How to Choose Fiber Optic Cable
Fiber optic cable selection can be complex due to the variety of cable types,
performance characteristics and more precise installation requirements.
Start by determining requirements for the following:

Distance

Network Speed

Cable Jacket

Connectors
Once you have narrowed down your choices, you should also consider cost
and future-proofing. Additional requirements will be driven by the needs of
your specific application. If you need assistance in determining requirements
or selecting pre-terminated or custom fiber cable,Contact to Eaton +65
8851-1568
Network Speed and Distance
Multimode fiber (MMF) used to be the automatic choice for datacenters and
corporate networks because it was less expensive than singlemode fiber
(SMF). Nowadays, the cost difference is not so significant. For example, the
price of a 3 meter LC-to-LC duplex SMF cable is about one US dollar more
than the equivalent MMF cable.
Instead of focusing on singlemode vs. multimode, focus on the connection
distance and network speed dictated by the overall network design. If you
need to move a large amount of data over a relatively short distance (for
example, less than 300 meters), OM3 MMF might be the best choice. If data
transmission speed or distance are key requirements, consider SMF. Note
that MMF range depends on the OM rating of the cable.
Refer to Table 2: Fiber Optic Cable Speeds and Lengths for guidance.
Cable Jacket
All indoor fiber cabling must meet local fire codes. In the US, fire rating and
jacket identification is defined by Article 77 of the National Electric Code
(NEC). If your cable will run through risers or plenum spaces, make sure the
cable jacket is rated accordingly.
In addition to fire rating, other cable jacket properties such as flexibility and
strength under tensile load should be considered. For more information on
jacket materials and fire ratings, see Fiber Optic Cable Jackets.
Connectors
Fiber optic cable terminations are typically dictated by the ports on your
network equipment. For example, if your 10G Ethernet switch has multi-fiber
MTP ports, you'll need cables with the required number of fibers.
If you are selecting cable for a 40GbE or 100GbE application,
consider Active Optical Cables (AOCs). They combine an optical fiber cable
and transceivers, eliminating the connector entirely.
Fiber Optic Cable Basics
What is a Fiber Optic Cable?
A fiber optic cable is a type of cable that uses light to transmit data over long
distances. It consists of a core made of glass or plastic that is surrounded by
layers of protective material, such as cladding. The core of the cable is
where the data is transmitted as light signals, and the cladding helps to keep
the light signals confined within the core. A coating and strength member
protect the delicate fiber optic core from damage.
Fiber optic cables are used in a variety of applications, including
telecommunications, internet service, and cable television. They offer
several advantages over traditional copper cables, including faster data
transmission speeds, immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and
the ability to transmit data over much longer distances. They are also more
durable and less susceptible to damage than copper cables.
Fiber optic cables are available in various types, including single-mode and
multimode fiber, and they can be used in various types of network
configurations, including point-to-point, ring, and star. They are typically
used for high-speed data transmission and are becoming increasingly
important as demand for faster and more reliable wide area network
connections continues to grow.
Core - At the center of a fiber optic cable is a thin glass tube called a core
that transports light pulses generated by a laser or light emitting diode (LED).
Singlemode cores are typically 8.3 or 9µm, while multimode cores are
available in 50 and 62.5µm diameters.
Cladding - A thin layer of glass that protects and surrounds the fiber core,
reflecting light back into the core causing light waves to travel the length of
the fiber.
Primary Coating - This layer of thicker plastic is also known as the primary
buffer. It is designed to absorb shocks, prevent excessive bending and
reinforce the fiber core.
Strength Member or Strengthening Fibers - From gel-filled sleeves to
strands of Kevlar, the strength member is engineered to protect the fiber
core from excessive pull forces and crushing, particularly during installation.
Outer Jacket - The outer jacket, or cable jacket, provides a final layer of
protection for the core conductor and further strengthens the cable. The
jacket is color coded to identify the type of optical fiber in the cable: yellow
