Fiber Optic Cables – Page 29

What Are Simplex and Duplex Optic Patch Cords?

Fiber patch cord, also known as fiber patch cable or fiber jumper cable, is a fiber optic cable terminated with fiber optic connectors on its both ends. Fiber optic patch cables can be divided into different categories based on several different standards. For example, according to fiber cable modes, fiber optic patch cords can be divided into single mode and multi-mode; and according to fiber cable structures, they can be divided into simplex and duplex.

What are simplex and duplex optic patch cords? There is only one single strand of glass or plastic fiber in a simplex fiber patch cord. It is often used where only a single transmit or receive line is required between devices. A duplex fiber patch cord consists of two strands of glass or plastic fiber which are typically found in a tight-buffered and jacketed “zipcord” construction format. The duplex fiber is most often used for duplex communication between devices where a simultaneous and separate transmit and receive are required. Simplex and duplex fiber patch cords are both are available in single mode and multi-mode.

Simplex fiber patch cord has one fiber and one connector on each end. Both single mode and multi-mode simplex optic patch cords have only one single strand of fiber. The core of a single mode simplex optic patch cord is 8 to 10 microns. Light travels toward the center of the core in a single wavelength in single mode patch cables. The core of a multi-mode simplex optic patch cord is either 50 or 62.5 microns. The core of the latter gathers more light compared to the former, and allows more signals to be transmitted. Single mode and multi-mode simplex optic patch cords can be used for applications that only require one-way data transfer. It is just like that water only flows in one direction – downwards. So one end of a simplex fiber patch cord is a fixed transmission end, and the other is a fixed receiving end.

Duplex fiber patch cable has two fibers and two connectors on each end. There are single mode and multi-mode duplex optic patch cords. Duplex Single mode Fiber Patch CableA single mode duplex optic patch cord is constructed of two identical strands of single mode fiber. A multi-mode duplex optic patch cord is constructed of two identical strands of multi-mode fiber. For example, a duplex 9/125 single mode fiber patch cable has two strands of 9/125 micron single mode fiber, featuring a 9µm core and 125µm cladding; a duplex 62.5/125 multi-mode fiber patch cable has two strands of 62.5/125 micron multi-mode fiber, featuring a 62.5µm core and 125µm cladding. One fiber transmits data in one direction and the other one transmits data in the reverse direction. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity. Every connector can only be connected to the corresponding port, same as the simplex situation. Duplex fiber patch cables are used in applications where data needs to be transferred simultaneously and bi-directionally, such as backbone ports, workstations, Ethernet switches, fiber switches and servers.

Simplex and duplex fiber patch cords have their respective features and applications. With different connectors or cable constructions, there can also be different categories of optic patch cords. These fiber patch cables can be with custom length. If you want to choose an optic patch cord, you need to take all these things into consideration, simplex or duplex, single mode or multi-mode, connectors, etc.

OM Types of Multi-mode Fiber Patch Cables

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

Fiber optic patch cords are optical cables capped on both ends with fiber optic connectors. According to fiber cable modes, fiber optic patch cords can be divided into single mode and multi-mode. Single mode fiber optic patch cables usually have a core of 8 to 10 microns. Multi-mode fiber optic patch cables have a core of either 50 or 62.5 microns. The larger core of multi-mode fiber patch cords gathers more light compared to single mode, and allows more signals to be transmitted. Transmission of many modes of light down a multi-mode fiber patch cable simultaneously causes signals to weaken over time and therefore travel short distance.

Multi-mode fiber patch cables are described by the diameters of their core and cladding. There are two different core sizes of multi-mode fiber patch cords: 50 microns and 62.5 microns. Both 62.5 microns and 50 microns patch cable feature the same glass cladding diameter of 125 microns. Thus, a 62.5/125µm multi-mode fiber patch cable has a 62.5µm core and a 125µm diameter cladding; and a 50/125µm multi-mode fiber patch cable has a 50µm core and a 125µm diameter cladding. Based on the cores, multi-mode fibers are described as OM1, OM2, and OM3, classified by the ISO 11801 standard. OM4, defined in TIA-492-AAAD, was published by the end of 2009. According to this, there are four types of multi-mode fiber patch cords, OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4. The letters “OM” stand for optical multi-mode.

