FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free Web Conference Examines Fiber Vs. Copper Cost Model

Sponsored by the TIA Fiber Optics LAN Section

 
Arlington, Va., November 10, 2003: All-fiber LANs are now cost effective to deploy in many customer-owned networks. You can learn where fiber is the lowest cost solution at a free Web conference sponsored by the TIA's Fiber Optics LAN Section (www.fols.org). The conference will focus on the recently released cost model developed by the FOLS and Pearson Technologies that explores the relative installed first cost of all-fiber and vertical fiber/horizontal UTP networks.  
 
The Web conference will be held on Thursday, November 20, from 2:00-3:30 p.m. EST.  
 
The interactive cost model is posted on the FOLS Web site at http://www.fols.org/resources/costmodel_reg.cfm as a Microsoft� Excel spreadsheet. A comprehensive supporting document explaining the various scenarios and providing detailed instructions for use of the model is also available on the site. Both documents can be easily downloaded. We encourage you to review the model and the instruction document prior to the Web Conference.  
 
The results of the cost model debunk the prevailing myth that unshielded twisted pair (UTP) copper is a less expensive medium to install than fiber when evaluating installed first costs - in all 12 of the scenarios featured, all-fiber networks offer the lowest cost solution when compared to vertical fiber/UTP horizontal networks.  
 
The interactive cost model was developed as a tool to help users compare the installed first costs of all-fiber networks to those of vertical fiber/UTP horizontal networks. The model uses TIA and ISO standards-compliant centralized fiber cabling (also called collapsed backbone) and fiber-to-the-zone architectures for the all-fiber scenarios. In addition, since the education market has widely embraced the use of fiber, a new K-12 scenario is included. The cost model can be fully customized to reflect each user's installation.  
 
The Fiber Optics LAN Section of the TIA is a consortium of leading fiber optic cable, component and electronics manufacturers. The FOLS focuses on educating end users and influencers about the technical advantages and affordability that optical transmission brings to local area networks and fiber-to-the-desk applications. Member companies of the FOLS include 3M/Volition, ADC, Berk-Tek, CommScope, Corning, Corning Cable Systems, Fluke Networks, Leviton Voice & Data, OFS, Optek Technology, Ortronics, Pearson Technologies, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave and Tyco Electronics. Visit us at www.fols.org.  
 
The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) is the leading trade organization serving the communications and IT industry, with proven strengths in standards development, domestic and international public policy, and trade shows. Through its worldwide activities, TIA facilitates business development opportunities and a competitive market environment. The association provides a forum for its member companies, the manufacturers and suppliers of products and services used in global communications. TIA represents the communications sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA). Visit us at http://www.tiaonline.org.