Answer to Frequently Asked Questions About Fiber Optics

What is modal bandwidth, and how does it affect what distances gigabit Ethernet can travel over fiber?

Modal bandwidth is often referred to in telecommunication as the maximum signaling rate for the specified distance or the maximum distance for a particular signaling rate. It is expressed in MHz.km Read More.

Is a Fiber Modem Required to Set Up a Fiber-Optic Network?

Today, many global businesses demand secure, fast, and scalable communications systems for data transmission over a private network, across locations. Fiber optic technology plays a crucial role such as network expansions and high-speed data transfer. Fiber optic networks has been around for a few years now. But unfortunately, many businesses have not been able to utilize it optimally due to costs and other factors. According to research, its growth rate could reach approximately 8.5% over the next few years. Realizing the potential of fiber optics now, many players are gradually making the switch over. However, more awareness needs to be created regarding fiber optics as many people are not aware of its operations and technicalities. This post answers some of these questions such as the requirement of a fiber optic modem in such networks. Read More.

How can a coherent laser single mode source be correctly coupled to a long length of multimode fiber and multimode receiver?

Most sources use single mode cables for single mode coherent lasers as connecting them to multimode cables can get quite complex and create compatibility issues. Read More.

What is the distance limitation on 100Mbps fiber for single mode and multimode?

Multimode fibers if used for long distances lead to dispersion and signal losses. So, the distance for these cables is usually restricted to 2 km. Single mode cables can operate efficiently up to a distance of 20 km. Read More.

How to connect optic fiber cable to a Cat 5 cable?

To connect a fiber optic cable to a Cat5 cable, you need a media converter which helps interpret or convert different types of signals. This is because you are connecting two different types of cables and hence there should be no error or confusion in data transmission. Read More.

What type of fiber is required to run at Gigabit speed?

Gigabit Ethernet is a type of high-speed Ethernet. It is ideally developed for transmitting data at a rate of 109 bits/sec. However, in a practical Gigabit Ethernet network, the transmission rate may vary due to transmission losses at fiber ends of the connectors. Read More.

What are the best practices while purchasing fiber optic cables?

When buying fiber optic cables for your devices or network, there are certain factors you must consider:Read More.

What are the fiber types with respect to speed and distance?

It is important to consider your speed and distance requirements when selecting the fiber type. Some mission critical and telecom applications require high speed data transfer. Read More.

What is the right cable for a new networking installation, copper or fiber?

Copper cables actually contain copper wires and have been used since decades for telegraphic data and electricity transfer, much before information technology came onto the scene. They are typically heavy and since copper is a good conductor, it uses electrons or the negatively charged ions to transfer data. So, typically, a copper cable comprises a bunch of at least two or more copper wires which are insulated by a non-conductor sheath.Read More.

How to fuse spliced fiber optic cables?

Industrial fusion splicing of fiber optic cable is performed using a splicing apparatus. This apparatus features two sides mounted with an electrode each, a control panel, and a digital screen to align the fiber optic strands. The following are the main four steps performed in industrial fiber optic splicing.Read More.

How to use mode conditioning cables to patch an existing multimode cable plant to your Gigabit LX equipment?

Single mode devices on multimode cables may be problematic at times. Mode conditioning primarily facilitates the offsetting of a single mode fiber optic core with the matching multimode cable.Read More.

Will a single mode connector work on multi-mode cable?

Single mode and multimode fiber cables are quite different when it comes to size, light source, signal, and so on. So, they definitely are not interchangeable, and compatibility issues can occur when you try to connect a single mode fiber optic connector to a multimode network.Read More.

What is the Procedure of fiber optic termination? / How to Terminate Fiber Optic Cable?

The fiber optic termination process differs across fiber optic connectors.

A fiber optic connector is an intermediate device that is used for enabling the connection between two fiber optic cables or to terminate the ends of fiber optic cables. The following are a few common types of fiber optic connectors.Read More.

What is the difference between dB and dBm when you are trying to test fiber optic cable?

Decibel or dB is a unit to measure the amount of signal strength or loss in a sound system or an amplifier. When we induce power at one end of a fiber optic cable, the signal strength is measured.Read More.

How is Ethernet speed is distributed in network switches

Ethernet speed distribution in network switches depends on the switch's capabilities and configuration:

Port Speed: Each port on a switch can have a different speed (e.g., 10/100/1000 Mbps). Devices connected to these ports communicate at the designated speed.Read More.

How does Ethernet achieve its high bandwidth?

Ethernet achieves high bandwidth through various mechanisms:

Data Framing: Ethernet breaks data into frames, each with a header, payload, and trailer. This structure allows for efficient data transmission.Read More.

How can I check the speed of an Ethernet port?

