fiber-optic cable

Image:Optical fiber cable.jpg

Optical fiber consists of a core and a cladding layer, selected for total internal reflection due to the difference in the refractive index between the two. In practical fibers, the cladding is usually coated with a layer of acrylate polymer or polyimide. This coating protects the fiber from damage but does not contribute to its optical waveguide properties. Individual coated fibers (or fibers formed into ribbons or bundles) then have a tough resin buffer layer or core tube(s) extruded around them to form the cable core. Several layers of protective sheathing, depending on the application, are added to form the cable. Rigid fiber assemblies sometimes put light-absorbing ("dark") glass between the fibers, to prevent light that leaks out of one fiber from entering another. This reduces crosstalk between the fibers, or reduces flare in fiber bundle imaging applications.{{cite web| url=http://www.ni.com/white-paper/14802/en/| title=Light collection and propagation| work=National Instruments' Developer Zone| access-date=2015-10-08| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222123547/http://www.ni.com/white-paper/14802/en/| archive-date=2015-12-22}}

{{cite book| first=Jeff| last=Hecht| title=Understanding Fiber Optics| year=2002| edition=4th| isbn=0-13-027828-9 | publisher= Prentice Hall }}

Image:Lc-sc-fiber-connectors.jpg connectors
Right: SC/PC connectors
All four connectors have white caps covering the ferrules.]]

For indoor applications, the jacketed fiber is generally enclosed, together with a bundle of flexible fibrous polymer strength members like aramid (e.g. Twaron or Kevlar), in a lightweight plastic cover to form a simple cable. Each end of the cable may be terminated with a specialized optical fiber connector to allow it to be easily connected and disconnected from transmitting and receiving equipment. File:Fibre-optic cable in a Telstra pit.jpg pit]]

File:Technicians_investigating_a_fault_in_an_optical_fiber_cable_junction_box.jpg

Image:Optical breakout cable.jpg

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For use in more strenuous environments, a much more robust cable construction is required. In loose-tube construction the fiber is laid helically into semi-rigid tubes, allowing the cable to stretch without stretching the fiber itself. This protects the fiber from tension during laying and due to temperature changes. Loose-tube fiber may be dry block or gel-filled. Dry block offers less protection to the fibers than gel-filled, but costs considerably less. Instead of a loose tube, the fiber may be embedded in a heavy polymer jacket, commonly called tight buffer construction. Tight buffer cables are offered for a variety of applications, but the two most common are breakout and distribution. Breakout cables normally contain a ripcord, two non-conductive dielectric strengthening members (normally a glass rod epoxy), an aramid yarn, and 3 mm buffer tubing with an additional layer of Kevlar surrounding each fiber. The ripcord is a parallel cord of strong yarn that is situated under the jacket(s) of the cable for jacket removal.{{cite web |url=http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/dir-031/_4623.htm |title=Definition: rip cord |publisher=Its.bldrdoc.gov |access-date=2011-12-10 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120012514/http://www.its.bldrdoc.gov/fs-1037/dir-031/_4623.htm |archive-date=2012-01-20 }} Distribution cables have an overall Kevlar wrapping, a ripcord, and a 900 micrometer buffer coating surrounding each fiber. These fiber units are commonly bundled with additional steel strength members, again with a helical twist to allow for stretching.

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| caption2 = Approximate diameters: Outer sheath: 5 mm, outer white paper wrapper: ⌀2.5 mm, inner white plastic sheath: ⌀890 μm, blue sheath: ⌀250 μm, optical fiber: ⌀150 μm

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A critical concern in outdoor cabling is to protect the fiber from damage by water. This is accomplished by use of solid barriers such as copper tubes, and water-repellent jelly or water-absorbing powder surrounding the fiber.

Finally, the cable may be armored to protect it from environmental hazards, such as construction work or gnawing animals. Undersea cables are more heavily armored in their near-shore portions to protect them from boat anchors, fishing gear, and even sharks, which may be attracted to the electrical power that is carried to power amplifiers or repeaters in the cable.

Modern cables come in a wide variety of sheathings and armor, designed for applications such as direct burial in trenches, dual use as power lines, installation in conduit, lashing to aerial telephone poles, submarine installation, and insertion in paved streets.

