Aug. 25, 2025
Telecommunications
Fast data transmission, thinner, lighter cables and long signal range are just a few of the benefits that make fiber optic cable a solid choice for corporate data networking and telecommunications.
Link to Wirenet
This buying guide will help you:
Fiber optic cable selection can be complex due to the variety of cable types, performance characteristics and more precise installation requirements. Start by determining requirements for the following:
Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should also consider cost and future-proofing. Additional requirements will be driven by the needs of your specific application. If you need assistance in determining requirements or selecting pre-terminated or custom fiber cable, please contact us.
Network Speed and Distance
Multimode fiber (MMF) used to be the automatic choice for datacenters and corporate networks because it was less expensive than singlemode fiber (SMF). Nowadays, the cost difference is not so significant. For example, the price of a 3 meter LC-to-LC duplex SMF cable is about one US dollar more than the equivalent MMF cable.
Instead of focusing on singlemode vs. multimode, focus on the connection distance and network speed dictated by the overall network design. If you need to move a large amount of data over a relatively short distance (for example, less than 300 meters), OM3 MMF might be the best choice. If data transmission speed or distance are key requirements, consider SMF. Note that MMF range depends on the OM rating of the cable.
Refer to Table 2: Fiber Optic Cable Speeds and Lengths for guidance.
Cable Jacket
All indoor fiber cabling must meet local fire codes. In the US, fire rating and jacket identification is defined by Article 77 of the National Electric Code (NEC). If your cable will run through risers or plenum spaces, make sure the cable jacket is rated accordingly.
In addition to fire rating, other cable jacket properties such as flexibility and strength under tensile load should be considered. For more information on jacket materials and fire ratings, see Fiber Optic Cable Jackets.
Connectors
Fiber optic cable terminations are typically dictated by the ports on your network equipment. For example, if your 10G Ethernet switch has multi-fiber MTP ports, you'll need cables with the required number of fibers.
If you are selecting cable for a 40GbE or 100GbE application, consider Active Optical Cables (AOCs). They combine an optical fiber cable and transceivers, eliminating the connector entirely.
Application Starting Points
Key Requirement Fiber Solution Product Options 10G Server Rack OM3 or OM4 cable OM3I need a custom cable. What are the next steps?
Eaton offers custom solutions to simplify installs and save money. Specify the fiber cable solution you need using our quick and easy order form.
What is a Fiber Optic Cable?
A fiber optic cable is a type of cable that uses light to transmit data over long distances. It consists of a core made of glass or plastic that is surrounded by layers of protective material, such as cladding. The core of the cable is where the data is transmitted as light signals, and the cladding helps to keep the light signals confined within the core. A coating and strength member protect the delicate fiber optic core from damage.
Fiber optic cables are used in a variety of applications, including telecommunications, internet service, and cable television. They offer several advantages over traditional copper cables, including faster data transmission speeds, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and the ability to transmit data over much longer distances. They are also more durable and less susceptible to damage than copper cables.
Fiber optic cables are available in various types, including single-mode and multimode fiber, and they can be used in various types of network configurations, including point-to-point, ring, and star. They are typically used for high-speed data transmission and are becoming increasingly important as demand for faster and more reliable wide area network connections continues to grow.
Core - At the center of a fiber optic cable is a thin glass tube called a core that transports light pulses generated by a laser or light emitting diode (LED). Singlemode cores are typically 8.3 or 9µm, while multimode cores are available in 50 and 62.5µm diameters.
Cladding - A thin layer of glass that protects and surrounds the fiber core, reflecting light back into the core causing light waves to travel the length of the fiber.
Primary Coating - This layer of thicker plastic is also known as the primary buffer. It is designed to absorb shocks, prevent excessive bending and reinforce the fiber core.
Strength Member or Strengthening Fibers - From gel-filled sleeves to strands of Kevlar, the strength member is engineered to protect the fiber core from excessive pull forces and crushing, particularly during installation.
Outer Jacket - The outer jacket, or cable jacket, provides a final layer of protection for the core conductor and further strengthens the cable. The jacket is color coded to identify the type of optical fiber in the cable: yellow for single mode, orange for multimode, and so on. Cable jackets also have fire ratings, such as OFNR, OFNP or LSZH.
Light pulses travel down the core of the fiber optic cable by reflecting off of the sides. With the exception of the light source, no power is required to transmit a signal. Light pulses will travel for many miles before they weaken and need to be regenerated.
Core size is important in determining how far a signal will travel. In general, the smaller the core, the farther the light will go before it needs regenerated. Single Mode Fiber (SMF) has a small core, which keeps the path of light narrow and allows it to travel up to 100km. Multimode Fiber (MMF) has a bigger core capable of carrying more data but it is susceptible to signal quality problems over longer distances, making it more suited to premises cabling and short haul networks.
How far can a fiber optic cable carry a signal?
Signal transmission distance is dependent on the type of cable, the wavelength and the network itself. Typical ranges are about 984 ft. for 10 Gbps multimode cable and up to 25 miles for singlemode cable. If a longer span is required, optical amplifiers or repeaters can be used to regenerate and error correct the optical signal.
