Fiber optic cable is comprised of multiple fibers, which makes it far more capable of carrying data signals from one point to another in a continuous stream and at a fast rate of speed. If your business has not yet made the upgrade to fiber optic cable to support your internet processes, it is a good thing to consider. Most business owners have a few questions about the installation process. Here are a few of those questions and the answers you should know.
Can the fiber optic cable be buried instead of being installed on a pole?
If your business is in an area where above-ground cable installation is prohibited, you may assume that you cannot get fiber optic cable installed to use for internet or cable services. However, that is just a misconception; you can actually have the cable installed underground and it will not compromise the functionality of the line. The cable is just as resilient and just as functional when it is buried in the ground as what it is when it is attached to a pole and strung overhead in the air.
How deep will the fiber optic cable need to go into the ground?
The Fiber Optic Association Inc. states that the cable should be installed about three to four feet below the ground's surface for the maximum protection of the line and to prevent it from accidentally getting dug up. The line actually gets inserted through a conduit material before it goes into the trench that is dug for placement. The conduit protects the cable from damage, but it also helps to deter electrical conductivity that could cause interference. In some areas, the line may need to be installed a bit deeper, especially if the ground is prone to erosion or there are levels of heavy rain.
Will the cable be directed solely to your business?
It depends on what the cable is being used to power and how many other businesses opt for service in your area. Most often, if there are several fiber optic customers, the line will be shared by multiple parties. That is, however, unless your business has particular bandwidth needs and you must have a single designated line because having interference would slow down business processes. Keep in mind that fiber optic cable is far more capable of carrying continuous signals from multiple sources, so your functionality should not be drastically affected.
Contact a fiber optic installation service for more information.