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There is no better technology for high-speed communication than fiber optic cables. They offer high bandwidth, ultra-fast and reliable data transmission and remarkably high cost efficiency to improve telecommunication and network solutions. However, when choosing the right cables for a network, various parameters, specifications and properties must be taken into account. In this short selection guide, we will help you identify some of the critical points to consider when choosing the right fiber optic cable for your specific needs.
Considerations when selecting fiber optic cables:
When selecting a fiber optic cable, you need to evaluate the planned network application that will influence most of your decisions. Selecting the right type of fiber is critical because many fibers are designed for a variety of network applications and therefore differ in their specifications, optical properties and installation considerations. Link distance is also an important variable when selecting fiber type and cabling jacket type, connector type and fiber count for each cable. In addition, financial aspects such as investment, cost and budget are other important factors in the final decision phase, but only after the right fiber optic cable has been identified.
1) Selecting the right fiber type
There are two main types of fiber optic cables used in most high-speed communication systems today:
● Single-mode fibers
● Multimode fibers
Single-mode fiber (SMF) and multimode fiber are optical fibers that are commonly used for various transmissions. The most noticeable difference between these two types of optical fibers is the design approach and the properties of the optical fibers themselves. Of the many parameters, the properties of the optical fiber are considered the most important. Depending on the diameter of the fiber core, the number of light modes it can accommodate and their range varies. Single-mode optical fibers have a core size of 9 um, which can only accommodate a single light mode, but is suitable for much greater transmission distances.
Multimode fibers have a larger core diameter of 62.5 um or 50 um. It can accommodate more light modes, but larger core sizes lead to more signal loss/attenuation the further you go. Therefore, they can only be used for short distance applications. When selecting singlemode or multimode fibers, the distance of the connection is therefore crucial. Suppose the network application extends over a few hundred meters (e.g. within a data center). In this case, multimode fibers can be used, while singlemode fibers are almost always required for signal transmission over a greater distance (1 km and more).
Singlemode-Faser
The different types of single-mode fibers are usually known by their ITU (International Telecommunication Union) standard. While the differences between the various types of fiber are small, it is important to know that each type of single-mode fiber is designed for specific network applications.
G.652:
This is a standard class single-mode optical fiber. The most widely used single-mode fibers (SMF) include OFS® AllWave® and Corning® SMF-28® Ultra.
G.654:
This is a cut-off-shifted single-mode optical fiber. G.654 fibers have low loss and are used for submarines and various other applications. Leading brands include TeraWave® Scuba and Corning® VASCADE® OFS®.
G.655:
This is a Non-Zero Dispersion-Shifted Single Mode (NZDSF) type fiber. These fibers are designed for longer distances but have lower chromatic dispersion properties. Some examples of this fiber type are OFS® TrueWave-RS® and Corning® LEAF®.
G.657:
This is a single-mode optical fiber known for its performance and loss immunity. These fibers are designed to handle steeper bends better. This makes them suitable for network applications where repeated bends cannot be avoided, such as in squares, campuses and other buildings. In comparison, some standard G.652 single-mode fibers are manufactured to meet the bend parameters defined for G.657 fibers, such as OFS® AllWave® and Corning® SMF-28® Ultra. For even better bending strength, we can use specially developed G.657 cables such as OFS® AllWave® Flex MAX® and Corning® ClearCurve®.
Optical multimode fiber
Similar to singlemode fibers, various types of multimode optical fibers are available on the market. The distinguishing feature of these types is the core size of the fiber and the expected bandwidth and distance parameters. We identify them with the help of ISO standards using the OM(x) nomenclature, which is summarized below.
The types of multimode optical fibers are:
● OM1 and OM2
● OM3 and OM4
● OM5
OM1 and OM2
OM1 and OM2 are the oldest types of multimode fibers. OM1 and OM2 are characterized by an identical orange cladding. They operate at 850nm and offer a maximum transmission rate of 1GB. The main difference between these two fibers is that OM1 has a core diameter of 62.5 um, while OM2 has a core diameter of 50 um. The smaller core size of OM2 fiber allows for a longer transmission distance of up to 600 meters compared to OM1, which can be used for connections of up to 300 meters.
