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How Many Fiber Connector Types Do You Know?

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Fibre optic connector that comes in various configurations and types is considered as an important component for the fibre optic cable. Generally speaking, different fibre cable connector types can be categorized according to different standards like the utilization, fibre count, fibre mode, transmission method, transmission media, boot length, polishing type termination way, etc. In this article, you will become familiar with the various types of fibre connectors, helping you make the right choice when purchasing in the future.

Common types of fibre connectors

The following five fibre connectors are the most commonly used. They are introduced below in order of popularity, from the most widespread to the most commonly used. Fibre cables with these optical connector types are usually used in data centres, telecom rooms, enterprise networks and so on.

LC Connector

A Lucent Connector (LC), as one SFF (small form factor) connector, possesses a 1.25 mm ferrule. The small footprint design gives these fibre optic connectors huge popularity in datacoms and makes them ideal for high-density applications. Many tend to move to high-efficiency cabling with LC fibre connectors nowadays. LC fibre optic connector is considered the most commonly used connector at present.

SC Connector

SC fibre connector was the first connector chosen for the TIA-568 standard and is a snap-in connector that latches with a simple push-pull motion. “SC” stands for “Square Connector” due to the “square-shaped” connector body. It adopts a 2.5mm ferrule, which is twice the size of the previous LC connector. SC fibre optic connector is ideally suited for datacoms and telecom applications including point-to-point and passive optical networking. Due to its excellent performance, the fibre optic SC connector remains the second most common connector for polarisation-maintenance applications.

MTP/MPO Fiber Connector

Unlike the previous two fibre optic connectors, the MTP/MPO fibre connector is a multi-fibre connector and larger than other connectors, which combines fibres from 12 to 24 fibres in a single rectangular ferrule. It’s often used in 40G and 100G high-bandwidth optical parallel connections. The MTP/MPO fibre connectors are complicated due to the key-up and key-down, male and female issues. You can refer to our white paper Understanding Polarity in MTP/MPO System to have a better understanding.

ST Connector

ST (Straight Tip) fibre optic connector was created and licensed by AT&T shortly after the arrival of the FC type. The ST optic connector holds the fibre with a ceramic, spring-loaded 2.5mm ferrule that stays in place with a half-twist bayonet mount. They are usually used in both long and short-distance applications such as campuses and building multimode fibre applications, corporate network environments, as well as military applications.

FC Connector

“FC” refers to the Ferrule Connector. FC fibre optic connector was the first optical fibre connector to use a ceramic ferrule. Unlike the plastic-bodied SC and LC connector, it utilizes a round screw-type fitment made from nickel-plated or stainless steel. The FC fibre optic connector end face relies on an alignment key for correct insertion and is then tightened into the adaptor/jack using a threaded collet. Despite the additional complexity both in manufacturing and installation, the FC connectors still provide the choice in precision instruments such as OTDRs, as well as the choice for single-mode fibre. It was initially intended for datacoms and telecoms applications but has been used less since the introduction of the SC and LC fibre optic connectors. The usage of both ST and FC connectors has declined in recent years.

The figure below shows the different connector styles:

Less common types of fibre connectors

The following fibre connectors are less commonly used; some are only utilised in specialised connection scenarios, while others have been phased out and are no longer in use.

MT-RJ Connector

Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack (MT-RJ) connector is a duplex connector that uses pins for alignment and has male and female versions. Constructed with plastic housing and provide for accurate alignment via their metal guide pins and plastic ferrules. Compared to a standard phone jack, the size of the MT-RJ connector is slightly smaller, making it easier to connect and disconnect. In addition, the MT-RJ fibre optic connector provides a lower termination cost and greater density for both electronics and cable management hardware compared to other singer-fibre terminations.

MU Connector

Like a miniature SC with a 1.25mm ferrule. Featuring a simple push-pull design and compact miniature body, the MU fibre optic connector is used for compacting multiple optical connectors and a self-retentive mechanism for backplane applications. You can get a customized high-power MT-RJ/MU fibre optic connector in FS.

DIN Connector

The DIN connector is round with pins arranged in a circular pattern. It encompasses several types of cables that plug into an interface to connect devices. Typically, a full-sized DIN connector has three to 14 pins with a diameter of 13.2 millimetres. It is applied to PC keyboards, MIDI instruments, and other specialized equipment.

E2000 Connector

The E2000 Connector is a push-pull coupling mechanism with an automatic metal shutter in the connector for dust and laser beam protection. One-piece design for easy and quick termination, the E2000 fibre optic connector is used for high safety and high power applications.

VSFF Connector

VSFF (Very Small Form Factor) connectors are compact fibre-optic connectors designed to save space while increasing port density, particularly in data centres. These connectors enable higher port densities by being smaller and more efficient than traditional connectors like the LC duplex. The three most common types of VSFF connectors are the CS®, SN®, and MDC connectors.

CS® Connector: The CS connector (Compact Small-form-factor) is an ultra-compact dual-fibre connector designed by SENKO. Its design is similar to that of the LC connector but with a smaller footprint. It is 40% smaller than the LC duplex, offering more space for cable management and improving airflow within the rack.

SN® Connector: Developed by SENKO, the SN connector (Senko Connector) offers high data rates and a compact form factor suitable for dense installations. With an automatic dust cover and a locking mechanism, it ensures excellent performance and reliability. It is compatible with 1.25mm ferrules and provides an upgrade path to 400G and beyond, with fibre density three times that of duplex LC.

MDC Connector: The MDC is a compact duplex connector introduced by US Conec, with a pin pitch of just 3.1mm. It utilises a 1.25mm industry-standard ferrule and offers a density three times that of LC connectors. The MDC is the specified optical connector interface for QSFP-DD and SFP-DD transceiver MSAs. On FS.com, you can buy the MDC Fiber Optic Cable with VSFF connector. It maximises 200G/400G data centre density utilisation.

D4 Connector

The D4 fibre optic connector is an early fibre optic connector, typically used for multiplexing and demultiplexing optical signals. It features a round metal housing with four fibre channels inside. The D4 connector is equipped with precise alignment mechanisms in both the plug and socket to ensure accurate fibre end-face alignment, thereby reducing insertion loss and return loss. Compared to modern fibre optic connectors, such as LC or MTP/MPO, it is significantly larger. It is therefore superseded.

ESCON Connector

In the early 1990s, IBM developed Enterprise Systems Connection (ESCON), a serial, half-duplex optical interface designed for single-mode fibre systems. ESCON aimed to improve connectivity by integrating fibre optics into networks. The ESCON fibre connector uses a 2.5mm ferrule and pairs with SC or ST connectors via fibre adapters. However, ESCON connectors have gradually been replaced by more advanced connectors, such as Fibre Channel and other high-performance fibre interface standards.

FDDI Connector

The FDDI connector (Fibre Distributed Data Interface) was developed by the American National Standards Institute. It features an automatic dust cover and locking mechanism, along with a floating alignment structure, blind-mate design, and locking system, all of which provide excellent performance and reliability. The FDDI connector is also known as the MIC (Media Interface Connector).

Fibre Connectors Connect Without Adapter Panel

Compared to the above fibre optic connector types, Rosenberger Q-RMC and NEX10 connectors adopt a push-pull quick locking mechanism, which can realize quicker connection without using an adapter panel. They are designed for harsh environmental use.

Rosenberger Q-RMC Connector

Q-RMC, short for Rosenberger Multifiber Connector, is a new and robust industrial connector with the multi-fibre MT ferrule of the MTP®/MPO connector that can hold 24 fibre cores. This kind of very small form factor connector includes a push-pull closing mechanism, which makes the optic connector to be connected simpler and quicker even in tight areas, thus reducing installation times and the associated costs. The Q-RMC connector fulfils the requirements for protection class IP67, so it is waterproof, dustproof and resistant to corrosion. What’s more, the Q-RMC connector is suitable for use in areas with extreme temperatures thanks to its operating and storage temperature is up to -40~80℃. So, fibre cables with Q-RMC connectors can be used for industrial sites, minefields, mobile communication (FTTA), 5G Base stations, broadcast, smart grid cabling and so on.

