FIA is dedicated to raising standards Released 28 June 2002 The Fibreoptic Industry Association is dedicated to raising the levels of professionalism across all aspects of the manufacture, installation, testing, maintenance and use of fibre optic based components and assemblies in the LAN environment. As an organisation, it is heavily involved with the development of new International, European and National Standards; Mike Gilmore, the FIA’s Technical Director, is also Chairman of BSI TCT7/-/1 and Convenor of CLC TC215 WG1. As the demand for additional bandwidth rises inexorably with the development of Gigabit and 10 Gigabit Ethernet protocols, the physical layer infrastructure has to keep pace. The latest Specifications reflect the fact that multimode fibre cable has distance limitations at very high bandwidths; a very important consideration for those involved in the specification and design of tomorrow’s high demand networks. A major strength is in the provision of expert services to members. The FIA provides interpretations of published Standards, written in plain English and updated as the Standards evolve. Not only do the Technical Support Documents explain the Standards themselves, they also prescribe courses of action and suggested implementation plans to ensure full compliance to the Standards. The TSDs are available free to members from the web site, www.fibreoptic.org.uk; those currently in print cover procedures and techniques such as LAN design using fibre, cable selection and testing of installed cabling using light source and power meter. Safety matters are another major topic; TSDs have been prepared on optical power levels, the safe handling of processing chemicals and the safe disposal of optical waste. Many other guides are currently in development. The FIA and ECA have recently joined forces to improve the services and knowledge base for members of both organisations. One of the first tangible benefits of the liaison is a full day seminar covering the latest developments in fibre and wireless LAN technology, automated infrastructure and Gigabit Ethernet, to be presented in Birmingham on 17 September and in London on 26 November. *** Ends: body copy 323 words *** Notes to Editors. For further information: FIA commercial contact: Andrew Watson Commercial Director c/o Molex Premise Networks tel: 01489 572111 fax: 01489 559130 arwatson@molex.com FIA administrative contact: Jane Morrison Fibreoptic Industry Association The Manor House Buntingford SG9 9AB tel: 01763 273039 fax: 01763 273255 jane@fiasec.demon.co.uk www.fibreoptic.org.uk Agency contact: Nigel May Parkfield Parkfield House Damerham SP6 3HQ tel: 01725 518321 fax: 01725 518378 Nigel_May@parkfield.co.uk www.parkfield.co.uk The Fibreoptic Industry Association represents more than 80% of UK companies involved in the manufacture or installation of fibre optic components and systems for voice and data communications. The Association provides advice to end-users, runs training and qualification services for its members, contributes to the development of national and international standards and generally represents the interests of the fibre industry. Its web site, www.fibreoptic.org.uk provides a free online reference service to all visitors. A Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered Office: Owles Hall, BUNTINGFORD, Herts SG9 9PL, UK Registered No. 2713611