Monthly Archives: October 2023

The benefits of fiber optic connectivity are undeniable – high bandwidth over long distances and immunity to EMI, for starters. As a result, ShowMeCables has been adding a lot of new fiber optic patch cables to its inventory.

We thought it would be helpful to take a pause to clarify the differences among the chief types of fiber cable we offer. Below are the unique traits and main uses of each type:

Single Mode Fiber Optic Patch Cables

Unique Traits: A single light mode travels through the core, allowing for lower light dispersion and thus higher bandwidths over longer distances.

Main Uses: Long-distance, high-speed communication, including telecom networks, internet backbone, data centers, and enterprise networks. Shorter patch cables are used to connect: networking gear, servers, and storage units in data centers; equipment within a central office or data exchange point on telecom networks; the optical network terminal (ONT) to the fiber distribution point within a subscriber’s home for fiber to the home (FTTH); and more

Multimode OM1 Patch Cables

Unique Traits: Has a larger core size than single mode, allowing multiple modes of light to travel through the core simultaneously, but with less bandwidth and at shorter distances. Cable generally costs less than single mode. Bandwidth is typically around 200 MHz at 850 nm.

Main Uses: Short-distance communication, such as: interconnecting network equipment such as switches, routers, and servers within the same rack or cabinet in data centers; patch panels; fiber to the desk (FTTD) in offices, con

Server room equipment has been around for decades and the vast majority is offered in one color – black. However, in recent years, the trend toward lighter-colored server racks and cabinets has gained popularity among IT professionals. In response to this growing interest, ShowMeCables recently introduced a new line of white server racks and cabinets along with matching white server rack accessories.

There are many advantages of installing black-colored networking devices on white server racks, but here are five main ones we would like to share with you:

5 Advantages of White Racks and Cabinets

The trend towards white or lighter-colored cabinets has been driven by factors such as improved visibility, a cleaner aesthetic, and potential benefits in temperature regulation. Using white-colored network racks and cabinets can offer several benefits:

• Aesthetics: A white finish often gives a cleaner, more professional, and more spacious appearance. It can contribute to an organized and visually appealing workspace, which is particularly important in areas where clients or visitors may have access. Lighter racks and enclosures also blend in with lighter-colored walls, which can make a room seem bigger and less cluttered.
• Visibility: White cabinet interiors reflect light, making it easier to see and identify cables, connectors, and equipment. This can simplify maintenance, troubleshooting, and overall management of the network infrastructure.
• Temperature Regulation: White surfaces reflect more light and heat compared to darker colors. In heat-intensive data centers or server rooms, this can help in maintaining a cooler environment by reflecting more ambient light and reducing heat absorption.