Can the light generated by a singlemode laser damage your eyes?
Yes, the laser light from the end of a singlemode cable or the transmit port on a switch can seriously damage your eyes. Always keep protective covers over the ends of fiber cables and ports.
Faster data transmission speeds - Photons traveling at the speed of light reach speeds over a hundred times faster than electrons traveling over a copper conductor. In comparing the data transmission speed of fiber and copper, fiber wins easily. Copper currently maxes out at 40 Gbps, whereas OM5 fiber reaches speeds of 100 Gbps.
Higher bandwidth - Fiber optic cables have a much higher bandwidth capacity than copper cables, allowing for more data to be transmitted at once.
Longer transmission distances - Over long distances, copper and fiber cables both experience signal loss, but this attenuation is much greater with copper. Over 100 meters, it is estimated that fiber loses only 3% of its signal strength, whereas copper loses 94% over the same distance.
Immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) - Copper wires produce a field of electromagnetic interference, which can cause signaling errors in other cables. Fiber optic cables do not conduct electricity and are not susceptible to EMI.
Electrical Isolation - Because fiber optic cables do not carry electricity, there is no need to ground the transmitter and receiver. Nor is there any danger of electrical shock, arcing, heat or fire.
Lighter, Thinner Cable - Fiber cables are about a quarter the diameter and a tenth the weight of copper cables, making them easier to install and promoting better air flow in rack enclosures.
Better reliability - Fiber optic cables are more durable and less susceptible to damage than copper cables, making them more reliable for high-speed data transmission.
Security - Fiber optic cables are more secure than copper cables because it is difficult for unauthorized users to tap into the data transmission.
Environmentally friendly - Fiber optic cables are made of glass or plastic, which are environmentally friendly materials, whereas copper cables are made of copper, which is a finite resource.
What's the difference between fiber optic and Ethernet cable?
Ethernet cable has become synonymous with copper category cable but Ethernet is actually the networking protocol that allows devices to communicate over copper or fiber cable. Depending on requirements, network designers may choose to use either fiber or copper cable, and may use both in different parts of the network. Fiber is typically used to connect two high-speed devices (e.g. switch to switch) in data centers and campus networks where bandwidth and distance may be critical factors. In some cases, a network designer may be able to save money by using copper cable with similar performance in place of fiber optic cable. For example, less expensive 10G-certified Cat6a cables can be used in place of duplex fiber cables, which also require costly transceivers.
In residential applications, most telecommunications carriers have adopted some form of Fiber to the X (FTTX), a general term that encompasses configurations such as Fiber to the Premises (FTTP) and Fiber to the Home (FTTH). The last cable run will be defined by the equipment installed by the carrier in the home or business. If the output port is copper, then a standard copper Ethernet patch cable can be used. If the output port is fiber, then a fiber Ethernet cable is needed between the switch or router and the computer. The computer would need a fiber port or a media converter to transition from fiber to copper in order to complete the connection.
What is the defference between fiber internet and cable (copper) internet?
Fiber and cable internet both offer high-speed internet access, but there are some differences between them:
Speed: Fiber-optic internet has a faster maximum speed than cable internet. Fiber-optic internet can reach speeds up to 10 Gbps, while cable internet typically offers speeds up to 1 Gbps.
Reliability: Fiber-optic internet is known to be more reliable than cable internet as it is not affected by weather or physical interference, while cable internet can be affected by such issues.
Latency: Fiber-optic internet typically has lower latency than cable internet, meaning that data takes less time to travel from the source to its destination.
Availability: Cable internet is widely available, especially in urban areas, but fiber-optic internet is not yet as common and may not be available in all areas.
Often times, the choice between fiber and cable internet depends on what's available in your area.
Singlemode vs. Multimode
Fiber optic cable is available in two "modes": multimode or singlemode. Mode refers to pulses of light: multiple pulses or a single pulse.
Multimode fiber (MMF) cable is a type of fiber optic cable that is designed to allow multiple modes or pulses of light to propagate through the core of the cable. The relatively wide core allows it to carry multiple streams of data simultaneously at wavelengths of 850nm or nm.
Due to high dispersion and attenuation rates, multimode fiber is commonly used in shorter distance data transmission applications, such as in office buildings, schools, and hospitals. The larger core size allows for the use of less expensive light sources, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL), which can be used to transmit data over distances of up to several hundred meters.
Multimode fiber is less expensive than singlemode fiber and is easier to install and maintain, but it has several disadvantages compared to singlemode fiber, including slower data transmission speeds, shorter transmission distances, and lower bandwidth capacity. It is also more susceptible to signal degradation and attenuation over longer distances.
Singlemode fiber (SMF) cable is a type of fiber optic cable that is designed to transmit light through the core of the cable. Compared to multimode fiber, singlemode fiber has a small diameter core, typically around 9 microns. This smaller core size allows the light signals to travel much further without spreading out, enabling singlemode fiber to transmit data over distances of up to several kilometers. It uses a laser diode as its light source and a bandwidth in the and nm range.
