OFC or Optical Fiber Cable is changing the world in areas such as the internet, medical imaging, military communication, and smart cities because of its unparalleled speeds and reliability. Unlike traditional copper wires, OFC cables employ light signals to send data with minimal loss, which makes it crucial for 5G, AI, and even space explorations.
Thus, the purpose of writing this blog is to give you a basic understanding of whether you are a student, technology enthusiast, or professional. We’ll discuss what the OFC cables are, their working mechanism, types, specifications and many more. So, keep reading this blog to know how these cables are shaping the future trends of communication sectors.
Figure no 1 Beginners guide to Fibre optics
1) What is OFC cable?
“OFC ( Optical Fiber Cable ) is a type of cable that transmits data using light instead of electricity, thus providing exceptional speed without signal loss.”
Fibre optics are integrated into the internet, television, surgical instruments, and space communications due to their capability of transmitting data at 99.7% of the speed of light. Moreover, according to an estimate it can consistently transmit data beyond 100 kilometres without degradation and can go up to 100 terabits per second. Furthermore, OFC cables have no electrical interference hence they are well-suited for fast and clear communication all over the world.
Figure no 2 OFC cable
Similarly, Sam Fredericks who is a Senior telecommunications network specialist at Broad Spectrum has shared hi reviews about fibre optic cable on Qoura. He also said that fibre optic cables are much faster and reliable compared to copper wires because they use light medium instead of electricity.
2) Who invented fibre optics?
You know sending light through a thin fibre was a concept that began in the 1840s. However, an Indian scientist named Narinder Singh Kapany first made a true fibre optic cable in 1956 and since then he has been regarded as the Father of Fibre Optics. This is because he showed the principles of transmitting light through glass fibres.
Figure no 3 Father of fibre optics
Subsequently, in 1970, Corning Glass Works produced the first usable fibre optic cable which had a signal loss of less than 10% per kilometre.
3) Fibre optic cable parts
Additionally, in order to facilitate fast and clear communication, a fibre optic cable has several important components. Now, let’s simplify it for you to understand how it works:
i) Core: This is the central transparent portion where light travels and is made of glass or plastic. You can imagine it like a cylindrical tunnel which guides the light. In single-mode cables, it can be as thin as 8 micrometres (µm) or in multi-mode cables it can go up to 62.5 µm.
ii) Cladding: Next, cladding is the layer which protects the core. It keeps light from escaping by reflecting ( bouncing back the phenomenon of light ) it back inside. This ensures you always get a strong and clear signal.
Figure no 4 Fibre optic components
iii) Buffer Coating: Moreover, there is also a layer of gel or plastic surrounds the core and cladding. It protects them from moisture, dust and other elements that can cause damage so you can be worry-free about weak connections.
iv) Strengthening Fibers: These are the fibres made out of Kevlar (the same material used in bulletproof vests). They keep the cable from bending or breaking which ensures a durable and long-lasting cable to you.
v) Outer Jacket: This is the last protective covering which is made from other strong materials such as PVC. It shields the cable from water, heat and physical damage which keeps your connection safe.
4) How do fibre optic cables work?
Now, let’s see how the above-mentioned components of OFC cables work together to ensure seamless connectivity!
Step 1) Transforming Information into Light Signals
- First of all, while streaming a video, checking an email or simply browsing the internet, your device transforms the data to be sent into light pulses. The light pulses are created using a laser or an LED for longer and shorter distances respectively. These coded light pulses translate the language of computers (binary code) which consists of ones and zeros.
Step 2) Light enters the core
- Next, the light pulses enter the core ( 8 to 62.5 micrometres ) which is composed of ultra-pure silica glass. Thus, it significantly reduces signal loss and allows for light to traverse uninterrupted.
Figure no 5 Fibre optic working mechanism
Step 3) Total Internal Reflection
- As light enters the core, it continuously bounces off the cladding, a protective layer around the core. When this happens, it is due to total internal reflection, which is trapping light within a refractive cavity. This guarantees that minimal loss occurs while the data reaches the final destination.
Step 4) Total control over signal strength.
- Then, Optical amplifiers like EDFAs (Erbium-Doped Fiber Amplifiers) boost the rate of signal every 50 to 100 km. This maintains signal strength over large distances without the need to switch back to electricity.
Step 5) Converting Light Back into Data
- At the receiving side of the communication, a photodetector, commonly termed a photodiode, transforms the light pulses back into electric signals. With these signals, you can interact by reading texts, gazing at photos, and watching videos in real time.
5) OFC cable types
In this section, we’ll provide you an overview of Fibre optic cable types which would help you in purchasing the right one according to your needs.
