Fiber cables form one of the most important parts of the networking industry today. Fiber cables are composed of one or more transparent optical fibers enclosed in a protective covering and strength members. Fiber cables are used to transmit data by the mode of light. Various types of fiber cables available are multimode duplex fiber cables, single mode simplex fiber cables, single mode duplex fiber cables, and plastic optical fiber cables.
Fiber cables comes in different types based on their usage patterns as well. The zip cord and simplex fiber cables refer to those used for desktop connections. Simplex fiber cables are one fiber, tight-buffered and jacketed. A zip cord is actually two simplex fiber cables joined by a thin web. On the other hand fiber cables made of several simplex cables are breakout fiber cables. This type of fiber cables is strong, rugged and larger. They are also a bit expensive but prove to be economic where distances are not too long and fiber count required is less.
Small fiber cables required for dry conduit
run, riser or plenum are known as a distribution fiber cables that needs a
breakout –box to be broken up or terminated in a panel box. They contain
several tight-buffered fibers bundled under same jacket.
Aerial fiber cables are good enough for
outside installation where as armored fiber cables are used for under-ground
wiring where rodents are a problem. These fiber cables have metal armoring
between two jackets to prevent rodents from tampering the cabling connections.
Loose tube fiber cables are perfect for
plant trunk applications to prevent fibers from moisture or water. They can be
buried directly in ground but must be handled carefully to prevent damage.
Ribbon fiber cables have twelve or more fiber cables packed together laid in a
rows. They are also a plant fiber cables which are gel-filled and are good for
water blocking.
All fiber cable manufacturers manufacture
different fiber cables but their product literatures should be carefully
studied so as to assess which type of fiber cables they specialize in.