Fiber Optic Cable Sizes: A Comprehensive Analysis

Have you ever thought about the differences in internet speed and performance quality of various networks? If so, then this happens due to the size of the كابل الألياف الضوئية you decide to go with. From a home network to data centres or even large telecom-scale projects, the right cable size greatly influences speed, efficiency, and signal attenuation. So, let’s explore fiber optic cable sizes to help you make the right choice!

Figure no 1 Guide to Fiber Optic Cable Sizes 

1) fiber Optic Sizes

A fiber optic cable consists of many components that serve to both protect the fragile fiber within and transmit data effectively. However, knowing their sizes assists in selecting the correct cable for the different uses.

Fiber Components	Sizes
Core( Single-mode)	8-10 µm
Core(Multimode)	50µm, 62.5µm, 100µm
Cladding size	125µm(Standard szes for all)
Buffer coating	250 – 900µm

Core Sizes and Performance

The core is the main component of fiber cable because it’s the transparent area where light first enters. There are basically two types of optic fibers based on their core sizes.. For instance;

• Single-mode fiber has a core size of 8 to 10 microns (µm). Thus, it allows light to enter the fiber in a linear fashion, further decreasing signal loss.

• Multi-mode fiber has a larger core size of 50 µm, 62.5 µm, or 100µm. Thus, due to greater core size, light travels in multiple paths, resulting in increased data loss over longer distances.

Figure no 2 Fiber optic Core sizes

Cladding Size and Its Role in Signal Integrity

The cladding is a layer of glass or plastic covering the core. It creates conditions for total internal reflection, which prevents the light from escaping the core and, thus, prevents loss. 

Irrespective of core sizes, cladding dimensions are standardized at 125 micrometers for coherence and harmony among fiber cables.  

Buffer Coating: Extra Protection For Fiber Cables 

Buffer coating is an extra protective layer placed on top of the cladding. It defends fiber optics against mechanical harm, moisture, and weather-related stresses.  Their size varies from 250 micrometers to 900 micrometers.  For instance, 250 micrometers buffer coating is typically found in tight buffered fibers, which is used in controlled environments.  Similarly, 900 micrometers coating is found in loose tube fibers, used in rugged outdoor environments.

Figure no 3 Fiber Optic Cladding and Buffer Coating Size

2) Standard Fiber Optic Cable Sizes

Fiber optic cables have an outer diameter that determines the durability of the cable and where it can be used. The most common outer diameters are highlighted in the table below.

Outer Diameter of fiber cable (Thickness)	Common Use
1.2mm	Short-distance connections (offices)
2.0 mm	Standard patch cables (device connections)
3.0 mm	Stronger cables for rough environments
5.0 mm	Heavy-duty cables for outdoor/industrial use

Figure no 4 Fiber optic cable thickness

Factors that Determine the Thickness of the Cable

The thickness of a fiber optic cable can be determined by the following criteria:  

• Use (Indoor, Outdoor): Outdoor cables tend to have thicker protective layers as they are exposed to weather, moisture, and physical stress. Indoor cables, on the other hand, are usually thinner and more flexible.

• A number of Fiber Strands: A single fiber optic cable can have many strands inside it, which allows for higher data capacity. Common strand counts are 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, 48, 96, 144 and even 288 fibers in a single cable. For instance, when installing fiber in a home, a 2-core or 4-core cable is typically used. A 12-core to 24-core cable is common for a business. In data centers or telecom networks, the cables can go up to 288 cores. The right core size depends on the data volume and distance.

Moreover, a Qoura user named Wicida Sarme has said that fiber optic cable may vary depending on the applications, materials and equipment used for operations. 

3) Fiber Optic Cable Length Limits

Moreover, the maximum length of a cable depends on the type of fiber, and how the signal will be transmitted. Some cables are designed for long-range, while others are best for short-range connections. For instance;

• Single Mode: The maximum distance for single-mode fiber is around 40 km, it sends light in a straight path, reducing signal loss. This makes the multi-mode ideal for internet backbones, telephone lines, and large-scale networks. For longer distances, the signal can be boosted using amplifiers and repeaters. 