for single mode, orange for multimode, and so on. Cable jackets also have
fire ratings, such as OFNR, OFNP or LSZH.
How Fiber Optic Cable Works
Light pulses travel down the core of the fiber optic cable by reflecting off of
the sides. With the exception of the light source, no power is required to
transmit a signal. Light pulses will travel for many miles before they weaken
and need to be regenerated.
Core size is important in determining how far a signal will travel. In general,
the smaller the core, the farther the light will go before it needs regenerated.
Single Mode Fiber (SMF) has a small core, which keeps the path of light
narrow and allows it to travel up to 100km. Multimode Fiber (MMF) has a
bigger core capable of carrying more data but it is susceptible to signal
quality problems over longer distances, making it more suited to premises
cabling and short haul networks.
How far can a fiber optic cable carry a signal?
Signal transmission distance is dependent on the type of cable, the
wavelength and the network itself. Typical ranges are about 984 ft. for 10
Gbps multimode cable and up to 25 miles for singlemode cable. If a longer
span is required, optical amplifiers or repeaters can be used to regenerate
and error correct the optical signal.
Can the light generated by a singlemode laser damage your eyes?
Yes, the laser light from the end of a singlemode cable or the transmit port
on a switch can seriously damage your eyes. Always keep protective covers
over the ends of fiber cables and ports.
Advantages of Fiber Optic Cable vs. Copper Cable
Faster data transmission speeds - Photons traveling at the speed of light
reach speeds over a hundred times faster than electrons traveling over a
copper conductor. In comparing the data transmission speed of fiber and
copper, fiber wins easily. Copper currently maxes out at 40 Gbps, whereas
OM5 fiber reaches speeds of 100 Gbps.
Higher bandwidth - Fiber optic cables have a much higher bandwidth
capacity than copper cables, allowing for more data to be transmitted at
once.
Longer transmission distances - Over long distances, copper and fiber
cables both experience signal loss, but this attenuation is much greater with
copper. Over 100 meters, it is estimated that fiber loses only 3% of its signal
strength, whereas copper loses 94% over the same distance.
Immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI) - Copper wires produce a
field of electromagnetic interference, which can cause signaling errors in
other cables. Fiber optic cables do not conduct electricity and are not
susceptible to EMI.
Electrical Isolation - Because fiber optic cables do not carry electricity,
there is no need to ground the transmitter and receiver. Nor is there any
danger of electrical shock, arcing, heat or fire.
Lighter, Thinner Cable - Fiber cables are about a quarter the diameter and
a tenth the weight of copper cables, making them easier to install and
promoting better air flow in rack enclosures.
Better reliability - Fiber optic cables are more durable and less susceptible
to damage than copper cables, making them more reliable for high-speed
data transmission.
Security - Fiber optic cables are more secure than copper cables because it
is difficult for unauthorized users to tap into the data transmission.
Environmentally friendly - Fiber optic cables are made of glass or plastic,
which are environmentally friendly materials, whereas copper cables are
made of copper, which is a finite resource.
Fiber Optic Cable Types
Singlemode vs. Multimode
Fiber optic cable is available in two "modes": multimode or singlemode.
Mode refers to pulses of light: multiple pulses or a single pulse.
Multimode fiber (MMF) cable is a type of fiber optic cable that is designed to
allow multiple modes or pulses of light to propagate through the core of the cable.
The relatively wide core allows it to carry multiple streams of data simultaneously
at wavelengths of 850nm or 1300nm.
Due to high dispersion and attenuation rates, multimode fiber is commonly used
in shorter distance data transmission applications, such as in office buildings,
schools, and hospitals. The larger core size allows for the use of less expensive
light sources, such as a light emitting diode (LED) or Vertical Cavity Surface
Emitting Laser (VCSEL), which can be used to transmit data over distances of
up to several hundred meters.
Multimode fiber is less expensive than singlemode fiber and is easier to install
and maintain, but it has several disadvantages compared to singlemode fiber,
including slower data transmission speeds, shorter transmission distances, and
