Best Fiber Optic Cable
Nov 23, 2024
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In network cabling, fiber optic cables are typically used between buildings outdoors, while indoor buildings mostly use Ethernet twisted-pair cables, and multimode fiber is also used. Let's learn about what is the best fiber optic cable and how to choose the best fiber optic cables.
I. Overview of Fiber Optics
1. A tool for optical conduction achieved by the principle of total internal reflection of light within glass or plastic fibers.
2. The loss of light conduction in optical fibers is much lower than that of electrical conduction in wires, making optical fibers suitable for long-distance information transmission.
3. Characteristics of optical fibers: lightweight, small volume, long-distance transmission (low attenuation), large capacity, and resistance to electromagnetic interference.
II. Overview of fiber optic cables
Fiber optic cables generally consist of multiple optical fibers, plastic protective sleeves, and outer plastic sheaths. The black cables commonly seen being laid by workers are called fiber optic cables, containing multiple groups of optical fibers.
Fiber Optic Structure Diagram
optical is very thin the same thin like a hair
Cross sectional display diagram of optical fiber
III. History of Undersea Communication
World History of Undersea Communication
1.Undersea communication predates the internet by 100 years, initially relying on cables.
2.In 1850, Anglo-French Telegraph Company laid the world's first undersea cable between England and France, capable of sending Morse code.
3.In 1866, the successful laying of the Transatlantic Cable between the United States and the United Kingdom achieved the first telegraph communication across the Atlantic.
4.In 1876, Bell invented the telephone, intensifying the dream of global communication and accelerating the construction of global undersea cables.
5.In 1902, the Global Undersea Communication Cable was completed.
6.In 1988, the Transatlantic Undersea Fiber Optic System between the United States, the United Kingdom, and France was completed, spanning 6,700 kilometers with 3 pairs of optical fibers, each with a transmission rate of up to 280Mb/s, far exceeding undersea cables, marking the official arrival of the undersea fiber optic era. The following year, the Trans-Pacific Undersea Fiber Optic Cable (13,200 kilometers long) was also successfully constructed, replacing coaxial cables for intercontinental communication. That same year, China also entered the undersea fiber optic era.
China's History of Undersea Communication
1.In 1886, Liu Mingchuan, the first governor of Taiwan, began laying a waterway telegraph line connecting Taiwan and the mainland, completed in 1888.
2.One line connected Fuzhou Chuanshi Island with Taiwan's Hobei (Tamsui) (177 nautical miles long).
3.Another line connected Tainan Anping to Penghu (53 nautical miles long).
China's Undersea Fiber Optic Overview: 4 Entry Points and 8 Fiber Optic Cables
1.North: Qingdao Landing Station (under China Unicom)
2.South: Shanghai Chongming Landing Station (under China Telecom)
3.Shanghai Nanhui Landing Station (under China Unicom)
4.Guangdong Shantou Landing Station (under China Telecom)
5.International Access Convergence Nodes: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
Trans-Pacific Express (TPE) Undersea Fiber Optic Cable
The Trans-Pacific Express (TPE) is the world's first high-speed (trans-Pacific) direct fiber optic cable, spanning 26,000 kilometers with 8 pairs of cores, using 64*10Gbps DWDM fiber technology, with a fiber capacity of 5.12Tbps, landing stations in mainland China at Shanghai and Qingdao.
Asia-Pacific Cable Network - 2 (APCN2)
APCN2 spans 19,000 kilometers with 4 pairs of cores, each using 64*10Gbps DWDM fiber technology, designed capacity of 2.56Tbps/s, connecting China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, etc., with landing stations in mainland China at Shanghai and Shantou.
Asia-Pacific Cable Network - 2
IV. Classification of fiber optic cables
Fiber optic cables are classified into single-mode and multimode based on transmission mode.
Single-Mode Fiber
When the geometric dimensions of the fiber are comparable to the wavelength of light, typically 5-10um, the fiber allows only one mode of propagation, offering a wide bandwidth, particularly suitable for high-capacity, long-distance optical communication.
Multimode Fiber
The geometric dimensions of the core in multimode fiber are much larger than the wavelength of light, typically 50um, 62.5um; light signals propagate in multiple modes; multimode fiber is used for smaller capacity, short-distance optical transmission communication.
