How to Use Fiber Optic Cable in Networking

If you’ve ever wondered how to use fiber optic cable for networking, you’re not alone. The technology behind the cable is revolutionary, and it has a wide range of applications. The basic process involves the transmission of light pulses through the cable, and there are several ways to use fiber optic cables.

Duplex

Duplex fiber optic cable is a type of optical cable used in networking. It is used to transmit data bidirectionally over two fibers, with each fiber connecting a transmitter and receiver. This type of cable features polarity, which helps keep the connection stable. The transmit side (Tx) should always be connected to the receiving side (Rx). Polarity is also essential for a network to function properly, because if one side is not connected to the other, data will not flow.

There are many different types of fiber optic cable, each manufactured to accomplish a different networking goal. The two main categories are duplex fiber optic cable and simplex fiber optic cable. Understanding the differences between these two types of cables can help you determine which type of cable will best meet your networking needs.

Multimode

Multimode fiber optic cable combines two different modes of light in one cable. It uses two different light paths, one near the center of the core and the other farther out. In this way, the distance traveled by light is reduced and the amount of information transmitted is increased. Multimode fiber is typically used for short-distance applications, such as audio/video transmission within LANs. However, it is not suitable for transmitting radio frequency broadband signals.

Multimode fiber optic cable is used in networking for backbone applications within buildings. This cable has excellent distance-related features, making it ideal for standards-compliant architectures. In addition to networking, multimode fiber is used in science applications to transmit light signals to spectrometers, sources, and sampling accessories. The first portable spectrometer, for example, was developed with the help of multimode fiber.

Active Optical Cables

Active optical cable (AOC) is a type of cable that combines the advantages of both passive and active copper cables. It uses optical fibers to transmit signals between two devices, which improves their speed and distance performance. Both passive and active cables can be used with the same equipment, and both are compatible with standard electrical interfaces.

One of the primary benefits of Active Optical Cables is their ease of use and installation. They remove the need for separate optical transceivers, which can be bulky and heavy. In addition, they are less susceptible to electromagnetic interference, ensuring better performance. Active Optical Cables are lighter and easier to install than copper cables.
Price

The price of fiber optic cable depends on several factors. It is usually more expensive to install fiber if you are further away from a fiber source. On the other hand, if you’re located in an area that is already covered in fiber, then the cost of installing fiber will be lower. It also requires less maintenance than copper wires. Moreover, fiber cables are much smaller than copper cables.

The use of fiber in networking has increased by 8.1 percent during the first half of 2022. China was the largest user, accounting for 46 percent of the total. North America, on the other hand, was responsible for 15 percent of the global usage. However, there are a few challenges to installing fiber. One of them is the shortage of some components. Helium, a key component in fiber optic cables, is becoming more expensive. Due to a shortage, the price has doubled to $2,000 per 100-liter dewar.