• Multi-mode has a much smaller maximum range of 300 m to 2 km, due to light scattering inside the cable. It’s commonly used in offices, data centres, and local networks where high-speed data transfer is needed but over short distances.

	Core Size	Maximum distance	Ideal uses
الوضع الفردي	8 – 10	Up to 40 km (can extend with amplifiers)	Internet backbones, telephone lines, large-scale networks
Multimode	50 or 62.5	300m – 2 km (varies by type)	Offices, data centres, local networks

4) Fiber Optic Cable Reel Sizes

Now, if we talk about a fiber optic reel, then think of it as a huge spool ( cylindrical one with a core and 2 flat sides). Such a reel makes sure cables are organized, easy to access, and untangled. If fiber cables aren’t stored within a reel, they could easily get jumbled up, damaged, or difficult to set up.

Figure no 5 Fiber optic cable reel

If you want to set up a fiber optic network, you must choose the reel size that best suits your needs. Don’t worry! I’ll guide you through the entire process in a systematic manner.

Common Reel Sizes and Their Uses

Different types of reels have one or more specific sizes and cable lengths, which are dependent on the intended area of use. The following guides should make it easier for you:

Reel Size	Width (cm)	Height (cm)	Cable Lenght (km)	Weight (kg)	Best For
Small	50cm	30cm	1 كم	20kg	Home networks, small offices
Medium	80cm	50cm	2 كم	100-200kg	Business networks, data centres
Large	120cm	80cm	3-4km	300-500kg	Outdoor, telecom, and industrial projects

What Are Reels Made Of?

Now, lets look at materials that reels can be constructed from. This is because the type of material selected for a reel determines its strength and how long can it last. Using the wrong reel on your fiber optic cables could lead to damage. For instance;

• Wooden reels: Super strong, robust wooden reels are perfect for long, heavy cables. You can use them in construction sites and outdoors, as well as in telecom networks. 

Figure no 6 wooden fiber cable reel

• Plastic reels are super light and easy to carry, making them ideal for short cables which are often used in homes, offices, and small businesses.

• Metal reels: You can use metal reels for military use, industrial purposes, and other applications where you need exceptional endurance and resistance.

How to Choose the Correct length for a reel

Determining the correct length of the reel with the fiber optic cable will guarantee simple and efficient installation procedures. The following are some aspects that shall help you make the right decision:

? Installation Environment: The place where the cable will be installed matters a lot. For example, indoor workstations such as office or home networks tend to have limited space and therefore require the cables to be shorter, whereas outdoor installations like citywide networks or telecommunication lines require longer reels to minimize the number of connection points.

? Requirements of the Project: Similarly, the amount of cable you need will be determined by the scale of your project. For instance, setting up a small business network typically requires 1 or 2 km reels, whereas other large-scale installations like data centres or industrial plants tend to use 3 or 4 km reels to reduce splicing and maintain the quality of the signal.

? Handling and Transportation: Longer reels are more cumbersome to handle and transport. For instance, a 1 km reel weighs 15-30 kg which is easy to carry around and simple to install. On the other hand, a 4 km reel can weigh more than 100 kg, which means that it needs to be properly handled with equipment such as forklifts or cable pullers. If you’re working in a tight area, using a lighter reel makes installation much easier.

5) Conclusive Remarks:

So, it is incredibly important to select the right size of fiber optic cable to ensure speed, performance, and reliability across the network. Whether you have long-range single-mode fiber requirements or short-range multi-mode fiber needs, your choice of cable core, cladding, and buffer coating dimensions should be precise.However, if you are looking for a high-quality fiber optic cable manufacturer, then DEKAM fiber is a trusted name. Our factory spans over 12,000 square meters and produces more than 50 million RMB worth of products in a year. We also have certificates like ISO, CE, and ROHS, which show that we take quality and safety seriously. So, maximize the performance of your network by not compromising on quality. Explore our selection of premium cables and reach out to us today for customized FTTH solutions that fit your needs.