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Some of the primary benefits of using a fiber optic based network infrastructure include: |
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Light by its nature is far more resilient than electricity when it comes to traveling long distances. One needs only to gaze into the night sky to see the light that emanates from sources trillions of miles away elsewhere in the universe. Fiber optics operate under a similar principle. A powerful light source such as a laser coupled with a precision crafted fiber optic cable assembly can drive a signal for several miles without the need for a booster. |
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The theoretical bandwidth limitations of fiber optics are nearly infinite. In fact, present day fiber optic cable technologies are theoretically capable of supporting bandwidths that exceed the capabilities of even the most advanced network devices. Estimates suggest almost 85-90% of the United States’ fiber optic infrastructure is un-used because the bandwidth capability is so vast. |
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10 Gigabit per second data rates are easily supported by the latest generation of fiber optic interconnects. 10 Gigabit data rates over copper are far more difficult to maintain, especially over extended distances. In September of 2006, the Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation laid claim to the speed throne with a 14 terabits per second transmission over a single 100-mile fiber optic line. |
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Fiber optic links are completely invulnerable to electromagnetic interference. Copper links require shielding to protect against EMI/RFI, but even the most intensely shielded systems can still fall victim to major sources of interference. This is why the military often relies on fiber optics for their most critical systems. |
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Maintenance costs are low for fiber optic installations over the long run. Copper has a tendency to oxidize and corrode over time, eventually requiring replacement. The pure glass construction of fiber optic cables does not suffer from this particular problem. |
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Many of today’s fiber technologies will be “future proof” for decades because of its near infinite inherent bandwidth characteristics. Most copper network interfaces such as Cat5e have an average lifespan of 15-20 years before an upgrade is required. Fiber may last a great deal longer. |
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Copper is heavy and often requires considerable support infrastructure. Glass or plastic based fiber is considerably lighter, especially considering the width of the fiber is often no thicker than a human hair. In military and aerospace applications, weight considerations are paramount due to the rising costs of fuel and heavy payloads. |
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Amphenol Cables on Demand features the most comprehensive selection of in-stock fiber optic patch cord assemblies anywhere on the web. This segment will introduce you to the common terminology that is often referred to in the industry. It will also provide a more in depth review of the various cable types offered here at Amphenol and the corresponding applications associated with them. |
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The diagram above represents a cross-sectional view of a Single-Mode fiber optic cable. Please take note of the core and cladding portion of the diagram, as these are the features most often cited by cable manufacturers. The core functions as a “light guide” much like the center conductor of a coaxial cable functions as a “wave guide”. The core is generally constructed of glass, but it can be made of plastic. The cladding surrounds the core and prevents the light from escaping the cable. The cladding functions much like the inflatable bumpers used to help children bowl better. Like a bowling ball in bumper bowling, the light may bounce back and forth off of the cladding, but it will always stay on the overall path. |
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Diagram:
Single Mode vs.
Multi-Mode Fiber |
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There are two main categories of fiber optic cables: Single Mode (abbreviated SM) andMulti-Mode (abbreviated MM).
Single Mode fiber features an extremely narrow core diameter. The light path is so narrow that it only supports a single mode or wavelength of light transmission (a single ray of light). Since the light path is so narrow, there is no room for light pulses to overlap and distort. This reduces signal attenuation and supports extremely long distance installations. Single Mode fiber is almost always signified by its yellow colored jacket. |
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Single Mode Fiber |
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Multi-Mode Fiber |
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Multi-Mode fiber features a much wider core diameter, thus allowing the light pulses to travel down multiple modes or paths down the cable. MM fiber tends to cost less than SM fiber since the thicker cores are easier to terminate. MM fiber is preferred for short to medium distances. Therefore, most premise installations utilize MM fiber, which is often signified by its orange colored jacket. |
