Category Archives: Fiber Optic cable

Fiber optic cable adapter, attenuator, connectors,outdoor fiber optic cable , indoor fiber optic cable available.

Single Mode and Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

Posted on by

In recent years fiber optic cable has become apparent that optical fibers are steadily replacing copper wire as an appropriate means of communication signal transmission. They span the long distances between local phone systems as well as providing the backbone for many network systems. Other system users include cable telecision services, university campuses, office buildings, industrial plants, and electric utility companies.

There are three types of fiber optic cable commonly used: single mode, multimode and plastic fiber optic. Although fibers can be made out of transparent plastic, glass, or a combination of the two, the fibers used in long distance telecommunications applications are always glass, because of the lower optica atenuation. Both multimode and single mode fibers are used in communications, if you need to transmit less data over longer distances, use single mode fiber optic cables. For a greater data capacity over shorter distances, go with multimode fiber optic cables, with multimode fiber used mostly for short distances (up to 500 m),Multi mode is often used for LANs and other small networks. And single-mode fiber used for longer distance links.

Single Mode Fiber: Single Path through the fiber

Single Mode cable is a single stand (most applications use 2 fibers) of glass fiber with a diameter of 8.3 to 10 microns that has one mode of transmission. Single Mode Fiber with a relatively narrow diameter, through which only one mode will propagate typically 1310 or 1550nm. Carries higher bandwidth than multimode fiber, but requires a light source with a narrow spectral width. Single Mode is also referred to as single-mode fiber, single-mode optical waveguide, mono-mode optical fiber and uni-mode fiber. Single-mode fiber gives you a higher rate of transmission, it also can carry the signal up to 50 times farther distance than multimode, at a slightly higher cost.Single-mode fiber has a much smaller core than multimode.

Single Mode fiber is used to connect long distance switches, central offices and SLCs (subscriber loop carriers, small switches in pedestals in subdivisions or office parks or in the basement of a larger building). Practically every telco’s network is now fiber optics except the connection to the home.

Multi Mode Fiber: Multiple Paths through the fiber

Multi-Mode cable has a little bit bigger diameter, with a common diameters in the 50-to-100 micron range for the light carry component (in the US the most common size is 62.5um).Typical multimode fiber core diameters are 50, 62.5, and 100 micrometers. Multi Mode fiber is used for shorter distances. Most applications in which Multi-mode fiber is used, 2 fibers are used. Multimode fiber gives you high bandwidth at high speeds (10 to 100MBS – Gigabit to 275m to 2km) over medium distances. Light waves are dispersed into numerous paths, or modes, as they travel through the cable’s core typically 850 or 1300nm. Long cable runs (Above 3000 feet 914.4 meters in length), the multiple paths of light are believed to cause signal distortion at the receiving end, resulting in lost packets and incomplete data transmission. IPS recommends the use of single mode fiber in all applications using Gigabit and higher bandwidth.

For more information about single mode fiber cable or multimode fiber cable, such as single mode duplex fiber, multimode duplex fiber optic cable, OM3 fiber optic cable, OM4 multimode fiber, waterproof cable, fiber patch cords, fiber optic pigtails and so on.

Benefits of Loose Tube Cable

Posted on by

Around the tube is a layer of Kevlar which provides tensile strength, and on the outside is an overall sheath made of high density plastic. One or more fibers with 250 micron jackets are installed in the tubes, and the fibers are a little longer than the cable itself, so that strain on the cable which might stretch the cable does not stretch the fibers. In most cases, all the spaces inside the tubes and other places in the cable are filled with a gel which serves to block water and support the fibers in the tubes.

In loose tube construction, the fiber (usually the 250um coated fiber) is contained in a color-coded, flexible plastic tube that has an inner diameter considerably larger than the fiber itself. Up to 12 of these fibers can be put inside a tube, and is usually filled with a gel material that prevents water penetration. These tubes are standed around a dielectric or steel central member to provide more flexibility. Aramid yarn is used as the primary tensile strength member. An outer polyethylene jacket is wrapped over the assembly. Polyethylene is the most common for outdoor cables due to high moisture resistance, abrasion resistance, and stability over a wide temperature range.

