Category: Fiber Optic Cables

Difference Between Twisted Pair Cable and Coaxial Cable

A wire or cable is an indispensable element in communication system for connecting optical devices like optical transceivers, router and switch. Recently the most common cable types deployed in communication system are fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable and coaxial cable. Both twisted pair cable and coaxial cable are copper cables, so what’s the difference between them? This article may help you sort it out.
Twisted Pair
Twisted pair cables as the names implies, consists of a pair of cables twisted together, which has been utilized in telecommunication field for a long time. The twisting can avoid noise from outside sources and crosstalk on multi-pair cables, so this cable is best suited for carrying signals. Basically, twisted pair cable can be divided into two types: unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) and shielded twisted-pair (STP).
UTP is for UNshielded, twisted pair, while STP is for shielded, twisted pair. UTP is what’s typically installed by phone companies and data communication (though this is often not of high enough quality for high-speed network use) and is what 10BaseT Ethernet runs over. However, STP distinguishes itself from UTP in that it consists of a foil jacket which helps to prevent crosstalk and noise from outside source. It is typically used to eliminate inductive and capacitive coupling, so it can be applied between equipment, racks and buildings.
Coaxial cable is composed of an inner solid conductor surrounded by a paralleled outer foil conductor that is protected by an insulating layer. A coaxial cable has over 80 times the transmission capability of the twisted-pair. Coaxial cable has also been the mainstay of high speed communication and has also been applied to network with 10 Gigabit links data centers, because it is proved to be cost efficient for short links within 10 m and for residential network.
Comparison Between Twisted Cable and Coaxial Cable
Most people now are quite familiar with what coaxial cables are, as they are used in almost every home for cable television connections. These data cables are also popular in local area networks (LAN) because they are highly resistant to signal interference, which also gives coax cables the ability to support longer cable lengths between two devices.
The biggest advantage of twisted cables is in installation, as it is often thinner than coaxial cables and two conductors are twisted together. However, because they are thinner, they can not support very long runs. These tightly twisted designs cost less than coaxial cables and provide high data transmission rates. They connect with the RJ45 connector, which looks similar to a telephone jack but is designed for twisted pair pins.
In the end, twisted pair cabling is better suited when cost and installation are an issue and if EMI and crosstalk are not too much of a problem. But for coaxial cable, it supports greater cable lengths, and can be shielded in a variety of ways—with a foil shield on each conductor, a foil or braid inside the jacket or a combination of individual conductor and jacket shielding.
Additional Information About Fiber Optic Cables
Besides Twisted and coaxial cables, here comes a new generation of transmission media—fiber jumper. Fiber optic cables have a much greater bandwidth than metal cables, which means they can carry more data. They are also less susceptible to interference. For these two reasons, fiber optic cables are increasingly being used instead of traditional copper cables despite that they are expensive. Nowadays, two types of fiber optic cables are widely adopted in the field of data transfer—single mode fiber optic cables and multimode fiber optic cables.
Single mode optical fiber is generally adapted to high speed, long-distance applications. While a multimode optical fiber is designed to carry multiple light rays, or modes at the same time, which is mostly used for communication over short distances. Optical fiber cables are also available in various optical connectors, such as LC to SC patch cord, LC to ST fiber cable, SC FC patch cord, etc. The picture above shows a LC to SC patch cord.
Conclusion
Some engineers confirm that fiber optic cables is sure to be the dominant transmission media in telecommunication field, while others hold that copper cables will not be out of the stage. Thus, whether to choose fiber optic cables, twisted cables or coaxial cables, it is advisable for you to have a full understanding of your application before selecting these data cables. All types of Ethernet cables as well as fiber optic cables are provided at fiber-mart.COM. Our Quick Order Tool will help you find what you need. If you have any requirement of our products, please send your request to us.

