BS EN 62099:2001

What is BS EN 62099 — Fibre optic wavelength switches about? 

BS EN 62099 is an international standard that discusses the generic specification of fibre optic wavelength switches. 

BS EN 62099 applies to fibre optic wavelength switches. The term "fibre optic wavelength switch" is used to describe a wide range of devices, assemblies, and systems both active and passive. Therefore, it is necessary to elaborate on the scope of BS EN 62099.  

BS EN 62099 deals with switches that incorporate passive optical paths, and, therefore, it is assumed that the signal performance, other than through attenuation, is independent of the signal formats. However, particularly in the case of wavelength switching, some technologies for switching and for wavelength discrimination have an influence on the signals being carried on the channels.  

BS EN 62099 establishes uniform requirements for the following points: 

• Fibre optic wavelength switch requirements 
• Quality assessment procedures 

Note: System control and monitoring with their related electronics and software are not covered by BS EN 62099. 

Who is BS EN 62099- Fibre optic wavelength switches for?  

BS EN 62099 on fibre optic wavelength switches is relevant to: 

• Manufacturers and designers of fibre optic wavelength switches 
• Electrical engineers 
• Fibre optic technicians 
• Fibre optic installers 
• Testing authorities  
• Regulatory entities 
• Optical communications entities 

Why should you use BS EN 62099- Fibre optic wavelength switches? 

A wavelength switch is a switch that is designed to operate in two or more defined wavelength bands of operation, and which can selectively route or block light in one or more of the bands of operation as a function of the wavelength band.  

Wavelength switching normally involves the separation of the individual wavelength streams of light which are re-routed and then recombined. Thus, wavelength switches involve multiple optical junctions and multiple stage switching layouts interior to the switch. However, the specifications relate to the optical performance from port to port of the overall assembly. 

BS EN 62099 gives you a generic specification for fibre optic wavelength switches, that covers devices and assemblies, which consists of attributes as: 

• While the switch actuation means is by necessity active, the optical paths through the switches are passive. Thus, neither optical amplification nor optoelectronic conversion is encompassed 
• The switch function is restricted to the routing of light rather than intentional power division plus routing. Thus, signal broadcast functions are not encompassed 
• They have two or more ports for the transmission of optical power and have two or more states in which power is routed or blocked between these ports 
• The ports are optical fibres or optical fibre connectors 

BS EN 62099 gives you a generic specification for fibre optic wavelength switches and covers all the requirements to be met by switches covered in here. This helps the users to check out the description for classification, the IEC specification system, documentation, materials, workmanship, quality, performance, identification, and packaging. 

BS EN 62099 sets out the framework for quality assessment procedures, which contains all the procedures to be followed for proper quality assessment of products so that the fibre optic wavelength switches succeed in qualification and approval in the performance according to the global standards.  

Overall, BS EN 62099 is useful as it provides guidance on the generic specification of fibre optic wavelength switches which can be beneficial for your business.