Singlemode fiber is commonly used in high-speed data transmission applications, such as in telecommunications, internet service, and cable television. It is also used in high-bandwidth applications, such as data centers and medical imaging, where high-speed and long-distance transmission is required.
Singlemode fiber is more expensive than multimode fiber and requires specialized equipment for installation and maintenance, but it offers several advantages, including faster data transmission speeds, longer transmission distances, and higher bandwidth capacity.
Why is multimode fiber optic cable is designated 50/125 or 62.5/125?
These designations refer to the diameter of the core and cladding. For example, a 50/125 cable has a 50 micron core and a 125 micron cladding.
Simplex vs. Duplex
Simplex cable uses a single strand of fiber with a transmitter (TX) on one end and a receiver (RX) on the other. The cable is not reversible and supports only one-way transmission. It is typically used in monitoring applications where a sensor sends time-sensitive data back to a centralized system.
Full duplex cable uses two fibers to simultaneously transmit and receive data, essentially two simplex cables that work together to handle bidirectional data transfer. The twin connectors on either end are capable of transmitting and receiving simultaneously. Half duplex cables are also capable of two-way communication but not at the same time. Duplex cables are typically used to connect network devices in a high-speed network, such as switches, servers and storage systems.
In duplex fiber cables, it takes two fibers to make a bidirectional connection: one to transmit and one to receive. Polarity refers to the direction in which light travels from one end of the optical fiber to the other. To make a connection, a transmitter (Tx) must be connected to a corresponding receiver (Rx) on the other end of the cable.
Polarity errors in installation are common enough that TIA issued guidelines to help installers maintain polarity, particularly across multiple segments (see ANSI/TIA-598-C, Annex B). The standard defines position A and position B labeling for connectors and adapters, with position A on one end being routed to position B on the other end. When looking at a connector straight on with keys in the "up" position, "A" is always on the left and "B" is always on the right.
Eaton fiber patch cords are also color-coded. Notice how the yellow sleeve on the cable above indicates Position A on one end and Position B on the other.
Why Are Switchable Polarity Connectors Necessary?
A-B duplex patch cords provide a crossover, with transmitter connecting to receiver. Regardless of whether the connection is a single cable or a series of patch cords, adapters and patch panels, when you add up all the crossovers in a channel it should be an odd number.
Most fiber optic duplex cables have fixed polarity, meaning the positions of the LC connectors cannot be changed. However, sometimes switchable polarity cables are necessary, either by design or to fix installation errors. Fiber between buildings or between patch panels is often run straight through (i.e. not crossed), even though this is contrary to the ANSI/TIA standard recommendations. Uncrossing patch cables is also a common fix for polarity errors in installation.
How to Switch a Connector's Polarity
The LC connectors on switchable polarity cables are held in place by a clip. Releasing the clip allows the A and B positions to be swapped, converting an A-B cable to an A-A cable.
Duplex Zipcord Fiber
Zipcord is a type of electrical cable with two or more connectors that can be separated by pulling them apart.
Duplex zipcord fiber consists of two fibers surrounded by strength members and an outer jacket. The example on the right is a duplex multimode zipcord cable with twin LC connectors on either end.
Mode Conditioning Cables
A Mode Conditioning patch cord (MCP) is a duplex cable with multimode to multimode on the receive (Rx) side and singlemode to multimode on the transmit (Tx) side.
By allowing a singlemode signal to be converted and transmitted over multimode fiber, Mode Conditioning cables avoid the expense of an expensive network upgrade to replace legacy Gigabit LX transceivers.
Can I mix singlemode and multimode fiber and equipment on the same network?
No. Singlemode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) have different core sizes so mixing cable types causes differential mode delay (DMD), resulting in errors at the receiver. Mode Conditioning patch cables avoid DMD by launching the singlemode signal at an offset to the center of the MMF core. This "mode conditioning" creates a signal that is similar to typical multimode launch.
Active Optical Cables (AOCs)
Active Optical Cables (AOCs) are fiber optic cables with transceivers permanently bonded to each end, eliminating the need for connectors. AOCs are typically used in top-of-rack applications where link distances are short. The thin cables help to maintain air flow when port density is high.
Multi-Strand Fiber Cables
Multi-strand fiber is similar to duplex fiber. It has multiple strands of fiber carrying data in one direction and a similar number of strands supporting data transfer in the opposite direction. Multi-strand fiber is designed to support data rates above 25G and uses an MPO/MTP connector.
Cables typically have 12 or 24 fiber strands (referred to as 12F or 24F) in a single jacket. Multi-strand fiber can also be made as a breakout cable with an MPO/MTP connector on one end and multiple duplex LC connectors on the other end.
Loopback Cables
A loopback cable, also known as loopback tester or loopback adapter, is used to test signal transmission and diagnose problems. It plugs into an Ethernet or serial port and routes the transmit line to the receive line so that outgoing signals can be redirected back into the source for testing.
