. Allocating fiber with a well-positioned distributor should be your number one priority. This would eliminate price volatility, lead time fluctuations, and supplier uncertainty.

Comstar Supply is well positioned with fiber and all of the major product lines that accompany installation. It has created a customized solution that takes the guesswork out of your outside plant needs and allows for a smooth transition from planning to construction. We work with our customers to tailor a system that allows us to distribute fiber facilities monthly based on your needs, while allowing for additions or subtractions on your orders. This arrangement not only provides the security of having your most critical resource (fiber) but also allows flexibility regardless of market conditions.

Monday, April 17, 2017

Lime is the new Aqua. Welcome Multimode OM5!

Wavelength Division Multiplexing for the Enterprise

If you're not familiar with OM5 Multimode, now is the time to start paying attention.

Last year, Commscope introduced their LazrSPEED Wideband Multimode Fiber (WBMMF), and the ISO/IEC decided the nomenclature for WBMMF is OM5 in October 2016. Last month, the TIA started TIA-598-D-2 to determine lime as the jacket color for cabled WBMMF (TIA-492AAAE, OM5). Now that we have a name and a color, what is so great about this new fiber?

First let's take a look at how this technology has evolved. OM3 and OM4 Multimode was designed with laser optimization to allow greater bandwidth transmissions at a wavelength of 850nm using Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Lasers (VSCEL). VSCELs were an improvement over Light Emitting Diode (LED) transmitters used with OM1 and OM2 Multimode fiber. LED transmitters and legacy Multimode still have their applications based on the reduced cost of these systems compared to VSCELs, so we may never see its obsolescence.

VSCELs for the enterprise offered a low-cost, high-power solution compared to lasers used in telecom networks for singlemode fiber long-haul transmission. As bandwidth demands increased in data centers and enterprise markets, it was not economical to use singlemode optics due to the high cost per port.

The evidence abounds today of the proliferation of connected devices, and bandwidth demands are ever increasing. Estimates claim that there will be 30 billion connected devices next year. OM5 WBMMF allows for 4 times the bandwidth than legacy OM4. That means the same amount of bandwidth dedicated to 8 fibers on OM4 can now transmit on just 2 strands.

So the debate over 12 fiber and 24 fiber trunk cables has another challenger with OM5. But how does this new fiber achieve the higher bandwidths? The key to OM5 is that it is optimized to operate on 4 wavelengths. Utilizing Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM), you can transmit over 850nm, 880nm, 910nm and 940nm simultaneously.

So even if you only plan to use 850nm today, selecting OM5 WBMMF will give you the flexibility in the future to easily add bandwidth without adding more fiber. It is fully backwards compatible to OM3/4.

If you would like to learn more about Wideband Multimode Fiber, Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing and implementation, contact us today.


Wednesday, March 22, 2017

What's In Your Splice Trailer?

With the growth in fiber optic connectivity demand, coupled with the evolution of the job of the fiber splicer, having the right tools and equipment on a network construction site are a necessity.

No longer is it as simple as reusing a converted old motor home or ill-equipped trailer. Network installation professionals must have the necessary vehicle and equipment to complete jobs on-time and on-budget.

With Comstar Supply’s “What’s In Your Splice Trailer” online tool, the company offers a no-strings attached checklist and quoting tool. This easy step-by-step guide takes customers through picking out a trailer, a fusion splicer, accessories and must-have test equipment.

To ensure you are ready for your next network construction project, please visit https://www.comstarsupply.com/resources/fusion.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

Finding Help Is Easy at Comstar City

Comstar Supply has built numerous online resources for telecom and network construction professionals available from its website. From “Comstar City” to “What’s in Your Splice Trailer” to “Comstar’s Magic Mile”, the goal of these interactive tools is to provide users a checklist of products and equipment necessary to complete network infrastructure buildouts.

Focusing on Comstar City (www.comstarcity.com), this interactive online application features products from more than 40 manufacturers. It takes users through a virtual tour of a network that is wired top-to-bottom in fiber-optic cable. From a wireless DAS network to small cell, from aerial versus underground construction, as well as Fiber to the X, Enterprise, Distribution Hubs, and more – there are more than 23 network construction examples available to learn about.

Comstar City is beneficial in many ways, but we believe the top three include:

1. A Virtual Organization Tool


Sometimes all you need is a picture to remember what you’re forgetting — so Comstar City acts as a visual resource integrating nearly every level of telecommunications into a single interactive space.
http://comstarcity.com
Users can see everything they need to complete a build on-time, from safety equipment to splicing tools and the various applications of each.

2. A Continuing Education Class for Network Construction

One of the biggest challenges in the telecommunications industry is educating all levels, from carriers to contractors, on the latest technology and innovations in the industry. Comstar City is updated regularly to ensure that we’re always showcasing the latest products in outside plant materials.

