Strolling was yesterday – in the meantime, countries such as Germany and Great Britain are also turning to the high-speed data highways. Because by now, everyone is aware that only the entry into the gigabit age secures the competitiveness in the long term. High growth rates in fibre optic expansion should now make this possible. And the cable, wire and pipe industries have long been ready to play a decisive role in shaping the glass future.
Model disciples are countries such as Korea, Japan and Spain: They already have very high fibre penetration rates of 87, 84, and 81 percent, respectively, and are among the seven countries with a fibre share of 70 percent or more of the total fixed broadband subscriptions, according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). Germany, for example, is still lagging behind in the international comparison with a fibre optic expansion rate of less than 25 percent – which means 74th among 84 assessed countries.
Pressure to act increases
A not exactly flattering ranking that should be a thing of the past. That's why the federal government launched its gigabit strategy. According to this, fibre optic connections are to be available nationwide by 2030. In order to make this possible, digital and fast planning and approval procedures are implemented, among other things. In addition, alternative laying techniques are to be used more frequently for fibre optic expansion. In addition, the expansion within the scope of Gigabyte funding 2.0 will be supported by around three billion euros this year.
The pressure to act is increasing, and not only in Germany. Because the challenges are immense. For example, the implementation of Industry 4.0 in companies will require very powerful data carriers. Even in households, lightning-fast surfing is expected, because here, too, data rates are rising rapidly. On average, data traffic climbs by more than 30 percent every year. A case for fibre optic cables, whose light pulses rush through the line almost at the speed of light. They are thus many times faster than conventional copper cables and transport significantly more data. Other advantages according to “fibre optic Internet” are: In comparison, fibre optic cables require little space, do not develop heat and consume far less energy.
Measuring heads regulate the drawing process
To be able to play out their advantages perfectly, fibre optic cables require the highest precision – and this is guaranteed by measuring and control devices that, for example, Sikora manufactures. “In the various stages of production, measuring heads and processor systems measure, monitor and control the entire drawing process to ensure fibre quality and increase production efficiency.” The company offers a new technology for high-precision tensile force measurement in a stand-alone system that employs the principle of birefringence with a measurement rate of up to ten kHz. “This allows an even faster measurement of the tensile force irrespective of external production influences as well as direct control of the tensile force.”