The designations "OM" and "OS" stand for Optical Multimode and Optical Singlemode respectively. They were first defined in the ISO/IEC standard covering premises cabling and classify optical cable according to wavelength and bandwidth.
The chart below compares the different fiber types.
Multimode Bandwidth
In multimode fiber, light takes different paths (modes) as it travels down the cable. The paths that are closer to the center of the core are shorter so, all things being equal, light that takes these paths will take less time to travel the length of the cable. Multimode fiber compensates for this by slowing down the shorter paths and allowing longer paths to move faster so all modes arrive at the receiver at the same time. Of course, this is an ideal situation. In reality, modes arrive at slightly different times causing the light pulses to spread out and making it harder for the receiver to interpret the signal.
Overfilled vs. Effective Bandwidth
Older multimode cables use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) as their light source. These LED sources "overfilled" the fiber by using all available paths. Overfilled Launch (OFL) Bandwidth is a measure of the data transmission capacity of cable with an LED source, and is used with legacy fiber cable running at speeds of less than 1 Gbs.
Faster networks require a more focused light source and it came in the form of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL), pronounced "vixel", a semiconductor that omits a laser beam perpendicular to its surface. Not only was the beam narrower and resulted in lower signal dispersion, VCSELs were also cheaper to manufacture and more power efficient. VCSEL light sources did have one problem though. The light they produced was not uniform across the whole cable core. In essence, the core was "underfilled", with some modes carrying a stronger light pulse than others. It also meant that Effective Modal Bandwidth (EMB) rather than OFL had to be used to measure the performance of multimode fiber.
Comparing Multimode and Singlemode Speeds and Distances
What Is SWDM?
Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM) transmits data over a cable using different wavelengths in the 850 to 953 nm range. SWDM4 transceivers use four light sources operating at different wavelengths to produce a multiplexed signal which is transmitted over two-fiber duplex MMF cable. Increasing bandwidth by using wavelength instead of additional fibers reduces cost and allows 40G and 100G data transmission rates over existing two-fiber cable.
SWDM4 works with legacy 10G OM3 and OM4 duplex MMF, as well as the newer OM5 wideband multimode fiber (WBMMF). OM5 is specifically designed to support SWDM4 wavelengths in the 850-953 nm range.
Unlike copper category cable that uses the ubiquitous RJ45 connector regardless of cable type, glass and plastic fiber optic cable can be terminated using a variety of connector types. Connector choice is determined by the equipment and the requirements of the application, including the anticipated number of mating cycles and the amount of vibration.
Singlemode fiber requires a clean, precisely aligned transceiver that injects light into its small core with sub-micron accuracy. By contrast, multimode fiber is a little more forgiving.
Ferrule Connector (FC)
The FC was the first optical fiber connector to use a ceramic ferrule. These connectors precisely position and lock the fiber core relative to the transmitter and receiver. FC connectors have been largely replaced by the cheaper and easier to install SC and LC connectors but are still preferred in high vibration environments due to their screw-on collet.
Straight Tip (ST)
ST was at one time the most common fiber optic connector for both singlemode and multimode fiber. It features a bayonet-style twist lock connector and is inexpensive and easy to install. It is still used in industrial and military applications but elsewhere, it has been largely replaced by smaller form factors.
Subscriber Connector (SC)
SC connectors have a reliable snap-in locking mechanism that latches with a simple push-pull motion. They are an inexpensive, durable option rated for 1,000 mating cycles. This connector is used in simplex and duplex (shown) configurations. SC connectors have been mostly replaced by LC connectors in corporate networks.
Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack (MT-RJ)
This Small Form Factor (SFF) connector is used with multimode fiber. It is easy to terminate and install, and its smaller size allows twice the port density of ST or SC connectors. It is similar in design and operation to a RJ45 connector, making it ideal for Fiber–to-the-Desktop (FTTD) applications.
Lucent Connector (LC)
The LC connector was designed to address complaints that ST and SC connectors were too bulky and easily dislodged. LC connectors have a footprint approximately 50% smaller than the SC connector. Thanks to this small size and secure latching feature, it is widely used in data centers and telecom switching centers where packing density is critical.
Multiple-Fiber Push-On/Pull-Off (MTP/MPO)
The MTP/MPO connector has a horizontal, multi-fiber interface designed specifically for use with high-bandwidth QSFP-DD transceivers. The connectors are about the same width as SC connectors but can be vertically stacked in patch panels and switches. They are ideal for high bandwidth applications such as cloud services and core data centers.
Corning/Senko (CS)
The new CS connector is 40% smaller than a standard LC duplex connector, making it ideal for very high-density 200G and 400G networks utilizing the QSFP-DD and OSFP transceiver interfaces. The connector features a push/pull tab and a spring-loaded zirconia ferrule.
For more Fiber optic infrastructure solutionsinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Most indoor fiber optic cables use a low-cost, fire resistant polyvinylchloride (PVC) jacket. Some installations (e.g. confined spaces, but not risers or plenum) may opt for the more expensive Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jacket, which is made of thermoplastic or thermoset compounds and offers superior flame retardant and produces little smoke or toxic fumes when burned.