In September 2012, NTT Japan demonstrated a single fiber cable that was able to transfer 1 petabit per second ({{gaps|10¹⁵|bits/s}}) over a distance of 50 kilometers.{{cite web |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/09/23/ntt_petabit_fibre/ |title=NTT demos petabit transmission on single fibre |publisher=The Register |first=Richard |last=Chirgwin |date=Sep 23, 2012 |access-date=2014-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140221184507/http://www.theregister.co.uk/2012/09/23/ntt_petabit_fibre/ |archive-date=2014-02-21 }}

Although larger cables are available,{{citation |url=https://www.cablinginstall.com/data-center/article/14036590/prysmian-group-ultrahighfibercount-cables-require-care-during-installation-and-termination |title=Ultra-high-fiber-count cables require care during installation and termination |date=July 2019 |access-date=2023-05-22}} the highest strand-count single-mode fiber cable commonly manufactured is the 864-count, consisting of 36 ribbons each containing 24 strands of fiber.{{Cite web|url=http://fiber-optic-catalog.ofsoptics.com/Asset/AccuRibbonDuctSaver-web-.pdf|title=OFS 864-strand singlemode fiber cable datasheet|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425045528/http://fiber-optic-catalog.ofsoptics.com/Asset/AccuRibbonDuctSaver-web-.pdf|archive-date=2016-04-25}} These high fiber count cables are used in data centers, and as distribution cables in HFC and PON networks.{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=jhcmAwAAQBAJ&dq=pon+network+star+fiber+cable&pg=PA27 | title=Optical Code Division Multiple Access: A Practical Perspective | isbn=978-1-107-02616-2 | last1=Kitayama | first1=Ken-Ichi | date=April 10, 2014 | publisher=Cambridge University Press }}{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QOFWx2umt8sC&dq=high+fiber+count+cable+point+to+point+star&pg=PA743 | title=Modern Cable Television Technology | isbn=978-0-08-051193-1 | last1=Large | first1=David | last2=Farmer | first2=James | date=January 13, 2004 | publisher=Elsevier }}{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DG-QDwAAQBAJ&dq=high+fiber+count+cable+pon&pg=PA254 | title=Broadband Communications Networks: Recent Advances and Lessons from Practice | isbn=978-1-78923-742-9 | last1=Haidine | first1=Abdelfatteh | last2=Aqqal | first2=Abdelhak | date=September 19, 2018 | publisher=BoD – Books on Demand }}

In some cases, only a small fraction of the fibers in a cable may actually be in use. Companies can lease or sell the unused fiber to other providers who are looking for service in or through an area. Depending on specific local regulations, companies may overbuild their networks for the specific purpose of having a large network of dark fiber for sale, reducing the overall need for trenching and municipal permitting.{{citation needed|date=April 2012}} Alternatively, they may deliberately under-invest to prevent their rivals from profiting from their investment.{{cn|date=August 2021}}

Optical fibers are very strong, but the strength is drastically reduced by unavoidable microscopic surface flaws inherent in the manufacturing process. The initial fiber strength, as well as its change with time, must be considered relative to the stress imposed on the fiber during handling, cabling, and installation for a given set of environmental conditions. There are three basic scenarios that can lead to strength degradation and failure by inducing flaw growth: dynamic fatigue, static fatigues, and zero-stress aging.

Telcordia GR-20, Generic Requirements for Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cable, contains reliability and quality criteria to protect optical fiber in all operating conditions.{{cite web |url=https://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-20&DATE=&CLASS=&COUNT=1000 |title=GR-20, Generic Requirements for Optical Fiber and Optical Fiber Cable |publisher=Telcordia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120140345/http://telecom-info.telcordia.com/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-20&DATE=&CLASS=&COUNT=1000 |archive-date=2016-01-20 }} The criteria concentrate on conditions in an outside plant (OSP) environment. For the indoor plant, similar criteria are in Telcordia GR-409, Generic Requirements for Indoor Fiber Optic Cable.{{cite web |url=https://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-409& |title=GR-409, Generic Requirements for Indoor Fiber Optic Cable |publisher=Telcordia |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930165841/http://telecom-info.telcordia.com/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-409& |archive-date=2011-09-30 }}