Rosenberger NEX10 Connector

The Rosenberger NEX10 connector is suitable for an outdoor environment, and it is characterized by a compact size design plus waterproof, dustproof and anti-corrosion. This connector type supports a screw-type and a push-pull locking mechanism. The push-pull quick lock helps in achieving solid installation and easy removal without any tools. For the screw-type plug, there is a screw-locking mechanism, ideal for the plug and socket to keep a firm connection. Nowadays, FS introduces the industrial fibre optic patch cable with Rosenberger NEX10 connectors and its operating & storage temperature for connectors & outdoor cables lie between -40~80℃, which is often used in industrial sites, minefields, small sales, distributed antenna systems(DAS), In-building architecture, and MIMO.

Both single-mode and multimode Q-RMC/NEX10 connectors are available in FS. You can also choose an optical fibre type cable jacket according to your needs to get a customized industrial fibre optic cable.

Fiber Count: Simplex vs Duplex Fiber Connectors

A simplex connection means signals are sent in one direction—a signal is transmitted through two simplex connectors and a simplex fibre cable from device A to device B, which cannot return from device B to device A via the same route. Contrariwise, the revised transmission can be achieved through duplex connectors and duplex fibre cable, which is called a duplex connection. In addition, a simplex fibre optic connector is often connected with one strand of glass or plastic fibre, while the duplex fibre optic connector needs to connect with two strands of fibres.

Fiber Mode: Single Mode vs Multimode Fiber Connectors

Single-mode fibre allows only one light mode to pass through at a time, while multimode fibre can propagate multiple modes at a time. Diversity has an impact on single-mode fibre connectors and multimode fibre connectors on account of the combination with the corresponding type of optical fibre. However, with technologies getting advanced, fibre optic connectors like SC, LC, and FC, provided by fibre optic connector factories are compatible with single-mode and multimode fibre cables.

Boot Length: Standard Boot vs Short Boot Connectors

As for the boot length, there are standard boot structures and short boot structures. A standard boot can protect the cable and the connector from being damaged, wires being dislodged from the connector body, etc. While a short boot has the same function, it is distinguished by a shorter boot structure. For places where there is limited space for connectors, short boot cables can be the ideal choice. The short boot structure design can make the cable easily pass through the narrow space without sacrificing performance, making the installation and maintenance of the fibre optic cables more efficient.

FS offers high quality short boot fiber optic patch cables. Precision zirconia ferrule connectors ensure low loss with bend-insensitive fibers with a minimum bend radius of 7.5mm, a 60% reduction in boot length and a 30% reduction in overall connector length. They are ideal for high-density cabling applications where space is at a premium.

Polishment: APC/PC/UPC Fiber Optic Connectors

According to the polishing type, optical fibre cable connectors can be divided into three types: PC, UPC, and APC connectors. The colour code provides a convenient method to identify these three types of connectors: the PC’s colour code is black, the colour code for the APC fibre connector is green, and the UPC’s connector is blue. The structure and the performance of the three fibre optic connectors also vary, which reflects the values of insertion loss and return loss. PC vs UPC vs APC. This article sheds light on these connector types and their differences for you.

Termination: Field-terminated vs Pre-terminated Fiber Connectors

Field termination, as its name implies, is to terminate the end of the fibre in the field. The procedure includes stripping the cable, prepping the epoxy, applying the connector, polishing, inspecting and testing for the connection, requiring not only a large number of tools but also skilled technicians to conduct the termination.Factory termination, also called factory pre-termination, refers to cables and fibres terminated with a connector in the factory. The pre-terminated cables come in pre-measured lengths with the fibre optic connectors already installed with factory-level precision and quality assurance. Reducing the cumbersome process and tools, factory pre-terminated solutions are easier to install and require less technical skills.

How to Choose Different Fibre Optic Connector Types

After understanding the many types of fibre optic connectors, there are several factors to consider when choosing a fibre optic connector type. Different connector types are suitable for different needs, so careful comparison and analysis are required when making a selection.

Performance Characteristics

Connector types can vary in transmission performance, with certain ones being ideal for long-distance transmission and others better suited for short-range use. Therefore, it is essential to determine the necessary transmission performance based on actual requirements when selecting a connector.

Applicable Scene

The applicable scene is also an important consideration in selecting the connector type. For example, in the data center environment, you may need to use high-density connectors to meet the needs of a large number of fiber optic connections; and in outdoor or harsh environments, you need to choose a connector with waterproof and dustproof features. SC/APC connectors may be preferred in passive optical networks (PONs) for their ability to offer higher return loss, thereby aiding in the prevention of signal reflection. On the other hand, in fibre distribution systems catering to a large number of subscribers, MTP/MPO connectors may be more appropriate due to their support for high port density connections.

Cost

Different types of connectors may have different manufacturing processes, material costs, etc., so the relationship between performance and cost needs to be weighed when choosing.

Compatibility

Various devices might be designed to work with certain types of connectors. It’s important to take into account the compatibility with current device interfaces when choosing a connector. For instance, while some devices may typically use LC connectors, others might rely on SC connectors, making it vital to maintain connector uniformity in network design.

By carefully considering these factors, you can ensure that the selected connector provides optimal performance and reliability in specific scenarios.

FS offers a variety of fibre optic connectors along with customisation services to meet the needs of different users. Copper cables, various fibre cleaning and testing tools, and patch panels are also available for purchase in the FS online store. Additionally, the FS expert team can create tailored cabling solutions to help you swiftly upgrade your network equipment.

conclusion

In conclusion, fibre optic connectors play a crucial role in optical communications. Each type of fibre optic connector has its unique characteristics and applications. When selecting and using them, making appropriate choices based on specific requirements and conditions is important.

How to Repair the Accidentally Cut Fibre Optic Cable?

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Fibre optic cable can be accidentally damaged, cut or smashed. According to the Electronic Technicians Association, one of the main causes of optical fibre failure is “backhoe fade”, during which the optical fibre cable is cut or damaged while digging. For this occasion, you can easily look for a backhoe and get the cut cable.

This article will provide a detailed guide on how to repair damaged fibre optics and the tools required. Additionally, it will briefly explain the importance of maintaining fibre health. Here are a few tools and steps suggested for you to repair broken fibre optic cable.

Fibre Optic Cable Repair Kits That You May Need

(1) OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer)

The OTDR is widely used for the measurement of fibre length, transmission attenuation, joint attenuation and fault location. For more information about OTDR, please refer to Working Principle and Characteristics of OTDR.

(2) Fibre Optic Cutter / Stripper

fibre optic cable cutter and fibre optic stripper are important tools in the fibre optic splicing and some other fibre optic cable cutting applications.

(3) High Precision Fibre Optic Cleaver

Fibre optic cleaver is used to cut the fibreglass for fusion splicing, also ideal for preparing fibre for pre-polished connectors to make a good end face. So it is very important in the fibre splicing process, and it usually works together with the fusion splicer to meet the end’s needs.

(4) Fusion Splicer

Fibre optic fusion splicer may be the act of joining two optical fibres end-to-end using heat. The machine is to fuse both the fibres together in such a way that light passing with the fibres is not scattered or reflected back from the splice.

Steps to Repair fibre Optic Cable

Step 1: Use OTDR to Identify the Break in Fibre Optic Cable

The first thing you need to do is to look for the break in your fibre optic cables. Commonly, the fibre-optic technicians utilize a device which is known as an OTDR. With the ability to work like radar which sends a light pulse right down to the optical fibre cable. It will be deflected to your device when it encounters break. It helps technicians know the position of the break.

Step 2: Use Fibre Optic Cutter to Cut Out the Damaged fibre Optic Cable

After knowing the location of the break, you should dig up the fibre optic cables with the break. The fibre optic cutter is used to cut out the damaged section.

Step 3: Strip the Fibre Optic Cable by fibre Optic Stripper

You should use fibre optic stripper to strip the fibre on the both end and peel the jacket gently to expose the fibre-optic tube inside. Then, cut any sheath and yarn by fibre optic cutting tools.