Polyethylene (PE) is preferred for outdoor applications due to its resistant to moisture and sunlight (UV rays), abrasion resistance and flexibility over a wide range of temperatures.
Colored jackets and connectors are used to identify the mode and OM rating of indoor and military cables, making it easy to identify at a glance the capabilities of a cable and ensuring that installers use the correct cable type for each connection. Outdoor cable jackets are typically black so they can resist damage from the sun, precluding the use of any color coding.
Color code standards and conventions specified in TIA-598D are shown in the table below. Jackets are also printed with additional information about the cable. For example, the jacket of an OM4 multimode cable with core dimensions of 50/125 and a bandwidth of 850 nm laser-optimized might be labeled “OM4 850 LO 50 /125".
Mode Cable Type Jacket Color Connector Color Multimode OM1 Orange Beige OM2 Orange Beige OM3 Aqua Beige OM4 Aqua Light Green OM5 Lime Green Light Blue Singlemode OS1/OS2 (PC/UPC) Yellow Blue OS1/OS2 (APC) Yellow GreenThe National Fire Protection Association's National Electrical Code (NEC) defines levels of fire resistance for fiber optic cables. Indoor fiber installations are typically classified as plenum, riser or general purpose. Cables installed in plenum spaces and risers must meet standards for flame spread and smoke production outlined in NEC Article 770 and the UL Standard for Optical Fiber Cable.
UL defines the following optical-fiber cable types:
What's the difference between conductive and non-conductive fiber optic cable?
Non-conductive cables contain nothing that could carry electrical current. Conductive cables include metallic strength members, sheathing or other metal components that could potentially carry an electric current, even though that is not the intended purpose.
Note: Fire regulations vary from country to country. In the US, Article 770 of the National Electrical Code governs installation and testing of premises fiber cabling. In Europe, this falls to the IEC/CEI although individual countries may have their own standards organizations, such as the British Standards Institute (BSI) in the UK.
When a pulse of light reaches the end of the fiber core, some percentage of light is reflected back towards the source. This Optical Return Loss (ORL), expressed in decibels (dB), only affects fiber with a laser light source and can reduce data transmission speeds. Singlemode fiber, and multimode fiber with a VCSEL light source, are sensitive to ORL. Older multimode fiber with an LED light source is not subject to ORL.
Are Optical Return Loss and Back Reflection the same thing?
ORL and Back Reflection are often used interchangeably but they are actually different. ORL is the total power lost from all system components, including the fiber itself. Reflected power is only one component of ORL.
Optical Return Loss can be minimized by ensuring that ferrules are clean and connectors are properly mated. It can also be reduced by choosing fiber optic cable with end-faces that are shaped to optimize the physical interface. Original fiber connectors had ferrules with a simple flat face, leaving a relatively large area that could be damaged with repeated mating. Physical Contact (PC)connectors are polished to a slightly rounded surface to reduce the size of the end face. The end face of Ultra Physical Contact (UPC) connectors have an even greater radius so the fibers touch at the apex of the curve near the fiber core.
The ferrules of an Angled Physical Contact (APC) connector are cleaved at an angle between 5 and 15 degrees. The angle directs the reflected light out of the core resulting in a lower ORL value.
Insertion Loss refers to the amount of light lost between two fixed points in the fiber and is measured in decibels (dB). Insertion Loss can occur when fiber is terminated with a connector or spliced, and is often the result of fiber core misalignment, dirty ferrules or poor quality connectors. The combined insertion loss of all system components should be within the limits specified in the link-loss budget agreed with the installer.
What is the minimum bend radius for fiber optic cable?
For a cable that is not under pulling tension, the minimum radius should not be less than 10 times the cable diameter. For example, a multimode cable with an outside diameter of 3.0 mm has a minimum bend radius of 30 mm. The bend radius for a cable under tensile load may be greater. Refer to the cable's spec sheet for details.
What is the maximum tensile rating (pulling force) for fiber optic cable?
During installation, a fiber optic cable may be stressed when it is pulled through ductwork and around bends. Even pulling a cable from the payoff reel can potentially cause damage. After installation, cables can also be subjected to sustained pulling forces, for example, at cable drops or when run through risers.
The maximum tensile rating of a fiber optic cable is the highest pulling force that the cable can be subject to before the cable's fibers or optical properties are damaged. The cable manufacturer will typically provide two values: maximum tensile rating during installation and maximum tensile rating while in operation.
Fiber optic cable should ideally be pulled by hand in a smooth, steady motion. It should never be jerked, pushed or subjected to excessive twisting.
What is a Fiber Traffic Access Point (TAP)?
A passive fiber Traffic Access Point (TAP) allows network managers to monitor live network traffic without affecting performance on the primary link. When used with a traffic monitoring system, TAPs can be used to monitor service quality, enable usage billing and detect security breaches.
Fiber optic cable vs. copper cable: which is the best?