lower bandwidth capacity. It is also more susceptible to signal degradation and
attenuation over longer distances.
Singlemode fiber (SMF) cable is a type of fiber optic cable that is designed to
transmit light through the core of the cable. Compared to multimode fiber,
singlemode fiber has a small diameter core, typically around 9 microns. This
smaller core size allows the light signals to travel much further without spreading
out, enabling singlemode fiber to transmit data over distances of up to several
kilometers. It uses a laser diode as its light source and a bandwidth in the 1310
and 1550nm range.
Singlemode fiber is commonly used in high-speed data transmission applications,
such as in telecommunications, internet service, and cable television. It is also
used in high-bandwidth applications, such as data centers and medical imaging,
where high-speed and long-distance transmission is required.
Singlemode fiber is more expensive than multimode fiber and requires
specialized equipment for installation and maintenance, but it offers several
advantages, including faster data transmission speeds, longer transmission
distances, and higher bandwidth capacity.
Why is multimode fiber optic cable is designated 50/125 or 62.5/125?
These designations refer to the diameter of the core and cladding. For
example, a 50/125 cable has a 50 micron core and a 125 micron cladding.
Simplex vs. Duplex
Simplex cable uses a single strand of fiber with a transmitter (TX) on one
end and a receiver (RX) on the other. The cable is not reversible and
supports only one-way transmission. It is typically used in monitoring
applications where a sensor sends time-sensitive data back to a centralized
system.
Full duplex cable uses two fibers to simultaneously transmit and receive data,
essentially two simplex cables that work together to handle bidirectional data transfer.
The twin connectors on either end are capable of transmitting and receiving
simultaneously. Half duplex cables are also capable of two-way communication but not
at the same time. Duplex cables are typically used to connect network devices in a
high-speed network, such as switches, servers and storage systems.
Fiber Polarity
In duplex fiber cables, it takes two fibers to make a bidirectional connection:
one to transmit and one to receive. Polarity refers to the direction in which
light travels from one end of the optical fiber to the other. To make a
connection, a transmitter (Tx) must be connected to a corresponding
receiver (Rx) on the other end of the cable.
Polarity errors in installation are common enough that TIA issued guidelines
to help installers maintain polarity, particularly across multiple segments
(see ANSI/TIA-598-C, Annex B). The standard defines position A and
position B labeling for connectors and adapters, with position A on one end
being routed to position B on the other end. When looking at a connector
straight on with keys in the "up" position, "A" is always on the left and "B" is
always on the right.
Fig. A to B Duplex Fiber Optic Patch Cable .
Eaton fiber patch cords are also color-coded. Notice how the yellow sleeve on the
cable above indicates Position A on one end and Position B on the other.
Switchable Polarity Connectors
Why Are Switchable Polarity Connectors Necessary?
A-B duplex patch cords provide a crossover, with transmitter connecting to
receiver. Regardless of whether the connection is a single cable or a series
of patch cords, adapters and patch panels, when you add up all the
crossovers in a channel it should be an odd number.
Most fiber optic duplex cables have fixed polarity, meaning the positions of the LC
connectors cannot be changed. However, sometimes switchable polarity cables are
necessary, either by design or to fix installation errors. Fiber between buildings or
between patch panels is often run straight through (i.e. not crossed), even though this
is contrary to the ANSI/TIA standard recommendations. Uncrossing patch cables is
also a common fix for polarity errors in installation.
How to Switch a Connector's Polarity
The LC connectors on switchable polarity cables are held in place by a clip. Releasing
the clip allows the A and B positions to be swapped, converting an A-B cable to an A-A
cable.
Types of Switchable Polarity Fiber Optic Cable
400G SINGLE MODE
OS2 SWITCHABLE
FIBER OPTIC CABLE
400G MULTIMODE
OM3 SWITCHABLE
FIBER OPTIC CABLE
400G MULTIMODE
OM4 SWITCHABLE
FIBER OPTIC CABLE
100G MULTIMODE
OM4 BREAKOUT
FIBER OPTIC CABLE
Miscellaneous Fiber Cable Types
Duplex Zipcord Fiber
Zipcord is a type of electrical cable with two or more connectors that can be
separated by pulling them apart.
Duplex zipcord fiber consists of two fibers surrounded by strength members and
