Anderson University

What is Fibre Optics? In this video we explore it, where the technology originally came from, what the first uses were and the basics of what it constitutes.  https://youtu.be/1Dzd3Jt-VSIVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: What is Fibre Optics…

How Does Fibre Work? Fibre work’s by bouncing light from one end of the fibre down to the other, just like a person sliding down a water slide. To prevent the light from bleeding out of the core it is…

The structure of an optical fibre usually consists of some main elements, that is the, Core, cladding buffer and outer coating. These are usually universal in Fibre Optic Cable construction. https://youtu.be/44JkmiUh7HIVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The Structure…

In this video, we will cover the advantages of Fibre Optics, that is: a more secure network connection, less attenuation and much greater distances covered than conventional copper networks.  https://youtu.be/f89YaKOEA7oVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: The Advantages of…

In this video we explore and discuss Absorption and it’s main causes. Absorption is the portion of attenuation in optical fibre caused by the conversion of optical power to heat. There are two types, namely Intrinsic & Extrinsic.  https://youtu.be/EEBCW0MbNsYVideo can’t…

This video instalment will cover the scattering that occurs as part of cable attenuation. This is whereby all or some of the optical power in a mode is transferred into another mode. It also frequently causes attenuation since the transfer…

What is Dispersion? It is caused by the spreading of the light pulse as it travels down the length of an optical fibre. It also limits the bandwidth or information carrying capacity of a fibre. There are two types of…

Today, we discuss and look at bending loss in Attenuation, specifically what causes it and how it can be avoided. It is usually caused by two different losses, Microbending & Macrobending. Each one entails different problems. https://youtu.be/7sKQpauYOBMVideo can’t be loaded…

In this video we explore what Numerical Aperture is in fibre optics, we look at its causes, what it does to a fibre optic link and we also look at what can be done to avoid it. https://youtu.be/S9UFr-uC-XQVideo can’t be…

What is OM1? In this video, we begin discussing the basics of Optical Multimode cable, starting with OM1 cable. This particular cable comes with an orange Nylon Jacket and has a slightly larger core size than that of other OM…

What is OM2? In this video, we look at it’s construction, it’s uses, applications and the reasons it has never seen significant growth like other cable standards. https://youtu.be/AtrsyDr3_vYVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: What is OM2 – Video…

What is OM3? OM3 is a variant of Optical Multimode cable, most commonly having an aqua nylon jacket and a 50 micron core. It is a very common fibre type to have installed today, due to the much higher bandwidth…

What is OM4? In this video we explore the OM4 cable standard, on of the highest performing Multimode cable standards in the Fibre Optics Industry. As such, it is very much desired by many in the field. https://youtu.be/G-Nqcc6JRKkVideo can’t be loaded…

What is OM5? In this video we explore the OM5 cable standard, a cable that is notorious for incredible bandwidth over a much shorter distance, but still within the confines of a conventional Data Centre. https://youtu.be/8WNax8fWOv4Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript…

What is OS1? In this video we explore the OS1 Cable, the first Singlemode cable introduced to the industry, with a smaller core and only one mode of travel for light to navigate, but lower loss and nearly unlimited bandwidth….

What is OS2? In this video we explore the OS2 Singlemode Optical Fibre. This cable utilizes a Loose Tube design whilst OS1 cable utilizes a Tight Buffered Construction, the most notable difference between the two.  https://youtu.be/xWa4quYv0eQVideo can’t be loaded because…

In this video, join us as we discuss OS1 vs OS2. We go into depth about what OS1 and OS2 mean, the specific requirements needing to be met to achieve the OS2 classification and much more! https://youtu.be/sZmIVaUroKYVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript…

Loose Tube Cable are a variant of cable specifically designed for harsh outdoor environments, designed to withstand heat, cold, water, lightning strikes and direct bury operations. Their outer sheath protects the fibre core, cladding and coating with a semi-rigid protective…

Protection against gnawing rodents such as mice or rats is a serious issue for any fibre optic installation. In this video, we discuss how you can use a variety of cables, from Rodent-Proof cable to CST Armoured cable to protect…

All-Dielectric Self-Supporting cable is a completely non-metallic structure designed to span “pole to pole” without the need of messenger support. In this video we discuss the cable, what it is used for and the advantages of using ADSS Cable! https://youtu.be/hIJaWwCKAuIVideo…

