Monthly Archives: February 2023

ShowMeCables keeps an inventory of 25,000+ products. And yet we realize that, for some of you, 25,000 is not enough.

Sometimes you need connectivity products in nonstandard lengths and configurations. For instance:

• Unique combinations of cables, connectors and adapters for Ethernet, fiber optics, RF coaxial and more
• Specially made antennas
• Weatherproof NEMA enclosures with pre-installed mounts or equipment

SMC offers these types of custom products and more, and this blog post reveals how surprisingly easy it is to get them. But first, if you’re undecided whether custom connectivity is the way to go, let’s summarize the three main benefits of such products.

Custom Products Last Longer

Going custom means choosing a product that is designed for a certain purpose. A custom wireless antenna handles the exact gain and frequency you need. Mounting plates in a custom NEMA enclosure can be metal or nonmetal for RF applications. When your installation operates within the electrical parameters, tolerances and environmental conditions it was intended for, it will perform better and last longer. Less maintenance will save you money.

Custom Products Mean Less Was

Multimode fiber optic cable supports high bandwidths, works great at shorter distances, has a larger core size that is easy to terminate and is usually cheaper than single-mode fiber cable.

So, why do so many people prefer single-mode fiber?

This blog post explains the benefits and uses of single-mode fiber optic cable, as well as the differences between single-mode simplex and duplex.

Single Mode: Stronger Signal, Longer Distance

Single-mode fiber optic glass has a narrower core than multimode and light travels a single path (mode) through it. Single mode’s smaller core minimizes reflection of light passing through, so there is less signal attenuation, or loss of strength. This allows single-mode fiber cable to transmit over distances up to 62 miles or more, and with virtually unlimited bandwidth. Applications include longer distance LANs, telephony and cable TV, although it is used in data centers as well.

Multimode fiber has a much larger core diameter and light travels multiple paths through it. It has more signal attenuation and thus is best for shorter distances, typically a maximum of 1,000 to 1,800 feet. Also, it is generally less expensive than single mode, which requires the use of pricier single-mode fiber optic transceivers. A fiber optic transceiver converts an electrical signal to an optical (light) signal and vice versa.

Simplex vs Duplex Fiber

If you choose a single-mode fiber optic cable, you can get it in either simplex or duplex. A simplex f

As network technologies advance, there’s a growing need for high-quality antenna cables to facilitate faster, more reliable connections between devices.

An LMR-600 is a top-of-the-line coaxial cable that offers users superior performance due to its low signal loss characteristics. Today, we’ll highlight what makes LMR-600 ideal for home or business networks and how you can get yours.

What is an LMR-600 Cable?

The LMR-600 is a low-loss coaxial cable used to connect various networking devices over long-distance runs. It is designed with an inner conductor that consists of a solid bare copper wire surrounded by two (or four) layers of foam polyethylene insulation and an outer jacket made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

The combination of the materials used in LMR-600 makes it one of the highest-grade cable solutions available for networking applications. Its low-loss characteristics make it ideal for radio frequency applications such as WiFi networks, cellular base stations, and broadband access systems.

Top 5 Characteristics of the LMR-600 Cable

LMR is a registered trademark of Times Microwave Systems, meaning that all cables manufactured under this name follow strict guidelines for quality and performance. Here are the top 5 characteristics of an LMR-600 coaxial cable.

1. Durability: You will get a UV Resistant Polyethylene jacket surrounding the LMR-600 cable, making it exceptionally durable and suitable for at least 20 years of outdoor use.
2. Low-loss: With only half the signal loss of popular 400 series cables and a quarter of the loss seen with RG6 cables

So, it's time to install or upgrade your network infrastructure. You may have heard about armored fiber optic cables and are wondering what they are, if you need them, and where to buy them. In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of armored fiber optic cable so that you can make an informed purchase decision.

What Is an Armored Fiber Optic Cable?

An armored fiber optic cable is strong and durable by design, making it ideal for use in harsh environments. The armor is usually made from stainless steel or aluminum, which helps protect the delicate strands of glass inside the cables from external damage.

You’ll tend to find this cable in areas with a significant risk of physical harm, such as industrial settings or locations with extreme weather conditions.

Classifications of Armored Fiber Optic Cable

Armored fiber optic cables come in various sizes, shapes, and construction materials. Generally you can classify them based on their suitable applications and supported modes, which are:

• Singlemode: If you need to set up a long distance connection, you should use Singlemode cables as these can carry a signal for miles. You can also opt for an OS2 cable, a subclass of Singlemode cables. For instance, Corning Atlos Singlemode OS2 cable uses FastAccess® Technology and water-swelleable materials so that you don’t need to regularly clean the cable.
• Multimode: Alternatively, Multim