Step 4: Trim Any Damage on the Optical fibre Ends by High Precision Fibre Cleaver

The following picture lists the main 6 steps for fibre cleaving by high precision fibre cleaver.

Step 5: Clean the Striped Fibre Optic Cable

This step is crucial to ensure that your terminal will get a clean wire strip. You have to clean the stripped fibre with alcohol and lint-free wipes. Ensure that the fibre doesn’t touch anything.

Step 6: Splice the Fibre Optic Cable

Generally, there are two methods to splice optical fibre cable: (1) mechanical splicing; (2) fusion splicing.

(1) Mechanical Splicing

If you want to produce a mechanical connection, you need to put inline splice quick-connect fibre-optic connectors to the fibre. Hold the two fibres ends in a precisely aligned position thus enabling light to pass from one fibre into the other. (Typical loss: 0.3 dB)

(2) Fusion Splicing

In fusion splicing, a fusion splicer is used to precisely align the two fibre ends. You have to convey a fusion splice protector to the fibre, and place the fibres which is spliced within the fusion splicer. Then, the fibre ends are “fused” or “welded” together using some type of heat or electric arc. This produces a continuous connection between the fibres enabling very low loss light transmission. (Typical loss: 0.1 dB)

Step 7: Perform the Connection Test of Fibre Optic Cable with OTDR

The very last thing would be to see the connection of fibre-optic using the OTDR. Then put back those splices into the splice enclosure. Close the enclosure after which rebury the fibre optic cables.

Proactively Assess the ‘Health’ of Fibre Optics

Maintaining fibre optic cables in good condition is essential for ensuring long-term optimal performance. Environmental factors such as weather, temperature fluctuations, and mechanical movement can cause physical wear on fibre cables. These external influences may lead to fibre breakage or bend loss, with issues either appearing suddenly or accumulating gradually over time.

While human-caused breaks are unavoidable, detecting problems before service disruption occurs offers an opportunity to prevent failures. Therefore, maintaining fibre health is necessary, and some common maintenance methods include:

  • Regularly inspecting the lines and using tools like an Optical Time Domain Reflectometer (OTDR) to test for visible damage is crucial.
  • Regular cleaning with specific fibre optic cleaners to prolong cable life.
  • Following detailed steps and using precision tools when repairs are needed to ensure successful data transmission recovery. Remember, the goal is not only to repair but also to preserve the integrity of the fibre infrastructure.

Conclusion

The failure of the optical fibre cable will lead to an interruption in data transmission, so fixing the damaged optical cable in time is an important task. After going through the steps for repairing the fibre optic cable, you may wonder whether you should choose mechanical splicing or fusion splicing. Here the suggestion is if the price is not a factor, you should go with fusion splicing since the signal loss is low. If you have a tight budget, you can consider mechanical splicing, which doesn’t require an expensive tool.

At FS, you can not only purchase a wide range of fibre optic cables, but also find tools for maintaining, testing, and repairing them. All of our products undergo rigorous testing, as FS is committed to ensuring that customers receive high-quality items. If needed, our technicians are always available to answer any questions and assist with troubleshooting.

Related Article: What Kind of fibre Patch Cord Should I Choose?

Unveiling the Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Fibre

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Optical fibre is rising in both telecommunication and data communication due to its unsurpassed advantages: faster speed with less attenuation, less impervious to electromagnetic interference (EMI), smaller size and greater information carrying capacity. The unceasing bandwidth needs, on the other hand, are also yielding significant growth in optical fibre demands. Let’s take a review of common fibre optic cable types, explore the advantages and disadvantages of optical fibre, and learn tips on selecting fibre optic cable.

What Is Optical Fibre?

Optical fibre uses light pulses instead of electrical pulses to transmit information, thus delivering hundreds of times higher bandwidth than traditional electrical systems. Fibre optic cable can be protected by sheathing and armour to make it resistant to harsh environmental conditions. Hence it is widely adopted in commercial business, governments, military and many other industries for voice, video and data transmission.

How Optical Fibre Works

The working principle of optical fibre is based on the phenomenon of total internal reflection of light. When light enters the core with a higher refractive index and strikes the boundary with the cladding, which has a lower refractive index, at an angle greater than the critical angle, it is reflected entirely within the core rather than passing through the boundary. This total internal reflection allows the light to propagate through the fibre’s core, enabling efficient transmission of light signals even through bends and curves.

Common Fibre Optic Cable Types

Generally, there are three types of fibre optic cables: the two glass optical fibre—single mode fibre optic cable and multimode optical fibre, as well as plastic optical fibre (POF).

Single Mode Fibre Optic Cable

The “mode” in fibre optic cable refers to the path in which light travels. Single mode fibre has a smaller core diameter of 9 microns (8.3 microns to be exact) and only allows a single wavelength and pathway for light to travel, which greatly decreases light reflections and lowers attenuation. Slightly more expensive than its multimode counterparts, single mode fibre optic cable is often used in network connections over long lengths.

Multimode Fibre Optic Cable

Multimode optical fibre has a larger core diameter than that of single mode fibre optic cable, which allows multiple pathways and several wavelengths of light to be transmitted. Multimode optical fibre is available in two sizes, 50 microns and 62.5 microns. It is commonly used for short distances, including patch cable applications such as fibre to the desktop or patch panel to equipment, data and audio/video applications in LANs. According to the fibre refractive index distribution, multimode fibre can be divided into two types: Step-Index Multimode fibre vs Graded-Index Multimode fibre.

Plastic Optical Fibre (POF)

POF is a large core step-index optical fibre with a typical diameter of 1 mm. The large size enables it to easily couple lots of light from sources and connectors that do not need to be high precision. So typical connector costs are 10-20% as much as for glass fibres and termination is simple. Being plastic, it is more durable and can be installed in minutes with minimal tools and training. For applications do not require high bandwidth over great distances, POF is more competitive, making it a viable option for desktop LAN connections and low speed short links.

FS offers single-mode and multi-mode patch cables, covering a variety of types including OS2, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, and OM5, with customisation services available. Additionally, various specialised patch cables are available for purchase, such as armoured, industrial, and high-density options. All FS patch cables undergo rigorous testing to ensure you receive a high-quality product.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Fibre

Though optical fibre has speed and bandwidth advantages over copper cable, it also contains some drawbacks. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of optical fibre cable.

Advantages of Optical Fibre

Greater bandwidth & faster speed—Optical fibre cable supports extremely high bandwidth and speed. The large amount of information that can be transmitted per unit of optical fibre cable is its most significant advantage.

Cheap—Long, continuous miles of optical fibre cable can be made cheaper than equivalent lengths of copper wire. With numerous vendors swarm to compete for the market share, optical cable price would sure to drop.

Thinner and light-weighted—Optical fibre is thinner, and can be drawn to smaller diameters than copper wire. They are of smaller size and light weight than a comparable copper wire cable, offering a better fit for places where space is a concern.

Higher carrying capacity—Because optical fibres are much thinner than copper wires, more fibres can be bundled into a given-diameter cable. This allows more phone lines to go over the same cable or more channels to come through the cable into your cable TV box.

Less signal degradation— The loss of signal in optical fibre is less than that in copper wire.

Light signals—Unlike electrical signals transmitted in copper wires, light signals from one fibre do not interfere with those of other fibres in the same fibre cable. This means clearer phone conversations or TV reception.

Long lifespan—Optical fibres usually have a longer life cycle for over 100 years.

Disadvantages of Optical Fibre

Low power—Light emitting sources are limited to low power. Although high power emitters are available to improve power supply, it would add extra cost.

Fragility—Optical fibre is rather fragile and more vulnerable to damage compared to copper wires. You’d better not to twist or bend fibre optic cables too tightly.

Distance — The distance between the transmitter and receiver should be kept short or repeaters are needed to boost the signal.

How to Select the Right Optical Fibre Cable?

Optical fibre cable has gained much momentum in communication networks, and there emerges a dazzling array of vendors competing to manufacture and supply fibre optic cables. When selecting optical fibre, you’d better start with a reliable vendor and then consider the selection criteria. Here’s a guide to clarify some of the confusions about choosing fibre optic cable.

