Get to know the main types of network cabling

Deeply understanding all the principles and workings of network cabling is an essential part of an assertive Information Technology strategy. Despite this, it is still common for doubts to arise about all types of network cables for specific branches. In this article, we will explain everything about network cabling, its importance in the business context, as well as the main types of fiber optic cables found on the market.

What are optical fibers?

Over the last few years, digital transformation and the technological revolution have transformed telecommunications in unimaginable ways. It is in this context that the concept of optical fibers emerged, which are nothing more than extremely flexible, transparent, and very thin wires capable of transmitting data, voice, and video at high speeds, all through light signals emitted over long distances.

This is a revolutionary concept of data transmission that has been accompanying the entire revolution of telecommunications and Information Technology in companies, increasing the transmission speed of all digital information, bringing more competitiveness to the business world, and making it more dynamic. Why choose fiber optic cables?

In the current business context, where the speed of information and data is essential for the services offered to customers, having a robust and efficient network cabling structure can be the decisive factor in the choice of a quality service by customers and commercial partners, providing great speed and dynamism in the transmission of all digital information.

But it is not limited to that: its importance encompasses other essential aspects of business. Let’s now explore each of these aspects.

Cost reduction

The use of fiber optic cables provides the optimization of internal processes in companies and, consequently, in the entire IT area. The result of this is the optimization of data transmission and the cost reduction provided by its use, in addition to the dynamism and performance in processes since it provides the integration of systems and services.

Safety and durability

The lifespan of a fiber optic cable is impressive. As a rule, it has a life cycle of over 100 years.

This durability also reflects greater safety. This solution demonstrates high resistance, both in relation to various chemical agents and in relation to temperature variations.

There is no electrical energy running through the wires; therefore, there is no reason to worry about fires, for example.

Digital transformation

With the high demand for agile and high-performance network cabling, the choice of fiber optic cables prepares businesses for the development of digital transformation in business, improving and evolving the entire efficiency of operations as a whole, adding speed, security, and a much more robust business structure.

In the current post-pandemic context we are living in, this is no longer a choice but a necessity.

How to identify a fiber optic cable?

Understanding and knowing how to identify the different types of fiber optic cables is an essential part for IT managers and professionals in the field. Above all, it is fundamental to deeply understand the types of optical fiber best suited for specific network branches, according to the specific characteristics and concepts of each business and company.

With this in mind, the National Telecommunications Agency (Anatel) created a specific document to facilitate the identification of different types of network cabling, a technical report that identifies different types of cables by the acronym CFOAC-X-W-Z.

Let’s explain its meaning in detail:

• CFOAC: Cabo de fibras ópticas de acesso (Optical fiber access cable)
• X: Represents the type of optical fiber
• W: CM – Compacto metálico (Compact metallic)
• Z: Represents the number of optical fibers
• CA: Classe de atrito (Friction class)
• K: Represents the degree of protection regarding flame behavior

Get to know the main types of fiber optic cable

Differentiating the types of fiber optic cables is important for both providers and customers; therefore, it is essential in an IT strategy focused on network cabling. Each of them is used for specific applications with distinct characteristics. Let’s explain each of them now.

BLI

Low-sensitivity bend command fibers are also known as BLI, from the English “Bend Loss Insensitive”. They have been revolutionizing the market because they prevent data transmission losses that, in many situations, end up compromising the reach of a certain network.

They have been gaining more and more space in applications such as internal networks and drop cables. One of their differentials is precisely their ability to maintain the level of eventual losses due to bends.

Among their various benefits are network compaction and loss reduction, in addition to the reduction of optical cable diameters, which decreases the space occupied by the fiber.

The consequence of using BLI fibers is less complexity in the impact of network installations, also providing a reduction in investments due to stability and the decrease in bend losses in networks.

CFOI

The fiber optic cable for internal use is known as CFOI. One of its main characteristics is that its fibers are grouped into units also known as loose tubes.

COG

O Cabo Óptico de uso Geral também é conhecido na área de TI como COG. Via de regra ele é utilizado em redes com múltiplos cabeamentos de rede, em aplicações conhecidas como verticais.

LSZH

Another fiber optic cable known in the field is the Low Smoke Zero Halogen, also known by the nomenclature LSZH. By its literal translation, it is clear that this cable—also focused on vertical applications—is aimed at network safety; in possible cases of fire, smoke is reduced, and being halogen-free makes it less toxic and minimizes eventual risks.

MM

Another well-known network cabling is Multi Mode (MM). One of its main characteristics is its ability to work with multiple sources, due to a larger core, thus enabling the traffic of more than one network signal.

It is mainly used in local networks, such as call-center companies.

SM

Single Mode (SM) is one of the most well-known and used types of network cabling in the IT market. One of its main differentials is its capacity to transmit signals over long distances, making it ideal for external networks that necessarily require a robust transmission capacity.

Types of fiber optic cable required for a provider

It is important to emphasize that fiber optic cables that make up network cabling, in general, are just the structure that makes up your Infra. More robust or simpler, they are composed of different types of fiber optic cables necessary for a good network infrastructure.

Let’s now explain the three main types of network cabling required for a provider.

Backbone cable
The backbone cable is robust and resistant, functioning as the central base of a network. In addition to making primary branches, it also makes specific bends, taking the optical fiber to the so-called optical splice boxes (CEOs).

Access cable
The access cable is also known as a distribution cable. Its main function is to connect the optical fiber to the optical termination boxes. Additionally, they perform the so-called optical derivation, using the signals from each fiber into various signals to take them to the end users.

Termination cable
The termination cable, also known as drop, is the cable that takes the optical fiber to the end user. For its correct use, it is essential to use specific network cables.

Learn more about optical network cabling with DCA

Given the current business scenario in the post-pandemic context, where digitalization and digital transformation are driving new businesses worldwide, optical network cabling is fundamental for the IT infrastructure of companies, making its installation by a specialized company with expertise in the subject vital.

With this in mind, DCA can provide all the support and assistance in the development of the project so that your IT team follows all the regulations and principles of the area correctly.

Get in touch right now with our technical team and discover the best solutions for your company.

As a Master distributor of Furukawa fiber optic solutions, we guarantee quality and excellence for our clients’ projects. Furukawa is a leader in structured cabling and optical network infrastructure in Brazil and invests heavily in research. Thus, it establishes itself as a center of excellence, capable of offering complete solutions adapted to the most diverse needs in its field of expertise: telecommunications network infrastructure.