STH readers will fell a day ahead here. Yesterday we published What is Plenum Fiber Optic Cable and What is OFNP. Today we had a video (on the holiday weekend in the US) that focused on the same topic.
Why you want Plenum Fiber Optic Cable Video
In the video on the same subject, Patrick discusses why you want plenum fiber optic cable. He also goes into (as I did in yesterday’s piece) why you may want riser or OFNR cable. He also goes into what is LSZH cable:
As always, we suggest watching his in the official YouTube app, browser, or tab for the best viewing experience.
During the video, Patrick also discusses why plenum cable is going to be used in an upcoming STH project. In the new STH lab, we are going to have both single-mode and multi-mode fiber pulled via bundles to provide enough bandwidth for next-generation firewalls and switches. We needed a lab with this fiber footprint in order to keep testing high-end gear.
Final Words
This is a holiday weekend, so we do not have a large piece as we would during normal weekdays. Still, it is important for our readers to understand, plenum, riser, ONFP, ONFR, and LSZH cable specifications. Running the proper fiber optic cable is important, but one should certainly check local codes. For example, there is a difference in whether the above tile ceiling space is a plenum based on whether there is a fabricated air duct in the space. Still, we urge our readers, for their safety, to focus on low smoke and low toxin cables.
Of course, the other big one here is that Patrick is running a ton of fiber to help with future networking gear reviews in Q4. Stay tuned to STH for that as we have a number of reviews coming. The networking space may have seemed relatively stangnat for a few years, but now we are seeing massive year/year gains
As a quick update, we now have a Fiber Optic Networking Guide SC or LC Connector online.
Patrick/Rohit ,
maybe you could elaborate about the considirations you went through, before deciding on the layout of the network.
Rgds
Peter
The difference between plenum and riser is very important but it also applies to copper cabling as well. Other devices like industrial switches may also carry a plenum rating for installation in the ceiling space or you can get a plenum box to house non-plenum equipment safely inside.
It is increasingly important on the copper side to leverage plenum due to the cabling carrying power for more end point devices. 90W 802.3bt can get older cables rather toasty but would otherwise be fine for data. Add a bit of friction or another source of heat and it can lead to fire.
The information here is good but I’d personally have broken up this video into a series that would have covered the various types of copper CAT cabling, fiber cabling and then going over the differences between riser and plenum.
Although I’ve always paid attention to the application of Riser, Plenum & General purpose copper Cat6, etc. cable, I was unaware of the similar rating for fiber. Luckily all of my fiber is in conduit or a cassette port box.
I’ll start paying more attention for selection of cable for the application. Thanks for the education.
I think it would have been good to point out that most houses don’t have an actual plenum, and so the typical home enthusiast doesn’t need to buy the more expensive and less flexible plenum rated wire (whether it’s fiber or copper).
As to showing the video of running wires, YES please do. I’m always trying to pick up new tips and tricks, and running fiber requires more attention/effort than copper.