Check Manufacturer Qualification

The major optical cable manufacturers should be granted ISO9001 quality system certification, ISO4001 international environment system certification, the ROHS, the relevant national and international institutions certification such as the Ministry of Information Industry, UL certification and etc.

Fibre Mode: Single Mode or Multimode

As illustrated above, single mode fibre is often used for long distances while multimode optical fibre is commonly used for short range. Moreover, the system cost and installation cost change with different fibre modes. You can refer to Single Mode vs Multimode fibre: What’s the Difference? and then decide which fibre mode you need.

Optical Cable Jackets: OFNR, OFNP, or LSZH

The standard jacket type of optical cable is OFNR, which stands for “Optical fibre Non-conductive Riser”. Besides, optical fibres are also available with OFNP, or plenum jackets, which are suitable for use in plenum environments such as drop-ceilings or raised floors. Another jacket option is LSZH. Short for “Low Smoke Zero Halogen”, it is made from special compounds which give off very little smoke and no toxic when put on fire. So always refer to the local fire code authority to clarify the installation requirement before choosing the jacket type.

Optical Fibre Internal Construction: Tight Pack or Breakout or Assembly or Loose Tube

Tight pack cables are also known as distribution style cables, features that all buffered fibres under a single jacket with strength members for Enclosure to Enclosure and Conduit under Grade installations. Breakout fibre cable or fan out cable is applicable for Device to Device applications with tough and durable advantages. Assembly or zip cord construction is often used for making optic patch cables and short breakout runs. While loose tube construction is a Telco standard used in the telecommunications industry.

Indoor vs. Outdoor

The choice greatly depends on your application. The major difference between indoor and outdoor fibre cable is water blocking feature. Outdoor cables are designed to protect the fibres from years of exposure to moisture. However, nowadays there have been cables with both dry water-blocked outdoor features and indoor designs. For example, in a campus environment, you can get cables with two jackets: an outer PE jacket that withstands moisture and an inner PVC jacket that is UL-rated for fire retardancy.

Fibre Count

Both indoor and outdoor fibre cable have a vast option of fibre count ranging from 4-144 fibres. If your fibre demand exceeds this range, you can custom the fibre count for indoor or outdoor optical cable. Unless you are making fibre patch cords or hooking up a simple link with two fibres, it is highly recommended to get some spare fibres.

Conclusion

Optical fibre provides a fast, constant and stable Internet connection that allows a lot of data to be transmitted over incredible distances. As data demands become enormous, fibre optic cabling is the sure way to go for network flexibility and stability.

FS offers a wide range of network devices and can also customise products to meet specific user needs. Our expert team can design tailored solutions for building cost-effective and high-quality networks. Visit the FS website now to learn more about our products and solutions. Our professional technicians are always available to answer any questions you may have.

Accelerating Data Centers: FS Unveils Next-Gen 400G Solutions

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As large-scale data centers transition to faster and more scalable infrastructures and with the rapid adoption of hyperscale cloud infrastructures and services, existing 100G networks fall short in meeting current demands. As the next-generation mainstream port technology, 400G significantly increases network bandwidth, enhances link utilization, and assists operators, OTT providers, and other clients in effectively managing unprecedented data traffic growth.

To meet the demand for higher data rates, FS has been actively developing a series of 400G products, including 400G switches, optical modules, cables, and network adapters.

FS 400G Switches

The emergence of 400G data center switches has facilitated the transition from 100G to 400G in data centers, providing flexibility for building large-scale leaf and spine designs while reducing the total number of network devices. This reduction can save costs and decrease power consumption. Whether it’s the powerful N9510-64D or the versatile N9550 series, FS 400G data center switches can deliver the performance and flexibility required for today’s data-intensive applications.

Of particular note is that, as open network switches, the N8550 and N9550 series switches can enhance flexibility by freely choosing preferred operating systems. They are designed to meet customer requirements by providing comprehensive support for L3 features, SONiC and Broadcom chips, and data center functionalities. Additionally, FS offers PicOS-based open network switch operating system solutions, which provide a more flexible, programmable, and scalable network operating system (NOS) at a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).

FS 400G Transceivers

FS offers two different types of packaging for its 400G transceivers: QSFP-DD and OSFP, developed to support 400G with performance as their hallmark. Additionally, FS provides CFP2 DCO transceivers for coherent transmission at various rates (100G/200G/400G) in DWDM applications. Moreover, FS has developed InfiniBand cables and transceivers to enhance the performance of HPC networks, meeting the requirements for high bandwidth, low latency, and highly reliable connections.

FS conducts rigorous testing on its 400G optical modules using advanced analytical equipment, including TX/RX testing, temperature measurement, rate testing, and spectrometer evaluation tests, to ensure the performance and compatibility of the optical modules.

FS 400G Cables

When planning 400G Ethernet cabling or connection schemes, it’s essential to choose devices with low insertion loss and good return loss to meet the performance requirements of high-density data center links. FS offers various wiring options, including DAC/AOC cables and breakout cables. FS DAC/AOC breakout cables provide three connection types to meet high-density requirements for standard and combination connector configurations: 4x100G, 2x200G, and 8x50G. Their low insertion loss and ultra-low crosstalk effectively enhance transmission performance, while their high bend flexibility offers cost-effective solutions for short links.

FS 400G Network Adapters

FS 400G network adapters utilize the industry-leading ConnectX-7 series cards. The ConnectX-7 VPI card offers a 400Gb/s port for InfiniBand, ultra-low latency, and delivers between 330 to 3.7 billion messages per second, enabling top performance and flexibility to meet the growing demands of data center applications. In addition to all existing innovative features from previous versions, the ConnectX-7 card also provides numerous enhanced functionalities to further boost performance and scalability.

FS 400G Networking Soluitons

To maximize the utilization of the 400G product series, FS offers comprehensive 400G network solutions, such as solutions tailored for upgrading from 100G to high-density 400G data centers. These solutions provide diverse and adaptable networking options customized for cloud data centers. They are designed to tackle the continuous increase in data center traffic and the growing need for high-bandwidth solutions in extensive 400G data center networks.

For more information about FS 400G products, please read FS 400G Product Family Introduction.

How FS Can Help

Register for an FS account now, choose from our range of 400G products and solutions tailored to your needs, and effortlessly upgrade your network.

Empowering Your 800G Networks with MTP/MPO Fiber Cables

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In the era of ultra-high-speed data transmission, MTP/MPO cables have become a key player, especially in the context of 800G networks. In essence, MTP/MPO cables emerge as catalysts for the evolution toward 800G networks, offering a harmonious blend of high-density connectivity, reliability, and scalability. This article will delve into the advantages of MTP/MPO cables in 800G networks and provide specific solutions for constructing an 800G network, offering valuable insights for upgrading your existing data center.

Challenges Faced in 800G Data Transmission

As a critical hub for storing and processing vast amounts of data, data centers require high-speed and stable networks to support data transmission and processing. The 800G network achieves a data transfer rate of 800 Gigabits per second (Gbps) and can meet the demands of large-scale data transmission and processing in data centers, enhancing overall efficiency.

Therefore, many major internet companies are either constructing new 800G data centers or upgrading existing data centers from 100G, 400G to 800G speeds. However, the pursuit of 800G data transmission faces numerous complex challenges that necessitate innovative solutions. Here, we analyze the intricate obstacles associated with achieving ultra-fast data transmission.

Insufficient Bandwidth & High Latency

The 800G network demands extensive data transmission, placing higher requirements on bandwidth. It necessitates network equipment capable of supporting greater data throughput, particularly in terms of connection cables. Ordinary optical fibers typically consist of a single fiber within a cable, and their optical and physical characteristics are inadequate for handling massive data, failing to meet the high-bandwidth requirements of 800G.

While emphasizing high bandwidth, data center networks also require low latency to meet end-user experience standards. In high-speed networks, ordinary optical fibers undergo more refraction and scattering, resulting in additional time delays during signal transmission.

