Why Northwest Arkansas Businesses Need Fiber Optic Cabling
Fiber optic cabling is a powerful way for businesses in Arkansas to transmit data between devices to keep teams — and devices — connected.
How Fiber Optic Cabling Works
Information is coded in beams of light to be digitally sent through fiber optic cables. There are two types of fiber optic cables: single-mode fiber and multi-mode fiber. Simply put, a mode is the path the light beam takes down the fiber.
These cables contain thin strands of fiberglass that allows the beams of light (generated by small lasers or LED) to travel faster through the cabling to electronic devices.
Single-mode fiber cables are typically used for computers, telephones, and cable television. Multi-mode fiber cables are used to link computer networks together.
Fiber Optic Cabling Benefits
Fiber optic cabling has several important benefits for businesses in Arkansas.
- Fiber optic cabling is perfect for businesses to send and receive large amounts of data quickly.
- Businesses and organizations with fiber optic cabling see better bandwidth as the cables carry far more data than copper cables of a similar diameter.
- Fiber optic cabling is simpler to operate and is cost-effective for businesses.
- Connection to a computer or wireless network has less signal loss with fiber optic cabling because the data travels about 10 times further before it needs amplifying.
Employees can start meetings without hindering bandwidth for others. Data is reliably received by IT and OT devices in facilities when connected to fiber optic cabling. And teams don't have to compete for bandwidth.
Ready to learn more? Schedule a Fiber Optic Cabling or Outside Plant Cabling Assessment »
Fiber Optic Cabling Installation
When your business decides it is ready to install fiber optic cabling, trust in Wachter's Lowell LBU.
Before we install the fiber optic cables, an assessment is the first step.
During this assessment, Wachter's team will listen to your current challenges and discuss the scope of work for your fiber optic cabling project.
Wachter's team will then identify the steps the technicians will take to install the fiber optic cabling. When designing the scope of work, the team in Lowell will procure equipment necessary for how the fiber optic cabling is to be installed.
After feeding the cabling through the project site, Wachter technicians test signal strength to ensure your business can rely on the new cabling.
OSP Cabling Installation
Outside plant (OSP) cabling is fiber optic cabling specific to plant facilities. Industrial plants, distribution centers, petrochemical facilities, and warehouses all benefit from OSP cabling installation.
As these facilities look to integrate automation and controls devices, fiber optic cabling should be installed. But installing fiber optic cabling inside the plant facility is not always possible due to building layout and 24x7 operations.
Installing fiber optic cabling outside the plant building is the perfect alternative to running cabling throughout the inside of the facility. OSP fiber optic cabling is installed either underground in conduits, aerially, or directly buried.
Before Wachter's Lowell LBU installs OSP cabling, the team will check that cabling can be safely installed underground, then procure excavation, trenching, and directional boring machinery as necessary. Whether Wachter installs OSP cabling aerially or underground, safety is our number one priority and all technicians follow OSHA standards.
For longer outside plan cabling, technicians will perform optical time-domain reflectometer (OTDR) testing. OTDR is a fiber optic instrument that tests, troubleshoots, and ensures the fiber optic cabling maintains connection.
Re-routing Fiber Optic Cabling for Retailer's Data Center in Two Months
A nationwide retailer's data center needed fiber optic cabling relocated due to a large construction project happening nearby.
To remedy the solution, a Wachter technician took 13 critical infrastructure fiber optic cables and moved them from the south side of a street to the north side.
Learn how Wachter's Lowell LBU installed, rerouted, and reconfigured fiber optic cabling in just two months.
Fiber Optic Cabling Frequently Asked Questions
Fiber optic cabling can be a complex topic for business owners.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on fiber optic cabling, OSP cabling, and benefits of fiber optic cabling for businesses.
Learn how Wachter's Lowell LBU installs these types of cabling for companies in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, and beyond.
What is fiber optic cabling used for in businesses?
There are many applications that fiber optic cabling can be used for in businesses. The most common use for fiber optic cables is in transmitting huge amounts of data at high speeds over the Internet. Fiber optic cabling also helps people connect quicker to phone calls and make calls faster.
Fiber optic cabling helps computer networks communicate quickly and reliably. Connect security cameras and video surveillance systems with fiber optic cabling for viewing live-stream footage.
Data centers use fiber optic cabling to securely manage data, reduce server downtime, and maintain reliable network connections to devices throughout a building.
How is fiber optic cabling Installed?
Fiber optic cabling can be installed in many ways depending on the client's building and property. Technicians can install fiber optic cabling inside or outside a business.
Installing fiber optic cabling is dependent on the scope of work and the type of cabling used. One of the common ways to install fiber optic cabling is with outside plant installation.
What is OSP (Outside Plant) cabling?
Installing fiber optic cabling outside the plant or property is a smart investment. With OSP projects, fiber optic cabling is installed underground to protect the cabling while allowing data to pass through the fiber optic cabling for the needs of the business.
What does it cost to install fiber optic cabling?
It is tough to put an exact estimate for the cost to install fiber optic cabling because every installation or re-routing project is different.
The factors that make cost estimates different for each project include: building size, installing fiber optic cabling inside vs outside, utility lines, how Wachter technicians will install the fiber optic cables, and additional equipment required.
Want to get an estimate for your next fiber optic cabling installation project? Schedule a free assessment with Wachter's Lowell LBU today.
How many years of fiber optic cabling experience does Wachter have?
Wachter has designed, installed, and serviced fiber optic cabling projects for businesses throughout the U.S. since the 1980s.
Can I just install fiber optic cabling myself?
No. Business owners cannot install fiber optic cabling on their own. Trust in a reliable technology integrator like Wachter to assess, design, and install the fiber optic cabling at your business location(s).
Where can Wachter's Lowell Local Business Unit install fiber optic cabling?
Though our office is located in Lowell, AR, Wachter technicians can travel to project sites anywhere in the four-state area. Wachter technicians have installed fiber optic cabling for businesses in several industries: commercial office buildings, retail, data center, warehouse facilities, distribution and logistics centers, hospitals, and more.
Wachter's Lowell LBU can install fiber optic cabling for businesses in Lowell, Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Little Rock, the state of Arkansas, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, the state of Oklahoma, Joplin, Springfield, Southern Missouri, Wichita, Pittsburg, and Southern Kansas.
Can I schedule a Fiber Optic Cabling or OSP Cabling Assessment?
Absolutely! Complete the contact form below to schedule a call with Wachter's Lowell LBU. Wachter will address your current cabling challenges, how fiber optic cabling will benefit your organization, and discuss next steps for installing fiber optic cabling.