Fiber optic cables are the first choice when it comes to high data rates, EMC interference immunity and long transmission distances in harsh industrial environments. In the guide tab, we explain the most important basics, selection criteria and practical recommendations so that you can quickly find the right fiber optic cable for your application in the shop.
Fiber optic cables as a transmission medium for optical signals are becoming increasingly popular when transmitting data in Ethernet networks. Depending on the application area and type of fiber optic cable, they achieve maximum speeds over long distances and, thanks to their extendability, are the perfect argument for sustainable networking. We will explain to you what fiber optic cables are, how they differ, and the advantages of using glass fiber cables.
- Fiber optic cable
- Fiber optic cable single conductor
- Solar
- Lifts & Elevators
- Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
- Fixed Installation
- Flexible
- Cable chain
- Torsion
- Outdoor Suspension
- Halogenfree
- UV-resistant
- Laterally watertight
- Longitudinally watertight
- Flame-retardant
- For permanent bending
- Windable
- Oil resistant
- Fast Connect (FC) cable
- For torsional load
- weather resistant
What is a fiber optic cable?
A glass fiber optic cabler is a data transmission line in which signals are transmitted in the form of light through glass or plastic fibers. Fiber optic cables, also known as glass fiber cables or fiber optic cablesg, enable high bandwidths and long ranges, ideal for modern Industry and IT networks.
The term glass fiber cables is often used in everyday life. Strictly speaking, this is a special type of fiber optic cable whose fibers are made of glass. However, the generic term "fiber optic cables" covers all cables that use light-transmitting fibers as a transmission medium - regardless of the material.
Why is that important?
Fiber optic cables are the basis of modern fiber optic networks. They enable high data transmission rates and stable connections in Industry, IT and telecommunications. Those who understand their role can choose the right technology for future-proof networks.
Would you like to find the right solution straight away? With our fiber optic configurator, you can configure the perfect assembly for your application in no time at all.
How is a fiber optic cable constructed?
The structure of a fiber optic cable, or more precisely the structure of the fiber, determines its performance. It basically consists of three main components.
Structure in brief:
- Coating (coating and color coding if necessary): Protects the fiber from mechanical influences
- Cladding (jacket): Ensures total reflection and keeps the light in the core
- Core: Conducts the light signal
The functional principle is based on total internal reflection. Light signals are guided in the core by being reflected at the interface to the jacket. This is possible because the refractive index of the core is higher than that of the jacket. As a result, the light remains in the core and can be transmitted almost loss-free over long distances.
Standards for structure and fiber types:
Fiber optic cables comply with international standards such as IEC 60794 and ITU-T recommendations for glass fibers, including G.652/G.657 for single mode. These standards define the physical properties of the fibers, their areas of application and the relevant mechanical test methods.
Why the structure counts
How efficiently light signals are transmitted depends on factors such as the core, jacket and coating. These influence range, bandwidth and robustness – crucial for performance in demanding environments.
Note: The exact structure may vary depending on the fiber type (POF, PCF, GOF). Details can be found in the next section.
Fiber types at a glance: POF, PCF and GOF
Choosing the right fiber optic cable is crucial for the performance of your network. We basically distinguish between three fiber types:
- POF (Polymer Optical Fiber) – plastic fiber
- PCF (Polymer Cladded Fiber)– plastic-coated glass fiber
- GOF (Glass Optical Fiber) – glass fiber
Each type has specific properties and areas of application. The following overview will help you with your selection.
| Fiber type | Material | Range | Bandwidth | Typical application: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| POF | Plastic (PMMA) | Short distances (up to approx. 50 m) | up to 100 Mbps | Control cabinet, cable chains |
| PCF | Glass fiber with plastic jacket | Medium distances (up to approx. 100 m) | up to 100 Mbps | Industry, factory networks |
| GOF | Glass (quartz glass) | Long distances (up to approx. 40 km) | up to 40 Gbps | Data centers, FTTH/FTTC, backbone |
Material & structure: Made entirely of plastic (PMMA), fiber type P980/1000, core 980 μm, cladding 1000 μm, coating 2200 μm.