Limited Spatial Layout

The high bandwidth requirements of 800G networks typically come with more connection ports and optical fibers. However, the limited space in data centers or server rooms poses a challenge. Achieving high-density connections requires accommodating more connection devices in the constrained space, leading to crowded layouts and increased challenges in space management and design.

Complex Network Architecture

The transition to an 800G network necessitates a reassessment of network architecture. Upgrading to higher data rates requires consideration of network design, scalability, and compatibility with existing infrastructure. Therefore, the cabling system must meet both current usage requirements and align with future development trends. Given the long usage lifecycle of cabling systems, addressing how to match the cabling installation with multiple IT equipment update cycles becomes a challenging problem.

High Construction Cost

Implementing 800G data transmission involves investments in infrastructure and equipment. Achieving higher data rates requires upgrading and replacing existing network equipment and cabling management patterns, incurring significant costs. Cables, in particular, carry various network devices, and their required lifecycle is longer than that of network equipment. Frequent replacements can result in resource wastage.

Effectively addressing these challenges is crucial to unlocking the full potential of a super-fast, efficient data network.

Unlocking 800G Power: MTP/MPO Cables’ Key Advantages

The significance of MTP/MPO cables in high-speed networks, especially in 800G networks, lies in their ability to manage the escalating data traffic efficiently. The following are key advantages of MTP/MPO cables:

High Density, High Bandwidth

MTP/MPO cables adopt a high-density multi-fiber design, enabling the transmission of multiple fibers within a relatively small connector. This design not only provides ample bandwidth support for data centers, meeting the high bandwidth requirements of an 800G network, but also helps save space and supports the high-density connection needs for large-scale data transfers.

Additionally, MTP/MPO cables exhibit excellent optical and mechanical performance, resulting in low insertion loss in high-speed network environments. By utilizing a low-loss cabling solution, they effectively contribute to reducing latency in the network.

Flexibility and Scalability

MTP/MPO connectors come in various configurations, accommodating different fiber counts (8-core, 12-core, 16-core, 24-core, etc.), supporting both multimode and single-mode fibers. With trunk and breakout designs, support for different polarities, and male/female connector options, these features allow seamless integration into various network architectures. The flexibility and scalability of MTP/MPO connectors enable them to adapt to evolving network requirements and facilitate future expansions, particularly in the context of 800G networks.

Efficient Maintenance

The high-density and compact design of MTP/MPO cables contribute to saving rack and data room space, enabling data centers to utilize limited space resources more efficiently. This, in turn, facilitates the straightforward deployment and reliable operation of 800G networks, reducing the risks associated with infrastructure changes or additions in terms of cost and performance. Additionally, MTP/MPO cables featuring a Plenum (OFNP) outer sheath exhibit fire resistance and low smoke characteristics, minimizing potential damage and saving on cabling costs.

Scaling the 800G Networks With MTP/MPO Cables

In the implementation of 800G data transmission, the wiring solution is crucial. MTP/MPO cables, as a key component, provide reliable support for high-speed data transmission. FS provides professional solutions for large-scale data center users who require a comprehensive upgrade to 800G speeds. Aim to rapidly increase data center network bandwidth to meet the growing demands of business.

Newly Built 800G Data Center

Given the rapid expansion of business, many large-scale internet companies choose to build new 800G data centers to enhance their network bandwidth. In these data centers, all network equipment utilizes 800G switches, combined with MTP/MPO cables to achieve a direct-connected 800G network. To ensure high-speed data transmission, advanced 800G 2xFR4/2xLR4 modules are employed between the core switches and backbone switches, and 800G DR8 modules seamlessly interconnect leaf switches with TOR switches.

To simplify connections, a strategic deployment of the 16-core MTP/MPO OS2 trunk cables directly connects to 800G optical modules. This strategic approach maximally conserves fiber resources, optimizes wiring space, and facilitates cable management, providing a more efficient and cost-effective cabling solution for the infrastructure of 800G networks.

Upgrade from 100G to 800G

Certainly, many businesses choose to renovate and upgrade their existing data center networks. In the scenario below, engineers replaced the original 8-core MTP/MPO-LC breakout cable with the 16-core version, connecting it to the existing MTP cassettes. The modules on both ends, previously 100G QSFP28 FR, were upgraded to 800G OSFP XDR8. This seamless deployment migrated the existing structured cabling to an 800G rate. It is primarily due to the 16-core MTP/MPO-LC breakout cable, proven as the optimal choice for direct connections from 800G OSFP XDR8 to 100G QSFP28 FR or from 800G QSFP-DD/OSFP DR8 to 100G QSFP28 DR.

In short, this solution aims to increase the density of fiber optic connections in the data center and optimize cabling space. Not only improves current network performance but also takes into account future network expansion.

Elevating from 400G to the 800G Network

How to upgrade an existing 400G network to 800G in data centres? Let’s explore the best practices through MTP/MPO cables to achieve this goal.

Based on the original 400G network, the core, backbone, and leaf switches have all been upgraded to an 800G rate, while the TOR (Top of Rack) remains at a 400G rate. The core and backbone switches utilise 800G 2xFR4/2xLR4 modules, the leaf switches use 800G DR8 modules, and the TOR adopts 400G DR4 modules. Deploying two 12-core MTP/MPO OS2 trunk cables in a breakout configuration between the 400G and 800G optical modules facilitates interconnection.

Furthermore, there is a second connectivity option where the 800G port optical module utilises OSFP SR8, the 400G port uses OSFP SR4 optical module, and the intermediate cables are connected using 12-core MTP® OM4 trunk cables.

These two cabling solutions enhance scalability, prevent network bottlenecks, reduce latency, and are conducive to expanding bandwidth when transitioning from lower-speed to higher-speed networks in the future. Additionally, this deployment retains the existing network equipment, significantly lowering cost expenditures.

ItemProductDescription
1OSFP-DR8-800GNVIDIA InfiniBand MMS4X00-NM compatible OSFP 800G DR8 PAM4 2x DR4 1310nm 500m DOM dual MPO-12/APC NDR SMF optical transceiver, finned top.
2OSFP800-XDR8-B1Generic compatible 800GBASE-XDR8 OSFP PAM4 1310nm 2km DOM MTP/MPO-16 SMF optical transceiver module.
3OSFP-2FR4-800GNVIDIA InfiniBand MMS4X50-NM compatible OSFP 800G 2FR4 PAM4 1310nm 2km DOM dual LC duplex/UPC NDR SMF optical transceiver, finned top.
4OSFP-SR8-800GNVIDIA InfiniBand MMA4Z00-NS compatible OSFP 800G SR8 PAM4 2 x SR4 850nm 50m DOM dual MPO-12/APC MMF NDR finned top optical transceiver module for QM9790/9700 switches.
5OSFP-SR4-400G-FLNVIDIA InfiniBand MMA4Z00-NS400 compatible OSFP 400G SR4 PAM4 850nm 50m DOM MPO-12/APC MMF NDR flat top optical transceiver module for ConnectX-7 HCA.
616FMTPSMFMTP®-16 APC (Female) to MTP®-16 APC (Female) OS2 single mode standard IL trunk cable, 16 fibers, plenum (OFNP), yellow, for 800G network connection.
716FMTPLCSMFMTP®-16 APC (Female) to 8 LC UPC duplex OS2 single mode standard IL breakout cable, 16 Fibers, plenum (OFNP), yellow, for 800G network connection.
812FMTPSMFMTP®-12 (Female) to MTP®-12 (Female) OS2 single mode elite trunk cable, 12 fibers, type B, plenum (OFNP), yellow.
912FMTPOM4MTP®-12 APC (Female) to MTP®-12 APC (Female) OM4 multimode elite trunk cable, 12 fibers, type B, plenum (OFNP), magenta.

For more specific 800G connectivity solutions, please refer to 800G MTP/MPO Cabling Guide.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the diverse range of MTP/MPO cable types provides tailored solutions for different connectivity scenarios in 800G networks. As organizations navigate the complexities of high-speed data transmission, MTP/MPO cables stand as indispensable enablers, paving the way for a new era of efficient and robust network infrastructures.

