Fibre Optic Cabling

iData has had a structured data cabling department since 2010, boasting an experienced team of installers with many years working in the industry. We design, install, test and maintain fibre optic cabling systems across a wide range of sites throughout the country.

The type of cable used in a network depends upon its size, and the distance from the communications/equipment room to the end user. For installations up to 90m from the communications room Cat 5/6 cables are used, i.e. copper core. However, for distances greater than 90m from the communications room fibre optic cable is used, as data speeds diminish with conventional copper cabling over this distance. We use Cat 5/6 cabling where we can, as this reduces the cost of installation. We use fibre optic cable for longer runs, where the cost of fibre optic cabling is higher.

 

 

The benefits of fibre optic cables

Fibre optic cable is ideally suited to the data industry due to its ability to transfer data at high speeds over long distances and its immunity to electromagnetic Interference (EMI). An added benefit is security, as it is very difficult to tap into a fibre cable to read the data signals over a network.

The wide bandwidth of optical fibre offers substantially increased data rates. The low attenuation of fibre allows far longer cable runs without the need to include repeater equipment. Optical fibres are not affected by electromagnetic interference, the elimination of earth loops and signal distortion further enhances reliability and security.

The backbone system will have interconnecting links between the communications room and communication enclosures. These links need to be the most resilient part of the network. They provide the highest possible bandwidth and are able to extend across the whole site, which may consist of more than one building, e.g. at a school or college campus. Organisations tend to need to transfer large amounts of data, upload and download across the network, and this need is increasing exponentially as technology develops.

Installing fibre optic cables

Sites with long cable runs and multiple buildings will require the installation of fibre optic cables. Fibre optic cables provide the necessary high bandwidth backbone that conventional copper cabling cannot. Consider a domestic installation where there is poor connectivity and slow speeds; often the reason for this is that a conventional copper cable runs to the property from the exchange, and if the distance is greater than 90m then this affects performance. iData has been installing data cabling for many years, often in difficult locations or old buildings so we know the correct way to maximise bandwidth and connectivity.

While on site the iData team test and certify each cable as it is installed, as we have found this to be the most efficient way to carry out an installation:

  • All fibre optic cables are terminated with fusion splicers to give the best possible connection
  • Fibre optic patch panels and boxes can be presented with any of the standard connector end types
  • All connections are fully tested to the industry standards
  • Test results can be supplied to the customer
  • Our installations are covered by the cable manufacturer’s guarantee

We can also supply and install all the related hardware, fibre patch cords and fibre panels. Let iData’s fibre optic installation team design and install a bespoke network solution for your organisation.

 

 

 

 

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