Fiber optic cables have several key advantages over traditional copper cables:
While fiber optic cables have many advantages, they also have some disadvantages compared to copper cables, such as typically being more expensive and requiring specialized skills to install and maintain. However, the benefits often outweigh these downsides, especially for applications that require high speed or long-distance data transmission.
What is fiber internet?
Fiber internet, often referred to as "Fiber to the Home" (FTTH) or "Fiber to the Premises" (FTTP), is a type of high-speed broadband internet service that transfers data via fiber-optic cables. These cables are less susceptible to interference or degradation, making fiber internet extremely reliable. It's also capable of delivering much higher speeds, making it perfect for speed sensitive business activities or online gaming.
Fiber optic internet can also provide "symmetrical" speed, meaning that the upload speed is the same as the download speed. This is a significant advantage over many traditional internet services, where upload speeds are often much slower than download speeds.
Do I need a fiber patch cable to connect my computer to a fiber internet?
Fiber To The Home (FTTH) or Fiber To The Premises (FTTP) service usually terminates at a device known as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which is installed at your home or business by the Internet Service Provider (ISP). This ONT converts the optical signal from the fiber cable into an electrical signal that your devices can use.
In most residential or small business situations, the ONT will typically have an Ethernet output that you can connect directly to a computer or, more commonly, to a router that provides network connectivity to multiple devices. This is often done with an Ethernet patch cable (Cat6a or higher), not a fiber patch cable.
However, in certain enterprise or high-performance computing situations where a device has a fiber-optic network interface card (NIC), you could potentially use a fiber patch cable to connect the device directly to a fiber network.
We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton, you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.
Fiber optic cable offers a range of benefits for corporate data networking and telecommunications, such as thinner, lighter cables and longer signal range. This comprehensive buying guide will discuss:
It is also known as “optical fiber cable,” fiber optic cable relays data in pulses of light through optically pure, flexible glass or plastic fibers. Thanks to its rapid data transmission speeds over extended distances, fiber optic cable have become a frontrunner for Ethernet networking and telecommunications applications.
Related: Cat8 Cable: Everything You Need To Know
Light pulses reflect off the sides of the fiber optic cable, moving down the core. No power is necessary to transmit a signal, except for the light source. Light pulses can travel for many miles before weakening and needing a boost.
When determining how far a signal will travel, core size is key. A good rule of thumb is that the smaller the core, the farther the light will go before it needs to be regenerated. Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) features a petite core, keeping the path of light narrow and allowing it to travel up to 100 km. Multimode Fiber (MMF) has a larger core that carries more data but is susceptible to signal quality issues over longer distances, making it better suited to short-haul networks and premises cabling.
How far a fiber optic cable can carry a signal depends on the wavelength, the type of cable, and the network. For 10 Gbps multimode cable, ranges average about 984 ft, and single mode cable can reach up to 25 miles. Optical repeaters or amplifiers are employed to regenerate and error correct the optical signal if a longer span is needed.
Ethernet cable is often used interchangeably with copper category cable, but Ethernet is the networking protocol devices use to communicate over copper or fiber cable. Network designers may employ either fiber or copper cable, depending on requirements, and may utilize both kinds of cable for different network components. Typically, fiber is used to connect two high-speed devices (like switch to switch) in campus networks and data centers where distance and bandwidth are essential. Sometimes, a network designer can save money utilizing copper cable with similar performance rather than fiber optic cable.
Looking for the latest fiber optic solutions? Work with C&C Technology Group to optimize your network today!
There is a wide range of cable types with different performance characteristics and specific installation requirements. When choosing fiber optic cable for your network, you should begin by listing requirements for:
After you’ve narrowed it down, make sure to account for cost and future-proofing. Our experts at C&C Technology Group can help you determine requirements or choose pre-terminated or custom fiber cable.
Multimode fiber (MMF) used to be the standard for corporate networks and data centers because it was cheaper than single-mode fiber (SMF). Thanks to technological advancements, the cost difference is much more negligible. Rather than comparing single-mode and multimode, consider the distance of the connection and the network speed the overall network design requires. To move a large amount of data over a short distance (i.e, under 300 meters), OM3 MMF may be your best option. Consider SMF if data transmission distance or speed is critical. The cable’s OM rating dictates the MMF range.
Local fire codes must be obeyed when installing indoor fiber cabling. Article 77 of the National Electric Code defines fire rating and jacket identification in the U.S. If your cable needs to run through plenum spaces or risers, account for that in the cable jacket rating. Flexibility and strength under tensile load are other cable jacket properties to consider.
The ports on your network equipment typically dictate fiber optic cable terminations. If your 10G Ethernet switch features multi-fiber MTP ports, for example, then you need a certain amount of fibers in the cable.
Related: OTDR: Optical Time Domain Reflectometer Info
Fiber optic cable comes in two “modes”: multimode and single-mode. Mode refers to whether it’s single or multiple pulses of light.