Comparison between multimode fiber and single-mode fiber
Different transmitting mode between single-mode and multimode fiber
Characteristics of Multimode Fiber
1.Large core diameter, typically 50, 62.5μm;
2.Can transmit multiple modes of light waves;
3.Causes chromatic dispersion of light;
4.Limited transmission distance.
Multimode fiber Can transmit multiple modes of light waves but has limited transmission distance.
Characteristics of Multimode Fiber
OM (Optical Mode) is the standard for indicating the grade of multimode fiber.
OM1, OM2, OM3 represent three grades of multimode fiber, with different bandwidths and maximum distances for transmission, as shown in the table:
OM1 - Standard 62.5μm multimode fiber
OM2 - Standard 50μm multimode fiber
OM3 - Next-generation 50μm multimode fiber
OM2 - Standard 50μm multimode fiber
OM3 - Next-generation 50μm multimode fiber
Characteristics of Single-Mode Fiber
1.Small core diameter, about 8.3μm;
2.Transmits only one mode of light wave;
3.Wide frequency band;
4.Very low dispersion;
5.Can transmit over longer distances.
Fiber optic Patch Cord Classification
Fiber optic patch cords are color-coded, typically yellow for single-mode and orange for multimode.
Multimode Fiber Patch Cord
Single-Mode Fiber Patch Cord
Introduction to Pigtails
Pigtails have a connector on one end and a bare fiber end on the other, connected to other fiber cores through fusion splicing, commonly found in fiber optic terminal boxes, used to connect fiber optic cables to fiber optic transceivers (usingcouplers, patch cords, etc.). Pigtail classification is the same as fiber patch cords; one patch cord is split into two pigtails, yellow for single-mode and orange for multimode. Fiber optic patch cord connector types include SC-FC, LC-ST, LC-LC, as shown in the diagram:
Fiber Optic Connectors
The most commonly used fiber optic connectors in integrated cabling: FC, SC, ST
FC Connector Introduction
The outer shell is round, commonly used in telecom networks, and most frequently used in patch panels. The fastening method is a screw thread, with a nut screwed onto the adapter. Advantages are reliability and dust resistance; disadvantages are slightly longer installation time.
FC Connector
SC Connector Introduction
SC Connector Components
SC connector as a whole
The outer shell is rectangular, most commonly used in routers and ethernet switches. The fastening method is a push-pull pin, requiring no rotation.
ST Connector Introduction
SC connector
The outer shell is round, commonly used in fiber optic patch panels. The fastening method is a screw thread, with a half-turn locking mechanism.
Fiber Optic Patch Cords
FC-SC fiber optic Patch cable
ST-FC Fiber optic Patch cable
Fiber Optic Cable, Connection Interface Types
Switch Optical Interface Types
Fiber Optic Terminal Box/Fiber Optic Distribution Frame (ODF)
The fiber optic distribution frame, as the terminal equipment for fiber optic cable lines, should have three basic functions.
① Fixing function: After the fiber optic cable enters the rack, its outer jacket and strengthening core should be mechanically fixed.
② Fusion splicing function: The fiber optic cable's drawn fiber is fused with the pigtail, excess fiber is coiled and stored, and the fusion splice is protected.
③ Allocation function: The connector attached to the pigtail is plugged into the adapter, connecting with the optical connector on the other side to realize optical path alignment. Adapters and connectors should be flexible for plugging and unplugging; optical paths can be freely allocated and tested.
② Fusion splicing function: The fiber optic cable's drawn fiber is fused with the pigtail, excess fiber is coiled and stored, and the fusion splice is protected.
③ Allocation function: The connector attached to the pigtail is plugged into the adapter, connecting with the optical connector on the other side to realize optical path alignment. Adapters and connectors should be flexible for plugging and unplugging; optical paths can be freely allocated and tested.
Fiber Optic Distribution Frame (ODF)
Fiber optic Cabinet
Fiber Optic Connection Diagram
V. Fiber Optic Cables' Splicing
Fiber optic splicing includes cold splicing and hot splicing.
(1) Fiber Optic Cold Splicing
Used for connecting fiber to fiber or fiber to pigtail, equivalent to making a joint, using a device called a fiber optic cold splice. The fiber optic cold splice is used for connecting two pigtails, with its main component being a precision V-groove. After stripping the fibers, the cold splice is used to join the two pigtails. It is simpler and quicker to operate than using a fusion splicer. Cold splicing generally has two forms: the first is a field-deployed quick connector for terminal ends; the second is a cold splice for fiber alignment. With the rapid development of FTTH (Fiber to the Home), the demand for fiber optic cold splices has greatly increased. Fiber optic quick connectors and cold splices will play an irreplaceable role in FTTH access, solving the problem of on-site termination with convenient and quick operations, low connection costs, and true anytime, anywhere access.
