| Many fiber optic patch panels use ST connectors. | | | | by how it is sheathed. |
| But modern data communication and | | | | 1. Loose tube fiber |
| telecommunication equipment adapt SC fiber | | | | A buffer tube is a protective sheath in which |
| connectors as the first choice. | | | | individual strands of optical fibers are encased. |
| However, this does not pose ta problem in most | | | | This is called a loose tube fiber cable. |
| situations. Why not? Because fiber optic patch | | | | Loose tube fiber cables are usually designed for |
| cables are available with ST-ST connectors, | | | | outdoor applications. They may contain |
| SC-SC connectors and SC-ST connectors. | | | | water-blocking gel in the tube to protect the |
| It is the same solution for most other fiber optic | | | | cables from moisture, extreme environmental |
| connector types such as FC, LC, MTRJ, MU, SMA | | | | temperature and other hazards. |
| 905 and SMA 906 or even E2000. But it is a good | | | | Loose tube cables can withstand aerial as well as |
| practice to use the shortest cable possible to | | | | underground installation. |
| reduce the amount of slack in the cable, thus | | | | 2. Tight buffer fiber4 |
| reducing the number of loops in the cable and | | | | A single strand optical fiber can be enclosed in a |
| reducing the possibility of violating the minimum | | | | 900um buffer sheathing. This 900um buffer is |
| bend radius. | | | | called tight buffer. Kevlar strands can be included |
| :: Fiber cable types in fiber optic communication | | | | to provide additional protection from the |
| industry | | | | environment and also for fiber cable pulling. |
| Fiber optic cables are divided into two types: single | | | | Tight buffered fibers are usually for indoor |
| mode fiber and multimode fiber. In addition to this | | | | applications. But they can be encased in additional |
| categorization, fiber cables can also be categorized | | | | fiber jacket to make outdoor applications too. |