MMF comes in two core sizes: 50µm and 62.5µm. The relatively wide core can simultaneously carry multiple streams of data at 850 nm or nm. Multimode fiber employs a Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL) or a light-emitting diode (LED) as its source of light. It is generally used to carry a high volume of data over shorter distances due to high attenuation and dispersion rates. Multimode fiber optic cable is designated as 50/125 or 62.5/125, which refers to the core and cladding diameter.
Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): The core size is much smaller for SMF, comprising 8.3µm or 9µm and a single light path that can travel further. SMF utilizes a laser diode that operates in the and m range. Single-mode is usually employed in longer spans, like cable TV transmission, campus data networks, and telecommunications networks.
A Simplex cable employs a single strand of fiber with a transmitter (TX) on one end and a receiver (RX) on the other. The cable isn’t reversible and only transmits one way. Simplex cable is commonly used in monitoring applications, where a sensor transmits time-sensitive data back to the central system.
Full-duplex cable has two fibers that transmit and receive data simultaneously and are essentially two simplex cables working in conjunction to handle bidirectional data transfer. The twin connectors on both ends can transmit and receive at the same time. Half-duplex cables can produce two-way communication, but not simultaneously. Duplex cables are commonly used to link network devices in a high-speed network, like storage systems, servers, and switches.
Zipcord is a kind of electrical cable with two or more connectors you can pull apart to separate. Duplex zipcord fiber comprises two fibers wrapped by strength members and an outer jacket.
A Mode Conditioning patch cord (MCP) refers to a duplex cable featuring a single-mode to multimode on the transmit (Tx) side and multimode to multimode on the receive (Rx) side. Remember that you cannot mix single-mode and multimode fiber and equipment on the same network. Single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber (MMF) have different core sizes, so differential mode delay (DMD) occurs when cable types are mixed, causing receiver errors. DMD can be avoided using Mode Conditioning patch cables, which launch the single-mode signal at an offset to the MMF ore center. The “mode conditioning” generates a signal similar to a normal multimode launch.
Active Optical Cables (AOCs) refer to fiber optic cables that have transceivers bonded permanently to either end, removing the need for connectors. AOCs are commonly found in top-of-rack applications for short link distances. The thin cables maintain airflow with high port density.
Like duplex fiber, multi-strand fiber features multiple strands of fiber relaying data in one direction and an equivalent number of strands transferring data in the other direction. Multi-strand fiber is engineered to support data rates above 25G and utilizes an MPO/MTP connector. Multi-strand fiber cables generally combine 12 or 24 fiber strands (known as12F or 24F) in a single jacket. Multi-strand fiber can also be used as a breakout cable with multiple duplex LC connectors on one end and an MPO/MTP connector on the other end.
For testing signal transmission and diagnosing problems, engineers use a loopback cable called a loopback adapter or loopback tester. Loopback cables plug into a serial or Ethernet port and relay the transmit line to the receiving line to redirect any outgoing signals back into the testing source.
When a pulse of light hits the fiber core’s end, a certain portion of light reflects toward the source, known as the Optical Return Loss (ORL). ORL is expressed in decibels (dB), only impacts fiber with a laser light source, and can lower data transmission speeds. ORL can affect single-mode fiber and multimode fiber if they have a VCSEL light source. ORL doesn’t impact older multimode fiber with an LED light source.
The terms ORL and Back Reflection are used interchangeably but are distinct concepts. ORL refers to all of the power lost from the entire system, including the fiber. Reflected power is only one aspect of ORL. Engineers can minimize ORL by making sure connectors are properly mated, and ferrules are clean. Choosing fiber optic cable with end-faces designed to optimize physical interface can also reduce ORL.
Original fiber connectors used ferrules with a basic flat face with a relatively large area that is easily damaged through repeated mating. Physical Contact (PC) connectors are polished to a slightly rounded surface to cut down on the end face size. Ultra Physical Contact (UPC) connectors have end faces with an even larger radius where the fibers connect at the apex of the curve near the fiber core.
Angled Physical Contact (APC) connector ferrules are cleaved at an angle between 15 and 5 degrees, directing the reflected light out of the core for a smaller ORL value.
The total light lost between two fixed points in the fibers known as Insertion Loss and is measured in decibels (dB). Fiber spliced or terminated with a connector can cause Insertion Loss due to dirty ferrules, fiber core misalignment, or poor quality connectors. The total insertion loss of the entire system needs to comply with the installer’s agreed-upon link-loss budget.
The minimum radius shouldn’t be smaller than 10 times the cable diameter for cables that are not under pulling tension. A multimode cable with an outside diameter of 3.0 mm, for example, should have a minimum bend radius of 30 mm. If the cable is under tensile load, the bend radius may be higher. For further details, look at the cable’s spec sheet.
A fiber optic cable may be stressed during installation as it is pulled around bends and through ductwork. Damage can even be caused by pulling a cable from the payoff reel. Cables may also undergo continuous pulling forces after they are installed. A fiber optic cable’s maximum tensile rating is the highest pulling force the cable can stand before damaging its optical properties of fibers. The cable manufacturer generally lists the maximum tensile rating during installation and the maximum tensile rating while in operation.
