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Mode Conditioning Patch Cable Tutorial

Feb 6, 2016 by Articles / 832 Views

There are bandwidth limitations of multimode fiber. Most current LAN networks are composed of about 90% multimode fiber. As the fiber cable plant is upgraded to single mode fiber cables, we must also provide a migration path that continues to reuse the installed multimode cable plant for as long as possible. However, there are some technical issues involved when using single mode equipment on existing multimode cable plant. The biggest problem is caused by Differential Mode Delay (DMD). It refers when a fast rise-time laser pulse is applied to multimode fiber, significant pulse broadening occurs due to the difference in propagation times of different modes within the fiber.

To solve the problem, mode conditioning patch cable was developed as a solution for network applications where Gigabit Ethernet hubs with laser based transmitters are deployed. Mode conditioning patch cable is the mean to achieve the drive distance of installed fiber plant beyond its original intended applications. It allows customer upgrading their hardware technology without the cost of upgrading fiber plant. In addition, mode conditioning patch cable significantly improves data signal quality while increasing the transmission distance.

What is Mode Conditioning Patch Cable?

Mode Conditioning Patch Cable, or Mode Conditioning Patchcord (MCP), is a duplex multimode patch cable that has a small length of single mode fiber at the start of the transmission length. Designed to "condition" the laser launch and obtain an effective bandwidth closer to that measured by the overfilled launch method, the MCP allows for laser transmitters to operate at gigabit rates over multimode fiber without being limited by DMD. The point is to excite a large number of modes in the fiber, weighted in the mode groups that are highly excited by overfill launch conditions, and to avoid exciting widely separated mode groups with similar power levels. This is achieved by launching the laser light into a single mode fiber, then coupling it into a multimode fiber that is off-center relative to the single mode fiber core. This is shown beside.

Tips: Different offsets are required for 50µm and 62.5µm multimode fibers. Engineers have found that an offset of 17~23 µm can achieve an effective modal bandwidth equivalent to the overfill launch method for 62.5µm multimode fibers. And an offset of 10~16 µm is good for 50µm multimode fibers.

The basic principle behind the cable is to launch laser into the small section of single mode fiber. The other end of single mode fiber is coupled to the multimode section of the cable with the offset from the center of the multimode fiber. This patch cable is required with transceivers (e.g.1000BASE-LX/LH, 10GBASE-LX4 and 10GBASE-LRM) that use both single mode and multimode fibers. When launching into multimode fiber, the transceiver can generate multiple signals that causes DMD which can severly limit transmission distances. The MCP removes these multiple signals, eliminating problems at the receiver end. Here is a figure that shows an MCP and how it is typically connected to a transceiver module. When required, it is inserted between a transceiver module and the multimode cable plant.

Requirements for Using MCPs in Laser-Based Transmissions

Gigabit Ethernet

The requirement for MCP is specified only for 1000BASE-LX/LH transceivers transmitting in the 1300nm window and in applications over multimode fiber. MCP should never be used in 1000BASE-SX links in the 850nm window. MCP is required for 1000BASE-LX/LH applications over FDDI-grade, OM1, and OM2 fiber types. MCP should never be used for applications over OM3, also known as "laser-optimized fiber".

Note:

1. In some cases, customers might experience that a link would be operating properly over FDDI-grade, OM1 or OM2 fiber types without MCP. However please note there is no guarantee link will be operating properly over time, and the recommendation remains to use the MCP.

2. There is a risk associated to this type of nonstandard deployment without MCP, especially when the jumper cable is an FDDI-grade or OM1 type. In such case the power coupled directly into a 62.5µm fiber could be as high as a few dBm and the adjacent receiver will be saturated. This can cause high bit error rate, link flaps, link down status and eventually irreversible damaged to the device.

3. In the event customers remain reluctant to deploy MCP cables, and for customers using OM3 cables, please measure the power level before plugging the fiber into the adjacent receiver. When the received power is measured above -3dBm, a 5dB attenuator for 1300nm should be used and plugged at the transmitter source of the optical module on each side of the link.

4. Another alternative for short reaches within the same location is to use a single-mode patch cable. There will be no saturation over single-mode fiber.

10-Gigabit Ethernet

The requirement for MCP is specified only for 10GBASE-LX4 and 10GBASE-LRM transceivers transmitting in the 1300nm window and in applications over multimode fiber. MCP should never be used in 10GBASE-SR links in the 850nm window. MCP is required for 10GBASE-LX4 and 10GBASE-LRM applications over FDDI-grade, OM1, and OM2 fiber types. MCP should never be used for applications over OM3, also known as "laser-optimized fiber."

