Fiber optic cables play a key role in high-speed network expansion. As wireless and cellular network complexity increases, fiber networks supporting elevated bandwidth, latency and data transmission rate demand have become essential. How should electronics design engineers incorporate this technology into their projects?
It’s important to note that that fiber network cables that were once considered cutting-edge have become legacy technology sooner than professionals could have anticipated. Even fiber has undergone significant changes since its inception, boasting advancements like fusion splicing and single-mode cables.
With advancement comes expansion. In August 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced it would move forward with targeted investments in fifth generation (5G) wireless cellular technology, distributing around $9 billion to facilitate 5G-capable networks. This plan will require massive, high-density fiber infrastructure.
Traditionally, mobile backhaul networks used copper time division multiplexing (TDM) circuits, which have become a legacy technology. Fiber cables are one of the only alternatives that make sense for longevity. However, while fiber deployment guarantees lasting improvements, engineers must still make proactive design decisions to ensure a lifetime of use from the upgrades.
How fiber cables fit into modern infrastructure
The rapid proliferation of advanced wireless and cellular network infrastructure has outpaced the capabilities of supporting components. Fiber cables are the clear alternative because they offer benefits like space efficiency, superior bandwidth, higher data transmission rates, and long-distance signal integrity.
Already, the United States has made progress toward a fiber-based future to support rapidly proliferating high-speed networks. As of December 2023, 60.4% of fixed connections in the country were coaxial cable, while 23.1% were fiber optic. Copper wire, fixed wireless, and satellite made up the remaining percentage.
Although the fiber adoption rate will inevitably increase, laying the groundwork for advancement is no longer enough; electronics design engineers must future-proof modern infrastructure. They can keep computing resource demand from outpacing infrastructure capabilities within the coming decades.
Designing high-speed networks with fiber
Electronics design engineers should first consider which type of fiber cable will suit their needs well into the future. While the larger 62.5-micron core of multimode cables enables higher data transmission rates, its range is limited. Single mode may be more expensive upfront, but it helps facilitate a more expansive network.
Strand count is another important consideration. While surpassing the project’s minimum requirements may seem unnecessarily expensive, it helps future-proof the infrastructure. Engineers should consider how factors like urbanization and wireless cellular technology will affect their design’s efficacy over the coming decades.
Of course, deploying fiber requires time, resources, and money. The median cost of underground deployment is $16.25 per foot, while the median aerial cost is around $6.49 per foot. Labor accounts for 50% to 90% of the total cost. Professionals should conduct a feasibility study—considering possible routes and the practicality of expansion—to determine which designs and areas to prioritize.
Will government policies affect electronic component availability? Will business leaders be able to secure research and development grants? Future-proofing wireless and cellular networks involves considering every possibility. However, electronics design engineers must be careful not to overcomplicate planning.
Ellie Gabel is a freelance writer as well as an associate editor at Revolutionized.
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