D-Link switches & fibre Optic

[DRGL]

Hi Guys,Fibre optic is new to me so sorry if this is a silly question! I want to link a D-Link DES-1016R+ switch to a D-Link DES-1024R+ switch(using the optional fibre module- DES-102F in both)(switches are 145M apart) What spec fibre do i need?? I was planning on 4 core (Only need need two to do this,right?) so i'll have two spare.I keep seeing 62.5/125 & 50/125,which do i use for this application?? Whats the difference? Also,whats the difference between losse tube & tight buffered?!!(and which would you use for outside horizontal runs?) if any one can answer this ASAP i would very much appreciate it.TIA

 

[phonebiz]

Hi DRGL,

You will want to use 62.5/125 micron multimode fiber. 50/125 is an old spec, not much in use for several years. Tight buffered is much easier to work with. Loose tube requires a break out kit that adds expense and work that you don't need in a 4 strand cable. Optical Cable Corp. makes an indoor/outdoor fiber that might be a good fit for you. It doesn't have any metallic materials in it, so it doesn't invite lightning strikes. Terminate with SC connectors in order to match the DLink modules.

Steve
Access Data Networks, Inc.

 

[DRGL]

Thanks Steve,just the info i was looking for.I was goint to terminate with ST connectors as i can get a patch panel with ST connectors on the inside and on the front panel(we could then terminate & test the fibre in house as opposed to on site)i was going to use SC-ST patch leads??sound o.k?

 

[daronwilson]

I'm sure you will get many opinions, but hopefully you do a bit of research and choose the correct information.

Here is a page with some accurate information for you:

http://www.corning.com/opticalfiber/products__services/product_catalog/625_50/tech_articles.asp

Basically you could use either 62.5 or 50 micron fiber, if you want to plan ahead, definately go with the 50. It is higher bandwidth and will provide faster connectivity over longer distances for the same or less money.

Putting in 62.5 for new installations would be like putting in Cat5 instead of Cat5e or Cat6. It will work, it will likely provide you years of service, but it will limit you in your growth.

SC are actually the preferred type of connectors for new installations. ST will work fine and are a widely accepted standard. Again, if you wanted to do the installation with current standards in mind, I would go with the SC connector.

Hope that helps!
It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com

 

[jimbopalmer]

in my experience, the range of the 50 micron is double the range of 62.5 at gigabit speeds. I tried to remain child-like, all I acheived was childish.

 

[DRGL]

Thanks for all the replies,great help everyone

 

[DRGL]

Final question,loose tube or tight buffered for a horizontal external run(in ducting)cable will be pre-terminated??

 

[daronwilson]

For this installation with just four strands, AND if you are buing the cable preterminated, I would specify breakout style cable. This product has 4 jackets of fiber inside a bigger outer jacket, but what is really nice is that each strand is completely enclosed in a 3mm jacket. So, to terminate this cable, one simply removes the outer jacket and filler material, (I then put a piece of heat shrink tubing over that area), and then the fittings go right on the end of the 3mm jacket. This is very nice because you can move those cables around without too much worry about breaking the glass. Basically it handles like a regular patch cable and is the same size of jacket. A good tight buffered indoor/outdoor cable will probably be water blocked, which is supposed to lessen the chances of water damage if submerged.

If you choose loose tube, you will end up with a smaller overall cable. However, when you open it up, you will find a small tube or two, each with a couple strands of fiber that are very small. To terminate these fibers into something usable, a breakout kit is used. This kit is basically a bunch of 900um tubes. Carefully cleaning and drying of the fibers takes place (the tubes are filled with a gel material that keeps water out), then each fiber is carefully threaded through the breakout tubes. Then the connectors are placed on the ends of the fiber.

Hope that helps!

It is only my opinion, based on my experience and education...I am always willing to learn, educate me!
Daron J. Wilson, RCDD
daron.wilson@lhmorris.com