What Is Fiber Optic Cable?
Optical fiber cable is a type of communication cable. It uses one or more optical fibers in a protective covering to transmit information. We can use optical fiber cables alone or in groups to meet specific performance requirements.
Fiber cables are mainly composed of optical fibers (glass fibers as thin as hair), plastic protective sleeves, and plastic sheath. There are no metals such as gold, silver, copper, aluminum, etc. inside the cable, and it generally has no recycling value.
Basic Structure
Fiber Optic Cable Types
1. According to different transmission performance, distance, and purpose, optical fiber cables can be divided into end user fiber cable, local telephone cable, long distance cable, and underwater fiber optic cable.
2. According to the types of optical fibers used, they can be divided into single mode fiber optic cable and multimode fiber optic cable.
3. According to the number of fiber cores inside, it can be divided into single core optical cable, dual core fiber cable, multi-fiber cable, etc.
4. According to the different configuration methods of reinforcement components, optical cables can be divided into central reinforcement optical cables, dispersed reinforcement optical cables, protective layer reinforcement optical cables, and comprehensive outer protective layer optical cables.
5. According to the different transmission conductor and medium conditions, optical cables can be divided into non-metallic fiber cable, ordinary optical cables, and comprehensive optical cables (mainly used for railway dedicated network communication lines).
6. According to different laying methods, optical cables can be divided into pipeline optical cables, underground fiber optic cable (direct burial fiber optic cable), aerial fiber optic cable, and submarine fiber optic cable
Optical Fiber Cables Limit
The Optical Fiber cables are mainly limited by two indicators: allowable tensile strength and flattening forces. See below:Cable typeAllowable tensile (N)Allowable tensile (N)Allowable flattening forces (N/100mm)Allowable flattening forces (N/100mm)Short termLong termShort termLong termDuct, non self-supporting aerial fiber optic cable15006001000300underground fiber optic cable3000100030001000Special direct burial fiber optic cable10000400050003000undersea fiber optic cable （20000N）200001000050003000submarine fiber optic cable（40000N）400002000080005000
Pre Terminated Fiber Cable Methods
The main methods include permanent connections, emergency connections, and active connections.
1. Permanent fiber optic connection (also known as fiber optic splicing)
2. Emergency connection (also known as cold melt, related product will be mechanical connector or fast connector)
3. Activity Connection
How To Choose Optical Fiber Cable?
Except fiber count and fiber types, we should consider the external sheath of the cable according to its usage environment when we choose which kind of the optic fiber cable.
1. If directly burying outdoor, armored optic fiber cable should be selected such as GYTS GYTA GYXTW, etc. When overhead, a black plastic outer sheath with two or more reinforcing ribs can be used, such as self-supporting drop cable, figure-8 cable, etc.
2. If used in buildings, should care the flame retardant, toxicity, and smoke characteristics. Generally, flame retardant but smokeless types (Plenum) can be selected in pipelines or forced ventilation areas, while flame-retardant, non-toxic, and smokeless types (Riser) should be selected in exposed environments.
3. If vertically laying cables inside the building, distribution cable can be used; If deploying horizontally, breakout cables can be selected.
If the transmission distance is within 2km, multimode fiber can be selected. If the distance exceeds 2km, relay or single mode fiber can be used.