(2) Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing
Fiber optic fusion splicing primarily uses a fusion splicer to connect fiber to fiber or fiber to pigtail, fusing the bare fibers in the cable with the pigtail fibers into a single integrated unit, while the pigtail has a separate fiber head. Typically, residential monitoring uses hot fusion splicing to connect fibers.
(3) Differences Between Cold Splicing and Fusion Splicing
Hot fusion requires a fusion splicer and fiber cutter to connect two fibers, without additional materials. Advantages are stable quality and low connection loss (about 0.03 to 0.05); disadvantages are high equipment costs and limited battery life, restricting field operations.
Cold splicing requires less equipment, only a fiber cutter. However, each joint requires a quick connector, costing about 5 to 10 yuan. Advantages are easy operation and suitability for field work; disadvantages are higher loss, about 0.1 to 0.2dB per point. "Cold splices" currently have few domestic manufacturers, higher costs, and limited options for commercial and technical services. Secondly, cold splices use matching fluid, which has a short usage time and requires time to test aging issues.
(4) Key Factors Affecting Fiber Optic Fusion Splicing Loss
Many factors affect fiber optic fusion splicing loss, broadly classified into intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Intrinsic factors refer to the fiber's inherent characteristics, mainly four points.
① Inconsistent mode field diameter of the fiber;
② Mismatch of core diameters between two fibers;
③ Non-circular core cross-section;
④ Poor concentricity of the core and cladding.
② Mismatch of core diameters between two fibers;
③ Non-circular core cross-section;
④ Poor concentricity of the core and cladding.
Other factors include operator skill level, operational steps, fiber coiling technique, cleanliness of the fusion splicer's electrodes, parameter settings, and working environment cleanliness, all affecting the value of fusion splicing loss.
VI. Costs and Brand Selection for Fiber Optic Cables' Splicing
(1) Cost in China
One of the most common questions among weak current system professionals is, "How much does it cost to splice one fiber core?" There is no standard answer, as prices vary by region and project. Here are approximate prices from various regions:
Beijing: Starting price 20-25 yuan/core
Shanghai: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Guangzhou: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Zhejiang: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Jinan: Bulk in-city splicing 12 yuan/core, within the province 15 yuan/core
Nanjing: Bulk 15 yuan/core or more, small quantities 300 yuan for a morning
Hainan: Starting price 30 yuan/core, 500 points about 15 yuan/core
Nantong: Generally 18-22 yuan, higher requirements about 30 yuan
Yunnan: 22 yuan/core starting price
Dalian: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Dongguan: Starting price 22 yuan/core
In Hangzhou, for smaller projects, costs are typically calculated by labor, such as one person's daily rate, minimum 400 yuan.
Shanghai: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Guangzhou: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Zhejiang: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Jinan: Bulk in-city splicing 12 yuan/core, within the province 15 yuan/core
Nanjing: Bulk 15 yuan/core or more, small quantities 300 yuan for a morning
Hainan: Starting price 30 yuan/core, 500 points about 15 yuan/core
Nantong: Generally 18-22 yuan, higher requirements about 30 yuan
Yunnan: 22 yuan/core starting price
Dalian: Starting price 15 yuan/core
Dongguan: Starting price 22 yuan/core
In Hangzhou, for smaller projects, costs are typically calculated by labor, such as one person's daily rate, minimum 400 yuan.
(2) How to Choose a Fiber Optic Splicer Brand?
Many friends ask which fiber optic splicer brand is best. There are indeed many good brands, and here are some commonly used fiber optic splicer brands on the market:
① COBTEL(China)
② Fujikura (Japan)
③ Shenzhen Ruiyan
④ Sumitomo (Japan)
⑤ CETC 41st Institute(China)
⑥ E-NOA (Korea)
⑦ Heima (China)
⑧ Furukawa (Japan)
⑨ Nissin (Japan)
② Fujikura (Japan)
③ Shenzhen Ruiyan
④ Sumitomo (Japan)
⑤ CETC 41st Institute(China)
⑥ E-NOA (Korea)
⑦ Heima (China)
⑧ Furukawa (Japan)
⑨ Nissin (Japan)
