How Fast is Optical Fiber?

Optical Fiber, or fiber optic cable internet connections offer the fastest speeds available today. Consumers that require fast access to data and the ability to both download and upload lots of data quickly may benefit from fiber optic cable.

How Does Optical Fiber Work?

Fiber optic networks are considered the cutting connection edge today. The "fiber" in fiber optic refers to the many superfine glass filaments contained within the cable jacket, whereas other types of cable would typically contain traditional copper instead. These hair-fine glass filaments transmit data through pulses of light that travel at the speed of - you guessed it - light. As a result, your fiber connection is far less likely to get distorted over long distances like connections reliant on copper cables might be. You can expect fiber optic internet to run much more quickly than an ethernet network - under ideal conditions, that might mean even more than 100x faster. This translates to an incredible 100Gbps, or 100 gigabits per second in comparison to a high-end ethernet connection speed of only 10Gbps. 

When fiber optic cable first appeared, it seemed like an expensive, highly exclusive kind of innovation that should be left to the huge telecoms and cloud services. Now, however, prices are on the decline, and customers looking to connect data networks of all types and sizes should consider the significant benefits of fiber internet connectivity.

What Kinds of Fiber Optic Cable Are There?

There are two different types of fiber optic cords - multi mode fiber, and single mode fiber. Which fiber optic network patch cable is the right fit for your data network? While multimode fiber optic cables are better for handling heavier data loads than single mode cables, especially where a complex data network is involved, the main appeal of single mode fiber cable is its nearly unlimited bandwidth.

Fiber Optic Cable Speeds

Fiber optic cable connection speeds are much faster than even the fastest copper. Consumers that require fast access to data benefit from fiber optic cable. You can expect your single mode fiber optic cable to transmit data at speeds between 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps depending on cable length.

Fiber optic cables can carry signals much farther than copper, with far less degradation in the signal strength. While copper cables can carry signals up to 328 feet without signal amplification, fiber option cables can send signals as far as 25 miles, depending on the wavelength the cable uses, and whether the cable is single or multi-mode. Organizations with multiple buildings spread across a campus, like research centers, hospitals, and some manufacturing facilities, can benefit from fiber optic cabling to carry signals between buildings.

Which Optical Fiber Cable do You Need?

Single Mode Fiber Optic Cables

It's easy to think that "more" means "better," especially when you have your high-speed data network in mind. But believe it or not, it's very possible that single mode fiber cables are the best option for you.

Our OS2 Singlemode LC to LC Fiber Optic Cable is built with ceramic ferules ensuring optimal data transfer, and containing the highest quality Corning glass. It features an armored standard yellow jacket meant to withstand dust, moisture, and rodents, and has been factory-tested to guarantee optimal performance. 

While it is true that multi mode fiber optic cords are better at handling a heavier load than single mode cables, especially where a complex data network is involved, there are some situations where single mode fiber optic cables (also known OS2 fiber optic) is the right choice.

The first and most significant reason is that single mode fiber optic network patch cables can provide you with virtually unlimited bandwidth. They have a smaller core than multi mode cables, resulting in smaller loss. This lower insertion loss comes with the added perk of a longer life cycle, and more besides. 

Multi Mode Optical Fiber Cables

Next, take a look at our OM3 LC to SC Aqua Fiber Optic Cables. These multimode fiber optic patch cables may not operate as quickly as the cables mentioned above, but the big benefit is that they provide nearly three times the bandwidth over conventional cables, which makes them ideal for use in telecommunications, data centers, and other enterprise and consumer needs. They're 10GB rated and feature an aqua blue Riser-rated jacket, and their slim 2mm diameter makes them ideal for installation in dense network switches in data racks.

OM3 fiber optic cable is rated for 10GB up to 300 meters. They're capable of transmitting at speeds at 40GB up to 150 meters, or even 100GB up to 100 meters. Meanwhile, our OM4 fiber optic cords can achieve 40G performance over 150 meters, and 100G over 100 meters. Like our OM3 cables, these fiber patch cables are a big step up from copper cables. They're available in the same variety of configurations as the OM3 cables, but it's important to keep in mind that whichever cable you decide on for your data network, you'll always have the option of purchasing in custom colors and lengths from Cables.com. 

Shop Fiber Optic Cable at Cables.com

Whether you're looking for multi mode or single mode fiber cable, Cables.com has quality cables available at some of the best prices on the market. You can buy your fiber optic cable in bulk, and you have the option of purchasing custom fiber optic cable in the colors and configurations you need. Still have questions? We have answers, and we'd love to hear from you! Contact us today to discuss your order. We look forward to working with you!

SHOP NOW: OM3 Multimode Fiber Optic Cables - OS2 Singlemode Fiber Optic Patch Cables -  Custom Color Fiber Optic Cables - Fiber Optic Cable Connectors