Applications

As the popularity of optical fibers continue to grow, so does their applications and practical uses. Fiber optic cables became more and more popular in a variety of industries and applications.

1. Communications / Data Storage
2. Mechanical or Industrial
3. Networking
4. Internet and telecommunications
5. Automotive Industry

Fiber optics are the best choice for businesses requiring long distance cabling and high bandwidths, as it’s reliable and can support future growth.

 Few more Advantages are:

1. fiber-optics are replacing copper wire as an appropriate means of communication signal transmission
2. Support of higher bandwidth capacities.
3. Light can travel further without needing as much of a signal boost.
4. They are less susceptible to interference, such as electromagnetic interference.
5. They can be submerged in water- fiber optics are used in more at-risk environments like undersea cables.
6. They do not need to be maintained or replaced as frequently.

Optical fibers come in two types:

Single  Mode

Single-mode fiber is used for longer distances due to the smaller diameter of the glass fiber core, which lessens the possibility for attenuation — the reduction in signal strength.

The smaller opening isolates the light into a single beam, which offers a more direct route and allows the signal to travel a longer distance.

Single-mode fiber also has a considerably higher bandwidth than multimode fiber.

-mode fibers

Multi-mode

Multimode fiber is used for shorter distances because the larger core opening allows light signals to bounce and reflect more along the way.

The larger diameter permits multiple light pulses to be sent through the cable at one time, which results in more data transmission.

there is more possibility for signal loss, reduction or interference,

Some of the common connector types are listed below:

Bionic Connector

Standard Connector (SC)

Ferrule Core Connector (FC)

ST Connector (ST)

SMA Connector

Lucent Connector (LC)

Plastic Fiber Optic Cable Connectors

Enterprise Systems Connection Connector (ESCON)

Fiber Distributed Data Interface Connector (FDDI)

Opti-Jack Connector

LX-5 Connector

Volition Connector

MT-RJ Connector

MU Connector

MT Connector

E2000 Connector

Few common are

LC Connectors

9/125um,50/125um, and 62.5/125um

Simplex and Duplex

SC Connectors

9/125um,50/125um, and 62.5/125um

Simplex and Duplex

ST Connectors

9/125um,50/125um, and 62.5/125um

Simplex and Duplex

Fiber optic testers include tools and equipment to perform

1. basic inspection and cleaning,
2. basic troubleshooting and verification testers,
3. certification testers
4. advanced OTDR testers

Certification of new fiber optic cabling per IEEE, TIA/EIA, or ISO/IEC standards is necessary to ensure that the link will run the intended application.

certification includes two parts

Tier 1 Basic Test Regimen

ofiber optic cabling certification is performed with a power meter and light source or optical loss test set such as the CertiFiber Pro to measure the absolute loss of the link and compare it to the limits in the standard.

Tier 2 or Extended Test Regimen.

fiber optic cabling certification and troubleshooting can be performed with an OTDR such as the OptiFiber Pro OTDR.

Fiber Cable Hardware and other factors

For every installation, a complete materials list must be created listing each component needed and quantities required. This list will be used by the installation crew, but first it will be used to estimate the cost of the project. Optic

1. Product line consists of fiber optic cable, optical connectivity, fusion splicers, and test equipment, as well as fiber management systems, closures, and accessories.
2. Zero Tolerance for Dirt ,With fiber optics, our tolerance to dirt is near zero. Dirt on connectors is the biggest cause of scratches on polished connectors and high loss measurements
3. For Outside Plant Cable Installation , Protect exposed cables from vehicular and pedestrian traffic.
4. For underground installations, pull long cables from the center of the run. Store excess cable in vaults or manholes, and identify optical cables with markers.

Buried in a new or existing conduit.

Plowed in using special machinery.

Put in using directional boring.

Buried directly in a trench/micro-trench.

Blown into already buried ducts.

Buried underwater.

5. For Aerial installation Use of proper hardware that matches cable type, as well as span and tension requirements. Use the correct cable jacket.
6. For Buried cable installations, Identify cable locations with surface markers. Anticipate obstructions.

There is no question that fiber optic communication is our future.Fiber optic networks are going to grow significantly in the next few years.The fiber optic cable market is expected to witness growth, registering a CAGR of 12.26% during the forecast period of 2019-2024.

Effectively design and deploy bandwidth-rich networks for major types of data traffic. Covering both short-reach and long-haul networks, is important to plan in advance..

The major benefit of fiber optic cable is the increased security option that cannot be tapped with the traditional copper cable.

Planning The Route and other factors

every installation will be unique. The actual placement of the cable plant will be determined by the physical locations along the route, local building codes or laws and other individuals involved in the designs.

Need to consider routing of cable trays and conduits, availability of adequate conditioned power and separate data grounds, sufficient air-conditioning and other needs of the network

Aerial installations go from pole to pole, but the method of securing cables can vary depending on the situation.

Underground cables are generally installed in conduit which is usually a 4 inch (10 cm) conduit with several innerducts for pulling cables. Here cables are designed for high pulling tension and lubricants are used to reduce friction on longer pulls.