5 Types of Optical Fibers for 5G Networks

As we all know, the 5G network will provide consumers with high-speed, low delay, more reliable, and stronger connection services, which makes single-mode to multimode fiber patch cord one of the focuses of 5G competition. Due to the higher 5G band and limited network coverage, we must build more 5G base stations. It is estimated that the total number of 5G base stations in the world will reach 6.5 million by 2025, which puts forward higher requirements for the performance and output of single-mode fiber jumpers.

At present, there are some uncertainties in the selection of 5G network architecture and technical solutions. However, 5G duplex fibers should meet the needs of the current application and future development in the basic physical layer. Here are five types of fiber optic cables, which to some extent solve the problems in 5G networks.

1. Bend Insensitive Optical Fiber for Easy 5G Indoor Micro Base Stations

The dense optical fiber connection between large-scale 5G new macro base stations and the indoor micro base stations is the main challenge of 5G access network construction. Complex cabling environment, limited space, and bending performance put forward high requirements for fiber bending performance, especially for indoor fiber cabling. The patch cord single-mode is compatible with ITU g.657.a2/b2/b3 and has great bending improvement performance, which can bend corners without sacrificing performance.

2. OM5 Multimode Fiber Applied to 5G Core Networks

5G service providers must also focus on the construction of fiber optic patch cord networks for storing data. At present, the transmission speed of data center is developing from 10G / 25G, 40G / 100G to 25G / 100G and 200G / 400G, which puts forward new requirements for multimode fiber patch cord used in data center internal interconnection. Besides, it also needs to support multi-wavelength multiplexing technology (such as SWDM and BIDI) and provide excellent bending performance to adapt to dense data center cabling solutions.

3. Micron Diameter Optical Fibers Enable Higher Fiber Density

Due to the complex deployment environment of the access layer or convergence layer of the 5G bearer network, it is easy to encounter the problems of limited existing cable pipeline resources. To ensure that the limited space can accommodate more fibers, cable manufacturers are working to reduce the size and diameter of the cable bundle. The innovative multimode patch cord enables cable designers to provide a significantly reduced cable size while maintaining a 125 μm glass diameter.

4. ULL Fiber with Large Effective Area Can Extend 5G Link Length

5G fiber manufacturers are actively exploring ultra-low loss fiber technology to maximize fiber coverage. Different from the G.652. D fiber is commonly used in 10G, 25G, and 100G, G.652. E fiber has a larger effective area and ultra-low loss characteristics, which can significantly reduce the nonlinear effect of the single-mode fiber patch cable and improve the OSNR that is easily affected by high signal modulation format in 200G and 400G connections.

5. Optical Fiber Cable for Faster 5G Network Installation

5G network deployment covers both indoor and outdoor scenarios, so installation speed is a factor to be considered. The fiber optic jumper with waterproof technology can improve the splicing speed in the process of cable installation. Airblown micro cables are compact and lightweight, which maximizes the number of fibers. This kind of armored fiber patch cable is easy to install in long multi bend and multi undulating pipeline, which can save manpower and installation time to improve installation efficiency.