Nearly every product shown in the app are available through Comstar Supply, but to cover all of our bases and give customers the most tailored solution for their projects, we display our competitor’s products too. It’s our way of maintaining transparency with our partners and potential customers.

3. Easy Ordering

Contractors, carriers, utilities companies, and transportation and government entities are using more fiber than ever before and investing heavily in infrastructure to support growing consumer demand. So, while users can make sure they have everything they need, they can also purchase from Comstar Supply fight from the tool.

These online resources from Comstar make it easy for customers to purchase and educate themselves on network construction applications. Please visit Comstar City at www.comstarcity.com for more information.

Tuesday, March 7, 2017

Comstar Supply Announces Appointment of Ross Smith to Sales Team



For more information, contact:
Dan Clifton, [email protected]
(610) 831-5020


COLLEGEVILLE, PA – March 7, 2017Comstar Supply, Inc., a national distributor of telecommunications network products and services, today announced Ross Smith has joined the company as National Account Manager. In this position, Smith will deliver on his proven sales success and ability to drive revenue by leading the company’s large and strategic account outreach.
“Adding Ross’ proven leadership and enviable sales track record to the Comstar Supply family means we are ideally positioned to grow our business and meet the demands of our customers,” said Chad Punchard, President and CEO of Comstar Supply. “His first-hand dealings with the largest accounts in our industry, and deep knowledge of fiber and network construction, make this a home run for us and will propel us to new heights in 2017 and beyond.”
Prior to joining Comstar Supply, Smith served more than nine years as the Eastern Region Manager for Sumitomo. There he had sales responsibility for Sumitomo’s Carrier Network Group for 26 states. Subsequently, he spent nearly 17 years in similar positions with NEPTCO Incorporated, where he earned numerous sales honors and industry accreditations.
Smith served five years United States Air Force, and attended both Fitchburg State College and the Community College of the Air Force.

About Comstar Supply
Comstar Supply, Inc., was founded in 1994 with the goal of providing the communications industry with the necessary materials and tools to successfully complete projects in a timely and cost-effective manner. Through its Collegeville, PA, and Raleigh, NC, facilities, the company serves a diverse customer base that includes telephone and electric utilities, CATV companies, CLEC local/long haul fiber-optic companies providing combined internet, telephone, and CATV services. Further information about the company can be found at www.comstarsupply.com.

Monday, February 20, 2017

Handhole Frequently Asked Questions


As with most products in the telecom industry, product designs evolve at a rapid pace. Often times specifications are written based on outdated information. Old specifications make sourcing material difficult, especially when updated products meet or exceed the written spec.

In the case of handholes, the sales team at Comstar Supply faces an added level of difficulty. In addition to potentially outdated specifications, there are often assumptions made to the product's capability. Our sales team is trained to help you understand the applications for handholes and their ratings. On several occasions, we refused to provide a quote based on the unrealistic expectations for the design of the product. Ultimately those projects went back to the drawing board for an alternative solution.

Here are a few of the frequently asked questions and requests we receive for handhole opportunities.

Can I order a handhole with an AASHTO H-20 load rating?

No. The AASHTO "H" standards govern materials designed for "deliberate" traffic, such that would be used in the middle of a bridge. Those recognized materials are precast concrete and cast iron, among others. Precast concrete and cast iron are used for manholes, but handholes are composites.

Typically made of a polymer concrete composite, handholes fall outside the framework of AASHTO. Handholes are designed for "non-deliberate" traffic, and they fall under ANSI/SCTE 77 for performance standards.

Why are handholes often confused for AASHTO H-20?

The published test loads of composite handholes may exceed test loads of H-20 materials. Remember that handholes are made of composite material, not precast concrete. Some manufacturer's may claim that their product exceeds H-20, but they will be quick to tell you that the materials are not AASHTO recognized. As Hubbell Power Systems states, "A tremendous misunderstanding has been that if a product tested in excess of the design load, it was thought to be an acceptable product for the intended application. This is a gross oversight. There could be very minimal safety factors, and what does a 1, 10, or 1000 cycle test indicate? A false sense of security could lead to personal injury and/or equipment damage." In other words, buyer beware!

Can I put a steel or cast iron lid on a handhole in order to meet H-20?

We are aware of end users specifying handholes this way. Yes, you can install a steel lid, but it still will not be H-20. Handholes are designed and tested as a complete system under ANSI including the lid and base. So even if you put a steel lid onto a composite box, it is still a system including a composite box that is not governed under AASHTO. The inherent flexibility of steel as a lid may allow for additional cycles (i.e. more vehicular traffic) to the lid itself. However, either the added weight of the lid, or the lateral forces on the handhole in deliberate traffic, may cause it to fail.

