Fiber trace (scheme)

 

Introductory note:

Finding path (fiber trace) can be done in three different places:

(* In case of work with the "Fiber Trace” tool on "TCG Map-Optics (GIS Database)," these two approaches can complement each other.)

The "Fiber Trace" tag itself slightly varies in these three cases.
All three variants of the tag, as well as the additional commands of "Fiber Trace" tool are described in parallel on this page. So, first read this page.

In addition, the method of "Fiber Trace" tool’s work, when used within the TCG Map-Optics (GIS database) tool, is described on Fiber Trace (map) page. To avoid repetition, on that page we only highlighted the differences and gave additional explanations of "Fiber Trace" tool when used on the map.


Fiber trace tool enables finding the optimal path between two or more nodal elements of FO network. The path is found at the level of the fiber.
We say that the path is optimal because the program searches for the shortest path respecting the criteria assigned by the user.

Tools used for finding the optimal path are in the Fiber Trace tag. In order to reach the Fiber Tracetag, we have to open the fiber scheme and move to “Fibers” mode. Fiber Trace tag is located in the Legend, which, if not open, we open with Legend (gisopt30.png) command located on the main menu of the fiber scheme.


Tag: Fiber Trace

optlegenda13.png

Figure 1

Fiber Trace tag has:

  • main menu (with four commands in the scheme, or a single command on the map)

and is further divided into three more tags (set aside):

  • Route
  • Avoid
  • Trace Options (criteria of path searching)


Main menu

Main menu contains the following items:

  • Start trace
    Finds the path along the fiber, based on the defined criteria.
  • Filter
    Separates the fibers (obtained as search result) in the scheme .
    Tip: After the first click, a group of fibers will often be separated so you need to click once more to get to the individual fiber.
    Note: Doesn't exist in Fiber Trace (map) tag.)
  • OTDR
    Opens OTDR Trace tool, primarily in order to overview the Optical Power Budget for the proposed path’s fiber.
    (More on attenuation calculation and Optical Power Budget can be seen on their respective pages.)
    (Note: Doesn't exist in Fiber Trace (map) tag.)
  • Delete
    Deletes the search settings as well as the auxiliary graphic elements generated on that occasion
    (Note: Doesn't exist in Fiber Trace tag (map).)


Side tags:


Route

Side tag „Route” enables:

  • trace_add.png - Adding nodal elements between which we’re searching for the path
    (two or more nodal elements can be added to the list).
  • trace_remove.png - Removes selected elements from the list
    (you can select multiple list items at once using the SHIFT or CTRL key, in the standard Windows way).
  • trace_move.png trace_move2.png - Change the order of nodal elements in the list
    (this has a direct impact on the final path search result.)
  • Show (right click on a list item) - Locating elements in the scheme/map
    (depending on whether the command was run from Fiber Trace tag in the scheme or on the map).

Note:
Nodal element can also be added to this list by right-clicking on it and running command from the context menu: Route Trace > Add to Route. In this way, elements are added one by one, but not multiple elements at once.
Removal from the list is done using Route Trace > Remove node command, in „Route” or „Avoid” list.
All elements can be removed at once using Clear all command (trace_clear.png).

trace1.png

Figure 2 (scheme)

trace_mapa1.png

Figure 2a (map)


Avoid

Side tag „Avoid” enables:

  • trace_add.png - Adding elements to the list which you wish to avoid when searching for the path (when working with the scheme, you can add only nodal elements to the list, not the cables, but there is another way to exclude the cables from the search*)
  • trace_remove.png - Remove selected elements from the list
    (you can select multiple list items at once using the SHIFT or CTRL key, in the standard Windows way).
  • Show (right click on a list item) - Locating elements in the scheme/map
    (depending on whether the command was run from Fiber Trace tag in the scheme or on the map).


Note:
Nodal element can also be added to this list or avoided by right-clicking on it and running command from the context menu:Route Trace > Add to Route. In this way, elements are added one by one, but not multiple elements at once.
Removal from the list is done using Route Trace > Remove node command, in „Route” or „Avoid” list.
All elements can be removed at once using Clear all command (trace_clear.png).

Tip:
Avoid tag can be used to e.g. simulate the break point.
You can also use it to avoid the path that the program offers, for any reason.

*Clarification:
Any element, including cables, can be removed from the scheme. Given that search for optimal path is done only through the objects in the scheme, we can achieve the same goal as when adding cable to Avoid list.
(To remove the cable from the scheme, highlight it, then right click on it to open the context menu from which you then run Remove selected cables from the block scheme.)

trace2.png

Figure 3 (scheme)

trace_mapa2.png

Figure 3a (map)


Trace Options

Side tag Trace Options enables you to define criteria for the search. The criteria vary depending on the user needs i.e. reasons for seeking the path between the nodal elements (ultimate goal of the user).

