How to judge the quality of fiber optic cables?

The importance of fiber optic cables is self-evident, making their quality extremely important. Regarding how to choose high-quality fiber optic cables, here's what fiber optic cable manufacturers have to say:

1. Select fiber optic cables based on materials

The materials used and the manufacturing process of fiber optic cables are crucial, directly affecting their lifespan. The manufacturing process is a significant factor influencing cable quality; stable processes and high-quality products exhibit minimal additional loss during cable production,a density of ≤0.01 dB/km is a basic indicator of a manufacturer's optical cable manufacturing process. The main materials used in optical cables include: fiber core, fiber optic grease, sheath material, and PBT. Different materials have different quality requirements. For example, the fiber core needs sufficient power charge capacity and a large amplifier spacing; the fiber optic grease also plays a crucial role, preventing moisture corrosion and acting as a padding material.

2. Selecting Optical Cables and Fibers Based on Core Count

Optical cables can be categorized into several types based on their core count, including central loose tube, stranded, skeleton, and ribbon types. Their structures differ depending on the application, and users can specify their 

requirements based on the line conditions. Generally, cables with 12 cores or less use the central loose tube type. The central loose tube type has a simpler manufacturing process and lower cost, making it competitive in overhead

 installations or trunk networks with good duct protection. Stranded optical cables use SZ splicing, allowing for up to 144 cores. Its advantages include waterproofing and resistance to strong tensile forces, making it suitable for direct burial.

3. Selecting Optical Cables and Fibers Based on Application

Optical cables can be categorized by application, including direct-buried cables, aerial cables, duct cables, and submarine cables. Each type has a different purpose and performance characteristics. When selecting a cable, the primary consideration should be its intended use and location.

Many factors need to be considered when choosing a cable. It's not simply a matter of price based on the number of cores. Factors such as raw materials, manufacturing processes, and technology must also be taken into account. Furthermore, one should not solely focus on price and choose the cheapest cable.