What is a common cause of higher losses in RFoG and PON FTTx systems?

Higher losses in RFoG (Radio Frequency over Glass) and PON (Passive Optical Network) FTTx (Fiber to the x) systems are commonly caused by macrobends and microbends in the optical cables. When these bends occur, they disrupt the optimal transmission of light through the fiber, leading to increased attenuation.

Macrobends are larger curves or bends in the fiber that often happen when cables are installed too tightly around corners or obstacles. Microbends, on the other hand, are small, localized bends that can result from pressure on the fiber, often due to the installation process or environmental factors. Both types of bends can cause significant signal loss, which is critical in RFoG and PON systems that rely on efficient signal transmission for proper performance.

Addressing bending issues during installation and ensuring that cables are routed appropriately can greatly reduce losses in these systems, thus ensuring better network performance and reliability. This understanding is crucial for anyone working with fiber optic installations.