OM1 multi-mode fiber patch cord has a bigger core diameter, 62.5 microns, which makes it better on concentrating the light and bend-resistance. It is suitable for 100Mb and 1Gb. The max attenuation of OM1 fiber patch cable is 3.5dB/km working at 850nm, and 1.5dB/km at 1300nm. Overfilled launch of OM1 fiber optic patch cable at 850nm is 200MHz*km, 500MHz*km at 1300nm. It is widely used especially before the mid 1990s. Today, OM1 fiber optic patch cable is still a popular indoor use multi-mode fiber optic patch cable. But it has serious limitations for high speed demands.

OM2 multi-mode fiber patch cord has a core of 50 microns. Overfilled launch of OM2 fiber optic patch cable is 500MHz*km. OM2 50/125 multi-mode fiber patch cable is used in fiber optic telecommunications and high speed transmission systems that require simultaneous, bi-directional data transfer. 50µm fiber offers as much as ten times the bandwidth of 62.5µm fiber. OM2 fiber optic patch cables are orange jacketed and can be available in simplex and duplex with FC, SC, LC, ST, MTRJ or MU connectors.

OM3 multi-mode fiber patch cord also has a core of 50 microns, but the cable is optimized for laser based equipment that uses fewer modes of light. Due to this optimization, OM3 fiber patch cord is capable of running 10 Gigabit Ethernet at lengths up to 300 meters. OM3 fiber patch cable has an aqua jacket and effective modal bandwidth (EMB) of 2000. It is designed for 10 Gb/s transmission.

OM4 multi-mode fiber patch cord is a 50µm laser-optimized multi-mode fiber patch cable with extended bandwidth. It is used in networks where an overwhelming or extreme amount of data needs to be transferred. Like OM3 multi-mode fiber patch cables, OM4 is considered to be “laser optimized” or optimized for use with 850nm vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) light sources. Both OM4 and OM3 fiber patch cables share the same distinctive aqua jacket. OM4 has been available for several years and has recently been officially standardized. It has a lower insertion loss and an EMB of 4700. It is the preferred technology for the emerging standards that will operate at 40Gb and even 100Gb up to 150m and is widely used in Data center applications.

Multi-mode fiber patch cords are a good choice for transmitting data and voice signals over short distances. These 4 types of multi-mode fiber patch cords are different from each other in many aspects, such as sizes of core. And their difference determines their respective characteristics and application areas. Fiberstore supplies a large variety of fiber patch cables with high quality. They can be available in OM1 ,OM2, OM3, and OM4, with different types of connectors. All the fiber optic patch cables are 100% optically tested for maximum performance before shipping worldwide.

Introduction of Fiber Optic Pigtail

Fiber optic pigtail offers an optimal way to joint optical fiber, which is used in 99% of single-mode applications.

We know the way that cables are attached to the system is quite essential to the performance of the telecommunication network. Joining optical fibers with a fiber optic pigtail is proven and considered to be an effective way to ease fiber termination. As the cable is connected properly, it enables optical signals to pass with little return loss and low attenuation. Fiber optic pigtail offers an optimal way to joint optical fiber, which is used in 99% of single-mode applications.

What is Fiber Optic Pigtail ?

Fiber optic pigtail is a fiber cable end with fiber optic connectors at only either side of the cable while leaving sleep issues no connectors, so the connector side could be from the equipment and the other part can be melted with optical cable fibers.

Fiber optic pigtails are utilized to achieve accurate mounting for precision alignment of fiber optical components. They’re usually used with fiber optic management equipment like ODF, splice closures and cross cabinets.

A fiber pigtail is really a single, short, usually unbuffered, optical fiber which has an optical connector pre-installed on one end along with a period of exposed fiber in the other end. The end of the pigtail is stripped and fusion spliced to a single fiber of a multi-fiber trunk. Splicing of pigtails to each fiber within the trunk “breaks out” the multi-fiber cable into its component fibers for connection to the end equipment.

Fiber pigtails can have female or male connectors. Female connectors might be mounted in a patch panel, often in pairs although single-fiber solutions exist, to allow them to be connected to endpoints or other fiber runs with patch fibers. Alternatively they can have male connectors and plug directly into an optical transceiver.