How FS Can Help

The comprehensive networking solutions and product offerings not only save costs but also reduce power consumption, delivering higher value. Considering an upgrade to 800G for your data center network? FS tailors customized solutions for you. Don’t wait any longer—Register as an FS website member now and enjoy free technical support.

5 Types of Optical Fibers for 5G Networks

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Optical fiber cables have become one of the key points in the 5G competition. It’s known that 5G networks will offer consumers high-speed and low-latency services with more reliable and stronger connections. But to make this happen, more 5G base stations have to be built due to the higher 5G frequency band and limited network coverage. And it’s estimated that by 2025, the total number of global 5G base stations will reach 6.5 million, which puts forward higher requirements for the optical fiber cable performance and production.

Currently, there are still some uncertainties in 5G network architectures and the selection of technical solutions. But in the basic physical layer, the 5G fiber cables should meet both current application and future development needs. The following are five types of optical fiber cables that address problems in 5G networks built to some degree.

1. Bend Insensitive Optical Fiber for Easy 5G Indoor Micro Base Stations

The dense fiber connections between massive 5G new macro base stations and indoor micro base stations are the main challenge in the 5G access network constructions. The complex cabling environments, especially the indoor fiber cabling, and the limited space and bend request high requirements for the fiber bend performance. Optical fiber compliant ITU G.657.A2/B2/B3 has great bend-improved performance, which can be stapled and bent around corners without sacrificing performance.

Many fiber manufacturers have announced bend-insensitive fiber (BIF) cables with low loss to address such problems in 5G indoor applications.

CompanyProduct NameITU StandardsBend Radius
(1 turn around a mandrel)		Induced Attenuation
(dB)
CorningClearCurve LBL fiberG.652.D, G.657.A2/B27.5 mm≤ 0.4
YOFCEasyBand® Ultra BIFG.652.D, G.657.B35 mm≤ 0.15
Prysmian GroupBendBright XS fiberG.652.D, G.657.A2/B27.5 mm≤ 0.5

Note: The induced attenuation is caused due to fiber wrapped around a mandrel of a specific radius.

2. OM5 Multimode Fiber Applied to 5G Core Networks

5G service providers also have to focus on the fiber optic network build of the data centers where the content is stored. At present, the transmission speed of data centers is evolving from 10G/25G, 40G/I00G to 25G/I00G, 200G/400G, which put forward new requirements for the multimode optical fibers used for interconnection inside the data centers. Multimode optical fibers need to compatible with the existing Ethernet standard, cover the future upgrades to higher speed like 400G and 800G, support multi-wavelength multiplexing technologies like SWDM and BiDi, and also need to provide excellent bending resistance to adjust to dense data centers cabling scenarios.

5g optical fiber cables.jpg

Figure 1: OM5 fiber in 100G BiDi and 100G SWDM applications

Under such conditions, the new broadband OM5 multimode fiber becomes the hotspot option for data center constructions. OM5 fiber allows multiple wavelengths to be transmitted simultaneously in the vicinity of 850 nm to 950 nm. By adopting the PAM4 modulation and WDM technology, OM5 optical fiber is able to support 150 meters in 100Gb/s, 200Gb/s, and 400Gb/s transmission systems, and ensure the ability of future short-distance and high-speed transmission networks, making it the optimal choice for intra-data center connections under the 5G environment.

Fiber TypeEffective Bandwidth (MHz.km)Full injection Bandwidth (MHz.km)
Fiber Type850nm953nm850nm953nm1310nm
OM3>2000/>1500/>500
OM4>4700/>3500/>500
OM5>4700/>35001850>500

Here is a comparison of the link length of OM5 and other multimode fiber over 850nm wavelength.

Link Length (M) @850nm wavelength
Fiber Type10GBASE-SR25GBASE-SR40GBASE-SR4100GBASE-SR4400GBASE-SR16400GBASE-SR8400GBASE-SR4.2
OM330070100701007070
OM4550100150100150100100
OM5550100150100150100150

3. Micron Diameter Optical Fibers Enable Higher Fiber Density

Due to the complex deployment environments of the access layer or aggregation layer of 5G bearer networks, it’s easy to encounter problems like the limited existing cable pipeline resources. To ensure the limited space can hold more optical fibers, cable manufacturers are working hard to reduce the size and diameter of cable bundles. For example, recently the Prysmian Group has introduced the BendBright XS 180µm single-mode fiber to meet the 5G technology demands. This innovative optical fiber enables cable designers to offer strongly reduced cable dimensions while still keeping the 125µm glass diameter.

5G fiber cable.jpg

Figure 2: Prysmian’s BendBright XS 180µm fiber

Similarly, with the same principles, Corning has introduced the SMF-28 Ultra 200 fiber that allows fiber cable manufacturers to shave 45 microns off previous cable coating thicknesses, going from 245 microns down to 200 microns, to achieve a smaller overall outer diameter. And YOFC, another optical fiber manufacturer, also provides EasyBand plus-Mini 200μm reduced diameter bending insensitive fiber for 5G networks, which can reduce the cable diameter by 50% and significantly increase the fiber density in pipelines when compared with common optical fibers.

4. ULL Fiber with Large Effective Area Can Extend 5G Link Length

5G fiber manufacturers are actively exploring ultra low-loss (ULL) optical fiber technologies to extend the fiber reach as long as possible. The G.654.E optical fiber is such a type of innovative 5G fiber. Different from the common G.652.D fiber often used in 10G, 25G, and 100G, the G.652.E fiber comes with a larger effective area and ultra-low loss features, which can significantly reduce the nonlinear effect of optical fiber and improve the OSNR that are easily affected by higher signal modulation format in 200G and 400G connections.

Speed (bps)40G100G400G400G
Fiber Typecommon G.652low-loss G.652low-loss G.652innovative G.654.E
Maximum Capacity (Tbs)3.282020
Limit Relay Distance (km)60003200<800<2000
Typical Link Attenuation (dB/km)0.210.200.200.18
Fiber Effective Area (µm²)808080130

With the continuous increase of the transmission speed and capacity of the 5G core network and the clouded data center, fiber optic cables like this will be needed more. It’s said that the latest Corning’s TXF fiber, a type of G.654.E fiber, comes with high-data-rate capabilities and exceptional reach, able to help network operators deal with growing bandwidth demands while lowering their overall network costs. Recently, Infinera and Corning have achieved 800G across 800km using this TXF fiber, which shows this fiber is expected to offer excellent long-haul transmission solutions for 5G network deployment.

5. Optical Fiber Cable for Faster 5G Network Installation

5G network deployment covers both indoor and outdoor scenarios, the installation speed is a factor needed to consider. Full-dry optical cable using dry water-blocking technology is able to improve fiber splicing speed during cable installation. Air-blown micro cables are compact and lightweight and contain high fiber density to maximize the fiber count. This type of cable is easy to be installed in longer ducts with multiple bends and undulations, and it can save in manpower & installation time and improved installation efficiency via the blowing installation methods. For the outdoor fiber cable deployment, some anti-rodent and anti-bird optical cables also need to be used.

Get Ready for 5G Networks

Currently, optical fiber is the optimal medium capable of scaling to the 5G demands. 5G networks’ enhanced bandwidth capacity, lower latency requirements and complicated outdoor deployments bring challenges as well as unlimited possibilities for optical fiber manufacturers, but our optical networks must quickly adapt to meet such new demands. Except for the optical fiber mentioned above, it remains to be seen if the 5G fiber manufacturers will put forward other innovative fiber for the market as quickly as possible.