Related: Network & Cable Testers [Buyer’s Guide]
People and companies want to get the best prices on anything. Who wants to pay more for an item than is necessary? As you can imagine, both people and companies want to get the best fiber optic cable price to decrease costs. However, they also don’t want to sacrifice quality. A laggy or lossy connection is often more costly and frustrating than buying a better cable to begin with, even if that cable costs a little more.
If you’re looking to get the best fiber optic cable price, here are a few helpful tips to make this search much more straightforward!
If you’re looking to get the best fiber optic cable price, you’ll first need to identify all the distributors that sell them. As you might imagine, some distributors are a little bit more pricey than others. Here are four of the top distributors that tend to have quite reasonable prices! There are others, of course, but these are some of the top ones.
Anixter is one of the leading suppliers of communications hardware. They not only have fiber optic cables, but they also have patch cords, inserts, splices, adapters, and enclosures. In short, pretty much anything related to fiber-optic connectivity you can find here!
If you’re looking for the best fiber optic cable price, Anixter is an excellent place to start. They typically have fantastic pricing.
Graybar is technically an electrical supply store, but they also have telecommunications products. There are networking enclosures and, of course, fiber optic cables. Like the previous supplier, Graybar doesn’t only sell cabling. They sell jacks, outlets, patch cables, closures, and more for all forms of communication, not just fiber-optic!
Graybar’s selection makes it a worthy place to investigate when looking for the best pricing!
Like the other suppliers on this list, Accu-Tech sells many networking components, including fiber optic cables. They have numerous locations across multiple states, so there’s a good chance that you will have a branch near you.
As to be expected, Accu-Tech’s selection and pricing are typically excellent, so it should be a place you look at when you want this type of cabling.
Finally, you should check out Wesco when looking for these cables. They have electrical and automation components, as well as data communications and cabling. As you can likely guess, they have fiber optic cables too. They also have branches across multiple states, so you should be able to find one close to you!
Wesco’s selection and pricing are also excellent, so you should look for these cables here too!
Not all fiber cabling is the same. Some cables are naturally of better quality and offer higher performance than others. As you might imagine, the higher-quality lines can sometimes be a little pricier.
Lousy fiber optic cables can have data loss. Unlike coaxial cables, fiber connections either work, or they don’t. Since it is a digital signal, either the light or laser arrives at its destination, or it doesn’t. But that still leaves the possibility that the cabling could have issues inside that may cause data loss (or, at a bare minimum, require the client to run some error-correcting logic and need to request the data again).
If you are looking for short-distance cables, quality tends to matter a little less. There’s less that can go wrong with these cables since the data only needs to travel for a short distance. However, if you want to connect thousands of feet with fiber optic cables, you’ll need a more robust solution. You’ll likely need cables that can withstand all the twists, turns, and elements they might encounter and still deliver a high-quality signal.
The type of cabling and how many cables you buy will also change depending on what speeds you need. Lines that can deliver 10 Gbps need to be much more durable and robust than ones that provide 1 Gbps.
All in all, ensure that you buy a suitable cable for the job. If you’re unsure of the cabling you need or the brands you need, you can discuss your desired outcome with a C&C Technology Group support staff member. They will recommend a cable that will work for you!
Another way to save money is to buy cables in bulk. Typically, suppliers can give excellent discounts for bulk purchases!
It’s worth noting that most of the suppliers mentioned above have branch offices. If you want to secure a discount (and you can buy in bulk), consider phoning up your local branch and seeing what options there are for buying in bulk. The branch managers can often help put together a custom offer that will give you the best pricing.
Even if you don’t use all the fiber optic cable for your current job, if you know you will use it in the future, it may make sense to take advantage of some manufacturer discounts and bulk pricing now, so that way you’ll not only save on this job but other jobs after!
You can find the best fiber optic cable price by taking a little bit of time to shop around. Usually, one supplier will have special manufacturer incentives that all the other suppliers won’t. Once you find that particular supplier, you can save significant money on these cables! The best part is that you won’t have to sacrifice quality if you look carefully!
Fiber optic cables can, unfortunately, be a little pricey. By considering the steps above (and checking with the suppliers mentioned), you should get the best prices. Additionally, if you can buy in bulk, that will help you save even more money – for this job and others, potentially.
There are numerous options to save some money and make your next cabling project a little easier and less costly! It’s a win-win situation all around!
Related: Fiber Connector Types Buyer’s Guide []
C&C Technology Group is a top infrastructure and advisory firm dedicated to optimizing your business. Work with C&C Technology Group for your fiber optic cabling solutions today!
Looking for the latest fiber optic solutions? Work with C&C Technology Group to optimize your network today!
Last Updated on August 2, by Josh Mahan
If you are looking for more details, kindly visit 200g qsfp56.
Previous: Unlocking the Power of 100G QSFP28 AOC: 10 Key Advantages for ...
Next: Fiber optics: How does it benefit my business Internet? - Ufinet
If you are interested in sending in a Guest Blogger Submission,welcome to write for us!
All Comments ( 0 )