Fiber optic cables are used to transmit digital information over long distances through optical fibers. They are widely used in modern communication networks due to their high bandwidth, low loss, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. Two common types of fiber optic cables are fiber optic cables and optical fiber jumpers. While both types of cables use optical fibers to transmit signals, they differ in their construction and use. In this article, we will explore the difference between fiber optic cables and optical fiber jumpers.
Fiber Optic Cables
Fiber optic cables are long, continuous cables that are used to transmit digital information over long distances. They are typically used to connect buildings or cities to the Internet backbone. Fiber optic cables consist of a core made of glass or plastic fibers surrounded by a cladding material that reflects light back into the core. This structure allows the light to be transmitted over long distances without significant attenuation or loss.
Fiber optic cables come in two main types: single-mode and multi-mode. Single-mode fiber optic cables have a small core diameter, typically around 9 microns, and are used for long-distance communication. They are used in applications such as telecommunications, cable TV, and Internet service providers. Multi-mode fiber optic cables have a larger core diameter, typically around 50 microns, and are used for shorter distances. They are used in applications such as local area networks (LANs) and data centers.
Optical Fiber Jumpers
Optical fiber jumpers, also known as fiber optic patch cords or fiber optic cables, are short cables used to connect two devices or patch panels together. They are typically used in LANs and data centers to connect switches, servers, and other network devices. Optical fiber jumpers consist of a core made of glass or plastic fibers surrounded by a protective jacket that is color-coded to indicate the type of cable.
Optical fiber jumpers come in various lengths, typically ranging from 0.5 meters to 30 meters. They also come in two main types: single-mode and multi-mode. Single-mode optical fiber jumpers have a yellow jacket and are used for long-distance communication. Multi-mode optical fiber jumpers have an orange jacket and are used for shorter distances.
Differences Between Fiber Optic Cables and Optical Fiber Jumpers
Length: Fiber optic cables are designed for long-distance communication, while optical fiber jumpers are designed for short distances.
Purpose: Fiber optic cables are used to connect buildings or cities to the Internet backbone, while optical fiber jumpers are used to connect devices or patch panels together.
Type: Fiber optic cables come in two main types: single-mode and multi-mode, while optical fiber jumpers also come in two main types: single-mode and multi-mode.
Jacket Color: Fiber optic cables have a protective jacket that is typically black, while optical fiber jumpers have a protective jacket that is color-coded to indicate the type of cable.
Connectors: Fiber optic cables are typically terminated with connectors, while optical fiber jumpers are typically terminated with plugs.
Cost: Fiber optic cables are typically more expensive than optical fiber jumpers due to their length and the materials used in their construction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fiber optic cables and optical fiber jumpers are two common types of fiber optic cables used in modern communication networks. While they both use optical fibers to transmit digital information, they differ in their construction and use. Fiber optic cables are designed for long-distance communication and are used to connect buildings or cities to the Internet backbone, while optical fiber jumpers are designed for short distances and are used to connect devices or patch panels together. Understanding the differences between these two types of cables is essential when designing and building modern communication networks.
