100Mbps Fiber Optic Cable Specifications

100Mbps fiber optic cables, typically using 100BASE-FX standard, operate at 1310 nm over multimode fiber with link distances up to 2 km.

Key Technical Specifications

Standard and Data Rate: 100BASE-FX is defined under IEEE 802.3u for Fast Ethernet, supporting 100 Mbps full-duplex transmission over fiber optic links . Fiber Type and Wavelength:

• Multimode fiber (MMF) is commonly used for 100BASE-FX links.
• Operating wavelength: 1310 nm.
• Some single-mode fiber (SMF) variants exist for longer distances, up to 10 km . Link Distance:
• Typical multimode fiber reach: up to 2 km.
• Single-mode fiber can extend up to 10 km depending on transceiver and fiber quality . Transceivers (SFP Modules):
• Form factor: Small Form-factor Pluggable (SFP), hot-swappable.
• Examples: L-com FXC-SFP100M-31-FX supports 2 km over MMF with 1310 nm wavelength and LC connectors .
• Digital diagnostics: Many SFPs provide monitoring for optical power, temperature, and link status .
• Compatibility: Works with most switches, routers, and media converters supporting 100BASE-FX . Cable Construction and Performance:
• Mechanical and environmental standards: Designed for 25-year service life, resistant to water ingress, temperature variations, and mechanical stress .
• Attenuation: Typically measured at 1550 nm for performance verification, with low-loss multimode fiber ensuring stable signal over the specified distance .
• Color coding: Fiber cores are color-coded for identification, following standard sequences or customized per customer requirements . Advantages over Copper:
• Electromagnetic interference (EMI) immunity, making it suitable for industrial and electrically noisy environments.
• Longer reach than copper 100BASE-TX (100 m limit).
• Improved reliability for mission-critical applications such as surveillance, transportation, and campus backbones . Connectors:
• LC connectors are standard for 100BASE-FX SFP modules.
• Copper variants (100BASE-TX) use RJ-45 connectors for short-distance links up to 100 m . Deployment Considerations:
• Ensure fiber type matches transceiver specifications (MMF vs SMF).
• Maintain proper bend radius and avoid physical stress to preserve signal integrity.
• Use compatible SFP modules for the switch or router platform to ensure stable operation . In summary, 100Mbps fiber optic solutions using 100BASE-FX provide reliable, EMI-resistant connectivity over multimode fiber up to 2 km, with SFP transceivers offering flexible deployment and monitoring capabilities. These specifications make them ideal for industrial, enterprise, and legacy Fast Ethernet networks where stability and interference immunity are critical.