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Author Archives: Opticonx

1. What is a Furcation Tube?

   March 23, 2022 4:30 pm Leave a Comment

   

   A furcation tube is a type of jacketing that is used to organize and protect sensitive optical fibers. There are many different factors to consider when determining whether you need fiber optic furcation. At Opticonx, we offer a range of fiber optic furcation tubing solutions to meet the needs of various industries and applications.

   What Is Fiber Optic Furcation?

   Fiber optic furcation protects and organizes optical fibers after a cable has been accessed. Furcation tubing also adds a layer of strength to optical fibers, making them more durable and long-lasting. Depending on your particular application, furcation tubes are available in various colors to aid in cable organization. Fiber optic furcation is used for several reasons, but it is especially important in situations where cables need to be spliced or field terminated.

   Fiber Optic Furcation vs. Breakout

   Furcation and breakout tubing are both systems for organizing and protecting fiber optic cables. The ideal tubing solution depends on the application. Each option uses a different design to deliver performance benefits in its ideal application. Furcation tubing typically consists of an inner tube that is surrounded by fiber and jacketing. Breakout cables, known as fan-out cables, contain multiple jacketed fibers packaged within an outer jacket.

   When To Use Fiber Optic Furcation Tubes

   Fiber optic furcation tubes provide a supportive structure and protection for bare optical fibers. Furcation tubes rely on an inner tube with a protective jacket reinforced by aramid yarn, and they can resist shrinkage over a range of temperatures. As previously mentioned, one of the biggest reasons to consider fiber optic furcation involves the need for splicing or field termination.

   Opticonx Fiber Optic Furcation Tubing Solutions

   

   Furcation tubing solutions from Opticonx come in a variety of configurations, including:

   • 900 Micron Furcation Tubing: This option is used to overtube 250 micron fibers for direct termination. Our 900-micron furcation offers industry standard protection and comes in several colors and materials.
   • 2MM Breakout Tubing: Our 2mm protective breakout tubing protects 250 and 900 micron fibers for direct termination. We offer custom configurations, zipcord, simplex, fiber diameter, and various material choices.
   • 3MM Breakout Tubing: Our 3mm breakout tubing protects 250 and 900 micron fibers for direct termination. We offer custom configurations, zipcord, simplex, fiber diameter, and various material choices.
   • 2MM and 3MM Duplex Round for Uniboot: This furcation tubing is specifically designed for unibot applications. It contains two 600 micron color-coded tubes and aramid yard for added strength.
   • Ribbon Breakout Tubing: We offer single-wall ribbon tubing for splice tray routing and ruggedized dual wall tubing with aramid yard for direct termination. Our ribbon breakout tubing is easy to identify with standard color-coding.
   • Custom/Specialty Tubing: We can design and engineer a custom furcation solution for your specialty application. We engineer your solution by implementing your specified material, shape, and dimensions.

   Rely on Opticonx for Fiber Optic Furcation

   Fiber optic furcation tubing comes in various styles to suit specific optical fibers, connections, splicing, and termination configurations. It provides a supportive, protective, and organizing structure for optical fibers. At Opticonx, we have been delivering world-leading customer service for our high-quality fiber optic furcation solutions since 1995. Our fiber optic furcation has rugged Kevlar reinforcement, resists shrinkage at hot and cold temperatures, and comes in a wide range of custom configurations with fast turnaround times.

   Contact Us or Request a Quote

   Opticonx specializes in fiber optic breakout and direct termination kits. We work with various industries, and we have over 100 years of combined experience in the industry. Contact us to learn more about our fiber optic products or request a quote today

2. The Basics of Fiber Optic Polarity

   March 14, 2022 4:30 pm Leave a Comment

   Polarity is the direction of flow in an electric current or a magnetic field. In fiber optics, polarity is the direction in which light signals travel through an optic cable. For the signal to flow, the transmit signal (Tx) must match the partnered receiver (Rx).

   This guide will discuss fiber optics polarity in more detail, how polarity affects installation, and the fiber optic products available at Opticonx.

   What is Fiber Optics Polarity?

   As optic cables become increasingly popular for transmitting high-speed data, fiber numbers also increase, making their connections more complex. Thus, users should take the time to understand how fiber optics polarity works. Consider the following factors when determining a solution to a polarity problem:

   • General Fiber Polarity: Is the polarity straight, crossed, flipped, or other?
   • Gender: Are the paired male and female components properly connected?
   • Orientation: Is the orientation KeyUp-KeyUp or KeyUp-KeyDown?
   • End-Face Alignment: Is it straight or angled?

   How Does Fiber Optics Polarity Affect the Installation of Fiber Optic Cables?

   
   In duplex fibers, data transmission is bidirectional over two fibers: each fiber connects the transmitter on one end to the receiver on the other. The Tx should always connect to the Rx, no matter the number of cable segments or patch panel adapters in the circuit. The role of polarity is to maintain this connection, which is essential for data to flow.

   These connections are relatively simple for duplex fibers, but multi-fiber push on connectors, or MPOs, are more complex. Some MPOs can contain eight, 12, or 24 fibers for LAN applications. There are three main deployment methods depending on the types of MPO cables.

   Fiber Cable Products Available at Opticonx

   Opticonx provides UL-listed ONFR and OFNP cables that meet the highest standards for any application, whether you require a single fiber or custom-manufactured cable. Here are the fiber optic cable types we carry.

