FOLS

Fiber Optics LAN Section of the TIA

If your company deals with fiber optics, you should be aware of TIA’s Fiber Optics LAN Section (FOLS), a consortium of fiber manufacturers, cablers and electronics manufacturers  formed in 1993 that serves as a resource for users and network designers who seek reliable and current information about the deployment of fiber in enterprise networks.

The group consists of technology leaders in the premises market and provides vendor-neutral information about fiber optic technology and its application throughout the enterprise, including local area networks (LANs), data centers and related environments.

FOLS is the premier forum for premises networking companies to discuss industry issues and grow the market for fiber optic solutions. It enables companies to have a greater voice in the industry and to help influence the development of standards and the acceptance of architectures.

Activities

1. Hosts a series of educational webinars throughout the year through which participants can earn BICSI Continuing Education Credits
2. Develops and distributes of a free interactive Cost Model that allows users to compare the installed first costs of different architectures to determine the best solution for their installation
3. Maintains an educational website with information about the use of fiber in premises networks
4. Conducts primary market research among the users of fiber optics networks
5. Creates white papers on important industry issues
6. Participates in industry conferences and Webinars
7. Writes articles for trade and business publications
8. Interprets industry standards and architectures

Participate

Through participating, your company can have a greater voice in the development of fiber optic solutions for emerging applications and help provide educational materials to help increase awareness of the benefits of deploying fiber in enterprise networks.

Our current members include: 3M, AFL, Berk-Tek, a Nexans Company, CommScope, Corning, Draka, General Cable, Fluke Networks, Legrand/Ortronics, Leviton, Panduit, Sumitomo Electric Lightwave, Superior Essex, and TE Connectivity.

Join

All companies that are members of TIA are welcome to join FOLS and to attend meetings. For more information about FOLS, please contact our membership chair, Tony Irujo at tirujo@ofsoptics.com.