Do You Need Fiber Optic Cabling In Your Network Installations?

Fiber optic cable gives an edge over other cables for transmitting information

Fiber optic cable is one of the most popular cabling options that businesses use to build their networks. Fiber optics uses a completely different technology for transmitting information i.e. they use light instead of electrical signals. The biggest advantages of using light for transmission of information are high speed and no electrical interference. These two features are perfect for installing the fiber optic cabling for any type of network installation. As the light signals encounter negligible resistance, so the fiber optic cables can be run over longer distances, without any need for signal cleaning or boosting. There are fiber optic cables that run for more than 5000 miles without any boosting or cleaning. Thus, you can imagine the kind of networks you can use these cables in. 

High speed information transmission

Transmission speed gives fiber optics a definite edge over other cables as you will be able to transmit signals at an insane speed of 10 GB/sec. Even at such high speeds, the signals are not affected by any kind of interference and are really clear when compared to the traditional cables. 

Network Interface Cards or NICs are really expensive 

If you are contemplating of using fiber optic for your office network then cost is an important factor to consider. Fiber optic based networks are expensive and it is often not feasible for a small or medium sized business to build them. The NICs or Network Interface Cards can be really expensive and it is presently used to build large networks only. For instance, these cables are being used to make short runs and connect different networks and it is not put to use for complete wiring of the network. 

Single-mode and multi-mode cables

The primary components of fiber-optic cable are core, cladding, buffer strength members and jacket. There are some cables that even have copper conductor which provides the necessary power to concentrators, repeaters and several other components. Fiber optic cables are available in the form of single-mode cables and multi-mode cables. The single-mode cable is very narrow and light is able to travel on a single path only. It is a very expensive cable and people often find it difficult to use. In the multi-mode cable, the core diameter is wider and light can take several paths to travel. However, there are signal distortions due to the multi-mode path used by light. 

If you are to use the fiber optic cabling for your office network then not only the cost but the advantages and disadvantages of the cable should also be analyzed. 

Advantages of using fiber optic are listed below:

• The EMF devices seldom cause any kind of interference in fiber optic cables and similarly, fiber optic cables also do not interfere with the other network devices.
• It is not easy to tap the signals transmitted by fiber optic cables because the signals can’t be monitored. Hence, the entire network is safe and secured.
• It is probably the fastest cabling system that has ever been developed.
• The loss rate is quite limited, which implies that even if the cabling system runs over a long distance, it is going to experience very little signal loss.
• Since there are no high voltage power system attached to the cabling, so it is easier to handle the fiber optic cables.
• It is extremely easy to install the fiber optic cables. 

Some of the notable disadvantages that might deter your plans to use fiber optic cabling in your network installation are:

• Huge costs are involved in procuring and installation of these cables.
• Even the components like NICs are quite expensive.
• Only trained individuals are able to install these cables
• Parts often tend to break down

About Baron Telecommunications

Baron Telecommunications has been offering communication services for over 30 years now. We provide system assessment, installation, and ongoing service. We provide advanced products from Toshiba and Shoretel. Call us today on (360)285-3690 for all your communication needs.