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Fiber Optic Cable Types Explained - Single Mode and Multimode
Why are there different types of fiber cable?
There are different types of fiber optic cables because each type is optimized for specific applications that have unique requirements for bandwidth, transmission distance, and environmental factors. The choice of fiber optic cable depends on the specific needs of the application, as well as the performance and budget requirements of the project.
Fiber optic cables use light to transmit data, while traditional cables, such as copper cables, use electrical signals.
In fiber optic cables, data is transmitted as pulses of light that travel along a thin strand of glass or plastic fiber. The core of the fiber is made of a highly transparent material, which allows the light to travel through it with minimal attenuation or loss of signal. The light is typically generated by a laser or LED and is transmitted through the fiber by bouncing off the walls of the core at a shallow angle.
As the light pulses travel down the fiber, they are detected by a receiver at the other end of the cable. The receiver converts the light signals back into electrical signals, which can be processed by computers, routers, and other devices.
In contrast, traditional cables use electrical signals to transmit data. Electrical signals are transmitted through copper wires, which act as conductors for the electrical current. The signal is typically modulated by varying the voltage or current level of the signal, which represents the binary 1s and 0s of digital data.
While traditional cables are still widely used, fiber optic cables have several advantages over copper cables. They can transmit data over longer distances with less signal loss, they are less susceptible to interference from electromagnetic fields, and they can transmit data at higher speeds. Additionally, fiber optic cables are more durable and require less maintenance than copper cables, which can be prone to corrosion and other forms of damage over time.
Main Types of Fiber Optic Cable
- Single mode fiber
- Multimode fiber
- Plastic optical fiber
- Armored fiber
- Bend-insensitive fiber
We’ll cover single mode, multimode, and armored fiber cables below.
Single Mode Fiber Cable
Single mode fiber optic cable is made up of a small diameter glass or plastic core surrounded by cladding, which is a layer of reflective material. This small diameter core, typically around 9 microns in diameter, allows only one mode of light to pass through, resulting in a narrower beam of light and a longer transmission distance.
Single mode cable is commonly used in long-haul, high-speed communication systems, such as telephone and cable television networks, because it can transmit data over longer distances without the need for repeaters.
OS1 Single Mode Fiber Cable
OS1 single mode fiber optic cables are made with a single mode fiber core, which means that they have a very small core diameter of 9 microns. This allows the cables to transmit data over much longer distances than multimode fibers, with less signal loss and better quality. Single mode fibers are designed to support a single light path, or mode, which minimizes the dispersion of the light signal and enables high-bandwidth transmission.
The OS1 designation refers to the cable's optical specifications, specifically its attenuation characteristics. OS1 cables have a maximum attenuation of 0.4 decibels per kilometer (dB/km) at the standard operating wavelength of 1310 nanometers (nm), and a and a maximum attenuation of 0.3 dB/km at the wavelength of 1550 nm. They have a bandwidth of 200 megahertz kilometers (MHz km) at 1310 nm. This means that the cable can transmit data over distances of up to 10 kilometers without the need for additional signal amplification at a speed of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps).
OS2 Single Mode Fiber Cable
Like OS1 single mode fiber cables, OS2 single mode fiber optic cables are made with a single mode fiber core, which means that they have a very small core diameter of 9 microns.
The OS2 designation refers to the cable's optical specifications, specifically its attenuation characteristics. OS2 cables have a maximum attenuation of 0.3 dB/km at the standard operating wavelength of 1550 nanometers (nm), and a maximum attenuation of 0.3 dB/km at the standard operating wavelength of 1320 nm. This means that the cable can transmit data over distances of up to 40 kilometers without the need for additional signal amplification at a speed of up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps). They have a bandwidth of 500 MHz km at 1310 nm.
Multimode Fiber Cable
Multimode fiber optic cable, on the other hand, has a larger diameter core, typically 50 or 62.5 microns in diameter. This larger core allows multiple modes of light to pass through, resulting in a wider beam of light and a shorter transmission distance. Because multimode cable has a larger core, it is also less expensive to produce than single mode cable.