Notes for 10GBASE-LX4:

1. In some cases, customers might experience that a link would be operating properly over OM2 fiber type without MCP. However chances of experiencing a properly operating link over FDDI-grade or OM1 fiber types without MCP are very low.

2. In the event customers remain reluctant to deploy MCP cables over OM2, and for customers using OM3 cables, it is required to a plug a 5dB attenuator for 1300nm at the transmitter source of the optical module on each side of the link in order to avoid saturation, and potential subsequent link flaps and damage to the device.

3. Another alternative for short reaches within the same location is to use a single-mode patch cable. There will be no saturation over single-mode fiber. Please note the 10GBASE-LX4 devices can reach up to 10 km over single-mode fiber as per compliance to IEEE.

Notes for 10GBASE-LRM:

1. For customers using OM3 fiber type, MCP should not be used. It is highly recommended to measure the power level before plugging the fiber into the adjacent receiver. When the received power is measured to be above 0.5dBm, a 5dB attenuator for 1300nm should be used and plugged at the transmitter source of the optical module on each side of the link.

2. Another alternative for short reaches within the same location is to use a single-mode patch cable. There will be no saturation over single-mode fiber. Please note the 10GBASE-LRM devices can reach up to 300 meters over single-mode fiber.

Notes for the Installation of MCPs

When using 1000BASE-LX/LH, 10GBASE-LX4 and 10GBASE-LRM transceivers with legacy 62.5µm or 50µm multimode fiber, you must install MCP between the transceiver and the multimode fiber cable on both ends of the link. The MCP is required for all links over FDDI-grade, OM1 and OM2 fiber types, and should never be used for applications over OM3 and more recent fiber types.

Note: It is not recommended using 1000BASE-LX/LH, 10GBASE-LX4 and 10GBASE-LRM transceivers with multimode fiber and no patch cable for very short link distances (tens of meters). The result could be an elevated Bit Error Rate (BER) and receiver damage.

The MCP is installed between the transceiver and the patch panel. Two MCPs are required per installation. To install the patch cable, follow these steps:

Step 1 - Plug the single mode fiber connector into the transmit bore of the transceiver.

Step 2 - Plug the other half of the duplex connector into the receive bore of the transceiver.

Step 3 - At the other end of the patch cable, plug both multimode connectors into the patch panel.

Step 4 - Repeat Step 1 through Step 3 for the second transceiver located at the other end of the network link.
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COMPUFOX SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cables Solution

Feb 27, 2016 by Articles / 828 Views

Overview
SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cable, also known as Twinax Cable, is an SFP+ cable assembly used in rack connections between servers and switches. It consists of a high speed copper cable and two SFP+ copper modules. The SFP+ copper modules allow hardware manufactures to achieve high port density, configurability and utilization at a very low cost and reduced power budget.

Direct Attach Cable assemblies are a high speed, cost-effective alternative to fiber optic cables in 10Gb Ethernet, 8Gb Fibre Channel and InfiniBand applications. They are suitable for short distances, making them ideal for highly cost-effective networking connectivity within a rack and between adjacent racks. They enable hardware OEMs and data center operators to achieve high port density and configurability at a low cost and reduced power requirement.

Compufox SFP+ copper cable assemblies meet the industry MSA for signal integrity performance. The cables are hot-removable and hot-insertable: You can remove and replace them without powering off the switch or disrupting switch functions. A cable comprises a low-voltage cable assembly that connects directly into two SFP+ ports, one at each end of the cable. The cables use high-performance integrated duplex serial data links for bidirectional communication and are designed for data rates of up to 10 Gbps.

Types of SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cables

SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cable assemblies generally have two types which are Passive and Active versions.

SFP+ Passive Copper Cable
SFP+ passive copper cable assemblies offer high-speed connectivity between active equipment with SFP+ ports. The passive assemblies are compatible with hubs, switches, routers, servers, and network interface cards (NICs) from leading electronics manufacturers like Cisco, Juniper, etc.

SFP+ Active Copper Cable
SFP+ active copper cable assemblies contain low power circuitry in the connector to boost the signal and are driven from the port without additional power requirements. The active version provides a low cost alternative to optical transceivers, and are generally used for end of row or middle of row data center architectures for interconnect distances of up to 15 meters.

