Types of fibre Optic Cables:

There are two types of fibre optic cable commonly used:

1. Multi Mode Cables:

Over years a variety of core sizes have been produced but these days there are only two main sizes for Multimode fibres. These cables are most widely used in data networks. The numbers 50/125 & 62.5/125 represent the diameters of the fibre core and cladding; these are measured in microns, which are millionth of a meter.

2. Single Mode Cables:

Single Mode cable has a core diameter of 8.3 to 10 microns. It is the most commonly used cable in Telecommunication for transmission systems. The numbers 8.3/125 represent the diameter of the fibre core and cladding.

• Note: Both multimode and single mode fibres have an outside diameter of 125 microns- about 5 thousandths of an inch- just slightly larger than a human hair.

  Definitions of Terms used in Fibre Optic Cable:

• Patch panels:

• Provides a centralized location for patching fibres, testing, monitoring and restoring cables.

  

• Connectors:

  A non-permanent device for connecting two fibres or fibres to equipment where they are expected to be disconnected occasionally for testing or rerouting.

• Ferrule:

          This is a tube, which hold a fibre for grouping or alignment, usually part of a connector.

• LC Connector:

LC stand for Latched Connector and its interconnect is based upon the RJ-45 telephone interface. The LC connector uses Zirconium ceramic ferrules in a free- floating and pull proofing design.

 

• SC Connector:

 

SC stands for single Coupling. It is Square shaped snap-in connector that latches with a simple push pull. The SC connector has the advantage(over ST) of being duplexes into a single connector clip with both transmit/receive fibres.

• MU Connector:

The MU sands for Miniature Unit fibre-optic connector, which features compact size, high packaging density, and high performance and simple push-pull design. The MU connector ferrules are half the size of the standard FC, SC connectors and are excellent for high-density installations.

• ST Connector:

ST stands for Straight Tip. The ST connector is spring-loaded bayonet mount and have cylindrical ferrule to hold the fibre.

• FC connector:

The FC stands for “Face Contact” the anti-rotation key prevents fibre and face damage and rotational sensitivity and the floating ferrule prevents shock and vibration.

• PC Connector:

Physical Contact Connector.

• FPC Connector:

Flat Physical Contact connector.

• APC connector:

Angled Physical Contact Connector.

• SPC connector:

Super Physical Contact Connector

• UPC Connector:

Ultra Physical Contact connector.