It is commonly used in short-distance communication systems, such as local area networks (LANs), because it can transmit data over shorter distances at a lower cost.
There are at least 5 different variations of multimode fiber cables, explained below.
OM1
OM1 multimode fiber optic cables have a core diameter of 62.5 microns, which allows them to transmit data over distances of up to 300 meters at a speed of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps).
The OM1 designation refers to the cable's optical specifications, specifically its bandwidth and attenuation characteristics. OM1 cables have a bandwidth of 200 MHz km at the standard operating wavelength of 850 nanometers (nm) and a maximum attenuation of 3.5 dB/km at 850 nm.
OM2
OM2 multimode fiber optic cables have a core diameter of 50 microns, which allows them to transmit data over distances of up to 550 meters at a speed of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps).
The OM2 designation refers to the cable's optical specifications, specifically its bandwidth and attenuation characteristics. OM2 cables have a bandwidth of 500 MHz km at the standard operating wavelength of 850 nanometers (nm) and a maximum attenuation of 3.0 dB/km at 850 nm.
OM3
OM3 multimode fiber optic cables have a core diameter of 50 microns, which allows them to transmit data over distances of up to 1000 meters at a speed of 10 gigabits per second (Gbps), and up to 400 meters at 40 gigabits per second (Gbps).
The OM3 designation refers to the cable's optical specifications, specifically its bandwidth and attenuation characteristics. OM3 cables have a bandwidth of 2000 MHz km at the standard operating wavelength of 850 nanometers (nm) and a maximum attenuation of 3.0 dB/km at 850 nm.
OM4
OM4 multimode fiber optic cables have a core diameter of 50 microns, which allows them to transmit data over distances of up to 550 meters at a speed of 40 gigabits per second (Gbps), and up to 150 meters at 100 gigabits per second (Gbps).
The OM4 designation refers to the cable's optical specifications, specifically its bandwidth and attenuation characteristics. OM4 cables have a bandwidth of 4700 MHz km at the standard operating wavelength of 850 nanometers (nm) and a maximum attenuation of 3.0 dB/km at 850 nm.
OM5
OM5 multimode fiber optic cables have a core diameter of 50 microns, which allows them to transmit data over distances of up to 1000 meters at a speed of 40 gigabits per second (Gbps), and up to 150 meters at 100 gigabits per second (Gbps).
The OM5 designation refers to the cable's optical specifications, specifically its bandwidth and attenuation characteristics. OM5 cables have a bandwidth of 4700 MHz km at the standard operating wavelength of 850 nanometers (nm) and a maximum attenuation of 3.0 dB/km at 850 nm.
Standard Fiber Optic Cable Core Sizes
As you can see, single mode fiber cables have a core size of 9 microns, while multimode have a core size ranging from 50 to 62.5 microns.
The smaller the core the further the signal will travel before regeneration.
Fiber Wavelengths by Cable Type
Single mode and multimode fiber optic cables differ not only in their core diameter but also in the wavelengths of light that they use to transmit data. Single mode fibers typically use a narrower wavelength range of around 1310 nm or 1550 nm, which allows for longer distances and higher bandwidth. Multimode fibers, on the other hand, use a wider range of wavelengths, typically between 850 nm and 1300 nm.This wider range of wavelengths allows for greater dispersion, which can lead to lower bandwidth and shorter transmission distances.
In general, single mode fibers are preferred for longer-distance transmissions and higher bandwidth applications, while multimode fibers are better suited for shorter distances and lower bandwidth requirements. However, the specific choice of fiber wavelength will depend on the requirements of the network and the equipment used.
Single mode fibers are ideal for long-distance transmissions, as they offer greater bandwidth and lower attenuation. On the other hand, multimode fibers are best suited for shorter distances and applications that require lower bandwidth.
Ultimately, the choice between these two types of fibers will depend on the specific needs of your network, as well as your budget and other factors. It is always a good idea to consult with an expert in fiber optic technology (FiberCablesDirect) to help determine the best option for your particular situation.
