FREE SHIPPING on orders OVER $250
Use code SHIP4FREE at checkout
Fast Lead Times | Fast Shipping
Choosing a fiber cable for your installation can sometimes be confusing given all of the choices. In this article, we will attempt to clear up some of the confusion. Basically there are two attributes that you will need to consider and those are “cable material and construction” and “fiber type”. First we will talk about cable material and construction. The types of material and construction include the following:
Category | Fast Ethernet 100BASE-FX | 1 Gb (1000 Mb) Ethernet 1000BASE-SX | 10 Gb Ethernet 10GBASE-SR | 40 Gb Ethernet 40GBASE-SR4 | 100 Gb Ethernet 100GBASE-SR10 |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
OM1 (62.5/125) | 2000 m | 220 m | 33m | Not supported | Not supported |
OM2 (50/125) |
550 m
(mode-conditioning patch cord required over 300m) |
82m | Not supported | Not supported | |
OM3 (50/125) (Laser Optimized) | 300m | 100m (330m) | 100m | ||
OM4 (50/125) (Laser Optimized) | 400m | 150m (550m) | 150m |
* NOTE: Check with equipment manufacturers to verify the above distances and speeds.
OM3 will become the cable of choice for those who seek to run 10 Gb Ethernet either now or in the near future. OM3 will soon be the most popular Multimode choice especially for Data Centers. OM3 typically has an aqua color jacket.
OM4 will be the cable of choice for Data Centers due to its ability to run 100 Gb at greater distances. OM4 typically has an aqua color jacket.
Use OM1 only to extend existing fiber runs. Otherwise use a minimum of OM2.
OM1 is 62.5/125 and OM2 is 50/125. The 50/125 core of OM2 has a higher bandwidth capacity.
If you wish to run a 10 Gb network now or in the future, choose OM3.
Choosing a fiber type is normally dictated by the equipment that you wish to use. For example, if you choose media converters that are designed for distances on 15 Km or greater, they would be Singlemode. You would then choose and install Singlemode fiber to connect the equipment.
OM 4 just like OM2 & 3, has a 50 micron core. OM4 has a laser optimized core (like OM3) and is rated for higher distances than OM3. Few users need the extra distance so it is not a popular choice.
The answer depends on your anticipated future needs. Most people get at least 2 or more extra pairs.
It is OK to use a 2 strand assembly like a long patch cord and go straight into the equipment. However it would not be advisable with any strand count higher than two. The reason is because the unused strands would be hanging down in a sloppy fashion. If you have a strand count higher than two, we recommend a fiber termination box. The termination box is easy to install and makes for a much more professional installation (even if all of the strands were used).
If you are installing it in a conduit, PVC Riser rated cable is ok to use in a plenum space.
Fiber Optic cabling has a very small difference in price for PVC verses plenum comparing it to copper cable. By stocking only one cable type, we are able to sell it at the same cost as non-plenum cable.
Yes, installing the cable in a conduit would serve the same purpose as installing Interlocking Armor cable. The installation of the Interlocking Armor cable would be much easier. In either case, the fiber optic cable would be protected from the harshest environments and be relatively safe from accidental cutting.
MTP systems use a single head to terminate 12 fibers. In a typical installation, the 12 fiber connector plugs into a cassette that breaks out the 12 fibers to traditional LC or SC connectors. Because of its high density, it is very popular in data centers. The MTP assembly is not expensive but the cassettes are somewhat. If high density is not important to you than you would be better off with traditional Pre-Terminated fiber assemblies.
The most common reason would be the polarity. Be sure to swap the polarity on one side only so that the transmit of one unit connects to the receive of the other unit and vice-versa. If you are unsure, just reverse the polarity. If the pull was difficult and a lot of force was required to pull in the cable, it is possible that one or more fibers, or connectors may have broken. Multimode fiber can be checked by shining a flashlight into one of the connectors (one at a time) and seeing if it comes through on the other side. If you have Singlemode fiber than you will need to use a VFL (visual fault locator) to check continuity. Another cause for failure can be dirty connectors which can become contaminated during the installation. Be sure to use fiber cleaning systems that are designed for the purpose.