In recent times, optical fiber has been gaining ground as an alternative to copper as a physical medium for the transmission of information, which now travels in the form of beams of light. In addition to being immune to electromagnetic interference, optical fiber has other benefits, such as: longer distances, higher speed and bandwidth, increased security and future projection.

When working with optical fiber cables, the care to be taken will depend on the type of cable we are using, both the fiber type and its construction, and also on the installation environment.

When we talk about structured cabling, we mean a system that integrates different types of services, such as data, video or voice, and it is done in a standardized manner, that is, following a standard that establishes certain minimum criteria that guarantee the performance and management of the network.

Implementing a structured cabling system is a task that should be performed carefully. Lack of planning, ignorance of installation requirements, or decision-making based only on initial investment are some of the most common mistakes that are often made and can lead in the long run to a poor, unprepared for future applications, and difficult-to-maintain network.

That is why there is a need to comply with what are known as good installation practices, which come from different international standards, were developed and are regularly updated jointly by manufacturers and installers of cabling systems, and which through their accumulated experience provide us with the requirements to ensure the performance and durability of our cabling.

Points to consider: If we are talking about a twisted pair cabling system, it is important to learn the different categories available and the applications that each of them support. A twisted pair cable transmits information through 4 pairs of copper wires. The more twisted the pairs, the higher the cable performance, because crosstalk effects are reduced, improving transmission speed and bandwidth. 

Since copper cables transmit information in the form of electromagnetic signals, it is important to consider that:

•    If cables are to be installed in environments with interference sources (such as factories or industrial environments in general), it is better to choose a shielded solution.
•    Ideally, communication cables and electrical current circuits should not share the same tray.
•    It is necessary to respect the minimum bend radius of the cable; otherwise the transmission characteristics of the medium are altered. 
•    Cables should not be strangled, twisted or pressed, as this can damage the insulation of the pairs.
•    Label each network point with a coherent and consistent format for having a good documentation that facilitates damage detection and network maintenance.

The coils transport and storage is critical. The position is very important. Coils should not be placed “lying”, or sloped or piled up. Ideally, coils should not be left out in the open, as the wood may deteriorate as a result of continuous contact with the sun, possible rains and moisture, and then hinder installation. 

This installation must be done with the appropriate tools; and during the process care is required to respect the maximum compression and traction loads that the cables can withstand, and which are detailed in the relevant technical specifications. 

Coils show an indication of the rotation direction indicated by an arrow; and of course, it is always crucial to respect the bending radii, both during and after installation. Other factors are the installation environment such as storage and operating temperature, and moisture penetration, i.e. the type of protection that the cable provides against water penetration. 

For connectorized systems, it is essential to consider the connectors cleaning. Fat and/or dust particles are barriers to transmission and weaken the signal. Therefore, the use of the relevant cleaning tools after each disconnection of an optical connector is recommended.