MICROSENS, the German manufacturer of high-quality fiber optic communication systems, presents a new product designed to protect fiber optic networks against blackouts or system failures. The FiberGUARD system is hooked up between the fiber optic switch and the fiber optic link. If, for example, a power failure at one network node should occur, then MICROSENS FiberGUARD will bypass the active network components and optically maintain the communication beyond the non-operational junction. This bridging functionality enables communication between the individual network components by bypassing the failed network junction – irrespective of the protocol used. Using MICROSENS' FiberGUARD prevents losing communication with whole network segments, reducing the effects of a brownout or complete system failure on the fiber optic network to a minimum.

The MICROSENS FiberGUARD is suitable for implementation in both ring and bus topologies. It maintains the operation of a ring topology even when more than one networking node is failing – such as during a regional blackout. On the other hand, bus topologies can benefit as well from the application of MICROSENS FiberGUARD as with the failure of a network node, communication with the network station behind is maintained.

Implementing a MICROSENS FiberGUARD actively assists system operators in reducing maintenance costs and optimising their maintenance processes. Whereas in the days before the FiberGUARD system it used to only be possible to cut the power to one system of the fiber optic ring structure at any one time for maintenance purposes, now it is possible to service several systems at once without risking a total collapse of communications within the fiber optic ring.

In developing MICROSENS FiberGUARD, particular focus was placed upon reducing any possible sources of error, thus the use of firmware as well as complex semiconductor technology was intentionally avoided. Its robust design makes it suitable for the harshest of environments. Typical areas of application are, for example, remote locations or locations requiring long journeys. Application scenarios include everything from wind energy plants or pipeline monitoring and automated technologies.