Applications of SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cables

-Networking – servers, routers and hubs

-Enterprise storage

-Telecommunication equipment

-Network Interface Cards (NICs)

-10Gb Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet (IEEE802.3ae)

-Fibre Channel over Ethernet: 1, 2, 4 and 8G

-InfiniBand standard SDR (2.5Gbps), DDR (5Gbps), and QDR (10Gbps)

-Serial data transmission

-High capacity I/O in Storage Area Networks, Network Attached Storage, and Storage Servers

-Switched fabric I/O such as ultra high bandwidth switches and routers

-Data center cabling infrastructure

-High density connections between networking equipment

Compufox SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cables Solution

Compufox SFP+ twinax copper cables are avaliable with custom version and brand compatible version. All of them are 100% compatible with major brands like Cisco, HP, Juniper, Enterasys, Extreme, H3C and so on. If you want to order high quality compatible SFP+ cables and get worldwide delivery, we are your best choice.

For instance, our compatible Cisco SFP+ Copper Twinax direct-attach cables are suitable for very short distances and offer a cost-effective way to connect within racks and across adjacent racks. We can provide both passive Twinax cables in lengths of 1, 3 and 5 meters, and active Twinax cables in lengths of 7 and 10 meters. (Tips: The lengths can be customized up to the customers' requirements.)

Features
-1m/3m/5m/7m/10m/12m available

-RoHS Compatible

-Enhanced EMI suppression

-Low power consumption

-Compatible to SFP+ MSA

-Hot-pluggable SFP 20PIN footprint

-Parallel pair cable

-24AWG through 30AWG cable available

-Data rates backward compatible to 1Gbps

-Support serial multi-gigabit data rates up to 10Gbps

-Support for 1x, 2x, 4x and 8x Fibre Channel data rates

-Low cost alternative to fiber optic cable assemblies

-Pull-to-release retractable pin latch

-I/O Connector designed for high speed differential signal applications

-Temperature Range: 0-70°C

-Passive and Active assemblies available (Active Version: Low Power Consumption: < 0.5W Power Supply: +3.3V)

FAQ of Compufox SFP+ Direct Attach Copper Cables

Q: What are the performance requirements for the cable assembly?
A: Our SFP+ copper passive and active cable assemblies meet the signal integrity requirements defined by the industry MSA SFF-8431. We can custom engineer cable assemblies to meet the requirements of a customer’s specific system architecture.

Q: Are passive or active cable assemblies required?
A: Passive cables have no signal amplification in the assembly and rely on host system Electronic Dispersion Compensation (EDC) for signal amplification/equalization. Active cable assemblies have signal amplification and equalization built into the assembly. Active cable assemblies are typically used in host systems that do not employ EDC. This solution can be a cost savings to the customer.

Q: What wire gauge is required?
A: We offer SFP+ cable assemblies in wire gauges to support customers' specific cable routing requirements. Smaller wire gauges results in reduced weight, improved airflow and a more flexible cable for ease of routing.

Q: What cable lengths are required?
A: Cable length and wire gauge are related to the performance characteristics of the cable assembly. Longer cable lengths require heavier wire gauge, while shorter cable lengths can utilize a smaller gauge cable.

For all you SFP+ Direct attach cables, please see link below. We carry compatible cables for most major brands.

http://www.compufox.com/SFP_Cables_s/337.htm

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Standards and Recommendations for Fiber Optic Systems

Feb 5, 2016 by Articles / 787 Views

Many international and national standards govern optical cable characteristics and measurement methods. Some are listed below, but the list is not exhaustive. Releases are subject to change.

International Standards

Two main groups are working on international standards: International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

IEC: The IEC is a global organization that prepares and publishes international standards for all electrical, electronic, and related technologies, which serve as a basis for national standardization.

The IEC is composed of technical committees who prepare technical documents on specific subjects within the scope of an application in order to define the related standards. For example, the technical committee TC86 is dedicated to fiber optics, and its subcommittees SC86A, SC86B, and SC86C focus on specific subjects such as: SC86A: Fibers and CablesSC86B: Fiber Optic Interconnecting Devices and Passive ComponentsSC86C: Fiber Optic Systems and Active Devices

ITU: The ITU is an international organization that defines guidelines, technical characteristics, and specifications of telecommunications systems, networks, and services. It includes optical fiber performance and test and measurement applications and consists of three different sectors: Radiocommunication Sector (ITU-R)Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T)Telecommunication Development Sector (ITU-D)

National Standards

In addition to the international standards, countries or union of countries define their own standards in order to customize or fine tune the requirements to the specificity of their country.