{{Expand section|date=June 2008}}

• OFC: Optical fiber, conductive
• OFN: Optical fiber, nonconductive
• OFCG: Optical fiber, conductive, general use
• OFNG: Optical fiber, nonconductive, general use
• OFCP: Optical fiber, conductive, plenum
• OFNP: Optical fiber, nonconductive, plenum
• OFCR: Optical fiber, conductive, riser
• OFNR: Optical fiber, nonconductive, riser
• OPAC: Optical attached cable
• OPGW: Optical fiber composite overhead ground wire
• ADSS: All-dielectric self-supporting
• OSP: Fiber optic cable, outside plant
• MDU: Fiber optics cable, multiple dwelling unit

The jacket material is application-specific. The material determines the mechanical robustness, chemical and UV radiation resistance, and so on. Some common jacket materials are LSZH, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, polyurethane, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyamide.

There are two main types of material used for optical fibers: glass and plastic. They offer widely different characteristics and find uses in very different applications. Generally, plastic fiber is used for very short-range and consumer applications, whereas glass fiber is used for short/medium-range (multi-mode) and long-range (single-mode) telecommunications.{{cite web| url=http://www.fiberstore.com/Single-Mode-VS.-Multimode-Fiber-Cable-aid-340.html| title=Single-Mode VS. Multimode Fiber Cable| access-date=2013-09-24| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929135715/http://www.fiberstore.com/Single-Mode-VS.-Multimode-Fiber-Cable-aid-340.html| archive-date=2013-09-29}}

The buffer or jacket on patch cords is often color-coded to indicate the type of fiber used. The strain relief boot that protects the fiber from bending at a connector is color-coded to indicate the type of connection. Connectors with a plastic shell (such as SC connectors) typically use a color-coded shell. Standard color codings for jackets (or buffers) and boots (or connector shells) are shown below:

Remark: It is also possible that a small part of a connector is additionally color-coded, e.g. the lever of an E-2000 connector or a frame of an fiber-optic adapter. This additional color coding indicates the correct port for a patch cord, if many patch cords are installed at one point.

Individual fibers in a multi-fiber cable are often distinguished from one another by color-coded jackets or buffers on each fiber. The identification scheme used by Corning Cable Systems is based on EIA/TIA-598, "Optical Fiber Cable Color Coding" which defines identification schemes for fibers, buffered fibers, fiber units, and groups of fiber units within outside plant and premises optical fiber cables. This standard allows for fiber units to be identified by means of a printed legend. This method can be used for identification of fiber ribbons and fiber subunits. The legend will contain a corresponding printed numerical position number or color for use in identification.{{cite web

|url = http://www.interfacebus.com/Fiber_Insulation_Color_Code.html

|title = Fiber wire color coding

|date = 2007-02-21

|author = Leroy Davis

|access-date = 2007-12-01

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The color code used above resembles PE copper cables used in standard telephone wiring.

In the UK a different color code is followed. Each 12-fiber bundle or element within a Cable Optical Fibre 200/201 cable is colored as follows:

Each element is in a tube within the cable (not a blown fiber tube) The cable elements start with the red tube and are counted around the cable to the green tube. Active elements are in white tubes and yellow fillers or dummies are laid in the cable to fill it out depending on how many fibers and units exists – can be up to 276 fibers or 23 elements for external cable and 144 fibers or 12 elements for internal. The cable has a central strength member normally made from fiberglass or plastic. There is also a copper conductor in external cables.

Optical cables transfer data at the speed of light in glass. This is the speed of light in vacuum divided by the refractive index of the glass used, typically around 180,000 to 200,000 km/s, resulting in 5.0 to 5.5 microseconds of latency per km. Thus the round-trip delay time for 1000 km is around 11 milliseconds.[http://www.networkcabling.co.za/latency_and_jitter_1/ Latency and Jitter] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160427151725/http://www.networkcabling.co.za/latency_and_jitter_1/ |date=2016-04-27 }} Retrieved 2016-04-09.

Signal loss in optic fiber is measured in decibels (dB). A loss of 3 dB across a link means the light at the far end is only half the intensity of the light that was sent into the fiber. A 6 dB loss means only one quarter of the light made it through the fiber. Once too much light has been lost, the signal is too weak to recover and the link becomes unreliable and eventually ceases to function entirely. The exact point at which this happens depends on the transmitter power and the sensitivity of the receiver.

