Fiber Optic Cables: The Different Types and How They Are Used

The technology that fiber optic cables bring used to be only a dream. Fiber optic cables can transmit data by means of light pulses instead of electricity currents. This technology has become extremely especially useful in the telecommunications industry because they have revolutionized how telephones and even the Internet work. Nowadays, even businesses and organizations utilize fiber optic cables for their ability to send data faster in a more cost-effective manner.

What are the different types of fiber optic cables being used today and what differentiates them from one another? We may have previously shared more information about this but consider this a refresher to give you a better understanding of the different fiber optic cables available in the industry today.

Fiber Optic Cable, LC to SC, Single Mode Simplex (9/125) - 2 Meter

1. Single-Mode Fiber Optic Cable – Because single-mode fiber optic cables can only transfer data in a single stream, these fiber connections are often used for longer cable runs. The single stream of data actually allows for faster data transmission as the single light pulse is capable of carrying a significant amount of bandwidth. In Internet usage, single-mode fiber optic cables are used for Ethernet connections that require data transmission over long distances.

10Gb Aqua (OM3) Fiber Optic Cable, LC to LC, Multimode Duplex (50/125) - 1 Meter

2. Multi-Mode Fiber Optic Cable – Contrary to the single-mode fiber optic cables, multi-mode optical cables are capable of data transmission through several different paths. The pulses of light emitted transmit data allowing faster travel over a single fiber optic line. The downside, however, is that although more data can be transmitted, multi-mode fiber optic cables have less bandwidth available. Because of this, they are often used for shorter distances of data transmission such as a Local Area Connection (LAN).

3. Plastic Fiber Optic Cables – Made of plastic rather than glass, plastic fiber optic cables are not really used to transmit data as they are less reliable than single-mode and multi-mode fiber optic cables that are made of glass. Plastic fiber optic cables are, instead, used for impressive light displays and other ornamental purposes. These are continuously being tested upon by technology specialists for their ease of installation and usage but so far, the results are inconclusive as to whether they can be a potential alternative to commonly used fiber optic cable connections.

Why Choose Fiber Optic Cables

Fiber optic cables are quickly becoming the standard in the communication and electrical industry. A fiber optic cable has glass tubes or plastic fibers that can transmit digital data at a higher and faster rate when compared to other forms of both wired and wireless communication systems. While the science of engineering is way beyond the scope of this article, it is certainly easy to assess why many industries prefer the use of fiber optic cables than standard electrical cables.

While fiber optic cables are not exactly cheap, they are certainly cheaper than copper wire, which is a more economical and practical choice, especially for companies and industries that require data transmission over large distances. As fiber optic cables require certified technicians for installations, it is actually the cost of the installers that make using fiber optic cables a bit more expensive. The advantages, however, outweigh the cost in the long run.

Fiber optic cables provide a safer and more secure connection because they are resistant to external environs. These types of cables are not easily affected by electromagnetic noise such as radios, motors, and other cables in surrounding areas. They are also highly resistant to jamming and tapping – one of the reasons why the United States Department of Defense prefers fiber optics for the last 25 years or so.

Because fiber optic cables do not require electricity to operate, they are actually safer to use because they do not pose a fire hazard. Additionally, since optical cables are resistant to environment noise, they are also resistant to electrical interference, making them extremely valuable in locations that use high voltage for security and protection.

Aside from security and fast data transmission, fiber optic cables also experience very little data loss. The light that travels through the fiber seldom experiences attenuation even over long distances. The capacity of fiber optic cables is about 26,000 times greater than twisted media – proving to be more reliable in the communication industry.

With fiber optic cables, data transmission and management becomes hassle-free while also providing security and safety in the workplace.

