If you are considering upgrading your network, perhaps someone has spoken to you about the benefits of fibre optic cables. Yes, they are highly durable and reliable. However, there is probably one question on your mind. What do they cost?
Well! We canโt directly tell you the exact pricing as it may vary depending on different factors. Stay calm! Weโll provide you with a complete pricing guide by discussing its factors and share cost-saving tips with you. Hopefully, by the end, youโll make a wise decision about installing fibre cables within your budget.
Figure no 1 Different fibre optic cable with varying prices
1) What Affects the Pricing of the Fibre Optic Cables?
Secara amnya, anda akan menemui kabel gentian optik pada harga antara $0.10 hingga $1 setiap kaki. Walau bagaimanapun, ini hanya anggaran. Terdapat beberapa faktor yang mempengaruhi harga kabel gentian optik. Jadi, mari kita selami yang paling penting!
i) Fibre Cable Type
First of all, consider whether a single-mode fibre (SMF) or multimode fibre (MMF) is a better fit for you because their prices differ. If you are not familiar with these types, stay calm, let me break it down!
Single-mode fibre (SMF): This type is best suited for super-quick, long-distance data transmission at a lower cost of around $0.10-$0.50 a foot. Many industry professionals on networking reddits suggest that businesses with higher bandwidth requirements use SMF.
Figure no 2 Single Mode vs Multimode fibre optic cable prices
Multimode fibre (MMF): MMF is more suitable for shorter distances, such as inside buildings, but is also usually priced higher at around $0.30-$1.00 per foot.
- Pro tip: For personal projects, MMF is acceptable. However, for larger scalable projects, SMF is always the more reasonable option.
ii) Consider no. of strands of fibre optic cable
The amount of strands in a supplied fibre optic cable will largely determine its costs and performance. For instance;
- A twelve-strand cable goes for approximately $0.50 a foot.
- A twenty-four-strand cable can be priced as high as a dollar a foot.
Figure no 3 Strandsโ Role in Influencing Fibre Optic Cable Prices
Keep in mind that additional wires increase data transmission capacity and lessen the likelihood of needing upgrades in the future. However, they also increase the initial cost.
iii) Type of Materials: Glass vs. Plastic
Fibre optic cables may have cores made from either glass or plastic. This is what differentiates them, for instance;
- Glass fibre is more expensive than its alternatives but offers superior speed and performance.
- Plastic fibre has a lower price point but underperforms in long-range capabilities.
Figure no 4 Plastic fibre optic cable
Most professionals in Quora argue that if you want sustained high-speed performance over distance, glass fibre is the pick. On the other hand, plastic fibre can save you money over shorter distances.
iv) Environmental Factors
Always remember! The surroundings for the installation often affect pricing. For instance, if the cables are placed in extreme heat or cold, or submerged, you will require specialized cables such as armored fiber optic cables, which cost roughly $0.50 to $5 per foot.
Figure no 5 Environmental Influence on Fibre Optic Pricing
v) Future-Proofing: Is Now The Time to Spend More?
Are you also thinking of elaborating on your network later? Well! Investing in better-quality cables may seem pricey. However, itโll save you a lot of money in the long run. Many IT professionals on Quora claim that future-proofing is one of the most valued long-term investments.
Figure no 6 Making a long term investment
2) Installation Costs: What to Expect
Now, keep in mind that buying fiber optic cables is just a section of the overall costs; you still need to install them. Here are a few things that impact installation costs:
i) Professional vs. DIY: Which Installation Route Will You Take?
- Do-It-Yourself ( DIY ) Installation: If you think youโre up to the challenge, doing it yourself will save you a lot of money. Then you just have to pay for materials and tools.
- Professional Installation: Investing in professionals is easier in the long run as youโll avoid costly mistakes. They may be pricey, but their skill and time do come at a cost.
Figure no 7 Hiring Professionals for Installing Fibre Cables
Moreover, the networking Reddit still warns that some DIY solutions such as splicing can be more expensive if done incorrectly.
ii) Distance Installation: Additional Feet = More Money
The price for fibre optic installation varies between $1 and $6 per foot. Longer distances equate to more expensive splicing points as well as extensions, which increases the overall price.
iii) Aerial Installation vs. Underground Installation
- Pemasangan Bawah Tanah: This has higher costs ($5,000 โ $30,000 per mile) due to the need for digging and installation.
- Pemasangan Udara: Less expensive due to the use of preexisting utility poles. This is the main reason rural areas often utilize aerial fibre cable installations.
Figure no 8 Underground and ariel fibre cable installation
3) Strategies For Reducing Costs On Fibre Optic Installation
The costs associated with fibre optic installations are quite high but you can definitely lower the expenses while still maintaining standards. In this content piece, Iโll share five tips that will help you reduce expenditures:
- Plan Your Installation Carefully: Before buying the optical cables or the necessary equipment, decide where you will need the fibre optic connections and work from there.
- Do Some of the Work Yourself: Well! We have to admit that labour directly influences final estimates but certain tasks you can manage yourself. For instance, if your project has underground cables, you can dig the trenches yourself before the specialists get there.
- Buy from a Trusted Manufacturer: Although purchasing the cheapest optical cables may appear to be savings. But there are chances that their quality is compromised. Thus, the low-quality simplex fibre will deteriorate within a short period, which increases the replacement cost. Thatโs why, purchase from renowned companies such as Dekam Fibre which are well known for their sturdy, reliable, high-quality cables which can last for many years.
- Buy in Bulk to Lower Costs: You will find that most fiber optic cable suppliers give favourable pricing on larger orders. So go for it, also having additional cable will save you from costly last-minute purchases in the future.
- Compare Quotes and Negotiate: Some contractors might give you interesting installation offers, but never go with the first quote provided. Get several estimates and use them to bargain for a reasonable price. Many professionals on Quora recommend the use of โservice bundles,โ meaning installation with follow-up maintenance.
4) Final Thoughts: Are Fiber Optic Cables Expensive?ย
From all the above discussion, we can say that Fibre optic cables prove to be a long-term investment if you carefully consider all above-mentioned factors and also the installation costs. It may seem expensive in the short term, but in terms of long-term value, it is not expensive. Moreover, if you are in search of a trusted fibre cable manufacturer. Then, there is good news for you. Whether you want fibre optic cables for indoor or outdoor and for any other specific needs, all are available at Dekam Fiber at affordable prices. Apart from this, our products are also copper-free and safe from electrical hazards.
Well! Are you interested in enhancing your network? If so, then donโt waste time and contact Dekam Fiber today for a quote.