The selection of fiber optic cables is far from simple. Unlike twisted pair or coaxial cables, fiber optics are more complex in structure and come in a wide range of materials and designs. Beyond the technical specifications, there are many hidden factors such as material quality, manufacturing processes, and equipment used. Even a small mistake during production can lead to performance issues within just a couple of years. This means that even if the cable meets current standards today, it might not do so in the future. Therefore, when setting up a network, it's crucial to understand the construction, materials, and production methods of the optical cable to ensure you choose a high-quality and suitable product.
1. Choose the cable based on the number of cores
Optical cables are categorized by their core count into different structural types, such as central loose tube, layered stranded, skeleton, and ribbon styles. Each type has its own application and structure. For example, central loose tube cables are commonly used for systems with fewer than 12 cores due to their simple design and lower cost, making them ideal for overhead lines or branch networks where pipeline protection is good. Layered stranded cables use a central steel strand or single wire for reinforcement and are known for their strong water resistance, tensile strength, and ability to withstand side pressure, allowing them to be directly buried. They are also easy to split, meaning only the required fibers can be separated without damaging the entire cable—ideal for adding nodes along data or TV networks. Ribbon cables, on the other hand, can have thousands of cores arranged in rows of 4 to 12, forming a ribbon unit. These are often used in large-scale network applications.
2. Choose the cable based on its purpose
Depending on the intended use, optical cables can be classified into overhead, direct-buried, duct, submarine, and non-metallic types. Overhead cables require high strength and low thermal expansion coefficients. Direct-buried cables need to be resistant to moisture, pressure, and chemicals. Duct and submarine cables must handle water pressure and tension effectively. Non-metallic cables can be installed alongside high-voltage lines and offer better insulation, though they still need some tensile strength. When purchasing, users should clearly define the application and specify requirements to manufacturers to ensure long-term reliability.
3. Select based on materials
Material choice and production process are key to the cable’s longevity. The manufacturing process significantly affects overall quality. Cables with stable processes and high-quality materials typically have minimal additional loss, usually below 0.01dB/km. Key materials include the fiber core, fiber grease, sheath, and PBT (polybutylene terephthalate). The core needs to support high signal-to-noise ratios and long amplifier spacing. Fiber grease prevents moisture and cushions the fiber against vibrations. It must have ultra-low hydrogen evolution and good low-temperature performance. The sheath plays a critical role in long-term reliability, affecting tensile, bending, and aging resistance. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is preferred for its durability. PBT is used for secondary coatings and must have high modulus and chemical resistance. In high-hydrolysis environments, hydrolysis-resistant PBT is essential.
Purchasing fiber optic cables is much more complex than choosing coaxial cables. Price alone isn't enough—consider the structure, materials, technology, and technical specs. Avoid overly cheap options. When buying, make sure the manufacturer has ISO9002 certification and a valid network access permit. Evaluate their credit, past performance, and after-sales service. Send representatives to inspect raw materials, production, and testing. Upon delivery, test the product against the manufacturer’s specs to avoid future problems.
Cable selection should also consider environmental conditions. For outdoor direct burial, armored cables are recommended. For overhead installations, black plastic jackets with ribs are ideal. Indoor cables should be flame-retardant and smoke-free, especially in plenum areas. For vertical installations, layered cables work well, while horizontal wiring benefits from splittable cables. For short distances under 2km, multimode fiber is suitable; for longer distances, single-mode fiber is preferable.
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