Fiber Optic Installation

Optical Multi-Mode Options

While the Bridge Cable Network Cabling technicians do provide general voice and data cable installations in Allentown, PA, we also provide various services that may not come to mind at first when you are planning your project scope of work. Check out some of our popular alternative services below. Want to learn more? Give us a call today at 877-832-1206!

• • • • • • Epoxy & Polish – While this option may be the lowest cost, it does require some skill to pull off accurately. In addition, the process will take longer than other termination options. At the current moment, this is only available via a single-mode termination.
          • No Epoxy & No Polish – Opposite the epoxy & polish option, this requires little professional skill to pull off accurately. This can also be arguably the shortest termination time, however, once again only offered for single mode.
          • Splice On Connector – For this option, it is recommended to have a skilled professional perform this termination. Luckily, the time taken for this isn’t too long and you can utilize this for both single more or multi-mode fiber optic installation!
          • Fusion Spliced Pigtails – This option is at a higher cost, however, the short amount of time it takes pays off.
    • APC vs. UPC –
      • • • UPC:
            • • Polish Angle: No angle
              • Light Reflection: Any light would then be reflected back to the light source, leading to a lower dB return loss
              • dB Loss Standard: -50 dB
              • Color: Typically blue
          • APC:
            • • Polish Angle: 8-degree angle
              • Light Reflection: Any light would then be reflected back at an angle, leading to a higher dB return loss
              • dB Return Loss Standard: -60dB
    • Modes
      • • • Single Mode
            • • OS1 (Optical Single Mode)
          • Multi-Mode
            • • OM1, OM2, or OM3 (Optical Multi-Mode)
    • Ferrule
      • • • Most ferrules are ceramic, however, some can be made of metal or plastic.
    • Connectors
      • • • FC
            • • A previously popular single mod connector that once used ceramic inside stainless steel ferrules. This connector screws on firmly, however, you have to ensure that the key is aligned in the slot properly before tightening. It’s been mostly replaced by SCs and LCs.
          • LC
            • • Half the size of the SC Connector that typically is a ceramic ferrule connector that is easily terminated with any adhesive.
          • SC
            • • Typically a snap-in connector latches with a simple push-pull motion.
          • ST
            • • This connector has a bayonet mount and a long cylindrical ceramic ferrule to hold the fiber. ST Connectors are spring-loaded so you have to ensure that they are loaded properly.
    • Losses
      • • • Return Loss
            • • When using a laser, a portion of it can bounce back after hitting the end of the fiber optic cable. This is known as Back Reflection and it can cause a few different problems.  Return Loss is the term for how much the end of a cable cuts down on Back Reflection.
          • Insertion Loss
            • • When the laser travels out and into the fiber optic cable, some of it is lost in the transition. The amount that is lost is referred to as Insertion Loss.
    • Pigtail
      • • • A pigtail is a short fiber optic cable that has a pre-installed connector on one end and a length of exposed fiber at the other end. You would then strip the end of the pigtail and then use a fusion splicer to attach to your main fiber optic cable.