an outer jacket. The example on the right is a duplex multimode zipcord cable
with twin LC connectors on either end.
N320-02M
N424-05M
Mode Conditioning Cables
A Mode Conditioning patch cord (MCP) is a duplex cable with multimode to
multimode on the receive (Rx) side and singlemode to multimode on the
transmit (Tx) side.
By allowing a singlemode signal to be converted and transmitted over
multimode fiber, Mode Conditioning cables avoid the expense of an
expensive network upgrade to replace legacy Gigabit LX transceivers.
Active Optical Cables (AOCs)
Active Optical Cables (AOCs) are fiber optic cables with transceivers
permanently bonded to each end, eliminating the need for connectors. AOCs are
typically used in top-of-rack applications where link distances are short. The thin
cables help to maintain air flow when port density is high.
N28F-01M-AQ
Multi-Strand Fiber Cables
Multi-strand fiber is similar to duplex fiber. It has multiple strands of fiber carrying
data in one direction and a similar number of strands supporting data transfer in
the opposite direction. Multi-strand fiber is designed to support data rates above
25G and uses an MPO/MTP connector.
Cables typically have 12 or 24 fiber strands (referred to as 12F or 24F) in a
single jacket. Multi-strand fiber can also be made as a breakout cable with an
MPO/MTP connector on one end and multiple duplex LC connectors on the other
end.
N845-01M-8L-MG
Loopback Cables
A loopback cable, also known as loopback tester or loopback adapter, is used to
test signal transmission and diagnose problems. It plugs into an Ethernet or
serial port and routes the transmit line to the receive line so that outgoing signals
can be redirected back into the source for testing.
N844-LOOP-12F
OM and OS Designations
The designations "OM" and "OS" stand for Optical Multimode and Optical
Singlemode respectively. They were first defined in the ISO/IEC 11801
standard covering premises cabling and classify optical cable according to
wavelength and bandwidth.
The chart below compares the different fiber types.
Multimode Bandwidth
In multimode fiber, light takes different paths (modes) as it travels down the
cable. The paths that are closer to the center of the core are shorter so, all
things being equal, light that takes these paths will take less time to travel
the length of the cable. Multimode fiber compensates for this by slowing
down the shorter paths and allowing longer paths to move faster so all
modes arrive at the receiver at the same time. Of course, this is an ideal
situation. In reality, modes arrive at slightly different times causing the light
pulses to spread out and making it harder for the receiver to interpret the
signal.
Overfilled vs. Effective Bandwidth
Older multimode cables use Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) as their light
source. These LED sources "overfilled" the fiber by using all available paths.
Overfilled Launch (OFL) Bandwidth is a measure of the data transmission
capacity of cable with an LED source, and is used with legacy fiber cable
running at speeds of less than 1 Gbs.
Faster networks require a more focused light source and it came in the form
of Vertical Cavity Surface Emitting Laser (VCSEL), pronounced "vixel", a
semiconductor that omits a laser beam perpendicular to its surface. Not only
was the beam narrower and resulted in lower signal dispersion, VCSELs
were also cheaper to manufacture and more power efficient. VCSEL light
sources did have one problem though. The light they produced was not
uniform across the whole cable core. In essence, the core was "underfilled",
with some modes carrying a stronger light pulse than others. It also meant
that Effective Modal Bandwidth (EMB) rather than OFL had to be used to
measure the performance of multimode fiber.
Comparing Multimode and Singlemode Speeds and Distances
What Is SWDM?
Shortwave Wavelength Division Multiplexing (SWDM) transmits data over a
cable using different wavelengths in the 850 to 953 nm range. SWDM4
transceivers use four light sources operating at different wavelengths to
produce a multiplexed signal which is transmitted over two-fiber duplex MMF
cable. Increasing bandwidth by using wavelength instead of additional fibers
reduces cost and allows 40G and 100G data transmission rates over
existing two-fiber cable.
SWDM4 works with legacy 10G OM3 and OM4 duplex MMF, as well as the
newer OM5 wideband multimode fiber (WBMMF). OM5 is specifically
designed to support SWDM4 wavelengths in the 850-953 nm range.
Fiber Optic Cable Termination
Unlike copper category cable that uses the ubiquitous RJ45 connector
regardless of cable type, glass and plastic fiber optic cable can be