Fibre Optic Cable Selection is essential to ensuring that the cable you choose for your network falls within the actual network specifications required. Failure to do so can seriously hamper the viability of your network. https://youtu.be/NNHntYWEbGQVideo can’t be loaded because…

Fibre Optic Pre-Terminated Cable offers a cheaper and less time consuming alternative in fibre installation. Terminating installed optical fibre cables can be perceived as a difficult, expensive and time consuming process. https://youtu.be/Lhf0whjfvcIVideo can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Pre…

There are a multitude of Fibre Optic Connector Types available in the industry. The main requirement of a connector is that the end of the fibre is held accurately in place, so that the maximum light transfer occurs.  https://youtu.be/UqVPO3p6jEYVideo can’t…

MTP/MPO Connectors are a Fibre connector type used for more specific industry purposes. MPO stands for Multi-Fibre Push one, whilst MTP stands for Multi-Fibre Termination push on. These connectors are interchangeable, with some of the main differences being that MTP has…

Connector installation is an important part of any Fibre Optic Network. There are different ways to terminate fibre optic connector types. There are two ways to terminate connector types, field terminated and pre-terminated. Regardless of whichever method you choose, there…

Choosing the right connector is important to ensuring network integrity. If you have an air gap when connection is made, it will cause high-back reflection. Too much of this can cause high return loss. Most Fibre Optic systems use some…

Safety in Fibre Optics is such an integral aspect to preventing yourself from harm and additionally also stopping any potential damage to your network. Taking measures such as learning about the product, or always warning safety glasses and protective gloves…

Fibre Optic Cleanliness is important to ensuring the wellbeing of your Fibre network. Contamination in the form of dust or dirt is the most recurring problem when it comes to failure or loss of connectivity when it comes to most…

Attenuation in Optical Fibre is the amount of light lost between input and output. Total attenuation is the sum of all losses. There are generally 4 different types of attenuation, them being absorption, scattering, dispersion and bending. The below video…

Defects include all detectable non-linear features that can typically be cleaned. Defects can be removed in three stages, either during manufacturing whilst the cable is in the assembly plant, during installation and in the final testing. Reducing faults through cleanliness…

Using Wet Solutions in Fibre are an efficient way to remove dirt and grease contamination when a dry method alone is unable to remove them. This can consist of using wipes made of lint-free materials, and an appropriate solvent. Be…

Before any Fibre ends can be connected together, they first must under preparation through cleaning and cleaving. The many layers of jacketing protecting the Fibres must be removed. Then a lint-free wipe and isopropyl alcohol is utilized to cleanse the…

A key stage of any Fibre Optic Cable installation is the stage of Splicing. There are usually two ways of doing this, either through Mechanical or Fusion Splicing. Preparation for both methods remain the same, but the process and end…

Sealing and Protecting is important to ensure that the connected Fibres are protected from bending and covered by a sufficient sealant to protect against the elements. This can usually be done through a heat shrink or Splice Protector. Either option…

Just like Fusion Splicing is used to create an arc and weld two fibres together, so can Mechanical splicing be used to create a joint between two fibres, allowing light to transmit from one fibre to another. They work by…

Mode Conditioning Cable or (MCC), are used to support applications where Gigabit Ethernet Routers, switches or transceivers are used were an existing Fibre Optic Network uses multimode cable. MCCs will need to be used in pairs, meaning you will need…

Fibre Optic installations, handling and preparation requires tools. As such you must consider the different Fibre Optic Tools & Termination Kits available to you. Every installer will need some basic tools when dealing with fibre optic cable. When looking at…

A Fibre Optic Patch cable can be used for many different applications. However, in order to select the best possible cable for your network, you must ensure you know the three primary characters for good optical performance. These are: Low…

In this video, we cover how Fibre Optic Adaptors or Fibre Couplers play an important role in aligning and mating individual fibres together. If Fibre Optic connectors aren’t properly, then loss may occur at the mating point. https://youtu.be/joCPFWCRnI4Video can’t be…

In this weeks instalment, Devin covers the Fibre Optic Breakout Trays, commonly referred to in the industry as FOBOTs. These are usually Rack Mounted Sliding Enclosures! In this video, we will discuss the purpose and utility of Sliding Rack Mount…