2. Fiber Optic Pigtail Types

Fiber optic pigtails are available in various types: Grouped by pigtail connector type, there are LC fiber optic pigtails, SC fiber pigtails and ST fiber pigtails, etc. By fiber type, there are single-mode fiber optic pigtail and multimode fiber optic pigtail. And by fiber count, 6 fibers, 12 fibers optic pigtails can be found in the market.

By Fiber Type

Fiber optic pigtails can be divided into single-mode (colored yellow) and multimode (colored orange) fiber. Multimode fiber optic pigtails use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron bulk multimode fiber cables and terminated them with multimode fiber optic connectors at one end. 10G multimode fiber cables (OM3 or OM4) are also available in fiber optic pigtails. The jacket color of 10G OM3 and OM4 fiber optic pigtail is usually aqua. Single-mode fiber pigtail cables use 9/125 micron single-mode fiber cable and terminated with single-mode fiber connectors at one end.

By Connector Type

According to different types of pigtail cable connector terminated at the end, there are LC fiber pigtail, SC fiber pigtail, ST fiber pigtail, FC fiber pigtail, MT-RJ fiber pigtail, E2000 fiber pigtail and so on. With different structures and appearance, each of them has their own advantages in different applications and systems. Let’s go through some widely used ones.

SC Fiber Optic Pigtail: SC pigtail cable connector is a non-optical disconnect connector with a 2.5mm pre-radiused zirconia or stainless alloy ferrule. SC fiber pigtail is economical for use in applications such as CATV, LAN, WAN, test and measurement.

FC Fiber Optic Pigtail: FC fiber pigtail takes the advantage of the metallic body of FC optical connectors, featuring the screw type structure and high precision ceramic ferrules. FC fiber optic pigtails and its related products are widely applied for the general applications.

ST Fiber Optic Pigtail: ST pigtail connector is the most popular connector for multimode fiber optic LAN applications. It has a long 2.5mm diameter ferrule made of ceramic (zirconia), stainless alloy or plastic. Hence SC fiber pigtails are commonly seen in telecommunications, industry, medical and sensor fields.

Like fiber optic patch cords, fiber optic pigtails can be divided into UPC and APC versions. Most commonly used types are SC/APC pigtail, FC/APC pigtail and MU/UPC pigtail.

By Application Environment

Some pigtail cables are specially installed to withstand the harsh or extreme environments, so here comes armored fiber pigtail and waterproof fiber pigtail.

Armored Pigtail: enclosed with stainless steel tube or other strong steel inside the outer jacket, armored fiber optic pigtails provide extra protection for the fiber inside and added reliability for the network, while reduce the unnecessary damage caused by rodents, construction work, weight of other cables.

Waterproof Pigtail: designed with a stainless steel strengthened waterproof unit and armored outdoor PE (Poly Ethylene) jacket, waterproof fiber pigtail is a great fit in harsh environments, like communication towers, CATV and military. Waterproof pigtail cable boosts good toughness, tensile and reliable performance, facilitating the use in outdoor connections.

By Fiber Count

Fiber optic pigtails could have 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 strand fiber counts. Simplex fiber optic pigtail has one fiber and a connector on one end. Duplex fiber optic pigtail has two fibers and two connectors on one end. Each fiber is marked “A” or “B” or different colored connector boots are used to mark polarity. Similarly, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48 and more than 48 fibers fiber optic pigtails have their corresponding feature.

Note: Fiber pigtails have female or male connectors. Female connectors could be mounted in a patch panel. And they also have male connectors that plugged directly into an optical transceiver.

3. How to Select Quality Fiber Pigtails?

Fiber optic pigtails are attached to cables by fusion or mechanical splicing, both of which provide a fast termination method. Basically, fiber pigtail assemblies are cable assemblies, which means the parts contained in fiber pigtail—a connector, a ferrule, standard fiber and jacket types, are components that every experienced fiber technician is familiar with. Notice that always ordering fiber pigtails a few feet more than you think you`ll need. The extra slack allows for splicing errors to be corrected, or you may have to start with another fiber pigtail. Saving More Labour Cost and Time, One of the benefits of fiber optic pigtail is lower labor costs: given the access to a fusion splicer, you just splice the fiber pigtail cable right onto the cable in a minute or less.

The quality of fiber optic pigtail is typically high because the connectorized end is attached in a controlled environment–the factory. And the factory can make single-mode pigtail assembly more accurately than a field termination can be done. Testing a fiber pigtail in the field is not easy, but in the factory, you are dealing with credible measurements. Which on the other hand saves much time spent on field termination.