To check the speed of an Ethernet port, follow these steps:

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Can you connect a Wi-Fi router to an Ethernet switch?

Yes, you can connect a Wi-Fi router to an Ethernet switch. This setup can be useful when you need to expand the number of wired devices in your network

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What is a combo port in Ethernet?

A combo port is an Ethernet interface featuring RJ45 and SFP ports. This optoelectronic multiplexing interface supports two physical layers and shares the same port fabric and switch fabric.

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What is the difference between IP Camera and CCTV?

The main difference between IP cameras and CCTV cameras is that IP cameras are digital and can transmit signals over the internet or a network, while CCTV cameras are analog and use cables for transmission. Additionally, IP cameras offer advanced features and functionalities, higher resolution, and a wider field of view compared to CCTV cameras.

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I currently have an RS-530 and an RS-232 system connected with a standard serial cable. I want to put the cable on fiber, but I do not want to make a custom cable or wiring harness for your proprietary modem, do I have any other option?
Yes. Our serial modems are designed in such a way as to maintain DCE and DTE interface requirements. By selecting your modem type and, if desirable, using a standard null-modem cable, our products do not require any re-wiring to interface with systems following RS-530 and RS-232 standards.
I have 4 serial data channels, but your manuals for the MicroModems, F22xx, and F28xx’s only show one channel for data and one for clock. Do you have a product that can accommodate 4 serial data channels?
Yes. The F22xx, F28xx, and MicroModem products show only one stream of data and one stream for clock. However, those 2 channels operate independently, and can be used for 2 clocks or 2 data channels if necessary. Also, control lines RTS / CTS and DTR / DSR can be used for lower speed data paths as well, provided those control signals are not required. Control lines operate independent of other channels as well. Using all channels, those modems will support 4 channels in each direction. Consult the product manual for specified data rates on a given channel.
My setup isn’t working. How can I tell if a serial product is broken or if I have a setup problem?
Loopback testing involves inputing a defined signal to a modem, and expecting to receive the same signal on the output of that modem. Some modems have a switch and/or jumper which enables copper loopback. For the F2238, both a loopback switch and jumper are present, which for proper operation both must be replaced when loopback testing is finished. Another method of loopback testing the optical circuitry involves looping a piece of patch fiber from the transmitter to the receiver. If a data analyzer is both transmitting and receiving data to a modem in loopback, no errors should be occurring. If applicable, in loopback mode there should be no alarm light present on the modem.
Regarding the TeleData Modems ( F270x/F271x): Do I put the F270x or the F271x at the PBX?
Put the F270x at the PBX.
How far can Gigabit Ethernet travel over multimode fiber?
SX (850nm) = 200m over 62.5/125 multimode fiber 500m over 50/125 multimode fiber
My fiber optic cable is already terminated with SC connectors but the VERSITRON product I need comes with ST connectors. What do I do?
Ask us for a “cable adapter”. This is a one meter length of cable with ST connectors on one end and SC connectors on the other end. This is a quick, cost-effective, and reliable solution.
How can I send multiple camera pan/tilt/zoom control signals over one fiber?

You need to daisy-chain the control signal of each camera and then bring that signal into a video transmitter as one signal.

Since each camera has its own unique address, it can be called up individually by the controller system.

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Which fiber optic cable type should we use for installation?

The fiber optic cable type you choose would largely depend on your application requirements, such as if you require outdoor or indoor connections. Here are a few pointers.

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Do VERSITRON phone modems and phone mux products work for digital phones?
No, our telephone modems are designed for analog phone applications.
How do I set the F240X (T1 Modems) to B8ZS and to AMI?
AMI = SW3 positions 1 and 8 on B8ZS = SW3 positions 1 and 8 off
Which optic is the transmitter on the MicroModems?
It is always the optic which is closest to the power connector.
What is the difference between multi-mode and single-mode fiber?

Multimode fiber is generally used for fiber runs that are less then 2 km. Singlemode fiber is generally used for fiber runs greater than 2 km. The reason for this is that the inside diameter of the glass tube inside the cable is much smaller for singlemode fiber (8 or 9 micron) vs. multi-mode fiber (50 or 62.5 micron). The smaller the diameter, the less the light will bounce. This results in less optical loss and greater distance. See 2 minute video

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How do I identify multimode fiber and singlemode fiber?

Look for the diameter markings on the outer jacket of the fiber cable. Markings such as “50/125” or “62.5/125” indicate multimode fiber. Markings such as “8/125” or “9/125” indicate singlemode fiber. See 2 minute video

Are VERSITRON switches and media converters compatible with those of other manufacturers?
Yes. VERSITRON products meet the requirements of IEEE 802.3 (and others). As long as the equipment they are being linked to also meets these same requirements, then compatibility is assured.