Menu
Fiber Optic cabling is becoming more and more prevalent in business networks. Originally utilized for networks that required sending signalling long distances, Fiber Optic’s ability to transmit massive amounts of data is becoming a necessity for more and more businesses due to the nature of todays business networks.
There’s little doubt that fiber optic networks are the best choice for data-heavy business information systems. Capable of transmitting text, pictures, music and movies faster than any other type of cable, fiber optics are often worth the investment. None of that means anything, however, if a fiber optic installation requires costly repairs down the road. A little information is all it takes to prevent fiber optic cable network issues.
Today’s fiber optic cabling is stronger than the products of yesteryear, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be damaged. A broken cable can cause hours in downtime and significant repair costs. Cables can break or fray if their wrappings are improperly removed, if installers “pull” them using the wrong parts of the cable, or of the cable itself gets kinked during installation. Installers need to be trained, certified, and provided with the proper oversight in order to prevent these problems.
The term “splicing” refers to the process of connecting one cable to another. Since fiber optic cabling works by transmitting light, improper splicing techniques can block the flow of light, slowing down — or stopping — data transmission. For this reason, it’s important to invest in installers who have the required training to do things right.
Even if cables are in pristine condition and every splice is textbook perfect, bad cable placement can cause network problems, including broken cables. Since they are much more delicate than traditional copper wire, cables need to be installed where they won’t be touched, moved, or otherwise disrupted. They should not be run in doorways, near file cabinets or chairs, or anywhere else where there is high traffic flow.
Fires can be devastating to a business, so the smart business leader will do everything he or she can in order to prevent them. Fiber optic cabling offers a fire safety advantage over traditional communications cabling in that it does not generate any heat as there is only light energy and no electricity as in all other traditional types of cabling.
Fiber optics cabling represents a significant business investment, but the investment is only as good as its installation. Keeping the cable from breaking, splicing correctly, running cables in the right place, and using the right type of cable can keep a fiber optic network running smoothly for years to come. If you are a business who now has a requirement for fiber optic cabling it is likely that you have a n advanced data network. For that reason alone it would be advisable to consider an installation from a qualified, experienced communications contractor!