European Telecommunications Standards Institute

The European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) defines telecommunications standards and is responsible for the standardization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) within Europe. These technologies include telecommunications, broadcasting, and their related technologies, such as intelligent transportation and medical electronics.

Telecommunication Industries Association / Electronic Industries Alliance

The Telecommunication Industries Association (TIA) provides additional recommendations for the United States. TIA is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) to develop industry standards for a wide variety of telecommunications products. The committees and subcommittees define standards for fiber optics, user premises equipment, network equipment, wireless communications, and satellite communications.

NOTE: There are many other standard organizations that exist in other countries.

Fiber Optic Standards

By IEC: IEC 61300-3-35: Fibre Optic Connector End Face Visual InspectionIEC 60793-1 and -2: Optical Fibers (includes several parts)IEC 60794-1, -2, and -3: Optical Fiber Cables

By ITU: G.651: Characteristics of 50/125 μm Multimode Graded-index Optical FiberG.652: Characteristics of Single-mode Optical Fiber and CableG.653: Characteristics of Single-mode Dispersion Shifted Optical Fiber and CableG.654: Characteristics of Cut-off Shifted Single-mode Optical Fiber and CableG.655: Characteristics of Non-zero Dispersion Shifted Single-mode Optical Fiber and CableG.656: Characteristics of Non-zero Dispersion Shifted Fiber for Wideband TransportG.657: Characteristics of a Bending Loss Insensitive Single-mode Fiber for Access Networks

Test and Measurement Standards

Generic Test Standards: IEC 61350: Power Meter CalibrationIEC 61746: OTDR CalibrationG.650.1: Definition and Test Methods for Linear, Deterministic Attributes of Single-mode Fiber and CableG.650.2: Definition and Test Methods for Statistical and Non-linear Attributes of Single-mode Fiber and Cable

PMD Test Standards: G.650.2: Definition and Test Methods for Statistical and Non- linear Attributes of Single-mode Fiber and CableIEC 60793 1-48: Optical Fibers—Part 1-48: Measurement Methods and Test Procedures—Polarization Mode DispersionIEC/TS 61941: Technical Specifications for Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurement Techniques for Single-mode Optical FiberIEC 61280-3/TIA/TR-1029: Calculation of PolarizationTIA 455 FOTP-124A: Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurement for Single-mode Optical Fiber and Cable Assemblies by InterferometryTIA 455 FOTP-113: Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurement of Single-mode Optical Fiber by the Fixed Analyzer MethodTIA 455 FOTP-122A: Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurement for Single-mode Optical Fiber by the Stokes Parameter MethodTIA TSB-107: Guidelines for the Statistical Specification of Polarization Mode Dispersion on Optical Fiber CablesTIA 455-196: Guidelines for Polarization Mode Measurements in Single-mode Fiber Optic Components and DevicesGR-2947-CORE: Generic Requirements for Portable Polarization Mode Dispersion (PMD) Test SetsIEC 61280-4-4: Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurement for Installed LinksTIA 445 FOTP-243: Polarization Mode Dispersion Measurement for Installed Single-mode Optical Fibers by Wavelength-scanning OTDR and State of Polarization Analysis

CD Test Standards: G.650.1: Definition and Test Methods for Linear, Deterministic Attributes of Single-mode Fiber and CableIEC 60793 1-42: Optical Fibers—Part 1-42: Measurement Methods and Test Procedures—Chromatic DispersionIEC 61744: Calibration of Fiber Optic Chromatic Dispersion Test SetsTIA/EIA FOTP-175-B: Chromatic Dispersion Measurement of Single-mode Optical FibersGR-761-CORE: Generic Criteria for Chromatic Dispersion Test SetsGR-2854-CORE: Generic Requirements for Fiber Optic Dispersion Compensators
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40G QSFP+ Transceiver Modules and DAC/AOC Cables Installation Guide

Feb 7, 2016 by Articles / 778 Views
To install and remove the transceiver optics in a right way is very necessary to ensure the network to work stably and efficiently. Today, we are going to introduce an installation guide of QSFP transceivers and DAC/AOC cables in 40G network.