How Should I Terminate My Fiber Optic Cable

In today’s day and age, we are more connected than ever. And we expect it.
At the work place we are attending virtual trainings on the latest technologies and we are connecting across the globe with our colleagues in real-time meetings – with just the click of a button.
When we leave work, we are going home using app-based scooters and bicycles that only needs the swipe of a cell phone. And if taking a highway home, you no longer search for change at a toll booth but instead you drive through a toll lane that scans and charges your account as you drive underneath it.
And it doesn’t stop at home. We are answering emails, while streaming Ultra HD video on our smart TV’s, all while having the latest super hero flick downloading on our tablet to watch on an upcoming business trip.
With the ever-increasing demand for the bandwidth needed to meet today’s expectations; how we design, install, and maintain our fiber optic networks must evolve with that same demand. In particular, the methods used to terminate, or connect, the ends of our fiber optic networks has evolved in the past 20 years quite drastically; starting with hand-polishing a ferrule with films and epoxies to achieve a finished termination. Hand epoxy polishing gave you a good, epoxy-cured connection but can be time consuming, and it took certain skill sets to achieve a good ferrule polish. Epoxy terminations lead to Mechanical Terminations which is the mechanical mating of fibers with the use of specific hand tools, v-groove alignment, and index matching gel to bridge the air gap between fibers. The benefits of using a factory-polished ferrule and the mechanical termination offered a time saving from traditional hand-polishing and allowed even some of the most novice of technicians the ability of putting a quality connector on in the field. As optical fusion splice machines and fusion splicing technology improved, technicians can now fusion splice a pigtail, a length of cable factory terminated on a single end, to a field cable that has been newly pulled or an old cable that needs to be repaired.
More importantly than any convenience of use though, is the performance of the termination. To enjoy some of the luxuries of connectivity mentioned before, we need a stronger optical signal to go farther than ever. Insertion Loss (IL) is a measurement of the optical power that is lost through a mated pair in decibels (dB). To compare the performance in IL of the three main termination methods, hand epoxy can typically range from .20dB – .75dB depending on installer. A typical mechanical style termination IL is 0.50dB, with loss accumulating from both the air gap of a mated pair, and the alignment of the fiber stub to your field fiber. Fusion splicing a pigtail or connector, is going to give your lowest loss of light through termination. Average fusion splice termination IL is .02dB – .05dB of loss through the splice, for a total of typical .20dB IL from your termination. By fusion splicing a connector in your network you are performing that much better in regards of your signal getting from source to receive.
Another important factor of your termination is how much light it reflects, you do not want your termination to be reflective. Reflectance is measured by how much light (dB) is returned back up the link, and the lower the number (farthest from 0) the better. The ferrule of your termination is the main factor in reflectance, and is categorized in 3 main stages: Physical Contact (PC), Ultra Physical Contact (UPC), and Angled Physical contact (APC). To throw a lot of numbers and letters around, PC polish typically has a reflectance of -30dB, UPC polish typical -40dB, and APC polish -65dB or better. Remember, the lower the number the least amount of reflection, so APC being -65dB is premium performance for optical termination because it returns the least amount of light per termination. Hand polishing connector does rely on skill, an experienced technician will be able to give you the best results but it still can be an imperfect science. Mechanical connectors allowed anybody to be able to put on a connector with the use of specific tools and simple termination procedures, but because of the reflectance of the matching gel, along with the mating of the ferrules, you will achieve around the -40dB referenced above. By being able to fusion splice a factory terminated pigtail to a field fiber, you achieve maximum performance of the ferrule polish due to the low reflectance fusion splice technology. A -65dB return loss on an APC termination is possible because a typical core alignment fusion splice is actually considered a non-reflective event. As we bring fiber closer and closer to the home, with lab environment transmission of 400gB of data over fiber, we can’t afford the return of light that our networks of days past allowed us.
With fusion splicing becoming the termination method of choice for performance, it’s now about installation and how we can make it easier. Pigtail splicing while practical, can be cumbersome with cable management and could require more rack space for that management. You prep your field fiber, you prep your pigtail, you splice them together and manage the slack, and you have a high performing termination.
The industry is now seeing Splice on Connectors as a popular choice of termination vs traditional pigtails because of the cost, space, and time savings they offer. Now you can use a factory terminated connector that can be spliced right at the end of your trunk cable, allowing a time savings in cable prep, a space saving without the excess length of traditional pigtails, and still giving your connection an Insertion Loss as low as .20dB, and a minimal return loss as low as -65dB. Splice on Connectors can arguably be your lowest cost, easiest to install, and best performing termination method.
In conclusion, I want to say that I am writing on my laptop while streaming a basketball game, my wife is streaming her reality TV while scrolling home improvement blogs on her phone, and our demand for bandwidth isn’t slowing down. As our use of technology evolves, so must our data networks. And in terms of how we terminate our fibers, the practice of using splice on connectors has us all trending in the right direction.