   2MM and 3MM Simplex

   Our simplex cables use a 900um tight-buffered fiber encircled by aramid yarn strength attachments with a pliable flame-retardant riser. These cables are perfect for single fiber connectors. You may choose from a selection of fiber types and add a custom print legend.

   2MM and 3MM Duplex

   Our duplex zipcord cables use two 900um tight-buffered fibers encircled by aramid yarn strength attachments with a pliable, flame-retardant riser. These cables are perfect for single fiber connectors, namely those with duplex clips or housings. You can choose from different fiber types and add a custom print legend.

   2MM 2 Fiber Round for Uniboot

   Opticonx 2 Fiber Round cables safely terminate high-density uniboot connectors, including SN, LC, MDC, and CS. Two 600um tight-buffered fibers, aramid yarn strength attachments, and a pliable flame-retardant plenum-rated jacket provide added strength.

   3MM 12 Fiber for MTP/MPO

   Opticonx 12 Fiber Micro-Distribution style cables are perfect for MPO cables. Featuring a UL OFNP listing, these cables are incredibly versatile. With twelve 250 micron fiber color codes, identification is easy. The aramid yarn strength attachments that come with all our fiber optic cable products form strong cables and secure terminations.

   Custom Cables or Custom Extrusion

   If you require a non-standard cable, Opticonx can help. We can custom-make or extrude cables to your unique specifications, even for short production runs.

   Fiber Optic Cables from Opticonx

   As we increasingly depend on fiber optic cables for high-speed data transmission, we must also understand the basics of polarity. Polarity is crucial in maintaining proper connections within fiber optic cables. At Opticonx, we provide fiber optic cable solutions that meet your application’s requirements. Choose from our standard stock, or contact us to place a custom order. If you’re ready to get started, request a quote today.

3. What Are Pre-Terminated Fiber Cables?

   October 20, 2021 3:07 pm Leave a Comment

   

   Fiber optic cables are critical to various industries and applications across the world. Unlike traditional copper cables, they are capable of transmitting large volumes of data at high speed. Additionally, they are light and flexible, making them easier to install, maintain, and repair, which has led to them being the go-to option for countless data transmission applications.

   Fiber optic cables need to be terminated before they are installed. Termination refers to the process of adding a device to the end(s) of the cable that enables it to be connected to other cables and devices. While the process can be performed in the field, pre-terminated cables are terminated by the manufacturer before shipment and can improve installation efficiency and/or reduce installation costs.

   How Are Fiber Cables Terminated?

   The fiber optic cable termination process requires a variety of tools and supplies. It involves exposing the fiber elements and attaching them together. The connections formed can be temporary or permanent. Temporary connections use connector components, which are available in many designs to suit different applications. Permanent connections involve splicing, a process in which the bare fibers are connected directly.

   Pre-Terminated Fiber Cable vs. Field-Terminated Fiber Cable

   As indicated above, fiber cables can be field-terminated or pre-terminated. Field-terminated cables are terminated at the installation site. Pre-terminated cables are terminated at the manufacturing facility.

   When Should I Use Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Assemblies?

   Pre-terminated fiber optic cables offer a variety of advantages over field-terminated fiber optic cables. Since they arrive on-site ready to use (i.e., they do not need to be prepared or tested), they are much quicker and easier to install. As a result, they can lead to lower labor costs and a smaller risk of installation error. If you’re looking to reduce project costs, shorten installation timelines, and/or decrease termination issues, pre-terminated fiber optic cables are the perfect solution.

   When Should I Not Use Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Assemblies?

   While pre-terminated fiber optic cables are suitable for many applications, they are not suitable for every application. Since they are precut before they arrive on-site, they may not be as accurate or precise in length as field-terminated fiber optic cables. If high accuracy and precision are critical for an application, it may be better to use field-terminated cables to reduce the risk of measurement miscalculation.

   Considerations for Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Cables

   There are many design options for pre-terminated fiber optic cable assemblies. Additionally, they are a variety of tools available to facilitate their installation.

   Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Cable Connectors

   Fiber cables can be pre-terminated with a range of connector types. New types are regularly hitting the market while existing ones consistently receive improvements. The connector types available at Opticonx include:

   • LC
   • SC
   • APC
   • MTP

   We continuously work with connector manufacturers to ensure we remain up to date on the latest advancements in connector technologies.

   Pull Eye Kits

   While pre-terminated fiber cables are easier to use than field-terminated fiber cables, they still carry a risk of being strained during the installation process. The PEK series pulling eye kits from Opticonx are designed to protect pre-terminated cables while they are installed in conduits, ducts, or risers. The kits ensure terminations do not experience any stress or strain during installation.

   Contact Opticonx for Pre-Terminated Fiber Optic Cable Solutions

   Want to learn more about pre-terminated fiber optic cables? Ask the experts at Opticonx! Equipped with over 25 years of experience providing industry-leading fiber solutions, our team can answer or address any questions or concerns you may have about these products. Additionally, if you need fiber cables for your next project, we can engineer and manufacture a solution that fully meets even your most demanding specifications and standards.

   Contact us today to learn more about our pre-terminated fiber optic cable solutions. Request a quote to get started on your solution.