terminated using a variety of connector types. Connector choice is
determined by the equipment and the requirements of the application,
including the anticipated number of mating cycles and the amount of
vibration.
Singlemode fiber requires a clean, precisely aligned transceiver that injects
light into its small core with sub-micron accuracy. By contrast, multimode
fiber is a little more forgiving.
Ferrule Connector (FC)
The FC was the first optical fiber connector to use a ceramic ferrule. These
connectors precisely position and lock the fiber core relative to the transmitter
and receiver. FC connectors have been largely replaced by the cheaper and
easier to install SC and LC connectors but are still preferred in high vibration
environments due to their screw-on collet.
Straight Tip (ST)
ST was at one time the most common fiber optic connector for both singlemode
and multimode fiber. It features a bayonet-style twist lock connector and is
inexpensive and easy to install. It is still used in industrial and military
applications but elsewhere, it has been largely replaced by smaller form factors.
Subscriber Connector (SC)
SC connectors have a reliable snap-in locking mechanism that latches with a
simple push-pull motion. They are an inexpensive, durable option rated for 1,000
mating cycles. This connector is used in simplex and duplex (shown)
configurations. SC connectors have been mostly replaced by LC connectors in
corporate networks.
Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack (MT-RJ)
This Small Form Factor (SFF) connector is used with multimode fiber. It is easy
to terminate and install, and its smaller size allows twice the port density of ST or
SC connectors. It is similar in design and operation to a RJ45 connector, making
it ideal for Fiber–to-the-Desktop (FTTD) applications.
Lucent Connector (LC)
The LC connector was designed to address complaints that ST and SC
connectors were too bulky and easily dislodged. LC connectors have a footprint
approximately 50% smaller than the SC connector. Thanks to this small size and
secure latching feature, it is widely used in data centers and telecom switching
centers where packing density is critical.
Multiple-Fiber Push-On/Pull-Off (MTP/MPO)
The MTP/MPO connector has a horizontal, multi-fiber interface designed
specifically for use with high-bandwidth QSFP-DD transceivers. The connectors
are about the same width as SC connectors but can be vertically stacked in
patch panels and switches. They are ideal for high bandwidth applications such
as cloud services and core data centers.
Corning/Senko (CS)
The new CS connector is 40% smaller than a standard LC duplex connector,
making it ideal for very high-density 200G and 400G networks utilizing the
QSFP-DD and OSFP transceiver interfaces. The connector features a push/pull
tab and a spring-loaded zirconia ferrule.
Fiber Optic Cable Jackets
Jacket Material
Most indoor fiber optic cables use a low-cost, fire resistant polyvinylchloride
(PVC) jacket. Some installations (e.g. confined spaces, but not risers or
plenum) may opt for the more expensive Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH)
jacket, which is made of thermoplastic or thermoset compounds and offers
superior flame retardant and produces little smoke or toxic fumes when
burned.
Polyethylene (PE) is preferred for outdoor applications due to its resistant to
moisture and sunlight (UV rays), abrasion resistance and flexibility over a
wide range of temperatures.
Jacket Color
Colored jackets and connectors are used to identify the mode and OM rating
of indoor and military cables, making it easy to identify at a glance the
capabilities of a cable and ensuring that installers use the correct cable type
for each connection. Outdoor cable jackets are typically black so they can
resist damage from the sun, precluding the use of any color coding.
Color code standards and conventions specified in TIA-598D are shown in
the table below. Jackets are also printed with additional information about
the cable. For example, the jacket of an OM4 multimode cable with core
dimensions of 50/125 and a bandwidth of 850 nm laser-optimized might be
labeled “OM4 850 LO 50 /125".
Fire Rating
The National Fire Protection Association's National Electrical Code (NEC)
defines levels of fire resistance for fiber optic cables. Indoor fiber
installations are typically classified as plenum, riser or general purpose.
Cables installed in plenum spaces and risers must meet standards for flame
spread and smoke production outlined in NEC Article 770 and the UL 1651
Standard for Optical Fiber Cable.
UL 1651 defines the following optical-fiber cable types:

Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum (OFNP)

Optical Fiber Conductive Plenum (OFCP)

Optical Fiber Nonconductive Riser (OFNR)

Optical Fiber Conductive Riser (OFCR)

Optical Fiber Nonconductive General Purpose (OFNG)

Optical Fiber Conductive General Purpose (OFCG)
What's the difference between conductive and non-conductive fiber
optic cable?
Non-conductive cables contain nothing that could carry electrical current.
Conductive cables include metallic strength members, sheathing or other
metal components that could potentially carry an electric current, even
though that is not the intended purpose.
Note: Fire regulations vary from country to country. In the US, Article 770 of
the National Electrical Code governs installation and testing of premises
fiber cabling. In Europe, this falls to the IEC/CEI although individual
countries may have their own standards organizations, such as the British
Standards Institute (BSI) in the UK.
Fiber Optic Cable Performance
Optical Return Loss
When a pulse of light reaches the end of the fiber core, some percentage of
light is reflected back towards the source. This Optical Return Loss (ORL),
expressed in decibels (dB), only affects fiber with a laser light source and
can reduce data transmission speeds. Singlemode fiber, and multimode fiber
with a VCSEL light source, are sensitive to ORL. Older multimode fiber with
an LED light source is not subject to ORL.
Are Optical Return Loss and Back Reflection the same thing?
ORL and Back Reflection are often used interchangeably but they are
actually different. ORL is the total power lost from all system components,
including the fiber itself. Reflected power is only one component of ORL.
Optical Return Loss can be minimized by ensuring that ferrules are clean
and connectors are properly mated. It can also be reduced by choosing fiber
optic cable with end-faces that are shaped to optimize the physical interface.
Original fiber connectors had ferrules with a simple flat face, leaving a
relatively large area that could be damaged with repeated mating. Physical
Contact (PC)connectors are polished to a slightly rounded surface to reduce
the size of the end face. The end face of Ultra Physical Contact
(UPC) connectors have an even greater radius so the fibers touch at the
apex of the curve near the fiber core.
The ferrules of an Angled Physical Contact (APC) connector are cleaved at
an angle between 5 and 15 degrees. The angle directs the reflected light out
of the core resulting in a lower ORL value.
Insertion Loss
Insertion Loss refers to the amount of light lost between two fixed points in
the fiber and is measured in decibels (dB). Insertion Loss can occur when
fiber is terminated with a connector or spliced, and is often the result of fiber
core misalignment, dirty ferrules or poor quality connectors. The combined
insertion loss of all system components should be within the limits specified
in the link-loss budget agreed with the installer.
Fiber Cable Installation FAQs
What is the minimum bend radius for fiber optic cable?
For a cable that is not under pulling tension, the minimum radius should not
be less than 10 times the cable diameter. For example, a multimode cable
with an outside diameter of 3.0 mm has a minimum bend radius of 30 mm.
The bend radius for a cable under tensile load may be greater. Refer to the
cable's spec sheet for details.
What is the maximum tensile rating (pulling force) for fiber optic cable?
During installation, a fiber optic cable may be stressed when it is pulled
through ductwork and around bends. Even pulling a cable from the payoff
reel can potentially cause damage. After installation, cables can also be
subjected to sustained pulling forces, for example, at cable drops or when
run through risers.
The maximum tensile rating of a fiber optic cable is the highest pulling force
that the cable can be subject to before the cable's fibers or optical properties
are damaged. The cable manufacturer will typically provide two values:
maximum tensile rating during installation and maximum tensile rating while
in operation.
Fiber optic cable should ideally be pulled by hand in a smooth, steady
motion. It should never be jerked, pushed or subjected to excessive twisting.
What is a Fiber Traffic Access Point (TAP)?
A passive fiber Traffic Access Point (TAP) allows network managers to
monitor live network traffic without affecting performance on the primary link.
When used with a traffic monitoring system, TAPs can be used to monitor
service quality, enable usage billing and detect security breaches.
Key TAP Features

No Latency - Fiber TAPs passively divert a fixed percentage of the
light energy without introducing any additional latency into the network.

