Communication via industrial fiber optics

B.E.S.D. supplies embedded computer boards and systems and data communication products for industrial automation. One of the pillars in the extensive portfolio is fiber optic data communication technology. A fast-growing technology whose advantages are becoming known to more and more companies. Owner Kristof Stas explains what these advantages are and how B.E.S.D. can support them. This is not only with the delivery of both passive and active products, but also with advice, explanation and partnership in the broadest sense of the word.

Data communication is becoming increasingly important in an era of Smart Industry, electrification and autonomy. Data in the context of control and safety, but also monitoring and maintenance must be sent and received quickly but above all reliably. More and more companies are using fiber optics for this purpose.

Fiber optics: why?

A key advantage of fiber optics for data communications within industry is its high reliability. For example, fiberglass is insensitive to external factors such as extremely high or low temperatures and moisture, which in other solutions could lead to corrosion or some other form of degradation. Because transmitting information via fiber is done with light signals, there is also no chance of interference from electric or magnetic fields (interference). 

A second advantage is the fact that with fiber optics large distances - up to several kilometers without amplification - can be bridged. Moreover, because fiber has a higher bandwidth and relatively low losses, large amounts of data can be transported simultaneously at high speed over these distances. Finally, it is possible to send different "languages" (protocols) over the same fiber-optic cable, making connection to equipment from different suppliers no problem. Because of these specific advantages, fiber optics is being used more and more widely. Think of solar park projects, wind turbines, public energy distribution points but of course also the manufacturing industry, process industry and in fact everywhere where reliable data communication is important.

From zero to pro

A fiber optic network consists of a variety of components available in different designs. For the beginner, it is therefore not a simple matter to make the right choices. This is why B.E.S.D. has set up a special department where all the knowledge and experience is available to help customers get started. Stas: "This allows us to serve customers who are completely at the beginning to customers who are already using larger or more complex networks and want to expand or adapt them. For beginners, we are happy to explain the complete basics so that the company in question can decide for itself whether it wants to switch to fiber and where to deploy it initially."

In addition, B.E.S.D. regularly gives advice to customers regarding the right components. Sometimes also unsolicited. Stas: "We often check our customers' orders and contact them if we suspect they could have made a better or sometimes cheaper choice. Technology moves very quickly in this respect, so new solutions or products are not always immediately known to everyone. And precisely because there is so much choice, we make each product individually to customer specifications. Thanks to efficient logistics, we can still deliver them quickly."

Active and passive

The product portfolio consists of active and passive components. A passive component, for example, is the splitter box of which B.E.S.D. has many different versions in stock. Consider ATEX variants for use in hazardous areas, as well as a hybrid variant that integrates copper RJ45 and fiber optic connectors in a single device. Furthermore, the program includes Ethernet switches, PEL modules for Smart Cities, products for serial data communication, media converters, optical bypasses and converters for both analog and digital signals. The compatible media converters integrate seamlessly with all fiber types, including multimode and single-mode. Furthermore, these components can be looped as desired, further increasing network reliability. Stas: "Please feel free to contact us for a no-obligation consultation on data communication via fiber in your company. We are for it."