What is the difference between design load and test load of a handhole?

The ANSI application tier number relates to a nominal design load multiplied by 1,000 pounds. For example, Tier 8 is 8 x 1000 pounds, or 8000 lbs. All ANSI tier loadings have a corresponding test load, which is 50% greater than the design load. The maximum deflection at the indicated design load shall be one half-inch for vertical tests, and a quarter-inch per foot of length for lateral tests.


Can I order locking lids or hardware for handholes?

Yes. We can offer "tamper-resistant" penta head bolts, anti-vibration systems and keyed locking mechanisms. The most popular locking mechanism on the market today is the Lockout Device.

Can I order a gasket and a closed bottom for my handhole?

Yes, but you would be better off with an above ground pedestal if you want the contents of your handhole to stay dry. Think about how many homeowners struggle with wet basements. Water will find a way.

Gaskets are only effective if they provide a positive seal around the entire inside of the ring. As soon as dirt and rocks compress the gasket, you will have water ingress. Odds are your handhole will encounter a lot of rocks and dirt during installation. If your handhole also has a closed bottom, this will significantly slow the draining process if water does get in. That's a double-whammy.

I hope this helps you to further understand handholes, but please call us if you have any further questions. Handholes are becoming more sought after for their reduced weight and cost for buried enclosures. As manufacturers try to drive value, handholes are becoming lighter and easier to use at the same test ratings. If you set your specifications to the ANSI Tier ratings, you should never worry about outdated handhole spec.

Monday, February 6, 2017

Top 5 Forgotten Items In Network Builds

A Brice Box Blog


How often do you travel and feel like you left your toothbrush, socks, or some other necessity at home? My wife bought me a checklist to use when I pack so I won't omit an essential item from my luggage. Of course I use those items every day, but without that checklist, the odds are high that I'll forget something.

Similarly, if you don't specify fiber splice sleeves on the bill of material, there is a good chance you or your contractor will not order sleeves for that job. Fortunately, Comstar Supply stocks plenty of splice sleeves. Unfortunately, we're not in every major town like a Home Depot.

I polled our inside sales staff on the items they are normally asked to ship out next day air to help complete projects on time. Here are the results:

1. Duct Couplers. When pulling out a 6000 foot reel of 1-1/4" HDPE innerduct, you might not expect to use many couplers on the job. In reality the lengths of bore are much shorter, going for 1000' typically at a time. Accounting for "as-builts" can be one of the more challenging aspects of outside plant construction, and ordering 10-20% more couplers is usually less expensive than having a few shipped next-day air delivery. Not to mention, ordering couplers in advance will save valuable downtime on the job.

If you're not sure what type of couplers you should use for your application, check out our video series comparing the different types of couplers for HDPE.



2. Duct Pulling Eyes. I once joked with a co-worker about how some suppliers like to tout "custom engineered products." In reality, that custom engineering often results in an additional part in the box to suit the needs of the build, much like adding lettuce and tomato to your burger. That's not engineering; that's just customer service! Based on this marketing "genius," we proposed offering a duct reel with a pulling eye already installed in the end.

To this day we laugh about our "engineered solution" for what we call "Finnerduct." Maybe there is a need after all for this solution based on the amount of pulling eyes we ship out last minute. Compare that to custom fiber assemblies sold over 50 feet that come equipped with a pulling eye for convenience. Why not have the same feature for duct?

3. Duct Plugs. I'm starting to see a theme here. Whether you need to plug an unoccupied conduit after it's installed, or seal the voids around cables, we see a lot of last minute plug orders. We stock a wide array of blank plugs, as well as simplex and innerduct organizer plugs. Often times the job isn't complete until plugs are installed, but we rarely see them specified on the original bill of materials.

4. Fiber Optic Cleaning Supplies. As awareness grows for proper fiber optic hygiene, I would say the tides are turning for this product group. Many customers are incorporating fiber cleaning into their operating procedures and ordering plans. Whether you need supplies for splice preparation or connector inspection cleaning, Comstar offers a full line of wet and dry fiber cleaning products.

Deltec™ System
5. Tie Wraps. In our industry, cable management is paramount. Often the technical requirements for tie wraps exceed what you find on store shelves. Comstar Supply supports a full line of industrial-grade, UV, delrin strapping systems for aerial construction, commonly known as the Deltec™ system. We also carry color-coded tie wraps to help maintain TIA-598 fiber color identification for expressed buffer tubes in splice closures and termination panels. In addition to cable tie wraps, we offer a wealth of fiber-specific cable clips to assist with mounting drop cables to structures.

Inevitably, we all overlook the items we need everyday. I hope this blog brings new light to writing your next bill of material. Can you think of anything we forgot to add to this list that might round out a top ten?

Deltec is a trademark of Thomas & Betts Corporation.