In the process of development and globalization of computer networks, the problem arose of combining disparate local components located at long distances from each other. Today, a single-mode optical cable is most often used to solve this problem .
Physically, this is a special flexible fiber of small diameter made of quartz glass. Used to transmit light signals over very long distances. The transmission is carried out by reflecting a ray of light from the inside of the fiber sheath.
They are created using two main technologies. Therefore, there is a single-mode and multi-mode optical cable. The main difference between the transmission media made using these two technologies is the number of transmitted information streams (light rays).
A single-mode optical cable can transmit information over a wide bandwidth over very long distances. At the same time, such a transmission medium is not at all threatened with obsolescence, since it is now compatible with all network protocols that are under development or test operation.
For fast-growing large networks, a reliable and easy-to-change cable is required. Optical single mode fully complies with these requirements. Therefore, it is widely used in all sectors of human information activity. For many objects, a single-mode optical cable is laid "in reserve", since they suggest a significant increase in the required bandwidth. At the same time, network designers do not even think about the fact that cables of this design can become obsolete, since it is almost impossible.
The modern single-mode optical cable, which is used for trunk network connections, has a number of different innovations that greatly simplified the process of deploying wide area networks. Therefore, it is necessary to know about them any self-respecting specialist in the construction of highways.
There are several main subspecies into which a single-mode optical cable is used for laying outside buildings:
- with fibers that are placed in a dense coating that acts as a buffer. It is very easy to install special optical connectors on them as needed. They can also be used inside the building. The manufacturing process of these cables is quite simple - polyvinyl chloride is applied directly to the glass fiber itself;
- with fibers that are placed in the tube acting as a buffer. In addition to them, gel is poured into the tube, which does not allow them to mechanically affect each other (this prevents damage caused by expansion of the material with increasing temperature);
- tape type. It is characterized by the presence of a large number of fibers and the high density of the materials used.
Single-mode optical cable is selected depending on the tasks that must be solved when laying it.