Fiber Optic Cable Buying Guide

Choosing single-mode or multimode fiber for high-performance data networking and telecommunications

The advantages of fiber optic cables, such as rapid data transmission, reduced weight and size, and extended signal reach, make them an excellent choice for corporate data networks and telecommunication systems.

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This buying guide will help you:

• Understand what fiber optic cable is and recognize key features
• Learn the important questions to ask before selecting fiber optic cable
• Find the right type of fiber optic cable for your network
• Compare the different types of optical fiber cable available

How to Choose Fiber Optic Cable

Selecting the appropriate fiber optic cable can be challenging due to the diverse types, various performance characteristics, and specific installation prerequisites. Begin with evaluating these critical factors:

• Distance
• Network Speed
• Cable Jacket
• Connectors

In evaluating costs and planning for future needs, additional specifications will depend on your unique application demands. For any assistance with determining requirements or selecting custom or pre-terminated fiber cables, feel free to reach out to us.

Network Speed and Distance

Historically, multimode fiber (MMF) was the default selection for data centers and corporate networks due to its lower cost compared to single-mode fiber (SMF). However, the price difference has narrowed recently. For instance, a 3-meter LC-to-LC duplex SMF cable may cost only a dollar more than its MMF counterpart.

Rather than fixating on the choice between single-mode and multimode, it's important to emphasize connection distance and network speed based on the overall network framework. If your objective is to transfer substantial amounts of data over short distances (under 300 meters), OM3 MMF is likely your best option. Conversely, for requirements emphasizing data transmission speed or longer distances, SMF becomes the more suitable choice. Note that the range of MMF depends on its OM designation.

Refer to Table 2 for information on Fiber Optic Cable Speeds and Lengths as a reference.

Cable Jacket

All indoor fiber optic cables must comply with local fire safety regulations. In the United States, the National Electric Code (NEC) Article 770 sets forth the necessary fire ratings and jacket identifications. Ensure that any cable running through risers or plenum spaces is rated accordingly.

Beyond fire ratings, consider other attributes of the cable jacket, such as its flexibility and durability under tensile stress. For more insights regarding jacket materials and fire ratings, refer to Fiber Optic Cable Jackets.

Connectors

Termination methods for fiber optic cables are typically determined by the ports on your networking devices. For instance, if your 10G Ethernet switch features multi-fiber MTP ports, you'll need cables matching the required fiber count.

If you're choosing cables for a 40G or 100G application, explore Active Optical Cables (AOCs) as they combine the optical fiber cable with transceivers, thus bypassing the need for connectors altogether.

Application Starting Points

I need a custom cable. What are the next steps?
Eaton offers tailored solutions that help streamline installations and save costs. Use our straightforward order form to specify the fiber cable solution you require.

Ask Eaton:

Optimizing Optical Fiber Networks

Fiber Optic Cable Basics

What is a Fiber Optic Cable?
A fiber optic cable is a conduit that utilizes light to relay data across vast distances. The design includes a core of glass or plastic encased by protective layers, such as cladding. The core is where data is transmitted in the form of light signals, while the cladding aids in confining the light within the core. Additional protective elements safeguard the sensitive fiber optic core against damage.

Utilizations of fiber optic cables are varied and include telecoms, internet services, and cable television. Their benefits include higher transmission speeds, resistance to electromagnetic interference (EMI), and a capacity for data transmission over longer distances compared to traditional copper cables. Additionally, they offer greater durability and resistance to damage.

Fiber optic cables come in various forms, notably including single-mode and multimode variants, adaptable to different network frameworks like point-to-point, ring, or star configurations. Given the growing demand for enhanced and reliable wide area network connections, fiber optic cables are becoming increasingly crucial.

Core - At the center of fiber optic cables resides a narrow glass tube called the core, which carries light pulses produced by lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Single-mode fibers commonly have cores sized at 8.3 or 9 microns, while multimode fibers have cores of 50 and 62.5 microns.

Cladding - This is a thin glass layer that encircles the fiber core, reflecting light back into the core, facilitating its travel along the fiber.

Primary Coating - Known as the primary buffer, this thicker plastic layer protects the fiber from shocks, prevents excessive bending, and reinforces the core.

Strength Member or Strengthening Fibers - This component, which may include gel-filled sleeves or Kevlar strands, is designed to shield the fiber core from tension and crushing forces during installation.

Outer Jacket - The outer jacket provides an outer layer of protection for the core conductor and enhances the cable's resilience. Jacket colors help identify the type of optical fiber used—yellow for single-mode fiber, orange for multimode fiber, and more. Furthermore, different fire ratings (e.g., OFNR, OFNP, LSZH) accompany cable jackets.