Table of Contents
Learn about types of Connectors
Learn about Single Mode Vs. Multi Mode
The Core Carries the signal. Made of Glass or plastic
The Cladding Maintains the signal in the center of the core as the cable bends.
The Sheating Protects the cladding and the core
Immune to EMI
High resistance to eavesdropping
Supports extremely high data transmission rates
Allows long distances without repeaters
Expensive to install
Not very flexible
Requires special training to attach connectors to cables
Data transfers through core using 1 light path
Core diameter is about 8 - 10.5 Microns
Cable can extend great distances
Less modal dispersion
Allows for higher bandwidth
Higher cost
Is optimized for 1310 nm and 1550 nm light sources.
Data transfers through core using 2+ light paths
Core diameter is about 50 - 100 Microns
Cable can't go as far as single
More modal dispersion
Lower bandwidth on average
Lower cost
Is optimized for 850 nm and 1300 nm light sources.
Used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling
"Push-in and twist connector"
Separate connector for each wire
Nickel Plated with ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection
ST = Set-and-Twist / Straight Tip
Used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling
"Push on / Pull off connector"
Separate connector for each wire
Ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection
SC = Set-and-Click or Square Connector
Used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling
Plastic connector with a locking tab that is simmilar to RJ45
Single connector with two ends for the two cables to keep it in place
Ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection
LC = Lift-and-click or Little Connector
Used with single-mode and multi-mode cabling
Plastic connector with a locking tab
Single connector with one end that holds the two cables
Uses metal guide pins to ensure proper alignment
Ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection
LC = Lift-and-click or Little Connector
Used with single-mode cabling
Separate connector for each wire
Uses threaded connector
Designed to stay securely connected in environments with physical shock and vibration
FC = Ferrule connector or Fiber Channel
ST
SC
FC
LC
MTRJ
Note the similarities between FC and ST
Diode laser and High radiance light-emitting diode (LED)
Uses infrared light
Most common wavelengths are 850 nm, 1300 nm, 1310 nm, and 1550 nm
For the longer wavelengths, glass allows them to have lower signal loss due to scattering.
Multi-mode fiber is designed for 850 nm and 1300 nm
Single mode is or 1310 nm and 1550 nm
WDM joins multiple light wavelengths (colors) onto one strand of fiber
This allows light to travel in both directions across one fiber
Modern tech can multiplex 160 signal easily
Designed for single-mode fiber
You can convert fiber optic to many different types of media.
Single-mode to copper ethernet
Single-mode to multi-mode
Single mode to coaxial
Multi-mode to copper ethernet
Multi-mode to coaxial