To connect computers using fiber optic cables, you need two fiber strands.

One strand transmits signals; the other strand

receives signals. Long-haul runs sometimes need only one fiber. The send and receive signals are transmitted over the
same fiber.

This lesson covers the following topics:

 Fiber optic components

 Multi-mode vs. single-mode
 Connector types
 Fiber optic cable facts
 Wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM)
 Media converters

Fiber Optic Components

Fiber optic cabling uses the following components:

 The core carries the signal. It is made of glass or plastic.

 The cladding maintains the signal in the center of the core as the cable bends.
 The sheathing protects the cladding and the core.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Fiber optic cabling offers the following advantages and disadvantages:

Advantages Disadvantages
Advantages of fiber optic cable include:
Disadvantages of fiber optic cable include:
 Immune to electromagnetic interference
(EMI).
 Is very expensive to install.
 Highly resistant to eavesdropping.
 Is difficult to work with.
 Supports extremely high data transmission
 Requires special training to attach connectors to
rates.
cables.
 Allows long cable distances without a
repeater.

Multi-Mode vs. Single-Mode

Multi-mode and single-mode fiber cables are not interchangeable. The following table describes multi-mode and single-
mode fiber cables.

Type Description
Single-mode Characteristics of single-mode cables include:

 Data transfers through the core using a single light path.

 The core diameter is approximately 8 - 10.5 microns.
 Cable lengths can extend a great distance.
 There is less modal dispersion, so bandwidths can be higher.
 Higher-cost electronics are required to send signals down a single path.
 It is optimized for 1310 nanometer (nm) and 1550 nm light sources.

Multi-mode Characteristics of multi-mode cables include:

 Data transfers through the core using multiple light paths.

 The core diameter is approximately 50 to 100 microns.
 There is more modal dispersion due to the multiple paths.
 Cable lengths are limited in distance and are dependent on bandwidth.
 Higher light gathering capacity simplifies connections and allows lower-cost electronics.
 It is optimized for 850 nm and 1300 nm light sources.

Connector Types
Fiber optic cabling uses the following connector types:
Type Description
The ST connector:

ST connector  Is used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling.

 Has a keyed bayonet-type connector.
 Is also called a push-in and twist connector.
 Has a separate connector for each wire.
 Is nickel plated with a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper
core alignment and prevent light ray deflection.
 Gets its mnemonics from set-and-twist or straight tip.

SC connector The SC connector:

  Is used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling.
 Has a push-on/pull-off connector that uses a locking tab
to maintain connection.
 Has a separate connector for each wire.
 Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment
and prevent light ray deflection.
 Gets its mnemonics from set-and-click or square
connector.

The LC connector:

 Is used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling.

LC connector  Is composed of a plastic connector with a locking tab
that is similar to a RJ45 connector.
 Has a single connector with two ends to keep the two
cables in place.
 Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment
and to prevent light ray deflection.
 Is half the size of other fiber optic connectors.
 Gets its mnemonics from lift-and-click or little connector.

The MTRJ connector:

 Is used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling.

 Is composed of a plastic connector with a locking tab.
MTRJ connector  Uses metal guide pins to ensure that it is properly
aligned.
 Has a single connector with one end that holds both
cables.
 Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment
and prevent light ray deflection.
 Gets its mnemonics from mechanical transfer registered
jack.

The FC connector:
FC connector
 Is typically used with single-mode cabling.
 Has a separate connector for each wire.
 Uses a threaded connector.
 Is designed to stay securely connected in environments
where it may experience physical shock or intense
vibration.
 Gets its mnemonics from ferrule connector or fiber
channel.

Additional Tips

Adding connectors onto a fiber optic cable takes some practice. For long cables running between floors or overhead, you
might hire an experienced contractor to install the cable and the necessary connectors. Remember to complete the
following when installing fiber optic.

 Keep the area as clean as possible.

 Cut the cable with a clean 90-degree cut.
 Polish the end of the cable prior to adding the connector. Use special polishing film and tools for polishing the cable
ends.
 Glue or crimp the connector onto the cable.
 Cover or cap any connectors that won't be hooked up immediately.
 If necessary, directly splice two cable ends together. This requires expensive and specialized equipment.

Fiber Optic Cable Facts

There are two light source technologies prevalent in fiber optic communications, diode laser and high-radiance light-
emitting diode (LED). The light produced by these technologies is in the infrared region of the light spectrum.

 The most common wavelengths used in fiber optics are 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm and 1550 nm.
o In glass, these longer wavelengths have lower attenuation or signal loss due to scattering.
o Attenuation in glass due to light absorption for these wavelength is almost zero.
 Multi-mode fiber is designed to operate at 850 nm and 1300 nm.
 Single-mode fiber is optimized for 1310 nm and 1550 nm.

Wavelength-Division Multiplexing
WDM joins several light wavelengths (colors) onto a single strand of fiber.
  This enables light signals in both directions across a single fiber.
 Today's systems can easily multiplex 160 signals.
 WDM is mostly used by long-haul and high-speed providers.
 Most WDM systems are designed to be used with single-mode fiber.

Media Converters
When working with fiber optic cabling, you can use media converters to switch between different network media.

For example, you can convert:

 Single-mode fiber to copper Ethernet wiring.

 Multi-mode fiber to copper Ethernet wiring.
 Single-mode or multi-mode fiber to coaxial wiring.
 Single-mode fiber to multi-mode fiber.