The selection of fiber optic cables should be based not only on the number of fiber cores and fiber type, but also on the cable's operating environment.
For outdoor direct burial applications, armored fiber optic cables are recommended. For aerial applications, fiber optic cables with two or more reinforcing members and a black plastic outer sheath can be used.
When selecting fiber optic cables for use inside buildings, attention should be paid to their flame-retardant, toxicity, and smoke characteristics. Generally, flame-retardant but smoke-producing types (Plenum) can be used in conduits or areas with forced ventilation, while flame-retardant, non-toxic, and low-smoke types (Riser) should be used in exposed environments.
For vertical cable routing within buildings, stranded fiber optic cables (Distribution Cables) can be used; for horizontal wiring, branchable fiber optic cables can be used.
For transmission distances within 2 km, multimode fiber optic cables can be selected; for distances exceeding 2 km, repeaters or single-mode fiber optic cables should be used.
