Certified Optical Electro-optical Hybrid Cable OS2

Certified Optical/Electro-optical Hybrid Cable OS2 combines single-mode OS2 optical fibers with copper conductors for power delivery, supporting high-speed data transmission and remote powering applications.

Overview

An Optical/Electro-optical Hybrid Cable (OEHC) integrates single-mode OS2 optical fibers for data transmission with copper pairs for power delivery, not telecommunications, enabling simultaneous high-speed connectivity and remote powering of devices such as access points and terminal equipment . These cables are designed to be lightweight, compact, and easy to install, making them suitable for horizontal and vertical intrabuilding backbones.

Standards and Certification

Type II OEHCs are standardized under ITU-T L.109.1, which specifies requirements for hybrid cables supporting data rates up to and beyond 1 Gbit/s while providing remote power delivery . The OS2 fiber component complies with ITU-T G.650.1 and G.650.2, ensuring low attenuation, high reliability, and compatibility with single-mode networks . Certified cables meet installation, tensile, and environmental requirements for safe and efficient deployment.

Cable Structure

Typical OS2 hybrid cables feature:

• Central optical fiber core: OS2 single-mode fibers, often organized in ribbons for easy identification and splicing .
• Copper conductors: One or more pairs for delivering power to remote devices.
• Dielectric strength members: Provide mechanical support and maintain cable integrity.
• Flame-retardant outer jacket: Often LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) for safety in indoor environments .
• Color-coded jackets: Facilitate identification of fiber type and cable function .

Performance Characteristics

• Data transmission: OS2 fibers support long-distance single-mode communication with minimal attenuation.
• Power delivery: Copper pairs can supply remote devices without interfering with optical signals .
• Tensile strength: Designed to withstand installation and operational stresses, ensuring durability .
• Environmental compliance: Many cables meet riser, plenum, and flame-retardant standards for building safety .

Applications

• Wireless access points: Power and data over a single cable simplifies deployment.
• IP cameras and sensors: Remote powering reduces the need for separate electrical wiring.
• Intrabuilding backbones: OS2 fibers provide high-speed connectivity for enterprise networks.
• Telecommunication and data centers: Hybrid cables reduce cable clutter and installation complexity.

Manufacturers and Options

Leading suppliers include CommScope, Corning, and Prysmian, offering hybrid cables with varying fiber counts, copper pair configurations, and jacket types to meet specific installation requirements . Product selection should consider fiber count, power requirements, jacket type, and compliance with ITU-T standards. In summary, Certified Optical/Electro-optical Hybrid Cable OS2 provides a reliable solution for combining high-speed single-mode fiber communication with remote power delivery, meeting international standards and supporting versatile deployment scenarios in modern network infrastructures.