Extend multiple CAT5e cables

[Markverhyden]

That all sounds good. To be honest I've never seen a 4 core cable in any of the sites I've been to. Everything has always been the regular two core with multiple runs if needed between MDF's and IDF's. Personally I'd prefer having two physically separate runs.

What do you mean by the "loose tube". The yellow or orange stuff they use for running fiber?

 

[jzukerman]

Pre-made Fibre Cable:

Still a little confused here ...
I now understand the difference between single-mode and multi-mode and I'm pretty sure it's the latter I require. OM3 would seem to be the most suitable, due to the length required (150m-200m) and I know I need LC connectors both ends (to match the SFP+ modules.​

Multimode OM3 10GB is good up to 300M or OM4 10GB is good up to 400M.
http://www.ethernetalliance.org/blog/2012/06/13/10gbe-standardized-to-400-meters-on-om4-fiber/

What I don't quite understand is the number of cores required. Will a single 4-core fibre cable provide 2 x 10 gig connections, or do I need 2 cables for this?

Multimode is done in duplex, so a single stand of fiber for RX and single stand of fiber for TX. They come as two molded together if you are buying pre-made patch cables.

Oh, and I'm also wondering if I'll need 'loose tube' armoured cable. The fibre will be buried, but inside plastic ducting, not directly.

I would buy OM4 outdoor (non-gel filled), non armored cable.
http://csmedia.corning.com/opcomm/\Resource_Documents\product_family_specifications_rl\FREEDM_One_Tight_Buffered_Cable_Riser_NAFTA_AEN.pdf​

 

[Moltuae]

Thanks guys!

That all sounds good. To be honest I've never seen a 4 core cable in any of the sites I've been to. Everything has always been the regular two core with multiple runs if needed between MDF's and IDF's. Personally I'd prefer having two physically separate runs.

What do you mean by the "loose tube". The yellow or orange stuff they use for running fiber?

No, but that's like the underground plastic ducting I was referring to that it will run down.

http://www.cablemonkey.co.uk/custom-fibre-pre-terms/1452-armoured-pre-terminated-fibre-cable.html

Pre-Terminated Multi-Core Fibre Cables Made with either SWA or CST Loose Tube Armoured Fibre Cable to Your Specification

I assume they mean the white conduit-like, oval-section plastic tubing that ISPs use for their fibre (at least that's how it's installed over here by BT). Something like this:

Multimode is done in duplex, so a single stand of fiber for RX and single stand of fiber for TX. They come as two molded together if you are buying pre-made patch cables.

I would buy OM4 outdoor (non-gel filled), non armored cable.
http://csmedia.corning.com/opcomm/\Resource_Documents\product_family_specifications_rl\FREEDM_One_Tight_Buffered_Cable_Riser_NAFTA_AEN.pdf​

Great thanks!


So, if two strands are required for each 10 gig connection, 4 strands (which seems to be the minimum number of cores you can buy the stuff in), will support 2 x 10 gig connections, right?

(... although for better resiliency, I'll probably opt for 2 separate runs, like Mark suggests).

 

[jzukerman]

Thanks guys!
So, if two strands are required for each 10 gig connection, 4 strands (which seems to be the minimum number of cores you can buy the stuff in), will support 2 x 10 gig connections, right?
(... although for better resiliency, I'll probably opt for 2 separate runs, like Mark suggests).

Correct, two 10Gbit links. You could bond them together for a 20Gbit link if you use 4 strand.

I would sub out the fiber termination to someone who has experience doing that work. And get them to test their work (via an OTDR meter) and provide it to you for your client's documentation. I've done this once for a client. Sub'd out the fiber termination work. The lady charged me $50.00 a connector, materials and labor included. And then ran her $5000 OTDR over the links and all was good.

 

[Moltuae]

Thanks jzukerman.

You wouldn't recommend purchasing pre-terminated cables then?

 

[Mercenary Roadie]

Since you are installing this underground in conduit you will still need the cable to be rate for wet locations. Even though it's in a conduit, it still will get wet.

If all you're running in the conduit if the fiber, you don't need the sleeving. If you use the sleeving you are going to need to run 1.5 to 2 in conduit at a minimum. If you don't use it 1.5 inch conduit should be fine.

Nothing wrong with using pre terminated fiber cabling, but you then have to deal with the connectors while you install it into the conduit. Preterminated fiber will need 2 inch conduit at a minimum and be sure to get it longer than you need it.

The reason you need two fibers for each link is one transmits and the other receives.

I would use a minimum of 8 fibers in the cable, this gives you plenty of spares and future use.

Also be sure to have all of the proper connector cleaning supplies on hand. Dust boots do just that, collect dust.

 

[Moltuae]

Thanks for that Mercenary Roadie.

I think I've got it now.

Now that I know what pre-terminated cables are needed, I think I'll give a fibre engineer a call, to get a cost comparison. If a professional cable install isn't going to cost a lot more than pre-terminated cables, I'll go down that route instead.