Fiber Optic Communication Systems: Safe and Reliable Solutions for Mining

What role does fiber optics play in the mining industry?
As technicians and professionals in this business know, the safe and reliable nature of fiber optics makes it the perfect communication solution for use in a wide variety of industries and mining in particular. The anti-spark, strong, fast, and reliable over long distances nature of fiber optic networks, solves many of the inherent problems of using non-fiber optic cables in hazardous situations. However, many in our industry still wonder specifically how is fiber optics used in mining?
HOW IS THE USE OF FIBER OPTICS A PERFECT SOLUTION FOR THE MINING INDUSTRY?
Thanks to lightning fast speeds, quick delivery, and reliable sensing capabilities, fiber optic technology has become an all-seeing and knowing element in underground mine operations. A fiber optic communication system installed in a mine will give real-time, accurate data on all the mining processes. Every second counts when equipment and personnel are below ground. An underground mine’s communication system must be capable of transmitting an error, a signal, or an event immediately over long distances so that safe control of the environment can be maintained.

WHAT DOES REAL-TIME MEAN?
The definition of real-time is “the time in which a physical process under computer study or control occurs.” In essence, real-time means immediately. When a signal is picked up, an event occurs, or a request is submitted it is delivered to the intended operator within milliseconds. If a dangerous situation deep in a mine cannot be handled immediately the worst might be realized.

WHAT IS MEANT BY LONG DISTANCES?
Historically, mining networks used multimode fiber in their communication networks. While multimode fiber can handle a large amount of bandwidth, the large core size of the multimode cable restricts the bandwidth-distance. Where huge networks are required, such as in a large-scale mining operation, multimode cables are of limited use. Additionally, multimode cable systems “have a significantly higher intrinsic light attenuation, or loss of optical power.” Singlemode fiber optic systems offer lower levels of intrinsic attenuation with higher bandwidth distances, creating clear and reliable real-time communications over very long distances. In a mining operation, a very long distance can mean many miles.

HOW DO FIBER OPTICS CREATE SAFETY IN MINING?
Mining is inherently dangerous, so having a responsive communication system is critical. Modern mines have been updated for increased volume output, are dug deeper into the earth, and have a greater focus on safety for all equipment and personnel. Safe and reliable fiber optic networks are the perfect solution for all types of enhanced communication needs in any mining operation.

Why is this true?
• The strands of glass in the fiber optic cable allow for high-speed data transmission with no associated hazards.
• One stray spark could cause a major explosion in a mine. With no electrical conductors in the fiber optic cables, the risk of sparks causing ignition of flammable gases is a non-issue.
• The glass in fiber optic cable eliminates cross-talk and other unwanted transfers of signals making them interference-proof. Clear communication is demanded in any hazardous situation.
• Fiber optic communication networks are designed to preserve the integrity of the system in extremely harsh conditions over extended periods of time. These systems provide safe and reliable vital links between the mine site and the control center.
•Fiber optic networks are immune to electromagnetic interference.

CAN FIBER OPTIC EQUIPMENT MEET STRENGTH REQUIREMENTS?
All elements of a fiber optic network used in mines, from the cable to the connectors, are built to withstand the mechanical strength and survival ability standards required to operate in a harsh underground environment. Fiber optic cables are rated by The Mine Safety and Health Association for:
• Impact and pull strength in installation and continued use.
• Crush resistance from mine tunnel cave-in.
• Extreme swing in temperature effectiveness.
• Protection from moisture and chemical incursion.
• Resistance to vibrations and other sound altering hazards.
• Protection from sparks and flame spread.

DO FIBER OPTICS MEET DEMANDS FOR INCREASED DATA CONVERGENCE?
A mining operation puts huge demands on its network. It must accommodate not only direct communication between personnel but also meet the data transmission demands of other communication features installed in the mine. The elements needed to create an effective control system and environmental monitoring network can only be created with fiber optic cables. In general, the minimum fiber optic system used in mining would include the following.

• A centralized control room that functions as the brains of the mining operation.
• Voice Over Internet Protocol phone and communication system above and below ground.
• A video surveillance system throughout the entire mining operation.
• Sensors to detect environmental hazards including fire and toxic gas buildup.
• A robust emergency communication system.
• Complex conveyor belt system controls.
• Immediate on/off capabilities operated through a remote system.
• Sensor monitoring and feedback.