The loose tube provides the protection needed for the inner fiber from the exterior mechanical forces acting on a cable by isolating them. Several loose tube cables are often combined with strength members to form a multifiber assembly, and this provides additional protection from stress, and minimizes elongation and contraction. By cutting several fibers slightly longer than the loose tube length and braiding them inside the loose tube, the shrinkage due to temperature variation can be controlled while insulating the fibers from the stresses of installation and environmental loading. This would be a big advantage in outdoor applications, which is why most outdoor fiber optic systems have a loose tube configuration. Loose tube cables are normally used for outside-plant installtion in aerial, duct and direct buried applications.

The loose tube configuration is ideal for modular designs, as each tube can hold up to 12 fibers. With multiple tubes in a cable, this could add up to more than 200 fibers. With a modular design, certain groups of fibers can be routed to intermediate points without interfering with other protected buffer tubes being routed to other locations. The color-coded scheme in loose tube cable assemblies allows for easy identification and administration of fibers in the system.

The loose tube type offers a higher level of isolation from external forces, and when subjected to continuous mechanical stress, it has more stable transmission characteristics. For any given fiber, the effects of micro-bending on cable attenuation are lower. But the main reason the loose tube type is used outdoors is that it exhibits greater stability over temperature variations.

The principle disadvantage of the loose tube cable relates to connectorization. Because of the small fiber jacket size and the use of multiple fibers in a tube, connectors “can not” be installed directly on the fibers. (I have seen it done, but it is not recommended because the very small diameter plastic jacket gives virtually no protection to the fiber, and provides little surface area for the connector to grip.) As a result, the extra step of splicing pre-connectorized pigtails to the cable is commonly used. This makes connectorizing the loose tube cable more expensive than the tight buffer cables. Note that this does not apply to splices joining two cables together, though removing the gel from the fibers and tubes does slow the splicing and connectorization processes. Note also that the majority of loose tube cables are NOT fire rated for indoor use at all, so when a loose tube cable enters a building, it either has to be run in conduit or spliced to a fire rated cable.

We are FiberStore Inc. If you would like to know more about optical fiber cables information and dont know where to buy fiber optic cable, please visit our website and contact us. We also supply fiber jumpers and fiber pigtails. Welcome to contact us.

What is the Plastic Optical Fibers

Posted on by

Plastic optical fiber (POF cable) is an optical fiber made out of plastic rather than traditional glass. Traditionally PMMA (acrylic) is the core material, and fluorinated polymers are the cladding material. With its advantages including high transmission capacity, excellent noise resistance, light weight, and outstanding flexibility, plastic optical fiber is expected to play an important role in the high information oriented society.

Plastic fiber optic cables (POF cable) are constructed of a single acrylic monofilament and are most efficient when used with visible red status indicator light sources. Plastic fibers are generally more cost effective than glass fiber optic cables and are ideal for applications that require continuous flexing of the fiber. A wide range of fiber optic tips are available.

POF has been called the “consumer” optical fiber because the fiber and associated optical links, connectors, and installation are all inexpensive. Due to the attenuation and distortion characteristics of the traditional PMMA fibers are commonly used for low-speed, short-distance (up to 100 meters) applications in digital home appliances, home networks, industrial networks (PROFIBUS, PROFINET), and car network. The perfluorinated polymer fibers are commonly used for much higher-speed applications such as data center wiring and building LAN wiring.

In relation to the future request of high-speed home networking, there has been an increasing interest in POF as a possible option for next-generation Gigabit/s links inside the house. To this end, several Europen Research projects are active, such as POF-ALL and POF-PLUS. Several standardization bodies at country, European and WW levels are currently developing Gigabit communication standards for POF aimed towards Home networking applications. It is expected the release at the beginning of 2012. The future Gigabit POF standard is based on multilevel PAM modulation a frame structure, Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding and Multilevel coset coding modulation.

The combination of all these techniques has proven to be the most efficient way of achieving low cost implementations at the same time that the transmission theoretical maximum capacity of the POF is approached. Other alternatives like DMT, PAM-2 NRZ, DFE equalization or PAM-4 have inferior performance and lead to more expensive implementations.

For telecommunications, the more difficult-to-use glass optical fiber is more common. This fiber has a core made of germania-doped silica. Although the actual cost of glass fibers are similar to the plastic fiber optic, their installed cost is much higher due to the special handling and installation techniques required. With very large diameter, POF cable is easy to run along skirting boards, under carpets and around tight corners. It offers additional durability for uses in data communications, as well as decoration, illumination and industrial application.

