Fiber Cabling 101
Fiber Cabling in simple terms?
Fiber optic cable is a superior data transmission method when compare to other methods such as copper, but what is fiber optic cable? Fiber optic cable derives its superior data transmission capabilities from its key components. Rather than inefficient copper, fiber cable is made from spun, highly refined glass.
The method for its manufacturer involves heating glass to a minimum of 3,000 degrees and spinning thin, hair-width strands off at 66 feet per second. Data is transmitted through this glass cable in the form of light. This increases the speed in which data can be transmitted while also reduces the potential for data loss. In order for this to take place, the fiber itself must be highly reflective. All glass fiber passes through coating cups and ultraviolet ovens to increase its reflectivity.
Advantages of Using Fiber Cabling?
High Bandwidth
There is no other data transmission medium that can come close to matching the amount of data that can be transmitted using fiber optic cable.
Easy to Update
Fiber optic cable does not have to be ripped out and reinstalled as technology increases. The cable will work with new technology as easily as it works with older technology. In fact, with a few modifications the level of data that can be transmitted through existing fiber cable can be greatly increased.
Secure Transmission
Fiber optic cable is immune to electromagnetic interference. Because fiber optics use light as a data transmission medium, there is no chance that transmissions can be “eavesdropped” on. This is not the case with electron based data transmission mediums like copper.
Easy to Diagnose
Diagnosing a break in the line with an electron-based medium can be a difficult process. The inefficiency of the medium makes the process of pinpointing a break in the line extremely difficult. With fiber cable, this process is remarkably easy. By closely monitoring the time it takes data to travel from one point to another, it is possible to quickly diagnose a problem and determine exactly where the break has occurred.
Disadvantages of Using Fiber Cabling?
Cost of Installation
Though the cost of installing fiber cable has decreased steadily each year, it is still more expensive than electron based options like copper cable.
Fiber Optic Cable is Fragile
Fiber cable is made from spun glass, and glass is breakable. No matter how thin the strand, it is still glass. Cable can be damaged during installation in the home or business, or it can be damaged in subsequent renovations or repairs. If the cable is run over long distances out of doors, wildlife and plants can also damage the fragile cable.
Is Fiber Cabling the Future?
Fiber cable is set to continue to expand to other markets. Once the purview of large institutional facilities and corporate offices, it is now finding its way into homes and small businesses. Because it is easy to update cable without replacing it, this bodes well for the future of fiber cable as a data transmission system.
What do look for when hiring a Fiber Cabling professional installer?
The installation of fiber optic cable is a specialized skill that requires specialized equipment and training. When hiring a fiber optic installer, beyond the basic traits such as professionalism, cleanliness, and a courteous manner, they should possess the proper certifications and expertise to install fiber optic cable. Those interested in hiring a contractor to install their fiber optic cable should not hesitate to ask for copies of certifications and references.
