Glass fiber cables are no longer a novelty. They transmit telephone conversations, data and TV pictures between continents and cities. They are distinguished by a very high data capacity and transmission speed. The downside: You need expensive special tools and expert knowledge to install.
Conversion from copper cable
On the other hand, the optical polymer fiber is a cheaply manufactured fiber of plastic, which can - unlike glass - virtually cut to length. There are suitable cutting tools for a few euros from the POF suppliers. These ensure that the fiber is perfectly cut at right angles. The cutting surface of the knife should be used only a few times in the same place because damage to the surface of the fiber can impair its function. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends not taking more than 25 cutting operations per tool.
Optical Cables (POF)
In contrast to fiber and copper cables, the POF fiber comes as a pair. One wire is used for sending, the other for receiving. The diameter is 1.5 millimeters, the smallest bending radius is only two centimeters.
An example installation
For comparison, a copper cable typically has a diameter of 7.7 millimeters and a bending radius of at least three centimeters. A point for POF: The plastic lines are much easier to lay. The fibers are hidden under the carpet, the wallpaper, behind a floor strip or the door frame.
Tips
The plastic fiber is also insensitive to electromagnetic radiation, for example, in already occupied cable ducts. It is therefore no problem to feed POF lines into a 230 volt installation system.
POF can also be used without problems for the network connection of garden leaves or the camera in the garden: Take a garden hose as a protective cover and dig it. Then you just have to pass the POF line.
However, your IP camera or Smart TV does not have an interface for POF, but has a so-called LAN connection for copper cables. As a solution, for example, POF manufacturer Easyware offers a whole range of active media adapters. These respectively convert optical signals into electrical signals and vice versa. The range of media converters extends from the adapter via 230-volt interposers with media converters via flush mounting and flush mounting adapters to series-mounted transformers for the electrical cabinet. The installation adapters are very suitable for offices with cable ducts on the wall. The media adapter has an optical POF port and two ports for PC or TV.
There is also the reverse configuration: an active outlet, consisting of two optical and one copper connector. This way, the plastic can be run along the wall in the office, a distribution box can branch off a conventional LAN cable.
Optical Cables (POF)
Let's say we want to connect a PC to a FRITZ! Box in the children's room without a LAN connection: First we move the POF cable from the FRITZ! Box to the place where the PC socket is to be set. Attention: Leave a few centimeters at the side of the FRITZ! Box. We connect the LAN port of the FRITZ! Box to the media adapter Easyware MKB311010 with a patch cable (included with the adapter). This required operating voltage. One end of the POF cable is cut with the tool to length and insert the two wires deeply into the openings provided for this.
If the POF double line is correctly inserted, a red light is visible at the other end. You can safely look into it: it is not a laser, but LED light. At the other end we use the EasyData ware MKA as well as a 230-volt Schuko adapter with LAN and POF interface. The POF cores can be easily hidden between the door frame and the wall.
The socket is now reusable and the PC can go as usual by LAN cable to the net. Alternatively, a so-called flush-mounted media converter (UMK) can be used. If there is an empty flush-mounted box or space in a cable duct, this simplifies the installation enormously. However, this media converter requires 230 volts, so caution is required during installation.
If there is no real flush installation option, a wall-mounted box can be used for mounting on the wall. A pair of POF wires is connected, depending on the type one or two copper cable connections are available. The EasyWare MKS adapter is available as an active connection socket for two POF wire pairs and one RJ45 cable. This requires an external plug-in power supply for operation, so it can be put into operation without the electrician's load.
Conclusion
Tips
The polymeric optical fiber (POF) is a real alternative for the distribution of IP data in buildings and in the garden. The cable lengths between two couplers should not exceed 100 meters. The transmission speed of 100 Mbit / s to be achieved in this case corresponds to that of copper cables and is usually higher than the practical net transfer rates of WLAN or Powerline.
POF itself does not emit electromagnetic radiation and is also insensitive to external electromagnetic radiation. Therefore, POF is predestined to be used in cable ducts with power lines. The laying and processing is very simple and comes without measuring instruments. A shortcoming, however, is the need to use active media couplers. They require their own power supply for their electronics. Nevertheless, especially with the retrofit, POF convinces with the simple installation.
Download: Comparison of LAN cable types
Either white or gray twin wires, 1.5 mm, available in 30, 50, 70, 100 and 500 meters in length, or hybrid cable with two POF wires and two insulated 0.8 mm copper wires, for example for power supply of adapters or terminals
Do not use POF cables behind skirting boards and shelves, under carpets or wallpaper, do not squeeze or nail POF cables, Always use solvent-free adhesive or silicone to attach .; Do not use hot glue, as temperatures above 80 ° C will damage the cable sheath Do not bend or twist the cables, and the bending radius of the cable must not be less than 25 mm, and the length of the line between two adapters should be more than 100 meters
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