Cabling, network cabling, cable Installations

Fiber Optic Cabling for Your Business – Part 2

14 Oct 2017

Fiber Optic Advantages


Cabling, network cabling, cable InstallationsAs discussed in Part 1, fiber cables provide a number of advantages that make them superior to copper cables. This includes longer distance effectiveness, greater bandwidth capacity, resistance to electromagnetic interference, safer usage, and stronger security. Part 2 will discuss how fiber optic functions, its two main types, and fiber networks.



How Fiber Optic Cables Function


Fiber optic cables transmit data through the generation of pulses of light by light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or lasers. A fiber optic cable is composed of either a single strand or several strands of glass, each measuring slightly thicker than human hair.


The core is located in every filament’s center, and it is where light travels. Covered by cladding made of a glass layer, the core is able to reflect light inward, preventing signal loss and letting light travel through the cable’s bends.



Two Main Types


There are two main types of fiber optic cabling, single mode and multimode. Using extremely thin glass filaments, single mode fiber optic uses a laser to generate pulses of light, while multimode utilizes LEDs.


By utilizing the technique of Wave Division Multiplexing (WDM), single mode fiber networks raise the volume of data traffic transmitted over a filament. Combining light at various wavelengths is termed multiplexing, while separating them is called de-multiplexing. Thus, several streams of communication can be transmitted on a single pulse of light.



Fiber Networks


The installation of the majority of fiber cabling is intended to support long distance connections between national and international geographical locations. However, a number of internet service providers (ISPs) have made investments in the expansion of fiber to provide direct access to homes in suburban neighborhoods. These are termed "last mile" installations.


FTTH (Fiber to the Home) services, such as Google Fiber and Verizon FIOS, are becoming more common. They can provide homes with gigabit (1 Gbps) internet speeds. Direct fiber cabling runs directly from a main office to a single client, providing maximum bandwidth. In contrast, shared fiber cabling is ultimately distributed among several groups of users who are in close proximity.



Progressive Office Cabling


Founded in 1986, Progressive Office’s success has been a direct result of years of commitment to seeking solutions on behalf of our clients in the Washington, D.C. and New York City areas. Efficiently working together, Progressive teams get cabling installed and operating as fast as possible while minimizing disruption and downtime. Call our toll free number (800) 614-4560 today.

Data Cabling, Fiber optic cable

Fiber Optic Cabling for PC Networks

17 Apr 2015

Data Cabling, Fiber optic cableIt is not easy to install fiber optic cables for computer networks. Fiber optic cabling components consist of the core, buffer, cladding, and jacket. Some cables also have copper conductors to provide power for repeaters. Nonetheless, installation should only be performed by experts. The first step is to determine the cable that you want to use. The second is to learn the procedures of fiber optic cable installation.



Varieties of Fiber Optic Cables


Multi-mode fiber optic cable is meant for short distances or a maximum of 1,800 feet. It can transfer 10 gigabits of data per second. The single-mode fiber optic cable costs more. Yet, it has the capacity to convey the same 10 gigabits up to 37 miles. The first option is recommended for residences and small offices since there is really no need to cover such long distances.


How do you begin an installation? Prepare the switches and devices for the office PCs as well as at the faceplate for your future fiber solution. Connect the computer cable to the outlet and hubs/routers to the desktop. Attach a fiber optic cable to the router and hook it up to the second computer (if there is one). The cable must not be too tight so you can unplug it without difficulty. Secure the cables properly. Rather than replacing the existing 10BaseT network card. Leave it installed and install a new separate fiber network adapter. That will help make the transition is smoother.


You will need a media converter for devices without fiber optic outlets. It transforms light pulses into low voltage data. Plug the computer into the network using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) adapter and an Ethernet cable. Connect the workstation without the fiber optic outlet into your converter. Now, you can turn on all apparatus linked to the network.



Upkeep Techniques


Minimal maintenance is required for household networks. Simply make sure that cables are not damaged or disconnected. Cables should be bundled neatly to prevent damage. Keep these out of the reach of youngsters and pets. Puppies love to chew cables! Fiber optic cable speeds can be degraded by dust, scratches and humidity. Try to buy a cheap laser pointer to check if your cables are functioning efficiently. Position the laser at one edge of the cable and find out if the other point lights up. If it lights, the cable conducts light well. Otherwise, it is time to clean or replace the fiber optic cable. Also check your outdoor cables often since they are more susceptible to damage.


Fiber optics provide much higher speed and clear data signals compared to conventional copper cabling. Indeed, fiber optics is a terrific solution if you need more speed to your Server or for your Internet apps. And even though the cost is quite high, you are assured of a high value for your investment.

Data Cabling, Fiber optic cable

About Fiber Optic Cabling

3 Apr 2014

Data Cabling, Fiber optic cableAn efficient cabling system is one of the prerequisites for a functional network and is considered to be an investment that will comply with your networking needs in the long term. Fiber optic cabling is the product of modern technology. This type of cabling conveys information from one location to another through pulses of light in an optical fiber. It is important for users to learn the advantages of fiber optics.


Fiber optic cables possess more bandwidth, or communications capacity, compared to metal and copper wires. This variety can transmit more information with greater reliability, which is one of the reasons for cable television and telephone providers to opt for fiber. The optical fiber also generates minimal power loss, thereby allowing longer transmission. Such cables are resistant against electromagnetic interference; they can operate in loud electrical environments because the interference does not have any effect on fiber cables.


Moreover, data moves at higher speeds since the fiber optic signal ensures that only a small amount of signal is lost in the course of transmission. Data is safe with fiber cables. It does not give off signals and is relatively hard to utilize. You will easily find out if the cable has been tapped or infringement has been made on the system, as this tampering causes the cable to give away light and causes the whole system to break down. Fiber optic cabling allows users to store electronics and hardware in a particular area rather than wiring cabinets with equipment.


Fiber optic cabling facilitates consistent transmission of data. The central part is fabricated from glass, an insulator, so that electricity cannot pass through. It is barely affected by ebb and flow of temperature, unlike copper, and can be immersed in water without any negative effects. Fiber optic is lightweight and thread like, but tougher than copper wiring. Specifications are a lot more than the copper cable. Although it is more difficult to terminate compared to copper, modern connectors make it easier to terminate.


The costs of fiber as well as other components are decreasing gradually but installation is more costly. Of course, fiber is more expensive than copper but it become more cost-effective in the long run due to less required maintenance, networking and downtime.


Practical users value their money. There may be certain downsides, such as installation expenses, but these are decreasing steadily each year. Fibers are also prone to damages because of the fine and smaller strands. Nevertheless, you can always institute safeguards that will address these points. Make it a point to determine the benefits of using fiber optic cabling.  Install the highest quality of optic fiber cabling that your financial resources will allow.