Which Fiber Optic Cable to Use? [Ultimate 2022 Buying Guide]

You’ve probably heard the name ‘fiber optic’ floating around when it comes to thinking about networks and the internet for your home or office. The cables are argued to be some of the best resources to connect all your digital assets. You may need more information if you’ve considered getting fiber optic installation philadelphia.

This guide will outline how to choose the right one for you in 2022.

What are Fiber Optic Cables?

A fiber optic cable is a network wire made of pieces of glass inside an insulated casing. They provide a modern solution for the demand for faster data transmission over longer distances by reflecting quick communication signals through the super-thin shards.

Today, fiber optic cables make up most of the world’s internet and network cables. That’s because of their effectiveness and efficiency in communication and data transmission. But why do we need them when we had perfectly decent network cables before?

Why Do I Need Fiber Optic Cables?

It’s no secret that the world is becoming increasingly more reliant on the internet for productivity and entertainment. That increased demand for work-related files, movies, games, TV, and more means there’s a lot of data traveling down the cables.

As a result, file sizes are swelling where quality becomes a significant aspect of this data. Homes and offices want their data delivered quickly and without signal loss – that’s where fiber optic cables bridge the gap. Naturally, several companies are now producing them because of the high demand. Not everyone is made to the same standard, though.

So what makes an exemplary fiber optic cable?

What Makes a Good Fiber Optic Cable?

There’s no set-in-stone rule behind what makes a fiber optic cable ‘the best’ per se. Homes and offices will have different needs, and various network lines address them. However, you can consider a couple of factors when choosing to get fiber optic installation allentown pa.

Network Speed

Good fiber optic cables deliver and adapt to your network speed and distance between hubs. You’ll want to choose one that aligns with your needs, like how far the connection points are and the speediness you desire for data delivery.

Connectors

Connectors are the endpoints that terminate the fiber optic cables. You’ll need to choose the right one depending on your application for them, either building a server network or for home media use.

Casing

Casing, or cable jackets, may be necessary to your fiber optic cable for various reasons. Should your network be set up in a commercial or working environment, they will need to follow regulations such as color-coding. At home, it’s ideal to have cables that adhere to safety protocols such as fireproofing. Numerous other factors could affect your choice of fiber optic cable depending on your operation.

However, there’s always advice here in discovering which is best suited. But from a general perspective, what fiber optic cables should be used?

Which Fiber Optic Cables Should I Use?

We can generally break down what fiber optic cables should be used by reviewing the two types available – Multimode Fiber and Singlemode Fiber. Each one is more adaptable to its intended purpose, with more information outlined below.

Multimode Fiber (MMF)

Multimode Fiber cables have wide cores that allow large amounts of data to be carried all at once. Subsequently, these cables are effective in environments where the distance between ports is not too long.

Offices typically benefit from MMF cables the most. The network hubs are usually within a short distance to their end terminals. Businesses can transmit a lot of data at the same time relatively quickly.

Singlemode Fiber (SMF)

Singlemode Fiber cables have smaller cores that facilitate a single path to reach their destination. Retrospectively, that means that the line can’t carry as much data simultaneously. However, the cables help carry data streams over long distances relatively quickly. Homes and complexes would usually invest in these lines where there are generally longer distances between ports.

So if you’re considering fiber optic cables and weighing up which ones to use, we can give you a few reasons more why they’re suitable investments.

Why Invest in Fiber Optic Cables?

There are many advantages to fiber optic cables that make them a rewarding investment for your home or office network. Some of those include:

• Much greater data transmission speeds
• The minor signal loss compared to other network cables
• They don’t get hindered by electric interference
• Fiber optic cables are less hazardous – no risk of electric shock or fire
• The lines are lighter and thinner, making them much easier to install and more aesthetically pleasing

Are you convinced you should be using fiber optic cables yet? Let’s move on to the matter of installation.

How Can I Get Fiber Optic Cables Installed?

Bridgecable is a Philadelphia-based specialist in fiber optic solutions. If you have any queries about which fiber optic cables to use or need assistance installing them, contact them for a helping hand.

Move your home or office into the future, leveraging the benefits of fiber optic cables.