What problems should be paid attention to when choosing fiber optic cables
There are many types of optical fiber cables. However, for those who do not use optical fibers often, the numerous specifications are quite confusing. Sometimes it is troublesome to choose because they are not familiar with optical fiber specifications or are not clear about the wires required for equipment. Accidentally choose the wrong wire. What issues should be paid attention to when choosing fiber optic cables?
What issues should be paid attention to when choosing optical fiber cables?
Do you need multi-mode or single-mode fiber optic cables?
If you already have a fiber optic cable and want to buy another one, you can usually identify the type of fiber optic cable from the color of the fiber optic cable. Single-mode fiber is yellow, and multimode fiber 50 μm or 62.5 μm is usually orange. 10GB multimode fiber is usually aqua blue (Aqua). If you do not know the color of the fiber optic cable, you must confirm the specification of the fiber optic cable. The following are some common ways of distinguishing specifications.
• OS1, OS2, 9µm, 9/125 = single mode fiber
• OM1, 62.5µm, 62.5/125 = multimode fiber 62.5
• OM2, 50µ, 50/125 = multimode fiber 50
• OM3, 10GB, 50µm, 50/125 = 10GB over multimode fiber
• OM4, 100GB, 50µm, 50/125 = 100GB over multimode fiber
From the above information, we can know that both 50µm and 62.5µm are multimode fibers and the fiber color is orange. But the 50µm multimode fiber cable may also be aqua blue (aqual). Where the distinction cannot be made, it is necessary to check the hardware specification file to confirm the correct fiber specification required.
Different fiber optic cables have advantages and disadvantages. Single-mode fiber is usually used for long-distance transmission, and 20KM is quite common. However, hardware devices to support single-mode fiber are usually more expensive. Although multimode fiber cannot be used for long-distance transmission, the hardware equipment is more economical.
What kind of fiber optic cable do you need?
There are many types of fiber optic connectors, the following are the most commonly used fiber optic connectors:
FC: single core FC connector
LC: Dual-core LC connector, using a clamp to combine two wires together
SC: Two-core SC connector, using a clamp to combine two wires together
ST: single core ST connector
What is Optical Return Loss Fiber Return Loss (ORL)?
Return loss can be calculated by sending a pulse of light to the end of an optical fiber and measuring the amount of returning light. Losses can occur at connections or welds. If the connection is dirty, scratched, etc., the returned measured signal will be weak, causing several different problems. The higher the return loss ORL, the better.
What is Optical Insertion Loss (OIL)?
Optical fiber insertion loss (OIL) occurs when two optical fiber lines are connected or fused together. At this time, a large amount of loss will occur, and at long distances, it will cause the signal strength to weaken. The lower the insertion loss, the better.
Do you need UPC?
Many customers usually want to find the fiber optic cable with minimum insertion loss and maximum return loss. This means that you just want to get the most light to the destination with the least amount of signal loss. In this case, you can choose UPC, but in some cases, you may need greater return loss than UPC can provide, then you must choose APC, if the connector on the device is green, then it is Be sure to choose APC.
Do you need APC?
APC is specially designed to provide maximum return loss. The grinding angle of the APC end face is ~8°. APC connectors are usually green to clearly identify the type of fiber polishing as APC. Because the angle is so small, it looks almost flat to the naked eye.
If APC and UPC are mixed, the result may cause huge insertion loss, which means that when APC is connected to UPC, a large amount of loss will be generated. Therefore, if the device specifies that APC is required, an optical fiber cable with APC must be selected.
Do you need single core (SX), dual core (DX) or other types?
Single-core fiber optic cables usually have a connector at the end. Fiber-optic communication devices typically send data in one direction, so two-way communication typically requires a two-core fiber optic cable.
A duplex fiber optic cable has two optical fibers and usually has two connectors at the end. LC and SC connectors can use a clamp to align the two wires together, and use the clamp to adjust the appropriate distance so that the two connectors can be inserted into the device at the same time. If the connector needs to be inserted further or closer to the device, the clamp can be simply removed. In addition to single-core and dual-core, there are also more fiber optic cables to choose from.
What kind of sheath and material do you need?
Dual-core optical fiber is commonly used in the zip-cord method. Zip-cord means that the two optical fiber lines have their own sheaths, and then the sheaths of the two lines are sewn together. There is also a form in which a plurality of optical fiber lines with a circular sheath are covered with a circular sheath. If the fiber optic cable will be used outdoors or may be exposed to moisture in the conduit, you must choose an outdoor dedicated fiber. Armored cables may need to be considered if the fiber optic cables are likely to be stolen or will be run along ground that may be walked on.
Generally, PVC polyvinyl chloride and LSZH (LSOH) low-smoke halogen-free flame retardant for optical fiber jumpers are the most common sheath materials. When LSZH optical fibers come into contact with flames, only a small amount of smoke will be produced. Therefore, for closed occasions, For example: offices, railway stations, shopping centers, etc., are better choices. The price of LSZH optical fiber is higher than that of PVC optical fiber.
After reading the above content, you should be clear about the issues you should pay attention to when choosing optical fiber cables, right? For product order, please email sales@hj-net.com
