Why Install Fiber Optic Cable?

Long Distances
Fiber optic cable is designed to transmit data over longer distances and with more bandwidth than is possible with copper cable (Category 5E, 6, etc.).  While copper is limited to 328' - fiber can deliver the bandwidth you need anywhere on your premises.

Bandwidth
When it comes to bandwidth, there is no contest between fiber and copper cabling.  If you have higher than average bandwidth needs, a CLV fiber install is worth the cost difference.

Reliability
Since fiber is impervious to extraneous electrical and magnetic interference, it is much more reliable than a copper connection with delivering your data without errors or issues.

Fiber Types

There are two main categories of fiber optic cable; single-mode and multi-mode.

Multi-Mode - is the typical fiber used for the majority of situations.  While the cable and labor cost are similar to single-mode fiber, single-mode has higher equipment cost needs vs. multi-mode.  Multi-mode will deliver 10-gigabyte service up to 400 meters or 1,312 feet, which is sufficient for the majority of situations.

Single-Mode - If you need a gigabyte (1GB) delivered over more than 550 meters or 10g delivered over more than 400 meters, then you need single-mode fiber installed.  Some carriers also use single-mode for other reasons and you should check with your provider as multi-mode is not compatible with single-mode.

Armored vs Non-Armored - Fiber optic cable is available in an armored version, which is typically what we install for pathways, not in metal or plastic conduit.  Armored fiber is much more resilient against accidental damage as the fiber strands are an encased layer of hard plastic and a tough metal exterior.

Connector Types

After a fiber cable is installed, each strand of fiber will need to have a connector installed by a trained fiber optic technician.  Over the last several decades, dozens of different fiber connectors have been introduced to the market.  However, in reality, there are only 2-3 connector types used in the vast majority of installations.

LC: The most widely used connector type.  Typically, this is the type that connects to your data switch via a GBIC.
SC: Often seen in 'handoff' situations such as carrier circuits located in Demarcation/Telco rooms.
ST: Used sparingly in the last ten years, still seen in some older installations.

Mixing Connector Types: All connector types are compatible with each other, as far as signal transmission.  For example, you can have SC ends on one end of the fiber cable and LC on the other end.  Please check with your circuit carrier when ordering to ensure we install the correct  termination ends for you.  You will also need patch cords (LC to LC, SC to SC, SC to LC) to connect from the fiber cable ends to your switch or carrier handoff.

Free Site Survey & Consultation

Please contact us today to schedule your free site survey.  We will travel to you, carefully measure the amount of fiber cable needed and discuss options and benefits.  We can also bid from plans as long as the plans are detailed and have correct distance measurements and wiring center locations.