Typical modern multimode graded-index fibers have 3 dB per kilometre of attenuation (signal loss) at a wavelength of 850 nm, and 1 dB/km at 1300 nm. Singlemode loses 0.35 dB/km at 1310 nm and 0.25 dB/km at 1550 nm. Very high quality singlemode fiber intended for long-distance applications is specified at a loss of 0.19 dB/km at 1550 nm.{{Cite web|url=https://www.corning.com/media/worldwide/coc/documents/Fiber/LEAF%20optical%20fiber.pdf|title=Corning LEAF G.655 type singlemode fiber datasheet|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203093501/http://www.corning.com/media/worldwide/coc/documents/Fiber/LEAF%20optical%20fiber.pdf|archive-date=2015-12-03}} Plastic optical fiber (POF) loses much more: 1 dB/m at 650 nm. POF is large core (about 1 mm) fiber suitable only for short, low-speed networks such as TOSLINK optical audio or for use within cars.[http://www.lanshack.com/fiber-optic-tutorial-fiber.aspx Optical Fiber] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100812190022/http://www.lanshack.com/fiber-optic-tutorial-fiber.aspx |date=2010-08-12 }} (tutorial at lanshack.com) Retrieved 2010-08-20.

Each connection between cables adds about 0.6 dB of average loss, and each joint (splice) adds about 0.1 dB.{{Cite web|title=Cisco: Calculating the Maximum Attenuation for Optical Fiber Links|url=https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/optical-networking/ons-15454-sonet-multiservice-provisioning-platform-mspp/27042-max-att-27042.html}} Many fiber optic cable connections have a loss budget which is the maximum amount of loss that is allowed.{{cite web | url=https://www.thefoa.org/tech/loss-est.htm | title=Guidelines on What Loss to Expect when Testing Fiber Optic Cables }}

Invisible infrared light (750 nm and larger) is used in commercial glass fiber communications because it has lower attenuation in such materials than visible light. However, the glass fibers will transmit visible light somewhat, which is convenient for simple testing of the fibers without requiring expensive equipment. Splices can be inspected visually, and adjusted for minimal light leakage at the joint, which maximizes light transmission between the ends of the fibers being joined.

The charts Understanding wavelengths in fiber optics{{cite web |url=http://www.thefoa.org/tech/wavelength.htm |title=Understanding Wavelengths In Fiber Optics |publisher=The Fiber Optic Association |first=Jim |last=Hayes |access-date=2014-01-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224130/http://www.thefoa.org/tech/wavelength.htm |archive-date=2013-12-02 }} and Optical power loss (attenuation) in fiber{{cite web |url=http://www.ad-net.com.tw/index.php?id=472 |title=Optical power loss (attenuation) in fiber |date=December 28, 2008 |publisher=Ad-net.com.tw |access-date=2014-01-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232140/http://www.ad-net.com.tw/index.php?id=472 |archive-date=2013-12-02 }} illustrate the relationship of visible light to the infrared frequencies used, and show the absorption water bands between 850, 1300 and 1550 nm.

The infrared light used in telecommunications cannot be seen, so there is a potential laser safety hazard to technicians. The eye's natural defense against sudden exposure to bright light is the blink reflex, which is not triggered by infrared sources.{{cite web |url=https://www.senko.com/technical/pdf/Senko%20Laser%20Eye_Best%20Practices_2019.pdf |title=Laser Eye Safety for Telecommunications Systems |website=Senko.com |page=2 |accessdate=2021-12-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211001081340/https://www.senko.com/technical/pdf/Senko%20Laser%20Eye_Best%20Practices_2019.pdf |archive-date=2021-10-01}} In some cases the power levels are high enough to damage eyes, particularly when lenses or microscopes are used to inspect fibers that are emitting invisible infrared light. Inspection microscopes with optical safety filters are available to guard against this. More recently indirect viewing aids are used, which can comprise a camera mounted within a handheld device, which has an opening for the connectorized fiber and a USB output for connection to a display device such as a laptop. This makes the activity of looking for damage or dirt on the connector face much safer.

Small glass fragments can also be a problem if they get under someone's skin, so care is needed to ensure that fragments produced when cleaving fiber are properly collected and disposed of appropriately.

