Fiber Optic Cable Types

Fiber optic cables encode data as light pulses, instead of electricity pulses. This technology has
revolutionized data transfer as never before. These cables have easily overcome their copper
counterparts, as regards to their data densities.
Design
In the optical fibers, the facing or the covering is normally coated using a tough and resinous buffer
layer. Buffer refers to a component, which holds one or more optical fibers, for performing functions
like mechanical isolation, fiber identification, and damage prevention. Now, this layer may further be
surrounded by a plastic jacket layer. However, though these layers add strength to the fibers, they
do not contribute to its optical wave properties. For indoor applications, the fiber that is jacketed, is
generally wrapped in a bundle of flexible fibrous polymer strength members like Aramid, in the form
of a lightweight plastic encasing to form a simple cable. The end of each cable is terminated using a
specialized optical fiber connector. These connectors are spring loaded, and after aligning, they
couple up the fiber cores for the passing of light. They also enable the cable ends to be easily
connected and disconnected from transmitting and receiving equipment.

Different types of cables are available in a wide variety of sheathings and armor, meant for direct
trench burial, lashing to aerial telephone poles, submarine and conduit installation, dual use as
power lines, and insertion in paved streets.

Types of Fiber Optic Cables

Single Mode Fiber
They are made up of a narrower core, and allow a single data stream or mode to be transmitted over
considerably long distances. In a narrow spectral width, a single mode fiber carries far more
bandwidth, as compared to multi-mode fiber.
Multi-Mode Fiber
The strands of this fiber type have a much thicker core. It allows multiple data streams to be

transmitted over a single optical fiber by carrying encoded data, employing multiple light resources.
It is used in backbone applications in buildings. However, the distance and available data bandwidth
is a kind of drawback of this fiber. Though it is excellent for shorter distances, it's not compatible
with the high bandwidth of single mode fibers.
Plastic Fiber
They generally do not have the quality and optical purity that is needed for reliable data
transmission, and hence, makes them unfit for data transmission. They are mostly used for
decorative and aesthetic transmission of light. Plastic fibers have an edge over glass fibers, when it
comes to entertainment and aesthetics on account of its cost and durability.