Different Tools to Manage Fiber Optical Cables

Fiber optical cables are cables that contain optical fibers which are individually coated with plastic layers and contained in an eco-friendly tube for protection. Fiber optical cables are used in numerous industries for different purposes. For example, the medical industry uses fiber optical cables as light and imaging tools as well as lasers which are extremely useful during surgeries. Additionally, the industrial and commercial industry also uses fiber optical cables for imaging, especially in hard-to-reach areas. Therefore, managing fiber optical cables is very important in protecting these cables from damage and allowing ease of use. There are different products to manage fiber optical cables, often available for indoor and outdoor uses. Here are some of them:

Fiber patch panels – Used indoors, fiber patch panels can either be racked or wall mounted. Fiber optical cables are safe inside the box and are fixed in place for proper cable management. Fiber patch panels are available in 12, 24, and 48-port varieties.
Fiber splice closures – Often for outdoor use, fiber splice closures protect fiber optical cables by organizing the fiber connections using the optic trays. With the fiber tray and fiber splice closure, both the fibers and cables are protected. While waterproof splice closures are available, these types of fiber optical cable management products are commonly sold in dome and horizontal types.

Fiber optic boxes – These are shaped like boxes and protect and distribute the optical fiber links. Fiber optic boxes are similar to patch panels except they are smaller in size and are often called terminal boxes. They are also available in 12 and 24-port varieties.
Optical distribution frames – Also used to manage fiber optical cables, ODFs are often used indoors and come in both big and small sizes. While other fiber optical cable management products come in 12, 24, and 48-port varieties, ODFs allow for bigger ports as they are also sold in 72- and 98-port types.

As with any other type of cable, fiber optical cables need proper care, storage, and management to prolong their shelter lives. With the hundreds or even thousands of fiber optical cables linking different networks and equipment, it is important to protect these for future use.

All About Video Baluns

What is a video balun?A video balun is a connecting device which converts a balanced electrical line to an unbalanced line and vice versa. It is also used as a cost efficient alternative to extending the distance of a security camera from 1,000 feet to up to 6,000 feet. This is achieved by using a Cat5e/A cable or another form of twisted pair wire (UTP) instead of the usual coaxial cable. With the help of a video balun, the UTP wire can be pulled for longer runs. A video balun comes in two’s. One is for converting the unbalanced line to a balanced line and the other is to convert the signal back. One key advantage of using a video balun is that the frequency transmits a stronger signal and thus has less of a signal interference. Basically, there are two kinds of video baluns—a passive video balun and an active video balun. However, the right kind of video balun to use mostly depends on the function. For example, a keystone video balun is more appropriate for behind the wall installations, while for your home theater, you will need a special HDTV balun. For industrial needs, a rackmount video balun will better support the requirements of a business. It helps eliminate tangled cables and simplifies the process of installation. Other common uses of video baluns include connecting security and surveillance systems, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, televisions, computer monitors and laptops, USB devices and DVD players, among others.

There are three configurations by which video baluns can exist. If you use passive video baluns on both the camera and the monitor side, then there is no signal intensity change or amplification. This works for a maximum distance of 1,000 feet. If you use a passive video balun on the camera side and an active video balun on the monitor side, the receiving balun amplifies a weakened signal and transmits a stronger signal to the surveillance device. This set-up works for a maximum of 4,000 feet in distance. Finally, if you use an active video balun on both sides, the sending balun transmits a strengthened signal to the other end which then strengthens the signal and sends it to the surveillance device. This is good for a maximum of 6,000 feet in distance.

Want to know more about video baluns? Visit PIMFG.com.

Different Types of Fiber Optical Cables

As a whole, the general process for the creation of fiber optical cables is pretty much the same. Two layers of glass (or plastic for plastic fiber) are melted together and then drawn out into a long fiber with a core and an external sheathing. Light travels through the refractive indexes of the core and the sheath. The optical fibers are then drawn down, cooled and spooled for bundling and manufacturing.

Depending on how they were made, there are three types of fiber optical cables.

1. Single mode fiber optical cable. This has a narrower core and carries more bandwidth in a narrower spectral width, as compared to a multi-mode fiber. Single mode fiber optical cables allow for one data stream or mode to be transmitted over very long distances.

