Fiber optic cable not only gives you immunity to interference and greater signal security, but it’s also constructed to insulate the fiber’s core from the stress associated with use in harsh environments.

The core is a very delicate channel that’s used to transport data signals from an optical transmitter to an optical receiver. To help reinforce the core, absorb shock, and provide extra protection against cable bends, fiber cable contains a coating of acrylate plastic.

In an environment free from the stress of external forces such as temperature, bends, and splices, fiber optic cable can transmit light pulses with minimal attenuation. And although there will always be some attenuation from external forces and other conditions, there are two methods of cable construction to help isolate the core: loose-tube and tight-buffer construction.

In a loose-tube construction, the fiber core literally floats within a plastic gel-filled sleeve. Surrounded by this protective layer, the core is insulated from temperature extremes, as well as from damaging external forces such as cutting and crushing.

In a tight-core construction, the plastic extrusion method is used to apply a protective coating directly over the fiber coating. This helps the cable withstand even greater crushing forces. But while the tight-buffer design offers greater protection from core breakage, it’s more susceptible to stress from temperature variations. Conversely, while it’s more flexible than loose-tube cable, the tight-buffer design offers less protection from sharp bends or twists.

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Fiber Cable Selector

Multicolor Fiber Optic Patch Cables Data Sheet

These switches perform as promised year after year, using internal mirrors to optically move data between fiber ports. Air-gap isolation provides a physical break in circuit connections for secure communications. This makes them ideal for government, healthcare, or other applications where a private, data-sensitive network connects to a publicly accessible one.

Unlike conventional electronic switches, these switches are not complex devices with vulnerable circuits that you need to closely monitor and protect from intrusion, component failure, or interference.

Even without the complexity, they’re reliable in mission-critical environments. Their jewel-like micro-mirrors are bonded to precise positioning servos, controlling the reflections of the optical data beams. Data passes through, maintaining optical communications even when power is removed. The “latching” versions latch mirror movement mechanically into a selected position and hold it there without the need for continuous electrical power.

The A/B switch has unique loopback capabilities. Using loopbacks, you can verify the integrity of your backup fiber link while still connected to your primary fiber link. This is especially useful in failover applications where you want to continuously test the “unused” circuit to ensure that it’s available if needed.

All Fiber Optic AB, ABC, and ABCD Switches are designed to pass fiber wavelengths and data formats transparently now and in the future. Because they’re compatible with all formats and speeds, there’s no need to upgrade or replace them when your data protocols change and your speeds increase.