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Networking With Fiber Cables

Fiber cables form one of the most important parts of the networking industry today. Fiber cables are composed of one or more transparent optical fibers enclosed in a protective covering and strength members. Fiber cables are used to transmit data by the mode of light. The various types of fiber cables available are: multi-mode duplex fiber cables, single mode simplex fiber cables, single mode duplex fiber cables, and plastic optical fiber cables.

There are many fiber optic cable manufacturers who manufacture a full line of fiber cables in both single mode and multi-mode, simples, duplex and multi-strand. Several manufacturers provide low cost, quick-turn, high volume fiber cables and fiber cable assembly solutions.

Fiber cables are required to protect fibers from external hazards. Thus before installing the fiber cables one should always assess the place of installation of the fiber cables. Fiber cables required inside a house or a building are not exposed very much too hazardous conditions thus a simpler form and not-so-tough fiber cable can be used for installation. However, if the fiber cables are to be installed for longer distances and outside of the premises then the cables should be robust. They should also be installed well beneath the ground to protect them, not only from ground digging and, water logging,  but depending on the location possibly even from prairie dogs or other types of rodents.

Fiber cables comes in different types based on their usage patterns as well. The zip cord and simplex fiber cables refer to those used for desktop connections. Simplex fiber cables are one fiber, tight-buffered and jacketed. A zip cord is actually two simplex fiber cables joined by a thin web. On the other hand, fiber cables made of several simplex cables are called breakout fiber cables. This type of fiber cables is strong, rugged and larger. They are also a bit expensive but prove to be economic where distances are not too long and the fiber count required is less.

Small fiber cables required for dry conduit run, riser or plenum, are known as distribution fiber cables and they need a breakout box to be broken up or else they require a panel box. They contain several tight-buffered fibers bundled under same jacket.

Aerial fiber cables are good enough for outside installation where as armored fiber cables are used for underground wiring where rodents are a problem. These fiber cables have metal armoring between two jackets to prevent rodents from tampering with the cabling connections.

Loose tube fiber cables are perfect for plant trunk applications to prevent fibers from damage due to moisture or water. They can be buried directly in ground but must be handled carefully to prevent damage. Ribbon fiber cables have twelve or more fiber cables packed together and are laid in a rows. They are also plant fiber cables which are gel-filled and are good for water blocking.

All fiber cable manufacturers manufacture different fiber cables but their product literature should be carefully studied so as to assess which type of fiber cables they actually specialize in.

Cables with complete assembly of fibers, strength members and jackets are referred to as fiber cables. These fiber cables come in a variety of forms depending upon their usability and their place of use. It is important to identify the exact requirement of fiber cables and whether they would be easy to install, splice or terminate, etc. This is necessary as it ultimately decides the cost of installing the fiber cables.