Fiber Optic Installation for Small Businesses
Fiber optic cable is a high-speed, high-capacity data transmission medium. It uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data as pulses of light. That makes it more delicate and damage-prone than copper cable types.
But its performance traits far exceed those of copper.
What is Fiber Optic Cable?
Fiber optic installations demand more attention than standard Ethernet installations using Cat5 or Cat6 cables. So, it pays to work with an experienced installer who knows the ropes.
We work with small businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania, including York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Carlisle.
Fiber Optic Cable vs. Copper Cables
Fiber optic networks are versatile and find applications in numerous industries.
They form the backbone of modern telecommunications and the internet. Fiber allows high-speed data transmission for phone lines, broadband internet, and mobile networks.
Additionally, data centers rely on fiber optic cabling for fast data transfer between servers, storage systems, and network switches.
Fiber optic cabling plays a crucial role in imaging and diagnostics in healthcare. So healthcare professionals in Carlisle, Harrisburg, Lancaster, and York can make more timely diagnoses.
You'll also see fiber optics used in numerous other industries: defense, energy, education, aerospace, security, etc.
Fiber Optic Cabling Uses
Fiber optic cables offer unmatched speed and bandwidth compared to traditional copper cables.
Fiber optic cables transmit data at the speed of light, approximately 186,282 miles per second. It offers a bandwidth of 60 Tbps versus 10 Gbps for copper. That translates to 1,000 times as much bandwidth.
Moreover, fiber optic cable offers distance advantages compared to copper. Over a 12-mile distance, you can expect 10,000 Mbps. Copper delivers 1,000 Mbps speeds over 300 feet.
This incredible speed ensures minimal latency. You also receive data much more quickly. As a result, fiber optic installations are perfect for high-demand applications.
Equally important, fiber optic cables don't create electromagnetic interference like copper cables. That eliminates crosstalk, which can lead to retransmitting data.
The cables are also miniscule compared to copper, roughly four times less wide. So, when combined, they create less cabling mass than copper. And that frees up space in your data center. It also allows for better circulation to keep your data center cooler.
The Cost of Fiber Optic Installations
Small businesses often steer clear of fiber optic line installations because of cost. Cost was mainly an issue several years ago when fiber cost nearly double that of copper. But costs have fallen owing to demand.
More importantly, when you factor in the cost of ownership, fiber optic installation becomes surprisingly affordable. That's because of several factors:
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Higher speed transmissions over longer distances
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Fiber optic cabling is more reliable than copper
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Fiber lines are more secure
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Less maintenance requirements
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Less interference
So, fiber may be an excellent solution if you're a small business with high bandwidth requirements. That's particularly true if you anticipate growth and want to future-proof your business.
Talk to us about fiber optic cable installation services. We can help you decide if fiber is the way to go.
Types of Fiber Optic Installations
As a fiber optic contractor, we specialize in various installations to meet your needs:
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We install fiber optic cables for long-distance (single-mode) and short-distance (multi-mode) connections.
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We can run fiber optic lines inside or outside your building or above and below ground. Our team is skilled in both types of installations.
As a fiber optic contractor, we specialize in various installations to meet your needs:
-
We install fiber optic cables for long-distance (single-mode) and short-distance (multi-mode) connections.
-
We can run fiber optic lines inside or outside your building or above and below ground. Our team is skilled in both types of installations.
Fiber Optic Cables Require More Attention During Installation
Copper cabling has a more considerable margin of error than fiber optic cabling. So unless you know what you're doing, you're better off hiring an experienced fiber optic installer near you.
First, installing cables requires more precision. It also requires more specialized equipment than Cat5 or Cat6 cable installations.
That's because fiber optic cables are thinner and more delicate. So, you need to handle them more carefully to avoid damage or signal loss. Because copper data cables are thicker, they're less prone to damage.
Longer Cable Distances Require More Planning
Second, as mentioned, fiber optic cables excel in long-distance network installations. So you can connect buildings and data centers over several miles.
Although that's a significant upside, you introduce complexities to cable routing, connectors, and signal attenuation over those longer distances. Copper cables are only good for over 300 feet, creating fewer concerns with cable routing.
You Need Specialized Fiber Optic Installation Equipment
Third, working with fiber optic cables often requires specialized skills and installation equipment.
Fusion splicing and cleaving, for example, are techniques used in fiber optic installations that demand expertise and precision. Specialized equipment includes fusion splicers and OTDR (Optical Time-Domain Reflectometer) for testing.
Conversely, Cat5 or Cat6 data cable installation requires basic networking knowledge. Additionally, the tools required, such as crimping tools and cable testers, are more widely available and accessible.
Finally, fiber line installation requires strict attention to the bend radius.
The Importance of Bend Radius
Maintaining the proper bend radius is crucial. It preserves signal integrity and prevents cable damage.
Fiber optic cables have strict specifications for installation. So, fiber installers must focus on pulling tension and crush loads. Bend radius is another critical element of fiber optic installation.
Bending a fiber optic cable can damage the cable if the curvature of the bend is too slight. Damage can include broken fibers. That can lead to signal loss and reliability problems.
According to the FOA, the minimum bend radius under tension during pulling is 20 times the diameter of the cable. When not under tension (after installation), the minimum recommended long-term bend radius is ten times the cable diameter.
Our expert fiber optic installers covering Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, and York County, PA ensure cables are bent within recommended limits to maintain signal quality.
The Fiber Optic Line Installation Process
Our comprehensive installation process includes:
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Planning: We conduct a thorough site assessment to determine the best installation approach. It considers factors like distance, environment, and data requirements.
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Cable Selection: Based on your requirements, we select the appropriate cable type and prepare it for installation.
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Routing Cables: We carefully route and secure the cables. Our installers protect them from environmental factors and physical damage.
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Testing: We rigorously test the installation before completion to guarantee optimal performance and reliability.
Contact Us About Fiber Optic Cable Installation
You've come to the right place if you're looking for a reliable fiber optic contractor near you. We help small businesses in York, Lancaster, Harrisburg, and Carlisle with network cable installations.
We have the expertise to handle more delicate fiber installs. We can also help with copper data cable installations. Whatever route you select, we make network cabling simple.