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Keydence Systems

The Technology behind Fibre Optic Cabling

Updated: Oct 31, 2022


Fibre optic cable network is almost a necessity in Singapore, considering how many of us rely on fibre optic cables now and it isn’t difficult to see why. Designed for long-distance and high-performance data transmission, fibre optic cables provide you with the performance you deserve as it is used frequently for telecommunications as well as for connectivity within or between buildings.


Compared to copper cables, these advanced cables provide superior bandwidth and over a distance that wasn’t possible before. Prior to this invention, copper cables were the go-to. A significant difference with it’s predecessor is that the fibres used in fibre optic cabling are not electrical conductors. This is amazing as it results in immunity to electromagnetic interference. Therefore, unwanted electric currents from grounding issues are negated.


The way the fibres transmit energy is in the form of light pulses. Usually created by an LED source or a tiny laser. It receives an input signal coming from transmitter circuitry and transforms it into a light pulse before reflecting it along the fibre tunnel. As the internal properties are reflective, the light pulse moves in a zig-zag route that passes along the bends to the final destination.


The fibre optic cable consists strands of glass and at the center, information passes through the layer of glass which protects it from losing signal. Fun fact: these fibres are as thin as human hair! For long distance journeys, it may convert to an electrical signal and then to the original form before continuing the route. Internal components known as repeaters allow this to happen.


Once at the intended destination, it will be interpreted as data or communication signals before converted to an output by the receiving equipment. While this entire process sounds like a lot to handle, it actually happens at the 70% of the speed of light! Furthermore, this technology is comparable to that of coaxial cables and are able to handle thousands of conversations that are happening concurrently.


Due to the inherent complexity, alteration and implementation of this technology requires specific training and tools. Mistakes could result in reduced signals or transmission failure. Depending on your environment there will also be an ideal type of optical fibre for your specified use.


Other factors to be mindful for are construction materials, core configurations, connector types and cable diameters. They are important as it will directly impact your data transfer efficiency, bandwidth, reliability and longevity of the equipment. A trusted professional is critical in ensuring success of your fibre optic cable installation.

Fibre Optic Cable vs Normal Network Cable and Data Breach

  • As technical as it may sound, the fibre optic cable is way more capable of transmitting the internet in higher speed compared to a normal network cable. This connectivity tool is made up of thin strands of glass fibre wrapped by an insulated casing which is highly durable and hard to maneuver when it comes to cyber crime. They’re designed for long-distance, high-performance data networking, and telecommunications.

  • As you’ve heard, in Singapore, cyber crime such as data breach, computer-related crime is increasing as each day goes by. This is not something that a business should be ignorant about. Better to be safe than sorry, and this is when fibre optic cable comes into the picture to protect against data breach as it is not possible for data to be hacked with fibre optic cable. Only when the glass is broken that is when there is a possibility however the case is durable therefore making it difficult to break.

  • Fibre-optic technology is also very secure because if someone attempts to tap a fibre-optic cable, there is a high chance the glass will break. This will probably alarm maintenance professionals, and the attempt is less likely to fail.

Fibre supports long-distance

As mentioned earlier, fibre optic cable actually helps to support long-distance connections between cities and people and that is why you are able to speak with your loved ones from other parts of the world and fibre optic cable removes that barrier.


Whereas most fibre optics are installed to support long-distance connections between cities and countries, some residential internet providers have invested in extending their fibre installations to suburban neighborhoods for direct access by households. Providers and industry professionals call these last mile installations.

Types of Fibre Optic Cables

In Singapore, Singtel opted to fibre optic cable because of its hi speed transmission of data and information though the internet.


Fibre Optic Cables are popular for businesses especially the ones that rely on phone and email leads. The faster your connectivity the more accessible it is for you compared to your competitor.


The main reason fibre optic cables work the way they do is because they are made up of strands of glass that looks like hair strands which are bundled inside an insulated plastic casing. This cable is basically designed for long-distance and high-performance data transmission. In the telecommunications industry this cable is used as a inter- and intra- building data connection.


Are you curious about how fibre optic cable transmits internet with such hi-speed? We will explain that in detail below:

Single-Mode Fibre

  • You might think that a single mode fibre might provide slower connectivity however that is not true at all. A single-mode fibre has a narrower core meaning it can transmit one data mode over long distances as it carried far more bandwidth. If data can be transferred to longer distances, that means there is chance that one day data can even be transmitted out of space, just like the Interstellar movie, you would be able to transmit information just by a click of a button.

Multi-Mode Fibre

  • A multi-mode fibre basically does what it sounds like it will do. It will allow multiple data streams to travel over a single optical fibre. With a thicker core, it is able to carry data encoded using multiple light sources, thus allowing for multiple data streams to travel over a single optical fibre. The downside of multi-mode is transmission distance and available data bandwidth.

  • This technology can be used for short distance, data and audio/video applications.

At Keydence, we are very proud to be a leading provider for fibre optic cable installation contractors in Singapore. We continue to do so with a rising number of companies parking their Fibre Cable contractor requirements with us.

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