Fiber Optic Cables

Specification Cable Type
10BaseT UTP
10Base2 Thin Coaxial
10Base5 Thick Coaxial
100BaseT UTP
100BaseFX Fiber Optic
100BaseBX Singlemode Fiber
100BaseSX Multimode Fiber
1000BaseT UTP
1000BaseFX Fiber Optic
1000BaseBX Singlemode Fiber
1000BaseSX Multimode Fiber

Fiber optic cabling sets itself apart from traditional cabling in that instead of a copper core or twisted copper wires, it uses a glass core to transmit light signals instead of electronic signals, thus eliminating the problem of electrical interference. It's ideal for environments that have large amounts of electrical interference, and has been made standard for interconnecting buildings as well as Municipality Area Networks (MANs) and Wide Area Networks (WANs). Due to it transmitting light instead of an electrical current, it can carry data at much faster speeds over much farther distances, however due to it being more brittle it is harder to install and modify.

Fiber optic cables come in two different types: singlemode and multimode. The chief difference between the two types is the diameter of the glass core of the cable. Singlemode fiber has a core diameter of about 8-10 microns and has only a single mode of transmission through which only one node will propagate 1310 to 1550 nanometers. Singlemode fiber will certainly give you more distance, however multimode will give you much more speed. Multimode fiber have a core diameter with the 50-100 micron range and can propagate 850-1300 nanometers. Runs of multimode fiber longer than 3000 feet can cause signal distortion at the receiving end due to multiple paths of light intersecting.

Fiber Optic Cable
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Whether singlemode or multimode fiber optic cables, they share the same basic make-up of materials. The center core is made from glass or plastic fibers, coated in plastic to cushion the fibers, and strengthened with kevlar fibers to help prevent breakage. The outer insulation is made up of teflon or PVC.