In conclusion, when it comes to choosing between single mode vs multimode fiber optic cables, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your network. The main difference between single mode and multimode fiber optic cable is the diameter of the core and the number of modes of light that can pass through.
Indoor Fiber Cable
Indoor fiber optic cable is a type of fiber cable that is designed for use in indoor applications, such as in data centers, offices, or commercial buildings. It is typically made up of a central core of optical fibers, which are surrounded by protective coatings, strength members, and jackets to provide additional protection and durability.
The core of an indoor fiber optic cable is usually made up of one or more strands of glass or plastic fibers that are used to transmit data over long distances at high speeds. The fibers are extremely thin, with diameters that are typically measured in microns, and they are highly sensitive to bending, stretching, and other forms of physical stress.
To protect the fragile fiber strands, indoor fiber optic cable is surrounded by several layers of protective materials. These may include a buffer coating, which is applied directly to the fiber to provide additional protection against bending and stretching; a strength member, which is typically made of aramid or fiberglass and provides additional structural support; and an outer jacket, which protects the cable from abrasion, moisture, and other environmental factors.
Like we mentioned above, indoor fiber optic cable comes in several different types, including single-mode and multimode cable. It also comes available in different connector types, such as ST, SC, and LC.
Outdoor Fiber Cable
This type of fiber cable is designed for outdoor use and is often made with materials that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Outdoor fiber is often used for telecommunications and other applications that require data transmission over long distances.
Armored Fiber Cable
Armored fiber cable is a type of fiber optic cable that has an extra layer of protection around the core of the cable to provide additional mechanical protection. This protection is often in the form of a layer of metal armor or a reinforced plastic coating.
The main difference between armored fiber cable and regular fiber cable is the level of protection that each provides. Regular fiber cable typically consists of a central glass or plastic core, surrounded by layers of protective material such as coatings, strength members, and jackets. These protective layers help to prevent damage to the delicate fiber strands and ensure that the cable can withstand a certain amount of bending and stretching without breaking.
Armored fiber cable, on the other hand, provides an extra layer of protection to the cable. This additional layer can be made of metal or reinforced plastic, and it is designed to provide additional resistance to physical damage such as crushing, impact, or abrasion. The armor layer also helps to prevent the cable from being cut or tampered with, making it a more secure option for installations in areas where security is a concern.
One of the main advantages of armored fiber cable is that it is more durable and resistant to damage than regular fiber cable. This makes it ideal for use in harsh environments, such as outdoor installations, underground applications, or areas with high levels of foot or vehicle traffic. Additionally, armored fiber cable is more resistant to damage from rodents or other animals that may try to chew through the cable.
Another advantage of armored fiber cable is that it is more secure than regular fiber cable. The armor layer provides an additional layer of protection against unauthorized access or tampering, which can be especially important in critical infrastructure or sensitive installations.
Overall, armored fiber cable is a more robust and secure option than regular fiber cable, and it is well-suited for use in challenging or high-risk environments where the risk of damage or tampering is high.
AnyAngle 0 to 180 Degree Fiber Optic Cables (Bend-Insensitive)
AnyAngle (bend-insensitive) fiber optic cables are relatively new in the field of fiber optic cable industry. We've developed our own, called 'AnyAngle', that can bend 0 to 180 degrees.
Our cables are designed to be more flexible and resistant to bending and twisting than traditional fiber optic cables. They can be routed more easily through tight spaces, such as in data centers or office buildings, without risking damage to the cable.
Bend-insensitive fiber optic cables achieve their flexibility through a number of design features, such as a larger core diameter, a more tightly packed core, and a unique coating material that allows the cable to bend and twist without breaking. These design features enable bend-insensitive cables to maintain their optical performance even when bent around tight corners or wrapped tightly around objects.
AnyAngle fiber optic cables are particularly useful in applications where space is at a premium, or where cables may need to be routed around tight corners or through small openings. They are also well-suited for use in applications where high bandwidth and low signal loss are required, such as in data centers, telecommunications, and industrial automation. While they may be slightly more expensive than traditional fiber optic cables, the added flexibility and durability of bend-insensitive cables make them an attractive option for many applications.
