Fiber to the Desktop Deployment

Introduction

A Federal Government agency sought to modernize its communications infrastructure by extending high-speed fiber connectivity to individual workstations across multiple secure office buildings. The objective was to deliver fiber-to-the-desktop (FTTD) to support Gigabit data connections for desktop PCs, VoIP phones, and other Ethernet devices. As part of this initiative, PoE was required in select locations to power VoIP phones and minimize cabling clutter and electrical outlets.

The Challenge

The agency faced several key deployment challenges:

1. Fiber Extension: The need to convert fiber to copper Ethernet at each desktop, maintaining secure and high-speed connectivity.
2. Compact Size: Constrained space at the desktop and under-desk cable trays required extremely small and discreet hardware.
3. Ease of Installation: The solution had to be plug-and-play with minimal IT overhead during deployment and future maintenance.
4. Power-over-Ethernet (PoE): In areas with multiple VoIP phones, there was a need to power devices via Ethernet without additional AC power supplies.

Omnitron Solution

To meet these requirements, the agency deployed a combination of Omnitron’s miConverter™ S Series Gigabit Media Converters and OmniConverter® GPoE+/Sx Unmanaged PoE/PoE+ Gigabit Ethernet Switches:

1. miConverter S Media Converters provided compact fiber-to-copper Gigabit conversion at each desktop. These miniature converters were ideal for tight spaces, offered plug-and-play simplicity, and delivered reliable performance with low power consumption.
2. In high-density VoIP environments, the OmniConverter GPoE+/Sx PoE Switches were installed. These unmanaged 4 and 8-port switches delivered up to 25W of PoE power per port, sufficient for powering IEEE 802.3af/at compliant VoIP phones, reducing the need for wall adapters and electrical outlets.

Why They Chose Omnitron

The Federal agency selected Omnitron’s solutions for several key reasons:

• Proven Reliability: Omnitron products are known for their high reliability in mission-critical environments.
• Technical Support: Responsive pre- and post-sales support helped the agency plan and deploy with confidence.
• Compact Footprint: The miConverter’s ultra-small form factor made it an ideal choice for space-constrained desktop deployments.
• Configurable PoE Power Reset: Unique to Omnitron’s PoE switches, this feature allowed the agency to remotely reset individual PoE ports without power cycling the entire switch.
• Standards Compliance: Full IEEE 802.3 and PoE standards compliance ensured broad interoperability with existing and future equipment.
• Made in USA: Omnitron’s domestic manufacturing and quality assurance aligned with the agency’s sourcing and security policies.

Results

The installation was completed with minimal disruption. The agency now benefits from:

• Seamless Fiber-to-the-Desktop Connectivity: Secure and high-speed desktop connectivity over fiber, enhancing data security and bandwidth.
• Simplified VoIP Integration: Reliable PoE delivery to VoIP phones without extra wiring or AC adapters.
• Space Optimization: Clean and organized under-desk environments thanks to compact media converters and centralized PoE delivery.
• Operational Efficiency: Reduced IT workload due to the plug-and-play nature of the solution and the configurable PoE reset capability.

Conclusion

Omnitron’s miConverter and OmniConverter product lines enabled the Federal Government agency to successfully implement a fiber-to-the-desktop infrastructure that is secure, reliable, and easy to manage. By combining high-performance media conversion with compact design and intelligent PoE switching, Omnitron delivered a future-proof solution that met both the technical and operational demands of the agency.

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