Fibre optics- glass that can transmit data.
Fibre optic cabling is a type of communications cable that is used to transmit large amounts of data over long distances, using glass fibres and light.
A data transmitting device ( e.g network switch, computer etc) sends a signal via a lightwave down the cable, bouncing the signal down the fibres to another device which receives and interprets the signal. The fibres are hair thin, at about 0.125mm each. These cables are used in transmitting data over long distances and replace older copper communications cabling. Copper cabling in premise has a maximum use of 90m whereas depending on the fibre type, these cables can be run for kilometers.
The transmission speed of fibre optics is unrivalled versus copper cabling. A CAT6 Cable has a maximum transmission speed of about 10Gigabits/second over about 40m. Fibre optics over the same length can be (dependent on type and configuration) 100 Gigabits/second. That a 10x increase in transmission speeds!
Singlemode? Multimode? OS1? OM4? LC? ST? Pigtail? What does all this mean? In short, these are terminology used to differentiate fibre optic types, connectors and accessories. Below is a short summary of each type and its characteristics
Singlemode- Thinner core, can transmit higher data speeds
Multimode- Thicker core, can transmit lower data speeds
OS1/2- details it is a "optical singlemode" generation 1 or 2
OM1/2/3/4- details it is a "optical multimode" generation 1-4
LC/ST/SC/FC- fibre optic connector types- the end that you see and can patch cables in/out of to complete the final join to the device
Pigtail- the small lead that is fusion spliced to the end of a cable, with a connector built in, to enable connection to the final device.
So who installs this wizardry and why should we use it?
Trained installers, that are competent in the use of calibrated, specialist tools and equipment to design and install fibre optic networks. Whilst this is specialist type work, and falls under the electrical trade, it shouldn't be installed by just anyone. Ensure when you get fibre optic works done it is completed by licenced technicians. Ideally they work for a company that has vendor certifications so they can offer you long term warranties for peace of mind on your investment. In short, fibre optic cabling should be used when you have long distances between devices or have high data transmission requirements.
Fibre Optic field cabinet
Fibre optic splicing in action
Testing fibre optic networks using a specialty tester.
Fibre Optic field cabinet
