How to Make Fiber Optic Cable

There are several steps to build fiber optic cable, including preparation and installation. There are also several tests that can be performed on the fibers to ensure their performance. This article covers these steps. Once you have a clear idea of the process, you can start building your own fiber optic cable. The following are the steps:

Installation

Installation of fiber optic cable is an important task and requires skill and patience. Care should be taken to protect the cable from damage. Installation should be done as close to the planned use as possible. This will reduce damage caused by other construction, weather, and theft. Before starting any installation, inspect the cable and test for continuity.

It is recommended to use cable that is OFNR-rated for vertical cabling. Cable ties should be used to support cables. Depending on the cable manufacturer, the proper procedure may vary.

Tests

To make a high-quality fiber optic cable, manufacturers conduct extensive testing. This includes qualifying component designs and checking manufacturing processes. They also test their products before shipping them to customers. Typically, fiber optic cable manufacturers test fibers for their dimensions and performance, including dispersion, bandwidth, physical characteristics, strength, and flexibility. They also test them under various environmental conditions. Cables may undergo even more tests, depending on customer demands.

The most common test is the attenuation test. This is performed using an OTDR in accordance with IEC 60793-1-40C. There are also equivalent EIA/TIA test methods, such as FOTP-61 and TIA/EIA-455-61A. Some customers may require that all fibers in a fiber optic cable be tested for attenuation. To perform the test, the inner end of a fiber optic cable is lengthened and fitted into a spectral attenuation measurement system.

Preparation

There are several steps to prepare fiber optic cable for splicing. One step is called fiber closure, which involves removing the outer jacket to expose the individual fibers. Once this step is complete, the fibers are ready for termination and splicing. The splicing process is important because it helps to prevent fiber cables from breaking. Another step is called cleaving, which involves stripping the fibers of their buffer coating. This step is essential for obtaining a flat end face on the fiber. Cleaving is carried out with a special tool called a cleaver. This tool is made of diamond sapphires or tungsten carbide and can produce very precise cuts.

Preparation of fiber optic cable is a tricky procedure that requires precise cutting and careful measuring. This step is crucial because if you make a mistake, the fiber will be shortened and won’t fall where you want it to. Generally, the fibers should be cut by approximately 3 centimeters. A ruler can be helpful to gauge the exact distance.

Composition

Fiber optic cable is made up of two components: a core and cladding. The core is the light-transmitting portion of the fiber. The cladding is typically made of the same material as the core but with a lower index of refraction. This difference helps prevent light from escaping through the sidewalls of the fiber.

The fiber can be made from pure glass or a mixture of glass and plastic. The material chosen will depend on the intended use and cost. Glass is expensive and is used in long-haul applications, while plastic is cheaper. Plastic optical fibers are used in short-range transmission and are widely used in medical instruments. Research is underway to use them to replace copper wiring in automobiles.

The outer shell of a fiber is usually made from one or more coats of plastic material. This coating protects the optical fiber from environmental factors like moisture and heat. In some instances, a metallic sheath is added. Fiber optic cable is often specified by the size of the core, cladding, and coating. For example, a six-2.5-um-diameter fiber would have a 0.25-mm-diameter outer coating.

Termination

The proper termination of fiber optic cables is critical to ensure reliable and dependable network performance. The process is easier today than ever before, thanks to readily available termination products and more installers. However, the process requires careful attention to detail and a basic understanding of the process. There are several essential tools needed for this process, including a slitter and precision hand tools, along with consumable products and a durable case.

A fiber optic cable termination process consists of connecting a fiber to a device. Proper termination is necessary to avoid excessive light loss and damage to the fibers.