Fiber optic cables are physical transmission media that use light signals to transmit data. Composed of glass or plastic fibers, they enable high-speed, long-distance communication with minimal signal loss. As critical infrastructure in modern telecommunications, data centers, and industrial systems, fiber optics have become essential for meeting growing demands for bandwidth and network reliability.
| Type | Structural Features | Key Functions | Application Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) | 9/125 m core/cladding diameter, laser light source | Long-distance transmission, low attenuation | Telecom backbone networks, FTTH |
| Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF) | 50/125 m or 62.5/125 m core, LED light source | High bandwidth over short distances | Data centers, LAN connections |
| Tight Buffered Cable | Individual fiber coating with UV-resistant polymer | Flexible indoor/outdoor use | Building interconnects, premise networks |
| Loose Tube Cable | Fibers housed in protective gel-filled tubes | Environmental protection, mechanical strength | Underground installations, aerial networks |
| Ribbon Fiber Cable | Flat arrays of fibers in stacked ribbons | High-density connectivity | Massive data centers, 5G backhaul |
A typical fiber optic cable comprises four primary components:
| Parameter | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
| Attenuation (dB/km) | Signal loss per kilometer | Determines maximum transmission distance |
| Bandwidth (MHz km) | Data-carrying capacity | Defines network speed capabilities |
| Core Diameter | Physical size of the light-conducting region | Impacts light propagation modes |
| Operating Temperature | Functional temperature range (-40 C to +70 C) | Environmental durability |
| Bend Radius | Minimum allowable cable bending radius | Prevents signal degradation from physical stress |
| Manufacturer | Representative Product | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| CommScope | OM5 WideBand Fiber | Supports 4-wave division multiplexing (WDM) |
| Fujikura | 10MMF-100-0.22dB Fiber | Ultra-low loss multimode for data centers |
| Huawei | OptiX OSN 9800 | 400Gbps coherent optical transmission platform |
| 3M | CFX-LC Duplex Connector | Field-installable optical connectors |
| OFS Fitel | ClearCurve Multi-Fiber Cable | Micro-bend resistant indoor/outdoor solution |
Key considerations for fiber optic cable selection:
Case Study: For a 10km metropolitan data center interconnect, select single-mode fiber with bend-insensitive design (ITU-T G.657.A1), LSZH jacket, and dual-fiber redundancy.
Market projections indicate a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.2% through 2027, driven by 5G deployment and cloud computing expansion.