Fibre Optic Cable Selection and Installation

The use of Fibre optic cabling is increasing as systems demand higher bandwith and performance and their Inherent properties for intrinsically safety control communication. The correct cable selection is vital from the start to meet both performance and enviromental requirements.

Our clients can expect expert advice in the best fibre optic cabling or fibre optic network solution to meet their current and future needs. When selecting the correct cable for any installation the first question should be the fibre type. This will be dependent upon the transmission distance required and the bandwidth, i.e. 1Gb or 10Gb Ethernet.

The first step is to discuss the required use of the fibre optic cable and provide us with any project specification. Our fibre optic engineers will evalaute the information and begin to draw up a proposal and arrange a site survey if required. Once an agreed fibre optic cable solution is agreed then a full proposal and quotation will be submitted.

The final step is that once the proposal is agreed and a purchase order in place the installation team will attend the site and install the fibre optic cable or fibre optic network and all required equipment such as fibre optic patch panels. The fibre optic cable will be fusion spliced onto pigtails to the required fibre optic terminal connector type e.g. ST, SC. The fibre optic cabling is then fully tested with a OTDR and full test results provided to insure that the fibre optic cable is going to provide optimum performance.

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What Mode of Fibre Optic Cabling do I need?

Multi mo Multi modde or Single mode fibre optic cable is the most important choice which is driven by the transmission distance you require.

Multi mode fiber optic cable has a relatively large light carrying core, usually 62.5 microns or larger in diameter. It is usually used for short distance transmissions with LED based fiber optic equipment. Single-mode fiber optic cable has a small light carrying core of 8 to 10 microns in diameter. It is normally used for long distance fibre optic transmissions with laser diode based fiber optic transmission equipment.

Distance Guide

OS1 Single Mode fibre optic cable for public network or long distance

OM1 62.5/125 Multi mode fibre optic cable 1000mbps upto 280m

OM2 50/125 Multi mode fibre optic cable 1000mbps upto 550m

OM3 50/125 Multi mode fibre optic cable 1000mbps upto 800m

OM3 50/125 Multi mode fibre optic cable 10,000mbps (10gig) up to 300m

OM4 50/125 Multi mode fibre optic cable 10,000mbps (10gig) upto 550m

The above is for guidance purposes only.

Mode How Many Optical Fibres Are Required?

This should take into account future demand and allow an element of redundancy. The cost of installation and associated down time will generally outweigh the cost of additional fibre on day one.

Additionally, good practice should be taken into consideration. A large high fibre count cable carrying the majority of a company’s data generates a larger risk than several lower fibre count cables should any cable damage occur.

What Type of Fibre Optic Cable is Required?

The prime function of the cable is to provide a safe path for the fibre during and post installation. There are a wide variety of cable types to choose from depending on how and where the cable is to be installed.

The main Fibre Optic Cable types and their intended usage are listed below:

Universal Cables – designed for both internal and external use. They have a Low Smoke Halogen Free (LSHF) compound sheath that reduces the emission of toxic fumes and reduces the spread of fire
Outdoor Cables – designed for external use only and have a low density polyethylene sheath that makes them lighter that the equivalent LSHF version. This makes them more suitable for longer pulled runs.
Breakout and Patch Cables – these are generally installed within equipment rooms as rack to rack links.
Loose Tube Cables – provide higher fibre counts and can generally be installed as building or campus links.
Tight Buffered-Is suitable for use in internal and external environments
SWA (Steel Wired Armoured)- Providing rodent proof protection with a steel wire armour covering the cable
CST (Corrugated Steel Tape)- Suitable for direct burial into a trench is also rodent proof a cost effective solution against SWA