Fiber Optic Installation – Allentown, PA
Fiber Optic Installation – Allentown, PA
The Bridge Cable team has multiple fiber optic installation specialists on board for any fiber project that you are in need of.
Our expert team understands which options are best for you and your environment.
Single Mode Vs. Multi-Mode Fiber Optic Installation
As the name suggests, when using a single-mode fiber optic cabling, this only allows one light mode to pass versus the multiple modes in a multi-mode fiber optic cable. Other than maybe an obvious difference based on the names themselves, a multi-mode fiber optic cable has a larger core, no matter the multi-mode cable option (see below).
One of the biggest differences and a factor that needs to be highly considered before the start of the fiber optic installation project are the distances in which your bandwidth can go. Due to the fact that a single-mode fiber optic installation only has one mode passing through, it can be utilized at a longer distance with less signal loss than if you were to choose the multi-mode option.
Fiber Optic Tools
When coming in contact with fiber optic cables, you will also come in contact with multiple tools that will assist you in your installation.
Check out some of the Bridge Cable team’s favorite go to’s!
A handheld mechanism used during the termination process that ensures that force is transferred to the connector itself as opposed to the fiber optic glass.
Coming with multiple options, a cleaver allows you to cut a freshly stripped fiber optic cable in a straight fashion.
A machine that will take two ends of cleaned a cleaved fiber optic cable and fuse or weld the two ends to create one unified cable.
**Check out this exclusive step-by-step tutorial on using a fusion splicer.
A FLUKE Networks product that allows you to test your installed fiber optic cables. This is one of the most useful and important tools for fiber optic installation.
Optical Multi-Mode Options
Jacket: Typically orange
Gigabit Ethernet Support: 10GB up to 33 meters
Note: The only core diameter that isn’t 50 micrometers but 62.5 instead
Jacket: Typically orange
Gigabit Ethernet Support: 10GB up to 82 meters
Jacket: Typically aqua
Gigabit Ethernet Support: 10GB up to 300 meters
Jacket: Typically aqua
Gigabit Ethernet Support: 10GB up to 550 meters
Jacket: Typically lime green
Gigabit Ethernet Support: 10GB up to 550 meters
Note: Due to it being designed for 40GB/s & 100GB/s transmission, it reduces the fiber counts for high speed transmissions
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Fiber Optic Cabling Fun Facts
Décor Feng Shui
When installing fiber optic cabling in a residential space, or even in an office space, visual presentation means a lot to the customer. While this should be a factor in all projects, for fiber optic cabling, we recommend using the InvisiLight MDU Solution due to the fact that it is less prominent in areas that may have a lot of high foot traffic or guests. All in all, it is very easy on the eyes and the décor!
Termination Terminology
Below are a few options when it comes to terminations for a fiber optic cable but are not limited to:
- 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.
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