100% Packet Capture - TAPs pass a complete copy of all duplex
traffic to monitoring and security appliances.

One Way Signaling - TAPs protect the production network from
security breaches by only allowing data to flow in one direction, from the
network to the monitoring device.

Split Ratio - this refers to the percentage of the signal that is split off
for monitoring. A typical ratio is 70/30, meaning 70% of the signal remains
on the primary link and 30% is sent to the monitor.

Zero Configuration/Reliable Operation - Passive TAPs require no
configuration, no management and no external power. They are easy to
install, are completely transparent to the network and do not represent a
potential point of failure.
Fiber optic cable vs. copper cable: which is the best?
Fiber optic cables have several key advantages over traditional copper
cables:

Higher Bandwidth and Speed - Fiber optic cables can support
higher data rates, and hence can carry more data than copper cables of
the same diameter. This translates to higher speed and bandwidth, which
is particularly beneficial for internet, television, and telephone services.

Longer Distance - Fiber optic cables can transmit data over much
longer distances without requiring signal boosters. The light signals in
fiber optic cables don't degrade as quickly as electrical signals in copper
cables, allowing data to be sent over longer distances without loss of
quality.

Better Signal Quality - Because fiber optic cables use light rather
than electrical signals, they are less susceptible to electromagnetic
interference. This can improve the quality of the data transmission,
reducing errors and improving reliability.

Security - It's more difficult to tap into a fiber optic cable to intercept
the data it's carrying. The data is transmitted as pulses of light, which
can't be easily intercepted without disrupting the entire communication
link.

Size and Scale - Fiber optic cables are thinner and lighter than
copper cables. This makes them easier to install and allows more cables
to be packed into the same physical space, which can be a big advantage
in environments where space is at a premium.

Durability - Fiber optic cables are more resistant to temperature
fluctuations and are water-resistant, making them suitable for a variety of
environmental conditions. They also don't corrode like copper cables can.

