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Fiber-optic cable is ultra-fast and highly scalable, making it an ideal internet connectivity solution for large communities in 2025 and beyond. It provides reliability and unmatched speed for internet, cable and telephone connections.
If fiber-optic cabling is available in your area, you might see neighbors installing it in their homes or workplaces. You may also see fiber-optic internet becoming more locally accessible thanks to federal funding from the BEAD program, a nationwide initiative to connect all Americans to high-speed internet.
Whether you're a professional in fiber-optic cable installation or a home or facility owner interested in the process, it's important to understand the fiber cable laying procedure. This guide will walk you through the process from beginning to end.
Before installing fiber-optic cables, check that they're available in the area by contacting the local phone company. They can tell you if fiber-optic is available in the area and where the nearest distribution box is located. The distribution box should be no more than a few hundred feet from the building.
Once you have determined availability, it's time to startinstalling fiber-optic cables. Here's how the basic installation procedure works.
Contact the phone company to notify them of the cable installation. From there, the technician can lay a cable from the local box to the home or facility. They will set up the cable to run to an optical network terminal on the side of the building. This box is the starting point from which the technician will set up the fiber-optic lines.
Get or create a blueprint for the building and plan out the fiber-optic cable setup. Take note of any phones, televisions, computers or other devices that need to be connected to the fiber-optic system.
Home and business owners should also ensure their devices arecompatible with fiber-optic connections, as some older models are not. If you find that your devices are only compatible with legacy infrastructure, it might be time to replace them with newer models.
Clear out the sections of the wall or ceiling where you plan on running the fiber-optic cable so that you can install it inside the wall. This step may involve coordinating with a contractor or other construction professional to ensure safe working conditions.
Once the plan and site are set up, the technician can start running the fiber-optic cable from the optical network terminal through the building.
The cable will be shielded by a rigid or flexible conduit, which is a protective tube or trough through which the cable is fed during installation.
As soon as the cable running process is complete, start testing the cable and connecting devices. Be sure to test connectivity as soon as possible to make sure the cable is working properly. Once you have determined that the cable is operating as intended, the construction crew can start installing new drywall to cover the new cable installations.
No matter where you are installing your optical-fiber cable, there are some universal guidelines to keep in mind. Some of the best fiber cable laying procedure tips are listed below.
Plan all cable routes before starting to lay cable, and be as detailed as possible. Ensure the cable will not be unnecessarily exposed to hazards.
If exposure is necessary, installing extra cable protection is critical in high-risk areas. Here are some ways you can protect your cable from the elements:
In all, conduit runs should not be longer than 100 feet with two 90-degree bends at most.
Cables should be protected from hanging freely or pressing against sharp edges. Install conduit for support where necessary, especially in cases where the cable may be exposed to stress or subjected to tighter turns.
The minimum bend radius is the smallest radius you can bend a cable without impacting its performance. Typically, the minimum radius is equal to or greater than 10 times the diameter of the cable.
Take care not to exceed these values or kink the cable, as doing so can damage the cable and cause performance issues.
If you are pulling cable in conduit, ensure the interior conduit transitions are smooth. Sharp transitions with edges can damage the cable. When possible, use a flexible conduit to reduce risk to the cable.
Staying within the maximum tensile loading value for your cable is critical for preventing breakage. The maximum tensile loading value, also known as ultimate tensile strength, is the highest amount of stress your cable can withstand before fracturing.
Do not install or store the cable in a way that it will experience crushing pressure or sudden impacts. When installing cable, protect it from exterior forces by installing it in a high-quality conduit.
The National Electrical Code states that conduit should be made with rigid polyvinyl-chloride plastic or metallic tubing, both of which can help prevent crush or impact damage. When storing cable, do not use cable ties to bind them, as these can place sharp stress on the cables. Soft hook and loop ties are a gentler binding choice that will protect your cables by reducing the amount of stress they must withstand.
All fiber-optic cables state whetherthey can be used for vertical applications. If they are, they provide a calculated maximum vertical rise value that indicates how far the cable can be lifted vertically before requiring a support.
For example, you might have a cable with a max vertical rise of 200 feet. This number means that you'll need to install at least one vertical support every 200 feet. Do not exceed maximum vertical rise value, otherwise, you may damage the cable.
Avoid pulling long lengths in one direction. Also, if running cable vertically, start from the top and pull the cable down to avoid applying an excessive load to the cable.
It goes without saying, but check local and national regulations and fire codes to ensure your installation meets standards. If construction is needed, be sure you have the appropriate permit.
All construction projects come with safety concerns, but working with fiber optics means there is a risk of exposure to chemicals and sparks. Be sure to review safety guidelines before starting a project and wear appropriate safety gear.
If you are a home or business owner interested in this process, it is highly recommended to work with a professional unless you or your staff are experienced in fiber-optic cable laying.
Multilink professionals are thoroughly trained in fiber-optic cable laying procedures and can help you make appropriate decisions about cable layout and conduit selection. They can also return for scheduled reviews of any work done to ensure it meets regional and industry standards.
Learning how to install fiber-optic internet cable can be challenging if you're doing it on your own. If you want to install fiber-optic cable in your home or business, the expert team at Multilink can help.
Founded in Lorain County, Ohio, in 1983, Multilink has dedicated over four decades and innumerable resources to developing world-class products in the telecommunications industry. Our extensive fiber-optic assembly equipment allows us to provide products that meet your unique needs, no matter where you plan to install fiber-optic cable.
To learn more about Multilink and our fiber-optic cable and supplies, contact us today!
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