Choosing the Right Type of Fiber Optic Cable

When you want to upgrade your network, increasing its speed and bandwidth capacity, you need the right kind of fiber optic cables. You'll find many different fiber optic cables on the market, and you'll want to be fully informed on the differences between these cables. For example, some cables have greater fiber optic distance accuracy, so it's important you know how to select the right one for your project's requirements.

Find out more about what fiber optic cables are, their advantages and tips for finding the right options for your project.

What Is a Fiber Optic Cable?

A fiber optic cable is a type of network cable featuring an insulated casing that houses strands of glass fibers. These cables are made to assist with telecommunications, as they provide high-performance, long-distance data networking. When compared to wired cables, fiber optic cables are much more effective. They can transmit data over much longer distances with less loss than a typical copper cable and also feature higher bandwidth that is typically limited by the equipment on each end.

Advantages of Fiber Optic Cables

Many companies choose fiber optic cables for their networking needs due to the many advantages they provide. These cables are a significant improvement over copper cables of the past. As you decide if fiber optic cables are right for your needs, check out some of the top benefits of fiber optic cables:

Greater accuracy over long distances: While fiber optic cables do experience some signal loss over long distances, they only lose a minimal amount of their signal strength compared to the loss traditional wires experience.
Faster data transmission: Copper cables conduct electrons, leading to relatively slow data transfer. Fiber optic cables conduct photons traveling at the speed of light, allowing for faster data transfer.
No electromagnetic interference: Standard copper wires generate an electromagnetic interference field, causing other cables to experience signaling errors. In contrast, fiber optics don't have any electromagnetic interference since they don't conduct electricity.
Easier and safer installation: Since fiber optic cable sizes are smaller than copper cables, technicians can more easily install them. These cables also don't conduct electricity, meaning technicians don't need to ground the receiver and transmitter. Consequently, technicians don't have to worry about fire, arcing, heat or electrical shock.

Choosing the Right Fiber Optic Cable for Your Project

As you look for the right fiber optic cable for your needs, we have a few tips to ensure you make a good decision. Check out these tips for specifying fiber optic cables:

1. Select the Correct Type of Fiber Optic Cable

There are two general types of fiber optic cables — single-mode and multi-mode. By understanding the two main fiber optic cable types and their uses, you can better narrow your options and select the right fiber optic cable for your needs.

Single-mode fiber optic cables can only transmit one mode due to their small core. While signals move within this small core (9 micron), the number of reflections decreases, leading to lower attenuation. With this low attenuation, these types of fiber optic cables excel at transmitting data over long distances at fast speeds.

Multi-mode fiber optic cables feature a larger core (50 or 62.5 micron), allowing for many modes of light to travel through them at the same time. These cables have more reflections while the rays progress, which allows for more information to pass through the cable. But the high dispersion rates and attenuation of these cables cause the signal's quality to decrease. Usually, these cables are used to transmit data over shorter distances.

You'll need to choose between these two types of cables based on your project needs.Companies needing to transmit data over long distances often select a single-mode fiber optic cable to reduce attenuation removing the need for re-amplification.

Though single-mode fiber optic cables are a great choice for many companies, you may want to use multi-mode fiber optic cables in certain situations. If you only need to transmit data over shorter distances and for applications requiring less intensive bandwidth, multi-mode fiber optic cables are a smart selection.

2. Choose the Correct Jacket and Cable Construction

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing the jacket and construction of a fiber optic cable. Where will the cable be used?

Indoors (and not in an “air handling” space): OFNR jacketing will usually suffice. If you are installing through an “air handling” space, plenum jacketing will typically be required.
Direct bury: When direct burying a fiber optic cable an outside plant (OSP) fiber should be used. For additional protection, multiple layers of armor and jackets can be added.
Aerial (lashing): Typically an OSP fiber will be installed aerially. Because it has a central strength member and a tough outside jacket, this type of fiber works for this type of installation well. Additional armor can be added to help protect from damage by rodents and trees.
Duct: OSP fiber works very well in a duct application but an indoor/outdoor fiber may be sufficient depending on where and how the duct is placed as well as distance.

2. Choose the Right Strand Count

After you've decided on the right type of fiber optic cable, you can move on to selecting the right strand count. Strands are the small glass strands inside the cable and are responsible for transmitting data via light. Different projects require different strand counts, so it's crucial you pick a cable with the right number of strands.

You can determine the right strand count for your project by checking its installation requirements. Higher strand counts result in higher bandwidth. As a result, it's often best to select a higher strand count than your project's minimum requirements, as a greater number of strands gives you more room for growth in the future.

3. Consider Other Factors

Besides selecting the right strand counts and the fiber optic network cable types you need, there are other factors to consider, including:

Connector type: A fiber optic cable's connector type affects installation, so it's crucial to ensure the connector meets your requirements.
Toneable or non-toneable: Toneable cables make it much easier for technicians to locate and detect a cable. If you don't need to detect a cable quickly, non-toneable cables may be appropriate.
Simplex or duplex: A simplex cable only features a single connector and fiber optic cable on each end. In contrast, duplex cables feature two connectors and two fiber optic cables on each end. Since simplex cables only send data in a single direction, you may want a duplex cable if your project requires two-way communication.
Loose tube or tight buffered: While some types fiber only offer one type of loose tube or tight buffer, multiple types can be ordered both ways. It’s important to choose which is the most cost effective and still meet all your requirements.
Ease of Installation: Push fiber is worth considering when it comes to selecting fiber. Multilink's SpeedFlex offers a durable, yet flexible push/pull fiber option that speeds up the installation process.

Contact Multilink for Fiber Solutions Today

When you need fiber optic cables for your next project, turn to Multilink. Our knowledgeable staff can help you find the right solution by evaluating your business's needs and bundling or customizing various products to ensure you have a reliable, high-performing network in your corner. Many of our customers love our Surelight^® Flat Drop Cables and our SpeedFlex™ Push Fibers due to their incredible performance.

Review our fiber optic network cable options today. If you have any questions or want help finding the right cable, feel free to contact us.

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