Safety - Unlike copper cables, fiber optic cables do not conduct
electricity, so they can be installed in areas with high electromagnetic
interference, such as next to industrial equipment. This non-conductive
nature makes them safer in terms of fire risks as well.
While fiber optic cables have many advantages, they also have some
disadvantages compared to copper cables, such as typically being more
expensive and requiring specialized skills to install and maintain. However,
the benefits often outweigh these downsides, especially for applications that
require high speed or long-distance data transmission.
What is fiber internet?
Fiber internet, often referred to as "Fiber to the Home" (FTTH) or "Fiber to
the Premises" (FTTP), is a type of high-speed broadband internet service
that transfers data via fiber-optic cables. These cables are less susceptible
to interference or degradation, making fiber internet extremely reliable. It's
also capable of delivering much higher speeds, making it perfect for speed
sensitive business activities or online gaming.
Fiber optic internet can also provide "symmetrical" speed, meaning that the
upload speed is the same as the download speed. This is a significant
advantage over many traditional internet services, where upload speeds are
often much slower than download speeds.
Do I need a fiber patch cable to connect my computer to a fiber internet?
Fiber To The Home (FTTH) or Fiber To The Premises (FTTP) service
usually terminates at a device known as an Optical Network Terminal (ONT),
which is installed at your home or business by the Internet Service Provider
(ISP). This ONT converts the optical signal from the fiber cable into an
electrical signal that your devices can use.
In most residential or small business situations, the ONT will typically have
an Ethernet output that you can connect directly to a computer or, more
commonly, to a router that provides network connectivity to multiple devices.
This is often done with an Ethernet patch cable (Cat6a or higher), not a fiber
patch cable.
However, in certain enterprise or high-performance computing situations
where a device has a fiber-optic network interface card (NIC), you could
potentially use a fiber patch cable to connect the device directly to a fiber
network.
Why Buy from Eaton?
We know you have many brands to choose from. On the surface, they may
all seem alike. It's what you don't see that makes the difference. With Eaton,
you get solid engineering, proven reliability and exceptional customer
service. All our products undergo rigorous quality control before they are
offered for sale, and independent testing agencies verify our products meet
or exceed the latest safety and performance standards. Our commitment to
quality allows us to back our products with industry-leading warranties and
responsive customer service. It's the Eaton difference.
Networking Interfaces Using Fiber Optic Cables
What Is an Optical Transceiver?
Optical transceivers are small, powerful devices that can transmit and
receive data. In fiber optics, data is sent via an optical fiber in the form
of pulses of light. This data travels at very high speeds and across
extremely long distances.
The transceiver is an important part of a fiber optic network because
they are required to transport high levels of data traffic. It can be
plugged into or embedded into another device within a data network
that can send and receive a signal.
There are many different types of optical transceivers, coming in a
variety of shapes and sizes. But before we get into the different types,
first we need to understand what optical transceivers are used for.
What Are Transceivers Used For?
Optical transceivers are a very important part of telecommunications
networks. They allow switches, routers and the whole network to
operate smoothly and efficiently. The modules are used to support
insertion and removal of fiber optic connectors, allowing flexibility in
altering and updating networks.
In the past, optical transceivers have been used for operators’ routers
and transmission systems. As industry standards change and nextgeneration Ethernet products develop, optical transceivers are needed
to meet the long-term technical requirements for future highperformance data centres.
Today, optical transceivers are widely found in wired networking
applications such as Ethernet, Synchronous Optical Networking
(SONET)/Optical Transport Network (OTN), Common Public Radio
Interface (CPRI), InfiniBand and Fibre Channel.
The Different Types of Transceivers
SFP
Small Form Factor Pluggable (SFP) transceivers are used for data
communication applications. Working with a high density of ports, they
are the most popular optical transceiver format. These small devices
plug into a switch slot and connect a single network device to a wide
variety of fiber cable types.
SFPs convert serial electrical signals to serial optical signals, such as
Ethernet, single-mode fiber, SONET and multi-mode fiber. Due to their
compact size and being hot-swappable, these transceivers allow flexible
and easy modifications to networks.
SFP+
SFP+ transceivers are an enhanced version of SFPs. They have the same
size and appearance but SFP+ provides a high-speed serial link at 9.95 to
11.3Gbps signalling rates. SFP+ transceivers carry more data and are
commonly used with Ethernet connections or 10Gbps fiber.
XFP
XFP transceivers have been used since 2002. Still popular in legacy
networks, XFP are high-performance receivers requiring very little power.
XFP modules use a LC fiber connector to achieve higher density.
XFPs can operate over a single wavelength or use dense wavelengthdivision multiplexing techniques. These transceivers can work with
10Gbps connections for SONET, fiber and Ethernet.
QSFP
GSFP stands for Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable. These transceivers
are available with a variety of transmitter and receiver types, meaning
that you can choose the right one to suit your network needs.
Unlike SFPs, QSFP transceivers have four channels to receive and
transmit. This allows for four times faster speeds than SFP modules can
offer. A typical QSFP transceiver supports 40Gbps of data on SONET,
Ethernet, fiber and InfiniBand.
QSFP+
GSFP+ is an evolution of QSFP. Unlike QSFP transceivers which support
four times 1G, GSFP+ supports four times 10G. They are used to connect
switches and routers.
CFP
CSP refers to C form-factor pluggables that transmit high-speed digital
signals. It was designed from the SFP interface but the devices are much
larger in size. This is so the modules can support 100Gbps.
CFP is a high-speed interconnect system primarily used in Wide Area
Network (WAN), Metro, wireless base-stations, video and other
telecommunication network systems. These transceivers ensure fast and
reliable performance with less optical transmission impairments.
Installation Reference Link :
https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/td/docs/interfaces_modules/transcei
ver_modules/installation/note/78_15160.html#pgfId-99061
For more Details Refer to Following:
Websites : www.fs.com.
Youtube : FastCabling.
Links : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C45eew0CpHs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHJ8mBdyCXY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k_G340w060
Evolution Board Reference : ZCU111, ZCU106 ( SFP ).