2. Multi mode fiber optical cable. Unlike a single mode fiber, a multi mode fiber cable uses a much thicker core. It can carry data encoded using multiple light sources which means that multiple data streams can travel through even just one fiber. However, multi mode fiber cables are only good for short distances and cannot support a high bandwidth which single mode fiber optical cables can usually support.

3. Plastic optical fiber (POF). Plastic fiber optical cables do not possess optical purity which is necessary for reliable data transmission so it is usually just used for decorative and aesthetic transmission of light like the toys where there is light transmission. This is achieved through colorful clumps of fiber optical cables. Unlike its glass counterparts, POF is cheaper to manufacture and is not as fragile so it is ideal for aesthetic purposes.

Fiber optical cables can also be categorized according to how they are bundled and the size of the cables. Keep reading this blog for more information.

Using CCTV Video Balun to Transmit Video Over a Cat5 Cable

When transmitting a video signal for your security camera over long distances, a Cat5 cable is ideal. This kind of situation is perfect for using a CCTV video balun, otherwise known as a UTP balun. What does a video balun do? It converts a 75 ohm video signal over to the correct 100 ohm impedance for the Cat5 cable and then back to the 75 ohm video signal again. Aside from a Cat5 cable, a CCTV video balun also allows other forms of twisted pair wire in CCTV video camera and surveillance installations. In addition, a video balun is more cost efficient because installers can run over long distances easier than a coax cable for less money. In fact, an active video balun transceiver can extend wires for surveillance cameras for up to 3,000 feet.

Aside from being a money saver, using a CCTV video balun is a time saver too. Instead of running a coax cable from all the way up, you can just check for unused Cat5 phone lines. Phone lines are cost efficient when it comes to wiring. As an installer, using a phone line means that you just have to unscrew the face plate, strip the phone cable wires and connect it to the balun. When it comes to stripping, the more economical video baluns will require wire stripping and an individual wire connection. For this, you will need a cable stripper. However, if you are using a “fancier” balun, you will notice that it usually has a built in port for easier connection directly from a cable with a connector. Using a CCTV video balun also gives you multiple pairs of wires. Ordinarily, you will have four pairs of 22 gauge wires so you can use one cable for four cameras. A word of caution, though. Do not forget to either power the security camera at the camera itself or use a separate Cat5 cable to avoid interference.

Video Baluns – What Exactly Are They?

Active Video Balun for Camera side,
Up to 6560 Ft

Video baluns are devices that are used to convert balanced lines to unbalanced lines and vice versa. Video baluns are electronic devices used in aerial and its feeder cable and other electrical circuit elements wherein one is balanced and the other is unbalanced. The difference between a balanced and unbalanced line is that balanced lines have two conductors having equal currents in opposite directions, whereas unbalanced lines only have one conductor and that the current returns via a common ground or earth path.

Video baluns come in pairs, with one converting balanced to unbalanced and vice versa, while the other converts the signal back. Video baluns function by transforming an unbalanced video signal to a balanced frequency that originates from a different cable. With video baluns, frequencies are then balanced, transmitting a stronger signal while preventing signal interference.

As mentioned, video baluns come in pairs. They also come in passive and active forms. For example, passive video baluns are available in 3- and 2-Pair Powers, both for the camera and monitor side for security cameras. These video baluns are also cost-efficient, increasing the distance of security cameras by 1000ft using a Cat5e or UTP Cable. Active video baluns are also available, requiring Cat5, Cat6, or phone cables to function. Some active video baluns can even provide signals for up to 6000ft.

Active Video Balun, Female BNC Connector, Terminal Type, Camera Side

Video baluns are commonly used in BNC or coaxial cables, security and surveillance systems, closed circuit television (CCTV) systems, and home theaters and television. They are also used in computer monitors, laptops, DVD players, USB devices, and unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables.

PI Manufacturing, Corp. is an online wholesaler of video baluns and other computer cables. Browse through PIMFG’s wide selection of video balun products such as passive video baluns, active video baluns, video balun brackets, built-in video baluns and more.