HOW DOES A MINE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM WORK?
The fiber optic backbone system has dedicated fibers used only for emergency communications. These fibers are labeled for emergency only in the cross-communication boxes dispersed along the mine shafts. These dedicated fibers go unused until an emergency event occurs. If the emergency requires search teams to enter the mine, the team can use a jumper stored in the boxes to tie the fiber through to the next box. Then they can plug their talk sets to the connectors and communicate with the control room safely and reliably.

In daily operations and for safety and security purposes, fiber optic sensors can be added to the backbone and monitored from a central and often remote location. These proximity sensors are anti-spark and can be attached to safety gates, doors, cabinets, barriers and other access and egress points. In addition to monitoring normal traffic throughout the mine, they are also an early warning system for locating emergencies and shortening response time. Proximity sensors can also be installed and used as call signals identifying the location of an emergency in seconds. Using a latch in the control system, the location is locked on even if the fiber is disturbed after the initial event.

WHAT IS MEANT BY COMPLEX CONVEYOR BELT CONTROL?
The purpose of creating a mine is to get the valued commodity out. A well-designed conveyor system that transports the goods to the surface is the lifeline of the mining operation. A mining conveyor belt system is very complex. It needs to run efficiently and smoothly with little downtime. Modern conveyor belt drive and motor systems are linked with fiber optic cables which offer a problem-free solution for operations.

Mining systems simultaneously perform these and other complex tasks during operations:

• The sequencing of start and stop functions of multiple connected motors.
• Controlling the smooth flow and separation of the mined product.
• Speed sensing for smooth operating control all along the conveyor.
• Correct angles for ascent and descent through the mine tunnels.
• Product weight distribution and load balancing to minimize power consumption.
• Fire and other safety hazard detection on the conveyor belt.

What is presented here is a basic understanding of why fiber optics are the perfect solution for use in any hazardous mining operation. Each mining operation is unique and requires expert analysis to create the ideal system. We know that fiber optics is always the reliable choice for most communication needs.

Fiber Optic Patch Cable – (color coding)

Fiber optic patch cable, is also known as fiber optic jumper or fiber optic patch cord which is composed of a fiber optic cable terminated with different connectors on the ends.
Fiber optic patch cable is used to cross-connect installed cables and connect communications equipment to the cable plant.It is a very important component of the network.
In general, fiber optic patch cables are classified by fiber cable mode or cable structure, by connector construction and by construction of the connector’s inserted core cover.
Fiber Cable Mode & Structure
According to the fiber cable mode, fiber optic patch cables are divided into two common types – Singlemode fiber patch cable and Multimode fiber patch cable. Singlemode fiber patch cables use 9/125 micron bulk single mode fiber cable and single mode fiber optic connectors at both ends. Singlemode fiber patch cable is generally yellow with a blue connector and a longer transmission distance. Multimode fiber patch cables use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron bulk multimode fiber cable and terminated with multimode fiber optic connectors at both ends. It is usually orange or grey, with a cream or black connector, and a shorter transmission distance. According to the fiber optic cable structure, fiber optic patch cables include simplex fiber optic patch cable and duplex fiber optic patch cable. The former has one fiber and one connector on each end while the latter has two fibers and two connectors on each end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity.
Connector Construction
Connector design standards include FC, SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MPO, MU, SMA, FDDI, E2000, DIN4, and D4. Fiber optic patch cables are classified by the connectors on either end of themselves. Some of the most common patch cable configurations include FC-FC, FC-SC, FC-LC, FC-ST, ST-LC, SC-SC, and SC-ST.
Construction of the Connector’s Inserted Core Cover
Fiber optic connectors are designed and polished to different shapes to minimize back reflection. This is particularly important in single mode applications. Typical back reflection grades are -30dB, -40dB, -50dB and -60dB. The connector’s inserted core cover conforms to APC (Typical back reflection <-60dB), UPC (Typical back reflection <-50dB), or PC (Typical back reflection <-40dB) configuration.
The buffer or jacket on patchcords is often color-coded to indicate the type of fiber used. In addition, color-coding of connectors for different fiber standards make it easy to avoid confusion.
Fiber Color Codes
Similar to the color coding designations of copper cabling, optical fiber has a color code designation for strands of fiber within the larger cable, as well as the cable’s jacket. These color codes are set by the EIA/TIA-598 standards guide identification for fiber and fiber related units that determines which color codes are used in which applications. The colors don’t only apply for the application though, they also are meant to be of use in determining a cables properties. The differences in colors are based upon different levels of OM and OS fiber (Optical Multimode & Optical Singlemode).
Optical fiber cable is separated into strands, which are the individual fibers within the larger piece of cabling. Up to 24 individual strands can be manufactured loosely, and after that point they are usually sectioned into tubes containing 12 each. Each tube containing 12 strands is then given a color.
Connector Color Codes
Since the earliest days of fiber optics, orange, black or gray was multimode and yellow singlemode. However, the advent of metallic connectors like the FC and ST made connector color coding difficult, so colored strain relief boots were often used.