4. Conclusion

Fiber optic pigtail serves as a feasible and reliable solution for easier fiber termination, which effectively contribute to save plenty of operating time and labour cost. The performance of fiber pigtail matters a lot, so the quality of connector, ferrule material as well as cable length of pigtails should be considered to ensure easier fiber termination.

What’s the Difference Between Fiber Optic Cabling and Others?

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

If you’re looking at high-speed internet options and find that fiber optic cable is available in your area, you may not understand the differences. fiber optic cablingAfter all, the cables look similar, and they install similarly from the lay-person’s perspective. Generally, that is where the similarities end.

Inside the Cable

Standard cable is known as coaxial cable. If you looked inside, you will find a central, copper core surrounded by insulation wrapped in twisted copper or metal wires before being covered in a plastic jacket. This is the same cable that comes into your house if you have cable television. It’s easy to run and shorten and connect to outlets and televisions. The cable is available in many different lengths and is nearly ubiquitous…plenty of homes have at least one coaxial cable sitting around.

Fiber optic cable, on the other hand, is built a bit differently, and high density fiber optic cables are very complex inside and can transmit a lot of data. High density fiber optic cables won’t come into your home, but if you have fiber optic internet, your home will connect to one of these cables. Fortunately, they work on the same principle…high density just has more protected cables inside, like lanes in a freeway.

The central core of a fiber optic cable is made of tiny strands of glass or plastic known as optical fibers. A single cable can have a few strands or as many as several hundred. Directly coating the strands is something known as cladding…which directs the signal down the strand to increase the distance of cabling that can be used before a repeater (a device that receives the signal on one end and retransmits it on the other to prevent data loss) is required. Then, just like coaxial cable, it contains insulation and a protective jacket.

The difference between these two cables is that one transmits an electromagnetic signal (coaxial) and one transmits light (generally LEDs or lasers).

What Does This Mean for the Consumer?

While standard, coaxial cable internet is available in nearly every urban and suburban area, fiber optics are just rolling out. It can be difficult to find a fiber optic internet provider if your city’s infrastructure or local cable provider hasn’t invested to have fiber optic cabling run to near your house.

Because fiber optics requires less repeaters and other equipment, and cost less to maintain, fiber optic cabling tends to cost less to the consumer than traditional cable internet does. Fiber optics are also much faster than traditional high speed internet because the optical threads have the capacity for greater bandwidth, and fiber optic cable weighs less because it requires less insulation and jacketing.

You can also feel good that fiber optics are more eco-friendly than traditional coaxial cables. Not only does it generate less heat at data centers to use fiber optic cable, but fiber optic cables require less insulation and jacketing, which often involve heavy metals, which can leach into the environment.

Fiber optics are also more secure than traditional coaxial cables. It’s more difficult to tap fiber optic cables because it requires special tools and receivers. Attempting to tap into the system is more likely to just disrupt the system, providing no benefit. Also important to note that information transmitted via pulses of light do not transmit electricity, which makes it harder to “listen” and intercept data from fiber optic cabling systems.

Introduction of Fiber Optic Patch Panel

What Is & How Many Types & How To Use a Fiber Optic Patch Panel?

What Is Fiber Optic Patch Panel?

First, we need to know, Fiber optic patch panel also called ODF (optical distribution frame), some people like to call as this. it is designed for fiber optic communications center room to develop fiber optic wiring devices, cable fixing and protection features fiber optic cable end of contract function, line control function, fiber optic cable core, and fiber optic pigtail protection function. In simple terms, fiber optic patch panel’s function is to terminate the fiber optic cable and provide access to the cable’s individual fibers for cross connection.

A basic fiber optic panel is typically made up of a metal frame that encloses the adapter panels, the connector coupler and a splice tray. The fiber optic cables connect to the panels through the coupler. One side of the panel is usually fixed, meaning the cables aren’t disconnected at any point. The other side of the panel is reserved for cables that can be connected and disconnected to arrange the wire circuits as needed. The splice tray allows cables to be neatly arranged in the fiber optic panel.

How Many Types of Fiber Patch Panel?

Fiber patch panel is available in two versions: rack mount patch panel and wall mount patch panel. Both can house, organize, manage and protect fiber optic cable, splices and connectors.

