Fiber-optic cables are the backbone of modern communications networks, transporting vast amounts of data over long distances at lightning speeds. They are used in everything from internet infrastructure to cable television to medical equipment. However, not all fiber optic cables are created equal. Fiber optic cables are divided into single-mode, multimode, simplex, and duplex. For information on single-mode and multimode fiber, please refer to the article Choosing the Right Fiber Optic Cable: Singlemode vs. Multimode. This article will explore the differences, pros, cons, and best use cases between simplex and duplex fiber optic cables.
What is Simplex Fiber Optic Cable?
Single-core fiber optic cables consist of a single strand of glass-plastic fiber and an outer sheath. Simplex fibers are most commonly used in applications that only require data transmission in one direction. Digital data readouts, interstate sensor relays, and automatic speed and boundary sensors (for sports applications) are all important uses for simplex fiber optic cables. It is designed to transmit data in one direction only. Simplex fiber optic cables are typically used in applications that only need to transmit data in one direction, such as TV or radio.
Simplex fiber optic networks have simplex single-mode and simplex multimode cables (e.g., 62.5/125 OM1 fiber and 50/125 OM2 fiber). Singlemode simplex fiber optic patch cords are an excellent choice for building cable networks that require data to travel long distances in one direction. Because this single-core fiber optic cable can only transmit one beam of light at a time, it is more suitable for long-distance transmission. Simplex multimode fiber has a larger diameter core that propagates multiple light modes efficiently. The amount of light reflection is due to the larger diameter. Singlemode simplex patch cables have a core of 8 to 10 microns, while multimode simplex patch cables have a core of 50 or 62.5 microns. More data passes through multimode fiber at a given point in time. Due to this fiber’s high dispersion and attenuation, the signal quality will degrade over long distances.
Advantages of Simplex Fiber Optic Cables
The main advantage of simplex fiber optic cable is its simplicity. Since it contains only one fiber optic bundle, it is easy to install and maintain. No complex synchronization process or switching devices is required, making it ideal for applications requiring simplicity.
In addition, simplex fiber optic cables are highly resistant to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI). This makes them ideal for applications where interference is a concern, such as medical equipment or high-precision instruments.
Disadvantages of Simplex Fiber Optic Cables
The main disadvantage of simplex fiber optic cable is that it can only transmit data in one direction. This makes it unsuitable for applications that require data to be transferred in both directions, such as networking or telecommunications.
Furthermore, the bandwidth capabilities of simplex fiber optic cables are generally limited. This means they may not transfer data as quickly or as efficiently as duplex fiber optic cables, which can simultaneously transfer data in both directions.
What is Duplex Fiber Optic Cable?
A duplex fiber optic cable consists of two-strand fibers of glass or plastic, and it can be regarded as two simplex cables, which are used to transmit data in both directions simultaneously. This duplex fiber optic cable is engineered in a zipper arrangement and is most commonly used for duplex communication between devices that require simultaneous bidirectional data transmission. (One fiber transmits data in one direction and another in the opposite direction.) Larger workstations, fiber switches and servers, fiber modems, and similar hardware require duplex fiber cable. Duplex fiber is also available in single-mode duplex fiber optic cable and multimode duplex fiber optic cable. Half duplex and full duplex are two types of fiber optic duplex cables that are used in different data transmission applications.
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Half Duplex Fiber Optic Cables
Half duplex fiber optic cable can send the signal in both directions. Still, only one party can receive or transmit information simultaneously, and two-way communication can be realized. Some transport networks use half-duplex cables, but it is necessary to specify this requirement for all nodes in the network—for example, walkie-talkie.
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Full Duplex Fiber Optic Cables
In a full duplex fiber optic cable, data is transmitted simultaneously in two different directions on a single carrier. Taking the telephone IP service as an example, since there are two communication paths between the two parties in the call, the two parties in the call can speak at the same time and be heard by the other party. Therefore, using full-duplex mode can improve communication efficiency.
Advantages of Duplex Fiber Optic Cable
The main advantage of duplex fiber optic cable is its ability to transmit data in both directions simultaneously. This makes it ideal for applications where bidirectional communication is essential, such as in networking or telecommunications.
In addition, duplex fiber optic cables typically have higher bandwidth capabilities than simplex cables. This means that they can transmit data more quickly and efficiently, making them an ideal choice for high-speed data transmission applications.
Disadvantages of Duplex Fiber Optic Cable
The main disadvantage of duplex fiber optic cable is its complexity. Because it contains two fiber strands, it is more complex to install and maintain than simplex cables. It also requires more synchronization processes and switching equipment, which can add to the overall cost and complexity of the system.
In addition, duplex fiber optic cables are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio-frequency interference (RFI) than simplex cables. This means that they may not be suitable for applications where interference is a concern, such as in medical equipment or high-precision instruments.
Simplex VS Duplex Fiber Optic Cables
As mentioned above, simplex fiber optic cables have only one tight-buffered fiber inside the cable jacket. The boot enables the cable to be connected and crimped to the mechanical connector. However, a duplex fiber optic patch cord can be seen as two simplex cables whose jackets are joined together by a strip of jacket material, some duplex fiber optic patch cords have two fiber optic connectors on each side of the cable Clips to hold the two connectors together. In order to use less source material, simplex cables are less expensive than duplex cables. Additionally, single-fiber cables use only a single strand of fiber for one-way transmission, while twin-fiber cables use a pair of fibers for bidirectional transmission.
How to Choose Simplex and Duplex Fiber Optic Cables?
Singlemode and multimode simplex fiber optic patch cords are available for applications requiring only one-way data transmission. They are typically used to implement the connection between two BiDi transceivers. They are usually designed with LC simplex single-mode fiber to accommodate the optical interface / SFP+ optics and operating wavelength of the BiDi SFP. The Simplex BiDi WDM Mux/DeMux is also designed for single-strand fiber optic transmission. So it also requires simplex cables to combine and separate wavelengths. In addition to these devices, there are many other components related to simplex fiber solutions, such as simplex PLC (planar lightwave circuit) splitters, OADMs (optical add-drop multiplexers), and other simplex fiber products. Duplex optical cables are usually used for standard optical modules, such as SFP, 10G SFP+, 40G QSFP+, and 100G QSFP 28 (only LC duplex optical cables can be used for long distances, such as 40G-LR4 and 100G-LR4). When between two devices, Duplex fibers are also used as interconnectors or cross-connects between fiber optic transceivers and MPO/MTP boxes when the distance between them is too long.
Conclusion
Fiber optic cables are vital components of modern communication networks and are used extensively in many industries. Simplex and duplex fiber optic cables are two of the most common types, each with advantages and disadvantages. Simplex cables are simple to install and maintain, resistant to interference, and ideal for one-way data transmission applications. On the other hand, duplex cables can transmit data in both directions simultaneously, have higher bandwidth capabilities, and are suitable for applications that require bidirectional communication. However, they are more complex to install and maintain and are more susceptible to interference. Ultimately, the choice between simplex and duplex cables will depend on the specific needs of the application in question.
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