A complete guide on Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)

Fiber optic cables have been the focal point of many data networks and large corporations for data transmission. The applications of this type of cable have increased since the dawn of technology. The advantages of fiber optics are many, and businesses are opting to get most of it. A fiber optic transmits the signals based on some standards and characteristics. It is necessary to know how these standards work. This article will elaborate on a standard called FDDI. Keep reading to learn more about this term.

What is Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)?

Fiber optic needs to work on specific standards for proper functioning and data transmission. One of these standards is FDDI. Fiber distributed data interface is a set of standards (ANSI & ISO) to transmit data in Local Area Networks (LAN). The medium of transmission used in FDDI is fiber optic. An FDDI network is mainly used in large LANs that can be extended up to 200 kilometers in diameter. The average data transmission speed in FDDI is 100 MBPS.

Defining Features:

FDDI is widely used in LANs and sometimes in WANs as a backbone cable. It supports thousands of users, maintains the same speed and efficiency. An FDDI network has some defining features which make it easy to understand. Some of these features are discussed in the coming lines.

• The underlying physical medium for data transmission is fiber optic.
• It offers a transmission speed of 100 MBPS.
• A large of users can use this technology at the same time (In thousands).
• It is used in long-distance multimedia and communication systems.
• Local Area Networks (LANs) stretching up to 200 Kilometers uses FDDI.
• Wide Area Networks (WANs) uses FDDI as a backbone cable.
• It works on a ring-based token-passing mechanism.
• The mechanism used in FDDI is derived from IEEE 802.4 token bus standard.
• The primary ring is used for data transmission.
• The secondary ring is used as a backup in case the primary ring fails.

A business or household must know these factors before installing the FDDI network. For an efficient network, the installation process must be left to fiber optic cable Dubai companies. They ensure every step of the installation is done with great care.

Network Architecture:

Fiber distributed data interface consists of dua ring architecture. There are two rings inside an FDDI network, primary ring and secondary ring. Each of the cables transmits data in the opposite direction; hence the mechanism is called counter-rotating. Most of the time, the primary cable transmits the data while the secondary cable is used in redundancy times. In case of failure of the primary cable, the secondary will transmit the data. However, if there is no need for any backup, the secondary cable will transmit data too. The sole function of this dual-ring architecture is to provide reliability and robustness to the network.

Characteristics:

FDDI network carries some unique characteristics which make it stand out from the rest of the networks. One of these characteristics is that it connects different devices in multiple ways. To cut it short, the network defines three types of devices. These are:

• Single Attachment Stations (SAS)
• Dual Attachment Stations (DAS)
• Concentrator

Different devices fall under these three main device hubs. The single attachment station devices are personal computers (PCs). Dual Attachment Stations (DAS) contains devices like routers and servers.

FDDI Concentrator:

FDDI concentrator is a kind of device which is defined by the network. The concentrator is also called the Dual-attached concentrator (DAC). The role of an FDDI concentrator is crucial in keeping the network up and running. SAS failures or power down often bring down the ring, interrupting the smooth running of the network. An FDDI concentrator stops that interruption from happening; hence called the backbone of the network.

Applications of FDDI Network:

It was mentioned that fiber optic cables are used widely in large data centers and corporations. With that being the underlying physical medium, the uses of the FDDI network are also diverse. Some of the top applications of FDDI are discussed in the coming lines.

1. Large networks:

FDDI is used in large data networks where a high speed for data transmission is required. Since the network’s dual-ring architecture enables it to carry 100 MBPS data, it is highly efficient for large data centers and networks.

2. Local Area Networks:

Fiber optic cable Dubai companies use FDDI in LANs since they work effectively in long-distance connections. An FDDI works in a LAN, which can extend up to 200 Kilometers.

3. Wide Area Networks:

FDDI is also used in wide area networks as a backbone cable. The dual-ring architecture of the network ensures a robust and reliable network for data transmission.

Why hire professional companies for network installation?

Network installation, especially fiber optic installation, has always been a complex process. Due to several complicated steps and standards, the process is impossible without expert installation companies’ assistance. To ensure the smooth running of a newly established network, companies must take experts on board.