Fiber optic cables have all but replaced conventional copper wire connections. Fiber optic cabling delivers information and communications at lightning speed. Unlike copper connections that use electronic pulses to transmit information, fiber optic cables use light pulses. In addition, fiber optic cabling has massive capacity for information, and enables information to travel much longer without being refreshed.
Fiber optic cabling is usually wired in two forms: single mode, which offers a high transmission rate, or multimode, a high-speed option with large bandwidth for shorter distances.
Fiber optic cables can be used to enhance the communication and information capabilities of numerous businesses, including offices, cable TV operations, utility companies and industrial plants. Some things to consider when shopping for fiber optics:
- Locate fiber optic cable companies that offer different cable construction options.
- Make sure your fiber optic cables meet code standards for your building.
- Find good fiber optic cable installers to perform the specialized task of fiber optic cable installation.
Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Find quality fiber optic cable manufacturers
Good fiber optic cable suppliers make products you need available for purchase online, such as industrial fiber optic cables and more.
I recommend: Optical Cable Corporation offers numerous fiber optic cable options, while
Fiber Optics For Sale Co. provides fiber optic cable assemblies and other products. For jumpers, connectors and other fiber optic cable products by category, look at
American Tech Supply.
Make sure your fiber optic cables are installed to the latest standards
Fiber optic cable manufacturers and fiber optic cable suppliers should provide you with assurance that their products meet very specific standards based on your needs and facilities. In addition, these suppliers and manufacturers can help you make sure the fiber optic cables are installed based on the latest international standards.
I recommend: The
Fiber Optic Association posts standards on its website. You can also find fiber optic cable installation standards at the
University of California at Berkeley's website.
Find reputable fiber optic cable installers
Once you buy industrial fiber optic cables, it's important to find a fiber optic cable company that will properly install the product. Fiber optic cable installation is an intricate, involved process and should be conducted by a trained professional.
I recommend: The Fiber Optic Association also offers a "
Find An Installer" feature on its website.
Belden, as well as
Mason Technologies, also feature fiber optic cable installation services.
Tips & Tactics
Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide
- While they're quite expensive, it is possible to purchase fiber optic cable testers online. These testers are able to detect power levels and more for both single- and multi-mode fiber optics.
The official source of Fiber Optic Cables is the Fiber Optic Cables page at Business.com
Featured Vendors
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Fiber Optic Cables at Cablewholesale.comWe have a large selection of low price, high quality fiber-optic cables. Multimode, singlemode, plenum, direct burial as well as connectors/adapters.
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Atlona Optical CablesToslink Optical Cable from $6.99, Quality Cables from 3FT to 50FT
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