Properties:
- Very flexible, ideal for moving applications such as cable chains.
- Insensitive to electromagnetic interference, does not emit any EM fields itself.
- Easy to assemble, no special tools required.
Areas of use:
- Short distances in Industry (e.g. switch cabinet, cable ducts with power cables).
- Industrial Ethernet (PROFINET, ETHERNET/IP).
Key feature:
- Most favourable solution, but high attenuation → Range limited to approx. 100-120 m.
Material & structure: Glass fiber with plastic jacket, fiber type K200/230, core 200 μm, cladding 230 μm, coating 500 μm.
Properties:
- Better attenuation and higher bandwidth than POF
- Field configurable, easy handling
- Compatible with existing POF systems → ideal for upgrades
Areas of use:
- Industrial applications with medium distances (up to approx. 500 m)
- Large factories, medical applications
Key feature:
- Optimum cost-benefit ratio between POF and GOF
Material & structure: Made entirely of quartz glass (silicon oxide), single-mode (E9/125, OS2) or multi-mode (G50/125 or G62.5/125, OM1-4).
Properties:
- Very low attenuation → highest ranges and data transmission rates
- Single-mode for long distances (up to 40 km), multi-mode for local networks
- Field-attachable with connectors from LAPP with FFC system
Areas of use:
- Data centers, FTTH, backbone networks
- Wind and solar parks
- High-speed networks and future-proof fiber optic networks
Key feature:
- Premium solution for maximum performance
Single-mode, multi-mode & fiber categories at a glance
There are two basic operating modes for fiber optic cables:
Single-mode: Fiber with a very small core diameter (approx. 9 µm). They transmit light with virtually no signal distortion and are ideal for long distances and maximum bandwidths, e.g. in backbone or FTTH networks.
Multi-mode: Fiber with a larger core diameter (50 or 62.5 µm). Here, light signals can take several paths simultaneously, which limits the range, but is ideal for short to medium distances in data centers or industrial plants.
These operating modes are divided into so-called fiber categories in international standards: OS stands for Optical Single-mode, OM for Optical Multi-mode. These categories indicate the transmission rates and distances for which the respective fiber is designed.
Do you want a solution that is ready for immediate use? With our fiber optic cable assemblies, you get a plug & play solution from LAPP
What are the differences between SC and LC connectors?
SC and LC connectors are the most commonly used connectors for fiber optic cables, but differ in terms of design and area of application:
LC connector (Lucent Connector)
- Design: Compact, 1.25 mm ferrule
- Port density: High
- Typical applications: Data centers and high-density environments
SC connector (Subscriber Connector)
- Design: Larger, 2.5 mm ferrule
- Port density: Low, requires more space
- Typical applications: FTTH and enterprise networks
Standards for connectors
Both connectors are available for single-mode and multi-mode fibers. They comply with international standards:
- IEC 61754-4 for SC
- IEC 61754-20 for LC.
These standards define dimensions, tolerances and compatibility for industrial applications. The choice depends on space requirements, existing hardware and desired port density.
Would you like to select the right connectors directly?
Discover our range for a secure and standard-compliant connection.
What is the difference between fiber optic cables and copper cables?
Fiber optic cables and copper conductors differ fundamentally in the way they transmit data:
- Fiber optic cables transmit data as light signals via glass or plastic fibers.
- Copper conductors transport electrical signals via electrons.
These differences have a direct impact on speed, range and susceptibility to interference, which are crucial for choosing the right technology.
Advantages of fiber optic cables compared to copper conductors
- Higher bandwidths: Fiber optic cables offer significantly higher bandwidths of up to 60 THz per fiber. This makes them ideal for data-intensive applications such as Industry 4.0 and data centers.
- Long ranges: They enable long ranges of up to 40 kilometers without amplifiers and signal conditioners, which reduces hardware costs and installation effort.
- Low susceptibility to interference: Fiber optic cables are insensitive to electromagnetic influences. This means that communication remains secure and interference-free even in environments with high currents.
