What is the mission of the AFCS Forum?

To accelerate the adoption and deployment of optical switching and advanced fiber connectivity solutions into networks worldwide.

What is the scope of the AFCS Forum?

The scope of the AFCS Forum will generally involve the applications of automated and/or remote optical switching and fiber management at the physical layer of fiber networks. The applications include fiber provisioning and reconfiguration, traffic protection and restoration, optical testing, performance monitoring, and trouble-shooting. The Forum promotes the value of optical switching and advanced fiber connectivity to its members and end users so that they are better positioned on making decisions about AFCS utilization.

Does the AFCS Forum participate in industry trade shows?

Yes, the forum participates in selected trade shows. You may visit the News & Events portion of the AFCS web site for up-to-date information.

How much does it cost to join the AFCS Forum?

Currently membership is free. The Forum is considering the adoption of minimal annual dues to support the Forum's mission.

What are the criteria to become a member?

A business entity or an individual with a genuine interest in the Forum’s mission, with respect to optical switching & fiber connectivity at the physical layer, may request membership. However, only the business entity members have voting power.

What is the basic structure of the AFCS Forum?

The AFCS Forum consists of a group of companies & sponsored organizations working together to promote advanced fiber connectivity and switching.

What are the benefits of AFCS Forum membership?

The benefits of being an AFCS member include becoming a recognized member of the community helping to shape and develop the AFCS industry, accessing materials and knowledge about new fiber connectivity solutions, learning various applications using the AFCS concept, interacting with other members by sharing experience in AFCS practice.

Are there regular Forum meetings?

Forum members meet by conference call on an irregular schedule basis. The members meet together at various conferences and trade shows as well.

I would like to post a link to my web page on the AFCS web site, how do I do this?

This is available to Forum business entity members only. The Forum does not accept advertisement at this time.

How does the Forum handle variations between its members and their products?

The Forum takes a neutral position towards all its members and their products and does not judge their differences.

What if I want to buy a product?

The Forum does not make specific product or company recommendations, you are encouraged to directly contact Forum members for quotes or specific offerings. Links to Forum member web sites may be found under the Members tab.

I have a question concerning a white paper or an application presentation on your web site, how should I proceed?

White papers and application presentations posted on the Forum site are endorsed by the AFCS Forum. Your feedback is welcome. You may post questions or comments addressed to the Forum via the Contact Us e-mail form. The Forum will try its best to respond to your questions or comments.

Why are the business case numbers in some applications inconsistent with my experience?

The Forum stands behind the business case numbers which are based on contributions from members representing the vendor, service provider, and end-user communities. However, it is possible that some assumptions are not consistent with every network. The goal is to educate and provide general guidance. Contributions are welcome and will be considered.

I have seen a white paper or application example that fits your forum, how should I proceed?

Guests are welcome to recommend white papers and application examples. This may be accomplished through the Contact Us email form. The original author must consent to having the document displayed on the AFCS Forum web site and the author’s name will appear in the document. The submitted white paper or application example will be treated as a reference document.

I have created a white paper or an application presentation that may be of interest to the AFCS Forum, how do I submit it?

Guests are welcome to submit white papers and application presentations that meet the goals of the AFCS Forum. This may be accomplished through the Contact Us email form. The white paper or application presentation submitted will be reviewed by the AFCS membership for approval to post.

What are the main characteristics of Advanced Optical Switches as they relate to the AFCS Forum?

Advanced Optical Switches should support remote fiber management with various switch sizes ranging from smaller to larger port counts. The switch may have various input/output port ratios including 1xN, NxN, and NxM, where N and M are integers. Selecting which type of switch depends on specific application needs. Advanced Optical Switches also offer controlled access, alarm management and stored connectivity information in a database that is synchronized with the physical connections.

When should I use a 1xN, NxN or NxM Optical Switch?

This depends on the application in question and on individual customer needs. The AFCS white papers and application presentations provide assistance and it is recommended that they be reviewed.

How are Advanced Optical Switches managed?

Optical Switches may come with one or more communication interfaces to support management capabilities. Examples may include an RS232 interface for local onsite management and/or a LAN interface for remote management. Although an RS232 interface may also support remote management via modem.

What forms of switch management software can one expect?

Management software is typically available as a Command Line Interface (CLI) and/or as a graphical Element Management System (EMS). Both allow users to manage the switch, and each has advantages in specific situations. It is also possible to use, customize, or develop northbound interfaces to manage Optical Switches from an Operation Support System (OSS) to meet specific customer requirements.

Do Optical Switches provide secure access?

Yes, management software for Optical Switches typically makes use of Username & Password controls to limit authorized user access and to block unauthorized users.

If an Optical Switch encounters a problem, how will I be informed?

Optical Switches generally support the ability to generate hardware and/or software based alarms to inform users of possible problems. This allows users to quickly and efficiently take corrective actions.

How do I know which Optical Switch is best for my particular needs?

The Forum discusses general topics that promote Advanced Optical Switches as a whole, but does not compare or take positions regarding one vendor technology versus another. It is the intent of the AFCS Forum to share information so that readers can make informed decisions and to better understand how Advanced Optical Switches may benefit them. Visitors to the AFCS web site are encouraged to make use of the Forum for education purposes, and to also visit member web sites for further product specific details.

How do I go about submitting a question that is not covered in this FAQ section?

The FAQ page allows guests to enter questions relating to AFCS topics, as does the Contact Us e-mail form. Questions will be answered by AFCS members. Guest may submit follow up questions in the same manner.

Will answers be timely?

It is the objective of the AFCS Forum to provide meaningful, actionable and accurate responds to questions in a timely manner, but depending on member availability the time taken may vary.

How long are question and answer postings kept before being archived?

The AFCS Forum will keep questions and answers for as long as it is felt that they continue to provide educational and informative value.