The options are:

  • All/Free
    The program will include all fibers or only free fibers in the search.
    Free fibers are those that have no defined circuit name or in the “Circuit Name" field have displayed: “Splice point".
  • Trace in Viewport
    Limits the search to the elements currently visible in the map window i.e. doesn’t search the whole GIS database.
    (Note: This option is only available in Fiber Trace (map).)
  • Fiber selection field
    In this field, the user defines how many fibers (along the same path) should be found.
  • Minimal Actions/Minimal Attenuation
    The user determines whether the offered fiber (i.e. search result) will need as few as possible interventions (connection, crossing etc.) to be accomplished or the attenuation along it will be reduced to minimum.
  • Checkboxes:
    • Add Patch
      “Adds” patch cable to the distribution frame to enable the connection between the assigned nodal elements. Practically, a new fiber is proposed, created as a result of connecting the existing ones. Also, a cable will be "added” between the two distribution frames if they are at the same point or in the same TCG building.
    • Add Splice
      “Splices” the fibers in the splice point to enable the connection between the assigned nodal elements. Practically, a new fiber is proposed, created as a result of connecting the existing ones. Also, fibers will be “spliced" even if they are terminated in two different splice points, provided that both are located at the same point.
    • Cut Patch
      Breaks the existing fibers in the points where they are connected by patch cables, in order to use some newly-created fibers for the connection between the assigned nodal elements. It is assumed that the newly-created fiber will be subsequently connected with a fiber terminating in the DF, whether terminating at connectors or splice boxes.
    • Cut Splice
      Breaks the existing fibers spliced in the splice points, in order to use some newly-created fibers for the connection between the assigned nodal elements. It is assumed that some of the newly-created fibers will be subsequently connected with a fiber terminating in the splice point.
    Note:
    If none of the options is selected, the program will try to find only those paths which provide direct connection between the nodal elements (i.e. the existing fiber that connects them).
  • The importance of fiber occupation
    This is where the user defines how important is it for the search result not to occupy the “Last free fibers” along the proposed path.

 

"The importance of fiber occupation" option will be explained in more detail.

In finding the path (fiber/ fibers) between two or more nodal elements of the network, the program will strive to provide the most optimal solution in accordance with the set criteria.

This can be a path achieved with minimum intervention or the path which is the shortest and thus has minimal attenuation. This solution leads to the path that can close some corridors by using the last available fibers at certain network segments (corridors).

Another approach would be that the proposed path tends to use "more passable corridors" (those with more available fibers), still seeking the optimal path.

"The importance of fiber occupation" option is literally a balance of the scale that decides whether the proposed solution will incline towards one or the other approach, the options being:

  • Irrelevant (slider on the left)
    The program searches for the optimum path with no regard to how the proposed path will affect the passability of existing corridors
  • Medium relevance and Highly relevant (slider in the middle or to the right)
    The program searches for the optimum path with no regard to how the proposed path will affect the passability of existing corridors. Selecting the levels of importance, the user gets different solutions and chooses one of them.

Note:
The mechanism based on which the program evaluates and compares the possible solutions is too complex to explain here. The user should experiment on his/her own in order to gain insight into possible solutions.

Figure 4 (scheme)

trace_mapa3.png

Figure 4a (map)

After assigning the criteria (or accepting the default ones), the user can start searching for an optimal path between the nodal elements of FO network.


Procedure

The procedure begins by assigning search criteria in Fiber Trace > Trace Options tag (depending on the desired objective).
(You can also be satisfied with the default criteria. In this case, this step is unnecessary.)

Then, determine the nodal elements between which you seek path through the fibers.
Do this by selecting the nodal elements in the scheme and then adding them to “Route” list, whether using icon (trace_add.png) in Fiber Trace > Route tag or right-clicking on the nodal element and running Route Trace > Add to Route command from the context menu.

In addition, you can order the program to avoid certain elements when seeking paths.
Do this by selecting the nodal elements in the scheme and then adding them to “Avoid” list, whether using icon (trace_add.png) in Fiber Trace > Avoid tag or right-clicking on the nodal element and running Route Trace > Avoid node command from the context menu.

krug_izbor_mapa.png

Nodal elements between which we seek path.

avoid_cvor.png

Nodal elements to avoid.

avoid_kabl.png

Cables to avoid.

 

 

Addition:

In case the search is performed on the map, select the nodal elements (between which you’re seeking path or those you’re avoiding) on the map, and then add them to the "Route" or "Avoid” list in exactly the same way as in the scheme.

 

Map layout of elements included in the path search. (Figure 5)

krug_izbor_mapa.png

Nodal elements between which we seek path.

avoid_cvor.png

Nodal elements to avoid. (not present in the figure)

avoid_kabl.png

Cables to avoid.

 

trace_mapa_primer.png

Figure 5

Map layout of elements included in the path search. (Figure 6)

krug_izbor_mapa.png

Nodal elements between which we seek path.

avoid_cvor.png

Nodal elements to avoid.

 

In the scheme, it’s not possible to add cables to the list for avoidance.

 

trace_sema_primer.png

Figure 6

Now that everything is set up, you just need to click the Start Trace button on the main menu.

The program will find a path between the assigned nodal elements, or a message will pop out stating that the path is not found, if there is no path that meets the required criteria.

