Rockwell Automation 1786-series ControlNet Fiber Media Planning and Installation Guide - Manual (Page 13)

Rockwell Automation Publication CNET-IN001C-EN-P - October 2011 13
Get Started with the ControlNet Network Fiber Media System Chapter 1
Fiber-optic Cable
Fiber-optic cables consist of three major components, the buffer and coating,
cladding, and the core.
Figure 1 - Fiber-optic Cable Components
Nodes
A network is a collection of segments with nodes connected together by
repeaters. A node is any physical device connecting to the ControlNet fiber or
ControlNet media system that requires a network address to function on
the network.
Connectors
Fiber cable connectors connect fiber cable to the fiber repeater module. The
medium, long, and extra-long distance fiber repeater modules use an ST-type
connector and the short-distance fiber repeater modules use a V-pin type
connector. The short-distance fiber cables come factory terminated in
various lengths. You can increase the distance of the network by using low loss
cable and connectors.
See page 33 for more information.
Core
Coating
Cladding
Buffer
Table 2 - Fiber-optic Cable Description
Parts Description
Buffer and coating The buffer and coating are the material that surround the glass fiber.
They are responsible for protecting the fiber strands from
physical damage.
Cladding The cladding is a material that provides internal reflection so that the
light pulses can travel the length of the fiber without escaping from
the fiber.
Core The core is the cylinder consisting of glass fiber that carries
information in the form of light pulses.