What You Need To Know About HDMI Cables: The Basics

High-speed HDMI cables can come in a variety of lengths, there’s even a 100 ft HDMI cable out there, and a variety of other options to choose from. They have numerous benefits and the ability to get video resolutions from 480i (standard) all the way to 4k.
There are even HDMI to DVI cables for your computer and other devices, giving you the ability to use High-speed HDMI cables on your monitors and dramatically increase your home or office visual experience.
Single Mode HD Fiber Patch Cable
But how do you find the right cable?
Buying the right highspeed HDMI cable isn’t overly complicated or difficult. If it’s from a reputable vendor and the right length for your needs, then it should work just fine. You don’t need to spend a fortune on the cables either, which is why purchasing them from quality suppliers is always a good idea.
HDMI is an audio-video cable that can send the best image quality and the best sound quality over a single cable. Typically, there are four different types of HDMI cables used today. There is the standard, the standard with ethernet, high-speed, and high-speed with ethernet.
Standard cables are good for 720p and 1080i signals and devices, with the ability to handle 1080p in some cases, though not always. For 3D devices, you want an HDMI high-speed with Ethernet cable, as you’ll get the best performance. The HDMI cables with ethernet capabilities allow for data transmissions, and they’re often a good choice for offices and other professional settings.
Another great benefit of these cables? You don’t have to worry about different numbered versions of HDMI. To be honest we are not even permitted to mention the version numbers! 3D video, for instance, requires HDMI High-speed with Ethernet, and that might cause an issue with a receiver if you’re daisy-chaining between the 3D capable player and a 3D HDTV. But it won’t be an issue with the cables that you use to do it. It’ll be an issue with the hardware itself.
Duplex Singlemode Armored Patch Cable
Brand names are, mostly, unimportant as well, though you should always pick a manufacturer that you can trust. A generic HDMI can be just as good as a more recognized brand, which is a bit unusual in the technology world.
If you have questions involving HDMI cables and which one is best for your needs, contact us via the three methods in the blue bar at the top of the page. We’ve got a large amount in stock and can help you pick the right one.

How to choose the Direct Attach Copper Cable correctly?

1.Choose the Right Connector
DAC cable terminated with SFP+ connectors is commonly used in 10GbE networks. However, there are many other connector options for DAC cables which meet the interconnection demands of higher speed networks. Thus, choosing the right connector according to your network requirement is very important. In general, you could choose the SFP+ for 10GbE, QSFP+ for 40GbE, SFP28 for 25GbE and QSFP28 for 100GbE. In addition, breakout DACs like QSFP+ to 4x SFP+ DAC is an ideal choice for 10G to 40G migration.
2. AWG Is Also an Important Factor
AWG is another important factor of DAC cables. General specifications like 24AWG, 28AWG and 30AWG are available in the market. Always remember a rule when choosing the AWG—the longer the distance, the higher the AWG rating should be.
3. Choose the Enough Length
The maximum cable length differs from passive and active DAC cables. Generally, passive cable supports 5 meters or shorter lengths. Whereas active cable can support more than 5 meters (up to 15 meters). Thus, when the distance between connection points is less than 5 meters, passive DAC cable is recommended to use but ensure that your switch can support the passive cable (refer to the first guide). When the distance exceeds 5 meters, it is highly recommended to use active DAC cables to ensure the signal is transferred all the way through. The cost may be a bit higher, but the signal is improved and gives peace of mind by creating a trustworthy connection.
Direct attach copper cables are a low-cost alternative to traditional fiber and twisted-pair copper cabling in top-of-rack and middle-of-row. When buying a DACs, parameters such as passive or active, cable connector, AWG, length and so on should be properly selected. This post is a simple buying guide for reference. If you want to purchase high-quality and cost-effective DAC cables, it is highly recommended to visit http://www.fiber-mart.com or contact sales@fiber-mart.com for more details.