Superior Transmission Quality
Because the fiber optic signal is made of light, very little signal loss occurs during transmission so data can move at higher speeds and greater distances. When specifying a fiber, the two main attributes are attenuation of a fiber (or link) is the light loss through the fiber (of system) measured in decibels. The task of measuring the loss of a link is relatively simple process using a light source and power meter at the required wavelength. This attenuation component of the fiber or link, along with the bandwidth of the fiber, characterizes the fiber link and data rate/distance capability of that link.

Fiber does not have the 100 m (304.8 ft) distance limitation of unshielded twisted pair copper (without a booster). Fiber distances can range from 300 m to 40 km, depending on the style of cable, wavelength, and network. (Fiber distances are typically measured in metric units.) Because fiber signals need less boosting than copper ones do, the cable performs better.

More Secure
Your data is safe with fiber cable. It does not radiate signals and is extremely difficult to tap. If the cable is tapped, it's very easy to monitor because the cable leaks light, causing the entire system to fail. If an attempt is made to break the security of your fiber system, you'll know it.

Fiber provides extremely reliable data transmission. It's completely immune to many environmental factors that affect copper cable. Fiber is made of glass, which is an insulator, so no electric current can flow through. It is immune to electromagnetic interference and radio-frequency interference (EMI/RFI), crosstalk, impedance problems, and more. You can run fiber cable next to industrial equipment without worry. Fiber is also less susceptible to temperature fluctuations than copper is and can be submerged in water.

Handling Ease
Fiber is lightweight, thin, and more durable than copper cable. And, contrary to what you might think, fiber optic cable has pulling specifications that are up to ten times greater than copper cable's. Its small size makes it easier to handle, and it takes up much less space in cabling ducts. Although fiber is still more difficult to terminate than copper is, advancements in connectors are making termination easier. In addition, fiber is actually easier to test than copper cable.

Fiber networks also enable you to put all your electronics and hardware in one central location, instead of having wiring closets with equipment throughout the building.

Fiber Precautions
A few properties particular to fiber optic cable can cause problems if you aren't careful during installation. For instance, intrinsic power loss, microbending, connector and coupling losses are some of the parameters to be kept in mind.

As the optic signal travels through the fiber core, the signal inevitably loses some speed through absorption, reflection, and scattering. This problem is easy to manage by making sure your splices are good and your connections are clean. Microbends are minute deviations in fiber caused by excessive bends, pinches, and kinks. Using cable with reinforcing fibers and other special manufacturing techniques minimizes this problem.

Connector loss occurs when two fiber segments are misaligned. Poor splicing commonly causes this problem. Scratches and dirt introduced during the splicing process can also cause connector loss. Similar to connector loss, coupling loss results in reduced signal power and is from poorly terminated connector couplings.

Don't pull the cable excessively or bend it too sharply around any corners. That way, your fiber optic installation can serve you well for many years.

Malovika Rao
malovikar@cybermedia.co.in