Features
  • Ideal for continuous flexing applications
  • Individual (transmitted beam) and bifurcated (reflective) fiber styles
  • Wide range of specialty fiber optic cable tips available
  • Teflon coated fiber optic cables for liquid level applications in caustic environments
  • Standard cable length of 2 m (78 in.)
  • 30 m (98.5 ft) unterminated fiber cable spools available
  • Maximum temperature rating of 15… 70 °C (-30…158 °F)
POF in short

1. PMMA and Polystyrene are used as fiber core, with refractive indices of 1.49 and 1.59 respectively.

2. Generally, fiber cladding is made of silicone resin (refractive index ~1.46).

3. High refractive index difference is maintained between core and cladding.

4. High numerical aperture.

5. Have high mechanical flexibility and low cost.

6. Attenuation loss is about 1 dB/m @ 650 nm.

7. Core/Cladding size 1 mm.

8. Bandwidth is ~5 MHz-km @ 650 nm.

FS.COM provides both simplex and duplex plastic optical fibers, we also supply fiber patch cords, fiber optic pigtails, loose tube cable and more.

Fiber Optic Cable Specification

Posted on by

Many structured cabling installations begin with the preparation of a detailed written specification for each system component. Such specifications may be necessary to ensure the correct product is used for the intended application. Specifications also ensure all products offered are equal in a competitive-bidding situation. Consultants and end users often find that they lack the breadth of knowledge or experience necessary to prepare a complete, detailed specification for optical fiber and fiber optic cable. This fact is not surprising because it takes a significant effort to keep abreast of changing product offerings as well as the most recent product evaluation and measurement technology. However, consultants and end users can use industry standards to specify the necessary products without having to delve into excruciating detail.

Specifications for optical fiber and cable can be, and often are, long and arduous; they address a myriad of technical considerations. These considerations include mechanical, environmental, and dimensional characteristics, not to mention the finished product’s compatibility with building codes and transmission equipment. Consultants and end users frequently prepare lengthy specifications, attempting to cover all pertinent details. This effort requires a thorough knowledge of cable design, optical science, and the details of scores of measurement methods. Panels of industry experts have developed national and international standards for fiber and cable; these standards can be the basis for the desired brief, accurate, detailed specifications.

Cables intended for direct burial underground should, in most cases, incorporate a steel tape armor for protection against gnawing rodents. Metallic armor has proven to be an effective rodent
protection in controlled tests.

For aerial installations, outdoor fiber optic cable require a messenger wire for lashing. However, some cables have an integrated messenger wire in a figure-eight cross section. Also available today are some all dielectric self-supporting aerial cables, which contain no metallic elements but have sufficient tensile strength to support their own weight and a reasonable ice and wind load.

The most popular loose tube cable includes buffer tubes, each of which contains one to 12 color-coded fibers. Some other cables include ribbons of fiber, rather than loose fibers in buffer tubes. Up to 24 fibers, joined together side-by-side, form a fiber ribbon. Stacks of these ribbons are in buffer tubes, creating a cable with a large number of fibers in a small cross-sectional area. Ribbon cables are popular in telephony and other long-haul applications and useful in crowded ducts where dense packing offers an advantage. Mass-fusion-splicing technology allows installers to splice 12 fibers in a ribbon simultaneously, offering labor savings in high-fiber-count applications. Ribbon cables are not common in premises applications but may become more popular as fiber becomes more prevalent in premises networks.

Indoor/Outdoor

Indoor outdoor cable incorporate the characteristics necessary for both applications; they are waterblocked for moisture protection and are sunlight-resistant. Indoor/outdoor cables also meet one or more of the code requirements for flame-spread resistance and smoke generation.

They can be useful in eliminating a splice point for a building-to-building run in a campus environment. They resemble outdoor cables more closely than indoor cables in design and appearance
and usually require a fanout kit for field termination.

Fiber optic cable specification

A detailed cable specification considers all environmental and regulatory factors that concern the installation environment, including temperature, mechanical loading, moisture, sunlight,
flammability, rodents, and chemicals. Fully specifying each cable also requires a test or measurement method and criteria. Once again, standards are available to simplify this task.

