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.