Examples
● Corning® Infinicor® 300 is an example of an OM1 fiber
● Corning® ClearCurve OM2® is an example of an OM2 fiber
OM3 and OM4
The OM3 and OM4 cables have a higher throughput than their predecessors. They use the 50 um diameter core, but with a laser-optimized approach that supports 40G, 100G and 40G data rates. OM3 fiber cables are manufactured with an aquamarine jacket, while OM4 can have the same aquamarine or purple color. OM3 fibers have a transmission distance of up to 300 meters, while OM4 fibers support a transmission distance of up to 550 meters (the connection distance may vary depending on the data rate). These cables are commonly used in data centers, campuses, enterprise networks and other networks that require high data rates. Corning® ClearCurve® OM3 and Corning® ClearCurve® OM4 are examples.
OM5
OM5 is a relatively new type of multi-mode fiber (MMF) and is still in the introductory phase. OM5 is characterized by a lime-colored outer cladding and supports data transmission of up to 100G over distances of up to 150 meters.
An example of OM5 is Corning® ClearCurve® OM5.
2) Cable Jacket Type
Once you have decided on a suitable type of fiber optic cable, you need to consider the outer cable sheath. Since fiber optics are used both indoors and outdoors, we can choose the cables accordingly as we have different jacket types and cable types available.
The desired cable strength, bending properties, temperature resistance, fire resistance, etc. are some key factors to consider when selecting fiber optic cables.
Indoor fiber optic cables typically use flame retardant polyvinyl PVC (polyvinyl chloride) outer jackets, although in some cases we require Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) jackets. LSZH sheaths are made of flammable material and produce the least amount of smoke when exposed to fire and eventually start to burn. For outdoor use, we use cables with a polyethylene (PE) exterior. Polyethylene is resistant to ultraviolet rays and moisture. For applications that require maximum protection from environmentally harmful substances, cable shielding and other "stiffening" materials within the cable must also be considered.
3) Type of connectors:
Different types of connectors for optical networks are used in different networks; however, only the most common types are discussed here.
The cable must have a suitable connector to support the intended application. This means that the connector must harmonize with the connector panels and equipment.
Common connector types are single fiber types such as LC, ST, SC and FC. In contrast, MPO connectors are considered the most popular among multi-fiber connectors.
4) Number of fibers
It must also be taken into account when selecting a fiber optic cable. The question of the number of fibers is generally related to the planned application. As far as the number of fibers is concerned, there are the following three main types of fiber optic cables on the market;
Simplex fiber optic cable:
These cables consist of a single fiber optic carrier and are designed for unidirectional transmission. They are often used to establish a connection between devices with signal transmission flowing in one direction, and we are also known as patch cables.
Duplex fiber optic cable:
As the name suggests, a duplex fiber optic cable enables bidirectional data transmission in a transmit/receive arrangement: one fiber for data transmission in one direction and the other for the signal received on the return channel. They are mainly used in applications that require a transmit/receive function, such as optical transceivers that have transmit (Tx) and receive (Rx) ports. A duplex fiber optic cable can be manufactured as a jacketed single cable with separate optical fibers terminating independently at both ends of the cable, or primarily as a pair of simplex cables running in parallel and bonded together with a suitable adhesive.
Multi-fiber cable:
A multi-fiber cable is needed to support a larger number of fibers. Multi-fiber cables are helpful in transmission, even if you use 12-fiber cables with MPO or breakout connectors between different types of network components in a data center. For even more extensive networks, such as in metropolitan areas, we can use higher density multi-fiber cables, such as 288-fiber cables, to connect two network points. When selecting multi-fiber cables for network applications where a higher number of fibers is required, you will come across numerous types and approaches.
Summary:
Below are the key considerations to take into account when selecting a particular type and class of fiber optic cable;
● Type and length of optical fiber
● Type of cable jacket
● Type of connector
● Number of fibers/number of fibers
Purchasing an optical fiber cable is a critical task. If we are aware of these requirements for a cable, we can choose the most suitable type of fiber optic cable for our application and needs. The right choice will make our lives easier.
We wish you good luck!