- Compact design: The cables are compact and lightweight, which simplifies installation and reduces installation costs.
- Interception security: Optical signals are difficult to intercept, which increases data security for critical applications.
Disadvantages of fiber optic cables compared to copper conductors
- No transmission of auxiliary power: Unlike PoE (Power over Ethernet), no energy is transmitted via fiber optic cables. Active components therefore require a separate power supply.
- Signal conversion required: Optical signals must be converted into electrical signals for intermediate storage or amplification, which requires additional hardware.*
- Complex assembly: Special splicing robots are sometimes required for connection and installation, which increases the effort involved.**
*Note: Our SFP modules in combination with our SFP-compatible ETHERLINE® ACCESS Switch take over the conversion of the optical signals. This means that you do not need any additional hardware.
**Note: Use our connectors with FFC system and do without a special splicing robot.
Comparison table: Fiber optic vs. Copper
| Criterion | Fiber optic cable | Copper cable |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Very high data transmission rate thanks to large bandwidth and low attenuation | High data transmission rate, but limited bandwidth and higher attenuation |
| Bandwidth | Very high (up to 60 THz) | Limited |
| Range (without repeater) | Up to 40 km | A few 100 m |
| Susceptibility to interference | No EM interference | High EM interference |
| Costs | Higher initial costs, but often cheaper for long distances | More favourable for short distances, higher costs for long ranges |
What does this mean for your planning?
With fiber optic cables, you can ensure future-proof networks, avoid signal interference and benefit from maximum performance – crucial for Industry 4.0, data centers and FTTH applications.
Expert knowledge from LAPP:
Would you like to delve deeper into the decision between copper and glass fiber cables? In our specialist article "Cable technology in comparison" you can find out more:
- Which technology is right for your application
- How transmission rate, distance and EMC differ
- Practical tips for planning and installation
Where are fiber optic cables used?
Today, fiber optic cables are indispensable for modern data transmission and are used in numerous industries and applications.
The most important areas of application at a glance:
Industry and automation
Fibre optic cables ensure interference-free communication in production plants – even in environments with strong electromagnetic influences. They are ideal for installation in the immediate vicinity of power lines, electric motors or frequency converters.
Your advantage: Secure data transmission without signal loss, even under extreme conditions.
IT & telecommunications
In data centers, fiber optic networks and FTTH/FTTC applications, fiber optic cables enable the highest bandwidths and long ranges.
Your advantage: Future-proof networks for Industry 4.0 and digital transformation.
Medical Technology
Fibre optic cables are used as image and light guides in endoscopes, microscopes and for device lighting.
Your advantage: Precise data and light transmission for diagnostic and surgical applications.
Measurement technology & sensors
Fiber optic sensors, spectrometers and optical measuring devices use fiber optic cables to transmit measurement data or to determine distances.
Your advantage: High accuracy and reliability in sensitive measuring processes.
Our solutions for your application
At LAPP, we offer fiber optic cables for almost every industry and application. Our range includes:
- Halogen-free, oil-resistant and heat-resistant cables for use in demanding environments.
- Different jacketing materials for indoor and outdoor installation.
- Assembled and field-attachable solutions for maximum flexibility.
- Accessories and tools for quick and safe installation.
Your added value: You receive everything from a single source for future-proof networks and maximum performance.
What do you need to note when selecting a fiber optic cable?
Choosing the right fiber optic cable is crucial for the performance and reliability of your network. To find the right solution, you should consider the following criteria:
Important selection criteria:
- Area of application: Indoor or outdoor installation, static or in moving applications.
- Ambient conditions: Temperature, humidity, chemical exposure.
- Fiber type: POF, PCF or GOF – depending on range and bandwidth.
- Operating mode: Single-mode or multi-mode, including fiber categories.
- Connectors: LC, SC and other common types, customized to the existing hardware.
- Maximum distance: From a few meters up to 40 km.
- Data transmission rates: From 100 Mbps to 40 Gbps.
Why this is crucial for your infrastructure
The right choice prevents network failures, reduces installation costs and ensures that your infrastructure remains future-proof.