Understanding Fibre Optic Cables & Connector Types with Network Switches & Patch Panels

Fiber optic technology has revolutionized data transmission, offering higher speeds and greater bandwidth than traditional copper cables. This guide will explore the types of fiber optic cables and their relationship with network switches and patch panels.

What Are Fiber Optic Cables?

Fiber optic cables are made of thin strands of glass or plastic that transmit data as light signals. This technology allows for faster data transmission over longer distances without the degradation that copper cables typically face.

Types of Fiber Optic Cables

1. Single-Mode Fiber (SMF)

   
   
   
   
   • Description: Contains a single strand of glass fiber, allowing only one mode of light to propagate. Patch cable color tend to be yellow. More Bandwidth than MMF.
   • Advantages:
     • Supports long-distance communication (up to 40 km or more).
     • Higher bandwidth capacity, making it ideal for telecommunications and internet connections.
   • Use Cases: Long-haul data transmission, such as between cities or across campuses.

2. Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF)

   
   
   
   
   • Description: Contains multiple strands of glass fiber, allowing multiple modes of light to propagate. Patch cable color tend to be orange/aqua. Less bandwidth than SMF.
   • Advantages:
     • Suitable for shorter distances (up to 2 km).
     • Generally less expensive than single-mode fiber.
   • Use Cases: Local area networks (LANs), data centers, building distances and other short-distance applications.

3. Armored Fiber Optic Cable

   • Description: Features a protective layer, typically made of steel or other materials, to prevent damage.
   • Advantages:
     • Enhanced durability and protection against physical damage.
   • Use Cases: Outdoor installations or areas with high risk of cable damage.

4. Loose Tube Fiber

   • Description: Contains fibers that are loosely contained within a tube, allowing for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.
   • Advantages:
     • Better suited for outdoor environments.
   • Use Cases: Long-distance outdoor installations.

5. Tight-Buffered Fiber

   • Description: Features fibers that are coated with a protective layer directly, making them more robust.
   • Advantages:
     • Easier to handle and install for indoor use.
   • Use Cases: Indoor applications, including data centers and office buildings.

Types of Fiber Optic Connectors

Now, we’re going to get into the different fiber-optic connector types. There are many different types of connectors for fiber-optics, but there are usually only four we give our attention to.

ST Connectors

ST connectors have been around for a long time. The “ST” stands for “Straight Tip.” It’s a bayonet connector (BNC) that locks in place and has a straight tip at the end, giving it its name. The problem with ST connectors is that twisting isn’t a delicate procedure to do when it comes to the very fragile fiber-optic cables. On top of that, if you had big hands, it was hard to twist on/off these connectors when they’re all closely packed.

SC Connectors

The SC connector goes by many names: Subscriber Connector, Standard Connector, and Square Connector. SC connectors were great, but network technicians complained about their relatively large size, which inhibited the amount of SC ports you could have on your devices.

FC Connector

The FC connector stands for “Field Assembly” connector or “Ferrule” Connector. This is great for environments that have a lot of vibrations because the FC connector is threaded. You simply put it in to the connector and twist it.

MT-RJ Connector

The MT-RJ connector is a type of “Small Form Factor (SFF) connector.” The “MT” stands for either “Mechanical Transfer Registered Jack” or “Media Termination – Recommended Jack.” As the purpose of an SSF connector, the MT-RJ connector was created to replace ST and SC fiber connectors. As you can see below, there are two fiber-optic cables terminating into the MT-RJ connector: one for transmitting and one for receiving for full duplex.

LC Connector

The LC Connector stands for “Lucent Connector,” “Local Connector,” or “Little Connector.” It is a type of Small Form Factor (SSF) connector also created to replace ST and SC fiber connectors. Just like the MT-RJ connector, it is full duplex. The LC connector has a lock that looks similar to the RJ-45 connector to lock the connection in place.

The single LC connectors may look like SC connectors; however, the LC connectors have the “lock” mechanism and the SC connectors don’t.

 

Fiber Coupler

If you need to connect different fiber-optic connectors together, then you can use what’s called a fiber coupler. Fiber couplers will connect different types of fiber connectors together no matter the difference. Just make sure you choose the correct fiber coupler to get the job done.

Notice how were connecting FC connectors with SC connectors and FC connectors with other FC connectors to extend the range of the fiber-optic cable.

Network Switches and Patch Panels

Network Switches

• Function: Network switches are devices that connect multiple devices within a local area network (LAN). They manage data traffic and ensure that data packets are sent to the appropriate destination.
• Fiber Connectivity: Many modern switches support fiber optic connections, allowing for high-speed data transfer and the ability to connect to fiber optic networks.

What is the main purpose of SFP?

An SFP module, or transceiver, acts as a converter between the network switch and a fiber optic or Ethernet cable. For example, it converts electrical signals to optical signals for fiber optic cabling, and vice versa. SFP modules can also work with RJ45 connectors to support copper Ethernet cables.

Patch Panels

fiber patch panel

• Function: Patch panels are used to organize and manage incoming and outgoing network cables. They serve as a central point where cables can be connected or disconnected easily.
• Fiber Patch Panels: These are designed specifically for fiber optic cables, featuring adapters that accommodate different types of fiber connections. They help maintain organization and facilitate easy troubleshooting.

Conclusion

Fiber optic cables play a crucial role in modern networking by providing faster and more reliable data transmission. Understanding the different types of fiber optic cables, along with their applications, is essential for effectively utilizing network switches and patch panels. Whether you're setting up a local area network or planning a long-distance communication system, fiber optics offer unparalleled performance and efficiency.