Two sister documents published by the Insulated Cable Engineers Association (ICEA-South Yarmouth, MA) are useful as detailed product specifications. The ANSI/ICEA S-87-640 Standard for Outside Plant Communications Cable and the ANSI/ICEA S-83-596 Standard for Fiber Optic Premises Distribution Cable cover outside- and inside-plant cables, respectively. A third document, which will be designated S-83-696 and is currently in the works, will address indoor/outdoor cables. In addition to detailed references for test method, loading, and failure criteria for finished cable, these documents also include similar details for the optical fiber. ANSI/ICEA S-83-596 includes a summary of the flammability listing requirements from the NEC. Referencing these documents as appropriate for indoor or outdoor cable ensures you have included a full battery of environmental and mechanical testing and failure criteria in your specification.

In the United States, the federal government is another source for a detailed product specification. The Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service (RUS) has published a document entitled Specification for Filled Fiber Optic Cables, which provides detailed product specifications for singlemode and multimode fiber, as well as OSP loose-tube cable. The RUS specification even outlines requirements for production and type testing as well as data reporting and manufacturers’ recordkeeping. The RUS conducts technical reviews of cable manufacturers’ products and programs and includes compliant companies’ products on an “accepted list.” By specifying that an OSP cable must be RUS-listed, an end user can take advantage of the RUS’s efforts.

What is Indoor Outdoor Cable

Posted on by

Fiber optic cable that is capable of surviving the outdoor environment and meets the flammability requirements for use inside buildings offers many advantages to the end-user, as well as the installer and distributor. The use of only one type of cable between and within buildings can save many labor hours and reduce material costs by eliminating the need to splice outdoor cables to flame-retardant indoor cables.

Indoor outdoor cable assemblies are designed for general outdoor applications, yet they are riser rated and can be used indoors without the restrictions imposed upon loose tube cables, or non-UL approved cable. Indoor outdoor cable, is like many other terms in the wire and cable industry in that the definition depends on the specifics of the subject in question. In general, “indoor” implies that the cable has at minimum an NEC Fire Resistance Rating so that the cable is not subject to the typical 50-foot indoor length limitation that applies to outside plant (OSP) cables. “Outdoor” generally implies that the construction of the cable is such that it will withstand certain environmental extremes typically only experienced outdoors. Beyond that, the specifics of the design must be examined to determine the suitability of any cable for an application requiring indoor outdoor performance.

Indoor -outdoor Fiber Optic cables are designed to meet both the stringent environmental requirements typical of outside plant cable AND the flammability requirements of premise
applications. Ideal for applications that span indoor and outdoor environments, Indoor/outdoor cable can eliminate the need for building entryway splice points, saving both time and money.

Indoor/Outdoor cables combine the flame resistance and safety features of an indoor riser or plenum cable with the durability that is critical for OSP use. The result is a unique, dual-purpose cable that can save time and money by allowing OSP applications to flow seamlessly indoors, using a single cable and no splices.

When referencing unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, indoor/outdoor is a special designation of cable intended for limited indoor/outdoor use. This cable was designed for the purpose of connecting the Network Interface Device (NID) located on the outside of a building or residence to the inside services, which may be a small telecommunications closet or simply a wall outlet. This cable typically has a minimum NEC Fire Resistance Rating of CMX plus an additional UL rating of “Outdoor”. Other fire resistance ratings are available as applications warrant. The materials used in Indoor/Outdoor UTP cables provide better low temperature properties and UV protection than their strictly indoor counterparts.

Indoor/outdoor UTP cable is not intended for typical outdoor applications for which OSP cables are designed. As with most UTP cables, Indoor/Outdoor cables lack a grounding mechanism for handling the electrical surge that can occur from a lightning strike or contact with another power source. This is a safety issue and should not be taken lightly! The NEC and NESC both require that electrically exposed cable be enclosed in a metallic covering that is grounded at each end. They further require that any communication cable entering a building must have
the individual conductors terminated in a UL Listed Primary grounding device called a building entrance protector (BEP). This is a safety valve for those occasional instances where the
power surge actually makes its way past the shield or conduit and travels along the conductors. Secondary devices of the type used to protect electronic equipment inside a building are not suitable for BEP use and are not allowed by code.

FiberStore is one of the leading suppliers of fiber optic cable in the China stocking hundreds of thousands of feet of fiber optic cable that are ready to ship same day including all types of single mode fiber optic cable, multimode fiber optic cable, loose tube fiber optic cable, breakout fiber cable, mpo cable, hybrid cable and more.

