Fiber Optic Installation

Upgrading to new technology is great but it can put strains on older networks. While there is nothing inherently wrong with traditional copper cable, many businesses and other institutions are making the switch to fiber optic. Fiber cable can be run at greater distances and supports much higher data speeds than its older copper counterparts. With recent innovations in the technology, the once-fragile fiber cable is now more durable and simpler to install. For growing facilities that plan to expand their systems as the years go on, fiber optic is the best way to plan for the future.

Fiber vs. Ethernet

To understand the differences between ethernet and fiber, you need to start with how they work. Ethernet cables contain copper cores which transmit data through an electrical signal. While ethernet has evolved over the years, the fundamental technology remains the same. The major drawback of ethernet is that the electrical signals can be disrupted by electromagnetic interference (EMI). Anything that uses large amounts of power, from simple power cords to heavy industrial machinery, can generate EMI. As an older technology, ethernet will eventually reach its limit while fiber optic cable continues to improve.

Fiber cables transmit data using light (lasers) instead of electricity. These cables are filled with small pieces of glass that bounce the laser down the length of the cable. Since light moves faster than electricity, fiber cables are able to transmit data much faster than ethernet. Fiber optic cable does not suffer any ill effects from EMI or any other sort of interference. Think of the fiber optics and ethernet comparison as the same as DVDs and VHS tapes. VHS still saw use after DVDs were introduced, but were slowly phased out in favor of the new and improved technology.

Also note that fiber and ethernet are compatible with each other, so existing ethernet networks can be upgraded with fiber. Older networks do not have to be 100% replaced all at once. Upgrades can be gradually made over time.

Types of Fiber

Like ethernet, fiber optic cable comes in a few different flavors. The main categories are single-mode and multimode. Multimode can be further divided into OM1, OM2, OM3, and OM4.

Single-mode is used for long-range transmissions. Provided a powerful enough laser is being used to send the signal, a single-mode cable can run for miles by itself. Typically, single-mode sees use by the telecommunications industry. Single-mode fiber is usually color-coded yellow.

Multimode uses a thicker core than single-mode, which allows for more lasers to run through the cable. This, in turn, provides better signal speeds. OM1 and OM2 cables are color-coded orange and support up to 1GB data transfer speeds. OM2 is the newer of the two and capable of running for longer distances than OM1. OM3 and OM4 have a similar relationship, being color-coded aqua and supporting speeds between 10GB and 100GB depending on distance.

There are also different types of fiber connectors which come in a few different sizes and shapes. Exactly which type you need will be dictated by the equipment being used with the cables. This is something that will be evaluated during the site survey prior to installation.

Project Preparation and Execution

Before any installation, a survey of the job site will take place. A surveyor will come out to evaluate the premises, taking notes about the layout to determine what practices will be best for the install. This information will be sent to our expert team of Project Managers, who will then begin drawing up plans for the project. Once the plan is in place and approved, materials will be sent directly to the job site.

From there, one of our teams of installers will be dispatched. Our experts are capable of handling any fiber project, from a small office of a few hundred square feet to a multi-building complex that needs fiber optic cabling stretching for miles. After the cable is down, our team can use it to set up a new network or connect to existing infrastructure.

At INC, we perform fiber installations for offices, educational facilities, residential buildings, industrial plants, and more. A simple site survey is the start of preparing your building for fiber network installations that will provide greater network speeds than ever before. Whether a network uses fiber optic, ethernet, or even wireless systems, INC is ready to get the job done right.

If you have additional questions on this process, please call us directly at 888-519-9525 or request a quote here. Our team will work with you to prepare the site survey and customize your installation project.