Welcome to the Stanford Optics Glossary! We provide definitions and explanations of key terms related to fiber optics, optical cables, and connectivity solutions.
A
ADSS (All-Dielectric Self-Supporting): A type of fiber optic cable that does not require metallic components, making it suitable for aerial installations without the need for grounding.
Absorption: A phenomenon in fiber optics where part of the light signal is absorbed by the fiber material, reducing signal strength.
American Wire Gauge (AWG): A standardized wire gauge system for measuring the diameter of electrical conductors.
ANSI/TIA-568.2-D: A standard specifying requirements for structured cabling systems, particularly for balanced twisted-pair telecommunications cabling.
Attenuation: The loss of signal strength as it travels through a fiber optic cable, measured in decibels (dB).
Aramid Yarn: A strong, lightweight material used in fiber optic cables to provide strength and durability.
Armored Tube: A protective layer around fiber optic cables, offering enhanced resistance to physical damage.
B
Backbone Cabling: The primary infrastructure connecting various areas of a network within or between buildings.
Bandwidth: The capacity of a fiber optic cable to transmit data, measured in bits per second (bps).
Bend Radius: The minimum radius a cable can be bent without damaging its integrity.
Bidirectional Fiber: A fiber optic cable that transmits data in both directions, often using different wavelengths.
Buffer Coating: A protective layer applied over the fiber core to shield it from physical damage.
Crosstalk: The interference caused by a signal in one cable affecting another nearby cable.
C
Cable Insulation: The protective coating around a cable, ensuring safety and performance.
Cladding: The layer surrounding the fiber core that reflects light back into the core, enabling signal transmission.
CMR (Communications Riser): A cable rating for riser spaces that meet fire resistance requirements.
CMP (Communications Plenum): A cable rating for plenum spaces, providing low smoke and flame resistance.
Connector: A device used to join two fiber optic cables or connect a cable to equipment.
Core: The central part of a fiber optic cable through which light signals travel.
Crosstalk: Interference between adjacent cables, common in twisted-pair wiring.
D
DAS (Distributed Antenna System): A network of antennas connected by fiber optic cables to improve wireless coverage in specific areas.
Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing (DWDM): A technology to increase fiber capacity by transmitting multiple signals at different wavelengths.
Duplex: A type of fiber optic cable with two fibers, one for sending and one for receiving data.
Distributed Antenna System (DAS): A network of antennas connected by fiber optics to enhance wireless coverage.
F
Fast Ethernet: A network standard offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
Fiber Ferrule: A cylindrical component that aligns and holds a fiber optic cable in a connector.
Fiber Fusion Splicing: The process of joining two optical fibers by fusing them together using heat.
FTTA (Fiber to the Antenna): A network architecture extending fiber optics directly to antenna systems for improved performance.
FTTH (Fiber to the Home): A type of network architecture that delivers fiber optic connections directly to individual homes or businesses.
FTTE (Fiber to the Edge): A fiber optic network architecture delivering connectivity closer to the end user for enhanced performance.
Fusion Splicing: A method of joining two fiber optic cables by fusing their ends together using heat.
G
Gigabit Ethernet: A standard for Ethernet networks supporting speeds of up to 1 Gbps.
GOF (Glass Optical Fiber): A fiber optic cable made of glass, commonly used for high-speed, long-distance transmission.
GR-326 Standard: A Telcordia standard specifying performance requirements for single-mode optical connectors.
GYDTS: A lightweight, loose-tube fiber optic cable designed for high-density applications.
GYTC8A: An 8-shaped self-supporting fiber optic cable designed for aerial installations.
L
LAN (Local Area Network): A network that connects computers and devices within a limited area, such as a building.
Loose Tube: A type of fiber optic cable where fibers are encased in a tube that provides protection from external forces.
LOMMF (Laser-Optimized Multimode Fiber): A type of multimode fiber optimized for laser transmission for higher speeds and longer distances.
O
ODF (Optical Distribution Frame): A frame used to manage and distribute fiber optic connections.
OFNR (Optical Fiber Nonconductive Riser): A fire-resistant optical cable suitable for riser applications.
OFNP (Optical Fiber Nonconductive Plenum): A fire-resistant optical cable designed for plenum spaces.
Optical Fiber: A thin strand of glass or plastic that transmits light signals for data communication.
Outdoor Optical Cable: Fiber optic cables designed for external environments, offering durability against weather and physical stress.
R
Rack Space: The physical space available in a data rack to install networking equipment.
Reflection: The bouncing of light off the cladding inside a fiber optic cable to keep the signal within the core.
Refractive Index: A measure of how much a material can bend light, used in fiber optics to maintain signal integrity.
Riser Cable: A cable type designed for use in vertical shafts or between floors of a building.
S
SCS (Structured Cabling System): A standardized cabling system for data, voice, and video communication.
Single-Mode Fiber: A type of fiber optic cable with a small core that allows only one mode of light to propagate, suitable for long-distance transmission.
Splice: A permanent joint between two fiber optic cables.
Strain Relief: A feature designed to protect cables from stress or tension, extending their lifespan.
STP Cable (Shielded Twisted Pair): A type of cable with a shielding layer to reduce electromagnetic interference.
T
Tight Buffer: A protective coating directly surrounding the fiber, used in indoor applications for added durability.
TIA-598C: A standard defining the color codes for optical fibers.
Transmitter: A device that converts electrical signals into optical signals for transmission over fiber optic cables.
Twisted Pair: A type of cabling where two wires are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference.
W
Wavelength: The distance between two peaks of a light wave, critical in fiber optic signal transmission.
WDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing): A technology that increases the bandwidth of a fiber optic cable by transmitting multiple signals at different wavelengths.
Wire Scheme: A standardized method for organizing cable connections to ensure compatibility and ease of maintenance.
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