Fiber Optic Cable | Single Mode & Multimode for Network Infrastructure
Introduction
Opelink is a leading manufacturer of fiber optic cables, providing comprehensive connectivity solutions for telecommunications, data centers, and enterprise networks. With 13+ years of experience and ISO 9001:2015 certification, we deliver high-quality fiber optic cables to customers in over 50 countries.
Fiber optic cable is the backbone of modern communication networks, transmitting data as light pulses through ultra-thin glass. Compared to traditional copper cables, fiber optic cable offers significantly higher bandwidth, longer transmission distances, and immunity to electromagnetic interference.
Opelink offers a complete range of fiber optic cables including single mode (OS2) for long-distance applications, multimode (OM3/OM4/OM5) for high-speed data centers, and specialized cables for outdoor, indoor, and FTTH deployments. All our cables are manufactured to international standards including ITU-T, IEC, and Telcordia specifications.
Fiber Optic Cable Types
Opelink offers comprehensive fiber optic cable solutions to meet diverse network requirements:
1. Single Mode Fiber Optic Cable (OS2)
• 9/125μm core for long-distance transmission • Operating wavelengths: 1310nm and 1550nm • Transmission distance: up to 100km+ • Applications: telecommunications, CATV, long-haul networks • Standards: ITU-T G.652D, G.657A1/A2
2. Multimode Fiber Optic Cable
• OM3: 10GbE up to 300m, laser-optimized 50/125μm • OM4: 10GbE up to 550m, 100GbE up to 150m • OM5: Wideband multimode for SWDM applications • Applications: data centers, enterprise LANs • Standards: ISO/IEC 11801, TIA-492
• Armored and non-armored designs • Aerial, duct, and direct burial installations • UV-resistant and waterproof construction • Applications: telecom backbone, utility networks
• Butterfly (figure-8) design for easy installation • G.657A1/A2 bend-insensitive fiber • Applications: fiber to the home, last mile connectivity
Technical Specifications
Parameter
Single Mode (OS2)
Multimode (OM3/OM4)
Fiber Core
9/125μm
50/125μm
Operating Wavelength
1310nm / 1550nm
850nm / 1300nm
Max Distance (10GbE)
100km+
300m (OM3) / 550m (OM4)
Attenuation (1310nm)
≤0.35 dB/km
N/A
Attenuation (850nm)
N/A
≤3.0 dB/km (OM3)
Bandwidth (850nm)
N/A
2000 MHz·km (OM3)
Cable Types
GYTA, GYTS, ADSS
GJPFJH, OM3/OM4 Distribution
Operating Temperature
-40°C to +70°C
-20°C to +70°C
How Fiber Optic Cable Works
Fiber optic cable transmits data as pulses of light through ultra-thin strands of glass or plastic. Here's how it works: .Core and Cladding: The fiber consists of a central core (where light travels) surrounded by cladding with a lower refractive index. This design enables total internal reflection. .Light Transmission: When light signals enter the fiber, they reflect off the boundary between core and cladding, bouncing along the fiber in a zigzag pattern. This process, called total internal reflection, keeps the light contained within the core. .Signal Integrity: Fiber optic cable maintains signal integrity over long distances because light experiences minimal attenuation compared to electrical signals in copper cables. Single mode fibers can transmit signals over 100km without regeneration. .Data Capacity: Each fiber can carry enormous amounts of data. A single fiber pair can transmit 25,000+ telephone calls simultaneously, and modern DWDM systems can carry terabits per second.
Applications
• Telecommunications: Long-distance voice and data transmission, internet backbone • Data Centers: High-speed server connections, storage area networks (SAN) • CATV Networks: Cable television signal distribution • Enterprise Networks: LAN/WAN backbone, building interconnections • FTTH/FTTP: Fiber to the home and premises deployments • Industrial: Factory automation, process control systems • Transportation: Railway communication, traffic monitoring systems • Medical: Imaging equipment, surgical instruments • Military/Government: Secure communications, defense applications
Advantages Over Copper Cable
.Higher Bandwidth: Fiber optic cable provides significantly more bandwidth than copper cables of the same diameter. Single mode fiber can carry up to 100 times more data than copper. .Longer Distances: Fiber can transmit signals much farther than copper. While copper is limited to ~100 meters for Ethernet, fiber can reach 100km+ without signal regeneration. .Immunity to Interference: Fiber is immune to electromagnetic interference (EMI), radio frequency interference (RFI), and crosstalk. It can be installed near power lines and industrial equipment without signal degradation. .Enhanced Security: Fiber is difficult to tap without detection. It doesn't radiate signals, making it ideal for secure communications. .Thinner and Lighter: Fiber cables are thinner and lighter than copper cables with equivalent capacity, making installation easier and reducing structural load. .Future-Proof: Fiber infrastructure can support increasing bandwidth demands by upgrading terminal equipment without replacing the cable plant.
FAQ
Q1: What is the difference between single mode and multimode fiber optic cable?
A: Single mode fiber has a small 9μm core that carries a single light mode, enabling long-distance transmission (up to 100km+) at 1310nm and 1550nm wavelengths. Multimode fiber has a larger 50μm or 62.5μm core that carries multiple light modes, suitable for shorter distances (up to 550m) at 850nm and 1300nm. Single mode is used for telecom and long-haul; multimode is used for data centers and LANs.
Q2: How do I choose the right fiber optic cable for my application?
A: Consider these factors: (1) Distance - use single mode for >550m, multimode for shorter runs; (2) Environment - outdoor cables need UV and moisture protection, indoor cables need fire-rated jackets; (3) Bandwidth requirements - OM4/OM5 for 40G/100G, OS2 for high-speed long-distance; (4) Installation method - aerial, duct, direct burial, or indoor riser/plenum.
Q3: What is the maximum transmission distance for fiber optic cable?
A: Distance depends on fiber type and data rate. Single mode: 100km+ at 1Gbps, 40km at 10Gbps, 10km at 100Gbps. Multimode OM3: 300m at 10Gbps, 100m at 40Gbps. Multimode OM4: 550m at 10Gbps, 150m at 100Gbps. These distances can be extended using optical amplifiers or repeaters.
Q4: Can fiber optic cable be used outdoors?
A: Yes, Opelink offers outdoor-rated fiber optic cables with UV-resistant jackets, waterproof construction, and armoring for rodent protection. Common outdoor cable types include GYTA (loose tube, aluminum tape), GYTS (loose tube, steel tape), and ADSS (aerial self-supporting). These cables withstand temperature ranges from -40°C to +70°C.
Q5: What certifications and standards do Opelink fiber optic cables meet?
A: Opelink fiber optic cables are manufactured in our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility and meet international standards including ITU-T G.652D/G.657A, IEC 60794, Telcordia GR-20, and RoHS compliance. We provide test reports and certificates of conformance for all cable types. Custom testing and certification available upon request.