There are hybrid optical and electrical cables that are used in wireless outdoor Fiber To The Antenna (FTTA) applications. In these cables, the optical fibers carry information, and the electrical conductors are used to transmit power. These cables can be placed in several environments to serve antennas mounted on poles, towers, and other structures.

According to Telcordia [http://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-3173& GR-3173], Generic Requirements for Hybrid Optical and Electrical Cables for Use in Wireless Outdoor Fiber To The Antenna (FTTA) Applications, these hybrid cables have optical fibers, twisted pair/quad elements, coaxial cables or current-carrying electrical conductors under a common outer jacket. The power conductors used in these hybrid cables are for directly powering an antenna or for powering tower-mounted electronics exclusively serving an antenna. They have a nominal voltage normally less than 60 VDC or 108/120 VAC.[https://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-3173& GR-3173, Generic Requirements for Hybrid Optical and Electrical Cables for Use in Wireless Outdoor Fiber To The Antenna (FTTA) Applications] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120140345/http://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-3173& |date=2016-01-20 }}. Telcordia. Other voltages may be present depending on the application and the relevant National Electrical Code (NEC).

These types of hybrid cables may also be useful in other environments such as Distributed Antenna System (DAS) plants where they will serve antennas in indoor, outdoor, and roof-top locations. Considerations such as fire resistance, Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) Listings, placement in vertical shafts, and other performance-related issues need to be fully addressed for these environments.

Since the voltage levels and power levels used within these hybrid cables vary, electrical safety codes consider the hybrid cable to be a power cable, which needs to comply with rules on clearance, separation, etc.

File:Reels of orange HDPE innerduct - Flickr - joncutrer.jpg

Innerducts are installed in existing underground conduit systems to provide clean, continuous, low-friction paths for placing optical cables that have relatively low pulling tension limits. They provide a means for subdividing conventional conduit that was originally designed for single, large-diameter metallic conductor cables into multiple channels for smaller optical cables.

Innerducts are typically small-diameter, semi-flexible subducts. According to Telcordia [http://telecom-info.telcordia.com/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-356& GR-356], there are three basic types of innerduct: smoothwall, corrugated, and ribbed.[https://telecom-info.njdepot.ericsson.net/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-356& GR-356, Generic Requirements for Optical Cable Innerduct, Associated Conduit, and Accessories] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120140345/http://telecom-info.telcordia.com/site-cgi/ido/docs.cgi?ID=SEARCH&DOCUMENT=GR-356& |date=2016-01-20 }}. Telcordia. These various designs are based on the profile of the inside and outside diameters of the innerduct. The need for a specific characteristic or combination of characteristics, such as pulling strength, flexibility, or the lowest coefficient of friction, dictates the type of innerduct required.

Beyond the basic profiles or contours (smoothwall, corrugated, or ribbed), innerduct is also available in an increasing variety of multiduct designs. Multiduct may be either a composite unit consisting of up to four or six individual innerducts that are held together by some mechanical means, or a single extruded product having multiple channels through which to pull several cables. In either case, the multiduct is coilable, and can be pulled into existing conduit in a manner similar to that of conventional innerduct.

Innerducts are primarily installed in underground conduit systems that provide connecting paths between manhole locations. In addition to placement in conduit, innerduct can be directly buried, or aerially installed by lashing the innerduct to a steel suspension strand.

As stated in GR-356, cable is typically placed into innerduct in one of three ways. It may be

1. Pre-installed by the innerduct manufacturer during the extrusion process,
2. Pulled into the innerduct using a mechanically assisted pull line, or
3. Blown into the innerduct using a high air volume cable blowing apparatus.

• ANSI/TIA-568, color coding for electrical cable
• Free-space optical communication
• Fusion splicing
• ISO/IEC 11801, structured cabling standard
• Optical power meter
• Optical time-domain reflectometer
• Parallel optical interface
• Power-over-fiber
• Tactical fiber-optic cable assembly

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Optical fiber cables}}

• [http://www.thefoa.org/tech/ref/basic/fiber.html Fiber Optic Association] The FOA Reference Guide To Fiber Optics
• [http://thefoa.org/tech/ref/testing/accuracy/accuracy.html Accurately Testing Fiber Optic Cables]

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Cables

Category:Glass applications

Category:Optoelectronics

Category:Signal cables