40GbE QSFP+ Transceivers Overview

40 Gigabit Ethernet (40GbE) aggregation switches are becoming more common in today's data centers. At the heart of the 40GbE network layer is a pair of transceivers connected by a cable. The transceivers are plugged into either network servers or a variety of components including interface cards and switches and connected via the cables such as OM3 and OM4 for multimode application. Additionally DAC (Direct Attach Copper) cables or AOCs (Active Optical Cables) are used for short interconnection as a more cost-effective alternative solution. QSFP+ (Quad Small Form-factor Pluggable Plus) is the most common 40GbE interface type, and also as a high-density 10GbE interface via QSFP+ breakout cables. QSFP+ interfaces a network device (switch, router, media converter or similar device) to a fiber optic or copper cable, supporting data rates from 4x10 Gbps and supports Ethernet, Fibre Channel, InfiniBand and SONET/SDH standards with different data rate options. Compared to CFP (C form-factor pluggable) transceiver modules, QSFP transceiver modules are more compact and more suitable for port-density application. The two basic interface specifications of QSFP+ modules respectively for multimode and single-mode applications are 40GBASE-SR4 and 40GBASE-LR4.

40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ Module

The 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+ module, conforming to the 802.3ba D3.2 (40GBASE-SR4) standard, provides a 40Gbps optical connection using MPO/MTP® optical connectors. This optical module integrates four data lanes in each direction with 40Gbps aggregate bandwidth and each lane can operate at 10.3125 Gbps. It is used in data centers to interconnect two Ethernet switches with 8 fiber parallel multimode fiber OM3/OM4 cables (transmission distance can be up to 100 meters using OM3 fiber or up to 150 meters using OM4 fiber).

40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ Module

The 40GBBASE-LR4 QSFP+ module, conforming to the 802.3ba (40GBASE-LR4) standard, provides a 40Gbps optical connection using LC optical connectors. This optical module integrates four data lanes in each direction with 40Gbps aggregate bandwidth and each lane can operate at 10.3125 Gbps. It is most commonly deployed between data center or IXP sites with single-mode fiber up to 10 km.

In addition, to satisfy a number of different objectives including support for MMF and SMF compatibility, there are other types of QSFP+ modules offered by different vendors.

How to Install/Remove QSFP+ Transceivers and DAC/AOC Cables

Preparations

To protect a QSFP+ module or cable from ESD (electro-static discharge) damage, before installing or removing a QSFP+ module or cable, be remembered that always wear an ESD wrist strap and make sure that it makes good skin contact and is securely grounded (If you are using ESD gloves, wear the wrist strap outside the ESD glove).

To Install or Remove a QSFP+ Transceiver Module

There are two types of clasp designed for a QSFP+ transceiver module—plastic clasp or a metallic clasp. Here uses the metallic clasp type as an example.

To Install a QSFP+ Transceiver Module

Step 1. Remove the QSFP+ module from its antistatic container and remove the dust covers from the module optical connector.
Step 2. Remove any rubber dust covers from the port where you are installing the QSFP+ module.
Step 3. Pivot the clasp of the module up. (Skip this step if the clasp is plastic.)
Step 4. Align the module with the port in the chassis, as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Aligning the module with the port

Step 5. Holding the module, gently push in the module until it is firmly seated in the port.(see Figure 2.)

Figure 2. Install the QSFP+ module to port

Step 6. Immediately attach the patch cord with MPO connector or duplex LC connector to the QSFP+ transceiver module.(see Figure 3.)

Figure 3. Install the patch cord to the module

Note: Install the dust plug for the transceiver module if you are not to install an optical fiber into it.

To Remove a QSFP+ Transceiver Module

Step 1. Remove the optical fiber if any.
Step 2. Pivot the clasp of the module down to the horizontal position. (Skip this step if the clasp is plastic.)
Step 3. Holding the module, gently pull the module out of the port. (Figure 4)
Step 4. Place the QSFP+ transceiver into an antistatic bag.

Figure 4. Remove the QSFP+ module

To Install or Remove a 40G QSFP+ Cable

The installation and removal procedures are the same for QSFP+ DAC cables and QSFP+ AOC cables. Here uses a QSFP+ DAC cable as an example:

To Install a QSFP+ DAC Cable

Step 1. Align the QSFP+ transceiver module (with the clasp on top) at one end of the cable with the port in the chassis, as shown in Figure 5.
Step 2. Horizontally and gently push in the module to fully seat it in the port.

Figure 5. Installing a QSFP+ DAC cable

To remove a QSFP+ DAC Cable

Step 1. Gently press and release the QSFP+ transceiver module.(see Figure 6.)
Step 2. Holding the cable, gently pull the clasp on the cable to pull out the transceiver module.

