Ethernet: The Definitive Guide, 2nd Edition

Chapter 17. Fiber Optic Cables and Connectors

Fiber optic Ethernet cabling systems are based on multimode and single-mode fiber optic cables and connectors. Depending on the speed of the Ethernet media system and the type of fiber optic transmitters used in the system, the behavior of fiber optic media can vary. This is especially true for the high-speed Ethernet fiber optic systems, which send extremely rapid signals over fiber optic cable.

A major advantage of fiber optic cable is that the use of light pulses instead of electrical currents provides complete electrical isolation for equipment located at each end of a fiber optic link. This isolation provides immunity from hazards such as lightning strikes, and from the effects that can be caused by different levels of electrical ground potentials found in separate buildings.

For safe and reliable operation of your Ethernet system, electrical isolation of the sort provided by a fiber optic segment is essential when Ethernet segments are installed between buildings. Fiber optic media is also useful in environments such as manufacturing floors, because fiber optic segments are unaffected by the high levels of electrical noise that can be generated by heavy motors, welders, or other kinds of manufacturing equipment.

Fiber Optic Cable

There are a variety of fiber optic cable types; which you use is determined by the distance and speed required. The smallest cables are fiber optic patch cords, which often contain just 2 fibers, but may contain ...