| Core size | Mode of transmission | Features | Best for | |
| Single-Mode (SMF) | 8–10 | Single light path | Low signal loss, high bandwidth | Long-distance communication (Telecom, Internet Backbone) |
| Multi-Mode (MMF) | 50–62.5 | Multiple light paths | Higher attenuation, cheaper than SMF | Short-distance networks (LANs, Data Centers) |
| Simplex | Single core | One-way transmission | Used in sensors, RF communication | One-directional communication (Medical, Industrial) |
| Duplex | Two cores | Two-way transmission | Parallel data transfer | Bidirectional data transfer (Networking, Telephony) |
| Armoured | Varies | Single or Multi-mode | Metal protection against rodents & pressure | Harsh environments (Underground, Military) |
| Aerial | Varies | Single or Multi-mode | UV-resistant, weatherproof | Overhead installations (Poles, Towers) |
| Loose Tube | 250µm fibres inside tubes | Single or Multi-mode | Gel-filled tubes for moisture protection | Outdoor use (Long-haul networks) |
| Tight-Buffered | 900µm buffered fibers | Single or Multi-mode | Flexible, easy-to-install | Indoor use (Patch Cords, Short Networks) |
6) Fibre optic cable Color Code: TIA-598C Standard
This standard TIA-598C is a worldwide colour code for documenting the individual fibres enclosed within a fibre optic cable. It safeguards you from making mistakes while connecting the fibres by allowing fast identification of the fibres. This standard assists both the single-mode and multi-mode fibers which brings greater flexibility to the networking and telecom systems. So,let’s see this is below table;
- Primary Fiber Colors (TIA-598C – 12 Fibers)
| Core Counts ( Fibre numbers ) | Colour |
| Single core Fibre | Blue |
| 2-core Fibre | Orange |
| 3-core Fibre | Green |
| 4-core Fibre | Brown |
| 5-core Fibre | Slate (Gray) |
| 6-core Fibre | White |
| 7-core Fibre | Red |
| 8-core Fibre | Black |
| 9-core Fibre | Yellow |
| 10-core Fibre | Violet (Purple) |
| 11-core Fibre | Rose (Pink |
| 12-core Fibre | Aqua (Light Blue) |
Figure no Fibre optic colour code
- Outer Jacket Colors – Fiber Type Identification
| Jacket Colour | Fibre type | Applications |
| Yellow | Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) | Long-distance, high-speed communication |
| Orange | Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF, OM1 & OM2) | Short-distance data transfer |
| Aqua | Multi-Mode Fiber (OM3 & OM4) | High-speed, short-range networks |
| Green | Angle-Polished Connectors (APC) | Low-reflection optical connections |
7) Fibre optic cable specifications
- General Fibre Optic Cable Specifications
| Single-Mode Fiber (SMF) | Multi-Mode Fiber (MMF, OM1 & OM2) | Multi-Mode Fiber (OM3 & OM4) | |
| Core Diameter | 8-10 µm | 50 µm (OM2), 62.5 µm (OM1 | 50 µm |
| Cladding Diameter | 125 µm | 125 µm | 125 µm |
| Wavelengths Used | 1310 nm, 1550 nm | 850 nm, 1300 nm | 850 nm, 1300 nm |
| Attenuation (dB/km) | 0.2-0.5 dB/km | 3.0-3.5 dB/km | 2.3-3.5 dB/km |
| Data Transmission | Long distance (Up to 80 km) | Short distance (Up to 550 m) | Short-to-medium distance (Up to 1 km) |
| Speed Capacity | 10 Gbps to 400 Gbps | 10 Mbps to 1 Gbps | 10 Gbps to 100 Gbps |
- Fibre Optic Cable Mechanical & Environmental Specifications
| Cable Tensile Strength | Minimum Bending Radius | Operating Temperature | Storage Temperature | Waterproof Rating | Fire Resistance | |
| Fibre optic cable | 500-3000 N (Depends on application) | 10-20x cable diameter | -40°C to +85°C | -60°C to +85°C | IP67/IP68 for outdoor cables | LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) Available |
- Optical Performance of Fibre Optic Cables
| OM1 | OM2 | OM3 | OM4 | OS1 | OS2 | |
| Bandwidth | 200 MHz·km | 500 MHz·km | 2000 MHz·km | 4700 MHz·km | Infinite (Only dispersion-limited) | Infinite (Only dispersion-limited) |
| Maximum distance ( 10Gbps ) | 33 m | 82 m | 300 m | 400 m | 10-40 km | 40-80 km |
8) OFC cable price
When purchasing Optical Fiber Cables (OFC), their price varies according to your requirements such as the type of cable, core count, and quality. Thus, having knowledge based on these aspects allows you to maximize the value of your investment.
- What to consider while purchasing OFC cables?
- Type of Fibre: For a single-mode the price is lower (begins from $0.10 per meter). On the contrary, multi-mode cables are more expensive (in excess of $0.50 per meter) as they transmit more information.
- Core Count: Moreover, a few cores make for a lower price. As an example, a 2-core cable is a much cheaper than a 24-core or 48-core cable. With more cores comes more cost.
- Jacket Material: Similarly, outdoor or fire-resistant cables will be more expensive than basic indoor cables.
- Connector Type: Raw fibre cables are cheaper than pre-terminated cables with SC, LC, or MPO connectors.
| Single-Mode (Simplex, 2-Core) | Single-Mode (12-Core, Armored) | Multi-Mode (OM3, Duplex, 2-Core) | Multi-Mode (OM4, 12-Core, Armored) | High-Density (MTP/MPO, 24-Core+) | |
| Price per metre | $0.10 – $0.50 | $0.80 – $2.00 | $0.50 – $1.50 | $2.00 – $5.00 | $5.00 – $20.00 |
9) Conclusive Notes
In short, Optical Fibre Cables (OFCs) enable seamless transmission of data while revolutionizing communication, including 5G, AI, Smart Cities, telecommunications, advanced medical technology, spatial technology, and many more. These technologies depend on OFC to ensure modem seamless connectivity.
So, if you want to buy Fibre optic cables, then look no further then Dekam Fibres. We provide customized fibre solutions for your industrial, commercial, or private internet and telecom needs. So, get Optic Fibre Cables from us and elevate your network to the OFC level with ease.