1. Rack Mount Fiber Patch Panel

Rack mount patch panel is generally made for standard 19 inch rack mounting. Depending on the number of connections required, it is often available in 1U, 2U, 4U configurations with flat or angled design. One could choose the most proper one depending on the space and requirements of your project.

2. Wall Mount Fiber Patch Panel

Wall mount fiber patch panel is featured with low-profile, compact design, offering an optimal choice for securing and protecting fiber connections in telecommunications closets or other installation areas where wall space is a premium. Further more, it enables clear and intuitive cable routing paths for integrated bend radius protections and can be easily mounted to any wall using the internal mounting holes.

How To Use a Fiber Optic Patch Panel?

Fiber optic patch panels are commonly used in fiber optic management unit. When you install and manage the fiber optic links, you may encounter hundreds or even thousands of fiber optic cables and cable connections. Getting a fiber optic patch panel is mainly for two reasons: termination and better cable management. As for patch panel termination, it is the step to terminate fibers on the patch panel, a precise task required much attention.

As for cable management, here I recommend you to accompany it with cable managers. From a top-down perspective, the order of the devices in a cabinet should be: fiber patch panel 1, cable manager 1, fiber patch panel 2, cable manager 2

For fiber optic cabling cable management, you should plan the location of your fiber connectivity hardware carefully, including fiber patch panels. You can choose between direct cross connection and patch panel. It is also necessary to arrange your routing and dressing of your fiber patch cords if you choose to use fiber panels. In the meantime, you also have a choice to use fiber cable management brackets to avoid the dangling fiber patch cables. Owning a fiber optic path will not only spare you a lot of time and energy in cabling design, but also present you a neat cabling system, which will bring you efficient work.

Conclusion

For modern data center, it is imperative to stay organized with fiber optic patch panel – not just for easy upgrades and quick access, but also to prevent dangers that are inherent with any network system. Fiber optic patch panel is a kind of important supplementary equipment in the optical transmission system, mainly used for the cable end of contract of the optical fiber blend splicing, the optical connector is mounted, the optical path adjusting pick excess pigtail storage and protection of the cable, which for the safe operation of the optical fiber communication network and the flexibility people plays an important role.Fiber-Mart can supply many kinds fiber optic patch panel . If you have any questions or requirement of fiber optic patch panel，welcome to contact us.

The Top 5 structured fiber optic cabling faults

by http://www.fiber-mart.com

1. Cause: Intermittent faults – Unidentified intermittent faults are amongst the most common and damaging issues that affect structured cabling networks. Faulty patch leads and broken or malfunctioning outlets are typical causes of this frustrating and puzzling problem, but identifying the lead or outlet that’s misfiring can be a headache in itself.

Effect: Valuable resources are wasted.

2. Cause: Wi-Fi problems – Wi-Fi can present a host of challenges when installed incorrectly – from poor coverage to intermittent connectivity. Connecting multiple devices that use conflicting Wi-Fi standards is a common cause of many problems. Equally, the Wi-Fi devices themselves may be faulty or installed in the wrong position. If neither of these factors are the cause of your issues, check if you’ve connected new Wi-Fi devices with outdated cabling.

Effect: Workforce efficiency and productivity plummet.

3. Cause: Disorganization and disorder – Structured cabling networks often become disorderly over time as multiple firms are called in to install, maintain and repair them, resulting in a confused and jumbled system. A disorganized structured cabling network can also be the result of sloppy workmanship, where engineers haven’t taken enough care during the implementation process. Untidy patching, inaccurate labelling and poor record keeping are all warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored.

Effect: Unnecessary expenditure.

4. Cause: Mismatched cabling – Even if your infrastructure is built on one category of cable, if two different manufacturers have supplied different elements of your network, you may encounter problems. A structured cabling network that isn’t consistent end-to-end can cause electrical mismatching between components and although this can be difficult to spot, the effects are plain to see.

Effect: Costly network challenges.

5. Cause: A lack of network redundancy – Organizations need a backup cabling network and an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) to ensure connectivity and power remain consistent when the lights go out unexpectedly. This is especially true of critical links and services that underpin crucial business operations, for example the structured cabling network that supports a bank’s trading floor. Despite the importance of these systems, we find that many organizations don’t consider installing them until after an incident has taken place.

Effect: A catastrophic loss of service.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: