Tag Archives: fiber optic cable types

What’s the Difference Between Twisted Pair vs Coaxial Cable vs Fiber Optic

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As we know, communication system usually uses a wire or cable to connect sending and receiving devices. Currently, the most common network cable types deployed in communication system are twisted pair vs coaxial cable vs fiber optic cable. Since each of them can be equally applied into network communication, what’s the difference between twisted pair vs coaxial cable vs fiber optic? This article may give some answers.

Twisted Pair Cables
Twisted PairTwisted pair cable consists of a pair of insulated wires twisted together, which is adapted in the field of telecommunication for a long time. With the cable twisting together, it helps to reduce noise from outside sources and crosstalk on multi-pair cables. Basically, twisted pair cable can be divided into two types: unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) and shielded twisted-pair (STP). The former serves as the most commonly used one with merely two insulated wires twisted together. Any data communication cables and normal telephone cables belong to this category. However, shielded twisted pair distinguishes itself from UTP in that it consists of a foil jacket which helps to prevent crosstalk and noise from outside source. It is typically used to eliminate inductive and capacitive coupling, so it can be applied between equipment, racks and buildings. There exist following several different types of twisted pair cables:

Twisted Pair Cables

Coaxial Cables
Coaxial-CableCoaxial cable acts as a high-frequency transmission cable which contains a single solid-copper core. A coaxial cable has over 80 times the transmission capability of the twisted-pair. It is commonly used to deliver television signals and to connect computers in a network as well, so people may get more familiar with this kind of network cable. There are two coaxial cables: 75 Ohm and 50 Ohm. What’s the application of them respectively?

  • 75 Ohm coaxial cable

The primary use of a 75 Ohm cable is to transmit a video signal. One of the typical applications is television signals over network cable, sometimes called signal feed cables. The most common connector used in this application is a Type F. Another application is video signals between components such as DVD players, VCRs or Receivers commonly known as audio/video (A/V) cables. In this case BNC and RCA connectors are most often found. In both of these applications RG59 with both solid center conductor (RG59B/U) and stranded center conductor (RG59A/U) as well as RG6 are often found.

75 Ohm coaxial cable

  • 50 Ohm coaxial cable

The primary use of a 50 Ohm coaxial cable is transmission of a data signal in a two-way communication system. Some common applications for 50 Ohm coaxial cable are computer ethernet backbones, wireless antenna feed cables, GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) antenna feed cables and cell phone systems.

50 Ohm coaxial cable (1)

Fiber Optic Cable

Picture of optical cables pluged in network server

Computing and data communications are fast-moving technologies. There comes a new generation of transmission media—fiber optic cable. It refers to the complete assembly of fibers, which contain one or more optical fibers that are used to transmit data. Each of the optical fiber elements is individually coated by plastic layers and contained in a protective tube. Fiber optic cable transmits data as pulses of light go through tiny tubes of glass, the transmission capacity of which is 26,000 times higher than that of twisted-pair cable. When comparing with coaxial cables, fiber optic cables are lighter and reliable for transmitting data. They transmit information using beams of light at light speed rather than pulses of electricity.

Nowadays, there are two fiber optic cable types widely adopted in the field of data transfer—single mode fiber optic cable and multimode fiber optic cable. A single-mode optical fiber is a fiber that has a small core, and only allows one mode of light to propagate at a time. So it is generally adapted to high speed, long-distance applications. While a multimode optical fiber is a type of optical fiber with a core diameter larger than the wavelength of light transmitted and it is designed to carry multiple light rays, or modes at the same time. It is mostly used for communication over short distances because of its high capacity and reliability, serving as a backbone application in buildings.

Singlemode-vs-Multimode Fiber Optic Cable

Conclusion of Twisted Pair vs Coaxial Cable vs Fiber Optic
As the technology in the field of the network is developing rapidly, network cable seems to become the trend for the increasing demand of the market. After learning the difference between twisted pair vs coaxial cable vs fiber optic, we know how to choose network cable. However, whether to choose twisted pair cables, coaxial cables or fiber optic cables still depends heavily on applications, which is subject to the cost, transmission distance and performance.

Related Article: Which Patch Cable Should I Choose for My Optical Transceiver?

Fiber Optic Cable vs Twisted Pair Cable vs Coaxial Cable

Frequently Asked Question About Fiber Patch Cord

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What Is Fiber Patch Cord?

A fiber patch cord can be a cable that connects devices allowing information to pass together. Patch cords certainly are a common method of setting up wired connections between devices, including connecting a tv with a digital cable box using coaxial cable. These cords are used for any kind of signal transference, such as in a television, radio or computer network. These cables are manufactured with standard fiber optic cabling and are terminated with fiber optic connectors for both ends.

fiber patch cord

What Is Fiber Patch Cord Used for?

There are several application areas for optical fiber cable, including connecting computer workstations to outlets and connecting fiber optic patch panels or optical cross-connect distribution centers.

What Are the Most Common Fiber Optic Patch Cables?

There are lots of common forms of fiber patch cables and your network may need a number of these phones operate most efficiently. Professionals use a number of ways to categorize the most frequent fiber patch cables, like the fiber cable type, the termination connector types, the optical fiber modes, the dimensions of the fiber cable, as well as the various styles of polishing the connectors. FS.COM offer several types of common patch cable, it provides 10G OM3/OM4 fiber patch cable; 9/125 single-mode and OM2 50/125, OM1 62.5/125 multimode fiber patch cable having a number of connector types including LC, SC, ST, FC, MU, and MTRJ.

What Are Fiber Optic Cable Types?

There are the main kinds of fiber cable: Simplex, Duplex. A Simplex fiber patch cable has one fiber and one connector on each side. A Duplex fiber optic cable features two fibers and a couple connectors on both ends. Either each fiber will probably be marked separately (e.g., A and B) or the connector boots uses different colors to think the polarity of each connector.

How Are Fiber Optic Patch Cables Terminated?

You can find basically two methods to terminate a fiber cable: utilizing the same connector type on both ends from the cable (e.g., LC fiber patch cable: LC to LC) and taking advantage of two different connectors on each side from the cable (e.g. ST-SC fiber patch cable) which is also known as the Hybrid termination.

What Are the Most Common Connector Types for Fiber Patch Cord?

Typically the most popular connector types are SC, ST, LC, MTRJ, MU, and FC.

What Modes Are Utilized in Fiber Patch Cord?

Currently, there are three different modes which can be used in fiber patch cords: single mode, multimode, and 10G multimode. Single mode fiber cables count on 9/125 micron fiber cable with single mode connectors on both ends with the cable. Multimode fiber optic patch cables use 62.5/125 micron or 50/125 micron fiber cabling and therefore are terminated with multimode fiber optic connectors on each end of the cable. 10Gb multimode fiber optic patch cords use enhanced 50/125 micron fiber that is optimized for 850nm VCSEL based 10Gb Ethernet. They are usually suitable for existing network equipment and will offer 300% more bandwidth than traditional 62.5/125 multimode fibers. These cables will also be rated for distances up to 300 meters.

Why Are There Different Connector Polishing Styles?

Fiber optic connectors were created, manufactured and polished to different shapes to reduce back reflection. Back reflection grades generally vary from -30dB to -60dB. Remember that polishing is especially important for applications in which single mode fiber has been used.

What Are Other Names for Fiber Patch Cord?

This really is by no means a thorough list of synonyms of these cables, but we now have heard them called: fiber optic patch cords, fiber patch cables, fiber optic jumpers, fiber jumper cables, duplex fiber jumpers, fiber wire, LAN fiber, network fiber, optic cables, network glass, plus more.

What Information Should I Provide If I Want to Modify the Fiber Patch Cord?

The following:

1. Quantity, and Length in meters.

2. The number of fibers. Simplex or Duplex.

3. Connector type for both ends, they could ‘t be exactly the same on both ends.

4. Singlemode or Multimode fiber. If Multimode please advise if 62.5/125 or 50/125, or 50/125 laser optimized.

5. PVC or Plenum jacket.

6. It is possible to send your customized detail info to the email: sales@fs.com, our sales will contact you as soon as possible, many thanks.