Article source: 5 Types of Optical Fibers for 5G Networks

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Good Forecasts for Global Optical Fiber Cable Market

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An optical fiber cable uses light wave for voice and data transmission, its data transmission capacity is 4.5 times more than conventional copper cables. So in the past several decades, we have seen that fiber optic cables are superior to traditional copper twisted-pair cable or coaxial cable because of its unique physical characteristics, allowing information to travel at speeds increasingly approaching the speed of light without interference between adjacent wavelengths. In leading market, the global drive to implement FTTx into more new venues is good news for the market of optical fiber cables. Another good trend is that the price erosion of optical fiber cables had been 10 to 15 percent annually, in result that the demand of optical fiber cable is expected to continue growing in the foreseeable future. And the growing data transmission workloads placed by high-performance computers, servers and network storage systems is helping spur growth in the market. Consequently, fiber optic cables are now the indispensable backbone of today’s communication network. This article will analyse the global optical fiber cable market in three main applications, including long-distance communication, submarine cable and FTTx network.

fiber

Global Optical Fiber Cable Market to Grow at 9.8% till 2021

According to the report “Fiber Optics Market by Cable – Global Forecast to 2021”, the optical fiber cable market is anticipate to grow at a CAGR of over 9.8% during 2016-2021. The growing importance of cloud computing, data transfer & storage, and IoT is driving the use of Internet, which is driving the fiber optic cable market, as it acts as the backbone for data transmission. Moreover, growing technological advancements increase in number of connected devices and data centers are expected to positively influence global optical fiber cable market. In addition, next generation technologies such as LTE and FTTx, which require last mile connectivity, is expected to propel the demand for optical fiber cables in the coming years. All these factors have led to an increase in Internet users, which in turn has led to the higher usage of optical fiber cable to transfer information over the Internet, thus driving the fiber optics market.

Global Optical Fiber Cable Market

Global Optical Fiber Cable Demand from 2012 to 2018 (Source: Statista)

Optical Fiber Cable Market in Long-distance Communication

Currently, the growing adoption of optical technology in the telecommunications appears to be promising. Optical fiber has virtually unlimited capacity and low signal attenuation allowing long distances without amplifier or repeater, no exposure to parasite signals or crosstalk, and no electromagnetic interference (EMI). So fiber optic cable is especially advantageous for high-speed data transfer services in long-distance communications over electrical cabling. Furthermore, the increasing cloud-based applications, audio-video services, and Video-on-Demand (VoD) services further stimulate the demand for optical fiber cable installations.

Growing Need for Capacity

Growing Need for Capacity (Source: Goldmedia)

Submarine Optical Fiber Cable Market

Submarine optical fiber cables are undersea cables used for carrying data across interconnected networks between continents. With the advancements of technology, most of the submarine optical fiber cables that currently form the backbone of the Internet connect the U.S. to Europe and Asia by crossing the Atlantic or Pacific oceans. Instead, there is a proposal for deployment of Trans-polar submarine cable system in Arctic Ocean. Laying an undersea fiber optic cable is meant to connect Asia and Europe by crossing the Arctic Circle – the shortest practical distance yet for Internet signals traveling between the two continents. According to the report by Global Industry Analysts (GIA), cumulative installations of submarine optical fiber cables globally are projected to reach 2 million kilometers by 2020, driven by the growing demand for fiber broadband and the ensuing deployment of fiber optic cables in the Internet backbone. Presently, submarine optical fiber cables transmit 100% of the international Internet traffic, and more than 95% of the world’s combined data and voice traffic.

Submarine_Fiber_Cable_Market

Submarine Optical Fiber Cable Market (Source: Technavio)

Optical Fiber Cable Market in FTTx Networks

In recent years, the market for optical fiber cable has shifted dramatically to local deployments, away from long haul and regional. This is the impact of FTTx, which calls for far more dense applications in neighborhoods, cities and other highly focused areas. Optical fiber cable is being caught up in the global move to broadband in the near future. The next generation of high bandwidth applications, along with the proliferation of connected devices, is expected to require faster and higher bandwidth networks which will require the use of multimode fiber cable for data transfer. This growth in the FTTx networks in turn is expected to drive the fiber optics market. Future Market Insights (FMI) forecasts the global fiber to the home (FTTH) market’s value will grow from $9.5 billion in 2017 to more than $37 billion by the end of 2027, a 14.4% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). In the leading Asian economies, more than 44% of all homes and buildings are already directly connected to the fiber optic cable network; in North America penetration is 8.4%, in Europe 5.6%.

fiber-optic-cable-in-fttx

Final Thought

Fiber optic cable is widely used for data transmission and is increasingly being used in place of metal wires because of its efficiency and high transmission capacity. Since the use and demand for great bandwidth and fast speed, there is no doubt that fiber optic transmission will bring more opportunities and be continuously researched and expanded to cater for future demands. However, although fiber optic cable in itself is considered a long-term stable investment, it also faces huge challenge. The major restraint in the fiber optics market is the growing use of wireless communications systems in remote areas.

Related Article: The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fiber Optic Transmission

100 BASE-FX Mdeia Components

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The 100BASE-FX fiber optic media system provides all of the advantages of a 10BASE-FL fiber optic link segment, while operating ten times faster. Distances of 2 km (6561.6 feet) over multimode fiber optic cables are possible when operating 100BASE-FX segments in full-duplex mode. Considerably longer distances are possible when using single mode fiber segments. This is why the 100BASE-FX media system is a popular choice for Ethernet backbone networks. The following set of media components are used to build a 100BASE-FX fiber optic segment:

● Fiber optic cable.
● Fiber optic connectors.

Fiber Optic Cable

The 100BASE-FX specification requires two strands of multimode fiber optic (MMF) cable per link, one for transmit data, and one for receive data, with the signal crossover (TX or RX) performed in the link as shown in Figure 10-4. There are many kinks of fiber optic cables available, ranging from simple two-strand jumper cables with PVC plastic for the outer jacket material on up to large inter-building cables carrying many fibers in a bundle.

The typical fiber optic cable used for a 100BASE-FX fiber link segment consists of a graded-index MMF cable. These fibers optic cables have a 62.5 um fiber optic core and 125um outer cladding (62.5/125). The wavelength of light used on a 100BASE-TX fiber link segment is 1350 nanometers (nm). Signals sent at that wavelength over MMF fiber can provide segnment lengths of up to 2000 meters (6561 feet) when operating the link in full-duplex mode. More details on installing and using fiber optic cables and connectors can be found, Fiber optic cables and connectors.

Fiber Optic Connector

The medium-dependent interface (MDI) for a 100BASE-FX link may be one of three kinks of fiber optic connector. Of the three, the duplex SC connector shown in Figure 10-3 is the recommended alternative in the standard an is the one most widely used gy vendors. The SC connector is designed for ease of use; the connector is pushed into place and automatically snaps into the connector housing to complete the connection.
SC Connector

The ST connector may also be used. This is the same connector used for a 10BASE-FL link. It is a spring-loaded bayonet-type connector that has a key on an inner sleeve and an outer baynoet ring. To make a connection, you line up the key on the inner sleeve of the ST plug with a corresponding slot on the ST receptacle, then push the connector in and lock it in place by twisting the outer bayonet ring. According to the standard, the FFDI fiber optic media interface connector (MIC) may also be used on 100BASE-FX equipment: however, this optional connector has not been adopted by equipment vendors.

Connecting a Station to 100BASE-FX Ethernet

Figure 10-4 shows a computer equipped with a 100BASE-FX Ethernet adapter. In this example, the adapter card comes with an SC duplex connector, which makes a connection to the fiber cables that connect to the repeater hub. The repeater hub in the figure is shown with three pairs of 100BASE-FX SC connectors and built-in transceivers. A signal crossover is required to make a connection between the 100BASE-FX transceiver in the station, and the 100BASE-FX transceiver located in each repeater or switching hub port.

100BASE-FX

Fiberstore as the main professional fiber optic products manufacturer in china offer a various kinds of fiber cable connectors, FC Connectors, LC Connectors, SC Connectors, MPO Connectors and ST Connectors. You can buy fiber optic connection products on our store with your confidence. All of fiber optics supplies with high quality but low price.  Except fiber optic connector, we provide various types of fiber patch cords including single mode, multimode, multi core, and armored versions. You can aslo find fiber optic pigtails and other special patch cables here. For most of them, the SC, ST, FC, LC, MU, MTRJ, E2000, APC/UPC connectors are all available, even we supply MPO/MTP fiber cables.

