Optical cables are an essential component in the telecommunications industry, enabling the transmission of data through light signals. These cables come in various colors, each serving a specific purpose. Sorting the colors of optical cables is crucial for efficient installation and maintenance. In this article, we will explore how to sort the colors of optical cables based on their different requirements.
The first aspect to consider when sorting optical cable colors is fiber type. Optical fibers can be categorized into single-mode and multi-mode fibers, each with its own color coding system.
In single-mode fibers, which are used for long-distance transmissions, the standard color code includes yellow for primary coating and blue for secondary coating.
On the other hand, multi-mode fibers that facilitate shorter distance transmissions have different color codes. For example:
Aqua or turquoise represents OM4 (the latest high-bandwidth fiber) Lime green indicates OM3 (a high-bandwidth fiber) Orange signifies OM2 (a medium-bandwidth fiber) Gray denotes OM1 (a basic bandwidth fiber)The second aspect to consider when sorting optical cable colors is connector type. Different connectors require specific color coding schemes to ensure compatibility and ease of identification during installation or repairs.
Fiber optic connectors commonly use three main color codes:
Blue:This color code typically corresponds to SC connectors that are widely used in data centers and enterprise networks.
Aqua:This unique shade represents LC connectors frequently employed in small form-factor pluggable transceivers (SFPs) found in switches and routers within networking infrastructure. Purple:Purple-colored jackets often indicate MPO/MTP connectors utilized for high-density applications such as backbone cabling systems. It's important to adhere strictly to these connector-specific coloring conventions during installations or repairs as it ensures proper connectivity between devices.