Indoor Duplex Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber optic cables are the backbone of modern communication networks, transmitting vast amounts of data at lightning speeds. However, not all fiber-optic cables are created equal.
Simplex fiber cables only carry one tight-buffered optical fiber for one-way data transmission. They are simple to install and highly resistant to interference.
These cables are often used with LC simplex single-mode WDM Mux/DeMux and OADMs to combine or separate wavelengths. They are also ideal for short “patch cord” connections between equipment.
Types
Fiber optic cables, from the outside, look similar to other types of cabling. The color of the cable, or its jacket, often denotes what type it is. For example, orange cable means it is multimode and yellow cable indicates single mode. These different colors make it easy to identify fiber optic cables when laying them up or taking them out of service.
There are many different indoor fiber cable types. Simplex cables use one fiber for a single-direction data transmission, but duplex cables integrate two separate fibers into a consolidated cable for simultaneous bidirectional transfer. Duplex cables also work with wavelength division multiplexing (WDM), indoor-duplex-fiber-optic-cables which encodes several data streams onto the same core using different optical frequencies.
WDM helps increase bandwidth on existing infrastructure, but it doesn’t deliver the high-speed transfer rates necessary for applications like videoconferencing and IoT. Multimode duplex cables provide a faster connection over short distances than simplex fibers, and they’re ideal for delivering high-speed data to endpoint devices.
Single-mode and multimode cables with a central tube design help you navigate tight indoor spaces. In a uni-tube cable, individual optical fibers reside in a central buffer tube filled with water-blocking gel or powder to avoid moisture damage. This central tube design makes these cables very flexible, and it’s a good option for horizontal floor runs with lots of bends.
Applications
More and more AV projects are being wired with fiber optic cables to future-proof installations and provide higher bandwidth, faster speed network and video signal distribution. This is particularly true for larger installations where the AV signals extend across long distances. Using fiber-based systems, it is possible to easily exceed the 100m / 330ft limit of traditional twisted pair wiring and improve signal immunity to static, surges and lightning.
AV cable applications for optical fiber include simplex and duplex fiber patch cords, breakout cables, riser and plenum rated cables. A tight buffer design with aramid and/or non-metallic strength members, coupled with gel-filled loose tubes, allows these cables to expand and contract without damage, as well as withstand the stress of bending and other installation challenges.
The strands of a duplex cable are joined together to provide two channels for bidirectional transmission of data. This design also eliminates the need for a repeater, making it more efficient and economical than a standard twisted pair based solution.
American Tele Data ech Supply offers breakout cable with up to 432 fibers in a single cable! This multi-stranded breakout cable is a cost-effective way to connect your equipment rooms, floor or ceilings. The breakout cable is made up of several simplex cables bundled into one unit, which requires less labor to terminate and saves you time and money!
Materials
There are a variety of materials used to manufacture fiber optic cables. These include silica fibers, which are commonly used for their low signal attenuation and high data transfer speeds. They can also be doped with other elements, such as erbium or thulium, to boost their performance in certain applications, including laser technology and optical amplifiers. These special elements are known as cladding materials, which help to protect and strengthen the optical core of the cable.
These cladding materials are surrounded by the tight buffered optical fibers, which are then covered with aramid yarn and a PVC outer jacket that most often looks like a zip cord. The aramid yarn offers protection from mechanical damage, while the PVC provides resistance to pressure and corrosion. These cables are available in both plenum and riser rated jackets. Armored cables offer extra protection and are ideal for installations that might be exposed to rodent activity.
CommScope’s line of indoor optical cables includes both single-mode and multimode options. The central tube design of these cables makes them versatile and easy to install. They’re also available in both armored and non-armored formats, with the armored cables providing superior tensile strength, size and weight.
Some of the most popular options include the OM2 ST to ST Indoor/Outdoor 50/125 Multimode Duplex Fiber Patch Cables and the OM4 LC to SC Indoor/Outdoor 10 Gigabit LC to LC Fiber Optic Riser Cable. Each option comes with 18” of 3.0mm orange colored, LSZH insulated, tight buffered singlemode or multimode optical fiber, and terminated with sturdy stainless steel ST connectors for a secure, reliable connection to your network equipment.
Installation
The installation of indoor fiber cables requires proper planning and execution. This can eliminate many potential problems, including cable damage or failure to meet system specifications. A detailed plan should include cable specifications and locations, required equipment and personnel. Cable routes should avoid sharp turns and snags that can damage the cable or cause bend radius violations. optical-fiber-identifiers Cables should be secured in trays whenever possible, and the trays should be inspected for tightness and rough surfaces that could damage or snag the cable.
If cable trays are not used, fiber-optic cables should be routed in conduits or trunk lines. The conduits should be inspected for looseness and rodent penetration. The cable should also be swept to remove any debris that might be hanging from the conduit. Cables in conduits should be supported by cable ties or straps to avoid kinking. If a cable is intended for vertical use, a wire mesh grip or split wire-mesh grommet should be used to prevent crushing of the core.
When assembling duplex-fiber connections, make sure that the transmit and receive sides are clearly identified. Attempting to connect the wrong sides will cause a loss of service and may require a costly rework of the entire cabling plant. To prevent this, check the polarity of each connection with an inexpensive tool such as a FiberLert live-fiber-detector.