The Difference Between Loose Tube Fiber and Tight Buffer Fiber

Posted on by

Tight-buffered cables oftenn are used for intra-building, risers, general building and plenum applications. Tight buffer fiber contains a thick coating of a plastic-type material which is applied directly to the outside of each individual fiber. Loose tube fiber optic cable is typically used for outside-plant installation in aerial, duct and direct-buried applications. Loose tube fiber contains multiple strands of fiber in a single jacket. Since the fibers are “loose” inside the jacket, outside forces are less likely to reach the fibers. This makes it the more durable option of the two.

Loose Tube Cable

Loose-tube fiber generally consists of 12 strand of fiber, but can range anywher as low as 6, all the way up to 244 strands. Loose tube cables can be either dielectric or optionally armored. The modular buffer-tube design permits easy drop-off groups of fibers at intermediate points, without interfering with other protected buffer tubes being routed to other locations. The loose tube design also helps in the identification and administration of fibers in the system.

In a loose tube cable design, color-coded plastic buffer tubes house and protect optical fibers. An optional gel filling compound impedes water penetration. Excess fiber length (relative to buffer tube length) insulates fibers from stresses of installation and environmental loading. Buffer tubes are stranded around a dielectric or steel central member, which serves as an anti-buckling element.

The cable core, typically uses aramid yarn, as the primary tensile strength member. The outer polyethylene jacket is extruded over the core. If armoring is required, a corrugated steel tape is formed around a single jacketed cable with an additional jacket extruded over the armor.

Tight-Buffered Cable

Single fiber tight buffered cables are used as pigtails, optical patch cord or fiber jumpers to terminate loose tube cables directly into opto-electronic transmitters, receivers and other active and passive components. Multi fiber tight buffered cables also are available and are used primarily for alternative routing and handling flexibility and ease within buildings. With tight buffered cable designs, the buffering material is in direct contact with the fiber. This design is suited for “jumper cables” which connect outside plant cables to terminal equipment, and also for linking various devices in a premises network.

The tight-buffered design provides a rugged cable structure to protect individual fibers during handling, routing and connectorization. Yarn strength members keep the tensile load away from the fiber.

As with loose-tube cables, optical specifications for tight-buffered cables also should include the maximum performance of all fibers over the operating temperature range and life of the cable. Averages should not be acceptable.

Outdoor Loose Tube Cables Types

Posted on by

Outdoor Loose Tube Cables are designed for outdoor use. They are prositioned in a loose tube made of high modulus plastic. The loose tube design provides stable performance over a wide temperature range and is compatible with any telecommunication grade optical fiber.

GYXTY Optical Cables Type

Description

In the structure of model GYXTY optical cable, the single mode or multimode optical fibers are jacketed by loose tube and the tube is made of high modulus polyester with waterproof filling compound inside tube. There are two parallel steel wires on the two sides of the loose tube and then they are sheathed by PE to form and optical cable.

Features

. Accurate fiber excess length ensures good mechanical and temperature performance
. Special design with compact structure to prevent tube rebound
. Parallel double FRP as strength member ensures good performance of tensile strength
. PE sheath protects cable from ultraviolet radiation
. Crush-resistance and flexibility
. Small diameter, light weight and installation friendliness
. High strength loose tube with filling compound ensures critical protection of fiber

Application

. Usable for ducts, direct burial, aerial installation
. Long distance communication system
. Subscriber network system
. Local area network system

GYTA(S) Optical Cables Type

Description

GYTA(S) fiber optic cable 250um, is positioned in a loose tube which made of high moudlus plastic. The tube is filled with a water-resistant filling compound, a steel wire. sometimes sheathed with polyethylene(PE) for fiber cable with high fiber count, locates in the center of core as a metallic strenghth member. Tubes are fillers are stranded around the strength member into a compact and circriar cable core, An Aluminum polyethylene Laminate(APL) is applied around the cable core, which is filled with the tilling compound to protect it from water ingress.

Features

. Small size, Light weigh, with good bending resistance performance easy for installation
. Reasonable structure design and precise control for over length ensuring excellent characteristics of mechanical tensile strain and environment temperature
. High strength loose tube material with good performance of hydrolysis resistant, special tube. filling compound ensure a critical protection of fiber
. Full section filled ensures moisture-proof and water blocking
. Low dispersion and attenuation
. Proper design, precise control for fiber excess length and distinct stranding process render the cable excellent mechanical and environmental characteristics
. Aluminum-PE sheath makes cable have nice moisture resistance performance
. Small cable diameter, light cable weight, easily to install
. The sheath also can be made by LSZH, which cable type is GYTZA

GYTY Optical Cables Type

Description

GYTY optic fiber cable is with single-mode or multimode structure ,optical fibers are jacketed waterproof compound filled loose tube made of high modulus plastic tube. The center of the cable core is a metal strengthening core for a certain number of cores for the fiber optic cable, metal strengthen squeeze packet layer of polyethylene (PE) in addition to the core. Loose tube (filling cord) around the center to strengthen core twisted into a compact and circular cable core, the core is filled with water blocking compound, PE sheathed cabling.