Note:

In case the search is performed on the map, search will be carried through all the elements in the GIS database or only those that are in the map window (depending on the settings).

In case the search is done in the scheme, search will be carried out through the elements that are currently in the scheme. This means that the search will not include the elements that are (e.g.) removed by filtration.

 

Depending on the assigned criteria, search result may be one (or more parallel):

  1. Fiber(s) which directly connect the assigned nodal elements
    (direct connection already exists, so there’s no need for further action).
  2. New fiber(s) (i.e. proposed) that would be created by merging the existing fibers along the found path, after the user performs actions necessary to enable the connection.
    This new fiber(s) would, after the intervention, enable a direct connection between the assigned nodal elements.

In the first case (1) fibers found in the scheme are being marked.

In the second case (2), new fiber(s) is marked in the scheme, and nodal elements in which an action is required to create new fiber(s) from the existing ones, are additionally marked (circled). The actions required to create a new fiber can be: connecting existing fibers or breaking and subsequently connecting them, either in the splice point or in the distribution frame.

krug_izbor_sema.png

Connectors in which the found fiber(s) path starts and terminates.

putanja_sema.png

The proposed fiber(s), i.e. path obtained as the search result.

putanja.png

Logical path obtained as the search result.

krug_splice_mapa.png

Element (terminal, splice point) in which an action is required to achieve the proposed path, i.e. to create a new fiber that meets the search criteria.

krug_splice_sema.png

Connector or splice in which an action is required for the proposed path to be achieved, i.e. to create a new fiber that meets the search criteria.

 

 

Map layout after a path was successfully found (Figure 5)

krug_izbor_mapa.png

Nodal elements between which  the path was sought.

krug_izbor_sema.png

Connectors in which the found fiber(s) path starts and terminates.

putanja_sema.png

The proposed fiber(s), i.e. path obtained as the search result (scheme).

putanja.png

Logical path obtained as the search result (map).

krug_splice_mapa.png

Element (terminal, splice point) in which an action is required for the proposed path to be achieved, i.e. to create a new fiber that meets the search criteria (map).

krug_splice_sema.png

Connector or splice in which an action is required for the proposed path to be achieved, i.e. to create a new fiber that meets the search criteria (scheme).

 

trace_mapa_primer2.png

Figure 5

Map layout after a path was successfully found (Figure 6)

krug_izbor_mapa.png

Nodal elements between which  the path was sought.

krug_izbor_sema.png

Connectors in which the found fiber(s) path starts and terminates.

putanja_sema.png

The proposed fiber(s), i.e. path obtained as the search result.

krug_splice_sema.png

Connector or splice in which an action is required for the proposed path to be achieved, i.e. to create a new fiber that meets the search criteria.

 

trace_sema_primer2.png

Figure 6

The user can modify the search criteria until finding a satisfactory solution.

In order to evaluate the quality of the proposed solution, we can analyze the attenuation along the FO fiber and Optical Power Budget for the proposed fiber (by clicking onOTDR). On that occasion the program will view the fiber as if the proposed interventions were already made, i.e. the proposed patch cables already installed and/or the fibers being spliced in the proposed splice points.
Note: If several parallel fibers are offered as a search result, the program will analyze attenuation and Power Budget only for one fiber (first one it encounters).

 


Comparison of “Fiber Trace” tool

The tool is located at:

 

TCG Map-Optics (GIS DB)
Map

TCG Map-Optics (GIS DB)
Map

TeleCAD-GIS (DWG)
Scheme

The search includes:

 

All the elements from the GIS database or all elements from GIS database currently visible on the screen (depending on the users' preference)

Only elements visible in the scheme. The scheme itself is generated based on the infrastructure in the GIS database.

Only elements visible in the scheme. The scheme itself is generated based on the infrastructure in the *.dwg drawing.

Avoiding nodal elements.
(Adding nodal elements to the "Avoid" list.)

It is possible

It is possible

It is possible

Avoiding cables.
(Adding cables to the "Avoid" list.)

It is possible

It is not possible
(there are alternatives)

It is not possible
(there are alternatives)

Alternative for avoiding cables.

Unnecessary

Unnecessary - if the scheme is generated based on the search (Fiber Trace) on the map.

In other cases - by removing cables from the scheme.

Removing cables from the scheme

Filtering search results
(separation of individual fiber).

Not possible directly on the map (there is no Filter button) but you can do it indirectly in the scheme by filtering the search results.

Enabled (Filter button)

Enabled (Filter button)

Analysis of attenuation and Power Budget over the proposed fiber.

Not possible directly on the map (there is no OTDR button) but you can do it possible indirectly in the scheme.

Enabled (OTDR button)

Enabled (OTDR button)

Conclusion:

These two approaches complement each other, so practically all tasks can be done by combining them.

 

The essential difference between the "Fiber Trace" tool within TeleCAD-GIS and TCG Map-Optics is in the elements involved in the search.

  • TeleCAD-GIS - data (elements) from the site plan (DWG drawing)
  • TCG Map-Optics - data (elements) from the GIS database