Fiber optic cables are the foundation of contemporary communication networks in today’s interconnected world. Fast data transfer and dependable connectivity are essential. The way we communicate information has been transformed by fiber cables’ remarkable speed, capacity, and efficiency. In this article, we will cover almost every aspect of fiber cables, including their design, benefits, types, connections, and transceiver compatibility.
What is a Fiber Cable?
Also known as optical fiber cable or optical cable, a fiber cable is a form of high-speed transmission medium that uses tiny strands of glass or plastic, known as optical fibers, to relay data using light signals. Highly transparent materials like silica glass make up the core, which is where light travels. The core and cladding of each optical fiber are encased in a protective covering. Large volumes of data may be transmitted over great distances with these lines with little signal loss and electromagnetic interference.
Advantages of using Fiber Cables
Some advantages of using fiber optic cables are increased speed and bandwidth, signal integrity, longer ranges, and higher levels of security.
Speed and Bandwidth: Fiber has the capacity to exceed multiple terabits per second, which offers extremely rapid data transfer rates. This makes them perfect for real-time data-transmission-required applications like video streaming, cloud computing, and online gaming.
Signal Integrity: Fiber cables are resistant to electromagnetic interference and signal deterioration, unlike conventional copper lines. By doing this, reliable, high-quality data transmission across greater distances is ensured.
Longer Range: Fiber cables provide a significantly greater range of data transmission without suffering from severe signal loss. They are employed for linking rural areas and facilitating transcontinental communications.
Security: Fiber cables are resistant to data interception and eavesdropping since they do not emit electrical signals that can be detected. For sectors like finance, defense, and healthcare, this built-in security element is essential.
Types of Fiber Optic Cable
Single-Mode Fiber (SMF): Designed for long-distance transmissions, single-mode fiber cables use a thin core that allows a single mode of light to propagate. They are commonly used in telecommunication networks, undersea cables, and long-haul applications.
Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF): MMF cables are optimized for shorter distances and high-speed data transfer within localized areas. They utilize a larger core that supports multiple light modes. MMF is commonly used in data centers, LAN (Local Area Network) connections, and short-distance applications.
Fiber Cable Connectors
Simplex vs. Duplex: Simplex and duplex configurations are two categories of fiber optic cable connections. For unidirectional transmission, simplex uses a single fiber strand, whereas duplex uses two fibers for bidirectional communication.
Polished: Different polished connectors are used for the best performance. While Angled Physical Contact (APC) connections have an angled polish to lessen back reflections, Ultra Physical Contact (UPC) connectors feature a flat end face finish. Fiber connectors are frequently color-coded for quick identification. APC connectors are green, multi-mode connectors are beige or black, mechanical transfer registered jack (MT-RJ) connectors are aqua, and single-mode connectors are commonly blue or yellow.
Fiber Cable Connector Color Code:
- Blue = SM UPC (Non-angled Polished Connector)
- Green = SM/APC (Angled Polished Connector)
- Tan = MM/UPC
- Aqua = MM/APC
- Orange = MM or SM
Transceiver Compatibility
- The compatibility of transceivers with various fiber cable types is essential when connecting fiber cables to network devices. Here are a few important things to remember:
- Single-mode transceivers are frequently used in long-distance applications and are designed to operate with single-mode fiber lines.
- Multi-mode transceivers are appropriate for communications over short distances.
- Connectivity: transceivers and fiber cables should have compatible connector types
- Wavelength: transceivers and fiber cables should operate at the same wavelength to ensure stable communication, such as 850 nm or 1310 nm for multi-mode and 1310 nm or 1550 nm for single-mode.
Fiber Connector Type (FC and LC)
As of 2023, the industry standard practice has been to phase out the older FC fiber optic connector.
FC is still used on single mode connections, however it is uncommon to see it on multimode lines. FC connectors’ threaded screw-on construction makes them more difficult to disconnect than contemporary fiber optic connectors. They also cost more to manufacture because of the more intricate design and metal usage. FC is still widely used because its threads allow it to stay in place when attached to moving machines, despite these drawbacks.
LC is a push-pull connector with a latch that secures it in place. The fundamental appeal of LC is its modest size, despite the fact that it is quicker and simpler to use. LC can be utilized on devices that would not otherwise have enough space to handle a fiber optic connection because it is roughly half the size of other fiber optic connectors.
The most popular kind of fiber optic connector used today is probably SC. In order to save production costs, SC uses a push-pull mechanism identical to LC, but instead of a latch to attach the unit, it uses a locking tab. Industries that commonly employ fiber cables, such datacom and telecom, like SC because of its low cost design.
ST has a similar layout to FC but uses a locking mechanism akin to that of BNC coax connections in place of threads. Although ST is not being phased out as much as FC, it is beginning to be used less frequently in favor of LC and SC.
From left to right: FC, LC, SC, and ST
Does my transceiver match the fiber cable options?
It’s important to carefully evaluate a number of aspects while selecting the appropriate transceiver for your fiber optic network. Ensuring your transceiver fits the fiber cable alternatives you have available is one of the most important factors. Evaluate the wavelength, connector type, mode, and distance specifications against the requirements for the application. Effective data transmission depends on the transceiver and fiber cable having compatible wavelengths. To guarantee a safe and dependable connection, the connector type must also be compatible. The mode, whether single-mode or multi-mode, must be taken into account because it impacts the maximum distance a transceiver can transmit data successfully.
Here is an example of some specs
| Specification | Multimode SFP | Single-mode SFP |
| Fiber Type | 62.5/125µm or 50/125µm core MMF | 9/125µm core SMF |
| Working Wavelength | Mainly in 850 nm and 1300 nm | Mainly in 1310 nm and 1550 nm |
| Color Coding | Black | Blue for 1310nm SFPYellow for 1550nm SFP |
| Transmission Distance | 100 m / 500 m | 2 km up to 200 km |
Key Points
- Fiber optic cables provide fast data transfer, signal integrity, long transmission ranges, and enhanced security.
- Differentiate between single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF) for varying distance requirements.
- Understand the different types of fiber cable connectors and their advantages, such as simplex, duplex, APC, and UPC.
- Transceiver compatibility is essential for effective data transmission, considering wavelength, connector type, mode, and distance requirements.
With their speed, capacity, and efficiency, fiber optic cables have revolutionized modern communication networks. They provide numerous benefits, including higher speed and capacity, signal integrity, longer transmission distances, and improved security. Various types of fiber cables are available, such as single-mode fiber (SMF) and multi-mode fiber (MMF), as they cater to various distance requirements. Additionally, understanding fiber cable connectors, such as simplex and duplex configurations, and polished connectors like APC and UPC, is crucial for ensuring reliable connections. Transceiver compatibility with fiber cable options, including wavelength, connector type, mode, and distance specifications, is vital for seamless data transmission.