Features

. Good mechanical and temperature performance
. High strength loose tube that is hydrolysis resistant
. Special tube filling compound ensure a critical protection of fiber
. Crush resistance and flexibility
. PE sheath protects cable from ultraviolet radiation
. Operating temperature:-30~+70℃; storage temperature:-40~+70℃

GYFTA/Y Optical Cables Type

Description

GYFTA/Y-53 fibers, 250μm, are positioned in a loose tube made of a high modulus plastic. The tubes are filled with a water-resistant filling compound. A Fiber Reinforced Plastic (FRP) locates in the center of core as a non-metallic strength member. The tubes (and fillers) are stranded around the strength member into a compact and circular core. An aluminum Polyethylene Laminate (APL) is applied around the strength member into a compact and circular core. Then the cable core is covered with a thin polyethylene (PE) inner sheath, which is filled with jelly to protect it from water ingress. After a corrugated steel tape armor is applied, the cable is completed with a PE outer sheath.

Features

. Good mechanical and temperature performance
. High strength loose tube that is hydrolysis resistant
. Special tube filling compound ensure a critical protection of fiber
. Crush resistance and flexibility
. The following measures are taken to ensure the cable watertight:
. Single Fiber Reinforced Plastics as the central strength member
. Loose tube filling compound
. 100% cable core filling
. APL moisture barrier
. PSP enhancing moisture-proof
. Water-blocking material
. Complies with Standard YD/T 901-2001 as well as IEC 60794-1

GYFTS Optical Cables Type

Description

GYFTS fiber optics cable, Loose tube style, with non-metallic central strength member of FRP and peripheral strength members with moisture barrier inner sheathed. Cable protected by a black PE over sheath, suitable for duct or aerial application.

Features

. Good mechanical and temperature performance
. High strength loose tube that is hydrolysis resistant
. Special tube filling compound ensure a critical protection of fiber
. Specially designed compact structure is good at preventing loose tubes from shrinking
. Crush resistance and flexibility
. PE sheath protects cable from ultraviolet radiation
. The following measures are taken to ensure the cable watertight
. Loose tube filling compound
. 100% cable core filling
. PSP enhancing moisture-proof

We also provides other types of loose tube cable, such as GYHTY, GYDTA, GYFXTY, GYXTS optical fiber cable. What’s more FiberStore provides a range of outdoor cables, breakout fiber optic cable, and optical patch cord. If you would like to know more about our optical cable price, please contact us sales@fiberstore.com.

Parsing Fiber Optic Connectors

Posted on by

The network cabling industry’s fiber optic manufacturers over the last few decades have been on a constant mission to develop the better fiber connector. This means lower cost, lower dB losses, easier to terminate out in the field. There have been over 100 connectors developed over the years but a select few have stood the test of time and beat out their competition. Now, let’s talk about the most common fiber connectors as following:

A fiber optic connector terminates at the end of a fiber optic cable is used when you need a means to connect and disconnect the fiber cable quickly. A fiber splice would be used in a more permanent application. the connectors provide a mechanical connection for the two fiber cables and align both cores precisely so the light can pass through with little loss. There are many different types of connectors but many share similar features. Many connectors are spring loaded. This will push the fiber ends very close other so as to eliminate airspace between them, which would result in higher dB losses.

There are generally five main components to a fiber connector: the ferrule, the body, the coupling structure, the boot and the dust cap.

Ferrule: The ferrule is the small round cylinder that actually makes contact with the glass and holds it in place. These are commonly made of ceramic today but also are made of metal and plastic.

Body: This sub assembly holds the ferrule in place. It then fits into the connector housing.

Connector Housing: This holds all sub assembly parts in place and has the coupling that will connect to the customer’s equipment. The securing mechanism is usually bayonet, snap-in or screw on type.