Figure 6. Removing a QSFP+ DAC cable

To Install or Remove a 40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ Cable

40G QSFP+ to 4x10G SFP+ cable combines one 40G QSFP+ module on one end and four 10G SFP+ module on the other end. The installation and removal procedures of 40G QSFP+ connector are introdueced above. Here only introduced the installation and removal of 10G SFP+ module:

To Install an SFP+ Transceiver Module

Step 1. Align the module with the SFP+ port, with the golden plating facing the spring tab (see Figure 7.) in the SFP+ port. If the chassis has two rows of ports, the spring tab in a port is on the bottom in the upper row and on the top in the lower row.
Step 2. Slightly press the module against the spring tab so you can push the module straight into the port.

Figure 7. Installing an SFP+ transceiver module

To Remove an SFP+ Transceiver Module

Step 1. Press the module with your thumb, as shown by callout 1 in Figure 8.
Step 2. Gently pull the clasp on the cable to pull out the transceiver module, as shown by callout 2 in Figure 8.

Figure 8. Removing an SFP+ transceiver module

Verifying the installation

Execute the display transceiver interface command on the device to verify that the transceiver module or DAC/AOC cable is installed correctly. If the transceiver module and DAC/AOC cable information is displayed correctly, the installation is correct. If an error message is displayed, the installation is incorrect or the transceiver optics is not compatible.

Conclusion

As 40 GbE are widely deployed, 40G transceiver optics are ubiquitous. A good practice and correct installation are very important for 40G network system, not only to protect the 40G transceiver optics and device from damage, but also to ensure a stable performance for system. In addition, by executing the display transceiver interface command, we can verify whether the installation is correct. Of course, the premise is that the transceiver optics you use is fully compatible with your device. COMPUFOX offers a comprehensive line of high-compatible 40G transceiver optics, such as 40GBASE-SR4 QSFP+, 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ and 40G DACs and AOCs with competitive prices. See Links below:
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T-Mobile becomes number one US smartphone channel

May 31, 2016 by Telecom News / 761 Views

Written by Scott Bicheno Telecoms.com

Disruptive US operator T-Mobile has become the leading sales channel for smartphones in the US, according to new research from Counterpoint.

T-Mobile overtook Verizon to take the number one smartphone sales spot, having been a distant fourth just two years ago. This change is viewed as indicative of a broader change in the way smartphones are being purchased in the US, with the cost of devices increasingly uncoupled from the service contracts and, if needed, paid for via conventional financing arrangements.

“The US market has undergone significant shifts in the power of the different sales channels with the move to unsubsidized plans,” said Neil Shah of Counterpoint. “The growth of T-Mobile through its different ‘Uncarrier’ moves, the removal of subsidies and enticing subscribers with ‘Simple Choice’ & ‘Jump’ plans, has helped the operator to become the top smartphone sales channel in the USA.

Samsung and Apple together captured almost two-thirds of the total smartphone shipments share at T-Mobile, with Samsung leading. However, it will be an uphill task for T-Mobile to maintain this lead ahead of Verizon and continue to attract millions of subscribers to its network. The move to unsubsidized and unlocked has also boosted demand in the open channel, which continued to contribute close to 10% of the total shipments in Q1 2016.”

US smartphone sales on the whole declined by 4% year-on-year due to the maturity of the market (most people already have a smartphone) and a lengthening on the upgrade cycle. The latter factor will be a direct result of the shift in buying habits as fewer consumers are being prompted to upgrade their subsidized phones by the renewal of their postpaid contracts.

“The US market decelerated due to softness in Apple iPhone demand and iPhone SE demand not materializing until Q2 2016,” said Jeff Fieldhack of Counterpoint. “Carriers continued to push subscribers to non-subsidy plans as for the first time more than half of the combined subscriber base of the top four carriers are now on non-subsidized plans. This is a significant shift from the subsidy-driven model just ten to twelve quarters ago. This has changed the basis of competition in US mobile landscape.

“The focus has shifted to creating more value for the consumer, instead of being device-driven. Unsubsidized device sales have educated consumers that flagship smartphones are costly. This has led to a temporary softness in the device upgrade cycle; the in-carrier upgrade run rate continues to be in 5-6% range per quarter. Handset manufacturers will continue to push hardware and marketing limits to entice subscribers to not defer upgrading.”

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