Ethernet Technology
Q41:Why would I use an APC connector?
APC, or angled polish connectors, minimize back reflection, ensuring the light does not reflect back into the transmitter or cable once it reaches the receive end. APC Connectors are typically used for application specific single mode projects.
Q40:Are all PM cables single mode?
Yes, PM (polarization maintaining) cables are single mode. In order to maintain light wave propagation along a particular axis, only one mode can exist.
Q39:Why should I use stainless steel jackets?
Stainless steel jacketing adds durability to cable assemblies. In applications were traditional cable assemblies can be easily damaged, or typically fail, stainless steel cables can mitigate potential damage or strain by protecting the fiber.
Q38:Can I get test data with my cables?
Each patch cord outgoing our factory will be packed with the label of test data
Q37:How does dB relate to the % of light that transmitted?
The higher the dB, the less light that passes. Example: a cable with 1dB attenuation will have more light passing from one end to the other than a cable with 5dB attenuation.
Q36:What is the difference between Single Mode (SM) and Multimode (MM)?
SM (single mode) is a form of optical transmission in which a single mode of light travels down a fiber from one end to the other. Multimode is a form of transmission in which many modes of light travel down a fiber simultaneously.
Q35:How do I know if my cable is 50µm or 62.5µm?
Most fiber optic cable will state on the jacket the fiber core size. You may also be able to find a label from the assembly manufacturer stating the connector type, core size, etc.
Q34:Why do you care about my light source and how do I find out?
Your light source can make a considerable difference in the type of fiber optic cable needed and how that cable will perform for your application. It’s extremely important to verify light source when working with attenuated cables or loopbacks as these products are designed to function at precise levels of attenuation based on specific light sources. Using a cable not designed for your light source can greatly affect the performance or actual attenuation.
Q33:What is "stagger" length and why would I need it?
Stagger refers to a change in the breakout length of each fiber in a multi-fiber or ribbon fiber assembly. A staggered breakout cable is typically used in applications where the cable must be routed to one side rather than from the front of a given port. The stagger allows connector/port mating while allowing for differing distance from port to cable transition.
Q32:Explain the difference between simplex and duplex.
Simplex, or SX, refers to a single fiber cable or connection. Duplex, or DX, refers to a double (side-by-side) cable or connection.
Q31:How do you use and adjust a variable attenuator?
Typically, variable attenuators will have an adjustment via set screw or barrel screw on the body of the attenuator. If you are using a set screw attenuator, you will need a small flat-blade screw driver to adjust; turning to the left or right to raise or lower the attenuation. If you are using a barrel type attenuator, you can simply turn the barrel screw on the body of the attenuator to achieve the desired level of loss.
Q30:What is the difference between a coupler and splitter?
In most cases, there is no difference between a coupler and a splitter, the function of the part is the same. The functional difference is created by which end you use as the input vs. the output. Example: 1x2 coupler/splitter, if the input side is on that of the single leg, it will split the signal down the two legs (splitter). Alternatively, if the input is send on the two leg side, the signal will be combined down the single leg (coupler).
Q29:What is a loopback used for?
A loopback is used to test the functionality of a port by looping the optical or electrical signal back to the port from which it was sent. Used for a variety of testing, diagnostics, analysis, and troubleshooting applications, optical and electrical loopbacks are available in nominal and attenuated versions with multiple fiber types to match an existing system.
Q28:What is the difference in transmission distance between 50µm and 62.5µm?
Transmission distance is largely dependant on light source and protocol. However, 62.5µm fiber will generally support applications up to 300 meters. If your application requires longer distances, you will need to use either 50µm MM or 50µm Laser Optimized to achieve the desired performance.
Q27:What is the difference between set-screw VOAs and barrel-type VOAs?
Set screw and barrel type VOA (Variable optical attenuators) offer the same functionality and performance, the difference is in how the attenuation level is adjusted. Barrel type VOAs are adjusted by turning a thumb screw or ‘barrel’ on one end of the attenuator body, while a set screw type adjusts by turning a small screw left or right to adjust attenuation. Typically set screw type VOAs are used for applications where the attenuator needs to be mounted to a surface as the attenuator body is generally equipped with mounting holes. Barrel type VOAs are typically used for applications where the attenuator is not mounted to a surface, but either can be used for most applications.
Q26:How rugged can you make a fiber optic assembly?
There is virtually no limit to how rugged we can make a product. We have a number of qualified ruggedization methods, but should your application require something different, our custom design and manufacturing services can make a product to withstand just about anything.
Q25:Do your SFP electrical loopbacks meet the MSA specification?
Yes, all H&T SFP loopbacks are MSA compliant.
Q24:Can the SFP loopbacks be pre-programmed prior to shipment?
Yes, H&T SFP loopbacks are pre-programmed with customer specific information prior to shipment.
Q23:Can SFP Loopbacks be programmed on site?
No, any programming required for an SFP loopback must be done during manufacturing, prior to shipment.
Q22:What is POF?
POF (plastic optical fiber) is a type of fiber optic cable made of plastic rather than traditional glass. POF fiber is widely used in medical, imaging, and illumination applications where signal or light is not required to travel long distances. Generally POF is a much larger core size than standard glass fiber, making it more conducive for short distances.
Q21:Are you able to polish custom angles on bare fiber?
Yes, we offer a wide variety of angled polishes for SM, MM, and PM bare fiber applications. Generally, 8 degrees is preferred for many applications. However, we can polish and custom angle on request.
Q20:Why would I want to attenuate a cable or loopback?