Boot: This will cover the transition from the connector to the fiber optic cable. Provides stress relief.

Dust Cap: Just as it implies will protect the connector from accumulating dust.

There are many types of connectors on the market. The major differences are the dimensions and the method of connection to equipment. Most companies will settle on one type of connector and keep that as a standard across the board. It makes sense because all equipment has to be ordered with that specific connector type and to have 2 or 3 different connector types can get messy. For typical network cabling projects today LC is fast becoming the shining star of fiber connectors. LC is a small form factor connector which means it requires a much smaller footprint in your IT closet. Thus you can fit many more LC connectors into you fiber panels then say ST or SC connectors.

LC Connector

The LC connector was developed by Lucent Technologies, hence the LC. It is a Single Form Factor Connector that has a 1.25mm ferrule. The attaching mechanism is similar to an RJ-45 connector with the retaining clip. It is a smaller square connector, similar to the SC. LC connectors are often held together with a duplex plastic retainer. They are also very common in single mode fiber applications.

ST Connector

The ST connector was the first popular connector type to be used as a standard for many organizations in their fiber network applications. It has first developed by AT&T. Often called the “round connector” it has a spring loaded twist bayonet mount with a 2.5mm round ferrule and a round body. The ST connector is fast being replaced with the smaller, denser SFF connectors.

SC Connector

The SC connector is a push in/pull-out type connector that also has a 2.5 mm ferrule. It is very popular for its excellent performance record. The SC connector was standardized in TIA-568-A, and has been very popular for the last 15 years or so. It took a while to surpass the ST because of price and the fact that users were comfortable with the ST. Now it’s much more competitive with pricing and it is very easy install, only requiring a push in and pull out connection. This is very helpful in tight spaces. Simplex and duplex SC connectors are available. The SC was developed by the Japanese and some say stands for Standard Connector.

FC Connector

The FC connector you may find in older single mode installations. It was a popular choice that has been replaced by mostly ST or SC type connectors. It also has a 2.5mm ferrule. They have a screw on retaining mechanism but you need to be sure the key and slot on the connector are aligned correctly. FC connectors can also be mated to ST & SC’s through the use of an adaptor.

MT-RJ Connector

MTRJ stands for Mechanical-Transfer Registered Jack and was developed by Amp/Tyco and Corning. MTRJ is very similar to an RJ type modular plug. The connector is always found in duplex form. The body assembly of the connector is usually made from plastic and clips and locks into place. There are small pins present that guide the fiber for correct alignment. MTRJ’s also are available in male or female orientation. They are only used for multi-mode applications. They can also be difficult to test because many testers on the market do not accept a direct connection. You usually need to rig up a patch cord adaptor kit to make testing possible.

MU Connector

MU looks a miniature SC with a 1.25 mm ferrule. It’s more popular in Japan.

MT Connector

MT is a 12 fiber connector for ribbon cable. It’s main use is for preterminated cable assemblies and cabling systems. Here is a 12 fiber MT broken out into 12 STs.

MT connector is sometimes called a MTP or MPO connector which are commercial names.

Hopefully this guide may help you get an idea of what options are out there for your fiber optic connector needs.

As the best Chinese fiber optic products supplier, FiberStore Inc. supply a range of fiber connectors, fiber attenuators, fiber optic switch and more. If you would like to know more about our products information, please pay attention our news or contact us directly.

Something About MPO MTP Fiber Cable

Posted on by

MPO/MTP stands for “Multiple-Fiber Push-On/Pull-off”. The purpose of MPO/MTP technology is that you can pull just one single cable with 8 (for example) fibers. So instead of patching 8 separate fiber cables, you only need to patch one cable with one connector. MPO/MTP Fiber Cable is used in various applications for all networking and device needs like 100 Gigabit modules.

MTP/MPO is usually used in ribbon fiber optic patch cords or ribbon fan-out multi-fiber assemblies. The ribbon fiber optic cables feature multi-fiberglass inside each single jacket, and MTP/MPO also multi a multi-fiberglass core inside each single connector. That is to say, there are several fiberglass connections in each single MTP/MPO fiber optic patch cord, for example, 4 fibers, 8 fibers, 12 fibers, etc. Typical MTP/MPO fiber optic patch cord assemblies like MTP/MPO to 8 LC, MTP/MPO to 12 SC, etc. MTP/MPO fiber optic patch cords are also available in single mode and multimode, like UPC and APC Polish.

