Considering Fiber Optic Cables? Here’s Your Guide to Choosing the Right One!

Fiber optic cables, also known as optical fiber cables, have been in development globally since the 1960s, though they only began to see widespread use in the 1990s with the advent of the internet, connecting nations around the world. To enhance connectivity across entire regions, governments and corporations have worked on installing vast fiber networks to support internet infrastructure.
Today, countless IT service providers worldwide rely on fiber optic cables. If you’re considering implementing them for your business needs, here are some key factors to keep in mind. Use this guide to help you select the best fiber optic cables!
Understanding the Types of Fiber Optic Cables Available
Fiber optic cables consist of five main components: the core, jacket, cladding, coating, and strengthening material. The two primary types of fiber optic cables are:
- Single-Mode Fiber: This type has a very narrow core, around 9 micrometers, allowing only one light mode to pass through. This design reduces reflections as signals travel through the core, resulting in lower attenuation and faster signal transmission.
- Multi-Mode Fiber: Multi-mode cables can carry multiple light modes simultaneously, but with a larger core size, they generally offer lower bandwidth and shorter range than single-mode cables. Multi-mode cables were initially widely used in telecommunications for their lower cost and simpler installation compared to single-mode fibers.
Before installation, it’s essential to consult with your service provider about the cable type suited to your requirements. Besides budget considerations, factors such as speed, distance, and bandwidth should be evaluated to ensure optimal results.
Choose the Best Jacket Material
Just as skin protects our bodies, the jacket of a fiber optic cable safeguards its components and lifespan. Poor-quality jackets are prone to damage, compromising the connection.
Several jacket materials are available:
- Optical Fiber Non-Conductive Riser (OFNR): A standard protective layer that doesn’t contain metal, thus unaffected by electrical currents.
- Optical Fiber Non-Conductive Plenum (OFNP): Made from fire-resistant, heat-resistant materials, OFNP jackets are ideal for high-risk areas like server rooms, data centers, or for applications requiring low-smoke zero-halogen (LSZH) materials.
Choose the Right Connector
If using copper cables like Cat 5, 5E, or 6, the appropriate connector is RJ-45. For fiber optic cables, however, four main connectors are available:
- LC Connectors (the most widely used)
- SC Connectors (twice the size of LC)
- ST Connectors
- MTRJ Connectors (similar installation method to RJ-45).
Fiber optic cables have become the choice of many large companies for establishing their computer networks. Unlike other materials, fiber optics aren’t affected by magnetic fields and pose minimal risk, helping to prevent issues like short circuits or fire hazards.
Additionally, fiber optic cables can handle large data transfers quickly, with modern systems capable of transmitting data at Gigahertz speeds—making them a powerful option for businesses seeking efficient data solutions.