How Much Do You Know About the Fiber Optic Cable?

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What is fiber optic cable?

A fiber optic cable is a network cable that contains strands of glass fibers inside an insulated casing. These fiber optic cables are designed for long distance and very high bandwidth network communications. The optical fiber elements are typically individually coated with plastic layers and contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable will be deployed. Different types of cable are used for different applications, for example long distance telecommunication, or providing a high speed data connection between different parts of a building.

Fiber optic cables carry communication signals using pulses of light. While expensive, these cables are increasingly being used instead of traditional copper cables, because fiber offers more capacity and is less susceptible to electrical interference. So called Fiber To The Home (FTTH) installations are becoming more common as a way to bring ultra high speed Internet service to residences.

What are the color codes for fiber optic cable?

The fibers in optical fiber cables are numbered according to their color code, which simplifies connecting hardware installation and connector termination as well as further administration and testing of the cabling system.

fiber optic color code

The fibers are numbered in accordance with the individual standard color code given in figure 1. 250- and 900-micron buffer coatings are subject to color-coding. In modular design multifiber cables, the same color coding is applied with respect to modules.

In loose tube cables, with over 12 fibers in one tube, fibers can be combined to form a single unit fixed by colored threads.

In some cases to facilitate pair grouping the fibers are painted the same colors with collar marks every 2-3 cm (0.8 – 1.2 in) on the second fiber of the pair.

Colored outer jackets or print may be used on Premises Distribution Cable, Premises Interconnect Cable or Interconnect Cord, or Premises Breakout Cable to identify the classification and fiber sizes of the fiber.

When colored jackets are used to identify the type of fiber in cable containing only one fiber type, the colors shall be as indicated in Table 1. Other colors may be used providing that the print on the outer jacket identifies fiber classifications in accordance with subclause 4.3.3. Such colors should be as agreed upon between manufacturer and user.

Unless otherwise specified, the outer jacket of premises cable containing more than one fiber type shall use a printed legend to identify the quantities and types of fibers within the cable. Table 3 shows the preferred nomenclature for the various fiber types, for example “12 Fiber 8 x 50/125, 4 x 62.5/125.”

When the print on the outer jacket of premises cable is used to identify the types and classifications of the fiber, the nomenclature of Table 3 is preferred for the various fiber types. Distinctive print characters for other fiber types may be considered for addition to Table 1 at some future date.

fiber optic cable color code

Notes:

1. Natural jackets with colored tracers may be used instead of solid-color jackets.

2. Because of the limited number of applications for these fibers, print nomenclature are to be agreed upon between manufacturer and end-user.

3. Other colors may be used providing that the print on the outer jacket identifies fiber classifications.

4. For some premises cable functional types (e.g, plenum cables), colored jacketing material may not be available. Distinctive jacket colors for other fiber types may be considered for addition at some future date.

How does a fiber optic cable work?

To understand how a fiber optic cable works, imagine an immensely long drinking straw or flexible plastic pipe. For example, imagine a pipe that is several miles long. Now imagine that the inside surface of the pipe has been coated with a perfect mirror. Now imagine that you are looking into one end of the pipe. Several miles away at the other end a friend turns on a flashlight and shines it into the pipe. Because the interior of the pipe is a perfect mirror, the flashlight’s light will reflect off the sides of the pipe (even though the pipe may curve and twist) and you will see it at the other end. If your friends were to turn the flashlight on and off in a morse code fashion, your friend could communicate with you through the pipe. That is the essence of a fiber optic cable.

Transmitter

A transmitter is a device found at the beginning of a fiber optic cable network. The transmitter takes information and turns it into a pulsing light wave that can be sent along a fiber optic cable. A lens is then used to send the light into a fiber optic cable. The light will travel along the fiber optic cables more quickly and with less signal degradation than occurs when sending data along traditional coper wires.

Fiber Optic Cable

The core of a fiber optic cable is made of a very clear glass tube that transmits light. This glass core is surrounded by a coating called cladding. Light will travel down the fiber optic tube in a straight line. Unfortunately, not all fiber optical cables can be laid along a straight path, so the cladding surrounding the cable is mirrored. The light bounces off of the mirrors on the cladding and is directed back into the fiber optic core to continue its journey along the cable.

Optical Regenerator

Sometimes a light signal must travel through a fiber optic cable over a very long distance. Although signal degradation is minimal in a fiber optic cable, some degradation does occur. When a cable covers a long distance, optical regenerators are placed at certain intervals along the cable. Optical regenerators are fibers that have been treated with a laser. The molecules in the fiber allow the signal traveling through the fiber optic cable to take on laser properties themselves, which strengthens the light signal. Optical regenerators essentially strengthen the light signal that is traveling through a fiber optic cable.

Optical Receiver

At the end of the fiber otic network there is an optical receiver. This receiver is essentially performs the opposite function of the transmitter found at the beginning of the system. Optical receivers receive the light signal from the fiber optic cable and turn it back into information that a computer or television know how to understand and use. It then sends the decoded signal to the computer or television.

Types of loose tube fiber optic cables

FiberStore have many types of loose tube fiber optic cables, such as All -Dielectric Loose Tube Cables, Gel-Filled Loose Tube Cables, Double-Jacket Loose Tube Cables, Central Loose Tube Cables.

JDSU MTS-2000 Handheld OTDR For Sale

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FiberStore provide OTDR JDSU MTS-2000 tester by US$ 4,050.00 for sale.The price is very resonable.The MTS-2000 is the smallest and the most mobile and compact test platform designed to test all phases of the fiber optic network lifecycle, from the installation to the maintenance of Access and FTTx networks. Working with the same optical module than T-BERD/MTS-4000, the MTS-2000 is an additional alternative for field technicians.

Highlights

1. Mono-modular platform

2. 5″ touch screen display

3. Wireless access and testing: Wifi 802.11b/g and Bluetooth

4. Modules already available: OTDR, PON (SPM)

5. Optional VFL and power meter/source (multi-function port)

6. Compatible with P-5000i digital connector inspection probe via USB 2.0

7. Web browser, calculator, 2 x USB 2.0 ports, Jack/Bluetooth audio output, PDF reader, etc.

Key Features

1. Large 5-inch touch screen display

2. Test applications include OTDR, automatic IL/ORL, CWDM analyzer, selective PON power meter and connector inspection with IEC pass/fail analysis

3. Built-in optical power meter, VFL and optical talkset options

4. New generation lithium polymer (LiPo) battery for up to 8 hours operation

5. Flexible connectivity with ethernet, USB, bluetooth and wifi capabilities

6. Special hands-free bag as standard

7. Cross-compatibility with T-BERD 4000 multiple services test platform

Applicatons

1. LAN/WAN/Metro/Access/PON OTDR applications. Ensure fast and consistent fiber deployments across your network with the Smart OTDR test mode

2. FiberComplete application for automated Insertion Loss and ORL testing with fault finding

3. CWDM optical spectrum analyzer application

4. PON/FTTH selective power meter application

5. Digital analysis microscope to inspect connectors end faces and perform IEC Pass/Fail analysis

6. Other test applications: optical power meter, visual fault locator and optical talkset

Benefits

1. Hands-free testing. Hands-free case optimizing productivity whether the task is “up poles or down holes” and ensuring all the essential fiber test tools are close at hand comes standard and makes daily work for technicians easier.

2. Built for simplicity. Simple interface and one-touch button operation ensures straightforward use of the instrument. Results are displayed on a large high resolution color touchscreen.

3. Widest range of applications. The modular form factor enables to outfit the test set with the exact capabilities needed in the field.

4. Combining such a large array of applications into one handheld test set maximizes return on investment and drives common test methods and procedures

OTDR (Optical Time Domain Reflectometer) is classic fiber optic test equipment used to characterize an optical fiber. It is most easy to use but it is also one of the most expensive, OTDR could give you an overview of the wholes system you test. OTDR testers may be used for estimating the fiber optic cable length and fiber optic cable overall attenuation. It may also be used to locate faults, such as breaks, bend and so on by measuring the return loss.