MTP fiber optic patch cable has MTP fiber optic connectors which are upgraded versions of the former MPO. MTP has better mechanical and optic fiber performance compared with MPO. Both the MTP and MPO series cables are multi-fiber connectors. There are many fiber optic channels in each single connector. Because of such multi-fiber features, these connectors need to be used with multi-fiber cables, especially ribbon multi-fiber optic cables.

MTP and MPO cables are available in female-to-female or a male to male and male-to-female configurations. The male version has MTP pins. These can be made with 12-fiber MTP connectors, 24-fiber MTP connectors, and 48-fiber MTP connector variations. We use MTP fiber optic connectors for all of our MTP and MPO terminations so that the highest performance is accomplished. Many additional options and combinations are available. All multi-fiber optic cables are customizable.

To have a better understanding of MTP, I will introduce you to some MTP terminology as follows:

About MTP Trunks

The MTP Trunk cable is designed for Data Center Applications. This cable is a round cable with an outer diameter of 3,0 mm or 4,5 mm (with two jackets on both sides). The connector where this cable is terminated is the so-called MTP connector (female).

About MTP Fiber Optic Cassette
The MTP cassette is nothing more than a basic case that splits out MTP to SC/LC connectors, which is available for 12 SC/LC connectors and 24 connectors.

About MTP fanouts

MTP fanout cables are cables that are multiple cables that are bundled within the same jacket. This is also often referred to as a Breakout cable.

About Direct Splits (MTP to LC or MTP to SC cables)

MTP Direct Split cables are cables with the fanout made directly in the MTP connector. These are designed for high-density Data Center applications to plug into MTP cassettes and/or MTP patch panels.

FS provides many fiber optic products such as fiber patch cables, Armored Cables, Industrial Cables, and more. MPO/MTP fiber patch cables are available in UPC and APC finishes and support both multimode and single-mode applications. These fiber cables are tested with guaranteed quality, and they can be installed easily, which saves time and money.

How To Buy Bulk Fiber Optic Cable

Posted on by

Optical Fiber Cable Construction

The structure of bulk fiber optic cables have many important characteristics. The fiber optic cable construction needs to provide protection from the external environment in the installation and the fiber optic cable work life time.

They must provide mechanical protection for all the fibers inside the cable, in the meantime, the fiber optic cable has to be pretty easy to handle. Most the time, non-metallic strength members are needed to fully take advantage of fiber’s dielectric property.

Bulk fiber optic cable will experience tensile stress, abrasion, cutting, flexing, bending, crushing during the installation and its operation life. These mechanical stresses introduce macrobending, microbending, light signal loss attenuation.

Due to incomplete production, small surface defects often exist in the optical fibers. So in the real world, fibers tend to break at the cracks that begin from these surface defects under heavy tensile tension.

Bulk Fiber Optic Cable Structural Elements

Optical cables can be divided into several main types. However, the basic elements in a fiber cables are a central strength member, be it metallic or non-metallic, strength members, water barrier (dry water swelling tapes or water blocking gel), a fiber housing (loose tube), and cable sheaths. Armored fiber cables also have aluminum or steel armors for rodent protection for direct burial.

A central strength member sitting in the center of the cable, fiber glass do most of the time. The center provides rigid cable strength members, prevent bulk fiber cable from bending too fast. It also provides the core of the cable.

In addition to the power of the central member, as another layer of fiber strength member is also used. They are made from aramid yarn (most of the time), Nylon yard, fiber glass epoxy rod or even steel. Aramid yarn is also called Kevlar, it has a high breaking strain and about fiber times stronger than steel. They offer low weight and all-dielectric construction.

Types of Bulk Fiber Optic Cable

Bulk fiber optic cables can be categorized into several major types. That includes outdoor cable, fiber optic breakout cable, Ribbon Fiber cable, Figure 8 Aerial cable, Loose tube cable and more.

To learn more about the type of fiber cable available on the market, or want to purchase our cable, please visit our website. As one of the best OEM fiber optic cable manufacturers, FiberStore provides a wide range of quality optical fiber cables with detailed specifications displayed for your convenient selecting. Per meter price of each fiber cable is flexible depending on the quantities of your order, making your cost of large order unexpected lower. Customers can also have the flexibility to custom the cable plant to best fit their needs. Only fiber cable that meets or exceeds industry standards is used to ensure quality products with best-in-class performance.