2.3.2 Fiber Optic Facts

Question 1

Components of Fiber

Answer 1

• Core (glass or plastic) carries the signal
• Cladding maintain the signal in the center of the core s the cable bends
• sheathing protects the cladding and the core

Question 2

Fiber Advantages

Answer 2

• Totally immune to EMI
• Highly resistant to eavesdropping
• Supports extremely high data transmission rates
• Allows greater cable distances without a repeater

Question 3

Fiber Disadvantages

Answer 3

• Very expensive
• Difficult to work with
• Special training required to attach connectors to cable

Question 4

Single-Mode

Answer 4

• Data transfers through the core using a single light path
• The core diameter is around 8-10.5 microns
• Cable lengths can extend a great distance
• There is less modal dispersion, so bandwidths can be higher
• Higher-cost electronics are required to send signals down a single path
• Optimized for 1310 nm and 1550 nm light sources

Question 5

Multi-Mode

Answer 5

• Data transfers through the core using multiple light paths
• The core diameter is around 50 to 100 microns
• There is more modal dispersion due to the multiple paths.
• Cable lengths are limited in distance and are dependent on bandwidth
• Higher light gathering capacity simplifies connections and allows lower-cost electronics
• Optimized for 850 nm and 1300 nm light sources

Question 6

ST Connector

Answer 6

• Used with single mode & multi mode
• Has a keyed bayonet-type connector
• Also called push in and twist connector
• Each wire has a separate connector
• Nickel plated with a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection
• Mnemonics are set and twist or straight tip

Question 7

SC Connector

Answer 7

• Used with single mode & multi mode
• Has a push-on/pull-off connector that uses a locking tab to maintain connection
• Each wire has a separate connector
• Ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection
• Mnemonics set and click or square connector

Question 8

LC Connector

Answer 8

• Used with single mode & multi mode
• Composed of a plastic connector with a locking tab that is similar to a RJ45 connector
• A single connector wit two ends keeps the two cables in place
• Ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and to prevent light ray deflection
• Is half the size of other fiber optic connectors
• Mnemonics lift and click or little connector

Question 9

MTRJ Connector

Answer 9

• Used with single mode & multi-mode
• Composed of a plastic connector with a locking tab
• Uses metal guide pins to ensure that it is properly aligned
• A single connector with one end holds both cables
• Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and prevent light ray deflection

Question 10

FC Connector

Answer 10

• Used with single-mode
• Each wire has a separate connector
• Uses a threaded connector
• Designed to stay securely connected in environments where it may experience physical shock or intense vibration

Question 11

Fiber Optic Cable Facts

Answer 11

• Common wavelengths used in fiber optics are 850 nm 1300nm 1310nm and 1550 nm
• Multi mode is designed to operate at 850 and 1300
• Single mode is optimized for 1310 and 1550 nm

Question 12

Fiber media conversion

Answer 12

• Single mode fiber to copper Ethernet wiring
• Multi-mode fiber to copper Ethernet wiring
• Single-mode or multi-mode fiber to coaxial wiring
• Single-mode fiber to multi-mode fiber