Attenuation can be beneficial for a number of applications. First, attenuation can be used to lessen the output of a high power light source for short launch distances, ensuring the receiving transceiver does not get damaged or over saturated due to an over powered signal. Second, attenuation can assist in testing and measurement applications where a certain level of loss is desired to perform diagnostic procedures. Third, attenuation is an easy and convenient method for simulating loss associated with distance, allowing network distance simulations to be conducted in a lab type environment with a single product.
Q19:What is the minimum bend radius of a cable?
The minimum bend radius of a given cable is 10x the outer diameter of the cable.
Q18:Why can’t I use Zip ties?
Zip ties are not recommended for securing fiber optic cables as they can cause attenuation or in some cases fiber breakage due to the high level of pressure exerted on the fiber.
Q17:What is IL?
IL (insertion loss) is the amount of light or signal loss as a function of splicing, terminating, or mating.
Q16:Why is the length tolerance +10cm (4") and I can’t have a cable length I want?
Allowing for length tolerance allows us to re-terminate a cable assembly during the manufacturing process to compensate for a bad connector or polish, ensuring every cable you receive is of the highest quality and performance.
Q15:What are the different ways/methods to attenuate?
The main ways of attenuating are through core offset, air gap, thin film coating, dichroic filter, doped fiber, and macrobend.
Q14:What is the temperature range for composite connectors?
-65 to +175C is the generally accepted range. However, these values will vary depending upon construction type and method. Component manufactures use different materials and formulas in the construction of composite thermoplastic components. Here are some common materials and their prolonged exposure temperatures:
- UltemR (PEI) – 378 F
- RytonR (PPS) – 500 F
- TorlonR (PAI) – 500 F
- PEEK – 500 F
- LCP – 610 F
Q13:What is the typical IL loss values for a military connector?
Traditionally loss specification for military fiber optics is published for the termini itself. The general specification ranges for -0.5 ~ -0.75db per connector for multimode termini. For single mode termini these values are -0.25 ~ -0.4 range per termini. How this translates to a cable assembly with multiple channels will vary between manufacturers. In addition, you can see larger loss values on cables with higher density channel counts, due to connector/termini alignment & force issues.
Q12:What is the bend radius of TACTICAL fiber optic cable?
It varies depending upon the cable type and OD. A good rule of thumb is that 8x the OD under long term load.
Q11:What is the bend radius of flexible PEEK conduit?
Varies depending upon OD and material composition. Consult our sales representative to discuss.
Q10: What is the maximum distance for 100Base-TX/FX multi-mode Fiber Converter?
In full duplex mode, the converters can extend fiber distances up to 2Km (Kilo meter).
In half duplex mode, the converters can extend fiber distances up to 412m (meter).
Q9: What is the maximum distance for a 100Base-TX/FX single-mode Fiber Converter?
In full duplex mode, a converter using single mode fiber will extend distances up to 20Km, 40Km, or 100Km optionally. Therefore, it is not recommended for a 100Base-TX/FX single mode fiber converter to run under half-duplex mode with single mode fiber.
Q8: What is the maximum distance for a 10Base-T/FL multi-mode fiber converter?
A 10Mbps 10Base-FL multi-mode fiber converter can extend distances up to 2Km regardless of whether half or full-duplex mode is used.
Q07: Can I use hub instead of switch to connect with fiber converter?
Yes, fiber converter can be used with hub or switch.
But for optimal performance, to fully utilize the fiber’s long-range transmission advantage, the 100Base-TX/FX converters should be deployed together with switches and not hubs. Switches support full duplex mode while hub not. This allows point-to-point connection of up to 2Km for multi-mode fiber and up to 100Km for single mode fiber.
Q06: Why do we need Gigabit multi-mode SX to single mode LX converters?
Until this Q&A released, a 10 / 100 LAN switch with a Gigabit module or Gigabit switch comes with 1000Base-SX gigabit port(s) that will only support point-to-point connections of up to 280m. A Gigabit multi-mode SX to single mode LX converter has the potential to extend this distance to 10Km.
Q05: What are the 1000Base-LX and 1000Base-ZX?
The 1000Base-LX is a Gigabit LX fiber converter that can supports up to 500m if 50/125 microns multimode fibers were to be used, and 10km if use 9/125 microns single mode fiber. They are available now.
The 1000Base-ZX is a Gigabit long-haul single mode fiber converter that can support up to 70km if use with 9/125 microns single mode fiber.
Q04: What is difference of Multi-Mode and Single-Mode fiber cable?
Fiber cable consists of Core, Cladding, Coating, Strength members and Jacket.
For Multi-Mode fiber: Typically 62.5/125 fiber (A core of 62.5 microns and with cladding of 125 microns)
For Single-Mode fiber: Typically 8.3/125 fiber (A core of 8.3 microns and with cladding of 125 microns)
(Note: micron: millionth of a meter (µm)
Q03: What is the Wavelength of Fiber Cable used?
It is 1300nm wavelength for both Fast Ethernet (100Mbps) and Gigabit Ethernet (1000Mbps).
It is 1550nm wavelength for single mode operation.
Q02: What is the specification of Fiber Cable can be used for Fiber converter?
50/125, 62.5/125, or 100/140mm for multi-mode
8.3/125, 8.7/125, 9/125 or 10/125mm for single-mode
Q01: What is the data transfer rate of Fiber converter?
1000Mbps: 1,488,100 PPS (Packet Per Second)
100Mbps 148,800 PPS
10Mbps 14,880 PPS
FAQ