Fibre optic cabling has revolutionised the way we transmit data and information over long distances. With the advent of fibre optic technology, businesses have been able to transmit larger amounts of data over longer distances with greater speed and reliability. However, not all fibre optic cables are created equal. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of fibre optic cabling available and help you understand the key differences between them.
1 Single-Mode Fibre Optic Cabling
Single-mode fibre optic cabling is designed to transmit a single wavelength of light, and is commonly used for long distance transmissions. The core of this type of cable is significantly smaller than multimode cable, and the fibre strands themselves are typically made of glass. Single-mode fibre optic cabling uses laser light sources so the hardware needed to deploy it is typically more expensive than that required for multimode cabling which uses LED, but it provides significantly higher bandwidths and works over much longer distances.
2 Multimode Fibre Optic Cabling
Multimode fibre optic cabling is designed to transmit multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously. The core of this type of cable is larger than single-mode fibre optic cable, and the fibre strands themselves are typically made of plastic or glass. Multimode fibre optic cabling uses LED light sources as opposed to laser, so is typically less expensive to deploy than single-mode cabling, but is limited in its bandwidth and range. Multimode fibre optic cabling is commonly used in LAN networks and other short-range data transmission applications.
3. Loose Tube vs Tight Buffered Fibre Optic Cabling
Loose-tube cables, the older of the two cable types, are specifically designed for harsh outdoor environments. They protect the fibre core, cladding and coating by enclosing everything within semi-rigid protective sleeves or tubes. In loose-tube cables that hold more than one optical fibre, each individually sleeved core is bundled loosely within an all-encompassing outer jacket.
Many loose-tube cables also have a water-resistant gel that surrounds the fibres. This gel helps protect them from moisture, making the cables ideal for harsh, high-humidity environments where water or condensation can be a problem. The gel-filled tubes can expand and contract with temperature changes, too.
Loose tube is not recommended for vertical installation in risers as over time the protective gel can collect at the bottom of a long vertical drop, causing the cable to become swollen.
Tight-buffered cables, in contrast, are optimised for indoor applications. Because they’re sturdier than loose-tube cables, they’re best suited for moderate-length LAN/WAN connections, long vertical runs and even direct burial. Tight-buffered cables are also recommended for underwater applications.
Instead of a gel layer or sleeve to protect the fibre core, tight-buffered cables use a two-layer coating. One is plastic; the other is waterproof acrylate. The acrylate coating keeps moisture away from the cable as the gel-filled sleeves do for loose-tube cables.
4. Armoured Fiber Optic Cabling
Armoured fibre optic cabling is designed to protect the fibre optic cable from physical damage. This type of cable is typically used in harsh environments where the cable is exposed to high levels of vibration or impact. The armour is typically made from a steel or aluminium material that wraps around the cable to provide added protection.
In conclusion, there are several different types of fibre optic cabling available, each with its own set of benefits and limitations. By understanding the key differences between these types of cable, you can make an informed decision about which type of fibre optic cabling is best for your business needs.
Whether you require high bandwidth and long-range transmissions, or are looking for a more cost-effective solution for short-range data transmissions, there is a fibre optic cabling solution available to meet your needs.